A I,,,, t I 11 I i, j I,, i, i ii, i, 1, 1 ,11 I :II_ I rA''WST- %,TM`m7m'. MN '' 7"', 1, - * 4 rn${ F: AND KENT COUNTY, MICH., 1JF 'PC) DACPI3. CONTAINING BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF PROMINENT AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS I L L U S T RAT-rIFZD A. W. BOWEN & CO. 1900 FR~M THE PREESS OPF WIION, tUNIP-IREYS a CO., FOURTH1 ST., LOGASNSPORT, IND. FFi EFIAC OE. IN laying this edition of the Biographical Record of the City of Grand Rapids and Kent County, Michigan, before their patrons, the publishers take a pardonable pride in the fact that they have fulfilled conscientiously every promise made to the public in their Prospectus. They point with pleasure to the neatness of the typography, the quality of paper upon which the work is printed, and the elegance and durability of its binding; and as to its contents, the patrons have already had an opportunity of approving of their biographies before they were placed in type, while the illustrative department is the ne p/us ult-ra of the art, and much of it executed through local talent. The compilation of the volume has been a work of long and tedious care, and the result is a minute and accurate History of the County and City, derived or deduced from the acts of the true creators thereof, as depicted in their biographies, from the day of the pioneers to the present time, and biography is, in fact, the true source of all social and political history. Therefore, the publishers reiterate that they have fully carried out their promises to the public, and feel that the work will meet with hearty approval. Respectfully, A. W. BOWEN & Co., Publishecrs. March, I900. IN IDEX. A PAGE A ber, A....................... 498 Abraham, J. J............. 499 Adams, E. J................. 43 Adams, 0.................. 857 Addison, A................ 501 Addison, R. V................. 502 Addison, T................... 501 Adist, A. C.................. 28 A ikin, J...................... 741 Albee, N. F.................... 502 Albers, G. H.................. 44 Albert, G..................... 500 A lbright, J.................... 30 Allen, G. W.................. 3 Allen, S....................... 31 Allen, W. C................ 507 A llgier, A..................... 37 Ames, G. M................... 45 Andersch, J................ 35 Anderson, P............... 503 Anderson, T................... 511 Anderson, W. H.............. 504 Andrus, N. L................. 36 Apted, A. M................. 38 Ardiel, J. A............... 50 Ardiel, L..................... 40 Ardiel, W.................... 40 Atherton, M. M............... 504 Atherton, S. E., Mrs.......... 509 A ustin, J. P.................... 512 Averill, T................ 514 Averill, L.................... 514 B Bacon, R. S.................. 39 Bacon, S. S.................. 41 Baert, G. H.................... 42 Bahre, W..................... 515 Bailey, S. S.................... 522 Baker, C. W.................. 517 Baker, J. H................. 526 Banasawitz, M. T............ 42 Banasawitz P................ 43 Banks, F. B................... 87 Barendsen, B. F............... 46 Barnaby, H. T................ 528 Barnard, E. M................ 47 Barney, J. M.................. 48 Barney, S. Z................ 48 Bauman, U.......... 49 Barnum, W. J............... 518 Barth, L..................... 289 Bear, I. J..................... 19 Beard, L.... 516 Beardslee, J. C................ 33 Becker, C. L............... 542 PAGE Becker, P.............. 545 Beckwith, L. T............. 706 Beckwith, R. G............... 54 Behler, A. F................... 521 Behler, L.................... 521 Benning, J. M............. 387 Bergin, C...................... 535 Bergin, J. S............. 774 Bessey, W. E................. 61 Bettinghouse, H. C............ 55 Beucus, J..................... 527 Beucus, T............... 527 Bicknell, J.............. 439 Bicknell, W. J............. 539 Bigham, C................... 60 Birch, A...................... 541 Birch, D................ 541 Bishop, L. K.............. 62 Blair, C. B................. 63 Blair, J.................. 63, 535 Blair, L. J.............. 535 Blanchard, T. J.............. 536 Blickley, G................... 68 Blickley,. G.............. 69 Blodgett, C......537 Blodgett, F................. 538 Bodell, H.............. 548 Bodell, M. 548 Boden, A.................. 550 Boden, J L.................. 550 Boltwood, C. W............... 66 Boltwood, G. S............... 64 Boltwood, L. G.......... 65 Borst, P............... 547 Boughnere, S. D.............. 67 Bowman, E. W........... 551 Bowman, F. S............ 558 Bowman, J................. 552 Bowman, W. B........... 552 Boyland, F.............. 553 Boylon, J................... 66 Boylon, T.................... 555 Boynton, E.............. 557 Bradfield, T. P............... 74 Bradley, D. F............. 69 Braford, A. S............ 561 Braford, F. J.................. 561 Brayman, J. H................ 560 Bresnehan, P.............. 562 Briggs, C. S.................... 80 Briggs, H. J........... 565 Bridgman, J. M............. 74 Brobst, H.......... 81 Broman, F......... 564 Broman, P........... 564 Brooks, E............. 571 Brooks, L. E........ 571 PAGE Brown, I)................... 570 Brown, E. E.................. 572 Brown, F. H.................. 82 B3rown, G. H............... 568 Brown, J...................... 572 Brown, J. R...................569 Brown, N. J................... 82 Brown, R................... 735 Brown, R. W................ 389 Brown, W. B............... 83 Brownell P.............. 574 Brownell, R................. 570 Brownell, T. 0............... 574 Buchanan, J. C................ 56 Buchanan, S.... 56 Buck, J.J................... 580 Buck, W..................... 579 Bullen, E. L.................. 84 Burleson, H. H.............. 573 Burleson, S.............. 574 Burlingame, E. A............. 85 Bursma, A................ 575 Bursma, J................... 575 Burton, L. F................ 86 Burwell, A. G................. 576 Burwell, E................... 576 B3ush, D. T................... 581 Bush, H...................... 541 B ush,.................... 87 Buttolph, J. M............... 588 Button, R............... 87 Byrne, J. J................... 582 Byrne,................ 586 C Cargill, C. C................ 268 Cargill, F. K............... 267 Cargill,G................... 268 Cargill, H. N................. 264 Calkins, C. P...... 88 Calkins, C................. 89 Calkins, L. W............. 589 Cambell, A.................. 589 Campau, E................. 700 Campbell, A. M.............. 90 Campbell, J. D............ 91 Carlyle, C. H........... 590 Carlyle, J......... I...590, 592 Carpenter, J. J................ 593 Carpenter, L. A........... 595 Carpenter, T............ 595 Carolan, E................. 92 Carr, C..................... 596 Carr, H..................... 596 Carroll, A. A................ 94 Carroll, C. H........... 179 I; xiv INDEX. xiv JN'DEX PAGE Carroll, L. E................... 93 Carroll, T. F................. 95 Carter, C. B................... 597 Cathey, G. L.................. 598 Caukin, V..................... 599 Chadwick, C.................. 600 Chadwick, H. J............... 97 Chamberlain, C. J............. 98 Chamberlain, L. H............ 98 Champlin, J. W............... 25 Chandler, C.................. 99 Clintsman, L. E.............. 606 Clark, F................... 609 Clark, I. S................... 695 Clapperton, G............. 105 Chapel, G. T................ 101 Chapel, L. B................ 102 Chapel, W. A................ 102 Chapman, J................... 602 Chapman, L.................. 602 Chappell, G. H............... 103 Childs, H. B................. 603 Childs, H. H.................. 605 Christian, R. A............... 105 Clark, F...................... 609 Clark, J. H................... 609 Clark, L. S.................. 605 Coffee, J. R................... 610 Cogshall, C. H................ 106 Cole, O. E................... 608 Colleton, J. H............. 70 Collins, J..................... 612 Collins, P.................. 612 Compton, R. L............. 611 Conkey, L. L................. 107 Cook, A. F................... 614 Cook,J....................... 614 Cook, F. J............... 109 Cook, S. R.................... 615 Cooper, J. W.................. 616 Corwin, B. M................ 76 Cossitt, H. H................. 114 Covell, C. F................... 617 Covell, P. F.................. 617 Cowan, H. D............... 117 Cowdin, C. H................ 618 Cowdin, H. E............... 619 Cowens, H................... 115 Cowles, C. S.................. 620 Cowles, M. C................ 621 Cowles, S..................... 622 Cowles, S. B................ 622 Cowles, V. F................ 624 Cox, J....................... 116 Coye, J. A.................... 120 Crahen, J.................... 118 Crahen, M.................... 118 Crandell, E. B............... 119 Cranston, G................... 626 Crawford, G............... 627 Crawford, S................. 627 Creswell, H. L............... 119 Creveling, B............... 629 Creveling, N. B............... 628 Crow, G...................... 629 Crumley. J................ 630 Cukerski, W. L............... 121 Cummings, E. H............. 122 Cummings, Z. M............. 631 PAGE Cunningham, VW............ 123 Cuttheon, B. M............... 128 Cutler, J. I................... 632 D Darrow, A. L................. 636 Iarrow, J.................... 636 D)aulton, J................... 924 Davie, A. D.............. 645 I)avie, E.................... 638 Davie, F. W................. 638 I)avis, C. E................. 638 Davis, D. G.................. 693 Davis, I. D........... 640 D avis, J. S................... 641 Davis, L. R............. 643 Davis, P. P................ 132 Davis, W. E........... 643 644 DeCou, C. S.................. 647 DeCou, F............... 646 IeCou, G. W................. 647 Decoux, R. H................. 131 DeGraaf, G. H........... 133 Dekker. C.................... 135 DeKraker, J. M........... 134 DeLano, W.................. 136 DeNio, G. C.................. 13 Dickerson, W. F............ 648 Dickey, J. H............. 137 Dillenback, G. W............. 138 I)illon, G. P............. 142 Diver, M. L............. 140 Iockeray, G. A............ 651 Dockeray, R. H.............. 652 Dodge, F. R.................. 141 Dorland, A. B................. 144 )orland, W. A............. 143 Doubleday, F................ 650 Doubleday, H. M............. 650 Doyle, M.................... 870 Drury, H. H............. 144 Duff, E. C.................... 654 I)unn, G............. 653 D unn, L.................... 653 Dunning, C. B.............. 654 Durfee, A.................... 110 Durfey, C. A............ 656 I)urfey, M. J.............. 656 Dygert, L. A............. 657 Dykema, S............. 145 E p. Eisenhardt, J................ Elkerton, D. F.............. Ellis, B. A................... Ellis, G. L.................. Ellison, J.................... Emmons, J. T. B............. Emmons, N. )............... Ertell, M. F.................. Ertell, W. F................. Eskildsen, J.................. Evans, M. J.................. F Fallas, H. B................. Farnam, R................... Farrell, M................... Farrell, W................... Fassett, A. C................ Felker, H. J.................. Fenton, I................... Fenton, \V. W.............. Finch, A. P................. Fingleton, G................ Finnucan, C. J., Mr.......... Fisk, H. N................... Fitch, G. C................... Fitzgerald, G................ Fitzgerald, J. C............. Fonger, M., Mrs............. Force, F. M................. Force, G. H.................. Force, H................... Force, W................... Ford, J. A.................... Ford, J. M.................. Forrester, G................. Foster, J............... 682, Foster, M. H................ Foster, M. 0................ Fox, C....................... Fox, G. E.................... Fox, S..................... Frace, G. H.................. Frank, P. J.................. Freeman, T. S............... French, R. S................. Frenchen, H.............. Frey, A...................... Freyette, F. C................ Fuller, E................... Fuller, E. P.................. Fuller, F. L.................. Fuller, J..................... Fuller, L.................695, Fuller, S. L................... Fuller, W..................... Fulton, B. L.................. G Gere, G. H................... Gibbs, T. W............... Giffin, D..................... Giffin, J. M................... G iles, J....................... Godwin, A.................... Godwin, G. C................ Goozen, P..................... AGE 157' 665 660 660 667 672 (674 661 661 676 156 124 677 679 677 156 141 681 688 158 683 684 684 i (;63 159 160 686 687 688 688 227 689 689 165 690 693 682 166 170 171 172 172 173 174 381 175 176 695 177 694 177 697 183 180 696 Eady, G................... Easterbv, J................. Eaton, C. W............... Eaton, W. T.................. Eber, F....................... Eddy, F. D................... Eddy, W. H................. Edie, J. 0..................... Edison, C. M................. Edison, E..................... Edison, J..................... Edison, J. H................ Edison, J. R................. Eely, F. H................... Eickelmann, A.............. 852 658 151 152 662 154 164 149 790 659 659 659 790 153 671 185 698 961 961 703 713 699 76 IJV'DEVX. 'PA(E G oss, )....................... 179 Goul, J. E.............. 710 Grachtrup, J................. 186 Graham, E................... 187 Graham, I..............711, I1 L Graham, J. J. S............... 715 Graham, R. T......... 716 (rand Rapids, Engraving Co. 264 Grand Rapids Morning I)emocrat........................ 485 Graves, S. C............ 190 ( reen, C..................... 717 Green H............... 717 Green, M. C................. 959 (Griswold, J.................. 719 Griswold, J. B................. 189 Griswold, M. C............... 723 Griswold, T.................. 72 (rosvenor, A. M.............. 724 Grosvenor, G. W.......... 724 Grove, V. E............ 192 PAGE Hinsdill, C. 13............... 209 Hodges, E. A................ 750 Hodges, F. E........... 230 Hoertz, C................... 222 Hogadone, G. P.............. 751 H olben, J.................... 752 Holben, D.................. 752 Holcomb, M. A.............. 753 Holden, C................... 231 Holden, E.G. I)............. 210 Hollister, H. J............... 198 Holmes, A. N................ 755 Holmes, NV. O............... 755 Holmes, W. S................. 756 Hoogerhyde, J............... 235 Horton, S. 1)................ 762 Hough, W. B................ 762 House, C. C................. 763 Howard, A................. 768 Howard, I). F................ 769 Howard, 0. J............... 773 Howard, T.................. 773 Hovt, B..................... 233 Hoyt, W. H................... 510 Huber, H................... 234 Hudson, T. S............... 235 H unt, S.................... 236 Hunter, F. B............... 237 Hunter, F................. 237 H unter, M................... 756 Hunter, W. MN............... 761 Hunting, B. I)........... 75 Hunting, I............... 774 Hunting, S.................. 774 Husband, J............... 242 Hutchings, L. G............. 477 Hutchison, R. J.............. 204 Hunzicker, J. R.............. 24: Irish, N..................... 77 Irish, S. K................... 776 J H Haas, M..................... Haas, R..................... Hacomuth, C. C............... Hachmuth, H.................. Haggerty, W. H........... Hake, NV.................... Hall, C. H................... H allack, J. NV................ Hanna, G.................. H anna, J.................... H ardy, K.................... H arris, C.................... Harris, L. 1).................. Hart, A..................... Hart, C. E.................... H art, I....................... H art, J. A.................. Haskin, S. W................. Hatch, R..................... Hausmann, G. N........... Havilanc, L. S............... Hawkins, A. F., Mrs.......... Hawkins, H................... Hayward, E................. Hazeltine, C. S............... Headley, J................ Heath, L. vW................. Heffron, R. E................ Hemsley, G.................. Herkner, J. C................ Hess, G. A.................. Hessler, J. G................. Hessler, NW. F................ Hester, M................... Hicks, S. P................... Hill, J..................... Hill, R. S.................. H ill, T....................... H illiker, J. B.............. Himes, A.................... Hindman, A. C............... Hine, D..................... Hine, M. N.................. Hinman, A. S................ Hinman, Z.................. 7834 734 729 729 191 193 194 730 732 723 720 733 278 734 734 736 736 737 224 218 497 735 735 738 196 739 202 741 740 208 197 742 726 201 743 744 745 746 207 208 209 747 747 748 749 xv PAGE Joles, J...................... 796 Jones, E. H................. 798 Jones, E. V................ 252 Jones, J.............. 804 Jones, J. T................ 800 Jones, T.................... 798 Jones, W................. 803 Ju-', G. E.................. 254 Judkins, I.................. 254 Judson, W................. 805 K Kalmbach, H. (;........4..... 284 Kelley, C.............. 811 Kelley, N.................. 810 Kellogg,................ 807 Kellogg, J.............. 80'9 Kelly, J.................... 909 K elly, P..................... 814 Kennedy, }. E............... 808 Keukelaar, J............... 255 K ing, H. M................. 256 Kinney, J............ 814 Kinnev, M................... 257 Kinney, P............. 815 Kluge, O. H.................. 261 Knapp, E. H................. 269 Knowles, V................ 26:3 Kornoelje, P.............. 271 K raft, C..................... 823 K raft, (;. 1................. 815 Kraft, J. N1............... 822 Kridler, (;. I................ 271 K uilper, GC.................... 272 K usterer, C................. 270.. Iaarge,................. 817 Lacey, F. V................. 822 Ladner, J................... 824 Lambertson, W.............. 825 Lambrix, G. A............... 274 Lamoreaux, J.............. 827 l.amoree, M. H.............. 813 Iamlpman, H............... 828 Landes, J. MI................ 275 Iandes, S. R............... 275 Landis, J........... 830 Iandis, W. H................ 829 Langdon, 3. F............... 81 Langdon, I.................. 831 Langdon, S................. 831 Laraway, J. R................ 134 Larsen, N.................... 832 Laubach, A.................. 835 Laubach,.................. 835 Launiere, L. L............... 276 Law, A............... 277 Law, G................... 277 Lee, F. J................... 282 Leentvaar, K................ 841 Lemon, S. McB............... 298 Lemp, A............... 842 Lemp, R. H................. 842 LeRoy, S.................. 287 Lessiter, E. E........... 845 Lessiter, H................. 848 Jackson, J. I)................ Jackson, J. G................ Jacques, I. B................. Jam ison, J. M................ Jenne, L. K.................. Jenne, N. E.................. Jewell, H. 1).................. Johnson, A. A................ Johnson, A. H................ Johnson, E. R............... Johnson, C. F................ Johnson, C. V............... Johnson, F. M................ Johnson, G................. Johnson, G. K................ Johnson, G. S................ Johnson, J.................. Johnson, J. B................. Johnson, J. S................ Johnson, 0................... Johnson, W. A............... Johnson, W. S........... Joles, H. H.................. 243 248 249 250 778 778 238 787 778 787 785 250 789 787 244 258 791 794 789 795 251 793 796 xvi IWDEX. PAGE Lessiter, J. A............. 844 Lessiter, Mrs. M. A.......... 842 Lewis, J................... 846 Lewis, L.................... 845 Link, A...................... 847 Link, G. A.................. 847 Livingston, W............ 848 Locke, O. E................... 849 Lockwood, D. M. 850 Lockwood, M. D.............. 850 Lockwood, P. M........... 851 Long, EH............ 283 Long, W..................... 283 Loomis, C. H........... 851 Lovelace, W. C.............. 853 Lowell State Bank.......... 924 Lozier, D. E.................. 284 Lozier, Z.................... 284 Lucas, J..................... 287 Luton, R. M............... 288 Lyle, D. C................... 857 Lyle, R. C............... 854 Lynch, J................... 855 Lyon, M..................... 857 Lyon, S. W.................. 291 M McAllister, J. T............. 290 McArthur, E................. 866 McArthur, F................. 858 McArthur, G............... 858 McArthur, G. R.............. 865 McArthur R. V.............. 311 McBride, G. L............... 292 McCarthy, D............... 967 McCarthy, J................. 868 McCarthy, Wm. J........... 867 McCarty, C.................. 873 McConnell, G. W............ 870 McConnell, T. H........... 870 McCoy, D................. 290 McCrath, J................. 872 McCrath, W. C.............. 872 McCutcheon, A. O.......... 859 McDonald, A................ 874 McDonald, J. S.............. 293 McDonald, L................ 880 McGarry, T. F............... 294 M cGill, C................. 294 McGurrin, W. T............. 295 McKenney, E. J., Mrs....... 881 McKenney, J............. 883 McKenney, S................ 881 McKnight, L. F.............. 297 McKnight,. F............. 480 McLean, D................. 883 McLean, P................... 883 McLouth, J. W............... 301 McMillan, H. B.............. 02 McNamara, M. T............. 303 McNitt, B................... 884 M cNitt, F................... 884 McQueen, E. D.............. 886 McReynolds, A. T.......... 307 McReynolds, B. F........... 310 Madison, L. K.............. 887 Maher, E. A................ 313 M ain,O................ 888 PAGE Malcolm, I. B................ 889 Malcolm, J. H................ 889 Malcolm, R. Miss............ 890 Mann, C. M................. 891 Mann, C. J............ 893 Mann, J........ 893 Martin, R. WV........... 895 Martindale, T............. 896 Mason, F. J............ 892 M ason, S..................... 892 Masonic Home............ 310 Matthews, J. W........... 313 Matthews,................. 313 Matthews, W. B............. 34 Maurits, R............. 315 M ay,L. R................... 317 M ay, M..................... 318 M ay, J. H.................. 316 Maynard, F. A........... 321 Maynard, J. H............... 897 Maynard. R................. 897 M edler, C. S................. 898 Medler,S. F................. 898 Meyer, J. A............. 324 Middleton, G............. 304 Miller, G. B............... 323 Minor, D. E............. 325 M offit, E..................... 897 Montgomery, H. A............ 900 Montgomery, J............. 901 Moon, C. B............ 902 Moore, W. I................. 866 Moorman, W. T.............. 903 M oran, J..................... 905 Morris, ). F............... 906 Morris, R. W................ 330 M orrison, J................... 326 M uir, J....................... 328 Murphy, J. E........... 908 Murphy, J. W.......... 908 M urphy, P. J................. 908 Myers, W. H., Jr............ 910 Myers, W. H., Sr............ 910 N Nanninga, T................ 915 Nash, A...................... 912 Nash, E. P.................. 912 Nash, H............ 914 Naysmith, H. R............ 318 Neal, J. D................... 913 N eal, J. R.................... 913 Nelles, B. A................. 331 Nelles, H. W................. 331 Nelson, J. F............ 916 Nelson, N.................... 916 Newell, G. B................. 331 Newland, D.................. 918 Newland, J.................. 918 Newnham, R. L.............. 333 Nielson, M.................. 917 Noble, I................. 334 Nockolds, C................. 335 Norlin, J. A.................. 919 Norton, A.............. 921 Norton, J., Sr................ 921 Norton, J. H................. 921 Nyland, A................... 339 PAGE 0 O'Brien, B. M............ 923 O'Brien, S................... 923 Ormond, W. J............ 346 P Page, A. T............. 408 Paine, D.................. 9:)5 Paine, E. W............. 924 Paine, S.............. 924 Parish, C................. 780 Parish, J...................... 780 Parker, J. C........... 212 Parks, B. G................. 926 Parks, C. S.................. 929 Parks, D. S............ 929 Parks, R.............. 926 Parmeter, J. E.......... 930 Parmeter, J. H........... 930 Partridge, A....... 928 Partridge, S. C............ 928 Patten G. L............. 931 Patterson, A. J.......... 214 Patterson, C............. 818 Patterson, J.................. 934 Patterson, M.......... 932 Patterson, R. B............. 933 Patterson, W................. 935 Patterson, W. A.............. 937 Pattison, L. N................ 937 Paul, J............... 215 Paul, J., Jr.................... 215 Peacock, T. H............... 217 Pearsall, H. A............... 938 Peel, T................. 939 Peck, C. H.................. 941 Penwarden, W. F.......... 340 Perkins, C. E................ 336 Perkins, W. B............... 342 Perkins, W. N........... 940 Perry, G. R............... 362 Perry, M. M-................ 942 Peterson, D. M............ 943 Peterson, S. P............ 947 Peterson, W................ 947 Phelps, E. L.............. 944 Phelps, Z........... 948 Phillips, C. H............ 341 Phillips, E. C............ 347 Phillips, J. W.......... 341 Pierce, B. R........... 356 Platte, J.................... 952 Playter, G. K................. 950 Plumb, H.................... 953 Plumb, J............. 953 Poisson, J. H................ 345 Ponganis, S............ 348 Porter, B. C............. 952 Porter, J.................. 952 Porter, M...................... 955 Porter, M................... 955 Porter, R.................. 955 Powell, C................... 958 Powell, I. P................. 349 Powers, H.............. 376 Powers, J. W.......... 376 Preston, J. T................ 351 Pringle, N. N............... 957 I xvii INVDEiX.xi PAGE Proctor, H. B................ 352 Proctor, W.................. 959 Proskauer, T................ 353 Pulcher,.J. C................ 388 Putnam, L. D................ 355 R Ramsdell,J.................. 962 Ramsdell, S............... 962 Randel, J. L................ 968 Rathbun, H. B............... 963 Reed, T. E................... 354 Renwick, G. R............... 360 Retan, A. E................ 965 Retan, J. R.................. 966 Rexford, W.................. 969 Richardson, G. S............ 1025 Richmond, F................ 967 Richmond, I................. 967 Richter, H. J................ 422 Riemersma, D............... 360 Ringold, J................... 361 Risinger, J.................. 970 Risinger, J. J................ 969 Roberts, A. E................ 971 Roberts, C. S................ 973 Roberts, E.................. 971 Roberts, F. T................ 975 Roberts, J. T................ 975 Rockford Register........... 618 Rodgers, F. A................ 367 Roe, P, H................... 974 Roelofs, G................... 369 Rogers, A................... 979 Rogers, C. L................. 976 Rogers, E. G................. 979 Rogers, E. M................ 977 Rogers, J.................... 978 Rogers, J. C................. 978 Ronan, M.................. 370 Rood, A. R.................. 396 Rose, E. S................. 981 Rose, E. V................. 981 Rose, W.................... 416 Rosenberg, J.............. 982 Resenberg, M................. 982 Ross, W. H.................. 382 Rounds, E. C................ 987 Rowe, W.................... 373 Ruffe, A. L.................. 371 Ryan, W. E................ 372 Ryness, W. S................ 986 S St. Alphonsus Church........ 375 St. Andrews Cathedral....... 379 St. Denis, H.................1023 St. James Church........... 388 St. Joseph's Church.......... 581 St. Mary's Church.......... 387 Salsbury, L. K............... 442 Saunders, F................. 390 Saunders, F. D............... 984 Saunders, H. G....... 391 Saunders, N. D............. 984 Saur, A..................... 988 Saur, A. H................... 989 PAGE Saur,A.J.............. 993 Saur, F. W.................. 994 Saur, J. A.............. 992 Saur, P.................. 989 Schenck, J. M............... 995 Schermerhorn, H. 0......... 392 Schmidt, W. K.............. 393 Scribner, J............ 394 Scribner, N. B................ 394 Sellers, L. M............. 993 Sevey, G.............. 996 Sevey, L. G............ 996 Shafer, J............. 997 Shafer, O. S............. 998 Shafer, W. T........... 997 Sharer, G. W............ 999 Sharer, W.................. 999 Sharp, H. C............ 999 Sharp, W.............. 999 Sharpsteen, S. L............. 399 Shattuck, J. A.............1002 Shattuck, F. E......... 1002 Shelby, W. R........ 402 Shepard, C. P............ 1003 Sherwin, C. W............ 1004 Sherwin, I. C...............1004 Shisler, J. W................1005 Simpson, J. S................1006 Sinclair, M. C.............. 406 Sisson, M. F............. 1007 Sisson, S. B................1008 Slater, G................ 436 Slater, R. J............ 1009 Slayton, A............... 458 Slayton, C. M..............1009 Slayton, R.............. 1010 Sligh, C. R............... 452 Sliter, B....................1014 Sliter, J......................1014 Slocum, C. E................ 410 Smedley, C. 0............ 464 Smith, A. D............. 1012 Smith, A. L................ 412 Smith, C................. 1018 Smith, C.E.............. 1015 Smith, C.L..................1016 Smith, E. A............. 1017 Smith, E............... 1013 Smith, E. L................... 411 Smith, G. D..................1019 Smith, H..................414, 415 Smith, J................... 1018 Smith, J. C..............1013 Smith, N............... 1019 Smith, N. G.............. 413 Smith, S. B............ 764 Smith, V.............. 1019 Smith, V. R............ 1017 Snethen,C. R..............1021 Snethen, J................. 1021 Snyder, C. P..................1027 Snyder, P.............. 1027 Solomon, J. S.............1022 Solomon, W....... 1022 Sorber, M. A........... 415 Sorensen, J............ 421 Spring, H.................... 419 Springer, M......... 425 Springer, U. S............ 425 PAGE Sproat, J. C................... 481 Squires, E. G............ 426 Squires, R. B................1831 Stark, L. B...................1024 Stebbins, A. J............ 427 Stegman, FC. C..............1026 Stegman, H. F............... 1026 Steketee, J.................... 400 Stewart, J.....................1030 Stewart, J. R..............1028 Stewart, S. H.............. 800 Stewart, S. J..................1030 Stilwell, A. H............ 1032 Stilwell, C.....................1032 Stinson, T. C.................1033 Stinson,..................1033 Stone, C. G................ 2035 Stone, J...................1037 Story, B......................1039 Story, E G...................1039 Strong, E. B................. 1040 Strong, H. W.................1040 Stoughton, W. S.............. 428 Stout, D. B........... 1036 Stout, S. S.................. 1036 Stuart, W. J.................. 429 Sullivan, J. T................ 1042 Swayze, R. W................1041 Switzer, A. M................ 430 Taggart, M................... 431 Tatetum, W. A.............. 432 Taylor, W. E.................1049 Taylor, W. VW................ 433 Teeple, A. C.................1050 Teeple, G. W.................1050 Teeple, J.....................1051 Teeple, S....................1051 Temple, C. E.............. 470 Thomas, W. J.............. 433 Thompson, A................ 860 Thompson C................. 835 Thompson, F........... 860 Thompson, J................. 836 Thompson, L. L............ 1055 Thompson, W. H...........1056 Tindall, C. G........... 1053 Tortellet, G. W..............1047 Towner, C. B.............. 1060 Towner, S. S.............1057 T'owner, S. U...............1057 Travis, J. M.................. 439 Tufts, C. W............. 434 Tyler, M. L................. 1060 U Upton, G. F.................. 445 V Vanderlip, R. M..............1063 Vanderveen, C............... 441 VanLiew, C..................1065 VanLiew, J. C................1065 VanZandt, F.................1061 VanZandt, J................1061 XVll IxNDEX. PAGE Verdier, J. A. S............... 476 Verheu, A................... 447 Verkerke, J. A........... 825 ogle, J.................... 1064 V os, J....................... 441 W Waite, W. W................1046 Walker, M. H............... 448 Ward, E....................1044 Ward, J. H.......... 104 Waters, E. D................ 449 W aters, H. J................. 229 Waters, O. S............. 230 Watkins, E. C............ 450 Watkins, J...................1067 Watkins, 0. I...............1067 W att, C...................... 228 W atts, J. Q..................1069 Watson, D. F...............1071 Watterson, W. J............ 1066 Way, A. B................ 1070 W eaver, G...................1072 Webster, A. M............... 455 W eeks, J. I.............. 1071 W eller, J. P..................1076 Wellman, E. J...............1075 Wellman, E................ 1075 Wellman, F..............1076 W ells, E. W................. 457 Welsh,. E................. 456 PAGE W estveer, G................ 467 W ent, E..................... 462 Werner, N. P................1077 W halen, M..................1078 Whalen, K................1079 W heeler, J...................1086 White, J. M................ 1089 W hite, W. L................. 468 Whitney, C. H............... 1087 Whitten, J....................1088 W hitten, G.................1092 W hitten, M. J................1088 Whitworth, G............... 1891 Whitworth, C. F..............1091 W ilder, C. E.................1081 Willett, M. A.............1083 W illiams, H.................1081 W illiams, S. F...............1081 W illiams, T................ 470 W ilson, A. E................ 876 W ilson, C. M................. 473 W ilson, H. E................. 474 W ilson, J. C.................. 876 W ilson, M...................1080 W inegar, F. B............... 485 Winegar, W. S............. 485 Winegar, L. H............... 485 Winegar, W............... 482 W inchester, L................1084 W isse, I...................... 488 \W i:h-im, J. G................1084 W olcott, A................... 474 PAGE Wolcott, L. W............. 486 Wolf, G. A............. 491 W olf, J..................... 491 Wood, A. R.................1094 Wood, E............... 1094 W ood, G..................1094 Wood, G. M................1095 Wood, H................... 491 Wood, I. W............... 491 Wood, W. H............... 491 Woodworth, E............... 1096 Woodworth, E. C.............1098 Woodworth, I............. 479 Woodworth, WX. F...........1096 Wolverton, J. C;...........1093 W right, J. M................. 492 Wykes, G............... 1099 Y Young, A.................... 493 Young, W...................1100 Young, \. C................1100 Young, W. G................ 493 Youngquist, A.............. 1102 Zaagman, J.................. 493 Zimmer, A. R.............. 1104 Zudeznse, D. J...............1103 PAGE Allen, G. W.................. 33 Ardiel, J. A................. 51 Bailey, S. S................. 523 Barnaby, H. T............... 529 Becker, C. L............... 543 Beckwith, L. T............ 707 Buchanan, J. C............. 57 Burwell, A. G............... 577 Byrne, J. J................... 583 Campau, E......... 701 Champlin, J. W......Frontispiece. Colleton, J. H............ 71 Corwin, B. M........... 77 D urfee, A..................... 111 Eicklemann, A. P............ 670 Fallass, H. B........... 125 Farmer Generation Group.... 771 Felker, H. J................. 147 Fitzgerald, J. C............. 161 Foster, M. H.............. 692 Fox,...................... 167 Fuller, W................... 181 PAGE Residence of J. I. Cutler....633 Residence ofF. Eber... 66:3 ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE Grand Rapids Eng. Co....... 265 Hardy, R.................... 721 Harris, L. D.................. 279 Hatch, Reuben.............. 225 Hausman, G. N.............. 219 Haviland, L. S............... 496 Hessler, W. F............. 727 Hollister, H. J................ 199 Hunter, Mrs. M.............. 759 Hunter, M.................. 758 Hutchinson, R. J............ 205 Jewell, H. D................. 239 Johnson, G. K............... 245 Johnson, G. S................ 259 Kalmbach, H. G.............. 285 Lemon, S. Mc.B.............. 299 Middleton, G................ 305 Naysmith, H. R.............. 319 Parish, C.................... 782 Parish, Mrs. C.............. 783 Patterson, C................. 819 VIEWS. PAGE Residence of S. H. Stewart... 801 Residence of F. Thompson... 863 PAGE Perkins, C. E................. 337 Perry, G. R.................. 363 Perkins, W. B............... 343 Pierce, B. R.................. 357 Powers, J. W................. 377 Putman, L. I)................ 354 Richter, Bishop............. 4'23 Rood, A. R.................. 397 Rose, W....................417 Ross, W. H................... 383 Salsburv, L. K............... 443 Shelby, W. R............... 403 Slayton, A. X............... 459 Sligh, C. R................. 453 Smedley, C. 0O........... 465 Smith, S. B................. 765 Temple, C. E................ 471 Thompson, J............... 838 Thompson, F............ 8i62 Verdier, J. A. S............. 477 Wilson, A. E............ 877 Winegar Group........... 483 W isse, I...................... 489 PAGE Residence of J. Thompson.... 8.9 I N 4' i THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS "THE VALLEY CITY." HN W. CHAMPLIN, LL. D., late chief justice of the supreme court of [j Michigan, was born February 17, 1831. He is a lineal descendant of Geoffrey Champlin, who, -in 1638, came to this country from England, and settled in Rhode Island. The family has strong characteristics of mind and body, which strikingly appear in the subject of this sketch. They are strong in body, firm in conviction, and possess in a great degree that balance of the faculties known as common sense. Jeffrey C. Champlin, the father of the subject of this sketch, and a native of New York, married Ellis Champlin, a descendant of a different branch of the same family, who in early times settled in Connecticut. Shortly after their marriage they removed to Kingston, N. Y., where Judge Champlin was born. Soon after, the family removed to Harpersfield, in the same state, and engaged in farming, and here Judge Champlin continued to reside until he was of age. The story of his youth is the story of the youth of many of our best public tnen. In summer he worked beside his father and brothers on the farm, 1 laying up stores of health and strength for the trying demands of his professional career. Here was formed that intimate acquaintance with the affairs of every day life, its difficulties and its needs, which was to keep him through life in warm sympathy with the people. In this home life, under its firm but kindly parental government, was acquired that habit of industry and those principles of integrity, independence and love of justice which have been marked characteristics of the man. In the winter time he attended the village school; at thirteen years of age he entered the academy at Stanford, and afterward the academies of Rhinebeck and Harpersfield. With reference to these schools it may be said, as could be said of many other academies in New York and New England towns, that if they lacked sonme of the advantages and much of the machinery of the modern school system, if they did not undertake to accomplish as large results in a given time, they did not, like the modern school, tend to dull uniformity; they gave to the ambitious youth opportunities to acquire a training that tended to individual development and that 26 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS individual independence and self-reliance which peculiarily fit the student to grapple with the various questions of our political life. After leaving Harpersfield academy, Mr. Champlin took a course of civil engineering at the Delaware Literary institute, and commenced the practice of that profession in his native state. Seeking a wider field, at the age of twenty-three years, in 1854, he came to the city of Grand Rapids, where his brother, Stephen G. Champlin, afterward Gen. Champlin, was then engaged in the practice of law. Here he commenced the study of that profession in the office of his brother; passed his examination before Judge Martin, afterward chief justice of the state, and was admitted to the bar in I855. While the city was comparatively small, and the country around it new, the local bar had in it many men of marked ability-men whose vigorous intellect and natural sagacity, uncontrolled by the strict enforcements of legal courtesy, made the conflicts which necessarily arose in the profession a rather hard but useful school for the young attorney on the threshold of his practice-a further benefit he derived from the position in which he found himself placed. In this as in other communities where population is increasing rapidly, changes had to be made in the machinery of local government to adapt it to the wants of a larger community, and thus many new and important questions arose. In 1856, Mr. Champlin was chosen to prepare a revision of the charter of the city of Grand Rapids, and the results of his work form the basis of all charter legislation for that city since. He held at different times the office of city recorder, city attorney, and in i867 was elected mayor. By these varied experiences he became acquainted with the practical workings of municipal govenment. The value of this experience to a lawyer, situated as he was, is shown by his subsequent life. Probably there was no lawyer in the district where he resided whose opinions were more widely respected upon questions of municipal government than his. From this time on, Judge Champlin pursued the practice of the law with an assiduity that withdrew him entirely from other pursuits. His business became so varied and extensive that it demanded his entire time in the trial of causes and in the examination of the many and delicate questions arising in the course of a large general practice. The years of conscientious work brought with them not only increase of practice and reputation, but also that growth in legal knowledge and that wide and accurate judgment the possession of which constitutes the most marked excellence of a lawyer. In the trial of cases he was uniformly courteous to the court, his opponent, and the witnesses; he cared nothing for display, never lost a point for the sake of creating a favorable impression with the audience, and sought to impress the jury rather by weight of facts in his favor and by argument than by an appeal to prejudices. In discussions of the principles of law he was remarkable for his clearness of statement and his candor. He sought faithfully for firm ground on which to plant his feet; and when once he found it, nothing could drive him from his position. He had the faculty of comprehending the point of greatest strength, and, in holding that,spent his entire energies. His zeal for his client never led him to urge in argument what in his judgment was not the law. His conceptions of legal principles were cleanly cut, and he preserved intact the perfect balance of his legal judgment. In I883 he was nominated by the democratic party for judge of the supreme court, and was elected by a majority which was so far in excess of the vote of his own party, that it furnished very strong evidence of the high esteem in which he was held by the people of AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 27 the state. He took his seat as a member of that court in January, I884. He brought to the bench not only a reputation, but a character for integrity unquestioned and unquestionable; a wide knowledge of the law, and of the difficulties which attend its perfect admninistration and practice; a mind which, while it did not readily adopt for its own opinion the opinion others, was quick to comprehend an argument, and ready to follow it to a logical conclusion, however far that conclusion might differ from an opinion previously entertained. What has been said regarding his character and attainments as a lawyer affords the key to his career on the bench. To his many friends throughout the state who have carefully scrutinized his work as a judge, no word is'necessary; to the general public, it need only be said that the same careful, conscientious application of thought and study was given to the duties of that position, as that which secured his success at the bar, the result being uniformly satisfactory alike to litigants, to the legal profession, and to the people whom, in the capacity of a public officer, he has served with the fullest appreciation of the duties and responsibilities imposed upon him. At the semi-centennial of the university of Mlichigan, in 1887, the board of regents conferred upon him the honorary degree of doctor of laws. On his retirement from the bench, Decemlber 3r, I89r, Judge Champlin resumed the practice of law. In 1892, the regents of the university of Michigan appointed him to the position of a professor in the law department of that institution. He delivered lectures on the law of torts and of corporations, while filling this position, until his resignation in IS96. Although in politics Judge Champlin is in principle a democrat, he, however, declined to follow that portion of his party who opposed the war, and for the past few years he has taken part in public affairs only as one does who would not shirk his duty as a citizen. At present he is president of the Grand Rapid Fire Insurance company; the president of the Historical society of Grand Rapids; the president of the ex-Firemen's association; the vice-president of the Michigan Political Science association, and a member of the Historical committee of the Michigan Pioneer and Historical society. On the Ist of October, I856, he married Miss Ellen More. The union has been a singularly happy one, three children having been born to them, viz: Kate, wife of William M. Butts, of Grand Rapids: Frederick M., state superintendent of agencies for the Grand Rapids Fire Insurance company, and Estelle, at home. Mrs. Ellen Champlin was born in Roxbury, N. Y., December I8, 1830, and is a daughter of John B. and Louisa A. (Kelly) More, natives of New York. John B. More was a descendant of John and Betty (Taylor) More, who early came from Scotland and settled in Roxbury, N. Y., in which city there are still held, every five years, reunions of the More family, members of which are scattered all over the United States, but have erected at Roxbury a monument in honor of the founder of the family in America. Prior to his settlement at Roxbury, John More had located at Harpersfield, Delaware county, N. Y., but was warned by a friendly Indian of an intended massacre; he therefore loaded his two horses with his goods, and with his family went to Catskill, N. Y., where the wife and children resided until the close of the Revolutionary war, in which Mr. More was serving as a soldier. He then made his final settlement at Roxbury. Judge Champlin and family are members of St. Mark's Protestant Episcopal church in Grand Rapids, where he resides. Fraternally, the judge stands high as a Mason. He has 28 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS served as master of Grand River lodge, No. 34; as high priest of Grand River chapter, No. 7; as commander of De Molai commandery, No. 5; is a member of Tyre council, No. o1; has reached the thirty-second degree under the Scottish rites, and in 1872 was grand master for the state of Michigan. In the ordinary affairs of life, Judge Champlin is a man of unusually keen perception, just and clear in judgment, and energetic in action. Conscious of the dark shadows of human life, he habitually turns his face towards its sunny side; quick in sympathy, unobtrusively helpful, genial to all, and firm in his friendships, it is given to few men to be loved and trusted as he is loved and trusted in the community where he lives. * --- —--------------- UDGE ALLEN C. ADSIT was born at Rutland, Jefferson county, N. Y., February 20, I837. His father, Stephen Adsit, was of English descent and a native of New York; his mother, Polly Smiley, was of Scotch-Irish descent and also a native of New York, and both were descendants of Revolutionary sires. On his father's side he is descended from one John Adsit, who came from England and settled at Lyme, Conn., in I716. He had four sons: John (2), Samuel, Benjamin and Stephen, all of whom settled in Dutchess, and what is now, Columbia county, N. Y., prior to the Revolutionary war, and were enrolled as soldiers in the state militia. John 2d, from whom the subject is descended, was a private in the Eighth Albany militia. There were eight of the family who served in the American army during that contest.. The early education of the subject was received at the district school near his father's farm at Fairfield seminary, and at Jefferson County institute at Watertown, N. Y. He passed through an academic course in school, and during the winters of 1857-8-9 was employed at teaching in the district schools. The remaining portion of the year was spent in studying law at Watertown. He was admitted to the bar at a general term of the supreme court held at Syracuse, October 6, 1859, and settled at Adams, in his native state, to engage in practice in I86o. The eve of the most exciting period of the century's history was not an auspicious time for a young man to establish himself in professional life. Already the country was stirred by the premonitory signs of civil war. The sectional feeling was intense. The disruption of the democratic party in the national convention at Charleston, which had already been accomplished, was only the prelude to open hostilities for the dismemberment of the Union, upon the election of a president on what the south regarded as sectional issues. It was indeed a year freighted with alarming incidents and momentous consequences. Under such circumstances a young man, who had barely attained his majority, might reasonably be pardoned for failing to make a permanent impression upon jurisprudence and a permanent place for himself in the profession within a few months. Mr. Adsit had scarcely time to nail up his shingle and form the acquaintance of half a dozen clients before the overt act of rebellion thrilled the country. The first call of the president for volunteers appealed to his patriotism. He laid aside the law books and shouldered a musket. Personal comfort, professional ambition and self-interest could not be weighed against the duty of the hour. Without stopping to consider the hardships, the danger or the influence upon his own future, he offered his humble services as a private soldier, and was mustered into the milita a AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 29 - --------- ry forces of the United States as a member of company G, Forty-fourth New York infantry; from that time until the Civil war closed the duties of a soldier were paramount to the business or the professional engagements of a citizen. He served honorably and faithfully with the army of the Potomac, participating in all of the principal engagements of that army, as well as the minor battles and skirmishes. He was at the siege of Yorktown, in the seven days' fighting before Richmond, at second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and all of the intervening minor engagements..By successive promotions on merit he attained the rank of first lieutenant, and was mustered out as such, with the same company in which he entered the service as a private. The five years of war had served to efface the impression which he had made upon the law, and to obscure the impression which the law had made upon himself. On returning home it was difficult for him to find his place and engage in practice. The broken threads which an old practitioner would have gathered up were wanting in his case. He had no time to spin these threads, or weave any fabric before entering the service of his country. To return to his profession was to begin de novo. In the early part of 1866 he removed to Michigan, and settled at Spring Lake, Ottawa county, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits. Soon afterwards he became interestes in politics. For six years he was supervisor of the township. In 1871 he was president of the village. In 1871 and 1872 he represented his district in the state legislature. In the meantime he had renewed his interest in the law and resumed practice. In 1874 he was elected prosecuting attorney for Ottawa county, and two years later was an unsuccessful candidate for the office of probate judge. During I I- - - all this period he was growing in knowledge of the law and increasing his practice. In I877 he removed to Grand Rapids for the purpose of devoting all of his time and energies to the profession. He soon established himself and won success at the bar. In i886 he was appointed assistant United States attorney for the western district of Michigan, and in 1887 was the unsuccessful candidate of his party for circuit judge. By appointment of the mayor, in 1890, he served a term as member of the board of public works. Later in the same year he was elected for the residue of the judicial term of Marsden C. Burch, judge of the seventeenth circuit. This election, holvever, was contested upon legal points, in the supreme court, and forms a leading case which is reported in 84 Mich. 420. This case was conducted and argued in the supreme court by him in person. His contention of the law was sustained and he assumed the duties of the office February 5, 1891. His judicial record was approved by re-election in I893 for the full term of six years. He was again a candidate for re-election at the spring election of I899 on the democratic ticket, and notwithstanding the fact that he ran upward of one thousand ahead of other candidates on the ticket, he was defeated. Judge Adsit's individuality is marked. His life has been full of experiences, as varied as any man could wish. The trials of a soldier in the field, the life of a successful merchant, the experience of a lawmaker, the administration of the office of public prosecutor and the judicial duties of a court of record have combined to make a strong man. His mental powers are permitted to work through a physical organism that is well nigh perfect, and his life is guided by the strictest principles of morality in the judicial office, as in private life; he is always the courteous gentleman, re 30 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I gardful of the rights of others. He has the intuitions of a lawyer; is quick to discover the marrow of a subject, and quick to rule on a motion or decide on the admissibility of evidence. When a decision is once reached it is not altered, except upon the most convincing proof that it was erroneous. Pride of opinion is not permitted to stand in the way of a change when his judgment is convinced of error. His mental discipline is not inferior to the physical discipline incident to military training, so that his judicial opinion is pronounced with precision and terseness. He is not arbitrary, but altogether reasonable in his decisions, and their correctness is attested by the approval of the supreme court, in nearly all cases appealed to that tribunal from his circuit. Two of the most celebrated of these cases are Haines v. Hayden, 95 Mich. 332, and in re Leonard, 95 Mich. 295. He is honest, patient, sincere, and his record on the bench commends him to the bar. He is an active member of Custer post, No. 5, G. A. R., department of Michigan; a member of Grand River lodge, No. 34, F. & A. MA.; of De Molai commandery, No. 5, Knights Templar, and of Saladin temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and enjoys the esteem as well as the confidence of the community. In religion he is of the liberal faith. He attends and aids liberally in the support of the society of All Soul's church. He was married, in 1871, at Spring Lake, to Mary Hubbell, who died the following year. February 24, I886, he was married to Sarah Kilpatrick, of Grand Rapids. A prominent member of the Grand Rapids bar contributes the following: It is said that in this land of liberty, where the greatest latitude is allowed for the exercise of individual endeavor, everyone is the architect of his own future, and with great truth it may be said that everyone is the architect of his own character. Character is the edifice in which dwells the moral entity called self. It is made up of individual traits, and is modeled and fashioned by the will of its possessor. As whatever of prominence as a citizen, as a soldier, as a legislator, as a jurist, Judge Adsit has attained, was from the individual exertion and application of his own efforts, so by his integrity, his ability, his industry, he has established a character in the community where he is known, which adds luster to his renown, and commands the respect of everyone. He is genial in his disposition and social in his tastes. His greatest pleasure is derived from his home surroundings. His impartiality on the bench has merited the confidence of the bar and the respect of litigants. Not hasty to reach conclusions, he gives due consideration to all arguments advanced, and arrives at results by the aid of strong common sense, of which he possesses a full measure. In the administration of justice he is firm, but not arrogant; decisive xwithout being opinionated, and conscientious in the discharge of every duty. His renomination and re-election at the close of his first term voices the confidence of the people in his integrity and judicial ability. Such endorsement is the most flattering meed of praise a judge can be the recipient of. A high, a happy and ennobling future opens before him, inviting him to a career of usefulness and honor, which his friends sincerely wish he may long live to enjoy. He retired from the bench January I, I900, with the respect of all and the regret of the members of the bar generally. # OSEPH ALBRIGHT, M. D., the wellknown physician and surgeon of Grand Rapids, with his office at No. 54 West Bridge street, and his residence at No. 37 Scribner street, was born in St. Catharine's, province of Ontario, dominion of Canada, December 26, 1837. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 81 I Dr. Joseph Albright has been largely dependent upon his individual resources from early youth. By dint of hard study he was enabled to pass a teacher's examination when a young mnan, secured a certificate and taught school about seven years, altogether, in Canada. He spent some time in perfecting himself in the German language at an academy in Allentown, Pa., and he is, beside, proficient in several other languages. He had early determined to make the practice of medicine his life vocation, and from his earnings as a teacher secured the means to gratify this laudable aspiration. In I868 he entered the medical department of Trinity university, Toronto, studied the science four years, and graduated in I872. He at once began practice in Orion, Lapeer county, Mich., remained about one year, and came to Grand Rapids in 1873. Here he stands well up in the list of respectable physicians, has earned a neat and commodious home, and placed himself and family in comfortable circumstances financially. Dr. Albright was married at Grand Rapids, in I88o, to Miss Fannie Hoffman, a native of Dutchess county, N. Y., and this marriage has been blessed with two children, Josephine and Blanche, aged, respectively, sixteen and thirteen vears. The doctor and his wife are attendants upon St. Paul's Episcopal church, and of this.church the children are members. Politically, Dr. Albright has been a republican ever since he has been entitled to a vote in the United States, although he is wonderfully popular with all parties in Grand Rapids, and from 1883 to 1885 served in the city council as representative from the Seventh ward, which, as a rule, is strongly democratic. He is now serving his third year as a member of the board of education. Of the professional societies he is a member of the Michigan State Medical society and the American Med ical association; of the fraternal orders, he was made a Mason at Berl'n, Ontario, in I866, was dimitted to Michigan and became a charter member of Doric lodge, No. 342, and of this lodge was worshipful master for four years. The doctor is also a member of Columbian chapter, R. A. M., and of De Molai commandery, K. T. The family are highly respected in the social circles of Grand Rapids, and their domestic life is one of unalloyed felicity. HELDON ALLEN, chief clerk of the railway service at Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Sugar Grove, Warren county, Pa., November 5, I852, a son of George F. and Susan M. (Burlingham) Allen, also of Pennsylvania birth, but of Scotch and French descent, respectively. Of the family of nine children born to these parents, seven still survive, and of these Sheldon is the fifth in order of birth. George F. Allen was a farmer by vocation, and with his wife was a member of the Presbyterian church. In politics he was a republican. Although of moderate means, Mr. Allen was quite prominent in his locality, and with his wife was highly respected by the entire community. Both are now deceased, having passed away in the state of which they were natives. Sheldon Allen attended the public schools of his native town until sixteen years of age, then engaged in farm work for a year in the vicinity, after which he passed two years in the oil fields of Pennsylvania as laborer and pumper, and then came to Michigan in September, I871, and for one year was employed as helper and foreman in a nursery at Kalamazoo. His next engagement was as sales 82) THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS man in the grocery of M. J. Bigelow & Co., with whom he remained three years. He was next appointed deputy sheriff for five years, after which, December 26, I88o, he entered the railway mail service, still retaining his residence at Kalamazoo. In 1889, he came from that city to Grand Rapids, having accepted his present position as chief clerk of the railway mail service covering western Michigan, and employing sixty-six men. The marriage of Mr. Allen took place at Kalamazoo, January i, 1876, to Miss Flora I. Wicks, who was born in Kalamazoo county, Mich., October 8, 1855, and is a daughter of Edward S. and Mary (Vail) Wicks. This happy union has been blessed with three children, named Claude, Mabel E. and Florence. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church, and have their pleasant home at No. 196 Hastings street, where they enjoy in a high degree the esteem of a large circle of warm friends. In politics Mr. Allen is a republican. Fraternally, he is a Knight Templar Mason, a member of the Maccabees and the Court of Honor. Mr. Allen is personally very popular in the city, and his long tenure of office is evidence that he is competent for the duties of the responsible position he holds, and that he has given ample satisfaction to the authorities above him. B ON. GEORGE WASHINGTON ALLEN, late a prominent and remarkably successful business man of Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Enfield, Hartford county, Conn., Septembr 17, 1813. -Moses Allen, great-grandfather of George in turn to his son, the father of the subject of this sketch, who would also have been a Moses, but for the earnest protestations of his mother, who thought the name had been perpetuated too long in the family, and it was finally decided to name the future merchant George Washington-a name he never dishonored. Moses, grandfather of George W., was proprietor of the tavern at Enfield, and there, Moses, father of subject, was reared, and died, comparatively young, January 28, I816. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Nancy Kingsbury, was also a native of Enfield, and about four years after her husband's death removed with her only child, George W., to Painesville, Ohio, remarried, and became the mother of five more children. Her death occurred in Grand Rapids, Mich., December 26, I879. George W. Alien attended boarding-school at Painesville from the age of nine years until fourteen, after which he depended wholly upon himself for a living. For three years he was in partnership in general merchandizing with his cousins, Addison Hill and Solomon Kingsbury, later carried on the same business for some time on his own account solely, and in I853 brought from Painesville a stock of miscellaneous goods to Grand Rapids, but shortly afterward engaged in the wholesale grocery trade exclusively, under the firm-name of Allen & Haxton. But the firm was not a success and was dissolved, and Mr. Allen continued in the business alone, built up a lucrative trade and held it until I867, when he was appointed United States pension agent for northwestern Michigan, and thereupon sold out his grocery business, and retained his appointment for three years. In 1870 the Grand Rapids Savings bank was founded, and Mr. Allen was chosen its vice-president, which position he filled until retiring from active business in I879. V., bequeathed his name to his son, and he I r (O i f i;I II AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 85 I In politics, Mr. Allen was a republican and was elected to fill various offices of responsibility and trust. In 1856 he was an alderman from the Third ward of Grand Rapids (the city at that time contained five wards only), and in I859 held the office of superintendent of the poor; be served two terms, of two years each, as a member of the state legislature — in 1859 and 1865 —and was one of the incorporators of the Kent County Soldiers' Monument association, which was organized February 13, 1864, while the soldiers were still in the midst of the struggle for the preservation of the Union, and in no instance was he ever known to be derelict in the performance of the responsible duties entrusted to him. He was a stockholder in the City and First National banks, and also owned shares in the Grand Rapids Manufacturing company, with which he had been connected from its organization, and was recognized as one of the most enterprising, energetic and sagacious business men of the Valley City, and his patriotism and public spirit were the admiration of the entire community. His business name stood without a blemish, and his walk through life was strictly in accordance with the teachings of the Episcopal church, of which he was a devout member, and in the faith of which he was called away January 12, 1898. The first marriage of George W. Alien took place.in 1837, at Painesville, Ohio, to Miss Jeannette Noble, a native of New Milford, Conn., who died in 1859,leaving four sons and two daughters. Of the sons, George R., Stanley N. and Arthur K. reside in Grand Rapids, and Henry G. lives in New York; of the daughters, Esther died in I862, aged nineteen years, and Jeannette is now Mrs. David Keeler. In 1864, Mr. Allen married Mrs. Betsey Church, a native of Rhode Island, widow of Capt. Benjamin B. Church, and a daughter of Charles and Lydia (Bosworth) Fales, who passed their lives in their native state of Rhode Island, dying at the advanced ages of eighty-five and eighty years, respectively. Capt. Church was a gallant officer in the Eighth Michigan volunteer infantry, in which he enlisted in I86I, and was killed in the battle of James Island in 1862. Mrs. G. W. Alien has been a resident of Grand Rapids for half a century, and consequently has been an eye-witness-of its phenomenal growth, from village to city. She makes her residence at the old Allen home, No. 37 Park street, and being a lady of refinement and of most amiable deportment,holds the unfeigned respect of a large circle of warm friends as well as of the congregation of the Park Congregational church, of which she is a member. OSEPH ANDERSCH (deceased), formerly a practical and well-known machinist of Grand Rapids and a highly respected citizen, was born in Bohemia, August IO, 1839, was there educated and there learned his trade. About the year 1864, he came to America, having learned, through correspondence with friends already in this country, of the opportunities offered here for the advancement in life of industrious and enterprising young men. Although he could have done well at home, progress there was slow and tedious, so he determined to seek a fortune in the United States. He landed in New York, but at once came through to Grand Rapids, then a comparatively small town. Mr. Andersch had formed the acquaintance, in the old country, of Miss Marie A. Riemer, who came to Grand Rapids a year later than the arrival of Mr. Andersch, and 86 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS probably by a preconcerted arrangement, as he married her soon afterward. Both had good health and willing hands, and they determined to work together and gain for themselves a home, and more beside. Accordingly, he worked diligently at his trade and she took in sewing, and thus, through mutual industry, not only secured a home but a competency. To their marriage were born five children, viz: Mary and Joseph, deceased; Karl M., a professor of music and piano instructor, who learned the art in this country, supplemented by two years' study in Vienna, Austria; William, a printer by trade, and a trusted employee of Martin & Wurzburg, being their solicitor, collector, etc., and Arthur, a natural musician, and now preparing himself for teaching. The surviving children make their home with their mother, at No. 301 Ottawa street. Mr. Andersch was called away from earth on the 22d day of April, 1897. He was a steady-going, honest and industrious citizen, and held the respect of all who knew him, and with the assistance of his beloved helpmate succeeded in rearing his children in respectability, and, what is of more worth still, left them the heritage of an unspotted name. LOUISA ANDRUS, M. D., a regular practicing physician and surgeon, at No. 222 Jefferson street, Grand Rapids, is a native of Attica, Lapeer county, Mich., was born July 3, I850, and is a daughter of Jeremiah B. and Mary A. (Hibbard) Haney, the former a native of New York, and the latterof Vermont, but married in Attica, Mich. Hon. Charles A. Hibbard, maternal grandfather of Dr. Andrus, a descendant of old Puri tan stock that came from England and settled in Massachusetts in 1699, came from the old Bay state to Lapeer county, Mich., in I836, served six years as a member of the state legislature, and died of cholera while traveling in Minnesota; his wife died of the same fell disorder while visiting in Massachusetts. Jeremiah B. Haney, father of the, doctor, was long principal of the Union school in Grand Rapids, and at one time was a professor in the Central high school, and this was his last work. He had served as first lieutenant of company K, Twenty-ninth Michigan infantry, during the last year of the Civil war, and while in the service contracted a disorder which resulted fatally February 5, I882. He was renowned as a lecturer and politician, was first an ardent republican, but later espoused the cause of the greenback party, for reasons satisfactory to himself, and was a man fully capable of reasoning. His widow now resides at No. 85 West Division street, Grand Rapids, and no lady in the city is more highly respected. Of the family of fourteen children she bore her husband, eight still survive, and of these Dr. Louisa Andrus is the eldest; Stella H. is the wife of L. S. Prosin, who is in the real estate and insurance business; Ella H. is married to Germain Ellis, a retired gentleman living on Plainfield avenue; Ida is the wife of George Weaver, a farmer residing on Walker avenue; Frank F. is a comedian; Charles E. is a painter by occupation and resides with his mother; Mertie H. is the wife of Abraham Sanford, a druggist, and Herbert E. is a miner in Colorado —he being the only permanent absentee from Grand Rapids. The deceased children all died in infancy, with one exception —that of Clara C., a bright and promising young lady and a teacher in the public schools of the city, who was called away October 15, 1879, at the early age of nineteen years. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 87 Dr. N. Louisa Andrus is a graduate of the Grand Rapids high school and was engaged in teaching at the time of her marriage, which occurred August 17, 1867, to Dr. Charles A. Andrus, who was born near Whitelake, Oakland county, Mich. He graduated from the Toledo Medical college, practiced several years in Grand Rapids and is now temporarily located at Los Angeles, Cal. He is the only son of Arthur C. and Eliza R. (Wood) Andrus, of whom the latter was a second cousin of President John Quincy Adams, of Massachusetts, her mother's maiden name having been Adams; of the five children that Dr. Louisa Andrus has borne her husband, the second, Elmer C., is the only survivor. He was educated at Tufft's college and now has charge of the First Universalist church, at Riverside, Cal. The eldest child, Leo A., was educated in the Grand Rapids high school and in a business college, was a bookkeeper in the Grand Rapids National bank and a young man of bright promise, but was stricken with typhoid fever and passed away February 8, 1893, at the early age of twenty-four years. The three other children were called away in infancy. Dr. N. Louisa Andrus was a student of medicine even before her marriage, and assiduously continued its study afterward. In I885 she entered Toledo Medical college, and in 1887 graduated with the degree of M. D. In August of the same year she located for practice in Grand Rapids, and has been as successful financially, as well as professionally, as any other general practitioner in the city since that date. She is visiting physician in midwifery and diseases of children at the Butterworth hospital, and is recognized as a most skillful obstetrician. She holds rank with the leading physicians of the state, is a member of the Michigan State Medical association and the Grand Rapids Academy of Medicine, and is ex in the city attached to the L. O. T. M., of which she is herself a member. She has served six years as a member of the board of education, in which she was a member of the committee on text books, a member of the teachers' committee and others; she was also president of the Equity club four years, and a member of the board of the City Federation, women's clubs for two years, and has been altogether as active and useful a lady as Grand Rapids has yet seen. In religion the doctor is a Universalist, is an active and influential member of All Souls' church, and has for five years been a teacher in the Sunday-school. NDREW ALLGIER, of the firm of IAndrews & Allgier, real estate, loan, I and insurance agents, No. 62 Monroe street, Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of Fort Wayne, Ind., was born November I3, I868, and is a son of John and Wilhelmina (Glasen) Allgeir, who were born in Germany, but were married in Rochester, N. Y. The father, a mechanic, died in Fort WVayne, Ind., at the age of sixty-six years, and the mother at the age of seventy-one. Andrew Allgier, the youngest of the ten children born to the above-mentioned parents, was educated in the public schools of Fort Wayne and at McLachlen's business university, Grand Rapids, graduating from the latter in 1895. He was first engaged in various lines of business, principally in the drawing of machinery models for patents in the office of I. J. Cilley, with whom he was a partner for eighteen months. He then became a partner with William H. Andrews, in the real estate amining physician for four hives of Maccabees I and insurance business, in I898. In fire insur :88 a THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS ance the firm does an especially large business, having the agency of some of the most solid companies in that line, east and west; in real estate they buy and sell for other parties, and in the loan department handle large sums of money —for local parties chiefly. Of the five surviving children beside Andrew, born to John and Wilhelmina Allgier, William and John are merchants in Grand Rapids, operating in different lines; Anthony resides at Fort Wayne and is also in business; Edward resides upon the old home farm near Fort Wayne, and the only sister is Mrs. Frances Zahn, of Fort Wayne, her husband being a skilled mechanic. Mr. Allgier is fraternally a Master Workman of America, and in religion is an adherent -of the church of his ancestors —the Roman Catholic. In politics he is somewhat indifferent, his growing business interests commanding all of his attention, for, although the firm is a young one to the business world, it has rapidly risen in public favor. Mr. Allgier is especially.adapted to this line, being affable, genial, energetic, well educated, and keen and penetrating, yet reticent and secret when the interests of his patrons require the exercise of these latter good qualities. Socially he enjoys the esteem of many friends, and is ever a welcome guest at the homes of many of the best families of the city. LFRED MELANCTHON APTED, exsoldier and superintendent of' the Eagle Plaster mills and Grand Rapids Gypsum works, is a native of Greenwich, England, was born September 4, 1837, and is a son of Francis and Sarah M. Apted, natives of the same place, who came to Amer ica in 1858 and settled at Three Rivers, Mich., where the father, who was a baker and confectioner, and his wife passed the remainder of their days. Their family comprised four sons and three daughters, of whom there are now only two living. Alfred M. Apted was a lad of fifteen years when he came to Grand Rapids, and he here received his education in the common schools. He then served an apprenticeship at the millwright's trade, at which he worked until his enlistment for three years, in February, 1862, at Grand Rapids, in a company of sharpshooters attached to the Sixteenth Michigan infantry, which was assigned to the army of the Potomac. Mr. Apted took part in nearly all the battles in which that illustrious army was engaged, and was wounded at North Anna river, Fredericksburg and Poplar Grove church -the wound sustained at the last-named place being of so serious a nature as to disable him for further active service. He was confined in hospital at City Point, Va., and at Washington, D. C., until after the expiration of his term of service, and received an honorable discharge at Washington, and is now receiving a pension. Soon after returning to Grand Rapids, Mr. Apted was appointed superintendent of the Eagle mills-a position he has held for more than thirty years. Since his incumbency of this position, the original mill has been destroyed by fire and a larger one erected in its stead, and a few years later the gypsum was added, the conbined plant now giving employment to sixty men. Mr. Apted was united in marriage at Plymouth, N. H., July ii, I865, with Miss Ruth A. Webster, a native of that state, and four children have blessed this union, viz: Alfred H., who is employed with his father; William F., an engineer in the city fire department; David W., a carver, and Ralph C., a student AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 89 in the literary and medical departments of the Michigan university at Ann Arbor; he served a year as hospital steward in the Thirty-fifth Michigan regiment during the Spanish-American war and will complete his college work in 1900. Mr. Apted is prominently identified with the G. A. R., being past commander of Custer post, No. 5, and alternate delegate to the national encampment, and he is likewise a member of Grand River lodge, No. 34, F. & A. M. Mrs. Apted, a sister-in-law of the late pioneer philanthropist, John Ball, his wife having been her elder sister, is with her husband a member of the Division street Methodist Episcopal church, in which faith the children have been carefully reared. In politics Mr. Apted is a republican, but is satisfied with simply exercising his franchise, never having sought nor held a public office. He is contented with devoting his time and attention to his business -possibly to the detriment of his healthbut he has been prosperous, and owns a beautiful home at No. 170 Summer street, beside other valuable property in the city, which has been his home since childhood, with the exception of two years passed in Colorado, having made a trip across the plains during the Pike's Peak excitement in 1857-before the birth of Denver-his trip being reasonably successful in his search for the precious metal. Albert H. Apted, assistant superintendent of the Eagle Plaster mills, at Grand Rapids, is the eldest of the four children that constitute the family of Alfred M. and Ruth (Webster) Apted, whose biographical sketch is given above. He is a native of this city, was born May I, I866, and graduated from the high school in I886. His first employment was in the office of the Democrat for about five years as advertising solicitor, bookkeeper, collector, manager, etc. He was next employed in the bicycle trade for a few months by Studley & Bartley, and in 1891 he took his present position with the Eagle Plaster mills, in which he assists his father in superintending the mechanical work of the two plants. Mr. Apted married, in Grand Rapids, in June, 1897, Miss Dora Bradford, a native of Kent county, and a daughter of Charles H. Bradford, a prominent fruit grower in Walker township. One child, Isadore, has crowned this union. Mrs. Apted attends All Souls' church, although Mr. Apted was reared in the Methodist faith. Fraternally, Mr. Apted was a member of the first Valley City lodge, No. I24, and is now a member of the second York lodge, No. 4Io, F. & A. M., and he is likewise a member of the K. of P. In politics he is independent. He has a pleasant home of his own at No. 69 Allen street, and socially he and wife, like all the other of the adult members of the Apted family, mingle with the best circles of Grand Rapids. UFUS S. BACON has been a resi — dent of Kent county, Mich., since the year he was first entitled to exercise his franchise, but his prominence in Grand Rapids township does not rest upon his activity as a politician or officeholder, but upon the more honorable career he has pursued as an agriculturist and his usefulness as a citizen. He may be classed among the pioneers of Kent county, and, as he came here at his majority, the half-or nearly half -century that he has lived here has been one of actual work in developing the township from the wilderness into one of the most productive, blooming and profitable regions of the state of Michigan-adding to its intrinsic value daily by his labor, and, it is pleasing to, 40 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I add, to his own worldly possessions. Although his toil has been hard and of long duration, he has not been unrewarded, as the sequel will show. Rufus S. Bacon resides in section No. 10, Grand Rapids township, and is one of its best known farmers. He was born in Wayne county, N. Y., January 28, I833, and his parents were John and Eliza (Daniels) Baconthe father born in New York and the mother in Vermont. In 1854 the family came to Kent county, Mich., then returned to the east, but two years later, in I856, came back to Kent county, rented a farm in Grand Rapids township, and two years later moved to Plainfield township, where they remained two years and then bought a farm of eighty acres in Grand Rapids, the father and Rufus buying it together. It had but a small old house on it, and they went $I,ooo in debt, and had to pay for it from the earnings from the land. Later they sold and the subject secured his present place, which lies adjoining to the original farm. Truman Bacon, brother of John, the father of the subject, came to Michigan later, were well known farmers, and both died here at well advanced ages. Most of the present farm of ninety acres Rufus has improved himself, and has thereon erected substantial buildings, his residence being one of the finest farmhouses in the county. Rufus has turned the farm largely to orchard, has over 4,000 trees, mainly peaches, and these cover about thirty acres. He has grown as high as 2,000 baskets of peaches in one year. Mr. Bacon is a republican in politics, but looks for the best man to fill local offices, regardless of party affiliations or ties. Mr. Bacon married, in I855, Miss Mary Ann Aikins. They started housekeeping with nothing, his first work being for old John W. Squires, Plainfield township. There was born to this marriage but one child, Mariette, who died at thirty years of age, unmarried. Mr. Bacon and wife, however, reared a boy. Fred Norton, taken from the Coldwater school, who has lived with them for thirteen years, coming at the age of eight. After becoming of age, young Norton spent a year in the west, then returned, and is now operating the farm with Mr. Bacon. Of the Bacon family, one brother, Truman J. Bacon, when eighteen years old, enlisted in the First Michigan cavalry and was killed at Falling Waters. One brother, Sumner S. Bacon, resides in Grand Rapids township, and he, like his brother Rufus, has always lived a temperate and industrious life, and both enjoy the respect of all who know them. ALTER ARDIEL, M. D., a rising young physician and surgeon, with offices at Nos. 73 and 75 Porter block, Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of Ontario, Canada, was born December 29, I870, and is a son of Leonard and Ann (Sinclair) Ardiel, also natives of Canada, and of English and Scotch descent, respectively. Leonard Ardiel passed his earlier years in farming and stockraising, at which industries he amassed a comfortable fortune, and for some years lived in quiet ease until his death at London, Ontario, at the age of sixty-four years. His wife survives him and is still a resident of that city. The children born to these parents are nine in number and are named, in order of birth, as follows: Albert William, who is manager of the Wentworth canning factory, at Hamilton, province of Ontario; John, who is a stockdealer and agri AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 41 culturist on the old Ardiel homestead in Canada; Jessie E., wife of Richard Magee, of London, Canada; George Sinclair, farmer and stockdealer, near London; James Arthur, a druggist by profession, a graduate of the Western university, of London, class of 1899, and who located in Grand Rapids, in April, I899; Walter, who is the subject of this biography; Charles Leonard, a student; Alfred Earnest, a pharmacist, and Evan, a musician, of London. Dr. Walter Ardiel was educated in the London Collegiate institute, in which he matriculated in the medical department, and before and after graduation was house surgeon and physician at the London General hospital. Some little time after graduation he resigned his position in this hospital and made a threemonths' trip through the northwest and along the Pacific coast, and, returning eastwardly, arrived in Grand Rapids September 13, I898. Here he has already established an excellent reputation as a physician and secured a remunerative practice. He is examining physician for the order of Columbia, director for the state of Michigan and examiner for Grand Rapids. Fraternally, the doctor is a Freemason; his church relations are with the Presbyterian denomination, and his political views are republican. The doctor is still unmarried, and is held in the highest esteem by the general public of Grand Rapids. W UMNER S. BACON, one of the most successful fruit growers and popular citizens of Grand Rapids township, was born in Wayne county, N. Y., on the I8th day of September, I838. His parents were John and Eliza (Daniels) Bacon. In I856 John came to Kent county and settled in Grand Rapids, and with the exception of three years, during which he lived in Eaton county, he here resided until his death, at the age of eighty-six years, having survived his wife some eighteen years. He had cleared and improved a farm where he passed his life as farmer. He was the father of three sons and one daughter: Calista J., who married James B. Chittenden, both of whom are dead, having been residents of the township; Rufus, who lives on his farm in Grand Rapids township; Sumner S., the subject of this sketch, and Truman J., who was killed at Falling Waters, near Gettysburg, having been shot from his horse and instantly killed at the age of nineteen years. He had been one of company F, of the Sixth Michigan cavalry, and was just six years younger than Sumner S. S. S. Bacon came to Grand Rapids when seventeen years old and worked five years for E. U. Knapp at $i6 per month. He afterward married Knapp's daughter and rented her father's farm for two years. Later he secured a farm of his own, but again rented the same farm for two years longer. He has since operated his own farm of thirty acres, and is at present the owner of 3,000 fruit trees —peaches, cherries, plums and pears. He has done an extensive business and is considered one of the most successful fruit growers of that part of the county. He is also, in partnership with Mr. Knapp, the owner of a farm of eighty acres near Dutton, Mich., which is at present rented. Mr. Bacon was united in marriage January I, I862, to Miss Betsy Knapp, daughter of E. U. Knapp, who was born in New York, and but two years old when she was brought to Michigan. To this union there have been born no children, but Mr. and Mrs. Bacon have reared three boys from early childhood: Alonzo Chittenden, the son of Calista M. Chit 42 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS tenden, and Judson Rowland were adopted, and are now engaged in farming; Lewis Lutz Bacon, although never adopted, was given every advantage. He is married and operating the farm in connection with Mr. Bacon. He took the name of Bacon by legislative act. All three are now fine young men and are settled on farms, all being assisted somewhat by Mr. Bacon. Mr. Bacon is a very popular and influential man. He is a trustee and deacon of the Second Congregational church, and was also superintendent of the Sunday-school for five years. He has served as secretary of Fair Plains cemetery for twenty-seven years and school treasurer for twenty-three years. Being in rather prosperous condition, he spends his summers at Green Lake, Allegan county. He has been one of the hard and industrious workers, and justly merits the success to which he has attained and now enjoys. He has been a life-long republican, but has tried to keep from public life. Mrs. Bacon is a home body, and is a lady of great domestic worth. ri EORGE H. BAERT, M. D., whose 1 a' well-appointed office is in the Kendall building, Grand Rapids, was born in Zeeland, Ottawa county, Mich., January 15, 1870, and is a son of Dr. Daniel and Katie (Bonstra) Baert, natives of the Netherlands. Dr. Daniel Baert came to America in young manhood, received his medical education in Zeeland, Mich., and has been in continuous practice for the past thirty-eight years, and it may be surmised that it is through his monitory advice and wise instruction that the subject of this sketch has so rapidly risen into professional prominence. Dr. George H. Baert received his literary education in Hope college, Holland, in his native county, where he attended four years. From the university of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, he received the degree of Ph. G. in I890, and later he was instructor in chemistry at Purdue university in Lafayette, Tippecanoe county, Ind. The degree of M. D. was conferred upon him by the university of Pennsylvania in 1893. He then at once entered upon the active practice of his profession in Grand Rapids, but three years later took a course in the Postgraduate Hospital college in New York city, at the conclusion of which he resumed his practice in Grand Rapids, which practice has now increased to somewhat enviable proportions. Dr. Baert is professor of pathology and pathological chemistry in Grand Rapids Medical college, and in 1897 he was elected a member of the Grand Rapids board of education from the Fifth ward. In this body he is a member of the committee on teachers and of the committee on apparatus and school library. The marriage of Dr. Baert took place in Chicago, Ill., October i9, 1897, to Miss Martina Marguerite DeVos, a native of Chicago, and a graduate of its high school. They are the parents of a daughter, Kathleen, born October 20, I898. The church relations of the doctor and his wife are with the Dutch Reformed church, and their social relations are with the most refined and intellectual residents of Grand Rapids. Politically, the doctor is independent. ARION T. BANASAWITZ, M. D., a rising young practitioner of medicine and surgery at No. 426 East Bridge street, Grand Rapids, is a native of the city, was born January 7, 1873, AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 43 and is a son of Philip and Helena (von Bozenski) Banasawitz, natives, respectively, of Russia and Poland. Philip Banasawitz is probably the only Siberian exile in America. He was one of the leaders in the last revolt of Poland, in I863, against Russian rule, was captured and sentenced to be hanged. The noose was already around his neck, but at the last moment, through the intervention of powerful friends, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in Siberia. After a penal service of four and a half years in that frigid country he was pardoned and escorted beyond the boundaries ~of Russia, and all his property was confiscated. He went to Germany and there married Helena von Bozenski, a representative of one of the oldest noble families of Poland, and in I869 reached Grand Rapids, where Philip is now engaged in the tailoring business at No. 426 East Bridge street. Three sons and three daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs.,Banasawitz, viz: Cassimira, unmarried and living under the parental roof; Wanda, wife of William Rakoski, a wholesale clothing merchant in Chicago, Ill.; Marion T., the subject of this sketch; Joseph, foreman of a furniture factory at Shelbyville, Ind.; Stephen R., a priest and a bachelor of theology and bachelor of canon law at Lavale university, Canada, and Stephania, at home. Dr. NM. T. Banasawitz was educated in St. Mary's German school in Grand Rapids; at St. Adalbert's Polish school, same city; St. Jerome's college, at Berlin, Canada, where he took a four-years' course in the classics; at the Vermont Medical college in Rutland, from which he graduated after three years of study, and later graduated from the Grand Rapids Medical college, in I896, and in this institution has been professor of materia inedica and therapeutics, in the veterinary department, for the past two years. For the first six months 2 after graduating at Grand Rapids, Dr. Banasawitz practiced his profession in Chicago, Ill., then returned to his native city, and has since met with flattering success in the general practice of medicine and surgery. He is a gentleman, a scholar and a persistent student, and has bright prospects for future usefulness and financial success. The doctor is a member of St. Adalbert's Polish Catholic church, and politically is a republican, as are his father and brothers. The history of the father's'sufferings and losses for opinion's sake is one of peculiar interest, yet the old gentleman is modest in speaking of it, although a volume might be written touching his sacrifices to the cause of liberty. DGAR J. ADAMS, an attorney at law at Grand Rapids, Mich., and the present speaker of the Michigan house of representatives, was born in Branch county, Mich., August 6, I866, and is the eldest son of George 0. and Margaret C. (Miller) Adams, the former a native of New York and the latter of Ohio. George 0., the father, is a merchant of comfortable means in Isabella county, this state, and came to Michigan early in the 'fifties. He is a stanch republican in politics and a distant relative of ex-presidents John and John Quincy Adams. Edgar J. Adams acquired his education by attending a district school in Monroe county, Mich., from the time he was seven until twelve years of age, and later a couple of terms at a district school in Gratiot county. At the age of seventeen he taught one term in Isabella county, at the close of which he engaged as clerk in a real estate and insurance office 44 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS - in Mt. Pleasant, Mich., where he remained for four years, and then entered the same line of business at the same place for himself. Prevented by circumstances from taking a college course, he determined upon the practice of law as his life's work, and in I888 began the study of law at home evenings and spare moments. January I, I892, he moved to Grand Rapids and engaged in office work, still continuing the study of law. In March, 1894, he was examined before Judge Grove, and was admitted to the bar, since which time he has devoted himself to the practice of his chosen profession, in which he has met with flattering success. In politics he is a republican. At the age of twenty-one years he was elected the first justice of the peace under the city charter of Mt. Pleasant, Mich., which office he held for two years, but declined a re-election. In the fall of I896, he was elected on the republican ticket, one of the three representatives for the First district of Kent county, comprised of the city of Grand Rapids. He served during the regular session of 1897 and the special session -of I898, during which time he won the distinction of being one of the leaders of the house on the republican side. In the fall of 898, he wvas re-elected to the house by a handsome majority, against open and bitter opposition from members of his own party, against the strong and determined opposition of the state administration and the governor personally; he was elected speaker of the house of I899 in one of the most bitter and determined fights ever witnessed in the state over this position. In the republican caucus for the nomination for speaker, the first ballot was a tie —a thing never heard of before in the state —and on the second ballot he was nominated by a majority of four, and was duly installed. He filled the office with grace, dignity and ability, and although party feeling and strife ran high, he was never overruled in a single decision during the entire session of almost six months' duration. It is said of him that the house was never called to order a minute before or after the time fixed for convening. By his marvelously rapid dispatch of the routine business of the house, he saved the state thousands of dollars. He broke all records on the last day for introducing bills, by recognizing the introducer, receiving, having read by title a first and second time and referring to the proper standing committee, 368 bills in I IO minutes. Mr. Adams was married March 15, I888, to Miss Alta Roop. To this union has been born one child, Pauline H., who came to add happiness to the household, October 2I, 1892, and the happy little family live in a modest home at 243 Woodmere court. Mr. Adams is a member of Valley City lodge, K. of P., and as a gentleman, lawyer and politician can count as his strongest friends the best business people of Grand Rapids, and is most highly esteemed throughout Kent county. ERRIT H. ALBERS, attorney at law, ~[ ~ of Grand Rapids, Kent county, Mich., was born in Overisel, Allegan county, Mich., April 9, I868, a son of John H. and Dena (Veldhuis) Albers. John H. Albers was born in Hanover, Germany, in I841, a son of Henry J. Albers, a stock buyer, who brought his family to the United States, in 1854, and settled in Holland, Mich., where he passed the remainder of his days. John H. remained with his parents until about fourteen years of age and worked out as a farm laborer until I866, when he married, in Allegan county, the result being AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 45 I fifteen children, of whom thirteen are still living, viz: Gerrit H., whose name opens this sketch; Fahnie, wife of Herman Hulsman, of Allegan county; Henry J., in Overisel; Zena, wife of Benjamin Hoffman, of Ottawa county; Henrietta, at home; Mannes, a student in Grand Rapids; George, a student at Hope college; and Edward, Martin, Frank, Alice, Dora and Benjamin, at home. The father of this family is a well-to-do farmer, is a republican in politics, and he and wife are consistent members of the Reformed church. Gerrit H. Albers lived with his parents and attended school until sixteen years af age, and then entered Hope college at Holland, Mich., from which he graduated in I891, with the degree of A. B. He next entered the law office of Fitzgerald & Barry, in Grand Rapids, studied under them during vacation, and then went to the law department of the university of Michigan at Ann Arbor, studied two years, and graduated June 30, 1893, with the degree of LL. B. He passed the following summer in collecting, and opened his office October I, 1893, over the City National bank,where he conducted quite a lucrative practice until January I, I895, when he assumed the duties of circuit court commissioner, to which office he was elected in the fall of I894, and re-elected in the fall of 1896 by the republican party. The marriage of Mr. Albers took place at Helena Station, Mason county, Ky., June 5, 1895, when he made Miss Mary W. Clay his bride. This lady was born in Paris, Ky., May I, I871, and is a daughter of Isaac C. and Elizabeth (Forman) Clay, of the same fanily as that of Kentucky's famous statesman, Henry Clay. This felicitous union has been blessed with one little boy, James Mitchell, born August 30, I898. This little family live in their own cozy little home at No. 93 Clinton street, where they extend a cordial hospitality to a large circle of warm-hearted friends. Mr. Albers is very popular with the republican party as well as with the public, and his fraternal society connection is something bevond the common run. He is a member of York lodge, No. 410, F. & A. M.; Columbian chapter, R. A. M., at Grand Rapids; Eureka lodge, K. P.; the Modern Woodmen, Batavia camp; the Knickerbocker society; the Holland Aid society; the Grand Rapids Whist club; the Lincoln club; the Lakeside club and the Young Men's Republican club. Since January I, i899, at the expiration of his term of office, Mr. Albers opened an office at Nos. 204 & 205 in the Houseman building, and is now doing a lucrative business. 1~~~1~~11~111111~~~~~ EORGE MARSHALL AMES, city engineer of Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Elgin, Ill., July I8, I858, and is a son of Bela and Martha M. (Boits) Ames, natives of New York, who early in life located in Illinois, but in I86I moved to Cass county, Mich., where they still reside, the father being engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. George M. Ames attended public school until sixteen years of age, then passed a year in the Northern Indiana Normal institute at Valparaiso, Porter county, Ind., after which he taught school two winters in southern Michigan. He then entered the university of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, in I88r, and studied civil engineering; was a special student four years, and in I885 came to Grand Rapids and assisted in the survey of Grand river for the purpose of establishing dock lines, and this work occupied his time from August until December. The remainder of the winter he passed on his father's farm in Cass county, and in the spring of I886 went to Kansas, 4G THE CITY OF GRAN.D RAPIDS where for three months he was employed in surveying for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad company. About that time he was offered the position of assistant city engineer in Grand Rapids, upon the retirement of R. C. Greiner, and of this office he took possession June 20, I886, and held it until October, I896, when he was appointed acting city engineer, filled the position until the spring of I898, and was then confirmed as city engineer, his present office. November 22, I887, Mr. Ames was united in marriage, at Des Moines, Iowa, with" Miss Eva L. Early, who was born near Denver, Iowa, March I7, I868, a daughter of Capt. William and Catherine Wilson (Stuart) Early. When this lady was a child she was taken to Texas by her parents, who afterward located in Kansas, and it was in that state that Mr. Ames met her when he was employed in railroad surveying. Mr. and Mrs. Ames are attendants at the Universalist church, and in politics Mr. Ames is an independent republican. He is an associate member of the American society of Civil Engineers, a member of the Michigan Engineers' association, the Western Engineers' society, and of the American society for Municipal Improvements. -ENJAMIN F. BARENDSEN.-Among the successful self-made men of Grand Rapids is Benjamin F. Barendsen, who hails from the far away country of Holland, where his birth occurred on the 4th day of July, 1870. He is a son of Lambert and Clara (Stegerman) Barendsen, both natives of Burkelow, Holland. The father for many years was a teacher, but in later life a tiller of the soil. The family came to the United States when Benjamin F. was two years old, locating first in Grand Rapids and later at Kelloggsville, ten miles southeast of this city, where the parents still reside. Lambert and Clara Barendsen reared a family of eight children, the subject of this sketch being fourth in number. The others are Clara, wife of Edward Van Hooven; Denah, wife of Simon Wersma; Matilda, wife of Ora Deman; Mary, who married James Mastenbrook; Gerritt H.; Betsey and Ann, the last three still with their parents. Benjamin F. Barendsen was educated in the common schools and high school of Grand Rapids, and has passed the greater part of his life in this city, variously employed, his attention during the last eight years being given to the legal business as notary public. In his official capacity he is kept constantly busy by demands upon him for general conveyancing, drawing up legal papers, renting houses and business buildings, collecting rents, etc., his transactions far exceeding in volume those of any other similar office in the city. As a counselor and legal adviser Mr. Barendsen is recognized as possessing exceeding clear judgment, and but for his advice much litigation involving large monetary interests and heavy costs would be carried through the long, tiresome processes of the courts. For this and other practices Mr. Barendsen has called down upon himself some adverse criticism, but the rectitude of his intentions in all of his professional transactions has never been questioned by the leading members of the bar or by the majority of the people of the city. Financially his success has been commensurate with the energy and ability displayed in his business transactions. He has accumulated a handsome competence, including a fine block on Bostwick street, representing a value of $20,000, a comfortable home and two other residence properties, all of which is the result of his own industry and unaided efforts. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 47 Mr. Barendsen was married in Grand Rapids November I, 1892, to Miss Amanda Eby, of Canada, h union blessed with one child, Bryan Gladstone, who was born on the i6th day of October, I893. The political faith of Mr. Barendsen is represented by the democratic party, and fraternally he belongs to the A. O. XV. and K. 0. T. M. H ON. EDMUND M. BARNARD, of East Grand Rapids, Kent county, Mich., and ex-state senator, was born in Hudson, N. Y., May 28, I860, and came to Michigan with his parents at the close of the Civil war, locating on a farm in Kent county, of which he is now a most prominent citizen. Mr. Barnard is a son of Dr. Stephen P. and Martha (Mellen) Barnard. His father and paternal grandfather, Robert A., were born in the same house that the subject was, at Hudson, N. Y., and Robert A. Barnard,. his grandfather, born in 1785, was a judge, and president of the Hudson River National bank for fifty years. The father, born April I8, I831, was educated at Rutgers college and at Albany Medical college, completing his medical studies in Paris, France, in 1851-52, and was a surgeon in the United States army during the Civil war. He purchased the home where the subject now lives, which also included a large farm fronting Reed's lake, and lived retired until his death, May 5, 1875, and the mother died at the same place in I879. She was a native of Hudson, N. Y., born in I835, and of a family of eight children there are but three in Grand Rapids. Hon. Edmund M. Barnard has been engaged in real estate and insurance business all his lifetime, except what time was spent in politics, and has been a successful business man, always interested in the prosperity and growth of Grand Rapids. He was married December 24, 1895, in Grand Rapids, to Miss Adelaide Granger, a native of this city and daughter of Francis Granger, deceased. She was educated and always lived in Grand Rapids. Mr. Barnard has been quite a traveler, spending portions of winters in the south and on the Pacific slope. Fraternally, he was a charter member of York lodge,;F.& A. M.,and its first senior warden; he is also a knight templar Mason, and belongs to the Mystic Shrine. He is a member of the B. P. O. E., having joined the order in I887, the year of the organization of Daisy lodge, No. 48. Politically, a working, active republican, he is influential in the councils of the party, as may be inferred from the prominent positions he has held. He was elected to the house of representatives from the Second district of this county in I890, and served in the sessions of 189I-92; was a member of the senate during the sessions of 1893-95, and I897 -98, and at the last election, in I896, received a majority of nearly 3,500. He has taken an important part in matters of legislation; was author of the joint resolution committing this state to the election of United States senators by popular vote; was instrumental in restoring to the members of the Michigan Soldiers' Home the right of franchise through a constitutional amendment, after it had been denied them by the courts; was the author of the vestibule bill, requiring the vestibuling of all street cars in the state, and he was identified with several measures affecting the purification of conventions and elections; was chairman of the committee on banks and corporations during the session of 1895, also chairman of railroads in the session of 1897-98, at 48 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS - - — the time when much important railroad legislation was pending. Mr. Barnard is a believer in the Episcopal doctrine, in which faith he was reared. He occupies a beautiful suburban home, with ample grounds and natural forest trees adorning and offering cool shade to the traveler in hot weather, and tempering blasts in winter. The Barnard home was erected more than fifty years ago, of coursed stone with ornamental devices and capacious verandas, making one of the pleasantest of suburban homes. The standard of Mr. Barnard before the people of Kent county is too deservedly high and marked to need any comment in a sketch as brief as this, his long and useful life in the community and his pre-eminent official work telling their own story. IMON Z. BARNEY, M. D., ex-soldier and botanic and eclectic physician, at No. 800 Division street, Grand Rapids, was born in Oakland county, Mich., February 26, 1846, and is a son of James M. and Theodosia (Barrett) Barney, natives of Scotland, and the parents of two children, of whom one, a daughter, died in infancy, and the mother when the subject of this notice was but two years of age. The father subsequently married Miss Minerva Harper, and to this marriage eight children were born, viz: James, Mary, Sarah, Celinda, Eugene, William, Almira and Elmetta, and all of these, with the exception of Mary, are still living, Sarah being the wife of Edgar G. Losey, a painter of Grand Rapids. Mrs. Minerva Barney died of cancer in 1882, and her husband is now living in Byron township, Kent county, at the advanced age of eighty years. James M. Barney was a brickmaker by trade, and for many years lived in Wayne county, Mich., where, when a young man, he manufactured all the brick used in the construction of the county house. He later became a farmer, and is now the owner of two farms in Kent county, having come here in I852, when the country was, as it were, a primitive wilderness-Indians numerous, wolves equally so, and game still plentiful, even in the vicinity of Grand Rapids. Dr. Simon Z. Barney received his literary education in Grand Rapids, studied medicine under private tutors, but relinquished his studies on the call to arms in defense of his nation's flag. September 7, I86r, while still a youth, he enlisted in company E, Thirteenth Michigan volunteer infantry, for three years,. and was assigned to the army of the Cumberland. At Tom Creek, Ala., in June, 1862, he was shot through the right lung, and still carries the ball in his body, the result being that he now suffers from disease of the lung and heart trouble. For six or seven months he was under treatment in hospital for this injury, and was then transferred to the invalid corps, but did not like his surroundings and took "French leave" and returned to his former company. January i, 1863, he received a ball in his right thigh at the battle of Stone River, this happening on the second day of this fiercely-contested conflict. On going into this battle, Mr. Barney was so emaciated and weak from the effects of his first wound, that the lieutenant relieved him of some of his accoutrements, to enable him to keep in the ranks. With his second wound came his last day at the front. He was again placed in the invalid corps at the Detroit barracks, after four months' treatment in hospital, and in 1864 re-enlisted in this arm of the service, and AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 49 thus served in all nearly four years. Besides suffering from the disorders resulting fromn his wounds, Mr. Barney is also afflicted with malarial poisoning, chronic diarrhea and rectal disease. On his return from the war, Mr. Barney engaged in the cigar trade at Detroit, and while so employed privately studied medicine. From Detroit he went to Delaware, Ohio, thence to Chicago, Ill., then to Davenport, Iowa, and then to Toledo, Ohio, whence he again came to Grand Rapids, Mich. Afterward, he practiced medicine in Plainwell, Allegan county, Mich., four years, and in Vicksburg eight years, and the next three years in Otsego. Finally, about three years ago, he settled in Grand Rapids, where he has secured a remunerative practice and established an enviable professional reputation. Dr. Barney was joined in matrimony at Grand Rapids, September 2, 1873, with Miss Elizabeth E. Ropp, who was born in Fairview, Randolph county, Ind., a daughter of Joseph and Sarah E. Ropp, natives, respectively, of Maryland and Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Ropp were married at Xenia, Ohio, and had born to them six children, Mrs. Barney being the third in order of birth, but of these six there are now only two living-Mrs. Barney and her brother, David H. Ropp. David H. Ropp was born near Fairview, Randolph county, Ohio, May 17, 1850, and in his earlier years followed farming as a vocation, but for the past fifteen years has been employed in mechanical pursuits at Grand Rapids, and is still a bachelor. He is a member of the K. O. T. M., and in politics is a republican. Mrs. Elizabeth E. Barney has been afflicted for over twenty years with a disorder that has required her husband's attention and care a great portion of his time, and although it seems like a forlorn hope, the doctor has never abandoned his belief that she may yet be restored to health. Eminent physicians gave her up to die years ago, but Dr. Barney still perseveres in his treatment of her case, and ofttimes has improved her health, though not permanently. Dr. Barney is a member of the G. A. R., but is not connected with any church society, he and his wife being inclined to spiritualistic views. Socially, as well as professionally, the doctor stands very high, and for personal merits alone is respected wherever known. RBAN BAUMAN, of the firm of Skinner & Bauman, cigar manufacturers and restaurateurs, is a native of St. Clair county, Ill., born in the city of Belleville, on the 3Ist day of July, I853. His parents were Frederick and Katherine Bauman, both natives of Germany, in which country the father married his first wife, 'a Miss Frey, who died on the voyage to America and was buried at sea. She left a son, John Bauman, who died in Belleville, Ill., at the age of sixty three years. Some time after coming to this country, Frederick Bauman married in the above city Katherine Cinzer, who bore him seven children, four sons and three daughters, namely: Mary, who died at the age of forty, unmarried; Anton died when three years old; Gertrude, wife of John WV. Wright, a locomotive engineer of Belleville, Ill.; Urban, whose name appears at the beginning of this article; John A., a cigar manufacturer of Grand Rapids, and Lizzie, a dressmaker of this city. The parents are both deceased, the father having departed this life at the advanced age of eighty-four, and the mother at sixty-three 50 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS years. By occupation Frederick Bauman was a carpenter, which trade he followed all his life with encouraging success; with the exception of five years in Kalamazoo, Mich., his life in America was spent in the city of Belleville, I11., at which place the bodies of himself and wife were laid to rest. Urban Bauman was reared to manhood in his native town, and at an early age began working at the cigarmaker's trade, which he followed in Belleville for a period of four years. He then gave up his trade, and during the thirteen succeeding years was employed in a rolling-mill in Belleville; retiring from the same and resuming his former vocation, he in 1886 located in Grand Rapids, where for five years he was foreman in the shops of his brother, John A. Bauman, one of the largest manufacturers of cigars in the city. Mr. Bauman engaged in business for himself in 1891, at No. 19 East Bridge street, and after one year sold his stock to a partner, and resumed his former position as foreman with his brother three months later. In March, 1898, he purchased his brother's business, and has since conducted one of the best-known cigar houses of the city, manufacturing only goods of high grade, which find' ready sale by reason of the great local demand for the output of his establishment. Associated with him is Wesley Skinner, who gives personal attention to the lunch room and billiard hall, connected with the factory, and it is a' compliment well bestowed to state that every department of their stand is well patronized, their reputation as caterers being strictly first class. Especially is this true in the matter of light lunches, and no one disputes the fact that the most delicious coffee made in the city of Grand Rapids is to be found at the popular stand of Skinner & Bauman. Mr. Bauman entered into the marriage relation on the Ist day of May, 1878, with Miss Caroline Born, who was born in July, 1854, in Freeburg, Ill. Six children have been born to this union: Frederick, a lithographer of Minneapolis, Minn.; Frank, a candymaker of Grand Rapids; Walter died at the age of nine years; Lewis, a bright lad of twelve years; Oscar died when one year old, and Archibald is a promising boy of eight summers. Fraternally, Mr. Bauman is connected with the A. O. U. W. and in religion was reared a Catholic, to which faith he still adheres. In politics he exercises his best judgment, irrespective of party, and votes for the candidate best qualified for the position sought. He has never aspired to official preferment of any kind, and is known as a wide-awake, progressive and successful business man. AMES A. ARDIEL, PH. G., M. D., the rising young physician and surgeon of Grand Rapids, with his office in the Porter block, is a native of London, Canada, was born December 28, IS68, and is a son of Leonard and Ann (Sinclair) Ardiel, natives of the same city. The father, in his early years, was a farmer, but has now retired from the active duties of life, with the exception of performing the duties pertaining to his office of esquire. Dr. James A. Ardiel, the fifth of the nine children born to his parents, received his literary education at the London Collegiate institute, and then became an apprentice, at the age of sixteen years, to the druggist and apothecary's business, at which he continued five years, for the last two years having entire charge of the concern, the proprietors having died. In 1890 he came to Grand Rapids, Mich., and entered the employ of Ir. Louis - $::D t t$0$$::Xff:000:0 r W: 0::: 0:::::D 7::: Off::: 770:::: S 0:::::::; Isis::::;::::::::: A::::::: 0 at 00 - >: f of t:0::::::::::;:::: fF:0:;: i: k;.a:: A:: D. I_ AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 53. Barth, proprietor of a private dispensary, with whom he remained five years, pursuing the study of medicine in the meantime. Being thus fully prepared, Dr. Ardiel entered the Western university of London in 1895, where he completed a four years' course in March, I899, and, in addition to the degree of M. D., had conferred upon him the degree of Ph. G. After graduating, the doctor returned to Grand Rapids and formed a partnership for the practice of his profession with his brother, Dr. Walter Ardiel, a biographical sketch of whom will be found on another page, giving a full genealogical history of the family. In 1892, Dr. Ardiel was joined in matrimony, at London, Canada, with Miss Mary E. Orrsby, a native of that city and a daughter of Nicholas and Mary E. Ormsby, Mr. Ormsby being a wealthy retired gentleman and the head of a well and favorably known family. To the doctor and his wife one child only has been born —Stanley Ormsby Ardiel, who died at the age of seven months. The doctor and his wife are members of the Episcopal church, while the doctor is a member of St. John's lodge, No. 209, F. & A. M., of London, Canada. He has never taken any active interest in politics, his onerous professional duties consuming the greater portion of his time, and these duties are constantly on the increase. He has achieved a high reputation as a physician, considering the short period of his practice, and the social relations of himself and wife are of the most pleasant nature possible. YSANDER T. BECKWITH, a highly respected farmer residing on section No. 22, Grand Rapids township, Kent county Mich.,with his post-office box No 266, Grand Rapids, was born in Guilford, Chenango county, N. Y., July 31, 1830. His parents, Peter and Sylvina (Griswold) Beckwith, were both natives of New York. The parents of Peter Beckwith were Daniel and Lucy (Perkins) Beckwith, natives of Connecticut, and both lived to reach a great age, she dying in her ninety-sixth year. Peter and wife lived for a time in the city of Rochester, N. Y., also in Pennsylvania, and in 1845 came to Michigan and located in Grand Rapids, where the father worked at his trade of carpenter for three years. In 1848 he settled on a farm still owned by the family in Grand Rapids township, deep in the woods, it being heavily timbered beech and maple land. He had but few neighbors only three or fourno road except an Indian trail, and that is what they took to reach the village. On that farm of eighty acres the father died, in his ninetyfirst year; his wife died in her seventy-ninth year. They were the parents of four children, viz: Lysander T., the subject of this sketch; William, a real estate dealer in Grand Rapids, with his office over the Giant clothing store; Cynthia, unmarried, and living at the old homestead; Henry, who was killed at the battle of Bull Run, aged about nineteen years. Lysander T. Beckwith remained on the home farm until it was well cleared up, and until he had reached his twenty-fifth year. He cleared up a forty-acre tract, and then in the spring of 1865 came to his present farm. It had but sixty acres cleared, but comprised 130 acres, and he still owns the original forty acres where he first started. On coming here Mr. Beckwith was very poor and had to work his way along. He received $48 for clearing a five-acre tract, one-half of which was brush. When it was ready to put into wheat, this tract was on the farm that he now owns. He helped cut out all the roads through the heavy timber. He saw all the varieties of pioneer life and endured many hardships. Although not noted for 54 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS f hunting, he has killed hundreds of deer. Mr. Beckwith filled several of the township offices, such as justice of the peace and township treasurer three terms. A democrat early in life, he has been a republican since the organization of that party, except that he was a greenbacker for a time. Although not active in politics in late years, he was formerly found in conventions, county, district and state. Mr. Beckworth married, at the age of twenty-seven years, Julia A. Camburn, of Lenawee county, but she died May I4t I897, after they had happily lived together almost forty years. Mrs. Beckwith was one of sixteen children, among which were one set of triplets, all girls, now living, aged sixty-nine years, two pairs of twins, one pair living, aged seventy-five years. Lysander T. Beckwith's family comprised four children, viz: Mary Jane, housekeeper for the wife of Thomas Bamber, who works on the farm; Cynthia Sylvania, wife of Earnest Stevenson, in Grand Rapids; Julia Ann, wife of Eaton Gibbs, also of Grand Rapids, and Henry P., a member of the Grand Rapids fire department. ENSSELAER G. BECK\VITH, D. D. S., of the firm of Boughnere & Beckwith, of whom mention is made on another page, in conjunction with the Valley City Post Graduate Dental school, at No. IOI Monroe street, Grand Rapids, was born in Allegan county, Mich., in 'the town of Martin, April 3, I850, and is a son of Edgar M. and Celinda (Worden) Beckwith, natives of New York state. Edgar M. Beckwith was a mechanic by calling and was married in his native state, and soon afterward came to Michigan, and here he and wife both died in Allegan county, well advanced in years. Their family comprised eight children, who were born and named in the following order: Nathan, who is a farmer near Cadillac; Daniel, a farmer in Wayland township, Allegan county; George, a farmer in Boone township, Wexford county; Melissa, wife of Andrew Stancliff, also of Boone; Serena, wife of George Ives, a resident of Martin, Allegan county; Harriet, married to Orson McLeod, also of Martin: Rensselaer G., the subject of this sketch, and John, who died at the age of twenty years. Dr. R. G. Beckwith was educated in the town of Wayland, Allegan county, and began business life as aclerk in a store, which occupied his time and attention from the age of sixteen years until about twenty-four. While employed in a general store, in which drugs were handled to a large extent, Dr. Beckwith made a careful study of the latter, was soon able to pass the required examination, was registered as a pharmaceutist, and engaged in a general drug business at Hopkinsburg, Allegan county. From there he transferred his business to Bradley, and then to Fennville, both in the same county, and then to Mears, Oceana county, where he disposed of his drug business. While engaged in the drug trade, Dr. Beckwith studied medicine under Drs. Stuck and Hopkins, and Dr. Reed, at Bradley, and began regular practice at Mears, although he practiced empirically while in the drug business. While practicing medicine, he had also much to do along the line of dentistry, in extracting, cleansing, and finally filling teeth. The demand for his services in this line eventually became so great as to lead him to a systematic study of the science of dentistry, and this branch of surgery has claimed his entire attention since I893, when he came to Grand AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 55 Rapids and formed his partnership with Dr. Boughnere. Dr. Beckwvith, while still clerking in a general store in Allegan county, was united in m rriage in November, I875, with Miss Louisa Rogers, a native of Pennsylvania, and to this union were born five children, viz: Willie (deceased), Charlie, Frank, Sarah and Jessie. Mrs. Louisa Beckwith was called away September 20, I885, and the doctor remained a widower until September, 1897, when he married Mrs. Lizzie Beebe, his present wife, whose maiden name was Fouser. This union has been crowned with the birth of one child, Genevieve, now three and a half months old. In politics Dr. Beckwith is a stanch republican, and two of his brothers, Daniel and George, also members of the same party, were soldiers in the Civil war. The family is noted for its patriotism and was represented in the earlier wars of the country, especially in the war of I812, and the lack of years alone prevented the doctor from also becoming a soldier. ENRY C. BETTINGHOUSE, assistant fire marshal and master mechanic of the Grand Rapids fire department, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, February 5, I849, and is a son of William,and Emilia (Branch) Bettinghouse, natives of Germany. The parents came to America about 1845, and the father, being a millwright, first found employment in Cincinnati, then in Toledo, and finally settled in Grand Rapids, where the mother still resides, at No. 30 East Leonard street, but the father passed away in I875, while in' employment at Muskegon. The father had been a gallant soldier in the I Civil war, having enlisted in an engineers and mechanics' corps, was promoted from private to sergeant, and served his full term of three years, and was then honorably discharged, holding at the time a commission as first lieutenant. The family comprised six children, born in the following order: Catharine, widow of Seth Freeman, of Grand Rapids; Henry C., subject of this mention; Amelia, widow of James Bordaux, of Buffalo, N. Y.; Carrie, wife of John Black, and Eliza, wife of Frank Leffingwell, also of Grand Rapids, and Charles J., of Copemish, Mich. Henry C. Bettinghouse was about eight years of age when he left Cincinnati with his parents, and his opportunities for an early education were somewhat meager. W\hat he knows has been mainly obtained by practical experience and observation. The early enlistInent of his father threw upon him much of the responsibility of caring for his mother and her younger children, and at the age of fourteen years he went to work in a saw-mill, where he remained twelve months. He next was employed by a railroad company as an engine wiper, but he was an observing youth and had an aptitude for mechanical work, was very industrious and attentive to his duties, familiarizing himself with the construction of the engine and all its parts. He fired on locomotives for five years, and was then promoted to the position of a locomotive engineer, and was later, for a time, master mechanic for the Michigan Lake Shore Railroad company at Muskegon, Mich. In i 88o0 he united with the Grand Rapids fire department as an engineer, and two years later was appointed superintendent of the fire alarm and second assistant fire marshal. In I894 he was promoted to his present responsible position, which he has proven himself to be fully qualified to fill-or to fill any other position in the department. Mr. Bettinghouse was united in marriage, Z THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS at Grand Rapids, on the 9th day of November, 1873, with Miss Zenora Ustick, the result,being five children, viz: Luetta, wife of William Lang, of Beecher Falls, Vt.; Clyde H., Mabel, Bessie and Floyd. The family attend the Second Congregational church and have their pleasant home at No. 36 East Leonard street, where they enjoy the respect of all their neighbors. Fraternally, Mr. Bettinghouse is a member of Grand Rapids lodge, No. 34, F. & A. M., chapter No. 7 of royal arch Masons, and is also a member of the United Workmen. In politics he is independent, and is held in high esteem by a host of warm-hearted friends. D OHN CLAUDE BUCHANAN, D. D. S., residing at No. 218 East Fulton street, Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Ithaca, N. Y., May I5, 1823, was taken by his parents, Samuel and Elizabeth (Stuart) Buchanan, to Pennsylvania when ten years of age, and in 1842 came to Grand Rapids, Mich., the (city " then containing from 1,000 to 1,500 inhabitants. In 1844 the father and son erected a small frame house on the lot on which the doctor now lives, and from which they were obliged to grub the oak stumps, as the city had been principally laid out in the woods. Here Dr. Buchanan has continuously resided ever since, with the exception of three years spent in the army during the Civil war. Dr. Buchanan belongs to a family of patriots. His paternal grandfather, John Buchanan, was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, Samuel Buchanan, father of the doctor, served in the war of' 812, and the subject himself made a fine record in the war of the Rebellion. The paternal grandfather was of Scotch descent, but came to America from Colerain, in the north of Ireland; his maternal ancestors were also of Scotch origin, but his mother was born in Elmira, N. Y. In early life Dr. Buchanan learned the gunsmith's trade from his father, and this he followed until the breaking out of the Civil war. He enlisted, August 12, I86r, in company D, Eighth Michigan volunteer infantry, was at once elected first lieutenant of his company, and commissioned the same day. In September his regiment was sent to Washington. From Washington it went to Annapolis, whence it embarked on the Vanderbilt for South Carolina, and took part in the capture of Hilton Head, the Coosa and Wilmington Island. The winter of I861-62 was spent near Beaufort, S. C., participated in the capture of Fort Pulaski, and in the spring of I862 the regiment came north to James Island, going up Stone river, attacked the fort at Secessionville, and in July, 1862, sailed from Hilton Head for Newport News. Lieut. Buchanan here succeeded to the captaincy, Capt. Benjamin Church having been killed at James Island. At Newport News the regiment became a part of the Ninth corps, under Gen. Burnside. The regiment was next sent to Fredericksburg, Va., thence to Raccoon Ford, on the Rapidan, soon began its retreat under Gen. Pope, and then proceeded to Martinsburg; was two days engage1 in the second Bull Run battle, and soon afterward at Chantilly, where the commander, Gen. Stevens, was killed; next reached Fairfax Court House, and shortly afterward Alexandria, whence it passed through Wrashington, and in Maryland was temporarily placed under the command of Gen. George B. McClellan; then participated in the battle of South Mountain, where their immediate co mnander, Gen. Reno, was killed. Next came the great fight at Antietam, September .\. -, I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 17, 1862, in which Captain Buchanan was three times shot, but most seriously by a canister shot, which passed through his right arm, near the shoulder, and this wound laid him up until November following, when he rejoined his regiment in time to take part at Fredericksburg in December; next, was at Fortress Monroe, and in the spring of I863 went to Green river, Ky., and in June to Vicksburg, Miss., of which city he took part in the siege and capture, July 4, 1863; next was with Sherman, at Jackson; then joined Burnside again in the Tennessee campaign; was at Cumberland Gap and the siege of Knoxville, at Blue Springs, and at Norristown, where the regiment veteranized and was furloughed. In the spring of 1864, Captain Buchanan rejoined his regiment at Louisville, Ky., was transferred to Grant's army in Virginia, where his health failed, and he resigned his commission in the Wilderness May 4, 1864. On the return 6f Capt. Buchanan to Grand Rapids he took a short rest, and then went to Watertown, N. Y., and passed two years in the study of dentistry, which profession he has since followed at Grand Rapids with eminent success. The marriage of Capt. Buchanan took place, in 1854, to Miss Sophia H. Bingham, a native of Sault Ste. Marie, where her father, Rev. Abel Bingham, officiated as a missionary among the whites and Indians from I827 until 1855, but had previously been with the Senecas, making a total service in this capacity of thirty-four years. He had served as a captain in the war of 1812, was wounded at the battle of Plattsburg, and carried a scar on his forehead to his grave. He was a Baptist divine, and as a missionary became associated with many prominent Indian chiefs-Senecas and others —and performed an immense amount of missionary work. In I855 he came to Grand Rapids, lived ten years in retirement, and here died at the age of eighty years. His wife, whose maiden name was Hannah Olmstead Brown, was a native of Jay, N. Y., was a daughter of Rev. Solomon Brown, also a Baptist minister, and survived her husband three years, dying at the age of seventy-six. To the marriage of Dr. and Mrs. Buchanan have been born six children, two of whom are deceased, viz: Mary, the eldest, who died at the age of three years, and Clara Bettine, the fifth in order of birth, who died when ten. months old. Of the survivors,Claude R.is an, attorney in the Michigan Trust building,. Grand Rapids, is married, and has one son, Claude, eight years old; the second son, Bingham Stewart, unmarried, is a resident of Texas; Robert Russell is employed by the Indiana State Life Insurance company at Indianapolis, is married and has one daughter, Maria Frances; Angie Sophia, unmarried, is living with her parents. Of the six children born to the parents of Dr. Buchanan, three besides himself are still living and two deceased: Moses Bacchus, the eldest, was a gunsmith,and died in Allegheny City, Pa., in 1844; Samuel resides on a farm at Sparta, Kent county, Mich., where he has lived since the 'forties; Ann Eliza is the widow of James Taylor, and resides in Philadelphia, where her husband has been engaged in the manufacture of glass, and also woolen fabrics; the youngest living is Clara B., wife of L. H. Waterhouse, of Aurora, Ill.; Mary died in 1842, the wife of Robert McKinney. The children of Mrs. Buchanan's parents numbered four beside herself, viz: Rev. A. J. Bingham, who was pastor of the Baptist church at Cohoes, N. Y., and also superintandent of the city high school, was seized with hemorrhage and died en route on a visit to Mrs. Buchanan; Ann Hasseltine, widow of John H. Hulbert, resides in Detroit; Maria Bingham is the wife of Dr. S. M. Rob 60 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS inson, of Watertown, N. Y., and Angie B. is the widow of Thomas D. Gilbert, late presiident of the City National bank of Grand Rapids and also president of the City Gas company. Dr. Buchanan has been a Freemason since early manhood. He is now a Knight Templar and was once E. C. of De Molai commandery. Although reared a Presbyterian, he has been an active member of the Fountain street Baptist church since I843, and has actively aided in promoting the welfare of this congregation since its infancy, in which noble work he has been warmly assisted by his amiable wife ever since marriage. The children are also devoted members of this denomination. In politics, the doctor was reared a democrat,but his last vote with this party was cast for James Buchanan for president, since when he has affiliated with the republicans. Socially, the Buchanan family stand among the elite of Grand Rapids, and all are sincerely respected for their many excellent traits of personal character and moral rectitude. ARL BIGHAM, M. D., occupying offices Nos. 304 to 306, Widdicomb building, Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of Scotch Bush, Montgomery county, N. Y., was born December 24, I857, and is the youngest of the five children born to John and Mary A. (Travis) Bigham, who were natives also of the Empire state and of Scotch, descent, but both now deceased. John Bigham was a mechanic of rare talents during his life time and died in I875, at the age of fifty-two years; his widow survived until March I4, I897, when she died at the ripe age of seventy-six, greatly respected in the community in which she has so long lived. The children born to these parents were named, in order of birth, Sarah E., now the wife of Daniel Shute, a farmer at Westville, Mich.; Marietta, widow of Alfred Peck, and a resident of Ithaca, N. Y.; Ella E., widow of Robert Jeffers, and living in Amsterdam, N. Y.; Anna, who died in infancy, and Earl, the subject of this memoir. Dr. Earl Bigham was educated preliminarily in the common schools of his native county, and then entered the high school in Adrian, Mich. After nearly a two years' course in this school, he engaged in teaching for about eight years, most of the time in New York state, but for a few years, also, in Michigan. At about the age of twenty-six years he began the practical study of medicine, although he had previously familiarized himself with anatomy, physic and chemistry during his pedagogic career, and in 1883 entered the university of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he remained one year, and then entered the Rush Medical college at Chicago, from which he graduated in the spring of i885. For eight years thereafter he practiced in various places in Michigan, and then settled in Grand Rapids. In 1892 he went to New York and took a course in the Post-graduate college of that city, and after passing two additional months in the Polyclinic took a degree at the Long Island college of Medicine the same year, and then returned to Grand Rapids, where he has ever since been actively engaged in a very satisfactory practice. The doctor is a member of the Grand Rapids Academy of Medicine, the Michigan State Medical society, and the American Medical association, and has been treasurer of the Grand Rapids academy for the past three years. Of the close orders, he is a member of the F. & A. M. blue lodge, the I. O. O. F., I. O. F., the Maccabees, the Woodmen of the World, and the Royal Arcanum, and for the AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. I Woodmen and the Foresters he is the examining physician. In politics he is a republican. Dr. Bigham was most happily joined in wedlock, in Montcalm county, Mich., September 9, 1884, with Miss Vena Buckrell, a native of Canada and a daughter of George and Sophronia (Lee) Buckrell, also natives of the dominion but for many years residents of Montcalm county, Mich., where the father was a highly respected mechanic, but recently died. Mrs. Bigham was graduated from the high school at Stanton, Mich., is a lady of refinement, and mingles with the best society of Grand Rapids. The doctor has been very successful professionally and stands in high repute with his fellow practitioners, as well as the public, being recognized as one of the most skillful physicians and surgeons in the Valley city. Z ILLIAM E. BESSEY, M. D., at the corner of North Division and Monroe streets, Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of county Halton, province of Ontario, dominionof Canada, is of Huguenot and Scotch descent, was born September 5, 1838, and is a son of John Reed and Jane (Miller) Bessey. The family name in France was DeBessey, and its members were among those who fled the country on account of religious persecution after the revocation of the edict of Nantes, and with thousands of others found refuge in England, and thence reached America. John Reed Bessey was a British officer in the war of 1812, and after the close of hostilities settled near Toronto, Canada, as did many others of the disbanded English troops. He had brothers who were among the patriots of the American army during the same war, and they settled in and about Philadelphia, Pa., at its close. Mrs. Jane (Miller) Bessey was a cousin of the world-known author and geologist, Hugh Miller (I802-I856), and of Sir James Miller, a celebrated surgeon of Edinburg, Scotland; she was also a sister of Andrew Miller, of Aberdeen granite fame, and of another who was noted as a Scotch poet. Dr. William E. Bessey was educated at the Toronto university and at the Magill university of Montreal. He was first prepared for the ministry by taking a four years' course in theology, but being unable to reconcile the multiplicity of creeds and doctrines extant, he relinquished the study of theology for that of medicine. In the latter he became quite distinguished, and during its course delivered several lectures of note on abstruse subjects, such as the "Origin and Unity of the Races;" "Ancient Civilization of America," showing that the present Anglo-Saxon race is the fourth in the settlement of this continent:, On the Antiquity of Man;" "Ancient Egypt, a Colony of the Ancient Race of Central America;" " The Builders of the Pyramids the same as the Mound-Builders, contemporaneous with them," etc., etc., and his investigations along these lines have evinced deep thought and evolved startling as well as valuable information. He also lectured on the Jesuit Missionaries in North America, and numerous other subjects. In social economy, he has favored the independence of the laboring man, the homestead laws, and the combating of the centralization of capital in the hands of the few. The doctor began the active practice of his profession in Montreal and there successfully continued it for twenty-five years, and for several years occupied the position of acting health officer of that city, but lost this office through the uprising of the French against the English residents. In the course of his prac 62 TIE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS tice, Dr. Bessey introduced into Canada the system of vaccination of animals, and later became associated with the New York Life Insurance company in a confidential capacity as a specialist, at a handsome compensation; but domestic conditions led to his resignation of this position, and he then engaged in special practice at Toronto, but failing health compelled him to retire temporarily, and after recuperation he came to Grand Rapids in 1899, since when he has devoted himself to surgery, metaphysical healing and his specialties-the treatment of throat and lung diseases, mental and nervous troubles, blood disorders, rectal ailments, and female complaints of all classes, in all of which he has met with phenomenal success. The doctor, however, has little faith in drugs, and theorizes that they are deceptive and delusive agents, because of their abilty to only temporarily relieve symptoms where skillfully adapted to meet the indications in a case, and because of their utter inability to remove the cause of a disorder, they are consequently powerless to effect a permanent cure. He holds that nature is the only healer, and where a patient has recovered under drug medication, nature has accomplished wonders, since it has eliminated or neutralized both poisonous elements, viz: the toxine of the disease and the poisonous drugs as well, and considers it economy of vital force not to impose this double task where it can possibly be avoided. Dr. Bessey is a member of the Medical & Surgical association of Montreal, the college of Physicians & Surgeons of Quebec, college of Physicians & Surgeons of Toronto, ex-member of the British Medical association, and member of the American association of Official Surgeons. He has letters in his possession which show his former intimacy with the nobility of England, including Lorne, Lord Dufferin, Duke of Argyle and other dis tinguished personages, both in that country and Canada. His letter of commendation from his former friends in Montreal tends to a laudation of his high standing as a gentleman and physician, and shows that his practice extended to the best families of that city, and his high literary attainments and professional ability are self-evident. The doctor's religious belief or philosophy is peculiar to himself, viz: That the origin of life, order and intelligence in the natural world is the Supreme Being, whose existence is in the moral and spiritual world; that man is a compound entity of matter and mind (or spirit); that woman, being the last in the order of creation of the highest type of animals, is in fact paramount to all, being possessed of greater capacity, having more organs, a higher order of brain, and being endowed with a greater amount of endurance of either pain or labor, and having more registers in her vocal chords than her male companion; that she is naturally the instructor and director of man and his destinies, and that the human race must rise or fall with her, she being queen of the human hive. His creed rests in and is founded on nature. Fraternally, Dr. Bessey is a member of St. George's lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Montrealthe same that Past Grand Masters Stephenson, Barnard and Senator Oglesbee denominated-the home of grand masters. D OL. LOOMIS K. BISHOP, postmaster of Grand Rapids and ex-registerof deeds of Kent county, was born near Watertown, Jefferson county, N. Y., October 5, I836, and is a son of John and Laura (Kellogg) Bishop. His father was. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 63 I — - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - — I a native of New Hampshire, and his mother of New York. When he was nine years old, in 1845, his parents settled in Cannon, Kent county, Mich., and were among its first inhabitants. Mr. Bishop attended the common schools of Cannon until sixteen years old, when he was sent to the select school at Fallassburg, and afterward to the high school at Grand Rapids. He engaged in teaching several terms, and at twenty-one years of age went to Salt Lake City, during the time of the Mormon war, and served as clerk in the quartermaster's department. He enlisted June 13, 1862, as first lieutenant of company H, Twenty-first Michigan infantry. The regiment was assigned to the army of the Cumberland, and served under Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas. He participated in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga (where he was wounded), and in the campaign from Chattanooga to Atlanta; thence with Sherman from Atlanta to the sea, then through the Carolinas to Richmond, Va., thence to Washington, D. C., and participated in the grand review. He was promoted to the captaincy of the company February 3, 1863, and March iS, I865, brevet-colonel of United States volunteers, and mustered out of service June 8, 1865, after which he engaged in mercantile pursuits in New York, returning to Michigan the following year. He bought the family homestead in Cannon, and lived on it until I876, when he was elected to the office of register of deeds by the republican party. He was re-elected in 1878 and in i88o, He has always been active in politics, and was treasurer and supervisor of Cannon previous to holding the above office. His majority on election to the office of register in I880 was about 4,600. In I886 he was elected sheriff of Kent county and re-elected in I888, after which for a few years he en3 gaged in the fire-insurance business, and in May, 1898, he was appointed postmaster of Grand Rapids by President McKinley, and assumed the duties of the office June ist, of that year. Fraternally, Col. Bishop is a Mason, having attained the degree of knight templar; is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, and the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks. He was married May 8, I862, to Ellen A.. daughter of Harvey and Sarah (Belle) Smith, of Henderson, N. Y. They have one son and one daughter, viz: J. Clinton, who received a good education and has for seven years been in the employ of the Fourth National bank, of Grand Rapids; the daughter, Laura Bell, is now the wife of Walter G. Tuttle, and they are residing in Salt Lake City, Utah. Politically Col. Bishop has for many years been recognized as one of the strong and influential republicans of this city and western Michigan. He has served as chairman of the county and congressional committees and his services were very potential in the recent presidential campaign.. HARLES B. BLAIR, who has been in active practice at the bar of Grand Rapids since 1883, was born in this city January 3, I858, a son of James and Eliza (Turner) Blair, who were respectively of 'Scotch extraction remotely on the paternal and of Scotch-Irish and English descent on the maternal side, although the Blair family were very early settlers in the state of New York, and the Turner family equally as early settlers in Connecticut. James Blair came to Grand Rapids in 1842, was first employed as a clerk, and later engaged in general merchandizing on his own. 61 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS account. He began the study of law under Col. Gray, was admitted to the bar in 1871, and became very prominent in the profession as the head of the firm of Blair, Kingsley & Kleinham. In politics he was a stanch democrat, was elected city clerk when a young man, and later was a member of the board of education for eleven years, serving several terms as its president. He was a delegate to the democratic national convention at Cincinnati and that at St. Louis, and was four years postmaster at Grand Rapids under the administration of President Grover Cleveland. To his marriage with Miss Turner were born three children, viz: Charles B., the subject of this memoir; James B., now in South America, in the coffee trade, and Hugh, a bookkeeper in the Kent County Savings bank at Grand Rapids. The father of this family was called away, while still in the active practice of his profession, December I8, I892, and his widow still resides in the Valley City. Charles B. Blair attended public school in Grand Rapids until he was fourteen years of age and then entered the Yonkers (N. Y.) Military institute, where he remained one year; thence he went to Devoe college, at Suspension Bridge, N. Y., and thence, in I876, to Harvard university, from which he graduated in literature, with all the honors, in I880. For a short time thereafter he studied law with his father in Grand Rapids, preparatory to entering the law department of the university of Michigan at Ann Arbor, in 188I, and from this famous institution he graduated in March, 1882, and next entered the Harvard law school, anticipating the first year's work there, but did not remain to be graduated. In August, 1883, he was admitted to the bar at Grand Rapids, and was in practice here with his father until the latter's death, since when he has practiced alone. June 5, 1889, Mr. Blair was most happily united in marriage with Miss Emma Covode, who was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., April 25, 1864, a daughter of John Covode, an ex-member of congress, and the father of John A. Covode, the prominent banker. To the felicitous union of Mr. and Mrs. Blair have been born fourchildren, viz: Charles Covode, April 12, 1890; Margaret, March 3, I892; John Covode, April I7, 1895, and James, January 22, 1897. Mr. and Mrs. Blair are members of the Park Congregational church, and in politics Mr. Blair is a very active gold democrat. He was appointed referee in bankruptcy, by Judge Severus, in October, 1898, and the duties of this office, together with those of his extensive law practice, make him a rather busy man. He stands very high in the esteem of his fellow-practitioners as well as of the public, and socially he and wife are of the elite of Grand Rapids. EORGE SHEPARD BOLTWOOD, attorney at law and senior member of the legal firm of Boltwood & Boltwood, was born on the 2d day of March, I861, in Amherst, Mass. His father, Rev. Lucius M. Boltwood, also a native of the Bay state, was graduated from Amherst college in 1843, and completed his theological course at Andover in I846. He served as librarian of the above college, and was similarly connected with the Congressional library, Washington, D. C., the meantime prosecuting his genealogical researches and becoming one of the leaders in this direction. Later, he retired from active work, and in I895 removed to Grand Rapids, where he has since lived. Lucius M. Boltwood was married at Derry, N. H., to Clarinda B. Williams, and became AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 65 the father of five children, whose names are as follows: -George S., Lucius, Charles W., Fanny H. and Thirza Elvina W. In addition to his literary work, Rev. Mr. Boltwood took an active part in the politics of Massachusetts, and during the years 1859-60 represented his district in the general assembly, elected thereto by the republican party; he also served as postmaster of Amherst during the war of the Rebellion, and in other capacities was identified with the public interests of his town, county and state. George Shepard Boltwood, whose name introduces this article, attended the high school of Hartford, Conn., until his seventeenth year, and then entered Yale university, from which he was graduated in 1882 with the degree of B. A. Having decided upon the law as a profession, and after a course of preliminary reading therein, he entered the Yale law school, and after receiving the degree of LL.D. in 1885, began practicing the same year in Grand Rapids, Mich., in partnership with William H. Eastman. Superior to many of his professional associates in literary and scientific culture and well endowed with natural gifts, he entered upon his duties under most encouraging auspices. Success, professional and pecuniary, attended him, and it was not long ere he made his presence felt at a bar composed of exceptionably able lawyers. Mr. Boltwood was associated with Mr. Eastman for about six months, when he effected a co-partnership with his brother Lucius, under the firm name of Boltwood & Boltwood, to which another brother, Charles W., was admitted in 1892. The firm thus constituted still continues, and the business, large and lucrative, embraces a wide range of general practice, in which the senior member's ability is utilized in looking up legal principles involved and exercising general management of the office. Mr. Boltwood entered into the marriage relation in Grand Rapids, September i, 1891, with Miss Mary Gernon Rice, who was born in Lowell, Mich., on the 14th day of October, 1870, a daughter of Harvey A. and Eliza (Gernon) Rice. To this union has been born one child, a daughter, Ruth Gernon. Though a democrat from his boyhood and a man of decided convictions, Mr. Boltwood is not an extremist in politics, and has never aspired to the dignity nor sought the emoluments of office. He belongs to that wing of the party known as gold democrats, and never hesitates when exigency demands to express himself with intelligence and vigor on all questions of financial and public policy. Socially, he is a member of.the Lakeside and Hesperus clubs, and with his wife belongs to the Park Congregational church, in which at this time he holds the position of chairman of the board of trustees. In every relation of life Mr. Boltwood is known as a gentleman of pure morals and strict integrity, and his natural talents and professional acquirements are a prophecy of still higher honors and greater usefulness. He enjoys the esteem and confidence of his professional brethren and the firm with which he is connected is destined to occupy and permanently maintain a distinguished place in the legal circles of Grand Rapids and western Michigan. Lucius Boltwood, a second son of Rev. Lucius M. and Clarinda B. Boltwood, was born July 27, 1862, in Amherst, Mass., and graduated from the Hartford public high school when sixteen years of age. He then entered Yale, from which he graduated with the degree of B. A. in I883, and three years later received the degreeof LL. B. from the law department of that university. The year following his graduation, Mr. Boltwood came to Grand Rapids, Mich., and became associated t 66 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS. _.... - in the practice with his brother George S., and since that time has represented the firm in all its business coming before the courts. He is well grounded in the principles of the law, and his professional career, though comparatively brief, has been characterized by a perseverance which has won success, and which, united with high intellectual and legal attainments, is sure to win him a prominent position at the Kent county bar. Mr. Boltwood and Miss Etta M. Comstock, youngest daughter of Hon. C. C. Comstock, were united in marriage, September I, I890, and their union has been blessed by the birth of two children, Lucius Comstock and Chester Guild Boltwood. Mr. Boltwood is a gentleman of culture and refinement, pleasant in demeanor and courteous to all with whom he comes in contact professionally or otherwise. He belongs to the Hesperus club, and in religion is an Episcopalian, belonging to the St. Mark's church, with which his wife is also identified. Reared in the political faith of the democratic party, he has never swerved in his allegiance to its principles, and believes that true democracy is best represented in the platform adopted by the Chicago convention of I896. Charles Wright Boltwood, youngest son of Rev. Lucius M. Boltwood and junior member of the law firm of Boltwood & Boltwood, was born on the 6th day of December, 1867, at Washington, D. C. He received his preliminary education in the Hillhouse high school, New Haven, Conn., completing the prescribed course in i886, and he is also an alumnus of Yale, from which he received the degree of B. A. in 1890. After a two years' course in the Yale law school, he was graduated with the degree of LL. B., and immeditately thereafter joined his brothers in Grand Rapids, where he has since practiced his profession with success and financial profit. Mr. Bolt wood brought to the profession a mind well trained by many years of severe discipline, and his knowledge of the underlying principles of jurisprudence and the tact to apply them to the cases in hand have brought him to the favorable notice of the Grand Rapids bar and the general public. He is enterprising in all the term implies, but his zeal in behalf of his clients' interests has never led him to resort to anything savoring of disreputable practice, and his record is untarnished by a single unworthy act. A believer in the dignity of the law, he endeavors to shape his life in harmony with professional ethics, and this has not been without encouraging results in a business and financial sense. Mr. Boltwood is a genial, courteous gentleman, possesses social qualities. of a high order, and is popular with the people of his adopted city. He is a member of the Schubert and Lakeside clubs, and politically votes with the democratic party. AMES BOYLON.-America is pre-eminently a land of self-made men, for here abound opportunities for achieving success such as no other country or clime affords. The young man of energy and correct habits may here readily obtain a place of respect and influence, provided he is well grounded in the principles of uprightness and integrity. Among the well-known and highly-respected young business men of Grand Rapids who have forged to the front and won for themselves worthy names may be classed James Boylon, proprietor of the livery barn situated at No. 156 North Ionia street, who is one of Kent county's native sons and was born in the township of Ada on the i8th of July, AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 67 I866. His father is Thomas Boylon, a wellknown citizen of the county, an appropriate notice of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Until his sixteenth year James Boylon remained with his parents on the home farm, dividing his time between labor in the fields and attendance at the district schools, and from that age until attaining his majority bore his full share in the support of the family. The free out-door life made him develop into a strong, healthy young man, and the lessons of industry early inculcated by tilling the soil have been of great practical value to him in the various business ventures which have since engaged his time and attention. On reaching manhood's estate Mr. Boylon began buying live stock, principally horses, which he shipped to the eastern markets, and three years given to this enabled him to accumulate sufficient capital to engage in the livery business in Grand Rapids. He began business at his present stand in I888, and since that time has added largely to his stock and otherwise increased his facilities until now he is proprietor of a well-appointed barn, and commands a patronage which returns him a liberal income. He has twenty-three good horses, and keeps first-class vehicles of all kinds, including two fine hacks, and the public has ever found him most courteous in ministering to their wants in his line of business. The success with which he has met is due entirely to his industry and desire to please the public by rendering value received, and it is safe to predict a largely increased patronage for him as the years go by. Mr. Boylon was happily married November 21, I888, to Mary Carl, who was born in Barry county, Mich., on the 6th day of June, I867, a daughter of Byron and Bridget (Parker) Carl. Both Mr. and Mrs. Boylon were reared in the Catholic church and have ever remained true to the pure teachings of the faith. They belong to St. Alphonso's congregation in Grand Rapids, and are active in the discharge of each and every duty devolving upon them as loyal Catholics and Christians. Politically Mr. Boylon votes with the democracy, but is not a partisan or seeker after official position, being known in the city as a business man only. He owns a comfortable home at No. 63 Page street, beside other city property, all of which has been acquired by his own well-directed business efforts. The fraternal orders with which he affiliates are the Knights of Pythias, Maccabees and Ancient Order of Hibernians. * ----"" --- —--— """"M\IITH DARWIN BOUGHNERE, M. D., D. D. S., principal and proprietor of the Valley City Post-graduate Dental school, No. J o Monroe street, Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of France and was born in Paris, August 3, 1857. He was brought to America in his infancy by his parents, Martin and Mary Elizabeth Boughnere, who located in Norfolk county, Ontario, but later settled in Michigan. In early manhood the father was a hotelkeeper, but later became a farmer, and is now a resident of Portland, Mich., at the age of eighty years. An only brother of the doctor, named Henry P., formerly a dentist, is also a resident of Portland and is engaged in manufacturing. Dr. S. Darwin Boughnere passed his childhood and early manhood in Ontario and about I879 came to Michigan,.but has since traveled extensively, visiting Missouri, California, and other parts of the west. He commenced the study of dentistry at the United States Dental college, Chicago, in I890-91, but had continued his studies at the Delavan Dental college, 68 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS at Delavan, Wis., until 1889, receiving diplomas from both institutions, and in 1896 graduated from the Kansas City college of Dental Surgery, where he had been demonstrator in 1895 —96. He next took a post-graduate course in the Chicago college of Dental Surgery, and also graduated from the Physico-Medical college of Chicago, in 1897, with the degree of M. D., and in this institution has also held the position of demonstrator in the dental department. In 1897 he also took a post-graduate course at the Kansas City college of Dental Surgery, and thus concluded his college studies. For the twelve years last past, the doctor has been in active practice in Grand Rapids, excepting only such as he passed, during this period, as a student or demonstrator elsewhere. He has expended a small fortune in qualifying himself for his profession, and is beyond doubt one of the most profound students of his art in the state of Michigan. His travel has familiarized him with the best methods employed in the science, anywhere and everywhere, and he has secured a fine cabinet of curios from all parts of the country, principally such appliances as show what the progress of dentistry has been since it first became a recognized science, and in the anatomical selection are many specimens of abnormal growth of jaws and teeth. In addition to his professional ability, Dr. Boughnere is a mechanical genius, and has invented various machines and appliances adapted to the dental profession, which not only simplify but expedite the work. For example: The Boughnere dental engine has a lathe head attachment, twenty-ball bearing, and weighs about sixteen pounds, and may all except the driving wheel be carried in an overcoat pocket, while the wheel is carried in the hand. He has a dental bracket, with attachment, gasoline generator and blow-pipe all complete. This machine, which he alone man ufactures, is sold 'complete for $30, with the exception of the " top," as it is made adjustable to any top in the market, of which the purchaser may make his choice. The doctor's operating room is furnished with one of the most complete chairs known to the profession, and his laboratory with a complete system of electric power, all of which he has supplied himself regardless -of cost; and his reception room is handsomely adorned. with expensive oil paintings. At present he has associated with him as his assistant, Dr. R. G. Beckwith, a practical mechanician and dentist. Dr. Boughnere is a genial and affable gentleman, as well as scientist, and is a typical representative of his race, although reared in America. He was married in Simcoe, Ontario, in I86I, to Miss Alice Dennis, a native of Berkshire, England, and this union has been crowned with one child, Belle a graduate of the Grand Rapids high school, and, like her mother, a highly educated lady and an ornament to society. In religion the doctor is not connected with any church, and in politics he is independent. His social relations, however, like those of his wife and daughter, are with the elite of Grand Rapids. EORGE BLICKLEY, of the wellknown undertaking firm of Blickley & Rauschenberger, with office at No. 25 West Bridge street, has been in this line for the past five years, and, as he had been a very popular citizen previously, added a prestige to the business, which had been originally established about ten years previously and was on a solid basis, the concern being now about fifteen years old. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 69 -— John George Blickley, father of George, the subject, came from Germany to America when a young man, and married Annie Mary Kalnback, who bore to him two children, viz: Catherine, the wife of John Ellenger, of Grand Rapids, and George, whose name opens this biography. The father was a mason by trade, was industrious and of steady habits, but while working in the wet on bridge piers, caught a cold which degenerated into pneumonia of the lungs, and caused his death at the early age of twenty-seven years. The death of his widow took place at the age of fifty-four. George Blickley was born in Grand Rapids July 3, 1859, was educated in the public schools, and at the age of fifteen years began work as a general utility hand and clerk in a store. Being naturally of a mechanical turn, he next entered a wagon manufactory; later, he learned cabinetmaking, and still later was employed by the Phenix Furniture Manufacturing company, with which he remained seventeen years, and then engaged in his present business, with which he has since become thoroughly acquainted through the instruction imparted by his partner, who is practical and well acquainted with every detail. Mr. Blickley was united in marriage, in Grand Rapids, with Miss Bertha Kuslanger, and this marriage has been blessed with four children, born in the following order: Mamie H., Wesley G., Lena P. and Matilda. In politics Mr. Blickley was first a republican, but his last vote with that party was for James A. Garfield, in I880, since when his affiliations have been with the democratic party. He is a member of the school board, and takes great interest in public education. In religion, he was reared in the faith of the German Methodist church, and has strictly lived according to its precepts. Fraternally, he is an Odd Fellow and a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Mr. Blickley is a large, well developed man physically, is genial, pleasant, and courteous in his nature, and wherever he goes attracts to himself friends who ever remain steadfast. EV. DAN F. BRADLEY, D. D., has displayed great ability in his occupancy of the Park First Congregational church pulpit, and has won for himself a high reputation as a profound theologian and eloquent pulpit orator. Rev. Dan F. Bradley, D. D., was born in Bangkok, Siam, March I7, 1857, a son of Dr. Dan B. and Sarah (Blachly) Bradley, both missionaries of the Congregational church to that country. Dr. Dan B. Bradley was a native of Marcellus, N. Y., was a son of Judge Dan Bradley, and a graduate from Yale college. The father of Mrs. Sarah Bradley was Eben Blachly, a pioneer of Trumbull county, Ohio, and later an early settler of Baraboo, Wis. To Dr. Dan B. Bradley were born seven children, of whom six are still living. and all prominent in the intellectual world, the five survivors, beside the doctor, being Mrs. Sophia McGiivary, wife of Dr. Daniel McGilvary, missionary in charge of the work at Laos, Northern Siam; Prof. Cornelius B. Bradley, of the University of California at Berkley, Alameda county, Cal.; Mrs. Sarah Cheek, of Oakland, Cal.; Mrs. A. T. Blachly, of Delta, Colo., and Miss Irene Bradley, of Bangkok, Siam. The early education of Rev. Dan F. Bradley was acquired under the instruction of his mother, and he lived at Bangkok until I877, when he came to the land of his forefathers, and the same year entered the preparatory 70 TIE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS school at Oberlin, Ohio; in 1878 he entered the college, and graduated therefrom in 1882. He next entered the divinity school, or theological seminary, at Oberlin, and from this he graduated in 1885. At Steubenville., Ohio, he held his first charge, from 1885 until 1887, when he received a call from Yankton, S. Dak., where, in addition to his ministerial duties, he had charge of Yankton college for two years, and where, in 1892, was conferred upon him the degree of D. D. In I892, also, Dr. Bradley, before being awarded the degree of D. D., was called from Yankton to Grand Rapids, and here he has occupied the pulpit of the Park First Congregational church. Rev. Lr. D. F. Bradley was united in marriage, in 1883, with Miss Lillian Jaques, of Cleveland, Ohio, and this felicitous union has been blessed with two children, viz: Dwight, now aged ten years, and Robert, at the age of seven. With nothing to hide and no one to fear except God, being free through the truth and fortified by varied and extensive knowledge, both secular and religious, he stands his six feet in splendid physical stature, and his more than head and shoulders above the average of his fellows, intellectually. Rev. Bradley is generous and charitable and is prominently identified with the missions.. He is a man of high literary attainments, his reading and investigation having been carried into almost every line of thought and research which have occupied the attention of the brightest minds through the ages. One of the finest private libraries in Grand Rapids is that of Rev. Bradley, and there he is passing his life, rich in the honors and respect which follow an upright career that has ever been true to its ideals and highest possibilities-a life that has been of pre-eminent benefit to his fellow-men by conserving their individual good. Strong in his individuality, I he never lacks the courage of his convictions, but there are, as dominating elements in his individuality, a lively human sympathy and an abiding charity, which, when taken in connection with the sterling integrity and honor of his character, have naturally gained to Rev. Bradley the regard and confidence of all. OHN H. COLLETON, the enterprising and popular real-estate dealer at No. 156 Ellsworth avenue, Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in county Queens, Ireland, January I, I852, a son of Dennis and Sarah (Fitzpatrick) Colleton, natives of the same county, and parents of seven children, viz: Dennis, Thomas, John H., Michael, Mary Ann, Elizabeth and Johanna, all of whom are living, with the exception of the first born. Thomas and Michael live in Grand Rapids, the former being a liquor dealer and the latter a dealer in real estate, and both married; Mary Ann is the wife of Christopher Miles, a farmer of Byron township, Kent county, Mich.; Elizabeth is now Mrs. Peter Phalen, and Johanna is unmarried, and both still live in Ireland. The father of the family, who was a farmer, died in Ireland, at the age of fifty-two, and the mother at fifty-eight years. John H. Colleton was the first of his family to leave the Emerald isle, and arrived in America in 1869. He began learning carriagemaking with a cousin in Brooklyn, N. Y., but never finished his apprenticeship, preferring to come west. On arriving in Grand Rapids he found employment as head porter, and later as night clerk, in Sweet's hotel, and held his place for seven years. His work was hard and his salary but moderate, though his opportunities for receiving "scale" money were excellent, T ve 'h I L, I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 73 and he saved every cent. He here inaugurated the scalping business-the first in the city, as far as known-and made a handsome sum by buying and selling railway and steamship tickets. The first four years he deposited over $4,000 in the Old National bank, and while still in the hotel began dealing in real estate, making his first purchase in I873. In 1875, he erected two large residences, which he afterward disposed of to good advantage. In I876, prior to leaving the hotel, he established a retail liquor business at No. i56 Ellsworth avenue, and allowed his cousin a half-interest for conducting it; this has been continued until the present time, wholesaling being added in I 884. In I88, Mr. Colleton made a trip to Europe, visiting Germany, France, Holland, Switzerland, northern and southern Italy, Belgium, England and Ireland. He invested heavily in wines and liquors in Holland, Germany, France, Italy, England and Ireland, bringing the cargo through the great lakes to Grand Haven, Mich., and was thus the first importer to land foreign liquors on Michigan soil. On his return he established a branch store at No. 50 Lyon street, Grand Rapids, and has continued in the importing business ever since. He also brought over with him his brother Michael and sister Mary A.-Michael being connected in business with him until 1897. His brother Thomas had come over in I878. In 88I, also, Mr. Colleton purchased two tracts of 320 acres each of heavily hardwoodtimbered land in northern Michigan, which he disposed of at a handsome profit, and invested the proceeds in city property. In 1882-3 —4, he built extensively in the city-mostly tenements expending many thousands of dollars, but since the panic of I893 rents have greatly fallen and values depreciated. In the year last mentioned, he owned, clear of incum brance, twenty-three houses and blocks in the city, but his losses, owing to the depreciation spoken of, have been very heavy. Mr. Colleton next began dealing in patent rights, at one time investing over $9, o000 which brought him no returns; another investment of a similar character resulted in a total loss of $5,000, and another cause of great loss has been the too free use of his name on the back of other men's paper. But Mr. Colleton never quailed under these severe reverses, and is today still a wealthy and respected man. April I6, 1875, Mr. Colleton was united in marriage with Miss Katie E. Curran, who was born in Fishkill, Dutchess county, N. Y., June 22, 1854, a daughter of James and Catherine (Fitzpatrick) Curran-the father being a native of county Cavan, and the mother of county Queens, Ireland. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Colleton has been blessed with nine children, four of whom still survive, viz: Dennis Michael, John Henry, Jr., Katie E. and Elizabeth; Thomas, Mary, Sarah and Matthew died in infancy or early childhood, and one babe died unnamed. In politics Mr. Colleton was a stanch democrat up to 1874, when he became convinced that the policy of the republican party was more consistent with the needs of the poorer classes, and more favorable to the down-trodden of the old world, and since that date he has been a zealous worker for the latter party, and freely contributed his money and personal exertions to secure the election of James G. Blaine to the presidency. In 1884 Mr. Colleton made a second trip across the ocean, visiting Spain, South America, the West Indies, Central America, etc., and spending seven months —on business combined with pleasure. On this trip he formed the acquaintance of several firms in Spain, with whom he has since been doing business. He is a progressive, up-to-date business man, 74 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS....... _ - with vast and varied experiences in life. He began his career in this country without money or influence, and through his individual business tact, energy, industry and economy at the beginning, has forced himself to a foremost position among the most affluent business men of Grand Rapids, and although a dealer in liquors is a strict teetotaler. Mr. Colleton and family are members of the Catholic church, and worship at St. Andrew's cathedral, under the Very Rev. Bishop Richter. He is not niggardly in contributing to the church and its sodalities, and is ever ready to aid all its work of charity. Dennis Michael Colleton, eldest son of subject, attended Assumption college at Sandwich, Canada, for three years, with a view of entering the ministry, but relinquished his purpose. He is also a graduate from the Grand Rapids Business college. Mr. Colleton is a member of the A. O. H., and of company B, Thirty-second regiment, state national guards. He has been largely interested in the manufacture of bed springs and carpet beaters, and is the patentee of both articles, and has made a success of them. He is a public-spirited citizen, and is active in both political and social circles. HOMAS PARKS BRADFIELD, attorney and counselor at law, is a son of Thomas D. Bradfield, of Grand Rapids, and was born at Copper Falls Mine, Keweenaw county, Mich., on the 27th day of December, 1871. He received his preliminary education in the city high school, which he attended until he was eighteen. He then entered the university of Michigan,from which he was graduated with the degree of bachelor of philosophy in 1894. In the followiug year he graduated from the university with the degree of bachelor of laws. He was admitted to the bar in June, I895, and immediately thereafter entered the office of Fitzgerald & Barry, Grand Rapids, where he remained until January, I898, when he opened an office in the Michigan Trust building, where he remained several months, and then removed to the Tower block, rooms 41 and 42, his present offices. Mr. Bradfield gives his energy and attention to the general practice of law. October 25, I896, Mr. Bradfield was united in marriage at Port Huron, Mich., to Elizabeth V. Palmer, daughter of Charles H. and Mary E. (Spalding) Palmer, of Boston, Mass. Mr. and Mrs. Bradfield have one daughter, Virginia P. In religion, he is an Episcopalian, attending with his wife St. Mark's church in this city. OHN MELVIN BRIDGMAN, D. D. S., is among the popular and successful professional men of Grand Rapids, and no one stands higher than he before the public, inasmuch as he is distinctively a selfmade man. His education was obtained without financial aid, and from youth to mature manhood and middle age, he has been dependent only upon his own exertions. By this means he has acquired a competence, and lives in peace and good-fellowship with all men. Dr. Bridgman was born in Rochester, N. Y., November 15, I854, and attended the public schools of Rochester and Albany, N. Y. At an early age he entered the dental office of his uncle, Dr. James G. Bridgman, in Rochester, and was well qualified for the practice of his profession when he reached Grand Rapids in the 'sixties. Here he spent some years in the , UP TO DATE. 75 AND KENT~LT COUNTYT office of Dr. Rogers, a well known dentist and early settler of this city. He opened his present office and embarked in business on his own account on the Ist of January, 1877, and has been in continuous and successful practice ever since. That he might the better round out his professional work, he took a post-graduate course in the Chicago Dental college, returning to his practice with renewed energy and zeal. Through honorable and fair dealing, he has established an enviable reputation and amassed a fortune. The doctor possesses, in his own right, some valuable real estate in Grand Rapids, insuring him a handsome income from rentals, aside from the large receipts from professional work. He is an affable and pleasant gentleman, whose family, as well as himself, hold a prominent place in the better society of Grand Rapids. John M. Bridgman is the only child born to George R. and Eliza Jane (Smith) Bridgman, natives of New York state, the father having been born in New York city, and mother at Kendall Mills, near Rochester. George R. Bridgman was a master mechanic and finished workman at his chosen trade, that of a millright. At an early day in the history of Grand Rapids he moved his family here, and was engaged in building and placing machinery in the various mills about the city. Among these are the now famous Valley City mills, the Star mills, the Crescent mills, and Godfrey's Plaster mills. He also put in the extensive mechanical mills at Elk Rapids, but he did not live to round out the full time allotted to man. His death occurred in this city in I888, at the age of fifty-two years. His widow has since been a member of the family of the subject, and is now in her sixty-seventh year. Though a mechanical genius in his day, the peer of any man in his chosen profession, George Bridgman did not amass riches, and died a comparatively pour man, possessing the good will and esteem of all who knew him. Dr. Bridgman was married in September, 1875, at Newaygo, Mich., the lady of his choice being Miss Ann Jacobi, a native of New York city, and a daughter of a prominent merchant of Newaygo, Mich. Her parents, Frederick and Marie (Zitz) Jacobi, were natives of Leipsic, Germany, and came to this country in their early lives. The father died in Newaygo in I888, and the mother still lives there. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Jacobi were five in number, are still living to cheer the declining years of their mother, and are named as follows: Fredrika, who is the wife of Melville Johnson, of St. Louis, Mo.; Anna, now Mrs. Bridgman; Lena, widow of John McGraw, late of New York city; Marie, married to Milton Bond, a lumber merchant in Mississippi, and Frederick, a jeweler by occupation and still unmarried. The mother, Mrs. McGraw and Frederick make their home together in Newaygo, where Mrs. McGraw is engaged in the millinery business. Frederick is somewhat of a dog fancier, is the owner of the Woodbine kennels, and an importer and breeder of highclass Cocker spaniels and English setters. A peculiar coincidence in the history of this family is the fact that three fathers — George Rodney Bridgman, James Smith, maternal grandfather of the doctor, and Frederick Jacobi —all died in the "'eighties," between I880 and I889. Mrs. Eliza Jane Bridgman is still hale and hearty, whose presence in the family is a real necessity to the happiness of all the members. In her younger days she was an accomplished musician, and for twelve years sang in the choir of the Congregational church at Wautoma, Wis., she and her husband having been among the pioneers of that state. Dr. and Mrs. Bridgman have but one child, Miss Lena Belle Bridgman, a beautiful and accomplished young lady, still under the parental 76 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS ~I --- roof. Every advantage for education has been given her, including her special studies in elocution and music. In these she has taken particular interest, and her name has gone abroad as a gifted elocutionist and impersonator. In recognition of her special fitness as a teacher, she now has a large class of pupils, which she receives in the palatial home. Some of the leading ladies of this city are numbered among her students. Many of the entertainments given for '"sweet charity's sake," or for the amusement and entertainment of invited guests, have their origin under the Bridgman roof. Miss Lena is also a leading soprano in the choir of St. Mark's Episcopal church, of which the family are members. She is a young lady whose accomplishments are acknowledged to be far above mediocrity, yet she deports herself with that lady-like grace and ease which is inborn-not acquired. Her voice is the embodiment of sweetness and purity, involving a compass rarely attained after years of patient training. She revels unconsciously in the praise and adoration of all who know her. Her manner at home is that of a petted and idolized child. She appears all unconscious of her rare accomplishments, and, like the sweet and innocent child that she is, seems to take nore pleasure in petting and fostering a wounded bird than in talking of her own marvelous possibilities. The press is full to overflowing in her praise, and a loving and devoted mother has carefully gathered and preserved these in a scrapbook set apart for the purpose. It is a record of her personal achievements, of which the most renowned artists of our land might justly feel proud. It is impossible in a work of this character to do more than to commend the kind consideration and natural pride of her parents in thus preserving, for future reading, the views of the greatest critics-the newspapers of the land. The Bridgman home is the personification of comfort and affluence. The mansion is built after the most modern style of architecture, with due regard to symmetry, beauty of design, economy of space and elegance, yet these are not its crowning features. "Home is where love is," an'd this is truly an ideal American home. The little family are all in all to each other. Surrounded by the luxuries which are the results of joint efforts and oneness of purpose, they are contented and happy, and that ought to be the acme of ambition. Dr.' Bridgman has devoted the years of his mature manhood strictly to the interests of his profession. He has never found time to take active part in political affairs or social societies. In politics he votes for the best interests of the country, regardless of political party lines. He has neither sought nor held public office. The only societies with which he is affiliated are the M. W. of A. and Knights of Honor, both beneficial or insurance orders. ENN M. CORWIN, attorney at law, at Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in the township of Georgetown, Ottawa: county, Mich., September 20, 1865, and is a son of Milton Nelson Corwin, who was born in Cayuga county, in the state of New York, and Mary (Spear) Corwin, born in the township of Charlotte, Chittenden county, Vt. Mr. and Mrs. Corwin were married in Barry county, Mich. When Milton N. Corwin came to Michigan from New York, in 1838, he located in Ypsilanti, where he worked for ten years at his trade as a painter; he then removed to Barry county, Mich., and there engaged in farming until 1857, when he removed to the state of 'A 46 t-//A I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 79 - Missouri, from which state he returned to Michigan in the spring of 1859, and located in the township of Georgetown, in Ottawa county, on a rented farm, where he lived until I865. It was in a log house on this rented farm that the subject of this sketch was born, and when he was but six weeks old, his parents removed to a farm which his father had bought in the township of Blendon, in the same county. At that time the only way of reaching the new home was by means of a logging road, which wound through the woods for more than two miles from the nearest traveled public highway. Three years later, a school-house was built in the woods, a half mile from Mr. Corwin's home, and Benn M. Corwin was one of the ten pupils whose names composed the enrolment for the first term of school. Mr. Corwin was the sixth of a family of eight children. He continued to attend the district school in winter, and worked on his father's farm in summer, until he was nineteen years of age, when he started out to make his own way in the world. He earned his first money cutting wood by the cord, and in March, I885, attended the county teachers' examination and obtained a certificate to teach school in Ottawa county. Not being successful in obtaining a school to teach that year, he continued to work on a farm until the following March, when he again passed the examination and obtained a teacher's certificate, and taught his first school in his native township of Georgetown in the spring of I886. He spent the months of July and August of that year at a summer normal school in Flint, Mich., and, returning to Ottawa county, taught school in the township of Talmadge, the next winter. In the spring of 1887 he came to Grand Rapids, and during the summer clerked in a grocery store kept by P. Wendover at the head of Monroe street; the next winter he continued clerking in the store mornings and evenings and on Saturdays, to pay his board, and attended the Grand Rapids Business college, doing his studying at night, and graduating in June, I888. He next kept books for a year and a half, and then passed eight months in Milwaukee, Wis., as an advertising and soliciting agent. Returning to Grand Rapids in the month of August, I890, he entered the law office of C. O. Smedley and commenced the study of law; he continued to work for Mr. Smedley, in the law business, and was admitted to practice in the circuit court, January 13, 1894, and in the supreme court, January 3Ist of the same year. On May 28, I897, he was admitted to practice in the United States district and circuit courts. He continued to practice law in the office of Mr. Smedley until the Istof January, 1897, when he was appointed second assistant prosecuting attorney of Kent county by Mr. Rodgers, and formed a partnership under the firn name of Rodgers, McDonald & Corwin, which continued two years; when Mr. Smedley, with whom he had received his early legal training, made him an offer of a partnership, which he accepted, and resigned his position with the prosecuting attorney and went into private law practice with Mr. Smedley, under the firm name of Smedley & Corwin, with offices at 15, I6 and 17 New Houseman building. Mr. Corwin has been especially interested in the enforcement of the pure-food laws of the state of Michigan, and, as assistant prosecuting attorney, tried the cases brought to test the anti-color oleomargarine law, and the vinegar law, drawing the complaints, preparing the briefs, and presenting the cases at the hearing in the supreme court. Some of these briefs have been most favorably commented upon by leading attorneys, not only in Michigan, but in other states. Since resigning his position as assistant prosecuting attorney, the dairy and food commissioner of Michigan has. 80 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS shown his confidence in Mr. Corwin's ability by retaining him in all important matters relative to the enforcement of the pure-food laws. In I898, he was elected a member of the board of education of the city of Grand Rapids; and in December, I899, was elected a director of the Young Men's Christian association of Grand Rapids, for the term of three years. In his private practice Mr. Corwin is making rapid strides toward the front rank in the legal fraternity of the city and county. Mr. Corwin was joined in wedlock, in Grand Rapids, July 4, I891, with Miss Gertrude H. Comstock, who was born in Keene, N. H., Octoher 21, I868, a daughter of Dauphin W. and Frances J. (Hart) Comstock. They have lived in Grand Rapids continuously since their marriage, and this union has been blessed with two children —Howard D., born July 29, 1892, and Harold B., born December 26, I893. In religion, Mr. and Mrs. Corwin are Baptists; politically, Mr. Corwin is a republican.. HARLES S. BRIGGS, proprietor of [ the Oak Grove farm and dairy on LflH:Plainfield avenue, one-half mile from the city of Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in WVashtenaw county, near Ann Arbor, December 31, I842, and is a son of Barber and Mary (Swan) Briggs, both now deceased. The name Briggs is either of Welsh or English origin, but the American branch of the family has not taken any special pains to trace the name to its source. The Swan family is of Irish extraction. Barber Briggs and his family came from Orange county, N. Y., in 1834, and located in Washtenaw county, Mich., near Ann Arbor, and in March, I850, came to Kent county and settled on a farm in Grand Rapids township, a short distance north of the city. This farm was all wild land, on which a furrow had never been turned, but the fatnily succeeded in converting it into one of the best in the state, and it has never since passed from the possession of the family. Charles S. Briggs was but seven years of age when the family came to Kent county, and here he passed his boyhood on the farm he still occupies; his education was acquired at the district school. The farm comprises eighty acres, and the site of the old home was, the same as that on which the subject's house now stands. The family consisted of two sons and two daughters, and of these, one daughter was married to Abel T. Page, but died while still young in years; Clara is the wife of Frank Collins and lives in Grand Rapids; Edward L. is a resident of Oakland, Cal., and Charles S. is the subject of this sketch. Charles S. Briggs had taken the management of the farm before he had reached his majority, and at the age of twenty-three years arranged for an ownership of a half-interest in the place, on condition that he continue to manage it, and later he bought out the interest of the other heirs. He still conducts the farm, but also operates outside, and for the past twenty-five years has carried on a milk trade in Grand Rapids. He keeps a large herd of Jersey cattle on the farm, and likewise grows peaches, pears, plums and other fruits. Probably no other man in the township understands dairying better than he. His milk-house is spacious and'convenient in all its arrangements, and fitted up with the most modern appliances for handling, cooling and bottling milk, which is aerated and all sold in bottles. His barn is roomy and completely fitted up, and his cows are stabled in a welllighted basement, from which all ordure is promptly removed and all offensive odors ab AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 81 sorbed or destroyed by a liberal and judicious use of land plaster, one of the best disinfectants or deodorizers known. This barn is also supplied with a Ioo-ton silo, which cost $225, and which adds materially to the value of the dairy. He is a member of the Horticultural society, and is as successful in handling his fruits as in his dairy product. Mr. Briggs was united in marriage November I, I88, to Miss Adell F.Ackerman, daughter of William Ackerman, of Allendale, Ottawa county, and to this union have been born four children, named, William E., Raymond A., Florence A. and C. Sanford. The family attend the Second Congregational church on Plainfield avenue, and in politics Mr. Briggs sympathizes with the democratic party, as his father had done before him, but has never been active in politics, preferring to give his attention to his constantly increasing business; nor does he care for city life and its amusements, but holds himself right down to his dairying and farming. As a boy, Mr. Briggs did a great deal of hard labor in clearing up the homestead, and knows how and when each field was improved and how all the fields were brought together into one harmonious whole. He has made many modern improvements, and has as fine a place as any of its dimensions in the county of Kent. He and family enjoy the respect of their neighbors, who esteem him for his industry and his quiet methods of doing business without interfering or intermeddling with that of others. ENRY BROBST, proprietor Central Boiler works, situated at No. 530 Canal street and corner of Coldbrook street, was born in Miami county, Ohio, August 24, 1854, a son of Michael A. Brobst, a native of Pennsylvania. He was educated in Dayton, Ohio, and after receiving a certificate of graduation from the high school of that city, went to Muncie, Ind., and engaged in the manufacture of steam boilers. He worked at his trade in Muncie a little over two years and then went to the city of Fort Wayne, where he was similarly employed until 1874, in September of which year he came to Grand Rapids and engaged as foreman of the Adolph Leitelt Boiler works. For a little over three years Mr. Brobst filled the above position, and then became foreman of the Michigan Iron works, in which capacity he continued for a number of years, the meanwhile acquiring the reputation of being one of the best-posted men in the manufacture of iron in the state. In March, I885, Mr. Brobst associated himself with John Hines and established the boiler works at No. I Huron street, under the firm name of John Hines & Co. This firm did a prosperous business, and after an existence of five years the style was changed to Brobst & Hines, the business being conducted at the original location. On the death of Mr. Hines, which occurred in January, I892, Mr. Brobst became sole proprietor and has since continued the business with success and financial profit, removing the plant in June, 1895, to its present location on Canal street. The large marine boilers constructed by Mr. Brobst are found in nearly every large furniture factory of Grand Rapids, and have also been shipped to many manufacturing centres remote from this city. His works are fully equipped with the latest and most highly approved modern tools and appliances, and compressed air is used to operate much of the machinery to use for lifting, drilling, driving of rivets, etc., being the only plant at present to use compressed air in the city. This establishment is one of the leading industries of Grand Rapids, doing a large local and still larger general business, 82 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS - -... and the proprietor is justly ranked among the successful manufacturers of the city. Mr. Brobst is a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity, belonging to lodge No. 12, also of Canton Pierce, No. 24. His name is found on the records of Kent camp, Modern Woodmen of America, and Daisy lodge, No. 48, B. P. O. E. Mr. Brobst's father, Michael A. Brobst, by trade a hatter, was born of German parentage, in December, I814, in the city of Reading, Pa., moved to Ohio in I839, died in Grand Rapids, Mich., and was buried at Dayton, Ohio. The subject's mother died in Grand Rapids on the 4th day of May, I898, at the ripe old age of seventy-eight. HOLMES BROWN, M. D., lately of Grand Rapids, with his office in room No. I1, Porter block, but now of Newaygo, Mich.,is a native of Dansville, Livingston county, N. Y., was born August 25, I866, and is the only child of Lucius and Susan (Cole) Brown, both natives of the Empire state. Lucius Brown was of English and Scotch extraction, while his wife was of German descent. He passed his life in mercantile pursuits and died in New York at the age of fiftyone years, his widow having since made her home with the doctor, her son, who is giving her every filial attention in her declining years. Dr. F. Holmes Brown graduated from the high school of his native city at the age of nineteen years and then began his professional studies in the office of Dr. F. M. Perine, of Dansville, under whose able instruction he applied himself to the acquirement of the rudiments of medical science for two years, and then entered university of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He graduated from the medical department of this famous university in I890, and for the following four years, or longer, practiced his profession in that city. He next passed a year in Philadelphia and New York as a specialist, and then removed to Grand Rapids, Mich., where he met with phenomenal success in the treatment of diseases of the skin and of rectal disorders. He keeps well abreast of the progress of his science, and is a member of the Michigan State Medical society, the Grand. Rapids Academy of Medicine, and the American Medical association; he was an attendant physician at Butterworth hospital, also is a lecturer inthe school for nurses in that institution, and likewise at the Michigan Soldiers' homethese positions showing that his abilities, outside of his specialties, are highly appreciated. The marriage of Dr. Brown took place at his old home in the Empire state September 20, 1892, the lady of his choice being Miss Leola Schwingle, a native of Dansville and a graduate of its high school. This union has been blessed with one son, Emmett, now nearly two years of age. Fraternally,the doctor is a Knight of Pythias, and his religious affiliations are with the English Lutheran church, and socially he and wife'move in the best circles of Newaygo, to which place he has recently removed. B ON. NORRIS J. BROWN, one of the most able lawyers of Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of the state of New York and was born in Granby, Oswego county, April 21, I852, a son of Erastus and Jane E. (Miller) Brown, who were natives of the same state, married in the same county, and became the parents of three children, viz.: Emma, wife of Jason Hicks, a mechanic of AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 88 Belding, Mich.; Norris J., whose name opens this paragraph, and Ida, wife of William Langs, a farmer of Kalamazoo county, Mich. Erastus Brown. a farmer by vocation, came from New York to Michigan in 1855 and followed his calling in Branch county until I86o, when he removed to Ionia county, farmed until I887, and finally settled in Montcalm county, where he still resides. Here his wife passed away February 21, I888, a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In 1896, Mr. Brown took for his second wife Mrs. Belle Grasely, the marriage taking place in Montcalm county. In religion, Mr. Brown is a Methodist; in politics, he is a prohibitionist. He is a gentleman of good habits, is of medium stature, is full of vitality, is an indefatigable worker, and is possessed of a comfortable competency. Norris J. Brown attended the district school until fourteen years old, and then was advanced to the high school at Portland, Ionia county, from which he was graduated in the classical course of 187I. At the age of sixteen, however, he had begun teaching school in Ionia county, where he taught five years, and then one year in Montcalm county. In the meantime he had undertaken the study of the law in the office of Hon. A. Williams, in Ionia, and by this and supplemental private study was qualified for admission to the Ionia county bar in 1873. He began practice in Montcalm county in 1875 and met with unusual success. As a republican, Mr. Brown has been and still is very popular. For four years he was circuit court commissioner of Montcalm county, and four years prosecuting attorney. In I889 he was elected to the state legislature by 441 majority, whereas his predecessor had received a majority of I, and he was a democrat at that. Mr. Brown was very active and efficient while in the house, was the author of several important bills, was a member of the judiciary com4 mittee and chairman of the committee on railroads, and was characterized as the Ibighearted member from Montcalm." In 1890 Mr. Brown removed to Muskegon, where he.again met with flattering success as a lawyer, and for one year was city attorney. In January, 1897, he came from Muskegon to Grand Rapids, and he now commands a leading share of the litigable business of the city. Mr. Brown was united in marriage, in Montcalm county, December 21, 1876, to Miss Anna B. Pitcher, who was born in the Empire state in 1852, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Pitcher, whose parents were pioneers of Michigan. This marriage has been blessed with two children, viz.: Lula M., born December I, 1879, and Wells B,, born February 4, I883. The family attend the Congregational church, and fraternally, Mr. Brown is a member of Grand River lodge, No. 34, F. & A. M., of the Knights of Pythias lodge, and of the Knights of Maccabees. Professionally, he is an allaround attorney and stands very high in the esteem of his contemporaries. While prosecuting attorney, as noted above, he conducted seven murder trials in one year and managed over I,000 criminal cases within four years —a task herculean in itself. The residence of Mr. Brown and family is at No. 34 Eighth avenue, and is the seat of a genial hospitality, where his few leisure hours are passed in the society of his many warm friends. [LLIAM B. BROWN, attorney at law of Grand Rapids, was born in i Cascade township, Kent county, Mich., July I, I865, a son of Hugh B. and Harriet (Lewis) Brown, the former of whom is a native of Scotland and the 84 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS -- latter of London, England, but whose marriage took place in Kent county, Mich. William B. Brown attended a district school until he was sixteen years of age, and then took a six-months' course at the Northern Indiana Normal school at Valparaiso. In I882 he began teaching in his home district, although but seventeen years old, and in 1884 returned to Valparaiso, Ind., for six months, after which he resumed teaching in Kent county, and followed the vocation until the spring of 1889, when he entered Olivet college, took a scientific course, and graduated in 1892 as advanced junior, closing up the senior class studies from 1892 to I893. For a short time he traveled for the Franklin Educational company of Chicago, and then came to Grand Rapids, entered the law office of Alfred Wolcott, who was then prosecuting attorney for the county, studied assiduously, and was admitted to the bar May 8, I895. He remained in Mr. Wolcott's office until the expiration of the latter's second term as prosecuting attorney, in January, 1897. In the fall of 1896, Mr. Brown was elected circuit court commissioner, taking his seat in January, 1897, giving such general satisfaction in the discharge of his duties that he was re-elected in the fall of I898. October 30, I895, William B. Brown married Miss Mattie Patterson, a native of Kent county, Mich., and a daughter of Frank and Laura (Stow) Patterson, and this felicitous union has been blessed with one child-William Kenneth-born May 22, 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Brown attend the Christian church, of which Mrs. Brown is a member, and in politics Mr. Brown is a republican. Fraternally, Mr. Brown is a member of R.'C. Hathaway lodge, No. 387, F. & A. M.; Columbian chapter, No. 132, R. A. M.; Eureka lodge, No. 2, Knights of Pythias; Kent camp, Modern Woodmen, and Kabba temple, No. 69, Knights of Khorassan (dramatic order). Socially Mr. and Mrs. Brown mingle with the best circles in Grand Rapids, by whom they are held in the highest esteem. RNEST LABON BULLEN, clerk of justices' courts at Grand Rapids and a well-known attorney at law, was born in Ingham county, Mich., March io, I868, a son of James T. and Eliza J. (Hulse) Bullen. Mrs. Eliza J. Bullen was called away in I890, but her husband still has his home in Ingham county and is engaged in the manufacture of brick, tile and lumber, and is, moreover, a gentleman of great prominence in the community, being possessed of ample means and now serving as supervisor of his township. Ernest L. Bullen graduated from the high school at Mason, the county-seat of Ingham, and in I885 entered the Agricultural college at Lansing, where he passed two and a half vears. For four years he taught school in Ingham county, in the meanwhile studying law, and for one year confined himself exclusively to this study prior to his admission to the Kent county bar, July 20, I895, and in I896 graduated from the law department of the Michigan university. From June, 1896, until the spring of 1897 he was engaged in active practice in Grand Rapids, and was then elected to. his present office, which he has very ably filled and in which he has established for himself an excellent reputation as a conscientious and careful, painstaking official. Mr. Bullen was married in Grand Rapids, August 17, 1892, to Miss Rena B. Van Wert, who was born in Ingham county, February 17, AND KENT COUNTY, UP 'TO DATE. 85 I87o, a daughter of Thomas R. and Eliza J. (Dibble) Van Wert. Mr. and Mrs. Bullen have their pleasant home at No. 23 Woodlawn avenue, and their religious duties are paid at the Immanuel Presbyterian church, in which Mr. Bullen is treasurer of the church society. In politics Mr. Bullen is a sound democrat and has served as treasurer of Aurelius township, Ingham county, and for four years was postmaster of North Aurelius, under Postmastergeneral \Vannamaker. He and his wife are great favorites in the social circles of Grand Rapids, and both are greatly esteemed for their many excellent personal traits of character. Upon the expiration of his term of office as clerk of justice's courts, he was appointed law clerk to the city attorney's office, under L. K. Salsbury. LUDGE EDWIN A. BURLINGAME as he is now universally known in Grand Rapids, and throughout Michgan, was born in Sterling township, \Vindhani county, Conn., in the year 1832. The farm on which the future judge did the ordinary work of a farmer's boy until reaching the age of fourteen is located near the Rhode Island border, and Providence, R. I., was the first large city visited by young Burlingame. His education during this period was obtained from the traditional "'little red school house" of New England, in the intervals of farm work. The next four years of his life were spent in the cotton mills of his native town, where he proved himself so efficient an operator that he rose to the position of foreman. Seeking a wider field, he completed a course of studies in the New York Central college. Until I855 he taught schools in central New York, removing in that year to Madison, Wis., as the representative of an eastern publishing house, afterwards representing the same firm at Ann Arbor, Mich., and Janesville, Wis. It was in the latter city that he became associated with the law firm of Bennett, Cassody & Gibbs, and it was on the recommendation and solicitation of Mr. Cassody, subsequently chief justice of the supreme court of Wisconsin, that the young man began his legal studies with that firm. He did not complete his legal course at once, however, being engaged in newspaper work for some years, first with the Ohio State Journal, afterwards with the News and Advertiser of Ann Arbor, and several other papers. On the 22nd of April, 1857, he married Sarah A. Snell, daughter of Anson Snell, a prominent farmer at Plymouth, Mich. They have two daughters living, who are married and now reside near the home of their parents at Grand Rapids. In I863, he located in Kent county, purchasing the farm just south of the city which he still owns, and, again turning his attention to legal studies, entered the law department of the university of Michigan, and, having graduated with the class of I869, commenced the practice of law in Grand Rapids, Mich. Before his election to the bench of the superior court in I887, he was twice elected prosecuting attorney of Kent county. He made an enviable record as prosecutor, but it is his record during two terms, or twelve years, as judge of the superior court, of which all good citizens of Grand Rapids are more justly proud. The business of the superior court is largely criminal, and the name of Judge Burlingame, during his incumbency of the office, became truly "a terror to evil doers." It has been reliably estimated that the state's prison sentences imposed upon criminals by Judge Burlingame amount to more than 1,200 years; and the 86 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS amount of fines collected from evil doers, as a matter of record, amounted to the sum of $20,ooo. With all his firmness and decisiveness in dealing with hardened criminals, many a young man has traced his reformation to the wisdom and good counsel given him by the judge and the leniency accorded his first error. A democrat and greenbacker since the early greenback days, he has never been guided by political sentiments in his official or private life, and many of his warmest personal friends have been of an opposite political faith. It is these qualities, with his cool, unimpassioned judgment, which have made the judge's career as an attorney even more successful than upon the bench. Upon retiring from the bench in May, I899, Judge Burlingame formed a law partnership with William P. Belden, his sonin-law, with whom he has since been associated. f E\VIS F. BURTON, prominent as a dairyman of Cascade township, Kent county, was the first white boy born in the city of Grand Rapids, his nativity occurring on October 5, I834. His parents, Josiah and Elizabeth (Freeman) Burton, had come into Michigan some years before, had operated a grocery store at Detroit, later had been unsuccessful in business at Ypsilanti, and in the year 1832 or I833 came on farther west, settling in the city of Grand Rapids, where, on South Division street, he bought a tract of land, and for some time was engaged at speculating in real estate. Later he erected a saw-mill on Plaster creek, became engaged in the lumber business, later built two more mills, and for' sixteen years was connected with such industry, being locat ed in Alpine township. He then moved to the city and speculated for the next ten years. His later days were spent with his son, Lewis F. Burton, with whom he died at the age of seventy-eight years. Lewis F. Burton became the main support of the family at sixteen years of age, being the only male in the family of a mother, brother and sister. They lived in the city, where the son was engaged in teaming. In his nineteenth year he made a trip to California overland, where he spent three years herding stock and farming, thence returning with about $400 to the city of Grand Rapids, where he became a molder in the foundry, being employed as such until the year I86i. At this date he enlisted in the Michigan Engineers and Mechanics corps, served three years with his company, and was honorably discharged. At the termination of his army career, he again began in the foundry, worked for six years in the west part of the city, and then bought a i6o-acre tract of wild land, going $r,ooo in debt. In June, I87I, he went about to improve the estate; he has seventy or eighty acres in a good state of cultivation, and is at present engaged extensively in the dairying industry, keeping about twenty-five cows and operating a machine for the separation of cream. He now resides in and has been a resident of Grand Rapids for years since his acquisition of the estate, but attends personally to his business. In politics he is independent, having been formerly a republican, but at the last campaign was an endorser of the Bryan policy, and the Chicago platform. Mr. Burton was united in marriage, at the age of twenty-five, to Miss Jane Clark, a daughter of Daniel Clark, and had a family of four children, viz: Emily, who was the wife of Martin Gilbertson, and died at the age of thirty-four; Lois, the widow of James Jacques, AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 87 M. D.; and Arthur, operator of a creamery in Ada, in which Lewis F. has an interest. Mr. Burton's estate lies two miles southeast of Ada, on the D. & M. railroad, extends along the south bank of Grand river upwards of half a mile, and consists of rich meadows and fine upland pasturage. One of the finest flowing springs along Grand river sends forth, near the house, a stream of considerable volume of ice-cold water of crystal clearness. -ANSOM BUTTON, D. D. S., one of the oldest and most experienced dentists of Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of Rensselaer county, N. Y., was born February 24, I820, and is a son of Ransom and Maria Button, both born in the Empire state. They were the parents of ten children, of whom five only are now living, viz: Anthony, Ransom, Isaac, Jacob and Lucy. Of these Jacob is a resident of Shepardsville, Clinton county, Mich., and Lucy is now Mrs. Groesbeck, of Genesee county, this state; Anthony and Isaac still make their home in Rensselaer county, N. Y. The father was a farmer and passed all his life in his native county of Rensselaer, and died at the age of sixty years, where the mother also died at about the same age. Ransom Button, the subject of this sketch, received a good common-school education in his native county, and in I850 began the study of dentistry in Troy, N. Y., and the following year was so well prepared that he commenced the practice of his profession in his home neighborhood. He then entered upon an itinerancy, and operated in Stillwater, Saratoga county, N. Y., Saratoga Springs, Glenn's Falls, Hoosic Falls, all in the same state, and in Manchester, Vt. From the last-named place he came to Grand Rapids, Mich., in I869, and for twentyfive years did a lucrative business on Canal street, and for the past four years has occupied his present office on West Bridge street, thus having been in the active practice in the Valley city for thirty consecutive years. Dr. Button was joined in matrimony, in Grand Rapids, in I873, to Mrs. Jane Watson, a native of England, who came to America in childhood, but to this union no children have been born. They have their cozy and comfortable home at No. 63 Fourth street, in which the spirit of piety ever reigns. The doctor was made a Mason at Hoosick Falls, N. Y., early in the 'sixties, and is now in good standing in the Blue lodge in Grand Rapids. In politics he is a republican, and has always been an ardent advocate of the principles of his party, but has never sought public office. For fifty-eight years he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is devoted to its interests. He is always most happy in the society of religious people, and in taking an active part in church services. His pew is never vacant on Sunday or on any occasion when religious services are held during the week, if he be able to attend, and he is equally ardent in Sunday-school work. Although past the "three-score and ten' allotted to man, he is still in the enjoyment of good health, and in full possession of all his mental faculties, and during his long residence in Grand Rapids has made friends after friends, but has never made one enemy. B 1 RED B. BANKS, musician and director of the Grand Opera orchestra, was born in the city of Grand Rapids on the 24th day of August, 1871. He received his educational training in the city t 88 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS schools, and, graduating from the high school, entered upon a course of instruction in violin music under Prof. Lawson, one of the talented violinists of Grand Rapids. He remained with that gentleman one year and then became a student of Prof. Wilbur Force, under whose careful instruction he continued for six years, making rapid progress in both theory and practice during that period, and a part of the time playing in the Grand Opera orchestra. Upon the retirement of Prof. Force, in I896, Mr. Banks became leader of the orchestra, a position for which his talents well fitted him to fill, and which he has since retained to the satisfaction of every member of that superb organization. During the last three seasons Mr. Banks has played first horn in the Wurzburg band at the Pavilion, Reed's Lake, a popular summer resort under the management of the Consolidated Street Railway company of Grand Rapids. On several occasions during the last few years he has appeared in the Schubert club of this city in their concerts, playing the viola, and he has also been importuned at different times to join traveling troupes touring the country, all of which he saw fit to decline. Mr. Banks comes of a musical family, his father, William H. Banks, being a musician of note, as are all members of his family. In 1891 William H. Banks organized a band composed entirely of members of his own family, and played the season at Harbor Point, a wellknown summer resort on Little Traverse bay, Lake Michigan. In the band the father played the cornet, his wife, Mrs. Inez Banks, the tuba; Jean M., Norman M. and Alice played the alto horns; Elizabeth, B flat cornet, Roy W. baritone, and William Hi. Banks, Jr., the drum. This organization, unique in its make-up, attracted.much attention, and, where it gave a concert, had large and appreciative audiences. While all are musicians of a high order, Fred B. is the one member of the family whose fame has brought him into the prominent notice of the leading musical men and women of the state. As a citizen Mr. Banks is also popular, occupying a prominent place in the social as well as the musical world. He was married November 5, I895, at Paw Paw, Mich., to Miss Frances E. Thomas, the accomplished dauhgter of Frank C. Thomas, Esq., of that place. HARLES PHILO CALKINS, one of the pioneer attorneys of Kent county, Mich., was born January 24. 1803, at Hinesburgh, Chittenden county, Vt. His father, Charles, and his mother, Eliza (Farrand) Calkins, were both natives of Connecticut, he being a contractor and builder. Charles P. Calkins was the third of a family of four children. He had two brothersNathaniel, the eldest, who came west with his father, and another who died in infancy. He had one sister, who married Schuyler Fabrique, and settled in south Indiana, where she died in 1833. Charles P. Calkins and his father settled first at Kalamazoo, where the former studied law while the father followed his trade. In the fall of 1834 Charles P. went to Ann Arbor to complete his law studies, and was admitted to the bar in 1836. The following spring he came to Grand Rapids and formed a law partnership with Benjamin G. Bridge, which continued until the summer of 1839, the firm being dissolved by the death of Mr. Bridge. Continuing the practice of his profession, he formed a partnership in 1853 with John T. Holmes, who had formerily been a student in his office. This arrangement lasted AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 89 about three years and was dissolved by the election of Mr. Holmes to the office of justice of the peace. Mr. Calkins continued to practice his profession until his retirement from business in i88o. During his business life Mr. Calkins devoted his whole time to the practice of law, and, while not seeking public office in any way, was, in I845, elected justice of the peace, and during the years I848-9 served as master of chancery, and injunction master of the circuit court. He also, at one time, held office as city recorder. On December 23, I839, Mr. Calkins married Miss Mary A. Hinsdale, the daughter of Hiram and Roxalany (Walbridge) Hinsdale. Four sons and three daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Calkins are now living-Charles W.; Clara L., wife of Col. Joseph C. Herkner; Anna R.; William H., and George J., all of this city, and Cora, wife of.J. W. Thompson, of Detroit, and Henry W., of Omaha, Neb. The death of Mr. Calkins occurred on the 2d of September, I890, he having been a widower since the death of Mrs. Calkins on the 30th of October, 1882. HARLES WALBRIDGE CALKINS, a well-known member of the bar of Grand Rapids and a native son of Kent county, Mich., was born on the I9th day of June, I842; his father is Charles P. Calkins, of whom an appropriate mention will be found elsewhere in these pages. Charles Walbridge Calkins was educated in Grand Rapids, and just before the time for graduating, in I86i, left school to take up arms in defense of the national Union, enlisting September of that year in company B, First Michigan engineers, under Col. William P. Innes. IIe immediately accompanied his command to the front,saw much hard service in the Kentucky,Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia campaigns, and participated in many of the bloody battles in which the armies of Tennessee and Cumberland took part. He entered the army as a private, and by successive promotions reached the rank of sergeantmajor of the regiment, and also served as second lieutenant, first lieutenant, and, at the time of his discharge, which took place at Atlanta, in November, 1864, was holding the office of regimental-adjutant. On severing his connection with the army, Mr. Calkins located at Nashville, Tenn., where for a period of three years he was connected with the Nashville & Chattanooga R.R. At the end of that time he returned north, and during the succeeding three years was also engaged in railroad work, with headquarters at Kalamazoo, Mich. In I872 he abandoned railroading and engaged in the retail grocery business at Grand Rapids, in partnership with his brothers, and continued thus for a period of four years, studying law during his leisure hours. He prosecuted his legal studies for some time under the instruction of his father, and also read under the direction of William J. Stuart, and H. E. Thompson, being admitted to the bar in i88o. In addition to general practice he is also largely interested in the real-estate, loan and insurance business, his success in these lines being of a most satisfactory nature. Mr. Calkins was married in Nashville, Tenn., to Mary L. Scovel, who was born in that city December 7, I848, a daughter of H. G. and Mary (Wait) Scovel. To this union have been born three children, Anna M., Effie L. and Charlotte WV. Mr. Calkins and family are members of St. Mark's Episcopal church, of which parish he has for seven years served 90 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS as vestryman. Politically he is a democrat, and as such was elected to represent his ward in the city council, of which body he was an active member for two years. He has also served four years as a member of the board of education, for eleven years on the board of health, and for a period of six years was secretary of the Masonic home of Grand Rapids. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Grand River lodge, No. 34, in the deliberations of which he has taken an active part. He served in the Michigan state militia for a period of seventeen years, and retired therefrom with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and chief of brigade staff under Gen. I. C. Smith. The family residence of Mr. Calkins is at No. I169 North Lafayette street, where the doors are ever open to their many friends. m AJ. ALEXANDER MACKENZIE 1 CAMPBELL, a distinguished physiW Ay cian and surgeon of Grand Rapids, widely and favorably known professionally throughout western Michigan, descends from a long line of sturdy Scottish ancestors. His father, A. D. Campbell, a strong type of this nationality, is a native of Scotland and a lineal descendant of the historic clan Campbell, which figured prominently in the early wars and internal dissensions of the highlands. The elder Campbell, who was brought to Canada in childhood, followed agricultural pursuits, until advancing age compelled his retirement from active life, and he is now spending his declining years near the city of St. Thomas, Ontario. His wife, who also bore the name of Campbell, but not related by consanguinity to her husband, bore him seven children, whose names are as follows: Dr. James D., of Grand Rapids; John P., a railroad man with headquarters at Spokane, Wash.; S. A., on the Culloden farm, the name by which the old family homestead in Canada is known; two married daughters live in Canada; one in Cripple Creek, Colo., also married, and Dr. Alexander M.,the subject proper of this biography. Alexander M. Campbell early graduated from the high school at St. Thomas, and then matriculated at the Toronto university, from which he graduated in the classics; he was professionally prepared by two years' study at the Western university, and was graduated from the Detroit (Mich.) College of Medicine in 1896. Immediately after graduation he was appointed house surgeon of the Children's Free hospital at Detroit, and was then tendered a similar position at the Union Benevolent Association hospital in Grand Rapids, and this offer brought him to the latter city. Having thus had two years' active hospital. practice, Dr. Campbell, at the breaking out of the Spanish-American war, offered his services to the governor of the state of Michigan as a volunteer, and was appointed surgeon in charge of the brigade hospital at Camp Eaton, and subsequently was commissioned, by Gov. Pingree, major-surgeon. After three months' service in this capacity, the war drawing to a close in the meantime, he returned to Grand Rapids, where his steady rise in the profession has placed him in the front rank of the city's most successful young medical men. Dr. Campbell is a member of the college of Physicians & Surgeons, of Toronto, Canada, and his name appears upon the charter of the Grand Rapids Medical college, in which institution for two years he filled the chair of bacteriology, but resigned this in August, 1899, his researches in that department of the profession having won him prominent recognition. He was appointed the first city bacteriologist of Grand Rapids, which position he now holds. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 91 Additional to the above, the doctor is also an honorary member of the Medical society of Detroit, and an active member of the Grand Rapids Academy of Medicine, and his contributions to the professional press have been frequent and profound. As a writer he is lucid and terse, a master of vigorous English, and by reason of profundity of thought and thorough knowledge of subjects investigated, a number of his treatises have been accepted by the profession. Since his majority he has been identified with the Masonic fraternity, in addition to which he is at this time a member of the Military and Country clubs. In politics he has ever taken an active interest, but not more than any good citizen ought to manifest, and the republican party finds in him a zealous supporter. As already stated, his professional successes have been rapid, and it is now conceded that his practice is second to that of no young physician in the city. This has been brought about by close application and constant study. Not only does he enjoy the reputation among his many patients of being a skillful and painstaking physician, but the fraternity recognize in him an able counselor and a gentleman of high culture and attainments. June 20, I899, Dr. Campbell was appointed acting assistant surgeon in the United States army, and in that capacity is examining surgeon for all recruits for enlistment in the United States regular and volunteer service from Grand Rapids. He is also attending physician at the Children's hospital, and bacteriologist to the U. B. A. hospital. As a citizen, Dr. Campbell has been successful in gaining the confidence and esteem of all who know him by an earnest, upright and manly life. He is a gentleman of prepossessing appearance and dignified bearing; unostentatious in demeanor, yet affable and pleasing in his intercourse with his fellowman, and popular with all with whom he comes in contact. While he is yet a young man, his niany friends predict for him a long life full of usefulness to humanity and great prosperity for himself. AMES DUNCAN CAMPBELL, M. D., at No. 218 Plainfield avenue, Grand Rapids, and with his residence at No. I II, was born in Ontario, Canada, February 23, I865, a son of A. D. and Annabelle Campbell, whose genealogy will be found in the sketch of Maj. Alexander Mackenzie Campbell on another page. Dr. James D. Campbell graduated from the high school of St. Thomas, Canada, received his professional education at the Detroit (Mich.) College of Medicine, and graduated in 1896, in the same class with his younger brother, Alexander M., alluded to above. For eighteen months after graduation, Dr. James D. Campbell practiced at Pentwater, Mich., and in October, I897, came to Grand Rapids, and here he has ever since been in the active practice of his profession at the address already mentioned. He is also a graduate of the Scientific & Literary association of Detroit, his studies in that institution having greatly added.to his mental training, and enlarged his intellectual grasp upon even the technicalities of his profession. Dr. Campbell was united in marriage at Strathroy, Ontario, October 6, 1896, with Miss Margaret Bradshaw, a native of the town named, and a graduate of its high school. Dr. Campbell has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since I889, and has served one year as worshipful master of Prince of 92 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Wales lodge, No. I71. He is also a member of the Maccabees order, the M. W. of A., the Knights & Ladies of Security, the New Era, and he and wife are members of the 0. E. S. The doctor is examining physician for the M. W. of A., the K. & L. of Security and the New Era branch board, No. II. In politics he is a republican, and in religion he is a Baptist, to which denomination his wife also belongs. The doctor has secured a very satisfactory share of practice since his year's residence in Grand Rapids, and the social standing of himself and wife is all that could be desired. OL. EDWARD CAROLAN, chief engineer of the Michigan State Soldiers' Home, was born in county Mayo, Ireland, May 23, IS46, a son of James and Bridget Carolan. When the colonel was a child of three years his parents took him to England, where he was left with relatives for two years, while the parents came to America to seek a home. They located in Washington county, N. Y., gathered their family together, and engaged in farming for five years, and in 1856 came to Grand Rapids, Mich., and immediately afterward purchased a farm in Byron township, Kent county, not very far from this city. On this farm the boyhood years of young Edward were passed at work suited to his age, and there, also, he attended the district school, and subsequently entered the Grand Rapids schools, where his elementary education was completed. The parents subsequently removed to Big Rapids, where the mother died at about the age of sixty years, when the father went to live with a daughter at Cadillac, where he passed the remainder of his life. Edward Carolan began life for himself by sailing lake Michigan, and was thus employed until the Civil war broke out, when he enlisted in company B, Fourteenth Michigan volunteer infantry, and served four years in the western army. His first engagement was at Corinth, but he participated in all the principal campaigns in which his regiment took a part; He was at Tuscumbia, Ala., Nashville, Stone River and Columbia, Tenn., where the regiment was mounted and was on scouting duty through all middle Tennessee for eleven months. Mr. Carolan re-enlisted in January, 1864, was allowed a furlough home, and after rejoining his old brigade, started on the Atlanta campaign, dismounted, and took part in every engagement until the fall of that southern stronghold. The regiment was engaged at Kenesaw Mountain, and rejoined the army in time to participate in the battle of Jonesboro, Ga. They then started on the march to the sea, and Mr. Carolan was captured at Louisville, Ga., and imprisoned at Florence, S. C., for five months, when he was released on parole and finally discharged under a general order. The colonel reached home in April, 1865, but was not mustered out until August following. Settling down to the pursuits of peace, the colonel purchased a few teams and engaged in general hauling in Grand Rapids, but after a year or two sold out and went to Altoona, Pa., and became an apprentice to an uncle, to learn the machinist's trade. Two years later he returned to Michigan and shipped on the revenue cutter William P. Pleasanton on lake Michigan, served one year, and the next year served on board the Hayes, a lighthouse supply boat. After this he engaged in stationary engineering ashore, chiefly in saw-mills in Michigan, at various points in the state. After several years passed in this work, failing health compelled his retirement. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 93 After about four years' rest comparatively as manager of Grand Army park on Chippewa lake, he returned to engineering, and was employed at the Star Flouring mills in Grand Rapids until I891, when he was appointed by the state to his present position at the Home, where he has the superintendence of all the machinery and repair work, at a good salary. Col. Carolan was married in Grand Rapids, in I869, to Miss Mary Ann Cummings, who was born five miles west of the city, in Walker township, of Irish parentage. Four children have blessed this union, of whom William, a married man, is an engineer in a flouring-mill in Minnesota; Thomas, also married, is engaged in the steam-fitting business in Grand Ripids, and Nellie and Minnie are still at home. The family are devoted members of the Catholic church, and in politics the colonel is independent. The colonel is a member of the John A. Logan post, No. I, G. A. R., of which he is past post commander, and is the present senior vice-commander; he is also a member of Daisy lodge, No. 46, B. P. O. E. He is a member of the William P. Innis command, Union Veteran Union. The colonel was a brave and faithful soldier, who was never absent from his post of duty, and as civilian has been equally as faithful and useful. The title of colonel is given the subject by the position he holds at the Soldiers' home, by the state. AWRENCE EDWARD CARROLL, attorney and counselor at law, was born in Lamont county, Mich., August 15, I852. His father, Richard Carroll, was a native of county Louth, Ire land, and the mother, whose maiden name was Mary O'Brien, was also a native of the Emerald isle, born in county Westmeath. These parents were married in the old country and lived there until 1832, at which time they immigrated to the United States, locating in Kent county, Mich. Richard Carroll was by trade a blacksmith. He followed that vocation both in his native isle and after coming to Michigan, but in his later years gave some attention to agricultural pursuits. He reared a large family —twelve in all-of whom the subject of this review was the ninth in order of birth. Lawrence Edward Carroll remained with his parents until sixteen years old, at which early age he began working for himself, receiving as his only remuneration, for quite a while, the clothes he wore, and the food which kept him alive. Endowed by nature with strong mental powers, young Carroll devoted all his leisure moments to study, and during winter seasons attended the public schools, in which he made unusual progress. When seventeen years of age he obtained a teacher's license, and for seven successive years taught school in the county of Ottawa, reading law in the meantime, as opportunity would admit. By careful husbanding his savings he was enabled to enter the law office of Hughes, O'Brien & Smiley, in Grand Rapids, where he pursued his legal studies for some time, resorting to teaching in the winter in order to defray his expenses. In I87I he became a student in the office of Norris & Blair, and such was his progress that one year later he was formally admitted to the bar of Kent county and at once entered upon the active practice of his profession in the town of Whitehall, Muskegon county. He remained at that place for a limited period, devoting a part of his time to teaching, and then for a short time was again in the office of Norris & '94 Blair, Grand Rapids. LeI Mr. Carroll held a clerical F law firm of Taylor & Eddy which time till I88o he did in the courts of Kent county municipal courts. In the lai appointed assistant city atto Ransom, and later served in ity under W. W. Taylor, his cess in the position bringing vorable notice of his profE.and the public. For one y( deputy prosecuting attorney with S. D. Clay; retiring the: an office of his own, and, w of two years in partnership v has since practiced by himse Mr. Carroll is pre-emine man, and as such stands higt of his friends and fellow-c Rapids and Kent county. Ir life he is recognized as pos sense of truth and justice, a endeavored to shape his li these principles. As a lawy( easily grasps the situation i and by this method, system mands the respect of the cou sional associates. He is a s eloquent advocate, and is di profession for an untiring inc his clients and a laudable a His conduct toward opposing for courtesy and fairness, ne\ zeal to induce him to seek su table practices. He enjoys ness in the courts of Kent cc quently been retained as cob litigation elsewhere. Mr. Carroll was married troit, January 29, 1879, to M a native of New York-a ui THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS aving this office, Mr. Carroll is one of the leaders of democracy position with the in Kent county, having served at different times until 1877, from as chairman of the county and city central a general practice committees. Fraternally he belongs to lodge and Grand Rapids No. 48, B. P. 0. E., of which he was exalted tter year he was ruler in I890, and has also been esteemed rney under J. V. leading knight and esteemed lecturing knight. the same capacenergy and suchim into the faessional brethren ear he served as of Kent county LBERT A. CARROLL, clerk of police refrom he opened court, city of Grand Rapids, Mich., ith the exception is a native of Iowa, was born near the vith D. E. Burns, city of Des Moines, Polk county, FebIf. ruary 28, 186I, and is a son of William and ently a self-made Ann (Bly) Carroll, the former a native of Cani in the estimation ada and the latter of Ireland. itizens of Grand Albert A.,Carroll, at the age of eleven i every relation of years, came to Grand Rapids with his brother ssessing a strong William, was educated in the public schools.nd he has always of this city, and began his wage-earning life as ife according to as porter in his brother's hotel. His next emer he is well read, ployment was as turnkey in the Kent county n intricate cases, jail, where he remained over three years, and and fairness, com- was then elected (from that position) to his rt and his profes- present office in April, 1896, and is now servsafe counselor, an ing his second term. In this capacity he has stinguished in his full charge of all the accounts, books and lustry in behalf of records of the police court, and that he has ambition to excel. well performed his duties is evidenced by his g counsel is noted election to the office a second time. rer permitting his The marriage of Mr. Carroll took place ccess by disrepu- October 21, I896, when Miss Belle Munshaw a lucrative busi- became his bride. This lady was born in Can)unty and has fre- ada, and is a daughter of the late Lambert insel in important Munshaw, who died about twenty-five years ago on his farm in Kent county, just south of in the city of De- Grand Rapids. The union of Mr. and Mrs. [iss Ella M. Page, Carroll has been blessed with one child, Eliznion blessed with abeth Annella, who has reached the ninth three children: Fred L., Leo P. and Veda B. month of her infant life. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 95 Mr. Carroll is a member of several fraternal and beneficial societies, including the F. & A. M., the K. of P., the I. O. F., and the M. W. of A., and socially he and wife enjoy the respect of a large circle of warm-hearted friends. In politics Mr. Carroll is a stanch republican, and is a zealous worker in the ranks of his party. B HOMAS F. CARROLL, attorney at law and ex-postmaster of Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of Monroe county, N. Y., and was born November 24, 1854. He is a son of James and Mary (Kennedy) Carroll, natives of county Meath, Ireland, being descended paternally from the famous Carroll family of Maryland, immortalized by Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, at the signing of the declaration of American independence. The parents of Thomas F. Carroll immigrated to America in 1845 and located in New York state, but, shortly after the birth of the subject of this sketch, they came to Michigan and settled in Van Buren county. While still young, Thomas F. Carroll evinced a fondness for literature, and took advantage of every opportunity for acquiring a thorough'education. At the early age of sixteen years he began teaching school, which,vocation he pursued for six years, reading law in the meantime, and in 1877 located in Grand Rapids, where he completed his preliminary studies with the wellknown law firm of Hughes, O'Brien & Smiley. He was admitted to the bar October 14, 1878, and in I88o entered into a law partnership with the late Hon. Isaac M. Turner, which continued up to the time of that gentleman's death in I895. The firm at that time had the distinction of being the oldest legal partner ship in Grand Rapids without change of membership, and it is safe to state that no other enjoyed a more extensive or honorable reputation throughout Kent and other counties of west Michigan. Upon the death of Mr. Turner, the firm was reorganized by the admission thereto of Joseph Kirwin, long the office manager, under the original partnership, since which time, out of respect to the memory of the senior member, the firm has been known as Carroll, Turner & Kirwin. As already stated, this firm has always done a large and lucrative business,, and while making a specialty of practice of a civil nature, the different members have at intervals been retained as counsel in some of the most important criminal cases which have appeared for a number of years on the dockets of the court of Kent county. From I883 to I886 Mr. Carroll served as assistant prosecutor of Kent county, and on the 9th day of March, 1894, was appointed, by President Cleveland, postmaster of Grand Rapids, his name having been unanimously suggested for the place by the party leaders as well as the rank and file of the party immediately after the national election of I893. His high character, superior business ability, energy and social qualities eminently fitted him for the position, and under his management the office kept pace with the rapid advancement of the city and was brought up to a high state of efficiency. Concerning this appointment, the Postal Record, of Washington, D. C., said: "Mr. Carroll is a democrat, a self-made man, and a typical American in the full sense of the term. Seldom if ever has a more thoroughly popular appointment been made for an important office in the state than that of Thomas F. Carroll for postmaster of Grand Rapids, not only from a political, but from a business standpoint." It is an assured fact that not a man or woman in this city but who has commended 96 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS President Cleveland's action in this matter, as thoughtful and wise, and upon the expiration of his term, when a change in the national administration took place, he turned over the office with the very best wishes of the public, irrespective of party affiliation. Although one of the ablest and most efficient workers for the principles of democracy, to which his long and valued services on city, county, congressional and state committees will amply testify, Mr. Carroll has never sought office. Although frequently mentioned and urged to accept the nomination for mayor and also for congress, he has invariably declined, preferring to work in the ranks of the party, and aid his friends in preference to accepting any honors for himself. One of the leading bankers had this to say: "I regard Mr. Carroll as one of the safe and conservative lawyers of our city. A man of broad learning, sound judgment, coupled with fine executive ability, as his record as a lawyer and business man has often demonstrated, and as has been practically shown in his official capacity as postmaster of our city, he reorganized and systematized the entire office, so that to-day we have beyond question the best-equipped and best-managed post-office in the country, and among all our people there is but one opinion about Mr. Carroll, and that is, he is a successful lawyer, and one in whom his large clientage has the utmost confidence. " Mr. Carroll possesses a vigorous personality and fine presence, his face bearing the stamp of refinement and culture in every lineatnent, and in any assemblage of distinguished men he would be instinctively pointed out as one characterized in a marked degree by energy, intelligence and steadfastness of purpose. As a lawyer he occupies a conspicuous place among the leading members of the bar, and his thorough knowledge of the underlying principles of jurisprudence, his close and crit ical study, his pleadings, celebrated for profundity, clearness and logical conclusions, and his power as an advocate mark him as the peer of any one who has ever practiced in the courts of Kent county. He always wins and holds the confidence of both court and clients by reason of his devotion to any case entrusted to him, and the efficiency and dispatch with which he executes every requirement seldom fails in finding him retained as counsel in many important cases on the docket. Before a jury Mr. Carroll has few if any equals at this time in a city noted for the high standing of its legal talent, and as an orator on legal, political and economic questions, his reputation has long been state wide. His style, to some degree ornate and truly eloquent, is at the same time concise and exhibits a great command of the English language, and his sentences, though often pointed with the keenest satire, are always linked together with perfect logic and seldom fail to please and convince. His wonderful power as a popular speaker and his magnietism in swaying audiences, make his services sought during political campaigns, and his eloquent pleas in behalf of his party have been heard on many platforms not only in his own state, throughout which he is widely and favorably known, but in other states when he has met on the hustings many of the most distinguished party leaders of the land. However active and persistent he may be in behalf of his party's interests, he has too much judgment to allow political convictions to be a barrier to personal friendships,, and as a result he is respected and even popular with the opposition, even in the midst of the most animated and hotly contested campaigns. In I890 Mr. Carroll was selected for the responsible position of secretary of the democratic state committee, which place he subsequently resigned to accept another on the state executive committee; the latter had charge of the v: AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 97 campaign which resulted in the election of a democratic governor and the entire legislative ticket in the year of I890. In I892 he was chairman of the executive committee which secured the election of Hon. George F. Richardson to congress from the Grand Rapids district, and at this time he is chairman of Kent county central committee, the duties of which he has discharged in a manner highly creditable to himself and satisfactory to the party. Besides attending to his multifarious legal and political duties, Mr. Carroll finds time to act as a director of the Fifth National bank of Grand Rapids, serves in a similar capacity on the city board of trade, while his hours of leisure are passed socially as a member of the Peninsula and Lakeside clubs. It is appropriate in this connection to refer to his great popularity with the foreign element of the city, erpecially the Poles, with whom he has long been on terms of the warmest friendship and look upon him as a wise counselor and trusted adviser. Upon the occasion of the recent national Polish Alliance of America in Grand Rapids, he was complimented by being chosen principal orator, and his address, masterly in every way, tended to increase the respect in which he has for so many years been held by this large and industrious class of people. His popularity with the labor element is on a par with that which he enjoys under the foreign element, and he is frequently called upon in every way, even financially, to aid it. As an example, in I897 he made the principal address to the Allied Labor union on Labor day celebration, and was again called upon for the same purpose in I898, and he is, moreover, constantly in demand at labor meetings for addresses on the economic questions of the day. Financially, Mr. Carroll has met with welldeserved success, having accumulated a comfortable competence of this world's goods, in cluding large and valuable landed properties in Kent and other counties of Michigan. He has been twice married, the first time on the I ith day of October, I880, to Ella M. Remington, eldest daughter of W. B. Remington of Grand Rapids. Mrs. Carroll died in January, 1882, and on the I9th day of August, I889, he was united to his present wife, whose maiden name was Julia Agnes Mead, only daughter of the late Maj. A. B. Watson. Mr. Carroll is the father of two children, Charles and Katherine. ARVEY JENNER CHADWICK, M. D., the eminent physician and surgeon, of No. 1002 Fifth avenue, Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Mount Etna, Huntington county, Ind., February I, 1857, and is a son of Dr. M. R. Chadwick. Dr. M. R. Chadwick was a native of Wales and a son of R. S. Chadwick, a recruiting officer in the British army. He came to America in early manhood, graduated from the Rush Medical college, Chicago, Ill., practiced medicine in Huntington county, Ind., and in Hart, Oceana county, Mich., fifteen years, and the last five years of his life were passed in practice at St. Andrew's Bay, Fla., where he died in 1893. To his marriage with Miss Caroline Goden, a native of Canton, Ohio, and now residing at St. Andrew's Bay, Fla., were born two sons and two daughters, of whom Ira V. is a prosperous physician in Florida; Julia B. is the wife of George Mathews, of Milwaukee, Wis., and Lottie is still under the maternal roof. In I866 the family removed from Indiana to Hart, Oceana county, Mich., where young Harvey J. finished his school studies, and at 98 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS the age of seventeen years began the study of medicine; entered the Rush Medical college at Chicago at nineteen, and graduated from the Detroit (Mich.) college of Medicine in I88I. He was elected by his classmates vice-president of the Michigan College Alumni association, was made a member of the Michigan State Medical society, and passed the examination of the Michigan state board of pharmacy; was a member of the board of pension examiners in Oceana county, served four years as health officer of the same county, also as president of the village of Hart, and as school inspector, etc. He is a member of the American Medical association and of the Grand Rapids Medical & Surgical society, of which he was secretary in 1898, was vice-president in I899, and has filled the chair of materia medida and therapeutics in the Grand Rapids Medical college. He is also a member of the visiting staff at the U. B. A. hospital. October I, 1885, Dr. Harvey J. Chadwick married at Rochelle, Ill., Miss Laura Estella Teeple, who was born in Bath, N. Y., but was educated and grew to womanhood in Hart, Mich. Mrs. Dr. Chadwick is a highly accomplished lady and was a school-teacher from her sixteenth year until her marriage. She has blessed her husband with three children, named Eva, who is now twelve years of age, Zella, aged seven, and Jenner H., aged five years. After his.graduation in medicine, Dr. Harvey J. Chadwick engaged in practice, in conjunction with his 'father, at Hart, thus ripening, for five years, the fruit of his previous study in medical science. From I866 until I894 he practiced alone in the same village, and in December of the last-named year came to Grand Rapids, where he now stands at the head of his profession, and is the owner of his beautiful residence on Fifth avenue, in which his office and consultation rooms are also to be found. The doctor is independent in politics, and generally votes for the candidate who is, in his opinion, best qualified to fill office, and in religion, although a firm supporter and advocate of the gospel, is not committed to any doctrinal interpretation thereof. Fraternally, he is a member of lodge No. 34, F. &. A. M., and he and wife are members of the 0. E. S. The doctor is also vice-president of the Kent Scientific club, a class literary organization, and socially he and wife stand in the highest circles of Grand Rapids. OUIS H. CHAMBERLIN, M. D., at No. 63 East Leonard street, Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of Port Dover, Ontario, Canada, was born February 24, 1874, and is a son of Calvin J. and Anna Maria (Hoffman) Chamberlin, natives, respectively, of Canada and Buffalo, N. Y., and married in Port Dover. The father's ancestors were of English and the mother's of German origin, but both trace their American antecedents back to the sixteenth century. The children born to Calvin J. Chamberlin and wife are three in number, and of these the doctor is the eldest; Edwin J., the second born, is now twenty-one years old, is a dental student, and Albert H., aged nineteen, is in the employ of R. G. Dun & Co., commercial agents at Boston, Mass. Calvin J. Chamberlin was engaged in merchandizing at Port Dover for several years, and came to the United States about I88f, bringing with him his, wife and children, and for seven or eight years resided in Streator, Ill.; about 1887 he settled in Grand Rapids. where he engaged in the lumber business, and died April 30, 1899, his remains being buried in Valley City cemetery. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 99 Dr. Louis H. Chamberlin acquired his elementary education in Port Dover, Ontario, and Streator, Ill., and finished his literary studies at the Grand Rapids high school. He next took up the study of pharmacy, and for three years had charge of Peck Bros.' prescription department, as he had been "registered by examination," and later was in the employ of several other large drug firms in this city. In I894 he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. E. J. Edwards, and after due preparation entered the Detroit college of Medicine in the spring of I895, graduating in I898. During his stay at the Detroit college he for one year assisted Prof. Steinbecker in his practice, and in May, I898, settled for permanent practice in Grand Rapids. The doctor, beside his office on East Leonard street, has another at the corner of East Fulton and Sheldon streets, where he spends a portion of each day, while his residence is at No. 324 West Broadway. He is instructor of bacteriology in the Grand Rapids Medical college, is a member of the American Medical association, and has been thoroughly trained for his calling, for which he is peculiarly fitted, and is rapidly advancing in the esteem of his fellow-practitioners as well as that of the public..Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Foresters and of the Order of Maccabees; in religion he affiliates with the Presbyterian church, and in politics is a republican. He is still unmarried, and in society circles is a general favorite. l HARLES CHANDLER, attorney at law, with offices in rooms 3 and 4 Ledyard block, corner of Pearl and Ottawa streets, Grand Rapids, is, on his father's side, a lineal descendant of Will5 iam Chandler and Annis, his wife, who came from England in 1637, and settled at Roxbury, Mass. They were among the first settlers in that locality, and from them have sprung the different branches of the Chandler family which subsequently settled in other parts of the colonies of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Connecticut, and in New York, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and other states. The descendants of this English immigrant have been more or less noted in politics, in the army and navy, as well as among business and professional men, as the annals of each state will show, while on his mother's side he sprang from the Woosters and Beards, who came from England and settled, as early as 1639, in the region of the Housatonic river, in Connecticut; where to this day can be met the descendants of these families. Judge John Chandler, the third in the line of the Chandler family, was a noted jurist in his day, and a man of affairs. He represented Massachusetts in the first congress of the colonies, which met at Albany, N. Y., in which he exhibited great ability. The grandfather of the subject of this sketch, Sanuel Chandler, who was the sixth in the line of descent, was born at Pomfret, Conn., in 1775. While still a young man, he moved to New York, and settled near Utica, where Charles, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in 80o5. The latter graduated at Hamilton college, Clinton, N. Y., in the class of 1825, under the presidency of the father of our eminent townsman, Col. Joseph Penny. In 1833 he married, at Augusta, N. Y., Eliza Wooster, and in the following year emigrated to Michigan and settled at Clinton, Lenawee county. He was a farmer by occupation and also engaged in mercantile pursuits; in politics he was a whig and was by that party elected a member of the convention 100 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS _.... __.._. --. of 1850 to revise the state constitution, in which he took a prominent part. He allied himself with the republican party at its formation, and filled a prominent position in its counsels in southern Michigan during the remainder of his life. He was successively elected county clerk, register of deeds of Lenawee county, and for more than twenty years postmaster at Clinton, Mich., where he died March 10, 1871. Charles Chandler, the subject of this sketch, the eighth in the line of descent, was their third child and was born at Clinton, Mich., April I6, 1838. He worked on the farm summers, and in winters attended district school until his eighteenth year, when he, with his father's family, went to Adrian, Mich., to live, while his father was a county official; here he attended the Union school. He there became so imbued with the desire for a collegiate education, that he obtained the consent of his parents to pursue the preparatory course of study, and in the fall of 1859 heentered the sophomore class at the university at Ann Arbor, from which he graduated with the class of 1862, receiving the degree of A. B. Subsequently he received from the same institution the degree of A. M. In the winter of I862 63 he taught district school near Clinton, and in the fall of 1863, upon the recommendation of the professors at the university and the Hon. J. M. Gregory, then superintendent of public instruction of Michigan, he was appointed to the superintendency of the union schools at Grand Haven, Mich., where he taught acceptably for two years. In June, I865, he resigned his position at the latter place, to accept a similar position at Hastings, where he remained one year, and having been appointed to the principalship of the grammar schools at the city of Grand Rapids in I866, without solicitation on his part, he resigned his position at Hastings to accept this new appoint ment. He occupied such position for eleven years. or until August, 1877, when, although reappointed for the ensuing year, he resigned to enter upon the study of law. While living at Hastings, December 26, 1865, Mr. Chandler married, at Grand Rapids, Louisa Harwood White, only daughter and eldest child of Capt. Thomas W. White, then of Grand Rapids, but formerly of Grand Haven, Mich. The Whites were among the early settlers of the Grand River valley, having emigrated from Massachusetts to Michigan in the early 'thirties, and together with their family relatives, the Ferrys and Gilberts, founded the thriving lake town of Grand Haven, at the mouth of Grand River. These families have added much to the local history of western Michigan, and have hdnorably filled high political positions, both in state and nation. Upon resigning his position as teacher in the public schools in the fall of 1877, Mr. Chandler entered the law school at Ann Arbor and graduated therefrom with the degree of LL. B., in the spring of 1879, in what, up to that time, was the largest law class to graduate at that institution. In the senior year of his law course he was elected class president. Mr. Chandler, upon such graduation, entered the office of the Hon. J. C. FitzGerald, of Grand Rapids, Mich., where he remained until the summer of I893, when he opened an office and started in business for himself, and has since received a fair share of the legal business in this part of the state. He has made a specialty of probate and chancery branches of his profession, and has filled positions as trustee and executor in several estates, involving assets of large amounts, in which intricate and complicated questions have arisen, and which he has so conducted as to avoid long and expensive litigation. Although repeatedly tendered political and official positions, during his residence in Grand AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 101 Rapids, Mr. Chandler has always declined, with one exception-that of school trustee. He accepted this position for the reason that he felt that he owed a duty to the city, in whose public schools he had so many years served as teacher. In this capacity he served four years, from I880 to the fall of I884, and declined a re-appointment for business reasons. While on the board of education he served as chairman of the committee on teachers, also for one year was elected president of the board. Mr. Chandler is not a communicant of any religious body, but is an attendant at the Park Congregational church, of which his wife is a member, and has been a member of the board of trustees and an officer of the board. He is likewise in full sympathy with the broad views entertained and practiced by this branch of the Congregational orders in this state. Mr. Chandler is a republican in politics and has always voted in state and national affairs with his party, and has often served as delegate in state, county and city conventions. Mr. Chandler has the universal reputation amo;g the citizens of western Michigan of being an honest and upright man, and a conscientious and painstaking practitioner in- his profession. O URDEN T. CHAPEL, commissioner of schools for Kent county, Mich., is 4 native here, was born April II, I860, and until twelve years of age lived on his father's farm. Marquis de Lafayette Chapel, father of subject, was a native of Canada, as was also his wife, who bore the maiden name of Lillie McPherson, and of their four children Gurden T. is the youngest. Both parents, however, are now deceased. M. de L. Chapel came to Kent county, Mich., in 1841, and took up government land in the township of Ada, and the patent therefor, subsequently issued to him, bore the signature of President John Tyler. As a pioneer Mr. Chapel endured all the hardships incident to a-life in the wilderness, the condition in which Ada township then existed, but being a practical farmer, he succeeded in making a comfortable home for himself and young family. He became thoroughly imbued with a love for his adopted country, and in her time of need patriotically volunteered in protecting her from disruption by enlisting, in 1863, in company B, Third Michigan infantry, and at the organization of his regiment was elected its orderly-sergeant, and for bravery on the field of battle and for meritorious conduct generally was successively promoted to second and first lieutenant. He served until the close of the war, was present at the surrender of Gen. Lee at Appomattox Court House, and after receiving an honorable discharge returned to his farm, on which he resided until 1872, when he removed to the village of Rockford, where he bought an iron foundry, which he successfully operated until his death, and his wife also passed away in Rockford. Gurden T. Chapel received his education in the schools of Rockford village, was very studious as well as apt, and at the early age of seventeen years was qualified as a school-teacher. His first experience in this vocation was in 1877, and for four years he taught in the country in the neighborhood of Rockford; the following six years he taught in the grammar department at Rockford, and then as principal of the high school at Sand Lake for six years. He served two terms of two yeats each as township school inspector, and in April, I885, was appointed by Judge Perkins to the board of school examiners, and re-appointed by the 102 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS board of supervisors three terms in succession, and two years ago was elected county coinmissioner of schools. In April, I899, he was re-elected by an enormous majority over all competitors, that in the city of Grand Rapids alone being 641, and the whole county majority being over 3,000, and this victory was achieved solely by the confidence of the voters in his personal fitness for the position. Prof. Chapel was united in marriage July 4, 1882, with Miss Emma Burch, a native of Kent county, and a daughter of DeWitt Clinton and Eliza (Elliott) Burch, and to this union one child, Hazel D., has been born. In politics, Prof. Chapel is a republican, and fraternally is a member of Cedar Springs lodge, No. 213, F. & A. M., and of the Royal Arch; he is also a past grand of Rockford lodge, No. 247, I. O. O. F., has twice attended the grand lodge of this order, and in the I. O. G. T. is a member of Sand Lake lodge,No. 332, and secretary of Kent District lodge, No. 23, and is likewise a member of grange No. 337, P. of H., and past captain of Chapel camp, S. O. V., of Rockford, which is named after his father. As an educator, Prof. Chapel is enexcelled. He holds a state certificate of the first grade, and although a modest man is a firm disciplinarian. The family attend Grace Episcopal church, and reside at No. 415 East Bridge street. ILLIAM A. CHAPEL, the wellknown architect, with his office at Nos. II, 12 and 13 Ottawa street, Grand Rapids, Mlich., was born in Ada, Mich., July 26, 1857, and is a son of Lemon B. and Helen M. (Dennison) Chapel. Gurden Chapel, father of Lemon B., was a native of New York state, but removed to Canada, as he was probably of English descent, but returned to the states in his middle age and located in Oakland county, later in Kent county, and died at Ada, Mich., in I876, at the age of eighty years. Lemon B. Chapel was still young when he came to Kent county and settled in the township of Ada, where he was identified with agricultural pursuits for about twenty years, and then engaged in the hardware business at Ada and Baldwin, but is now retired, living at Fenton. To his marriage with Miss Dennison, a member of an old-settled family of Grand Rapids, were born three sons and two daughters, viz: Augusta M., wife of Leverett J. Lee, a farmer of Vergennes township, Kent county; Addie 0., married to William Teepel, a farmer of Cascade; William A., the subject; Elmer Ellsworth, in business at Youngstown, Ohio, and Royal Adelbert, a telegraph operator in the employ of the Northern Pacific Railroad company in Montana, and all married. William A. Chapel received a thorough English training in the high school at Ada, and after graduating learned the carpenter's trade, engaged in the building business, became an expert, and for some time was engaged in bridge building on the C. & W. M. R. R., then on highway bridges, and about I882 came to Grand Rapids and for five years was employed as a superintendent before taking up the technicalities of the art of which he is now one of the accomplished masters. Two and a half years were spent with the firm of Rush & Son, with whom he was able, with his previous knowledge, to round out his proficiency as an architect. March r, 1893, he opened his office for business, and has since been continuously employed in estimating cost, designing plans, and superintending the erection of some of the most handsome dwellings and business AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 103 blocks in the city of Grand Rapids as well as elsewhere, and constantly employs one assistant and frequently two, in order to enable him to punctually fulfill his contracts-an object he keeps constantly in view-and this punctuality, outside of his exceptional ability, has been the chief secret of his remarkable success.:Mr. Chapel married at Ada, Mich., September 20, I88O, Miss Hattie Louisa Young, daughter of George and Ladouska (Van Tassel) Young, residents of Ada. This lady received a substantial education in the public schools of Ada, and has been of invaluable aid to her husband in his business. Their union has been crowned by the birth of one son, George L., March 6, I887. Mr. and Mrs. Chapel are members of the East street Methodist Episcopal church, and politically he is a free-silver democrat. He is a member of the American Insurance union, and socially he and wife mingle with the best circles of Grand Rapids, owning and occupying a pleasant residence at No. i86 Buckeye street. EORGE H. CHAPPELL, M. D., exa soldier and eclectic physician and surM geon at No. 182 Stocking street, Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of Lockport, Niagara county, N. Y., and was born August 9, I84r. Peter H. and Elizabeth (Wilson) Chappell, parents of the doctor, were respectively born in Vermont and England, and were married in the state of New York. The father was a graduate from Yale college, and was very prominent in Masonry. He was a farmer and lumberman by calling, and later a justice of the peace at Berlin, Ottawa county, Mich., and also for one term served as sheriff of Niagara county. He was an upright and honorable and useful citizen, and died at Berlin, in IS, at the age of sixty-five years, and in Berlin his widow still resides, at the age of eighty-five. Of the children born to this couple, beside the doctor, three sons and one daughter still survive, viz: Richard, aged sixty-two years, a retired merchant and a justice of the peace at Berlin; Frank is a physician at Granite Falls, Wash., and also a merchant and dealer in lumber; Charles E. is a physician at Berlin, and Mattie is a teacher in the academy at Charlotte, Mich. Dr. George H. Chappell was reared to manhood in his native town, but was primarily educated in the public schools of Rockport, and also attended Wilson college one year prior to his enlistment, August 12, 1862, in the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth New York volunteer infantry, but was afterward transferred to the Eighth heavy artillery. His regiment was assigned to the army of the Potomac, and for two years he did duty in the fortifications in and near Baltimore, Md. He was sent to the front just after the battle of the Wilderness, and his first general engagement was at Spottsylvania, Va., as a member of the Second army corps, under Gen. V. S. Hancock. This was a severe initiation, as a pine tree, eighteen inches in diameter, was literally cut down by the enemy's musket balls; his next engagement, that of Cold Harbor, was also one of the severest of the war, as no other battle had shown a greater number of casualties for the length of time and number of men engaged. But the following brief record will give the career of the doctor's company in a nutshell: I864 — May 23-26, battle at North Anna river; 27-28, at Tolopatomy creek; June 3, Cold Harbor (previously mentioned); I6-IS and 22, before Petersburg; July 26-29, Strawberry Plains; August 13-20, operations at Deep Bottom; 25, 104 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS -- Ream's Station; October 27, Hatcher's Run. I865-February 5-7, second Hatcher's Run; March 29 to April 3, operations at Crow House redoubt; April 3-9, pursuit of Rebel army of northern Virginia, ending at Appomattox; May 22, grand review at Washington, D. C.; June 5, muster out of United States service at Bailey's Cross Roads, Va.; June 22, muster out of state service at Rochester, N. Y. The original muster-roll of the regiment numbered, 000 names, which were increased to 2,200 by consolidation and recruiting; the casualties were —killed, 233;wounded, 682; missing, 255 -total, I,170. After receiving an honorable discharge from the army, young Chappell returned to Lockport, N. Y.; but shortly afterward came to Michigan and rejoined his parents, who had come hither while he was in the service of his country. He located at Berlin and engaged in general merchandizing, and while thus employed engaged in the study of medicine under the tutorship of Dr. Dayton and Dr. Hyde for four years. He then located at Paris and opened a drug store, and at the same time entered upon the practice of medicine. A year later he transferred his business to Reed City, Osceola county, Mich., and started the first drug store of that place. Shortly afterward he again sold out, being employed by the G. R. & I. R. R. company to attend professionally to its employees, who were mostly Swedes and were engaged in grading. He next passed two years in Morley, Mich., and then, in 1873, located in Cedar Springs, Kent county, and engaged in general practice for twenty years. While there he also served fifteen years as a member of the city council, was health officer for two townships, and twice served as coroner of Kent county, in 1876 and 1878, as a democrat. In 1893 Dr. Chappellcame to Grand Rapids and again engaged in the drug business and practice of medicine, but his success in the the latter was so abundant that in r896 he disposed of his stock of drugs and has since confined himself to his extensive professional practice. He is a member of the Northwestern Association of Physicians and Surgeons, of which he is likewise treasurer, and is also a member of the staff of St. Luke's hospital at Niles, Mich., and is greatly respected by his brother practitioners. He was a charter member of the G. A. R. post at Cedar Springs, and was its commander for two years, and was the organizer of the Innis camp, Union Veterans' Union, and has been very prominent in the work of these associations, having been commander of the Veterans the first two years of the existence of the camp and being now a major on the staff. For twenty years he has been an Odd Fellow, is a past grand, was the organizer of an encampment of the Knights of the Golden Eagle at Grand Rapids, and has served as its treasurer. The first marriage of Dr. Chappell took place in Ottawa county, Mich., in 1867, when he wedded Miss Etta Anderson, who bore him one son, Lewis Edward, November 13, 1873. This young man is a pharmaceutist by profession, having graduated before the state board. He is also a professional musician and a leader of string and brass instrument associations. He married Miss Irene McDaniels, a native of Woodstock, Iowa, and a daughter of a banker. The second marriage of Dr. Chappell occurred in I885, to Miss Ada Davis, a native of Kent county, and this union has been blessed with two children-HIazel, now aged nine years, and George, aged four. Mrs. Ada Chappell has also passed away, dying October 28, 1898. Dr. Chappell has all his life been a Methodist in religion, and since his residence in Grand. Rapids has been a member of St. Paul's Meth AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 105 odist Episcopal church, to the support of which he liberally contributes. As a citizen he is greatly respected, and professionally he is a leading practitioner, who enjoys the full confidence of the public. |. G|EORGE CLAPPERTON.-The name rB~l of this gentleman is found on the list of attorneys who have achieved distinction in the courts of Kent and adjoining counties. His history in brief is as follows: He was born on the ioth day of July, I857, in Ontaria, Canada, and is a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Patterson) Clapperton, both parents residents of Ontario and of Scottish birth and ancestry. Robert Clapperton was by trade a carpenter. He came to the United States in I865, locating in Allegan county, Mich.,where he engaged in agricultural pursuits and there remained until a few years ago, when he removed to his present place of residence, Kankakee, Ill. Of the children born to Robert and Elizabeth Clapperton there are four now living, namely: Ella, wife of Frank W. Cornwall, of Cadillac, Mich.; Alex, a railroad employe at Kankakee, Ill.; Anna, a graduate physician in the city of Detroit, and George, whose name appears at the head of this article. Until his sixteenth year the subject of this sketch attended the com'mon schools and then entered an academy at Otsego, Mich., where he pursued the higher branches of learning for a period of two years. At the age of eighteen years he entered the employ of the L. S. & M. S. R. R., in which capacity he continued until I884, devoting his leisure in the meantime to the study of law. In the above year he entered the office of Taggart & Dennison, Grand Rapids, where he pursued his legal studies for two years and was then admitted to the bar, subsequently beconing associated in the practice with J. R. Wylie, who is still his partner. His practice in the civil courts has been successful and lucrative, and while giving his attention to all kinds of legal business he is especially interested in that department pertaining to commercial law. Mr. Clapperton's legal attainments are of a high order, and since engaging in the practice he has won an honorable standing among his professional brethren of the Kent county bar, and his career is watched with much interest by his many friends, who predict for him a still greater degree of success in years yet to come. Politically, Mr. Clapperton is a republican and has always been an active and energetic worker for his party. The home of Mr. Clapperton, situated at No. 2I North Lafayette street, is presided over by a lady well known in social circles of Grand Rapids, to whom he was united in marriage on the iith day of October, I883. The maiden name of Mrs. Clapperton was Hattie L. Barker, a native of New York and daughter of David and Puella L. Barker, both of whom were born in the Empire state. This union has resulted in the birth of two children, Elizabeth and George Iouglas Clapperton. [CHARD ARCHER CHRISTIAN, general agent for the Fraternal Alliance, with his office at No. 62 Monroe street, was born in Brighton, Sussex county, England, March i, 1858, a son of Thomas William and Emma Augusta Christian, the former a native of Beadle, Yorkshire, and the latter of Brighton, where she died during 106 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS the childhood of her daughter Emma. The father was a merchant in Brighton, and there died at the age of sixty-eight years. Emma, the only other child born to these parents beside Richard A., attained young womanhood and was then called away, leaving the subject of this sketch the sole survivor of the family. Richard A. Christian was educated in the public schools of Brighton, and was later employed for a short time in some minor capacity by the London, Brighton & South Coast Railway company. At the age of nineteen years he enlisted in the British army, and for eight years served with the Twentieth hussars. While with this regiment the Zulu war in South Africa took place, and Mr. Christian volunteered for that service, was detached from his own regiment and assigned to the Seventeenth lancers, who were sent to the front and served all through the trouble with the Zulus, the service being full of activity, thrilling adventure and great personal danger. In the charge of the Seventeenth at Ulundi Mr. Christian was wounded by a bullet at one time, and at another with an assagi, or poisoned spear, from both of which wounds, however, he speedily recovered. After Zululand had been conquered, Mr. Christian returned to England and purchased his discharge from the hussars, whose service was rendered altogether in Ireland and England, and mostly in garrison duty, and thus, after ten continuous years of military life, he again became a civilian. After receiving his discharge, Mr. Christian returned to the employ of the London, Brighton & South Coast Railway company, and for ten years was its time-keeper and pay clerk at Brighton. In April, I892, he came to America, landed in New York, and for a year was employed by a firm of electrical engineers in.a capacity similar to that which he had held with the railroad company in England; he then went to Baltimore, Md., to take charge of the construction of an electric railway, and, on its completion, went to Fort Wayne, Ind., became a solicitor for the Prudential Insurance company of Newark, N. J., and about twelve months later was promoted to be assistant superintendent, and was detailed to open up a new district at Auburn, Ind. After about a year thus spent, he resigned his position and made a visit to England, where he passed three months, and then came to Grand Rapids, Mich., in I895, and here he resumed work as agent of the Prudential Insurance company, continuing with it nearly two years as agent and assistant superintendent. For the past two years he has been the general agent of the Fraternal Alliance, of Milwaukee, Wis. Mr. Christian was united in marriage, at Fort Wayne, with Miss Eva Hobbs, a native of that city, and a daughter of Reuben and Julia Hobbs, of English descent. Mr. and Mrs. Christian are attendants at the Episcopal church; fraternally, Mr. Christian is a member of the Grand Rapids lodge of the Independent Order of Foresters and of the Fraternal Alliance. In politics he takes no especial interest, but evinces some sympathy for the republican party. Socially he and wife hold a desirable position, and enjoy the esteem of many pleasant acquaintances. ROF. CHARLES HENRY COGSHALL, principal of the Turner street school 'at Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Centralia, Ill., February 2, 1866, a son of Seymour C. and Martha J. (Tomlinson) Cogshall. His father was a native of Oakland county, Mich., and his mother was a native of Tennessee. From early childhood Charles Henry Cog AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 107 shall has been dependent upon his own personal exertions for what he possesses, hence, his respectable education has been gathered, in the midst of toil and care, by dint of untiring, industrious application. He came to Michigan, May I6, 1876, with his parents, and resided at Sand Lake, Kent county, was permitted to supplement the primary education he had received in the public schools at Centralia and Mount Vernon, Ill., by a year's attendance at the school in Sand Lake, after which he went to Sparta, in the same county, where he entered the grammar department of the high school and later graduated, after filling out the full course of study in I887. Ie then began teaching in the district school of Casnovia, following up with schools at Big Springs and Labarge, teaching at the last-named place for three years, and then entered the normal school at Ypsilanti, and in three years was awarded the full four-year, or life certificate. After leaving Ypsilanti he was elected principal of the public school at Zeeland, Mich., where he met with most flattering success, remained for three years, and did some noble.educational work by regrading the school and putting it in first-class condition. In 1898 Prof. Cogshall left his charge in Zeeland to assume the duties of his present position in Grand Rapids, it having been discovered that his abilities were worthy of a wider scope for their exercise, in consequence of which not-at-all wonderful discovery, but, on the contrary, a too-palpable fact, he was recommended and endorsed by the best educators of the state and the entire board of school directors of Zeeland as the proper man for the position. The sequel has shown the wisdom embodied in this recommendation and endorsement. It may be here remarked, incidentally, that Prof. Cogshall, while a teacher in the district schools of Kent county, was secretary of the Kent County Teachers' association, and during the entire time he passed at Zeeland was president of the Teachers' association of Ottawa county. He was granted the bachelor of science degree in 1898, from Chicago university. The marriage, of Prof. Cogshall, which completed his earthly felicity, took place June 30, 1898, at Grand Rapids, Miss Lucy A. Stow, daughter of Alfred W. and Clara A. Stow, and niece of ex-mayor L. C. Stow, being the accomplished and happy bride. D EONARD L. CONKEY, D. V. S., M. F., Dean of Grand Rapids Veterinary college, and one of the leading veterinarians of the state, was born in Arlington township, Van Buren county, Mich., on the 8th day of May, I85I, but was left an orphan at the age of six years. He passed his boyhood days on the farm of his uncle, Leonard L. Halsted, at White Oak, Mich., a small place on the M. C. R. R., between Lawton and Decatur, where, assisting in clearing up a I6o-acre farm, he learned to work. Attending only a part of three or four winter terms of school, in a small country school-house, his early education was limited. In the spring of 1868, he took a position on the Niles Democrat, edited by A. J. Shakespear; although politically a democratic sheet, at that time it bore the name of ' Niles Republican." In the winter of I868-9 he worked on the Lawton Tribune. He was next found industriously working at house, sign, ornamental and portrait painting. At this time he had acquired a fine turnout for moving his painting equipments, drawn by a beautiful pair of matched roan horses. One day "Mack," his favorite horse, was found sick 108 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS -- and unable to move; one veterinary after another was called, until the supply from the country was exhausted, yet poor Mack grew worse instead of better. Dr. F. A. Leaser, a graduate of the Berlin Veterinary college of Germany was called; he diagnosed the ailment, acute laminitis, prescribed for him, and the horse made a quick recovery. This little episode with Mack and the common "hoss-doctor" said too plainly that there was a demand for good talent in the field of veterinary science. In the spring of I877, he therefore began the study of veterinary medicine and surgery, at Bluffton, Ohio, under the instruction of Dr. Leaser. After studying two years he began practice at Findlay, Ohio,'where the greater part of practice was surgery. From Findlay he returned to Michigan, was in Niles for a few months with Dr. T. A. Bunbury; he then located in Dowagiac in 1884, meeting with marked success for a year and a half, when reverses overtook him, by which he lost both social and financial standing; he quitted the town, moving to Benton Harbor in 1887. While at the Harbor he completed the MS. for a book on which he ha/d been at work for several years, and in the year 1889 came to Grand Rapids and had his book published. In the same year he opened an office in the Lovett Block, opposite Sweet's hotel on Canal street. Since coming to Grand Rapids the doctor's life has been as an open book before the public, and it can be said of a truth that he has regained all, and even more than, he lost in Dowagiac. In the meantime, however, the doctor has visited many towns in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and other states as a specialist in surgery, and has been called from Grand Rapids to New York, to perform a single operation. Since coming to Grand Rapids the doctor has taken a college course, entering the Detroit college of Medicine, veterinary department, in T895. Dr. Conkey organized the Grand Rapids Medical college in I897, in which he still owns the controlling interest. Associated with him are about thirty of the leading physicians and veterinarians of the city. The institution grants the degree of M. D. in the medical department, D. V. S., in the veterinary department, and M. F. in the farrier's department. Dr. Conkey was elected dean of the veterinary department of the college by the board of trustees in I898, and the prospects of the college are exceedingly flattering, as the doctor is one of the most widely known veterinarians in the middle states. The doctor's matrimonial adventures in early life were not all that could be desired; in fact, they were more like those of Columbus, and others that might be mentioned, whose lives have been devoted to science, rather than to the study of human nature; however, he was united in matrimony with his present wife December 7, 1892, she having borne the maiden name of Nellie M. King; this union has been blessed with two children: Opal Checora and Alger B. Conkey. Miss Opal, the elder, at four years old, can name and locate all of the bones in the body of the horse, a remarkable thing for one so young. Dr. Conkey joined the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in 1877, is a past grand of Bluffton lodge, No. 371, having filled the chair of noble grand during the year 1882, and is at present a member of Phoenix lodge, No. 12, at Grand Rapids. Heis not connected with any church organization, and in politics is independent. As an operator Dr. Conkey is unquestiona-* bly one of the most clever surgeons of the age. One of his favorite operations being that of abdominal cryptorchidy (ridgeling castration), AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 109 -i while general surgery, in its many phases, is performed without seeming effort, or loss of life. his success.being truly wonderful. With such a man at its head, the success of the Grand Rapids Veterinary college is assured. The college is substantialy fitted with lecture rooms, dissecting rooms, laboratories, hospital and horse-shoeing departments. Domestic animals, with all manner of ailments, are taken in, treated until well, and cared for at the pleasure of the owners. The farrier's department is a leading feature of the college. Having a special provision in the charter, the trustees confer upon those graduating from this department the degree of master farrier (M. F.). Students in the veterinary department are required to attend the lectures in this department, that they may know, and become familiar with, ailments of the feet. No man is more devoted to his home and family than is Dr. Conkey, who idolizes his children and is devoted to his wife, providing all that heart can wish. His habits are temperate, and he is never away from home except on business, returning at once when business is over. As an inventor of veterinary instruments Dr. Conkey has considerable merit. His first invention was the Emasculator, designed to take the place of the French instrument called the Ecraseur, used in animal castration. His next invention was the Conkey securing harness and operating hood. Then he fashioned the Conkey self-holding automatic chain buckle. These, later combined, have a worldwide reputation; with them an animal, regardless of his size or disposition, can be laid on a blanket at every trial. On the index page of J. Reynder's catalogue of veterinary instruments, of New York, are listed the Conkey obstetrical set, Conkey's bog spavin and thorough pin truss, Conkey's incisor cutters, Conkey's instantaneous trachea tube, etc. It is evident that Dr. Conkey has done more during the last twenty years for the profession than any other one man. Now that Dr. Conkey is at the head of a veterinary college, the eyes of all professional lights in the United States are turned on him, watching with interest each step, as he has already proclaimed many reforms in college work. RANK JUDSON COOK, county abstracter, was born in Paris township, Kent county, Mich., October 30, I86o, and is the son of Abram F. and Maria (Patterson) Cook. In the public schools of his native township he received a practical English education, and so assiduously did he apply himself to his studies that, at the early age of eighteen years, he had advanced sufficiently to obtain a teacher's license. During the succeeding fifteen years he was engaged in teaching in the common schools of Kent county, and his frequent retention in the same place attests his efficiency as an instructor as well as the high place he occupied in the esteem of his patrons. His principal work in the educational field was in the townships of Paris and Cascade, and he points with pardonable pride that seven consecutive years were spent in the old home school-house, where he was first instructed into the mysteries of the alphabet and elementary branches. The high character Mr. Cook achieved as a teacher made him well and favorably known throughout the country, and in view of the energy displayed in the school room it is safe to assume that, had he concluded to devote his life to the profession, he would have gained much more than a local reputation as a teacher. 110 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS On the Ist day of July, I893, Mr. Cook was appointed tax collector in the city treasurer's office, Grand Rapids, under M. H. Sorrick, and served as such till January, I895, when he was appointed by Jonn T. Gould deputy register of deeds, the duties of which position he discharged in an eminently satisfactory manner until January, 1897. Previous to holding either of the above places, Mr. Cook served as treasurer of Paris township, to which he was elected in I890, serving as such until I894, when he was chosen township clerk, holding the latter office one term. In 1897, he was appointed county abstracter and has since given his attention to the office, proving himself in this, as in the various other stations to which he has been called, fully competent and most obliging and courteous in the discharge of the duties pertaining thereto. In addition to his duties as abstracter, Mr. Cook is also justice of the peace for Paris township, to which office he was elected for the full term of four years. Mr. Cook has had a very busy life, and in all of its relations he has fully met the expectations of his friends by acquitting himself with credit and honor. He is now in the prime of life, possesses genial manners and sound scholarship, and his years in the schoolroom, together with the time spent in the various official stations to which he has been called, have been the means of laying a broad foundation for a future of still greater efficiency and usefulness. On the 2Ist of September, I88I, Mr. Cook entered into the marriage relation with Miss Jennie Thompson, of Paris township. She is the daughter of Leroy and Eliza (Earl) Thompson, and her birth dates from the i6th day of December, I863. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are the parents of two children —Lillian M., born March 9, I884, and Arthur A., whose birth occurred on the 29th day of March, I893. The family are members of the Church of Christ, in Grand Rapids, and are highly esteemed in religious and social circles of the city. Mr. Cook is active in many fraternal, social and religious organizations, belonging to the Maccabees, Royal League and Knights of PyLhias, being past chancellor and commander of Cowan lodge, No. 89, of the order last named. He is a leading spirit in the Young Men's Republican club of Grand Rapids, holds the position of vice-president of the Lincoln club, and is an associate member of the New Era Life Insurance company of this city. In connection with his official duties, which, by the way, are many, he owns and personally superintends a successful green-house at his home in Paris township, the building covering 7,000 square feet of ground, and being supplied with a fine assortment of plants. The twenty-seven acres comprising his place are devoted to fruit growing and vegetable culture, and he obtains therefrom a comfortable income. | LLEN DURFEE (deceased), the pioneer funeral director and embalming fluid inventor of Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in or near Palmyra, Wayne county, N. Y., January I5, 1829, and lived on the farm on which he was born until I853, when, on October 5th of that year, he married Miss Phebe B. Thayer, who was born in the same county of highly respected parents. To this union was born one child-a daughter — who died young. On the I8th of October, 18 53, Mr. Durfee brought his bride to Michigan and located about four miles below the city of Grand Rapids (if city it might then be called), buying a part of the Bernis farm. While there (t c --- -. S. /t 'y, - ( r AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 118 engaged in agricultural pursuits, Mr. Durfee became very popular with the republican party, whose principles he had imbibed before leaving his native state, although, as a party, republicanism had not then assumed tangible organization. In 1856 he was elected a justice of the peace, and in 1862 and I863 served as treasurer of Walker township, and in I866 was again elected justice of the peace. In I868 he was nominated for supervisor, but failed at the polls, his competitor carrying the day by a meager majority. In September, I868, Mr. Durfee sold his farm and came to Grand Rapids, purchased a home, and in June, 1869, engaged in the manufacture of funeral goods, with J. H. Farwell as partner. Two years later, or on October 15, I871, Mr. Durfee engaged in the undertaking business on his sole account, and began the manufacture of a preparation of his own for use in the preservation of the dead, his place of business being in the Ledyard block, on Ottawa street. In 1889, A. D. Leavenworth was admitted as a partner in this business, which was pushed still more vigorously than ever. It was through the efforts of Mr. Durfee that the association of Funeral Directors of Michigan was formed, and from and after which sprang similar associations in many other states, which wereallied into the National association of Funeral Directors, which is now a vigorous association, holding annual meetings in different portions of the United States, and of which national organization Mr. Durfee served as president. This brought him in close fellowship with all the funeral directors of the Union, and as he was known to be a "pioneer" embalmer and used a preparation that had perfect operation, his advice was sought, as well as the preparation he manufactured for his own use, and, always being alive to the demands of the trade, he manu factured his embalming fluid on a larger scale, and the business grew to such proportions, even without advertising or any efforts on his part, that, about I886, A. W. Brown, who was then employed as embalmer and assistant undertaker, was put upon the road to introduce the Durfee Embalming Fluid among undertakers who had not already learned of its superior qualities through personal contact. From that time on the business was pushed with judgment and vigor, the company employing four traveling men, covering the entire United States. Beside that manner of sales, the company sold its goods through seven commission salesmen and fifty-seven different casket companies in various cities of the country. In 1889, Alvah W. Brown, who had been so successful in sales of the Durfee Embalming Fluid, purchased an interest in the business, and gave his entire time to the manufacture. Up to December, 1893, Mr. Durfee and his partner in the undertaking business, A. D. Leavenworth, were the members of the partnership, and then the company, reorganized and incorporated, removed from the building used by Durfee & Co., undertakers, to more commodious quarters and into its own building on Spring street, and the business thereafter was carried on under the style of the Durfee Embalming Fluid company until the death of Mr. Durfee, which occurred May 25, I897. In upwards of twenty-eight years in the undertaking business, Mr. Durfee had charge of over 28,ood funerals. Mr. Durfee was a man of the strictest integrity, and, withal, of a mechanical turn of mind. He was also very fond of bric-a-brac and was a great curiosity hunter, and his widow has still in her possession his cabinet filled with geological and conchological specimens and other curios, including whales' teeth, horns of wild animals, etc., all of which latter 114 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS he himself polished or otherwise prepared. He was kind and amiable in disposition and extremely affable and courteous in deportment, and of broad mind, liberal views, and sympathetic instincts. Fraternal with all mankind, he enjoyed the society of his fellowman, andsought his companionship by becoming a member of several societies, among them the Knights of Honor, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Covenant Mutual association of Galesburg, and of the Old Residents' association of the Grand river valley. He was charitable and benevolent, and a true Christian in thought and deed, and died a member of the Park Congregational church. His loss was deeply mourned by the community of Grand Rapids, but none more deeply deplored him than his bereaved widow. ENRY HEBER COSSITT, the well known carpenter and jobber at No. 32 East Bridge street, Grand Rapids, was born in Wyoming county, N. Y., February I2, 1838, and is a son of Jesse and Amanda (Blakesley) Cossitt, both natives of Connecticut. The father was a carpenter and builder and also a prosperous farmer. He cleared up a fine farm in Wyoming county, N. Y., in the township of Perry, and when situated so he could live comfortably, died at the age of forty-eight. The mother lived to the age of ninety-one years. She was thrice married, her second husband being John Bushnell; she again married at the age of seventy-four years a Mr. Janes; all are deceased. The immediate family of subject was as follows: Laurens, who died in young manhood; Velona died a young lady; German N. is seventyeight years old and lives in Brockville, Ont.; I Levi, seventy-two old, lives in Rochester, N. Y., retired: Lucy died young; Newton is aged about sixty-eight years and resides at Brockville, Ont.;Martha died at the age of nineteen;Sarah, now Mrs.Gardner, resides at Mill Grove, Allegan county, Mich., aged sixty-five, and subject was the youngest of a family of nine. His early years were spent in New York, whence he came to Ganges, Allegan county, Mich., and remained there two years, when he went to Minneapolis, Minn., where he remained three years. He began carpenter's work at the age of about fifteen years, working at Smith's Falls, Ontario, for two seasons, employed in the shop of his brother, who was then a manufacturer of fanning mills. In the fall of I859, Mr. Cossitt left Minneapolis and went to Guelph, Ont., where he lived until the fall of 1864, then returned to Allegan, Mich., and engaged in keeping a hotel for one winter. In the spring of i86I he went to Logansport, Ind., remaining three years, when he returned to Guelph, Ont., and was married in that town in I861. He remained in Guelph four years on this occasion, when he moved to Port Perry, Ont., and engaged in the sash and door business. He left there in I874 and went to Winnipeg, Manitoba, thence to Moorehead, Minn., thence to Minneapolis, remaining there four years this time. He then removed to Fargo, N. Dak., where he remained ten years in contracting and building, and built two-thirds of the place. He left there in I888, going to Duluth, Minn., and spent six years there in contracting and building. He came to Grand Rapids in the fall of I894. Few men have been more transitory. Mr. Cossitt married Miss Rebecca Dee Roberts, a native of Portage, N. Y., and she has accompanied her husband on all of his various wanderings. In political views Mr. Cossitt is a republican. He is not connected AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 115 with any church organization, being a freethinker. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cossitt: The eldest was Clarence Ashael, born August 23, I866, at Logansport, Ind., and died at Port Perry, Ont.; Effie Mae, born at Guelph, Ont., in March, I868, died at Duluth, Minn., December 29, I892, of quick consumption; she was the wife of Charles N. Strickland, of Duluth, was married in 1889, and left a son named Palmer Clarence, now in California; Edith Lyle, born in Minneapolis, Minn., March 6, I876, died in Albuquerque, N. Mex., where she had been taken with the hope of benefiting her health, she having contracted consumption from her sister in caring for her, and her death occurred April 7, 1897. Serious sickness and death in the family was the source not only of great grief to the loving parents, but also led to heavy financial losses in vain efforts to save the dearly beloved ones. * --- —-l --- —"-"""-"W[M ARMON COWENS.-The gentleman 1 for whom this sketch is prepared has had an active and varied career, and by reason of his long connection with two important public stations has become widely and favorably known throughout Kent county and various parts of the state of Michigan. His father, John Cowens, was a native of Tennessee, and his mother, Lucy Friley, was born in Ohio. They were married in Berrien county, Mich., and there resided on a farm until the father's death in I887. Mrs. Cowens still owns the old homestead. and is passing her declining years amid its quiet scenes. The children of John and Lucy Cowens were three in number, viz: Egbert, who is at home looking after his mother's interest; Harmon and Emeline-the last named being deceased. Harmon Cowens was born November 22, I851, in the county of Berrien, Mich., and grew to manhood on the farm, attending the common schools at intervals until his twentieth year, and remained under the parental roof until reaching the age of twenty-five. He then went to Valparaiso, Ind., where for two years he pursued his studies in the Northern Indiana Normal school, with the object of preparing himself for the teacher's profession in view. During several succeeding years he taught school in winter and farmed in summer, and was thus employed until I88I, at which date he came to Grand Rapids to accept the position of deputy United States marshal under James Monroe. He continued under that official four years, and was reappointed by Mr. Monroe's successor, D. R. Walters, with whom he remained one year, resigning at that time to become deputy sheriff of Kent county, to which place he was appointed by L. K. Bishop. He discharged the duties of the deputyship during the full term of four years, and then retired from the office to engage in the livery business in Grand Rapids, in partnership with George W. Powers-a firm which did a fairly remunerative trade for one year, when the subject disposed of his interest and purchased a farm of eighty acres in Paris township and began tilling the soil for a livelihood. He continued this peaceful pursuit, however, but a single year, when he again entered the sheriff's office as deputy under Isaac Lamoreaux, two years later served in like manner under N. Rice, at whose death, which occurred before the expiration of the official term, he was appointed to the same position by the next incumbent, Irving Woodworth-thus spending nine years in the office. This, with the four years as deputy U. S. marshal, brought Mr. Cowens in contact with a great many 116C THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS people, and afforded him exceptional advantages of becoming familiar with the trend of public sentiment. This long continuance in office is the strongest proof of his popularity, and the manner in which he has discharged the duties incumbent upon him speaks, much louder than words, of his peculiar fitness for the place to which he has given such protracted service. Mr. Cowens is a republican in all the term implies, and while always active in behalf of his party's interests is not a rabid partisan, and scorns to stoop to questionable methods which so often constitute the stock in trade of ward politicians. He numbers among his warmest friends many whose political faith is diametrically opposed to his own, and all parties have found him not only reliable, but, when occasions warrant, able to rise above party for the common good. He is a member of the Pythian fraternity, belonging to Eureka lodge, and in religion subscribes to the Methodist creed. The marriage of Mr. Cowens was solemnized in Grand Rapids with Miss Clara M.Watt,. who was born in Litchfield, Mass., March 5, I86i. To this union have been born the following children: Myrtle and Harvey Monroe (twins), Nellie Catherine and Lucy Charlotte. Mr. Cowens owns two houses and three vacant lots in Grand Rapids, has a good farm, and is otherwise comfortably situated in the matter of this world's goods. AMES COX, manager of the Porter Block, was born in the county of Tipperary, Ireland, February 4, 1833, a son of Henry and Mary (Evans) Cox, both natives of the Emerald isle. The father died when James was a lad of ten years and the mother afterward joined her son in the United States, dying in Michigan at the age of eighty-four. James Cox remained in the country of his nativity until nineteen, when, thinking to better his condition in a country which held out greater inducements to young men than Ireland, he came to the United States, locating first in New York, where he remained from June, 1852, until November, 1855. engaged in farm work in Saratoga county. In the fall of 1855 he came to Grand Rapids, Mich., and in the spring following located in Paris township, where he has ever since resided. In I855 to 1859 Mr. Cox worked as a farm hand, but in the latter year purchased a small farm, which he greatly improved, erecting thereon a dwelling which he has occupied for over forty years. He was married in Saratoga county, N. Y., in I855, to Miss Ann Eustace, also a native of Ireland, Rev. Father Bradley officiating at the ceremony. After forty-three years of happily wedded life, Mrs. Cox passed to her final rest, February I, I899, at the age of sixty-five years. Eight children were born to their union, five of whom are living. The names of the children are as follows: Mary, wife of M. T. McNamara; Edward died in California at the age of forty years; James died at home aged thirtyfive; Matilda died at the age of ten; Henry J. lives at home, has been blind from childhood, result of scarlet fever in his infancy; is a graduate of the Blind School of Flint, Mich.;. Anne E., wife of Thomas F. Morris, of Waterford, N. Y.; William J., a bookkeeper of this city; and Catherine H., who lives at home and manages her father's household. She is a graduate of the parochial schools of Grand Rapids, as were also his other daughters. and his sons were given the best educational advantages obtainable. Mr. Cox followed the profession of teach AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 117 ing for over twenty-five years in Kent county, his frequent retention for several consecutive terms in the same place speaking well for his ability as an instructor. While engaged in educational work, he made a specialty of mathematics, and has now in his possession a large volume of difficult problems arising from his work, which he exhibits with great pride. As a mathematician he had few equals, and it is still his delight to unravel and solve difficult and abstruse problems. For a number of years he was actively identified with agricultural societies and served as secretary of the Kent county and \Vest Michigan associations, in the deliberations of which he took a prominent part. He has always been interested in fairs, agricultural exhibits, live stock, etc., and for a period of about thirty years has given such matters intelligent attention. In October, I88I, Mr. Cox accepted the management of the Porter block in Grand Rapids, and since that time has had entire control, managing the large property with ability and fidelity, giving it the same attention as if he were the real owner. He has also collected and disbursed funds belonging to the estate of the late Lewis Porter, amounting to $300,000, a proof of his superior business ability. Mr. Cox is an active member of St. Andrew's Roman Catholic church and for a period of sixteen years has served as a member of its board of trustees. He has been indentified with the C. M. B. A. since its organization, May I, I88I, and has filled several official positions in the same. Politically, Mr. Cox is a democrat, but formerly supported what is known as the greenback ticket. In I876 he was the greenback candidate for county clerk, and while running 400 votes ahead of the ticket failed of election by reason of the combined opposition of the other parties that year. Personally, Mr. Cox is a genial, whole-souled gentleman, 6 whose acquaintance it is a pleasure to make; he is popular with all, and his company is eagerly sought by old and young alike. Although past life's meridian, he has still the elastic step and rosy face of youth and bids fair to live many more years. ARRY DOUGLAS COWAN, justice of the peace and attorney at law, at Grand Rapids, was born at Chatham, province of Ontario, dominion of Canada, January 15, 1865, and is a son of Samuel and Frances M. (Wheatley) Cowan, natives of Ireland, who still reside in Canada, where the father is a wholesale dealer in hardware and harness. Harry D. Cowan graduated from the Chatham high school, then entered the Toronto university, graduated with the arts course, and then served two and a half years with the Law society. In I886 he went to Omaha, Nebr., where he practiced law until I888, and then returned home, where he was admitted' to the bar the same year and practiced until I890, when he came to Grand Rapids and was here associated in practice with Stuart & Knappen until I893, then with William J. Stuart until 1895, then alone until I896, at which time he was elected a justice of the peace-an office he fills with consummate ability, his long practice and ripe experience at the bar peculiarly fitting him for the position. June 9, 1896, Mr. Cowan was united in marriage, in Grand Rapids, with Miss Mary I. Rooney, who has blessed him with one sonJohn W. Mr. and Mrs. Cowan are attendants of the Wealthy avenue Baptist church, and in politics Mr. Cowan is a republican. Fraternally, he is an Odd Fellow, an Elk, a Forester X 118 TItE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS and Woodman, and a member of the Home Forum. He is a gentleman of unswerving in-,tegrity, is painstaking and impartial in the performance of his official duties, has been successful in his professional career, owns his own residence property at No. 35 Lake street, and naturally enough enjoys, with his wife, the respect of his neighbors as well as that of the general public. OHN CRAHEN, the well-known and respected farmer of section No. 25, Grand Rapids township, Kent county, 'Mich., was born in Albany, N. Y., November I, I834, a son of Martin and Mary {McMahan) Crahen, both natives of, county Clare, Ireland, where they were married, and whence they came to the United States about 1830. They lived a while in New York, and then came to Detroit, Mich., when John, the subject, was between three and four years of age. Martin Crahen was a molder by trade and was employed by the Michigan Central railroad at Ypsilanti, and the first distinct recollection John has, is that of going from Detroit to that place to see his father. Martin Crahen for some time afterward continued to work at his trade in Detroit, and then bought a farm near the city, on which he lived until 1849, when he came to Grand Rapids and located on the west side of the river, but after making some improvements realized the fact that he was working on another person's land; he then settled on a farm in section No. 24, and this was his home until his death, at the age of sixty-nine years. His widow survived him twenty years, and died in her eighty-seventh year. The farm is situated about five and a half miles east of Grand Rapids, and contained I6o acres, formerly of heavy oak timber, the greater part of which Mr. Crahen cleared off. There were seven children born to his marriage, three of whom are now living. James, the eldest son, carried on the farm until he removed to Grand Rapids, where his death took place and where his widow and family still reside. Mary,the eldest survivor of the family, is also a resident of Grand Rapids; Martin is a mechanic of Muskegon; John is the subject of this sketch. Martin Crahen took an active part in the affairs of his township. He was a commissioner, organized the school in his district, and served as supervisor in Wayne county, as a democrat. In religion he was a devout Catholic and a faithful member of St. Andrew's church at Grand Rapids. John Crahen was about fifteen years of age when he came to Grand Rapids. He assisted on the home farm until he attained his majority, and then went to Muskegon, where fie worked at lumbering for two years, and also worked in the mills. On his return he settled on forty acres of the home farm, two years later bought eighty acres of his present farm, then added forty acres more, and still later added more land, until he became the owner of I8o acres in one body. He had about $Soo saved from his earnings, and went in debt for an equal amount, but he is now free from liabilities and has made, beside, a fine line of improvements. He has his place well arranged for general farming and also grows I,ooo peach trees. Mr. Crahen was united in marriage, November 23, I863, with Miss Mary Collins, daughter of Simon and Margaret (Carmody) Collins, a native of county Clare, Ireland, who came to the United States when eleven years old, and to Grand Rapids at the age of sixteen, and here her marriage took place. To this AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 119 union there are eight living children, born in the following order: Margaret Elizabeth, a dressmaker of Grand Rapids; James, an attorney in Chicago, Ill.; Mary, a teacher; Joseph, a clerk in the office of the G. R. & I. R. R. in Grand Rapids; Martin, on the farm with his father; Catherine, also a teacher; Julia, a teacher, and John, a student at the Grand Rapids high school. Mr. Crahen and family are members of the St. Andrew's Catholic church, and in politics is of democratic proclivities, but as a rule votes for the man he deems to be best fitted for office. He has himself served as township treasurer, but has never fe't any desire for public position. His farm is one of the most desirable in Grand Rapids township, being in an excellent state of cultivation, and he and family are held in universal respect. Mrs. Crahen, the mother of the family, died January 4, 1898. DGAR BURDETTE CRANDELL, a well-known and thoroughly practical dentist of Grand Rapids, Mich., with his office in the Gilbert block, was born in Cheshire, Mass., and descends from Lord Crandell of England, who came to America in the historical Mayflower and founded the family in New England. Stephen R. Crandell, father of Edgar B., was also a native of the old Bay state, and there married Miss Ellen Dean, to which union were born four children, viz: Edgar B., the subject; Stoel A., who, for the past twelve years, has been foreman of a furniture factory at Big Rapids, Mich.; Frederick W., foreman of a saddle factory in Binghamton, N. Y., and Ellis, a jeweler in Owego, in the same state-and all, excepting Stoel, married. The father was for many years a railroad con tractor in his native state, from which he moved to Owego, N. Y., and from there he came to Big Rapids, Mich., in 1878. His wife died in Virginia at the age of thirty-six years, and Mr. Crandell married Mrs. Ann A. Ashley, whose maiden name was Van Dusen, but to this union no children have been born. Both wives were born in Massachusetts, and Mr. Crandell now has his home in Big Rapids, Mich. Dr. Crandell received his literary education in New York and at Fredericksburg, Va., and professionally was educated in the office of Dr. A. W. Eldredge, of Big Rapids, with whom he studied four years. He commenced practice in Grand Rapids in 1885, and this has been his home ever since, with the exception of one year passed in Holland, Mich. He has secured a very lucrative practice in Grand Rapids, and bears a reputation for skill second to that of no one in the profession. Dr. Crandell was joined in the bonds of matrimony, at Grand Rapids, September 6, I894, with Miss Challie S. Wilkinson, a native of Guelph, Canada, and their only child, Stephen B., died at the age of seventeen months. The doctor is a member of Valley City lodge, No. 86, F. & A. M., and of Daisy lodge, No. 48, B. P. 0. E. In his political views, he affiliates with the republican party. He and wife attend Trinity Episcopal church, of which Mrs. Crandell is a member, and their social standing is with the best people of Grand Rapids. ARRY L. CRESWELL was born of American parents in the village of Calcutta, Columbiana county, Ohio, on the 14th of March, A. D. 1864. His early years were passed for the most part 120 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS -- --- in his native village, and neighboring cities and villages of Ohio, Pennsylvania and the West Virginia "Pan Handle," with brief family flights to Michigan and Tennessee. The youngest of a family of thirteen, he remained with his parents until the death of his mother broke the little family circle. In 1878 and 1879 he attended the public schools in Wellsville, Ohio, and in the spring of I880, having reached the age of fifteen years and considering himself fully able to care for himself, he became a resident of Grand Rapids, Mich., and learned the printer's trade in the composing room of the Saturday Evening Post, of which his brother, John A. Creswell, was then editor. After working at his trade for several years the young man decided to supplement his common school with a high school education, and by dint of type-setting and journalistic and other work, succeeded, graduating with honor in the class of I887. From that date, until I896, he was engaged in newspaper work in editorial and reportorial capacities on all of the Grand Rapids newspapers, with brief periods of journalistic work in Buffalo, N. Y., and Minneapolis, Minn. In the spring of I896, he was nominated for clerk of the superior court on the republican ticket and elected by a large majority. In I898 he was re-nominated and again elected to the same office under adverse circumstances, the entire republican ticket, with one other exception, being beaten at that election. Upon entering the clerk's office in the superior court, Mr. Creswell began the study of law under the tutelage of the Hon. Edwin A. Burlingame. then judge of that court, passing the examination before the state commission at Lansing with credit, and actively taking up the practice of this profession upon his retirement from the office of clerk in I900. Mr. Creswell's domestic relations have been equally happy with his business and polit ical affairs. In 1890 he was united in marriage to Miss Cordelia M. Wilde, a classmate in the high school and daughter of Thomas Wilde, a pioneer farmer of Wright township, Ottawa county, Mich. They have two children, and many friends who will wish them all the success in life which energy and integrity so richly merit. AMES ALBERT COYE, collector of customs and attorney-at-law, is a native of Grand Rapids, was born October 9, I855, and is a son of Albert and Mary (Pew) Coye, both natives of the state of New York and married in Rochester. In 1854, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Coye came to Grand Rapids, and here Mr. Coye engaged in tent and awning making. He was unusually well educated and a master hand at mathematics, and possessed, beside, a refined taste for literature. He was a prohibitionist in politics, and died in the faith of the Methodist church in October, I894; his widow now resides at No. 88 Turner street, and is greatly respected by all who know her. James A. Coye attended public school in this city until nine years of age, when he was employed by Comstock & Nelson, later Nelson, Matter & Co., the well-known furniture manufacturers, with whom he remained, with the exception of six years passed with the Hawkes Furniture company at Goshen, Ind., until 1890, in which year he engaged in the real estate business, and began the study of law with M. Hauseman. He was admitted to the bar in I891, and was actively engaged in practice until appointed collector of customs, May 13, I897, in which position he is still giving the utmost satisfaction to all concerned. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 121 Mr. Coye was married in White Pigeon, Mich., August 12, 1875, to Miss Belle Judd, of Ligonier, Ind., and a daughter of George and Joanna Judd, the former of whom was killed in the late Civil war. Mr. Coye is an active republican, and is a gentleman who is highly esteemed by all classes within the city limits of Grand Rapids. ENCEL L. CUKERSKI, superintend-, dent of Grand Rapids public parksystem, hails from far away Poland, his birth having occurred in the city of Posen, September 14, 1869. His father, Michael Cukerski, a landscape gardener, and his mother, whose maiden name was Caroline Pawloski, were both natives of German Poland and never left that country. Wencel L. Cukerski attended a Catholic parochial school in the country of his nativity until his fifteenth year, and during the two succeeding years received instructions from his father in landscape gardening, for which he early manifested a decided taste and liking. After becoming somewhat familiar with the business he went to Enfurth, Germany, where he further prepared himself by taking a full course in the agricultural college of that city, paying particular attention to landscape gardening and floriculture, which he studied carefully in their every detail..After thus spending two years, acquiring in the meantime a comprehensive knowledge of the profession, he went to Berlin, where, until I88o, he acted in the capacity of assistant to one of the most extensive gardeners of that city. In 1890 he came to the United States, locating at Grand Rapids. He entered the employ of Henry Smith, with whom he remained till 1892, completing in the meantime a course in one of the city's commercial colleges, thus thoroughly fitting himself for his subsequent business career. In 1892 Mr. Cukerski was engaged as landscape gardener and florist in the public parks of the city, thirteen in number, a position for which his previous training so well fitted him. In 1897 he was made superintendent of the entire system, and he has since discharged his official duties in a manner highly creditable to himself and satisfactory in every respect to the public. Since taking charge of the park system, Mr. Cukerski has inaugurated many improvenents, beatifying these popular resorts and making them conform to his ideas of what such places should be. He brought to this work a highly cultivated -mind and artistic taste of a high order, and the work performed under his plans and personal supervisior bear eloquent testimony to his skill as a gardener without a peer in this section of the state. To keep the entire system in the condition which he has planned, requires the labor of from sixty to eighty men, all of whom have been selected by reason of their fitness for the places they fill. Mr. Cukerski is a gentleman of liberal culture, truly refined, and his long connection with a calling which appeals so strongly to the aesthetic, has developed all that is good and commendable in his nature, making his companionship much sought after by those whose minds are influenced by the beautiful. He was married in Grand Rapids, February 6, 1894, to Miss Helen Poposki, a native of this city, whose parents, Andrew and Catherine Poposki, were born in Poland. Mr. and Mrs. Cukerski have one child, Florence, who has attained the age of five years. Mr. Cukerski is thoroughly American in his ideas, but still cherishes a warm feeling for the fatherland where his youthful years were 122 THE CITY OF passed. He belongs to the Polish-American Industrial society, the Polish National alliance, and with his wife is a member of St. Adalbert's Polish Catholic church of Grand Rapids. He is also a member and stockholder in the Polish-American Building & Loan association, and is identified with the Odd Fellows and Elks fraternities. He owns a comfortable home'at No. 16 Turner street, and other property of value in the city. RASTUS H. CUMMINGS, M. D., of the Wonderly building, Grand Rapids, was born in Steuben county, N. Y., September 3, 1835, and is a son of Dr. Clark and Elanor Ann (Clarks) Cummings, also natives of the Empire state. Dr. Clark Cummings, a graduate of the Jefferson Medical college, practiced many years in his native state, and in April, i851, came to Michigan and located on a farm at Onondaga, Ingham county, but about I865 removed to Toledo, Ohio, where he practiced about fifteen years, and then removed to Elkhart, Ind., where his death took place when he was seventy-five years old, and where, also, the death of his wife occurred, at the same age, five years later. Their family comprised four sons and one daughter, of whom Erastus H., the subject, was the eldest; William J., the second born, was a member of Berdan's sharpshooters during the Civil war, and sustained a wound which resulted in his death some months later; Mary, the third born, was married to William Chatterdon, of Elkhart, Ind.; Clark died of quick consumption in his twenty-first year, and Daniel died of cholera in I849, at the age of three years and ten months (both father and mother having had an attack of the same disorder). GRAND RAPIDS Dr. E. H. Cummings received his literary instruction at the Fitzhugh academy in Rochester, N. Y., and in I856 entered Albion college, attending two years, then, in the fall of I858, he went to Kansas, mainly for recreation, hunting buffaloes, etc. He was in. the west for about a year and a half, and on his return, in 186o, resumed his professional studies in Ingham county under a private tutor, and in the fall of I860 returned to the university of Michigan. At the close of the course he returned home, and April 23, I86i, he enlisted in company B-Philip McKernan's company-but this company failed to get into the three months' service, and then the doctor went into company H, that afterward became part of the Sixth Michigan infantry, and was appointed corporal. The Sixth Michigan rendezvoused at Fort Wayne, Ind., from June I8 until August 2, I86I, under drill; then Corporal Cummings was sent back to Michigan to recruit, and in four days filled up the quota of his regiment to completeness. The raw recruits were mustered into the United States service at Kalamazoo, Mich., and thence ordered to Baltimore, Md., where the regiment remained until February 23, I862, when it was sent to Newport News, just at the time of the fight between the Monitor and the Merrimac, which took place May 9, 1862. The doctor next went with Gen. B. F. Butler to Ship island, in the gulf of Mexico, then fought at various points up the Mississippi river, and at Baton Rouge, La., carried the regimental colors. After a year's service, Dr. Cummings was appointed hospital steward, and as such was on detached duty until about the close of the war, when he was discharged at Jackson, Mich., April 29, I865, after having served over four years. On his return to Michigan, Dr. Cummings resumed his professional studies and graduat r AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 123 ed from the university of Michigan in I866. He then practiced medicine two years at Leslie, Mich., and then came to Grand Rapids and practiced until 1875, in the fall of which year he entered the Hahnemann M'edical college, in Chicago, Ill., took a six-months' course and graduated; he next had six months' experience in the Cook county hospital at Chicago, and since then has practiced in the allopathic and homeopathic schools. He returned to Grand Rapids in the fall of 1876, was in active practice here two years, then went to Edmore, Montcalm county, and practiced until the spring of I889, when he finally settled in Grand Rapids, where he has been in active practice ever since. Dr. Cummings has been twice married — first, to Miss Marion H. Swift, of Eaton Rapids, Mich., in September, I864. Her death occurred in September, I892. She had borne her husband two sons and two daughters, viz: Earle C., who graduated from the high school, spent two years in Albion college, was a clerk in a bank at Edmore several years, and died from the effects of quinsy and accompanying erysipelas February Io, 1889; Elmo Lee, who graduated from the Edmore high school, took a year's course in a business college at Grand Rapids, and is now in the employ of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad company; the two daughters died in infancy. February 28, I898, Dr. Cumrings married Mrs. Anna Mentzer. Dr. Cummings is a member of Custer post, No. 5, G. A. R., of which he h.as been surgeon three years and is a past commander; has also been a member of the K. O. T. M. for sixteen years, and in politics has been a life-long republican. He has never been an office seeker, but has nevertheless served as a member of the Edmore board of trustees. The doctor was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he still adheres, and of which his first wife was also a member, as is his present wife, who is a highly educated lady and possessed of many accomplishments, and is likewise a member of the W. R. C. Professionally the doctor stands at the front, and socially he and family mingle with the best people of Grand Rapids. ILLIAM CUNNINGHAM, florist and proprietor of the Park Avenue greenhouse, Grand Rapids, is a native of Scotland, born August I6, 1848, in Sterlingshire, a son of William and Mary (Stevenson) Cunningham. These parents were both born in Scotia, and the father, a forester, still lives on his native heath. The mother died there in 1879, and lies buried in the old ancestral cemetery. They reared a family of eight children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the third in order of birth. William Cunningham's youth was spent amid the hills and dales of beautiful Scotland, an(d he early learned the lessons of frugality and self-reliance, characteristics of the people of his country, and when but twelve years of age began the study of floriculture, to which he diligently applied himself for a period of three years. He then found employment as a florist in Lancashire for one year, going thence to Midlothian, near Edinburg, where he followed his chosen calling four years, leaving Scotland at the end of that time for Ireland. During the succeeding three months he worked in the latter country, and then went to Worcestershire, England, where for four years he had charge of large gardens and gained for himself an enviable reputation in the profession to which his life has been devoted. For one year Mr. Cunningham was employed as a F 124 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS florist in London, and in September, 1882, turned his back to the old world and came to the United States, locating at Grand Rapids, Mich., where during the nine years following he was in the employ of Henry Smith, at that time the leading florist in the city. Severing his connection with that gentleman, he engaged with F. M. Strong for one year, and at the expiration of that time became associated with A. Hanna under the firm name of Hanna & Cunningham, a partnership which lasted two years. Mr. Cunningham then disposed of his interest to his partner and purchased the well-known Schmidt Bros.'plant on Park avenue, which he has since greatly enlarged and improved in many ways, making it one of the most popular enterprises of the kind in Grand Rapids. Mr. Cunningham possesses in a marked degree true artistic taste, which is strikingly displayed in the methodical arrangement of his gardens and greenhouse, and he pursues his profession with the enthusiasm which it justly merits. He is a close student of botany, and the careful training he received in youth, together with the many years devoted to this most fascinating of vocations, has made him an authority on all matters pertaining thereto, and is without doubt the best posted man now in the business in the city. His success financially has been commensurate with the energy displayed in the prosecution of his business, and a conservative estimate places the annual sales of his plants at $4,500. He has a city office at No. 93 Canal street, employs four assistants, and, judging by the past, it is safe to predict for him a still larger measure of success in the future. Mr. Cunningham entered into the marriage relation in Birmingham, England, September, 1879, with Miss Emma Doggett, who was born in that country on the 3d day of June, 1853. Five children have been born of this I union, namely: William, deceased; George, deceased; infant, that died unnamed; Frederick, a florist of Chicago, and Emma, who is still with her parents. The religious belief of Mr. Cunningham and family is embodied in the Episcopal creed, and in politics he votes with the republican party. The family reside at a beautiful home at No. 8 Ives avenue, and are highly esteemed in the social and religious circles. ENRY BROWN FALLASS.Among the jurists who have gained distinction at the Kent county bar is the gentleman whose name appears at the beginning of this article. He has long been considered one of the leading men of the legal profession in western Michigan, a man of scholarly tastes and profound learning, a political economist of more.than local reputation, and withal a gentleman signally free from ostentation, highly esteemed by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. John W. and Phebe (Brown) Fallass, parents of Henry B. Fallass, were natives of Madison and Tompkins counties, N. Y., where the ancestors of their respective families settled at a very early period of the country's history. John W. Fallass came to Michigan when a young man in 1837 and located at what has since been known as Fallassburg, Kent county, where he built a mill and early began the manufacture of lumber and flour. Going back to his native state in 1842 he there married, and with his bride returned to the county of Kent, and until the year 1875 continued to operate his mill. In that year he disposed of his mill to his sons and turned his attention to his farm, which he cultivated until his death, November 5, 1896. His wife vi I I i I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 127 preceded him to the grave, departing this life in the year 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Fallass were excellent people and left the impress of their lives indelibly fixed upon the community which they assisted in founding. Mr. Fallass was a man of extended reputation by reason of his superior mental attainments, and for many years was a leader in the M. E. church, and a republican politician of the old school. His popularity was not confined to the limits of the neighborhood where he lived for more than half a century, but his name was long a synonym for manliness and uprightness of character in communities far remote from his place of residence. John W. and Phebe Fallass were the parents of two children, the subject of this sketch and Charles W., a merchant of Petosky, Mich. Henry Brown Fallass was born on the old homestead in Fallassburg, Kent county, on the I3th day of May, 1846. His youthful years were spent under the parental roof, and the public school of the neighborhood furnished the means of a common English education, which was afterward supplemented by a conmercial course in the Bryant & Stratton Business college, Detroit. Until his eighteenth year he assisted his father in the mill, and from that time until twenty-two he was engaged in teaching in the common schools of Kent county. His reputation in the educational field brought him into prominent notice, so much so, in fact, that in the year I868 he was elected superintendent of the Kent county public schools, a position which he filled two terms. In the meantime he began the study of law, and after the expiration of his official term entered the office of Hughes, OBrien & Smiley, Grand Rapids, where he pursued his reading one year, and during the succeeding year received instruction from Judge Holmes. The further to increase his legal knowledge, Mr. Fallass entered the law de I I partment of the university of Michigan, from which he was graduated in 1875 and immediately thereafter was admitted to the bar and became associated in the practice with C. H. Gleason, under the firm name of Fallass & Gleason. The partnership thus formed continued three years, and for about seven years Mr. Fallass and Elvin Swarthout constituted one of the leading law firms of Grand Rapids. For several years past Mr. Fallass has been alone in the practice, and he is now one of the leading lawyers of the Kent county bar. His name appears in connection with many of the most important cases ever adjudicated in the courts of this city, and not infrequently has he been retained as counsel in equally important litigation elsewhere. Mr. Fallass is a close student, and through a long and successful practice has become thoroughly familiar with the underlying principles of his profession. He prepares his cases with the utmost skill and precision, and his dignified presence and earnestness of manner indicate his thorough familiarity with the contested points. He is logical in argument, clear in his reasoning, forceful in delivery, and his opinions always carry weight and seldom fail to convince. On the 12th day of September, 1876, Mr. Fallass entered into the marriage relation with Miss Mary J. Brown, who was born in the town of Parma, Jackson county, Mich., June 27, I85I. She is the daughter of William G. and Lucinda (Landon) Brown, and has borne her husband one child, a daughter, Florence P. In addition to his regular practice, Mr. Fallass is largely interested in real estate, his dealings therein having been very successful financially. He owns valuable property in both city and county, including numerous houses, besides business blocks, farms, etc., and a beautiful home on Ransom street, which is thecenter of a cultivated circle. He exercises the right of franchise in support of the -1 I I 0C 128 - TIHE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS principles of the republican party, and socially is connected with the Hesperus club of Grand Rapids. For three years he served as a member of the city school board; and the cuuse of education has always been to him a matter of great concern. The religious belief of Mr. and Mrs. Fallass is embodied in the Congregational church, with which they are both identified. ON. BYRON M. CUTCHEON, M. C., lawyer, soldier, statesman, was born at Pembroke, N. H., May I, 1836. He is from one of those old and highly respected New England families, of Scotch-Irish stock, who settled in New Hampshire about I720. The Cutcheons (or McCutcheons, as the name originally was) have lived at Pembroke since the Revolutionary war, in which the grandfather of the subject, Frederick McCutcheon, took an active part as a soldier in the cause of independence, serving four successive enlistments. Rev. James M. Cutcheon, father of Byron M., was born at North Pembroke, and died there in 1856, having reared a family of six boys, of whom the subject was the youngest. Byron M. Cutcheon received his earliest school training in the district school of his native town, and at the age of thirteen entered the Pembroke academy, in which he qualified himself for a teacher by the age of seventeen, and taught his first school in his native town in I853-4. Enticed by the unfolding opportunities of the west, he left the family home while yet a boy, and in 1855 came to Ypsilanti, Mich., where he continued his preparatory studies, spending the winters in teaching. He took charge of the Birmingham academy, in Oakland county, Mich., in I857. After hold ing this position one year he entered as a student the university of Michigan, from which he graduated, taking the degree of A. B. in i86r. His college studies were interrupted by absence during three winters, which he spent teaching, earning means with which to complete his course. Having completed his college studies, his first engagement was that of principal and teacher of ancient languages, higher mathematics, etc., in the high school at Ypsilanti-a position he filled until he resigned to enter the army in 1862. A feature of his education, which is important in determining the natural bent of mind of the subject of this sketch, was a year spent in a military school at Pembroke. Being descended from a race of soldiers on both sides of the family, he chose this from natural inclination toward military life. In July, 1862, he raised a company for the Twentieth Michigan infantry, in response to the president's call for 300,000 volunteers, and was at once mustered into the service as second lieutenant. His career through the war was one of faithful duty, which found recognition in successive promotions up to the rank of colonel and brigadier-general by brevet "for conspicuous gallantry." He entered upon the scenes of actual war at Washington, in September, 1862, when, having been promoted to the captaincy of his company, he saw the demoralized army of Gen. Pope returning from the field of the disastrous second battle of Bull Run. He was engaged in the battle at Fredericksburg, in December, 1862; Horseshoe Bend, Ky.; Vicksburg and Jackson, Miss.; Blue Springs, Hough's Ferry, Lenoir Station, Campbell's Station, Knoxville, Strawberry Plains, Thurley's Ford, Bean's Station, and other points in Tennessee, in 1863. He received the congressional medal of honor, "for distinguished bravery " at the battle of Horseshoe Bend, Ky. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 129 At Campbell's Station, in November, I863, in which action his regiment bore a conspicuous part, the subject, then major, was thrown in command of his regiment by the death of the lieutenant-colonel, and led his regiment with such bravery and skill as to elicit the commendation of his commanding general. From this time to the end of the war his command was never less than a regiment. From Tennessee his regiment was ordered east in the spring of 1864, when it joined the army of the Potomac, and participated in most of the memorable engagements of that army. Having been promoted to colonel, he commanded his regiment in the three days' fighting at the Wilderness; directed the rear guard of the Ninth army corps in its movement via Chancellorsville to Spottsylvania; led the advance of the corps across the Nye river in front of Spottsylvania, his being the regiment that made the first lodgment on the crest in front of the enemy's works. On May ioth, while leading a charge on a battery of the enemy, he was severely wounded by a fragment of a shell, which wound confined him to the hospital for nearly two months. He rejoined.his command in front of Petersburg, Va., July 7, 1864, and on the 30th of July led it in the charge in the "battle of the crater," through a storm of bullets and canister that mowed down nearly half of his men. In August he took part in the three days' fight on the Weldon railroad, on the first day of which he rallied a broken regiment under fire, taking the colors in his own hands. For this he was brevetted (by President Lincoln, on recommendation of Gen. Willcox) a colonel of the United States volunteers, " for conspicuous gallantry." Later he participated in the engagements at Ream's Station, Poplar Springs church, Pegram Farm, Boydton Road and Hatcher's Run. On October I6, I864, he was assigned to the command of the Second brigade, First division, Ninth army corps, which he continued to command until mustered out of the service. Owing to very severe and long-continued sickness in his family, he resigned in March, I865, having been brevetted brigadier-general of volunteers for gallantry in the Wilderness campaign and in operations in front of Petersburg, Va. In the spring of I866, Gen. Cutcheon received the appointment of state agent of the Michigan Soldiers' Monument association, and as such made a canvass of the state. It was during this work that he, with Gen. R. A. Alger and Gen. John Robinson met at Detroit, and organized the famous " Boys in Blue," of which Gen. Cutcheon was the first president. In I866, also, Gen. Cutcheon was appointed, by the governor, president of the Michigan Soldiers' Home commission, and conducted the duties required by that position so satisfactorily that he received, upon presentation of the result of his work to the state legislature, a vote of thanks from that body. After the war he returned to Ypsilanti, where he began the study of law in the office of his brother, Hon. Sullivan M. Cutcheon, at the time speaker of the Michigan house of representatives, and who afterward held the important position of United States district attorney for the eastern district of Michigan. The general completed his legal studies in the law department of Michigan university, at Ann Arbor, graduating therefrom in March, I866, and also receiving the degree of master of arts. His first professional location was at Ionia, in the fall of I866, where he at once entered upon the practice of his profession, but removed in July of the following year to Manistee. Although a lawyer by profession, and not seeking preferment outside of the ranks of that calling, his reputation as a public speaker, and his knowledge of governmental affairs, brought him at once to the notice of his older political associates. 130 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS In politics he has always been a republican. At the state convention of I866, his name was presented for secretary of state, and he came within a few votes of nomination. In the ensuing campaign, upon invitation of the state republican central committee, he was one of the speakers who canvassed the state. Before removing to Manistee he had been appointed to the state board of railroad commissioners, a position he continued to hold by re-appointments up to 1883, when he resigned to enter congress. In 1868 he was chosen a presidential elector from Michigan and was made secretary of the electoral college. In 1875 he was elected regent of the Michigan State university for the term of eight years, in which position he was active in promoting the welfare of that institution. He has been at different times, president, orator and poet of the alumni association of this, his alma mater. He was a member of the first city council of Manistee, and, as chairman of the ordinance committee, drafted the first code of ordinances for the city's government. He was chosen, in 1870, city attorney; has been a member of the board of education; has held the office of prosecuting attorney of the county, and numerous other positions of trust in political, military and religious organizations. In 1877 he received the appointment from President 'Grant of postmaster of Manistee, holding that position until 1883, when he resigned to enter congress. He was first elected to congress in the autumn of 1882, and held a seat in that body until March 4, 189r, elected each time by increased majorities, having been nominated and renominated four times, receiving his last election in I888 by a plurality of 4,374. As a congressman he was a faithful, diligent, and able representative, letting his voice be heard on almost all of the great political questions of the day. He served on the committee on military affairs for eight years, and in the Fifty-first congress was chairman of that committee, taking an especially prominent part in matters affecting the interests of veteran soldiers. His speech on the president's veto of private pension bills, delivered on the floor of congress July 9, 1886, was more largely circulated by the national congressional committee as a campaign document during the following autumn than any other speech of that session. Many bills introduced by him became laws, especially relating to the army. At the close of his congressional career, March 4, I89I, Gen. Cutcheon was appointed by President Harrison a member of the United States board of ordnance and fortification, of which he continued a member until March 25, 1895. In September, I891, he removed his residence to Grand Rapids, which is still his home. On his retirement from the board of ordnance and fortification, he was editorial writer on political and international subjects on the Detroit Daily Tribune until May, I896, when he again returned to the practice of his profession, after twelve years in public life. Since he resumed the work of his profession, has retired entirely from active politics. In personal appearance Gen. Cutcheon is much above the average in stature, standing over six feet in height; is upright and well proportioned, presenting a commanding appearance. In public speech he is forcible and convincing, but, withal, graceful and frequently eloquent. As a debater he is logical and clear, and quick at repartee. He is uniformly courteousand affable in social and business relations. He has been a member of the Congregational church during all of his active life, taking a deep interest in its welfare, not only locally, but as a member of its state and national councils, having been a member of three triennial national councils of that church. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 131 The general was married, June 22, 1863, to Miss Marie A. Warner, a teacher in the city schools of Ann Arbor, and a lady of thorough culture and refinement. Their family consists of five children-four sons and one daughter —narnely, Frank Warner, Charles Tripp, Max Hart, Frederick Richard, and Marie Louise. OBERT H. DECOUX, physician and surgeon, was born in the city of London, Ont., December 10, I869. His father, Walter S. DeCoux, also a native of Canada. is descended from an old French family of the province of Ontario, and the mother, Mary Campbell, was born of Scotch parentage in the same country. These parents were married in Canada and reared a family of six children in the following order: Daniel, a resident of New York; Mrs. Barbara Rollins, of St. Thomas, Ont.; John, a clergyman of the Episcopal church stationed at Mattoon, Ill.; Robert H., the subject of this sketch; Maggie and Walter, the last two still with their parents at their home in Oil City, Canada. Dr. DeCoux received his educaton in London, completing the high school course at an early age. When but eighteen years old he accepted a position with a publishing house at Guelph, Canada, and as a traveling representative of the same went to Australia, over which he traveled quite extensively, also visiting Tasmania, New Zealand, and other islands of Oceanica, in the interest of the firm, finally completing his engagement by a trip around the world. He was in the employ of the company five years, during which time he visited, in addition to the countries above named, Egypt, the Holy Land, many of the kingdoms of Europe, besides various parts of America. On severing his connection with his employers, they expressed their satisfaction with his services by presenting him with a handsome gold watch, appropriately engraved, which he prizes very highly. The doctor's long sojourn abroad was valuable in, many ways, and his business experience, which brought him in contact with all kinds of people, was the means of broadening his mind and acquiring a practical education such as colleges and universities do not impart. Returning to his native land, the doctor began the study of medicine, and after a prelimninary reading under a competent director, he entered the Michigan college of Medicine, Detroit, where he took a four-years' course, receiving his degree in 1897. He brought to the practice a mind well fortified with professional training, and his first experience in the healing art was in the town of Herrick, Shelby county, Ill., where he maintained an office until his removal to Grand Rapids, in January, 1899. The doctor's professional service embraces the general practice, and since locating in this city his progress, for so recent a comer, has been highly encouraging and prosperous. He is a conscientious and capable physician, studies his cases with great care and brings to the exercise of his duties a personality which inspires confidence on the part of patients. Professionally, the doctor's future is fraught with much that promises success, and in all other relations of life he sustains the character of a cultured and high-minded gentleman. Dr. DeCoux was married on the day of his graduation, March 23, 1897, to Miss Nina Hurd, of Jackson, Mich., daughter of Jesse and Finette Hurd. Jesse Hurd, now deceased, was for a number of years a prominent business man of the city of Jackson; his widow makes her home in Detroit with a daughter. C I 132 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Her family at this time consists of three daughters, two of whom are married. Dr. DeCoux has a well appointed office at No. 10 Canal street, and he keeps himself in touch with the progress of his profession by diligently studying the leading literature pertaining thereto. He is an enthusiastic student as well as a close practical observer, characteristics which have marked the career of the great majority of the world's distinguished men in all lines of professional and industrial activity. AUL P. DAVIS, professor of rhetoric,and elocution, and teacher of the histrionic art, with his studio at room 29, Gilbert building, Grand Rapids, was born in San Francisco, Cal., April 7, I86o. His educationwas acquired in the public schools of his native city, and after ceasing his studies he taught for three and a half years at the California Military academy of Oakland, Alameda county. He then began studying for the stage, and in I88 became a " professional," at first playing local engagements, soon wore off the "novice" condition of stage life, and then was engaged to support such stars as Miss Julia Marlowe, Mme. Fanny Janauschek, the famous Bohemian tragic actress; Mme. Helena Modjeska, the equally famous Polish actress; Joe Murphy, the Irish comedian, and Joe Polk, and later was a member of the exceptionally strong company that for years occupied the boards of the New York City Lyceum theater. In 1890 and I891, Mr. Davis was stage manager for Janauschek, and the following season he abandoned the stage and came to Grand Rapids, opened his school of instruction, and soon secured a large clientele in this city and at Holland. Since coming to Grand Rapids, Mr. Davis has appeared in dramatic entertainments in nearly all the cities of Michigan and has been flatteringly received at all. On the evening of February I, 1898, he put on the play of the ( Wonderful Woman" at Power's opera house, before a very large, appreciative and enthusiastic audience, and January 27, 1899, he took part in a Shakespearian entertainment at the Ackley institute of Grand Haven, in which he gave a number of recitations from " Macbeth," and of which the correspondent of the Grand Rapids Herald wrote as follows: " This was Mr. Davis' first appearance here, and his rendering of those lines of Shakespeare's wonderful work won the applause of each present. He favored his hearers with the murder scene by request, and ' well done' was said by the audience in the long and continued applause that they gave him. It was in the clown's play that Mr. Davis won deserved praise. In his other selections his dialect and droll imagery were nicely shown." It may well be inferred, from the foregoing extract, that Mr. Davis is an elocutionist of most comprehensive scope, as he recited passages, at the entertainment alluded to, from heavy tragedy, light comedy and broad farce. He has sounded the histrionic art from its " lowest tones to the topmost of its pitch," and is well entitled to the extensive patronage which he is receiving as a teacher of the art which represents all other arts on the dramatic as well as the lyric stage. Mr. Davis is a member of the board of directors of the Michigan Association of Elocutionists, of the Imperial lodge, K. of P., Phoenix lodge, I. O. O. F., and in I896 —97, was lecturing Knight of Daisy lodge, No. 48, B. P. 0. E. He is also an honorary member of the Grand Rapids Schubert club, organized in 1894, and now one of the largest musical societies in the city. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 188 LMER W. DECKER, the experienced carpenter and contractor, at No. 233 Ottawa street, Grand Rapids, was born in Morrow county, Ohio, December I, I853, and is a son of Absalom and Sarah (Reece) Decker, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of New Jersey, and both now deceased. Elmer W. Decker is the fifth of the eight children born to his parents, and named as follows: Mary Elizabeth, wife of Ezra Whitney, of Tacoma, Wash.;Theophilus W., deceased; Naomi, married to William Long, of WVeston, Ohio; Horace P., deceased; Elmer W., the subject of this sketch; Leora, deceased; Milton LaFayette, a druggist and postmaster of Lakota, Mich., and Alice Luretta, deceased. All the deceased children attained the years of maturity ere they were called away. Mr. Decker came to Michigan in 1871, learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, and worked for some years with a brother in Grand Rapids, and then was a partner with H. O. Cotton for six or seven years in contracting and building, but since April, 1897, he has been alone and gives employment to two or three workmen, besides doing a great deal of work himself, as he is a most industrious man. August 6, I876, Mr. Decker was joined in matrimony with Miss Fidelia Elsfelder, a native of Wood county, Ohio, and a daughter of John D. and Henrietta (Osborn) Elsfelder — the father a native of Paris, France, and the mother of Virginia, but their marriage took place in Seneca county, Ohio. The mother died in Ohio when Mrs. Decker was but nine years old, and the father died in Illinois. They were the parents of five children, viz: Amanda, wife of Eli Stull, a resident of Illinois; Elizabeth Orr, of Illinois; John Daniel, a carbuilder at Princeton, Ind.; Fidelia, now Mrs. E. W. Decker, and Henry, a painter in Omaha, Neb. Mr. and Mrs. Decker have been blessed with two bright and intelligent daughters, the eldest of whom, Myrtle May, was born in Lamont, Mich., May 15, I879, and Iva Pearl, born in Grand Rapids, March I5, 1883. The elder of the two is a graduate of the Grand Rapids high school and the Grand Rapids normal school, and for a year or more has been a successful teacher in the city, and the younger daughter is in the senior year of the city high school. Mr. Decker is a member of Equity lodge, No. 459, I. O. O. F., of Purity lodge, No. I4, D. of R., and of the I. O. R. M., in which latter he has filled the principal official stations. Mrs. Decker is also a member of the D. of R., but neither he nor she is a member of any church organization. In politics, Mr. Decker was a republican in his early voting days, but has latterly espoused the doctrine of free silver. He has, however, never sought political favors from either party. Mr. Decker has ever been a temperate, industrious citizen, and a useful one. He has been a good manager, has made a success of his business, and he and wife and daughters enjoy the unfeigned esteem of all who know them. Oj ERRIT H. DEGRAAF,dealer in staple and fancy groceries in Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Buffalo, N. Y., October 4, I85I, and is a son of Gerrit and Helen (Katz) DeGraaf, both parents natives of Holland. Gerrit DeGraaf, Sr., came to the United States in I846, locating at Buffalo, N. Y., and there engaged in business on an extensive scale. In I856 he came to Grand Rapids and engaged in the manufacture 134 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I of lumber, doors, sash, blinds and other building material, and met with most encouraging success in the undertaking, employing a large number of men, and accumulating considerable wealth. He was actively identified with the manufacturing interests of the city until his death, which took place in 1895. Ten children constituted the family of Gerrit and Helen DeGraaf, four of whom at present are living, the subject of this review being the second in order of birth. The DeGraaf family were prominent in social circles of Grand Rapids, and also occupied a conspicuous place among the Holland people of the city. Mr. DeGraaf was a man of vigorousintellect, highly educated and well versed in general literature, a fact which always made his presence welcome among people whose tastes ran in that direction. He was also an active member of the Dutch Reform church of Grand Rapids, and will be remembered as one of the city's most energetic and intelligent men. Gerrit H. Degraaf was but five years old when the family came to Grand Rapids, consequently he has spent nearly all his life within the confines of the city. When of proper age he was sent to the city schools, which he attended until his seventeenth year, and then entered a grocery house as salesman, in which capacity he continued until I875. Having in the meantime become familiar with the grocery trade in its every detail, he engaged in the business for himself in the above year, and has since given it his attention, meeting with substantial success, and at this time being proprietor of one of the best-known houses of the kind in Grand Rapids. Mr. DeGraaf carries a general line of groceries and provisions, studies intelligently the wishes of the public in his various lines, and has a large stock, representing a capital of over $6,000. Mr. DeGraaf was married June 29, I875, to Miss Minnie Achteres, who was born in Allegan county, Mich., February II, 1855. Mrs. DeGraaf is the daughter of John and Minnie Achteres, both natives of Holland and early pioneers of the county of Allegan. Mr. and Mrs. DeGraaf are the parents of three children, viz: Henry, who assists his father in the store, Minnie and Arthur. In his political belief Mr. DeGraaf is a republican, and as such has been several times elected to represent his ward in the city council, having served as a member of that body from 1884 to 1890, and from 1893 to 1897, inclusive. While in the council he was no idle member, but an active worker, and took a prominent part in promoting much valuable legislation, serving on the committees of ways and means, claims and accounts, streets, and several others of equal importance. He is a member of the fraternity of Elks, belonging to lodge No. 48, of which he served as exalted ruler during the year I89I-92, and is also identified with the Royal Arcanum, Royal League and National Union orders. Financially, Mr. DeGraaf is considered one of Grand Rapids' substantial men. He has met with success in the mercantile business and has contributed to the city's property by erecting a large and beautiful brick business block, two stories in height and containing three commodious business rooms, one of which he occupies. AMES M. DEKRAKER, M. D., a favorite and rising young physician and surgeon, whose office at No. 6r West Leonard street, Grand Rapids, is always attended to repletion by his numerous patients, was born in the Netherlands of the continent of Europe, August 27, I865. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 135 Henry and Susan (Van Kerkvoort) DeKraker, parents of the doctor and six daughters, of which family the doctor was the sixth in order of birth, came to the United States in i88I and at once located in Grand Rapids. Here the future young physician augmented the education he had acquired in his native land by an attendance at the high school, which he left in his junior year to attend the College of Physicians Surgeons of Chicago, Ill. (the medical department of the university of Illinois), from which he graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1894, and at once opened his present office in Grand Rapids for the practice of his profession, in which he has met with remarkable success. He is the happy possessor of a gold medal awarded him on graduation by the faculty of the college as a prize for his having attained the highest standing in his class, and his merits have been so well recognized in Grand Rapids as to lead to his appointment to several professional positions —one being that of lecturer on diseases of the chest and of physical diagnoses at the Grand Rapids Medical college. He is an honored member of the Grand Rapids Medical & Surgical society and also of the Michigan State Medical society, in both of which his usefulness is fully appreciated. Dr. DeKraker was united in marriage at Spring Arbor, Jackson county, Mich., with Miss Jennie May Omans, September IO, I896. This accomplished lady is a native of Jackson county and is a daughter of Rev. Gifford Omans (deceased), a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, who came from New York to Michigan in childhood, and here passed his mature years in the service of his beloved church, in the faith of which he also passed away. The Omans family is of Scotch origin and came to America in colonial days, many of its male members becoming members of the patriot army in the war of the Revolution. 7 I I I Mrs. Jennie May DeKraker is a lady of excellent education, having passed through the curriculum of the Spring Arbor academy, and later graduating from a business college in 1893. She next took a course in a hospital at Omaha, Neb., from which she graduated as a trained nurse, and as a result of this education she is invaluable to her husband in his professional work. Dr. DeKraker and wife are members of the Second street Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics the doctor is altogether independent. From a financial standpoint, the doctor may well congratulate himself, as he earned the means to pay.his expenses through college, and since he began the active practice of his profession he has realized a handsome home and other city property, the latter bringing him a neat income from rentals. He and 'wife are highly esteemed in the social circles of the city, in which their personal merits have secured them a very prominent position. ORNELIS DEKKER, M.D., of No. 87 Plainfield avenue, Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in the city of Oudeland, province of Zealand, kingdom of Holland, September 8, 1873, a son of Dirk Hendrick and Leuntje (DeKorne) Dekker, who came to America in July, 1875, some years after marriage, and located in Grand Rapids, whence, a year later, they moved to Zeeland, Mich., where the father became very successful as a general merchant. This worthy couple had born to them a family of twelve children in the following order: Cornelis, Antonia, Jennie (deceased), Jennie, Nellie, Mattie, Maria, Leunis, Annie H., Dirk H., Marian, and a baby, deceased, all of whom 186 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS are living, with the exception of Jennie and the baby. Dr. Cornelis Dekker attended the public schools at Zeeland, Mich., until nearly fifteen years of age, when he entered Hope college at Holland, Mich., and for four years studied the classical course, and in I891 entered the medical department of the Pennsylvania university at Philadelphia, in which he studied continuously until his graduation in 1896. He next attended the Louisville (Ky.) Medical college, in order to round out his professional education —especially in hospital experience. In April, I897, he opened his cffice in Grand Rapids, at the address above given, and has already secured a lucrative line of practice, more particularly among people of his own nationality. Dr. Dekker was united in marriage, September 28, 1894, in Grand Rapids, with Miss Dena Kosten, a native of this city and a. daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marinus Kosten, and this genial union has been blessed with one son Dirk Hendrick, born June 6. 1897. The doctor is a member of the Grand Rapids Academy of Medicine, is professor of pathology and toxicology in the Grand Rapids Medical college, and for so young a physician has reached an unusually eminent station in the profession. In politics he is a stanch republican, and he and wife are regarded with great favor in the better society circles of the city. ILL DELANO, M. D., of the city of Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of Groton, Tompkins county, N. Y., was born July 14, I86r, and is a son of Martin S. and Jane (Bothwell) DeLano —the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of New York state. Martin S. Delano was a tobacconist and cigar manufacturer at Ithaca, N. Y., was a very prosperous business man, and retained his interest in Ithaca even after his removal to Grand Rapids, Mich., in 1887, and here his death took place at the age of sixty-eight years, and here, also, his widow still resides. Of the four children born to these parents there are three surviving, viz: Frederick B., who for the past twenty-five years has been connected with the Lehigh Valley Railroad company, with his residence in Ithaca, and is the eldest; the third child is the subject of this sketch, and the youngest is Edgar B.,who is employed in a wholesale millinery establishment in Grand Rapids. The second born of the four was named D. F., and died in Grand Rapids at the age of twenty-nine years. Dr. Will DeLano was educated in Ithaca, but in I876 left the high school and entered a drug store, in which he was employed for three years, and then entered the college of Pharmacy in New York city, from which he graduated in I88I. He then resumed the drug business and followed it one year longer, when he took up the study of medicine under Dr. D.W.White, a prominent physician of Ithaca. After due tuition by this gentleman, he entered the Eclectic Medical institute of Cincinnati,graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1885, practiced one year in Itahca, and in March, I886, arrived in Grand Rapids, Mich., where he has since been actively employed in his profession. In politics a democrat, he was appointed in September, 1898, city health officer, and although busily occupied in municipal duties, he still retains his original consulting rooms in the " Gilbert," in order to attend to his private patronage. Dr. DeLano was married at Ithaca, N. Y., October 26, 1887, the lady of his choice being Miss Helen White, the daughter of his early preceptor in medicine and a native of that AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 137 city. This union has been crowned by the birth of two daughters-Agnes, aged ten years, and Marian, aged seven. Of the professional societies, the doctor is a member of the Michigan State Homeopathic society and the Grand Rapids college of Homeopathic Physicians, and of fraternal societies he holds membership in several that embrace the life-insurance feature. OSEPH H. DICKEY, M. D., of No. 37 North Ionia street, Grand Rapids,. M.ich., was born in Newtown Robinson, Ontario, Canada; January 3, i864, and graduated from the Barrie high school. His parents were John and Matilda Dickey, the former of whom came from the north of Ireland, and the latter was of IrishAmerican antecedents. The father was a farmer by calling and also for some years held the office of magistrate under the national government. He died at Newtown Robinson, Canada, at the age of sixty-eight years, and his widow is now a resident of Barrie. Their children, nine in number, were named in order of birth as follows: James, Miriam, \Vesley, Matilda, Letitia, Nathaniel, William, Joseph H. (the subject) and Samuel, the last named deceased. Two of this family, besides the doctor, reside in the United States; all the other survivors still live in Canada. Dr. Dickey, for a few years during his early manhood, was engaged in mercantile business in his native province, and then began the study of medicine in the office of an uncle, Dr. Law, an eminent physician of Bond Head, Canada. After a proper course of preliminary education, he entered the Ontario college of Medicine, at Kingston, passed through a three-year course, and graduated June 7, I884. He practiced at first, for three or four years, at Gravenhurst, and while thus engaged began study along special lines of professional work, and finally took an extra course in gynecology in the Ontario Medical college, and since then he has devoted himself almost entirely to the treatment of nervous disorders and the diseases of women. About thirteen years ago he came to the United States, and in 1895 located in Grand Rapids, where he has met with notable success. Of the fraternal societies, the doctor is a member of the encampment, I. O. O. F., of the A. O. U. W., and the Order of the World, and politically he is a republican. Dr. Dickey is a widower, and is the father of a son and a daughter —Elbridge Franklin, aged thirteen years, and Alice Adeline, aged ten years, who have been at the home of their grandmother in Barrie, Canada, since 1890, and are there attending school. The social standing of Dr. Dickey in Grand Rapids is with the most respected residents, and he enjoys a high degree of esteem on account of his personal merits as a citizen, and his qualifications as a physician. EORGE G. DE NIO, practical carpen' ter and experienced general jobber at No. 76 North Ioniastreet, Grand Rapids, was born August 12, I850, in Steuben county, Ind., a son of Joseph and Sophronia (Ingersoll) De Nio. His mother died when subject was a mere infant, and the latter was reared by his grandparents on their farm until ten years of age, receiving a common-school education, and since then he has provided for himself. His father died in Indiana in I889. 188 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I In 1865 Mr. De Nio came to Michigan, and located in Superior, where, at the age of eighteen years, he began learning the carpenter's trade. He lived in Superior about six years, then moved to Salem, Washtenaw county, Mich., where he worked at his trade fifteen years, and then came to Grand Rapids about 1889. Here he has since operated a jobbing carpenter shop, or, as his class of business is usually called, a contracting carpenter line, giving employment to an average of ten men, and during the building season to several more -taking contracts for the building of residences and other structures. Mr. De Nio was joined in matrimony October 4, I871, at Salem, Mich., with Miss Alice Simmons, a native of Salem and a daughter of Ephraim and Nancy Simmons, natives of New York state and pioneers of Salem township, Washtenaw county, Mich. To Mr. and Mrs. De Nio have been born three children, viz: Effie N., now the wife of George R. Landon, a machinist in Easton, Pa.; Reuben E., who was born in Salem, December 27, I879, was educated in Salem and Grand Rapids, and is now associated with his father in business, and Newell, the youngest, who died in Grand Rapids at the age of nine years. In politics Mr. De Nio is a prohibitionist from principle, he having never used a stimulant or narcotic in any other form than tea and coffee, and the use of tobacco in any form is to him unknown. His only public office has been that of a member of the school board. In religion, Mr. and Mrs. De Nio are devout Baptists; both were baptized on the same day, and both'are much interested and active in church and Sunday-school work, their present membership being with the Fountain street Baptist congregation. Reuben E. De Nio, the second child born to George G. De Nio and wife, enlisted April 23, I898, in company E, Second Michigan national guards, under command of Col. W. F. McGurren, but was rejected on examination by the regimental surgeon when the regiment was mustered into active service, but is still a member of the regiment. George G. De Nio began life a poor boy, but through his natural abilities, his energy, his industry and his good management, has risen to an honorable as well as comfortable position in life, and has won through his personal merits the esteem and friendship of many persons who have marked with approval his upright career. EORGE W. DILLENBACK, the well I known real estate, loan and insurance agent, at No. 1151 South Division street, Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of Alburg, Grand Isle county, Vt., was born August 28, I834, and since ten years of age has been a resident of Grand Rapids or its vicinity. He is the eldest of seven children born to Jasper and Margaret (Cook) Dillenback, both natives of Vermont, born in 1792 and I808 respectively, and married in Alburg in 1831. Jasper Dillenback spent the greater part of his life as a captain on lake Champlain, transporting goods to and from the New York shore. On coming to Michigan he bought a farm in Byron township, Kent county, which township at that time, I844, was a wilderness, in which fifty or sixty white persons only were living. But he was a sturdy pioneer, having descended from Mohawk Dutch stock, and settled in the province of New York before the Revolutionary war, three brothers being the original immigrants, and from these all of the family name in America are descended. The parents of Jasper, however, were born in Schoharie AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 189 county, N. Y., whence they migrated to Vermont, and Mr. Dillenback, of this sketch, has a store of legendary information touching the early history of the family in America, which, although remarkable, is somewhat vague, owing to the lapse of time and chronological records. Jasper Dillenback, however, succeeded in working out a comfortable home in the wilderness of Kent county, and died thereon, one of Byron township's most honored pioneers, at the age of seventy-five years, his wife having died when she was forty-eight. The only living child born to this worthy couple besides George W. is Jackson D., a newspaper man of Denver, Colo., who, with his brother Frank, was a soldier in the Fourth Michigan cavalry during the war of the Rebellion, Frank dying of a disease contracted during his service. Three sisters and a brother, the other children, died young. George W. Dillenback was reared on his father's farm and educated in the district schools. Making rapid progress in the latter, he was soon able to begin teaching, and followed this as a vocation, with the exception of fifteen years, until I888. He began by teaching in the country schools, then taught in Missouri one year, and was there when the Civil war broke out, and the same year, I86I, returned to Grand Rapids and continued to teach until 1864, in the summer of which year he enlisted as a recruit in company C, Thirteenth Michigan infantry, under Capt. Yerkes. He joined his regiment at Chattanooga, Tenn., and three days later started on the Atlanta campaign. When between Rome and Resaca, Ga., he was sent back to Chattanooga, where he was in a detachment camp until November, when he was detailed a clerk in the quartermaster's department of the One Hundredth colored infantry at Nashville, Tenn. While thus detailed, he participated in the battle of Nashville, but shortly afterward was attacked with measles, which disorder was greatly aggravated by exposure to a soaking rain, without proper shelter. The result was lung trouble, which has never been eradicated, and for this reason he has been awarded a small pension. After recuperating from the measles, he rejoined his regiment at Jackson, Mich., but was not mustered out until four months after his regiment had been discharged, and he then returned to Grand Rapids and resumed his profession as teacher. The marriage of Mr. Dillenback took place in I862, at Cleveland, Ohio, to Miss Rose Lilly, who was born near that city and is a daughter of Albinus and Mehitable (Vincent) Lilly, natives of Berkshire county, Mass., but to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Dillenback no children have been born. In I888, Mr. Dillenback engaged in his present business in Grand Rapids, in which he is associated with Herman Van Wormer, whose biography appears on another page — the firm now doing the leading business in its line in the city. Mr. Dillenback was one of the organizers of the republican party and has always been active in its affairs, wielding a quiet yet potent influence in its actions, more with a view of rewarding his friends and punishing his political enemies, than for self-advancement. He has, however, served as school inspector for four or five years, and also as a justice of the peace. He is also an active member of A. B. Watson post, No. 395, G. A. R. For thirty years Mr. Dillenback was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, but now he and wife are active and devoted members of the United Brethren society. He was a pioneer in the organization of the Sunday-school of Grand Rapids, and has always taken an active interest in both Sunday-school and church work, and in many other ways has been a useful and progressive citizen. 140 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS ONROE LEE DIVER. —The farming implement business of late years has become one of the leading industries of the United States and also one of the most profitable. To prosecute it successfully requires ability of no mean order, and in every city and town of any considerable size are found men of energy and good judgment devoting their time to this important line of commercial activity. A leading representative of the business in Grand Rapids is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. The paternal ancestors of Monroe L. Diver were Virginians and his mother's people lived for a great many years in New York. Lyman Diver, father of Monroe L., married in the latter state Miss Electa Baker and reared children of whom the following are still living: Monroe L., Edward M., an employee of the M. C. R. R. at Kalamazoo, and Jerome, car inspector for the same road, with headquarters in the above city. For a number of years Lyman Diver carried on farming and the stock brokerage business in New York, but left that state in I86i, immigrating to Michigan and locating in the city of Marshall, where he passed the remaining years of his life. He was a successful man in a financial sense, possessed excellent judgment in all matters pertaining to his business, and enjoyed the reputation of being a high-minded Christian gentleman wherever it was his fortune to live. In politics he was a representative democrat of the old school, and in religion a consistent member of the Christian church. Monroe L. Diver was born in the Empire state on the Ist day of June, 1849. Blessed with a good father and mother, he was early imbued with those high moral principles which in subsequent years make good citizenship, and the wise counsel he received while I still under the parental roof served well as a foundation for the strong and vigorous character which he has since exhibited. After obtaining an elementary training in the common schools of Marshall and Albion, Mich., he entered the agricultural college at Lansing, where he pursued his studies for two years, completing in that time the present scientific course. On quitting the college, Mr. Diver began business for himself as agent for the sale of agricultural implements and threshing machines, and after spending some time in this trade and in handling general produce and live stock, the latter in partnership with his father, continuing the same with a fair measure of success for three years. He then engaged in the same business at Allegan upon his own responsibility and was doing well until he met with a severe loss by fire, after which for some years he was employed in railroad construction with the C. 0., W. M. and Michigan and Big Rapids companies, also with the Cold Water, Marshall & Mackinaw, the last named line not being completed. Severing his connection with railroading, Mr. Diver again turned his attention to agricultural implements, accepting a position as traveling salesman for the McCormick and Walter A. Wood companies, which he represented for two seasons in Michigan, traveling during that time quite extensively throughout the state. He then became state agent for the Empire company, with headquarters at Pewamo, and after handling their goods for one and a half years at that place removed in I886 to Grand Rapids, where he has since carried on an extensive trade in various kinds of implements and machinery pertaining to, agriculture. During the ten years following his location in the city, Mr. Diver visited the principal agricultural regions of the state looking after the local agents of the articles he handled, but in I896 opened a general office AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 141 at No. 41 South Division street, the increased volume of business necessitating his remaining at a central point. In I898 he 'removed his office and warerooms to their present location, No. 40 South Division street, where may be found a large and complete stock of the various articles which he so successfully handles. The extent of the business done by Mr. Diver may be indicated by the following companies which he represents, to-wit: Racine Wagon & Carriage Co.; David Bradley Manufacturing Co.; Seiberling & Miller Harvesting Co.; Princess Plow Co.; F. C. Austin Manufacturing Co.; Bell City Thresher Co.; I. Mullekin & Son Whip Co.; Commercial Oil Co.; Luthy & Co., binding twine; Sterling Washing MachineCo.; Iwan Bros., post hole diggers; American Buncher Co.; A. B. Farquhar & Co., threshing anrd mill machinery; Akron Cultivator Co. for northern Michigan, and the Advance Thresher Co. for northern Michigan. The business done in the several lines enumerated is extensive and lucrative, and Mr. Diver's warerooms are among the largest and beststocked in this section of the state. He has met with gratifying- success, being in possession of a liberal income and a comfortable competence, already accumulated by his own well directed energy and sound business judgment. Mr. Diver is a married man and the father of seven children. His wife's maiden name was Marion Elmira Robberds, a native of New York, and his children are as follows: Anna Leora; Frederick Lee, deceased; Grace, wife of Dr. D. E. Welch, of Grand Rapids; Roy, deceased; Daisy Addie, stenographer and bookkeeper in her father's office; Dora M. and Julia Marguerite. Mrs. Diver and children are members of the Park Avenue Congregational church, while Mr. Diver subscribes to the liberal creed of Universalism. He is a democrat in politics. RED R. DODGE, proprietor of an extensive and popular department store, at Nos. 250, 252 and 254 Plainfield avenue, Grand Rapids, was. born in Union City, Branch county, Mich., December 8, I86o, and is a son of Hiram and Mary (Vail) Dodge. The father was born near Utica, N. Y., was a wagon manufacturer for a long time in Union City, Mich., but finally retired from business and came to Grand Rapids and died December 28, I897. His widow, also a native of New York state, now makes her home with her son, Fred R. Fred R. Dodge was reared in Union City, but, as the family was a large one, the children were all early set to work, and in those days Mr. Dodge had rather work than attend school. When thirteen years of age he went into a blacksmith shop, where he worked two years, and then, for eight years, was a clerk in a dry-goods store. He first started in business on his own account by opening a grocery and bakery in his native city, and this he prosperously conducted until he came to Grand Rapids, about the year I888, and here started a grocery on Canal street, which he conducted until the spring of the present year, when he branched out in his present enterprise, of which he has made a phenomenal success. He carries a stock of everything for which there can be a possible demand, and although his business place is in the outskirts of the city, and although his building is not at all pretentious, the vast variety of his stock makes it a favorite place of resort for purchasers. Mr. Dodge was united in marriage, in Union City, Mich., December 4, 1889, with Miss Emma Dennison, of Quincy, Branch county, Mich., and to this union have been born three children-Hugh S., Hazel P. and Deo W. In politics Mr. Dodge is a republican, but he has given little attention to party affairs, as 142 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS his business has occupied most of his time. Nevertheless, his popularity has forced him into office, and about four years ago he was elected alderman from the Fifth ward, which is emphatically a democratic ward, and he was the only republican ever elected to represent it in the city council. He served one term, and afterward eschewed party politics. Fraternally, Mr. Dodge is a member of Union City lodge, No. 28, F. & A. M., of Lilly lodge, No. i o, K. of P., and is also an Odd Fellow. Although not a member of any church, his affiliations are with the Methodist, to which church his mother belongs. He is a fine type of the self-made business man, and he and wife are highly appreciated in the society circles of the city. PARKER DILLON, M.- D., one of the most popular and successful young physicians of Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of Greenville, N. H., was born June 8, 1872, and is the eldest of the three children-two sons and one daughter-born to Hon. Joseph and Lizzie (Parker) Dillon, the former a native of Lowell, Mass., and the latter of New Hampshire, and of Irish and English descent, respectively. Both families have been prominent in the affairs of New England for several generations, Hon. William T. Parker, maternal grandfather of the doctor, among the later members of the family, having been a member of the New Hampshire senate and having served as president of that body. Hon. Joseph Dillon was admitted to the bar in Grand Rapids in I893, but never engaged in practice. During the childhood of the doctor, the family home was I I I transferred to Washington, D. C., and in i88o, to Grand Rapids, Mich., and from the latter city Hon. Joseph Dillon served two years (1887-88) as a representative in the Michigan state legislature, and for four years filled the position of chief registry clerk in the post-office. Dr. G. Parker Dillon acquired a thorough English education in the common schools of Grand Rapids, passing several years in the high school. He next spent two years in special studies under private tutors, and also attended a business college and night schools. During the session of the state legislature in 1887-88 he was employed as a messenger in the house of representatives, and then resumed his studies. His inclination from early youth was toward the medical profession, and in January, 1893, he began a systematic course of study of the science under Dr. L. E. Best, of Grand Rapids. His high-school work and private lessons had familiarized him with chemistry, anatomy, physiology, etc., and consequently his preparatory work was much abridged, and he was soon enabled to enter the Detroit college of Medicine, from which he was graduated with honors in I896. The doctor's first professional work was in the capacity of house physician at St. Mary's hospital, Detroit, but the position was somewhat irksome and not very remunerative, and in the spring of 1897 he opened his present office in the Porter block, Grand Rapids, where he has already built up a very satisfactory practice. He is thoroughly absorbed in his profession, is secretary of the Grand Rapids Medical & Surgical society, and a member of the faculty of the Grand Rapids Medical college. In 1897 he held the lectureship on osteology, and in I898 was professor of dermatology and syphilography, and also lecturer on osteology. Of the fraternal orders, the doctor is a AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 143 member of Valley City lodge, No. 86, F. & A. M., is clerk of Kent camp, M. W. of A., and is also a member of the Royal Neighbors, Court of Honor and the Royal Circle. Though not a member of any religious denomination, he attends the services of the Baptist church, and in politics his proclivities are republican, but in this particular he is not aggressive. The doctor's only brother, Harry L. Dillon, is in the employ of the Western Union Telegraph company in Grand Rapids, and his sister, Hazel L., a young lady of fifteen years, is a student in a city school. The parents reside on Livingston street, and the entire family enjoy the esteem of the community in a marked degree. ALTER A. DORLAND, D. D. S., I B with office at No. 602 Pythian Tempie, Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of Halton county, Ontario, Canada, was born February 27, 1856, and is the eldest son of Amos and Sarah (Carrique) Dorland, natives, respectively, of New Jersey and Canada, and of whose family antecedents a full record is given in the biography of Dr. A. B. Dorland on another page. Dr. Walter A. Dorland was educated in the high school at Waterdown, Ontario, and in early manhood began the study of dentistry in the office of Dr.Bowes, of Hamilton, Ontario. In I88o he entered the Philadelphia Dental college, of Philadelphia, Pa., from which he graduated in I882, with the degree of D. D. S. After passing a few months at home, he came to Grand Rapids, has been in constant practice here ever since, and is recognized as one of the leading dentists of the city. He is a member of the Michigan State Dental socie ty and the Grand Rapids Dental society, was a member of the board of censors of the state society for two terms, and has also served as treasurer of the local society. He is likewise a member of the K. of P., in which he is chairman of the board of trustees, and has held official positions of hour and trust in the same fraternity. Dr. Dorland was most happily united in marriage, September 30, 1884, in Grand Rapids to Miss Mary L. Garfield, daughter of Hon. S. M. and Harriet E. (Brown) Garfield. The Hon. S. M. Garfield was a cousin of President James A. Garfield, came to Grand Rapids among the early settlers, first engaged in farming, and later originated the Grand Rapids Savings bank (of which his son, Charles W., is now the president), was for a number of years a member of the state legislature, and died in Grand Rapids, leaving one son and one daughter only. Mrs. Mary L. Dorland is a graduate of the Grand Rapids high school, was cultured in music, vocal and instrumental, under Grand Rapids instructors, and is a lady of rare accomplishments. She has borne her husband two children, of whom the elder, Lynne, died in infancy, and Frances L. is now a bright little girl of six years. Dr. Dorland has been very successful professionally, and has realized a competency. He holds the controlling stock in the Pythian Temple company, of which he is treasurer, and in 1893 he constructed a four-story brick block on Campau street, which yields a fine rental; he also owns a number of residence buildings, and building lots in the city, and the handsome home in which his family lives, all the result of his professional labor and his judicious investments. Mrs. Dorland is also heir to an extensive fortune now held by her mother, and enjoys, besides, a dowry from her father; her means are mostly loaned on real estate security. 144 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS In politics the doctor has been a stanch republican ever since his coming to the United States, and his social standing is all that could be desired. NSON B. DORLAND, D. D. S., at room No. 210 Widdicomb building, Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of Ontario. Canada, was born July 5, 1870, and is a son of Amos and Sarah (Carrique) Dorland, the former of whom was born in New Jersey, and the latter, of Irish ancestry, in Canada. Amos Dorland is descended from French ancestors, and from France the family stock was transplanted into Holland, and thence to America in I652 or I663, the founders on this continent having been two brothers, viz: Jan Gerretse Dorlandt and Lambert Janse Dorlandt, from whom, it is believed, all the Dorlands, Dorlons, Dorlans, Durlands and Durlings in the United States and Canada have descended-the difference in the orthography being due, no doubt, to the various spellings being made by enlistment officers in the early wars, who wrote the names as they were pronounced orally. The ancestors of the subject were patriotic in the extreme, and the members of the modern family have not been remiss in this respect, as they have served their country in the colonial and Revolutionary wars, the war of I812, the war of the Rebellion and the Spanish-American war-Peter Dorland, the great-grandfather of subject, having been a drum-major in the war of the Revolution. The children born to Amos and Sarah Dorland were seven in number besides the doctor, viz: Walter A., a dentist in the Pythian temple, in Grand Rapids; Ada, wife of T. J. Adie, a hardware merchant of the same city; Celestia S. and Maggie M., unmarried; Lena M., wife of John A. Henderson, a drygoods merchant of Acton, Ontario, Canada; Ella Mae and Edna L., at home. Dr. Anson B. Dorland was professionally educated at the Philadelphia Dental college, from which he was graduated in 1894, but had received his preparation for college under the tutorship of his brother, Walter A., who had graduated from the same institution in I882. After practicing with him for four years and attending college three years, he engaged in practice alone and now stands well to the front in his calling. He holds a certificate from the Medico-Chirurgical college of Philadelphia, showing h's three-years' attendance at clinical lectures, has passed the required examination before the state board of dental examiners, and is a member of the Grand Rapids Dental society. Fraternally, he is a member of the Mystic circle and the Lakeside club, and in politics is a republican. 'His rapid advance professionally, and his growing popularity, give promise of a bright career in the future, and his general deportment has won for him a firm position in society circles, as well as with the general public. His residence is at No. 107 Jefferson avenue. ORTON H. DRURY, a prominent attorney-at-law at Grand Rapids, Mich., and a valiant ex-soldier of the United States volunteer service during the Civil war, is a native of Middlebury, Vt., and was born May 25, I843. His father, Erastus W. Drury, was also a lawyer by profession, and in 1847 brought his family west and settled in AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 145 the city of Fond du Lac, Wis., from the high school of which city Horton H. Drury graduated in I86i. In I86I, also, H. H. Drury, inspired withpatriotism at the threatened disruption of the Union by the disgruntled office seekers of the south, promptly enlisted for the defense of his country and the honor of the national flag, in company K, First Wisconsin volunteer infantry, and gallantly served until disabled, October 8, I862, by a severe gun-shot wound in the left shoulder, at the battle of Perryville, Ky., from the effects of which he has since constantly suffered. Thus, what promised to be a brilliant military career was briefly ended, and, after receiving an honorable discharge for disability, he returned to his home. In I863 Mr. Drury entered the university of Michigan at Ann Arbor, from whicn he graduated with the class of 1867, taking the degree of A. B., which was supplemented with the degree of A. M. in 1870. For two years, 1872 and I873, Mr. Drury served as superintendent of public schools in Fond du Lac, and from 1875 until I873 he practiced law at Escanaba, Mich., and in October of the latter year he came to Grand Rapids, where he has since been engaged in active practice, doing a lucrative business and being recognized as one of the leading lawyers of the county. During his professional career here he has been associated with several leading attorneys in partnership: With E. A. Maher one year, under the firm name of Drury & Maher; with the Hon. Alfred Wolcott, under the style of Drury & Wolcott, for ten years, and in 1893, he formed a partnership with John E. Strong, under the firm name of Drury & Strong. Mr. Drury was married in 869, at Ann Arbor, Mich., with Miss Sarah Jewett Darrow, of that city, but this lady was most untimely called away by death, December 14, 1877, leaving one daughter, Sarah Lillie, now the wife of Charles E. McCrone, of Menominee, Mich., who is manager for the R. G. Dun & Co. commercial agency, for the upper peninsula of Michigan. I1n politics Mr. Drury is a gold democrat, and was county clerk and register of deeds for Delta county, at Escanaba, and since his residence in Grand Rapids has been member of the school board from the Third ward for four years. Fraternally, Mr. Drury is a member of his college society, Sigma Phi, and is a charter member of the Peninsula club. He is devoted to bicycling, believing in it as a health-giving exercise, and has made several century runs, riding upwards of 22,000 miles on one wheel the Rambler. Mr. Drury is a member of the G. A. R., and is a full pensioner. AMUEL DYKEMA, late of Grand Rapids, Mich., and noted in his day as one of the most expert furniture finishers of the Valley city, was born in Holland June 26, 1844. William Dykema, father of subject, about I858 brought his family from Holland to America, but on the voyage across the Atlantic ocean Mrs. Dykema was taken ill and died soon after landing at Castle Garden, New York city. William Dykema at once came to Grand Rapids, and at the very beginning of the war of the Rebellion enlisted in the volunteer army of the Union and proved himself to be a brave and gallant soldier. He died at the soldiers' home about the year I893. Samuel Dykema, the deceased subject of this notice, was about fourteen years of age when he came with his father to Grand Rap 146 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS ids, and at the age of nineteen, or in 1863, succeeded in enlisting in the Union volunteer service. He had several times made an effort to accomplish this commendable act, but was as often rejected on account of his youth and short stature, but finally, by standing on tiptoe, reached the regulation height and was accepted, and really attained, while in the service, the proper perpendicular dimensions. On his return from the war, Mr. Dykema found work in the Phoenix Furniture factory as a finisher, and later with the Berkey & Gay Furniture company, for which he chiefly worked in the same capacity. He was always of a pleasant disposition, and was quite a favorite with his fellow-workmen, as well as with the general public, and was best liked where best known. In politics he affiliiated with the democratic party, and although not an office seeker took an active and interested part in local party affairs. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and in all respects an honest man and good citizen. His lamented decease took place January I9, 1896, when he left behind his sorrowing widow and two children, who, with many true and warm-hearted friends, sincerely mourn his untimely death. Mr. Dykema married, July I8, 1873, Miss Mary Laudwick, who has borne two children, William and Samuel, of whom the latter is:still at home with his mother, at No. 290 North Lafayette street. This property Mr. Dykema purchased with his own earnings,.greatly improved, and, in fact, remodeled the original dwelling, and made it one of the most pleasant and comfortable homes of the neighborhood. Mrs. Dykema, a most kind and pleasant lady, has the pleasure of having made many friends, who admire and esteem her for her many ladylike personal attributes, among which her affable disposition is not the least. ENRY JAMES FELKER-In no profession is there a career requiring a greater degree of talent than that of the law, and in no field of endeavor is there demanded a more careful preparation or a more thorough appreciation of the ethics of life and of the underlying principles which form the basis of human rights and privileges. Intuition, wisdom and unflagging application are the concomitants necessary to insure success and prestige in this great profession, which stands as the conservator of justice, and no one should enter upon it as a life work without a full recognition of the obstacles to be surmounted, for success comes only as the result of capacity and unmistakable ability. These elements have entered largely into the professional career of Mr. Felker, the subject of this review, who for several years has been accounted one of the able lawyers and successful practitioners of the Kent county bar. A native of Michigan, Mr. Felker was born January 22, 1847, in Park township, St. Joseph county, and he is a son of Philip and Sarah (Hoats) Felker, of Baden, Germany, and Pennsylvania, respectively. These parents were married in St. Joseph county, Mich., and there resided on a farm until their death-the father dying in 1858, and the mother in the year I888. They reared a family of five children, whose names are as follows: Louis K., deceased; Carrie F., who married M. J. Ulrich, a business man of Grand Rapids; Julia, deceased; Henry J. and Peter H., the lastnamed a publisher of St. Louis, Mo. Henry James Felker was educated in the schools of his native county and of Three Rivers, and in 1868 entered Albion college, from which he was graduated with the degree of B. S. in I872. On the completion of his collegiate course, he began the study of law at Charlotte, Mich., in the office of P. T. Vanzile, also received instruction from Isaac M. t c I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 149 Cutcheon, of that place, and in April, 1874, was admitted to the bar at Marshall by Judge Woodward. He entered upon the active practice of his profession in Marcellus, Cass county, Mich., but after a short time came to Grand Rapids, accepted a place in the office of Godwin & Holmes, with whom he remained until 876. In that year he became associated with Andrew J. Reeves, a partnership lasting until 1883, when he opened an office with Edgar A. Maher, the firm thus constituted continuing until 1890, since which time he has been alone in the practice. In I894 Mr. Felker was appointed by Hon. E. B. Fisher,.mayor of Grand Rapids, city attorney, the duties of which position he discharged for five years, having been once re-appointed and once elected by the common council. Mr. Felker's practice steadily grew as he demonstrated his ability to handle with skill the intricate problems of jurisprudence, and he now enjoys a lucrative business, being retained as counsel in some of the most important litigations heard in the courts of Grand Rapids and Kent county. For fifteen years he has served as a member of the city board of education and for three years was presiding officer of that body. He takes an active interest in the welfare of the city schools and is public spirited in all other matters pertaining to the material advancement of Grand Rapids and the county of Kent. Mr. Felker was united in marriage in Constantine, Mich., October 3, 1875, to Miss Lois L. Teesdale, daughter of Samuel. and Frances E. (Bryan) Teesdale, natives respectively of England and the state of New York. Mr. Felker's home in the city is situated at No. 333 Scribner street, beside which he owns other property, including a good farm in Walker township, where he occasionally finds a welcome respite from his many professional duties. He is connected with several fraternal organ izations, being a member of Dorris lodge, F. & A. M.; Columbian chapter, No. 152, R. A. M.; Daisy lodge, No.48, B. P. 0. E., Redmen and Modern Woodmen. In politics he is a republican, and as a party worker has contributed much to the success of the party in several local, state and national campaigns. * --- —--------------- AMES ORTON EDIE, M. D.Standing in the front rank of the medical profession in Grand Rapids. is Dr. James Orton Edie, who for a period of thirty-five years has ministered to suffering humanity in Kent county. He was. born on the I4th day of June, 1837, in the town of Hebron, Washington county, N. Y., and is a son of David W. and Matilda (Austin) Edie, whose deaths occurred in I871 and I875 respectively. The doctor was reared on the parental homestead and enjoyed the advantages of the common schools, which he attended during his youth, subsequently supplementing the knowledge thus obtained by a course in an educational institution of a higher grade in the city of Oswego. In early life a natural taste led him to devote much attention to art, and for some years his studies were prosecuted with the intention of becoming an artist. For wellgrounded reasons he finally relinquished this idea; and two years before attaining his majority began the study of medicine, for which he had long manifested a decided predilection. His first instructor was Dr. Austin, a wellknown physician and surgeon of Oswego, under whom he prosecuted his studies until entering the medical department of the Michigan university, which he attended during the winter of I859-60. In the latter year he became a student of the Jefferson Medical col 150 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS lege, Philadelphia, Pa., from which he was graduated in 1864, locating immediately thereafter at Rockford, Kent county, Mich., where he successfully practiced his profession one year, removing thence to Lowell. Dr. Edie's stay in the latter place extended over a period of thirteen years, during which time, by close attention to the wants of the public and by diligent study, he succeeded in building up a large and lucrative practice, and winning for himself much more than local repute as a skillful physician and surgeon. In connection with his profession the doctor was for some years engaged in the mercantile and lumber business at Lowell, which added materially to his financial profits, but he finally disposed of these interests for the purpose of locating in a more populous center, where he could devote his entire time and attention to the healing art. Such a field he found in Grand Rapids, to which city he removed in 1875, and from that date to the present time his practice has come up to his expectations, being in every respect encouraging and satisfactory. Dr. Edie's name appears on the rolls of a number of medical bodies, among which are the Michigan State Medical, Western Michigan, and Grand Rapids societies, the National Medical association, and the National association of Railway surgeons. By natural endowments and professional acquirements, Dr. Edie is admirably adapted to the noble profession to which his life has been consecrated, and his success therein long since won for him a creditable standing among the leading physicians of the city and county. His long years of experience have rendered him unusually skillful in the treatment of many obstinate diseases; and the genial manner with which he enters the sick-room at once inspires the patient's confidence and makes him the ideal family physician. Dr. Edie possesses fine social qualities, and his deportment is always characterisic of the true gentleman. His demeanor u'nder all circumstances is pleasant and agreeable, and to a happy temperament is due some measure of the success which has attended his protracted period of professional service. The doctor was united in marriage at Lockport, N. Y., June 30, I860, to Miss Laura Gaskell, a native of that city, a union blessed with the birth of two children-Lynne, wife of Hon. F. K. Baker, of Menominee, Mich., and Mabel, who is married to E. S. Ferry, of Salt Lake City, Utah, a nephew of the late United States Senator Ferry. Mrs. Edie, a woman of many noble traits, respected by all who knew her, departed this life on the i6th day of June, I883. The doctor is a member of the B. P. 0. E., belonging to Daisy lodge, No. 48, and is also prominent in Masonic circles, in which he has taken a number of degrees, including that of Sir Knight. He is. a leading spirit in the Peninsula, Country and Lakeside clubs, and for a period of five years was examining surgeon for the United States army, also acting in a similar capacity for various life insurance companies represented in Grand Rapids. Additional to what has been said relative to his professional career, he -was for some years and is now consulting physician and surgeon for both Butterworth and U. B. A. hospitals of this city, and for one year filled the chair of mental and nervous diseases in the Grand Rapids Medical college. The doctor was reared in the Presbyterian church and received the rite of baptism at the hand of Rev. Dr. Bullions, of Washington county, N. Y., who performred the same service for both his father and mother. Such, in brief, are the leading facts in the life of one of the successful professional men and representative citizens of Grand Rapids. Much AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 151 more could with propriety be said, but sufficient appears in the foregoing lines to attest his worth in his chosen calling and the esteem in which he is held by the public. APT. CHARLES W. EATON, an exsoldier of the Civil war, is a native of Grand Rapids, Mich., was born April I4, 1840, and is a son of Harry and Cynthia XW. (Hunt) Eaton, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of Vermont, and married in Brattleboro, in the lat~ter state. These parents came to Grand Rapids in 1837, and here the father was a pioneer merchant and lumberman. The death of the latter took place in I 8 9, and that of his widow occurred in I894, at the age of eighty-six years. and their children were four in number, of whom, Henry, the eldest, died in Jamestown, N. Y., in I835; Charles W., the subject of this sketch, is the second in order of birth; Theodore C. is a journalist in St. Louis, Mo., and Henry C. is a hardware merchant in Duluth, MIinn. CharlesWV. Eaton was educated in Grar.d Rapids, learned the printer's trade, and at this he worked seven years; was next city clerk for two years, then enlisted in company B, Twenty-first Michigan volunteer infantry, August I I, 1862. He was assigned to the western army and served under Gens. Buell, Rosecrans and Sherman, participating in the following named engagements: Perryville, Stone River (or Murfreesboro), Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, and Kingston, N. C. At the last-named battle he was taken prisoner, but escaped after three days of confinement, and rejoined his regiment at Goldsboro, N, C. WVhen captured, he was on the staff of Gen. Thomas Francis Meagher, the Irish patriot. For his gallantry on the field, Capt. Eaton had been promoted from the ranks through all the various grades to that of captain. He was on the staff of Gen. William H. Lytle during his career in the army of the Cumberland, and was with him when he received his deathwound at the battle of Chickamauga-Lytle being the only general officer killed in that engagement on the Union side. The modern military camp, and also the railway station at that point, have been named in honor of this gallant general. Capt. Eaton was placed on detached service as quartermaster of the post at Dalton, Ga., for some months, and in January, i865, went on the staff of Gen. Meagher; the February following his capture, before alluded to, which took place at Kingston, N. C., the corps was under command of Gen. Schofield. It was but shortly after he had rejoined his regiment that of the rebel, Johnston, surrendered to Sherman and then Lee to Grant, and Capt. Eaton went with the victorious Union troops on to Washington, D. C., where he shared in the " grand review" in May, and was finally mustered out at Detroit, Mich., June 5, I865. A year following his muster-out, Capt. Eaton was with Gen. Innis in operating the military railroads at Chattanooga and Atlanta, at the first place acting as ticket agent, and at the latter as freight agent. The reconstruction policy had so far advanced by this time that the railroads were turned over to their original owners, and military control relinquished. Capt. Eaton then returned to Grand Rapids and became a member of the book firm of Nelson & Eaton, which was the nucleus of the subsequently popular and extensive book concern of Eaton & Lyon, which existed for twenty-four years. From this concern Capt. 152 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I Eaton withdrew in I896, and has since passed a semi-retired life, principally at Duluth, Minn., where he is vice-president of the Duluth Hardware company, of which his brother Henry is the principal stockholder. The captain, however, retains his property interests in Grand Rapids, and alternates his time between the two cities. In I899, the captain constructed a fine business block at Nos. 53 to 6I South Division street, Grand Rapids, to be occupied by five stores on the first floor, and the upper part by the Grand Rapids Engraving company. In this latter business the captain has had considerable experience, as he was formerly president of the Eaton Printing company-now the Seymour & Muir company-in which he still holds stock. Capt. Eaton is a member of Grand River lodge, No. 34, F. & A. M.; Grand Rapids chapter, No. 7, R. A. M.; DeMolai commandery, No. 5, K. T.; and Saladin temple, order of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of Michigan commandery, Loyal Legion; he was formerly a democrat in politics, but since 1864 has been a republican. At the age of twentyone years he was elected city clerk, filled the office so acceptably that he was re-elected, but resigned his position to serve his country on the field of battle. For the past ten or twelve years the captain has been an extensive traveler. He has twice visited South America, has been on a European tour, has visited the Holy Land, and has seen many other places of great historical interest. iLLIAM T. EATON, deceased, real estate dealer and promoter of the growth and expansion of Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Sherburne, Chenango county, N. Y., August I, I819. His education was acquired in the common schools of the Empire state, in which he lived until I864, when he came to GrandRapids and for a few years conducted a gents' furnishing store. In the meanwhile his keen habits of observation developed to his mind the prospective increase in the value of real estate in and around the city, and with John Cochran he formed a partnership in speculation in suburban acres. They purchased largely, platted their acquisitions into building lots, but sold many of them in acre tracts, which have since,. with the city's rapid growth, become very valuable. Most of the lots were sold on easy and desirable terms to respectable people for actual residental purposes, and these terms were so accomodmating that payments on the purchase price are still being made to his widow, or other heirs. Through too close attention to business his health failed, and his decease took place October 2, 1884. In him passed away one of the most useful and progressive citizens of Grand Rapids, whose name will be perpetuated as long as the Valley City shall have existence. In politics he was a republican, and in religion a member of the Park Congregational church. Mr. Eaton was twice married. His first wedding took place iti New York state, when he was united, May 3, 1843, with Miss Lavinia R. Robinson, who died December 3, I867, the mother of three children, viz: Charles C., who was a graduate from the law department of the university of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and died in 1868; William R.,born August 26, I86, is married and the father of one child, and is now in the lumber business at Lockwood, Mo.; Carrie, born March I6, I864, died three days later. The second marriage of Mr. Eaton occurred February I.O, I869, when he was united with Mrs. Elvira O. Belknap, daughter of AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 153 Jonathan and Nancy (Kingsbury) Sanborn, of Connecticut. Mrs. Eaton came to Grand Rapids from Ohio in 1855, and by her first marriage was the mother of two children, viz: Nettie L., wife of T. F. Moseley, and the mother of one child, Helen E; Carrie E., the second child born to Mrs. Elvira O. Belknap, is residing with her mother, Mrs. Eaton, at her pleasant home, No. 158 Cherry street. Mrs.Eaton is a highly accomplished lady, affable in demeanor, and is greatly admired for her many excellencies of personal character. Her parents were pioneers of the Western Reserve in Ohio, where her father, an iron manufacturer, foundryman, etc., died when Mrs. Eaton was still very young, but her mother survived until eighty-seven years of age and died in Grand Rapids at the home of her beloved daughter, Mrs. Eaton. RED HALL EELY, the well known architect of Grand Rapids, with rooms Nos. o1 and I Tower block, was born in Allegan, Mich., May 30, T868, and is a son of Joseph W. and Marion Jennette (Hall) Eely, the former of whom is a native of New York state and the latter of Ohio. The paternal grandparents were natives of the British isles, and in early youth came to America. They were married in the state of New York, where the grandfather was a mason-work contractor, but he and wife both died in Allegan, Mich., ripe in years. Joseph W. Eely, father of subject, was early engaged in mason-work, but later became the owner of a fine tract of land near Allegan, on the proceeds of which he now lives in comfort. His wife was called away at the early age of twenty-eight years, the 8 mother of two children —Fred H., and a daughter, Minnie May —the latter married toJudson Ross, a grocer at Otsego, Mich. Mr. Eely re-married, and to this union has been born one child —Georgia Winifred, wife of C. Scythes, of Millgrove, Mich. F. Hall Eely received a solid English education in the schools of Allegan and afterward learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed about five years. He had a natural taste for drafting, and many of his designs were quite original or unique. This faculty led to his taking up the study of architecture. By private study and close reading of such works as are prepared for those desiring this technical knowledge, combined with his peculiar adaptation to the work, he has developed into one of the most reliable and successful architects in Grand Rapids. The first architectural work done by Mr. Eely was in Grand Rapids in 1890. It gave such satisfaction that he was eagerly sought after by builders and others in this city and elsewhere, and on two different occasions was employed on work in the city of Chicago, and at other times, while in Grand Rapids, was employed by some of the best architects of that city, and at other places in Illinois, as well as in Indiana. He has in his possession some very strong letters from those who employed him in Chicago, as well as from other places. For a long time he was employed by parties in Grand Rapids, who were awarded the merit for his designs, and this fact led him to open an office of his own, in which he has since conducted a very satisfactory business. Mr. Eely married at Allegan, April 5, I890, Miss Mary Belle Blackman, daughter of Hon. H. E. Blackman. This lady was born on a farm in Trowbridge township, Allegan county, May 30, I869, and was educated at the high school of Allegan, Onedaughter has been born to this union, and is named Marion 154 5 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Jennette Hall, after her paternal grandmother, her birth taking place November 23, 1897. Mr. Eely is a member of the K. O. T. M., and the M. W. of A. and in politics is independent, with free silver tendencies. As a mechanic, he was a.foreman before he had finished his nominal apprenticeship, and in his architectural career has led the van. The walls of his office are adorned with many of his designs, well worthy the study of the professional as well as the novice. (1c-1111111111111 ---" RANKLIN D. EDDY, a prominent citizen and public official of Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Rome, N. Y., May 13, 1859, and is a son of William H. and Martha A. (Fox) Eddy, also natives of the Empire state. William H. Eddy was born in Rensselaer county, N. Y., in 1832, a son of Edward and Susan M. (Hills) Eddy, who were also born in the state of New York and were of English descent. Mr. Eddy was educated in the common schools of his native county, and at the conclusion of his attendance thereat learned the cooper's trade, with which he afterwards connected other various branches of woodwork, being naturally a mechanical genius. At the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, Mr. Eddy manifested his patriotism by at once enlisting in company C, Fiftieth New York engineers, in 1862, with which he served all through the war until the surrender of Lee, when he was honorably discharged, with the rank of sergeant, and had never suffered a day's illness throughout his long term of service. He then settled in Lowell, Mich., in I866, and was a school director while the new school-house was being built and also interested himself in the rejuvenating of the public library, always taking an active part in the promotion of public education. He withdrew from active work at his trade in I893 and became town clerk, and is now engaged in the insurance and conveyancing business. Mr. Eddy married in 1854 at Rome, N. Y., Miss Martha A. Fox, who was born in that city in 1832, and was of English and German descent. To this marriage were born four children, of whom three are still living, Franklin D., being the eldest; the others are Minnie, wife of Edward Pickard, of Grand Rapids, and Jessie, wife of William Engle, of Lowell. The mother, however, was called away in January, 1889. Mr. Eddy has been a deacon in the- Baptist church thirty-five years; for the last past eighteen years has been financier of his lodge of the A. O. U. W.; and was a charter member of his post in the G. A. R., of which he is a past commander. In politics he is a republican. Franklin D. Eddy came to Kent county with his parents in 1866, and was educated in Lowell. In 1875 he entered the post-office as clerk, served as such three years, and was appointed assistant postmaster. In I88I he resigned and accepted a position in the railway mail service, but at the end of ten months ill health forced him to resign again, and in I882 he engaged in the book and stationery business, and again, three years later, his health failed him and he relinquished the occupation, entering the real estate and insurance business. In I886 Mr. Eddy was nominated by the republican party as its candidate for town clerk of Lowell, and was elected by a majority of eighty, being one of the only two republicans elected to office that year. He served most satisfactorily, sixyears consecutively. In I892 the republican county convention nominated him for the position of county clerk, his oppo AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1 5 nent in the convention receiving only sixteen votes out of Io8 cast; he was elected by a majority of 8oi. He was unanimously renominated for the office of county clerk in I894 and was triumphantly elected by a majority of 5,834 votes, leading the entire ticket-in fact, it was the largest majority ever given a candidate in the county. His administration of county affairs was of a high order and brought much commendation. He was admitted to the bar as attorney-at-law and solicitor in chancery August 2I, I895. After the expiration of his second term as county clerk, Mr. Eddy formed a partnership with Fred N. Edie in the insurance and real estate business, but, both being expert accountants, they soon abandoned this line and engaged solely in accounting, taking charge, for the government, of the Big Rapids National bank, and the People's Savings bank at Lansing, and continued in the general accounting business until April, I898, when the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Eddy engaged with the Chicago & West Michigan, and Detroit & Grand Rapids Railway companies, as assistant claim agent, and was with them when offered the position and appointed as cashier of the post-office, August I, I898. In his fraternal and society relations, Mr. Eddy is very extensively connected, being a member of Grand Rapids court, No. 1765, I. O. F.; Phenix lodge, No. 12, I. O. O. F.; Eddy tent, No. 398, K. O. T. M., of which he was commander; Lowell lodge, No. 38, A. O. U. W., of which he was recorder for thirteen years; Kent camp, No. 2314, M. W. of A.; Eureka lodge, No. 2, K. of P., of which he was vice-chancellor in 1897; Grand Rapids company, No. 6, U. R. K. of P., of which he was recorder in 1898-99; Daisy lodge, No. 48, B. P. O. E., and Perry camp, No. 9, Sons of Veterans. Of the last-named order, which is purposely mentioned last, he became a member in 1884, and was elected captain of the camp. In I885, he devised a design for the official sword, which was adopted by the national body. He was delegate at large from Michigan three times to the national encampments; was chief of staff of the commander-in-chief in I886, and was elected state commander, department of Michigan, in I890. He has also held other state positions, such as chief mustering officer, judge advocate, and adjutant from I897 to I899, inclusive. In I898, Mr. Eddy conceived the idea of raising a company for the Spanish-American war, and personally recruited company L, Thirty-third regiment, Michigan volunteers, all Sons of Veterans, who served with distinction in Cuba, and he was also instrumental in raising company B, Thirty-fifth Michigan regiment. Franklin D. Eddy was united in marriage, at Lowell, in July, 1878, with Miss Caroline C. Booth, who was born in Grand Rapids in I853, and is a daughter of Eph. J. and Nancy (Chapin) Booth, natives of New York. To this happy union have been born eight children, in the following order: James H., in I879, assistant secretary to the Wernicke company; Kittie C., I88I; Genevieve B., I883; \William E., I885; Rubyanna, I887; Charles F., I889; Salem C., I189I, and George P.,, I893. The family worship at the Fountain street Baptist church, and their pleasant home is at No. I5 North Union street, where they stand very high in the esteem of their neighbors. Beside the close or secret orders already named, Mr. Eddy is a member of the board of trade, and the Hesperus and Lakeside clubs of Grand Rapids, and was for one year president of the Young Men's Republican club, and while in Lowell was president and secretary of an organization bearing the same name as the latter. 1Z6 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS MANDA J. EVANS, M. D., a popular lady practitioner of the homeopathic school of medicine, at No. 102 Monroe street, Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of Indiana, was born near White Pigeon, and was an infant when brought to Michigan by her parents, William and Elizabeth Colby, natives, respectively, of New York city and New Winchester, Va., and both of English extraction. Her father, who was born in 1822, died in Barry county, Mich., at the age of sixty-six years, and the mother, who was born in 1824, died July 28, I899. Their four living children are Dr. Amanda J., Delos, Albert and Rebecca, all highly intelligent and respected members of society. Dr. Amanda J. Evans early secured a liberal education, was fully prepared for teaching school, and followed this vocation about eight years prior to her marriage, at Middleville, Barry county, Mich., in 1864, to Patrick Henry Evans, a native of Ireland, but of Welsh descent, and who was brought to America by his parents when he was but three years old. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Evans were born a son and a daughter, the elder of whom, Charles, was called away at the age of one year, and the younger, Florence, now a bright and attractive young lady, still resides with her mother. Dr. Evans became a student of medicine while yet a school-teacher, nature having irnplanted in her mental constitution an element which could not be satisfied until fructification had resulted. At intervals during her schoolteaching career, when opportunity offered after school-hours and during vacations, she was a constant and assiduous reader of works on anatomy, physiology and kindred studies, while chemistry as applied to medicine was also an enticing feature in her course of reading, and medical journals were her delight, as far as serial publications are concerned. Fi. nally, thus inspired, she entered upon a systematic course of study in medicine and surgery under private tutors, capable of fully preparing her for higher education in the science to which she had determined to devote her life-energies. As a result of this preparation, she entered the university of Michigan in 1877, there completed a course of three years' medical education, and was awarded the degree of M. D. in June, 1880. After graduation, Dr. Evans returned to her home in Middleville, where she built up a remunerative practice and remained until the spring of 1889, when she sought the wider field of Grand Rapids. Here, although she gives considerable attention to general practice, her services have mostly, and, indeed, largely, been in demand for the treatment of diseases of women and children, and of chronic disorders, in all of which she has attained celebrity that is altogether enviable. Her elegantly appointed rooms in the Tracy block are at all times thronged with patients, and she is here assisted by her daughter in receiving and entertaining them, and in rendering assistance in treating them, with that invaluable adjunct of medical science —electricity. The practice of Dr. Evans, however, is not altogether confined to the city of Grand Rapids, as her reputation has extended throughout the surrounding territory, and her name has become a household word. Dr. Evans is a member of the Michigan State Homeopathic Medical society, and in this society her voice has no small influence, but is frequently heard as a factor in its deliberations. As to religious matters, she confines herself to no particular denomination or church organization, but conscientiously does her duty to her fellow-beings and places her trust in God alone. She is a lady of sound judgment, is devoted to her profession, in which she has succeeded beyond her most sanguine hopes, AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 157 and has been careful of the recompense she has received for her skillful labors. A pleasant conversationalist, she entertains the stranger with the peculiar magnetism attached to that social qualification, and her personal individuality never fails to impress all who come into her presence. ACOB EISENHARDT, the popular young real-estate and insurance agent and ex-alderman of the Fourth ward of the city of Grand Rapids, is a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, and was born October I2,. I854. He received a commonschool education, which is generally a thorough one, in his native town, and in I870 came to America, having no relish for service in the imperial army, to which he was amenable, and less relish for monarchical government. On arriving in this country, he worked hard to gain himself an education, in the city of Baltimore, Md., whence he went to Chicago, Ill., where he worked in the Palmer house barber shop until 1876, when he came to Grand Rapids, and has here owned several finely equipped tonsorial parlors, and conducted, through his consummate skill and affable address, the most prosperous business in his line ever carried on in the city until I888, when he entered into his present business. In the meantime, in I886, he was elected alderman of the Fourth ward as a republican, and his election was, due entirely to his personal popularity, as the ward was strongly democratic. His aldermanic career was most creditable to himself as well as of vast benefit to his constituents and to the city in general, as it was chiefly through his firmness and incorruptibility that the street railway company's monopoly was overthrown and the field opened to less avaricious competitors. In I889, Mr. Eisenhardt was appointed inspector of internal revenue, a position he held until October I5, I89o. In every position, Mr. Eisenhardt has been faithful, conscientious and competent. For many years Mr. Eisenhardt has been a member of the German Lutheran church and his course through life manifests the sincerity of his religious convictions, and his wife and three children enjoy the blessings of a beautiful home. In I898, Mr. Eisenhardt was made chairman of the republican county committee, in I892 was the republican candidate for county treasurer of Kent, fought a brilliant campaign, but met with defeat. He is as popular with his party and with the public as he ever was, and but a slight revolution in politics will place him well to the front as one of the leaders of the republican party in Kent county. LFRED C. FASSETT.-The true spirit of progress and enterprise is strikingly displayed in the life of the man to whom this article is devoted -a gentleman whose energetic nature and well-formed determination have enabled him to overcome many adverse circumstances and advance steadily to a respectable position in the commercial life of Grand Rapids. Mr. Fassett was born ih the city of Erie, Pa., April 30, I86o, and is the son of A. P. and Henrietta (Cater) Fassett, both natives of the Keystone state. The elder Fassett, by trade a carpenter and builder, spent his entire life in the east, and his wife died there when his son Alfred C. was but five weeks old. 158 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Being thus bereft of the best earthly friend whom it is possible for any one to know, ybung Alfred was sent to an uncle, A. J. Fassett, who resided in Watson, Mich., with whom he lived until this gentleman's death, in I875, attending meantime the common schools. With a laudable desire to increase his knowledge, he continued his studies until his twenty-first year, and then began working at the mason's trade, which he learned in the town of Watson, where he continued to reside till 1894. He also followed his trade in various places until the above year, when he came to Grand Rapids and began in a limited way to manufacture ice-cream, a business which has since engaged his time and attention, and which has proved successful far beyond his most sanguine expectations. Mr. Fassett's first place of business was a barn, and a single hand freezer produced the cream which 'he delivered to a few customers on a wheelbarrow. The superior quality of the product, however, soon created a large demand, and in order to supply the same, additional apparatus was secured and help hired to make the rounds,which constantly'became more extended as the months went by. Mr. Fassett did not wait for people to become acquainted with his cream by mere accident, but with true western thrift personally solicited patronage and liberally used the columns of the daily press of the city to bring his name to the notice of the public. These endeavors in due time brought their reward in a largely increased custom, the extent of which may best be understood by the fact that the first year's output amounted to but $300, the second year to $900, the third to $2,500, and a conservative estimate of the last year's business is considerably in excess of $9,000. Such growth is truly remarkable and speaks volumes for the energy, thrift and excellent business foresight of the gentlemanly and popular proprietor of this well known and highly appreciated establishment. The daily product at this time is IOO to 400 gallons of cream, beside ices of all kinds, and the manufacture of candies during the winter season, requiring the labor of eight skilled workmen and three delivery wagons, in order to meet the constantly increasing local and general demand. His first location was at No. 135 South Division street, where he continued six months; thence he removed to 273 Stocking street, and in I896 located in his present commodious quarters, No. 8i West Bridge street. Mr. Fassett is to be congratulated on the signal success of his business venture; if the past is a just criterion by which to judge, it is perfectly safe to predict for him a future of still greater prosperity. The domestic life of Mr. Fassett is most agreeable, and the pleasant home at No. 407 First street, is gladdened by the presence of three children, namely: Mabel, Ora and Bernice. His wife, to whom he was united in marriage on the 2Ist day of October, 1883, was Miss Carrie S. Kent, of Watson, Mich., daughter of James E. and Mary (Monroe) Kent. The home was built in the fall of I899, and is a large, commodious structure, which cost in the the neighborhood of $4,000. They worship at the Second street M. E. church. SA P. FINCH, deceased, was a native of Orleans county, N. Y., was born May 2, I862, and was a son of a farmer, whose name has lapsed from memory, but it is known that his mother's maiden name was Clara Blanchard and that she died in the state of New York, while her father died in Michigan. Asa P. Finch was reared to farming in the AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 159 Empire state and came to Grand Rapids, Mich., in I853. He had had no very favorable opportunities for an education beside those afforded by the common schools, but was thoroughly trained in agricultural pursuits. He married, November 23, 1854, at Grand Rapids, Miss Mary J. Dunham, a daughter of Abner and Loretta (Barker) Dunham, located on a farm after marriage and later engaged in the meat business, and finally settled in Grand Rapids and followed dealing in real estate until his death, which occurred December 17, I883. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Finch was blessed with three children, viz: Albert, who is married and has two children; Daisy and Charlie; Jessie, wife of George W. Thayer, Jr., and Frederick, who married Mary E. Perkins and is the father of one child —Thelma. The family all reside in Grand Rapids. The father of Mrs. Asa P. Finch was very active and enterprising in the early days of Grand Rapids and erected the first house in the vicinity of the residence now occupied by his estimable daughter, who has witnessed much of the phenomenal growth of the city since she has resided here. He was a highly respected gentleman, esteemed for his strict integrity as well as business enterprise, and has left behind him a name that is referred to with pride whenever recalled to memory, as it frequently is, by many of his former friends and neighbors. In politics Mr. Finch was a democrat, but was never an office seeker, for the sake of emolument, preferring to devote his latter years to his real estate business as being more remunerative and sure than the uncertainites of party politics. He was respected wherever he was known, and as a business man had but few, if any, superiors in the city of Grand Rapids in its early years. Mrs. Finch attends the Plymouth Congregational church and resides at No. 464 South East street., g ERALD FITZ GERALD, an accomdl plished attorney at law of Grand l KRapids, Mich., is a native of the dominion of Canada, and was born in the county of Perth, province of Ontario, March 29, 1858, a son of John and Juliet (Carpenter) FitzGerald, natives, respectively, of the island of Jersey and Canada, and both of Irish descent, and whose marriage took place in Canada. John FitzGerald was twenty years of age when he arrived in the New Dominion, and was there engaged in tanning until I865, when he came to Michigan and entered the boot and shoe trade at Pontiac, in which he continued until his death, which occurred February 15, 1893. He was a Protestant in religion, while his wife, who is now a resident of Seaforth, Canada, is a devout Catholic and a lady highly respected in her community. There were born to these parents seven children, in the following order: Sarah M., Julia, Gerald (the subject), Agnes, Theresa, Mary H. and James P., of whom all are still living, with the.exception of Theresa. Gerald FitzGerald was primarily educated in Stratford, Perth county, Canada, where he attended public school until fourteen years old, and then attended the high school at Pontiac, Mich., from which he graduated in I875. His first business employment was for a short time in a carriage manufactory, and then for a year he 'was employed by the Pullman Car company. His next employment was as a traveling collector for twelve years, and during this period he occupied his spare time in the study of the law, the result being that he was admitted to the bar of Kent county in I 894. Until I896 he was alone in practice, and then became associated with M. H. \Valker, with whom he still continues in partnership, and is doing a remunerative business. November 19, 1885, at Grand Rapids, Mr. 160 THE CITY OF FitzGerald was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Pettibone, a native of this city, born May I5, 1858, a daughter of Knowlton S. and Catherine B. (Jackson) Pettibone, the former of whom was born in Vermont. This union has been blessed with one child, named Dorothy Q. Mr. and Mrs. FitzGerald are members of the 'Unitarian church, and in politics Mr. FitzGerald is a democrat. He is a business man from head to foot, always alert and always busy. He is secretary of the West Side Building & Loan association, deals in real esstate, is agent for several standard fire insurance companies, and is a stockholder in the Michigan Carving company and the Valley City Ice & Coal company, being a director in both. He and his estimable wife enjoy an enviable social position, and both stand high in the general esteem. Da OHN C. FITZ GERALD, of Grand Rapids, is practically a native of Michigan. His mother, Sylvia Strickland, was of Puritan stock, while his father, Jeremiah FitzGerald, was a native of NewYork. He was born in Berlin, Huron county, Ohio, in 1835, and when an infant his parents removed to Springport, Jackson county, Mich., where his father engaged in farming. Jeremiah FitzGerald served as a captain of volunteers in the war of 1812, and after removing to Michigan was one of the sturdy pioneers of Jackson county. The subject of this sketch had the advantages and the disadvantages in his early days of the average farmer's boy, with the obligation to work as soon as able, and the privilege of attending the district school during GRAND RAPIDS I a few months of the year. His early education was secured under difficulties which to many would have seemed insurmountable. With money earned by teaching a district school he was enabled to attend Albion college. In his work at home and afterwards at Albion, he had steadily in view the purpose of studying law, and upon leaving school went to Jackson and entered the office of Austin Blair, afterward Michigan's war governor. His admission to the bar took place in 1858, after which he continued to practice in Jackson until early in I860, when he removed to Marshall, Calhoun county. The bar of Calhoun county at that time was second to none in the state, and Mr. FitzGerald was compelled to and did win his place through unflagging and energetic devotion to the business entrusted to him. He remained there until 1873, and built up a large and profitable practice. He held the office of prosecuting attorney from I86I to I865, and was also state senator in I869, declining to serve beyond the one term. With the exception of a nomination for congress for the Grand Rapids district in I884, he has at no other time engaged in politics. On this occasion he was defeated with his party. In I873 he was invited to enter into a partnership with John W. Champlin and'Roger W. Butterfield, of Grand Rapids, and the firm of Champlin, Butterfield & FitzGerald was continued for several years in the enjoyment of a most excellent practice. On the dissolution of the firm, Mr. FitzGerald was without other partnership association until a comparitively recent period. He is still in active practice and has shown no disposition to relieve himself of the arduous cares of his profession. He has a fine physical development, a keen intellect, quick perception, strong convictions, and is a man of untiring industry. From the outset his ambition has been to reach prominence in his Itt 7/e I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 163 profession and to bring to those intrusting business to his hands satisfaction and success. He has always displayed an unswerving loyalty to the interests of his clients. He believes in thorough preparation for the trial of every case, and is always well equipped to meet any position his adversary may take. He deservedly stands high in the ranks of the lawyers of the state. His whole strength and ambition have been devoted to legal practice, pure and simple, and he has never allowed himself to engage in speculative enterprises. He was married in 1859 to Addie F. Taylor, only child of Reuben and Harriet Taylor, of Albion, Mich. They have one child, the wife of Edmund D. Barry. Mr. Barry is also a lawyer, and for the past few years has been associated with Mr. FitzGerald in the practice. No biography of Mr. FitzGerald would be complete without making reference to his family life. His home has always been an ideal one, and no amount of distraction and worry in business has ever been allowed to interfere with his unfailing kindness to those dear to him. He is a lover of books, enjoys foreign travel, and is a close student of economic and financial questions. To add nothing to the above would be to leave the truth untold. Much of Mr. FitzGerald's position and success must be credited to the unfailing loyalty, the devotion and the sound judgment of his wife. She brought to the union just the qualities most needed by her husband, and whatever his labors or disappointments elsewhere, he found at home such unfailingcharm and sympathy that the labor was soon forgotten and the cares and perplexities soon dissipated. He would not care to have the story of his career told without this reocgnition of indebtedness to one whose gentle character and genuine assistance has made his success beyond doubt. I EORGE CLAY FITCH, deceased, late of Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Putney, Vt., December 20, I823, and was a representative of one of the oldest and most prominent familes of New England, as he is in all probability descended from either Thomas or James Fitch, brothers, who came from England in 1634, the former as colonial governor of Connecticut, and the latter as chaplain of Saybrook colony. From these early colonists lineal descendants to the number of 5,ooo can now be traced in an unbroken line in various parts of the United States. James Fitch, father of George C. Fitch, the deceased subject of this sketch, was born in Putney, Vt., November 27, I780, and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Abigail Wilmarth, was born in Lyndon, Vt., April 24, 1782. They were married at the bride's birthplace January io, 810o, and of the seven children resulting from this union, George C., was the sixth in order of birth, but the most of them have now passed away. The father died when George C. was yet in his teens, and the latter was in consequence early forced upon the stage of active business life. He received an academic education in his native city, acquired habits of careful and thoughtful consideration of subjects as they came before him, and retained these habits throughout his life. George C. Fitch came to Grand Rapids, Mich., in 1848, and established, in company with his brother James, the first carriage factory in the city, and being thus early associated with the business interests of the Valley city, his name become closely interwoven with its history. At his coming, Grand Rapids contained a population of 2,000 only, and Mr. Fitch was personally acquainted with each inhabitant. He was public spirited and progressive, and to this characteristic was due .164 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS much of the rapid growth and phenomenal success which he assisted in contributing to the little town. Mr. Fitch was a member of the first fire company of Grand Rapids, being a volunteer in 1850, and he also early allied himself with St. Mark's Episcopal church, of which he remained a consistent and active member until life was no more. He served as a member of the board of education, as an alderman, and was treasurer of the Kent County Agricultural society for a number of years, but his quiet and unobtrusive manner, together with his devotion to his private affairs, rendered public office distasteful to him, yet he was ever ready to respond when called upon to perform a public duty likely to be of benefit to his fellow-citizens. He was a man of strong personality, notwithstanding his unassuming disposition, was devoted to his family and friends, and his greatest happiness was found in their society. The following beautiful tribute to his memory was penned by "A Friend," and published in the city papers after his death: George C. Fitch, an old resident, a pioneer manufacturer, a successful business man and honored citizen, has passed away. * * But when such a man passes away, it is due to the community in which he lived that a little more be said, for such lives touch us only for good. Mr. Fitch was a modest and unassuming man, possessing, to an unusual degree, the " homely" virtues of kindness, patience, gentleness, integrity and friendliness, and in his life these virtues were beautifully though modestly and almost unconsciously illustrated. First of all, he was a home mazn, than which nothing better can be said of any man. Here he was at his best, and to see him in the midst of his family, where brothers and sisters had gathered from far and near, was something worth remembering. He neither knew nor desired greater happiness than the home circle could furnish, and that circle knew no greater happiness than his presence afforded. Much could be said to his honor in relation to his business life; but when, after forty years of active business life, his employees surround his tomb to shed tears of genuine sorrow, and call him their friend, his unquestioned integrity can never be doubted. But we prefer' to remember him as a man possessed of an exalted ideal of the home and family life; such men help us to preserve and cultivate the richest blessings we may possess. For many years after he desired to discontinue active business, his factories were kept running for no other purpose than to give employment to his tried and faithful workers, whose lives seemed to be so closely interwoven with his own. His death occurred at the beautiful home, No. 155 Jefferson avenue, March 9, 1898. He died possessed of extensive property interests, having a large number of tenements, which his his son, George E., manages for the benefit of the estate. But there is another element in the family of equal importance and interest. The purity of home, with all its endearing surroundings, is largely due to the influence of the wife and mother. The estimable wife, companion and widow of the subject bore the maiden name of Cadette Everett, whose residence in Grand Rapids ante-dated that of her husband by two years. They were married January 24, 1863, and Mrs. Fitch is a daughter of Prof. Franklin and Thirza (Cudworth) Everett, who located in Grand Rapids in 1846. Prof. Franklin Everett is well remembered as the first teacher in a school for the higher order of pupils in Grand Rapids, was a gentleman of ripe scholarship and an educator of marked ability. He graduated from Colby (Me.) university in 1838, was a classmate and life-long friend and correspondent of Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, and began his professional life as principal of the Black River AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 165 academy in Ludlow, Vt. On coming to Grand Rapids in the fall of 1846 he was chosen principal of the academy, then in its experimental days, and subsequently the name was changed from the Grand Rapids to the Everett academy, and this was continued by Prof. Everett as an independent institution until I874. Many of the most prosperous business and professional men of the city to-day are those who can trace their success in life to the early instruction and kindly advice of Prof. Everett. He was the,chief promoter of the Kent Scientific institute, which existed for many years as a source of higher scientific investigation. Prof. Everett was a writer of more than ordinary ability, and contributed many invaluable'articles to some of the scientific journals, newspapers and other periodicals of his day, and he also wrote a history of the Grand River Valley-a work of great interest and value. It dwells at length and in minute detail upon many pioneer experiences in Grand Rapids, and is treasured as an heirloom in the families who are descended from the early settlers. Prof. Everett died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Fitch, February I, I894, honored and respected to a greater extent than many others who had lived in the city for a much longer period. To Mr. and Mrs. George C. Fitch have been born two children, of whom the elder, Miss Louie M., is a highly accomplished young lady, having graduated from the Grand Rapids high school, and having supplemented her studies at that school with a course at a ladies' boarding-school at Virginia City, Mont. She inherits a taste for music, and is especially proficient as an instrumentalist in piano music, to which her life seems to be devoted, as well as to the peace and comfort of the parental home. The second-born child of Mr. and Mrs. Fitch is. George E., a young man of cul ture and refinement, who graduated from the Grand Rapids high school, and later took a three-year course in the scientific department of the university of Michigan. Great responsibilities were early thrust upon him by the death of his father, and he now has control jointly with his mother of the extensive and complicated affairs pertaining to the estate. The Fitch family home, at No. I 5 5 Jefferson avenue, is one of the pleasantest in the city, and is the seat of a refined and genuine hospitality. EORGE FORRESTER, president of the village of East Grand Rapids and postmaster of Paul, Kent county, Mich., is a native of Rochester, Kent county, England, was born April 21, I859, a son of John and Charlotte (Summers) Forrester. The father was a mechanic, and died in his native land at the age of sixty-four years; the mother resides in Chicago, Ill., and is now Mrs. Gallier. Mr. Forrester is the youngest of a family of five children, of whom Ann McClintock is a resident of Chicago, Ill.; Eliza Watts resides in London, England; Charlotte McClintock died in Winnipeg, Manitoba; one brother died at Chatham, England; George is the subject of this sketch. The last named learned the trade of bricklayer in England and came to the United States in i883, and first located in Traverse City, Mich., but passed the greater part of his time in Grand Rapids, and permanently settled here in I885. Mr. Forrester was married in England, in May, I879, to Miss Jane Clisset, a native of Cardiff, Wales, and this union has resulted ina the birth of six children, of whom the eldest, Charlotte, aged nineteen years, is the assistant . 166 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS -- -of her father in the post-office at Paul; Frederick William is also employed by his father at his trade; Earle and Pearl are twins, aged eleven years; Edith Frank is the next in order, and Charlie died in childhood. Miss Charlotte takes exellent care of the younger children, being housekeeper for her father, her mother having died February 20, I897. Mr. Forrester is a member of the K. O. T. M., of the B. & P. 0. E., and of the Bricklayers' and Masons' union. In religion he and family are members of St. Mark's Episcopal church; in politics he is a democrat, and was appointed postmaster of Paul in 189I, a position he has since satisfactorily filled, aided of late by his estimable daughter. For five years Mr. Forrester was a member of the board of trustees, and for three years president of the board, and for three years, also, was a school director. He is an especially fine workman in terra cotta and an expert as a bricklayer; he has always been industrious and temperate, frugal and honest,.and has well earned the esteem in which he is so highly held by his friends and fellow-citizens in general.. IHARLES FOX.-The student of human nature, in his observation of men in this generation of business activity, feverish pursuit after wealth and the pleasure of life afforded by our present civilization, finds much to condemn and little to commend, more especially among what may be termed the younger element of those now in active life, for often those qualities which should predominate are lost in the advancement of self, and he finds "self" the ruling spirit governing actions. And the spirit of man kind,onthe other hand- "the exception which proves the rule "-is present, yet an example is occasionally found of the sterling, honest, upright man, whose wealth but adds to his interest in the welfare of his fellows, whose character is a fitting guide to the young men growing up around him, and whose actions are guided by unselfishness, honesty and upright moral character, and to this latter class belongs the subject of this sketch, Charles Fox, who was born at Ann Arbor, Mich., December 15, 1853, the youngest of six sons, children of the late Rev. Charles and Anna M. (Rucker) Fox. The Rev. Charles Fox was of English parentage, a native of Westoe, county of Durham, England, and one of that old Durham family which sacredly preserves its family tree with all its branches, tracing its root back to the sturdy Englishman of the twelfth century. He first visited this country in I833, making many friends in his travels among those who have since gained prominence in various spheres of life, and developing a taste for natural history. He made a valuable collection of birds, fish, and mineralogical specimems, which through his father formed the nucleus for a museum of natural history in Durham. He afterwards spent three years in study at the university at Durham, and, returning to America, completed his preliminary studies for the ministry, and was ordained a deacon on June II, 1830, at Hartford, Conn. His first call was to the Episcopal church at Jackson, Mich., and two years later he resigned to accept the pastorate of the Trinity church, Columbus, Ohio, and shortly after became the assistant of the bishop of Michigan in St. Paul's church, Detroit. In 1843 Mr. Fox purchased a farm on Grosse Isle, and severing his church connections in Detroit, devoted his energies to mastering the art of farming, practically as well as I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 169 theoretically. In 1852 he began the publication of the Farmers' Companion; his untimely death July 24, 1854, however, brought to an end this most valuable and successful enterprise. Mr. Fox had been instrumental in establishing a school of agriculture in the university of Michigan, and while occupying the chair of professor of agriculture, wrote and published the American Text Book of Practitical and Scientific Agriculture. His was a most promising career, and much of good to the people of his adopted state and country was lost by his all too-early death. His widow, daughter of John Anthony Rucker, a native of Newark, F. J., was born September 7, i8I6, and in her old age is surrounded by all the comforts and happiness which can be procured with money, and gracefully presides over the beautiful home of her sons, at Grand Rapids, Mich. Charles Fox, the subject of this sketch, was taken, shortly after birth, to Grosse Isle by his parents, and there his early childhood was spent. In I86i his mother located in Detroit, and the next seven vears of his life were devoted to study at the private schools of Prof. P. M. Patterson; later the family removed to Ann Arbor, Mich., and after graduating at the high school in I871, Charles entered the university of Michigan, graduating from there in the classical course in 1875. Mr. Fox seems to have.early developed a desire I to see the world" in a literal sense, as much of his time since early manhood has been devoted to travel and exploration, and it is perhaps to this excellent educator that much of his success in life may be attributed. In 1872 he spent eight weeks on the gulf of St. Lawrence on a mackerel schooner for the benefit of his health, and immediately after graduating from the university, in company with his mother, his brother, Dr. G. T. Fox, and his uncle and aunt, Sir William and Lady Fox, of New Zealand, spent a year in England, and on the continent, visiting France, Germany, Italy and Egypt. In March, 1876, Mr. Fox came to Grand Rapids and engaged in the manufacture of lumber, as a member of the Osterhout & Fox Lumber company, of which he is secretary and treasurer. In 1883 he again visited Europe, traveling irr Ireland, Scotland, France and Spain; also Algiers, in Africa, and other countries, devoting six months to the trip. In I886 he visited the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward island, and in I890 made an extended tour through the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, traveling about 700 miles on mule-back over the Sierra Madre mountains. Another trip he made in I892 to Japan and China, among other places. of interest visiting Pekin, touching at Corea and journeying to Seoul, the capital. In I885 Mr. Fox organized the firm of Fox & May, which was afterwards changed into the Grand Rapids Tie & Lumber company, of which he became president. He also organized the South Grand Rapids Improvement company, which has extensive interests in the southern part of this city, of which he was also made president. He is also director of the Michigan Trust company, and the Grand Rapids board of trade, of which he was for several years first vice-president, where, as chairman of the lumber committee, he, with the remainder of the committee, lately issued new rules for the inspection of lumber, which have been very generally adopted. Mr. Fox became a member of the Masonic fraternity in I88I, in which he has taken all the degrees to the thirty-second, as well as the knight templar and also the mystic shrine. He is also a member of the Country and Golf clubs, being now president of the Country club. Politically he has always been an ardent republican and has exercised a potential in 170 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS fluence in the ranks of his party in western Michigan. On December I4, I893, Mr. Fox married Miss Corrine Hinsdill, daughter of Col. C. B. Hinsdill, of Grand Rapids. The following is from the pen of an intimate friend and fellow-townsman of Mr. Fox: "Socially, Mr. Fox has by his suavity of manner and speech, his superior intelligence and upright bearing, gained an enviable position; endowed with a generous public spirit, he is quietly and unostentatiously doing his full share as a private citizen towards the advancement of the city's best interests, and is a liberal contributor of his means to charitable purposes, whether the call be from private or public source. Popular among his fellows, his success in life is a matter of gratification and pride to the numerous friends his individual worth has won for him." W 1EORGE E. FOX, chief clerk in the Grand Rapids postoffice, is a native of Michigan, born on the 8th day of August, i854, in the town of Schoolcraft, Kalamazoo county. William- H. Fox, M. D., of Genesee, N. Y., father of George E., was for many years a distinguished physician and surgeon of Michigan, beginning the practice of his profession in 1830 at the town of Schoolcraft, and continuing there until his death. Dr. Fox was a graduate of the New York School of Medicine, New York city, and achieved much more than a local reputation as a practitioner and amassed quite a fortune, the greater part of which was lost in the collapse of Jay Cooke's great Northern Pacific railway scheme. He was public spirited, and to him as much as to any one individual is the town of Schoolcraft indebted for much of the prosperity it now enjoys. He was a member of the Masonic order, in which he took a number of degrees, including that of Sir Knight and for a number of years was prominent in the councils of the republican party in his section of the state. Dr. Fox married in his native state Miss Martha Wright, who bore him two children, George E. and Sarah, of whom the latter became the wife of Peter F. Pursel, of Chicago. The doctor died in the year 1879, and his widow is making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Pursel, in Chicago. The subject of this review was reared in Schoolcraft and received his education at the seminary there, which he attended regularly until his nineteenth year, making substantial progress in the meantime. Shortly after quitting school young Fox entered the railway mail service on the Lake Shore road, his route extending from Chicago to Buffalo, and he was thus employed until transferred to the Grand Rapids post-office as mailing clerk in May, I884. He continued in the latter capacity until I895, when he was made foreman of the clerical force of the office, and after filling that station very efficiently until I899 was promoted chief clerk, a position he now holds. Mr. Fox is a very careful business man, kind and courteous withal, and every duty pertaining to his official station receives his careful and efficient supervision. He is popular with the employees of the office and the people have ever found in him a most obliging public servant. Mr. Fox was married November 25, i873, in Elkhart, Ind., to Miss Hettie Stabler-a union blessed with three children: Edward, an employee, of Armour & Co., of Chicago; Harry, a graduate physician of the Physicians & Surgeons Medical college, Chicago, and Clovis, deceased, The mother of these children died in August, I884, and in August, 171 AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. i886, Mr. Fox married in Grand Rapids Mrs. Adele Wyeman, who was born in Troy, N. Y., daughter of Peter Lemrex; she has borne him one child, a son, Roscoe. Mr. Fox became a resident of Grand Rapids on taking his position in the post-office in 1884, and now has a home at No. 93 Bostwick street. Politically he is a republican and in religion a member of the Baptist church, to which his wife also belongs. AMUEL FOX, the gentleman whose sketch is herewith presented, hails from far away Netherlands and is one of the many sturdy yeoman whom Holland has furnished the great American republic. Mr. Fox was born in the province of Zeeland, November 20, 1831, son of Nicholas and Anna (Schipper) Fox, both natives of the same country. He was reared in his native province and there attended in his youth the public schools. When a young man he became a carpenter and worked at the trade in Holland until 1854, when he came to the United States, landing in the city of New York May 8th, of that year. From New York, Mr. Fox came direct to Grand Rapids, Mich., and during the four years succeeding worked at his trade in this city. He then went to St. Louis, Mo., where he was similarly employed until October, I859, at which time he made his way further south, finally reaching New Orleans; where he followed his vocation with varied success until his return to Grand Rapids two years later. After working in this city about one year, Mr. Fox went to East Saginaw, where he followed his trade for a period of one and a half years, when he again came to Grand Rapids, which has since been his home. Until 1866 Mr. Fox worked continuously at carpentering and building, but in that year he engaged in the tanning business, following the same for three years, when he suffered a great loss by the complete destruction of his establishment by fire. For one and a half years thereafter he followed carpentering for a livelihood, and then engaged in the manufacture of croquet sets, base-ball bats, etc., to which he gave his attention about three years, disposing of the business at the end of that time. In I872, in partnership with a nephew, James Fox, he embarked in the retail grocery trade, and three years later became a wholesale dealer in the same line, continuing the latter for a period of two years, when he sold his stock and turned his attention to other pursuits. In I885 Mr. Fox became a member of the firm of Hester & Fox, dealers in agricultural implements, engines, boiler, buggies, harness, all kinds of farm machinery, bicyles, etc., and in 1892 became sole proprietor of the business, which he has since conducted on quite an extensive scale, his stock at this time representing a capital of $8,000. As will be seen by reference to the record of Mr. Fox, he has had a varied experience since becoming a citizen of this country, but in his vocabulary there is "no such word as fail." He has met and triumphantly overcome many obstacles, bravely encountered every discouragement, and won success from what to many would have proved failure. He is now at the head of a good business, which returns him a handsome profit and assures him of competency for his remaining years. Mr. Fox was married in Grand Rapids, June 21, 1867, to Miss Aaltje Phernanbucq, who was born in the town of Ziariczee, province of Zeeland, Holland, November 15, 1840. 172 TIHE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS - --- Her parents were Adrian and Cora N. (Newenhouse) Phernanbucq, both natives of Holland. To Mr. and Mrs. Fox have been born three children: Nicholas A., whose birth occurred April I8, 1870, is now associated with his father in business; Cora Marena, born June 14, 1877, and Anna Louisa, born June lo, 1878. The family belong to the Dutch Reformed church of Grand Rapids. In politics Mr. Fox is a democrat, and while interested in all matters of a political and public nature, he has never seen fit to aspire to official honors, preferring to give his attention to the demands of his business. He is a splendid citizen and numbers his friends by the score in business and other circles in Grand Rapids. The eldest son, Nicholas A. Fox, is one of the city's promising business men. He was married December 28, I892, to Miss Etta M. Barton, and is the father of two childrenHarald N. and Samuel C. He also supports the principles of the democratic party, is a member of lodge No. 34, F. and A. M., and also belongs to the order of Maccabees. UY HENRY FRACE, M. D., ' 1 whose suite of offices is at Nos. I and [ 3, Porter block, Grand Rapids, was born in Saranac, Mich., September 15, 1873, a son of Henry and Mary A. (Shaw) Frace, the former a native of Easton, Pa., and the latter of Saranac, Mich., where they now live, and where the father is engaged in mercantile trade. Of the four sons born to these parents Claude A., the eldest, is a clerk for his father; Dr. Guy H. is the second in order of birth; Howard, the third son, is a dentist in Ironwood, Mich., and Lewis Ray, the youngest, is still at home. Dr. Guy H. Frace was educated primarily in the public schools of Saranac, next attended the Business college in Ionia, Mich., then the Agricultural college at Lansing, from which he graduated with the degree of bachelor of science. His professional education was begun in the fall of 1895 in the office of Dr. H. O. Walker, at Detroit, where he studied diligently for two years, and at the same time attended the Detroit Medical college, graduating from this famous institution in May, 1898. Soon after this event, having been assured in advance of his appointment, he came to Grand Rapids and assumed his ' duties as resident physician at the Butterworth hospital, which position he held until January I, 1899, when he entered into a general practice as physician and surgeon at his present elegant rooms in the Porter block, and this practice, in its success, has exceeded his most sanguine expectations. Fraternally, the doctor is a member of the Masonic lodge at Saranac; religiously he conforms to the faith of the Congregational church, of which he is a consistent member, and politically he is a democrat. Personally, he is of most modest demeanor, and professionally stands high in the esteem of his fellow-practitioners as well as of the general public, with whom his success in life altogether depends, as he well knows, and which he can always command through his natural talents and practical skill. ROF. PETER J. FRANK, the eminent musician and violin and cornet instructor at Grand Rapids, with his class-rooms at Detrick's music store, Nos. 47 and 49 Monroe street, was born in New York city September 15, i853, and is of German descent. His father, Philipp Frank; AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 173 -- was also a renowned performer on the cornet and violin, and for many years was a member of the leading orchestras of New York city, and from him, no doubt, Prof. Peter J. inherits his remarkable musical talent. Peter J. Frank acquired his literary education in the public schools of New York city, and after graduating from the high school at once began the study of musical instrumentation, taking his first practical lessons on the violin under Prof. A. Zeis, a well known performer and instructor, and continued under instruction for five years; his next instructor was Prof. Frederick Mollenhauer, who was at that time considered to be the foremost music teacher in the city, with whom he studied and practiced six years, but for the last three years under this maestro was a member of the famous "Mollenhauer String Quartette." The following two years, Prof. Frank was ( first violin" in the celebrated Dr. Damrosch's orchestra, numbering seventy-five pieces, or performers. At the conclusion of this engagement, Mr. Frank accepted the position of first violinist in Theodore Thomas's orchestra, and was with that renowned leader four seasons. Mr. Frank then located in Brooklyn, N. Y., where he organized a band and orchestra of his own, composed of sixty-five performers, and this band still has an existence, under the leadership of John G. Frank, a brother of the subject of this sketch. During his residence in Brooklyn, Prof. Peter J. Frank acted as leader of the Twenty-eighth regiment band for three years, and also, for the same length of time, as leader of the Thirty-second regiment band, besides having entire charge of the public musical entertainments at Prospect and Washington parks. March 6, I891, Prof. Frank came to Grand Rapids and engaged in the teaching of the violin and cornet, and, his abilities being speedily recognized, he was at once classed 9 with the leading musicians of the city, and still stands at the head of the professors of the divine art. In I89I and I892 he had charge of the orchestra at Powers' opera house, and during the summer season was leader of the orchestra at the Reed's Lake pavilion, a favorite pleasure resort near the city. In I896 he accepted the position of leader of the orchestra at the Florence hotel, San Diego, Cal., but returned to Grand Rapids the next season and resumed his profession as musical instructor. For the past two years he has had charge of the music of the Lakeside club, at Reed's lake. The classes of Prof. Frank at Grand Rapids have always been filled to repletion, both on the violin and cornet, and have been so competently taught that many of his pupils are now occupying remunerative positions in various orchestras throughout the country. Mr. Frank is an agreeable and affable gentleman, and his social relations are with the elite of the city of Grand Rapids. HOMAS S. FREEMAN, mercantile broker, Grand Rapids, was born near Burlington, Halton county, province of Ontario, Canada, October 3, I834, and is a son of Joshua and Mary (Smith) Freeman, natives respectively of Nova Scotia and Wales. These parents were married in Burlington, Ontario, and there spent the remainder of their lives on a farm, the father dying March 4, I893, and the mother in the year I889. They had a family of ten children, the subject of this sketch being the eldest, and are remembered as most excellent people and leaders in the churches of their neighborhood the father as a Methodist, and the mother as an Episcopalian. '174 1THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Thomas S. Freeman remained under the parental roof until his seventeenth year, attending meanwhile the public schools, in which he made rapid progress, fitting himself for entrance into the grammar schools of Ancaster, province of Ontario, where he pursued his studies for some time. At the early age of eighteen years he was sufficiently advanced to obtain a teacher's license, and for one year he taught school in the vicinity of his home. Not being favorably impressed with the idea of making teaching his life-work, Mr. Freeman abandoned the profession, and for three years held.a clerkship in a mercantile house in Dundee, Ontario. At the end of that time he located near Flint, Genesee county, Mich., and engaged in agricultural pursuits, and was thus employed until I863, wheh he came to Grand Rapids and accepted a clerkship with a business firm, in which capacity he continued until 866. In the latter year he embarked 'in retail merchandizing in partnership with Leonard H. Randall, his former employer. After 1872 they carried on an extensive wholesale grocery business and were classed with the substantial merchants of the city. A few years later, L. E. Hawkins was admitted to the firm; later, Mr. Randall sold his interest, and the firm name became Freeman, Hawkins & Co. Subsequently, George R. Perry was admitted as a partner, and thefirm thus constituted continued until I887, at which time Mr. Freeman disposed of his part and retired from the business. From that day to the present time he has been engaged in mercantile brokerage, which has returned him liberal profit. On the 2Ist day of February, I856, Mr. Freeman entered into the marriage relation with Miss Helen M. Randall, of Genesee county, N. Y., and the union thus solemnized has resulted in the birth of the following children: Mary F., wife of Elwood G. Wilson, of Logansport, Ind.; Claude D., a bicycle dealer in Grand Rapids; Edith A., wife of D. C. Scribner, of the Grand Rapids Paint & Color company; Jane R., at home, and Helen M. who married Prof. George H. Fairclough, instructor of music in the city of Kalamazoo. Mr. Freeman and family are members of the Episcopal church of Grand Rapids He is a Knight Templar and also a member of the Mystic Shrine; for sixteen years he was treasurer of De Molai commandery and several years treasurer of Grand Rapids chapter, R. A. M., also treasurer of Saladin temple, Mystic Shrine, and takes an active interest in all matters pertaining to the fraternity. As a business man and citizen, Mr. Freeman's reputation is unassailable. In his political views he yields allegiance to no party, yet believes it to be his duty as a worthy member of the body politic to keep well informed upon all the great issues and questions of the day. He is independent in all the term.implies, and has never been ambitious for public honors, his preference being the quiet walks of commerciai activity. He has an attractive home on State street, where, surrounded by his family and numerous friends, he finds his chief enjoyment of life. UFUS S. FRENCH, Deputy Supreme Chief Ranger, I. O. F., located at Nos. 35 and 36 Wenham building, Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of Chatham, Canada, was born October 6, I869, and is a son of Peter and Julia (Jacobs) French, natives of the same country-the father's family being of German and English, and the mother's of French extraction. Peter French is a farmer of Kent county, Canada, where he was born in 1822, and is i AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 176 still hale and hearty; his wife, born in the same county in i843, is his second spouse. To his first marriage were born six children, all of whom are still living in Chatham, and by his second wife he is the father of three children, viz: Rufus S., the subject of this sketch; Ella, wife of D. McDonald, who is engaged in the commission business at Chatharn, and Earnest, who is in the far west engaged in speculating. Rufus S. French was primarily educated in the country schools in the neighborhood of his birth place, next attended the Chatham Collegiate institute for three and a half years, and then took a six months' course in MIcLachlan's Business college in the same city. He began life on his own account as a bookkeeper for a commission broker in Chathamn, but remained with him for less than a year, when he secured a similar position in a wholesale and retail grocery in the same town. He next made a start for British Columbia, but was induced to stay at Detroit, Mich., to fill a position in a grocery, but soon secured a more advantageous position as bookkeeper in the office of the chief engineer of the Grand Trunk railway at Detroit, and a year later was transferred to Grand Rapids, to take charge of the books in the roadmaster's office, and was thus employed from 1892 until July, 1897. Mr. French had been a member of the Independent Order Foresters for the previous eleven years, but in 1897 he became identified with the active work of promoting the order's interests, prosperity and general usefulness. He began his effective work as an organizer of courts, etc., succeeded in securing numerous new members, and did much other good work until December, I898, when he was given charge of the Grand Rapids office, with the title mentioned at the opening of this article, which carries with it a good salary and permanency, and is the only office in Michigan established under the supreme court of the order. Since Mr. French began his active work in promoting the progress of the order, it has been increased from four to eight courts in the city of Grand Rapids, and the membership now exceeds 800. Mr. French also visits other localities, instructing new courts and stimulating those that are older, but which may be growing lax or indifferent. November 10, I892, Mr. French married Miss Mabel A. Welch, only child of James H. Welch, foreman of the D., G. H. & M. warehouse, Grand Rapids. She was born in Lowell, Mich., and was educated in,the Grand Rapids high school, and is now the happy mother of one child, Earle Forbes, born May 10, i896. Mrs. French is a member of the Congregational church, while Mr. French was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church; but their home is the home of harmony. Fraternally Mr. French is a Knight of Pythias and in politics is a republican. Mr. and Mrs. French enjoy the friendship and esteem of a large circle of acquaintances, and their many personal merits make them general favorites in society. m DAM FREY, deceased, was at one time a very prominent business man of Grand Rapids, Mich., and had a large interest in one of the early breweries. He was born in Germany May 14, 1839, and was a son of Christian Frederick and Christina Magadelena (Erhardt) Frey, the former of whom died in his native country, and the latter still living, having her home in Kent county, Mich. Adam Frey had but limited oppportunities for an education in youth, but attended school sufficiently long to secure a moderate education, which enabled him to take a comprehen 176 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS sive view and intelligent cognizance of. events as they passed before him, and thus he became a practical business man. His earlier working days were variously employed, but when his judgment had been well matured he learned the trade of miller in all its details. He worked at this trade in Germany until I866, when he was induced by representations of friends already resident here to come to the United States, to better his fortune, if not secure a competence, and in the latter he succeeded. He came direct to Grand Rapids and soon found employment at his trade, and, his knowledge of this being very comprehensive and accurate, his services were eagerly sought by others than his first employers. He kept fully abreast with the latest and most improved methods of milling and milling machinery, and was thus employed until 1874, when he was offered a position in the Grand Rapids brewery, later became a stockholder and partner, and continued at the business until his death, July 5, 1883. The mother of Adam Frey now lives near Conklin, Ottawa county, Mich., about eighteen miles from Grand Rapids, with her daughter Mary, her three elder children, Adam, Christian and Charles, being deceased. Adam Frey married, November 25, I866, soon after his arrival here, Miss Magdalena L. Shaupp,. whose acquaintance he had formed in the old country. They began their wedded life poor, but Mrs. Frey was a willing helpmate and a most amiable woman, and aided her husband in every way in her power, the result being a competency. To this marriage were born eight children, of whom five still survive, viz: Charles, who has his home in Grand Rapids, but not under the parental roof, being in business for himself, and Lena, Christian, 'William and Henry, still with their mother, at her pleasant home, No. 520 Ottawa street. In politics Adam Frey was for some years a republican, but during the latter part of his life affiliated with the democratic party; nevertheless, he was governed in the exercise of his franchise more by the character of the various nominees and their fitness for office, than by the dicta of party. He was always recognized as an upright, industrious and competent business man, was a fond husband, indulgent father and a firm friend, as well as a useful and progressive citizen. A brief extract from a not very recent publication will give some idea of the brewery with which the late Adam Frey was so long connected as a stockholder. It was established in September, 1871, in a frame building, 20 x 50 feet, by Carl and Christian Frey, just then from Germany, and with the assistance of two men, they turned out 500 barrels of the amber fluid the first year. In I88i this brewery, now known as the ( Coldbrook " and operated then by Carl, Christian and Adam Frey,was of brick, 80 x 40 feet, three stories and basement, with a wing, 60 x 20 feet, two stories high, devoted to the bottling department, and the out-put in the last named year was Io,ooo barrels. *""-" --- —-" --- —---- RANK C. FRYETT, the leading photographer of Grand Rapids, was born in Stark county, Ohio, February 14, I86o. Until eighteen years old he attended school in Alliance, Ohio, and at that early age became superintendent of an oil district in Pennsylvania, the duties of which he discharged for a period of three years. At the end of that time he went to Farmer City, Ill.; and engaged as an apprentice to learn photography, and after a careful study of one year's duration, made a trip through the west and AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 177 southwest, traveling extensively over New Mexico and Colorado, and finally located at the town of Redlands, Cal., where he opened an art studio, which he conducted until I893. In that year he disposed of his business and removed to the city of Los Angeles, where he again opened a gallery and did well until 1895, at which time he sold out, and, coming east, located the following year in Grand Rapids, Mich. Here he at once established an art studio at No. 84 Monroe street, and has since controlled his full share of patronage as a photographer. His studio is supplied with all the latest modern appliances pertaining to the art, and the work therefrom is of a high grade, first class in every particular, and has been pronounced by competent critics to be superior to that of any similar establishment in the city. As an artist, Mr. Fryett occupies a high place in the profession and keeps fully abreast of the times in all things pertaining to the art, and is widely and favorably known, not only in the city, where his work is always on public exhibition, but is known as a prominent photographer throughout the states. Financially his success has been encouraging. DWARD PHILO FULLER, deceased, was born in Geneseo, Livingston county, N. Y., October 29, I820, in a house which now stands on Second street in that town, and later occupied by Zirmi H. Austin, but which house, in 1820, stood on Main street, on the site of the Allen Ayrault residence, now known as the Big Tree Inn. He was a lineal descendant of Dr. Samuel Fuller, who came to America in the Mayflower and was for years physician to the Plymouth colony, and also a deacon in the church. The descendants of this Pilgrim physician are very numerous and are scattered all through the United States, and many of the family have been prominent in state and national politics, being, as a rule, people of sound judgment and marked character. The immediate branch of this family from which Edward P. Fuller descended may be traced as follows: Five brothers Fuller, of Rehoboth, Mass., settled in Lebanon, Conn., between the years I720 and I726-that is to say: Benjamin, in June, 1720; Amos, in March, I721; Joshua, in November, 1722, and Ezekiel and Abiel, in September, 1726. The land purchased by Joshua and Abiel remained in their families for five generations, or more than I50 years, and their dwellings built in 1745 are still in good condition. Joshua Fuller, the great-great-grandfather of Edward P. Fuller, was born May 15, 1701, in Rehoboth, Mass., purchased land in Lebanon, Conn., of his brother, Amos, November 5, 1722, first married Mercy Knapp, who died in 1732, and next married, December 2 5, 1734, Experience Steadman, who died November 8, 1783. The death of Joshua, however, had taken place March 23, I771, he being the father of five children, viz: Joshua (greatgrandfather of Edward P.), who was born September 21, 1725, and October 12, 1748, married Margaret Richardson; Samuel, born April 25, 1727; Mercy, born March 12, 1729; Abigail, born January 31, I731, and Thomas, born February i8, 1732. Of these five, Joshua alone left offspring, and his grandchildren numbered fifty-eight, whose families are to-day to be found in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, California, Wisconsin and Canada. In I763, Joshua Fuller, great-grandfather of Edward P., moved from Lebanon, Conn., to West Stafford, in the same state, but later bought an adjoining farm in Monson, Mass., 178 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS on which he died May 20, 1808, at the age of eighty-two years. His eleven children were named as follows: Bezeliel, who was born in Lebanon, Conn., January 10, I750, first married Phebe Sprague, December 8, 1774, and next married Wealthy Carpenter, March 31, 1785; he continued his residence in Lebanon, inherited from his uncle, Capt. Samuel, the old homestead purchased by his grandfather, Joshua, in 1722, and there died January 6, 1825, the father of nine children-Eliza, Lucina, Ashel, James, Daniel, Chester, Thomas, Nancy and Philura. Joshua's second child, Eleazer, born March 7, 1752, in Lebanon, married Rachel Bartlett, moved to Monson, Mass., and died on his farm September 3, I819, the father of Esther, Polly, Achsah, Eleazer, Ashel, Gorham, Hiram A., Alvin, Samuel S., Rachel and Ralph. The third child of Joshua, Sylvanus, born in Lebanon November 22, 1754, married Violata Townsend, resided for some time in Monson, and died in Ware, Mass., February 6, 1831, the father of Boadicia, John T., Sylvanus D., Joshua D., Elthena, Violata, Chancey, Elea-, nor and Hannah E. The fourth child,Thomas, was born in January, 1758, but died young. The fifth, Abigail, born in I760, married Richard Gardner. The sixth, Samuel, was born March 17, 1762, in Lebanon, married Delia Cass, of Coventry, Conn., lived in New Marlboro, Mass., and died in May, I792, the father of four children-Philo C. (father of Edward P., subject), Paulina, Ammi R. and Samuel. The seventh child, Joshua, was born in I766 in Stafford, Conn., married Rebekah Strong September 25, 1792, lived on the old homestead in Monson and died April I7, I836, the father of Lorenzo, Calvin, Laura, Joel and Horatio N. The eighth child, John, was born in 1768, was a shoemaker, lived in Lenox and then in Monson, married Deborah Strong, of Columbia, Conn., and died January 4, 1838, the father of seven children-Marcia, Orlando, Lucy, Lucina, Maria, George and Eldridge G. The ninth child, Elizabeth, was born in I770, was married to Ichabod Post, and lived in Hinsdale, Mass. The tenth, Joel, was born in Monson January 8, 1772, married Esther Loomis, of Lebanon, was a blacksmith, and died December 5, 1799, the father of Sally and Joel. The eleventh child, Huldah, was born May 29, 1776, and was married to Daniel Edgerton. Hon. Philo C. Fuller, father of Edward P. Fuller, was born in Berkshire county, Mass., and in 1817 married Sophia Nowlen, daughter of Capt. Nowlen, of New Marlboro, Mass., and this marriage was blessed with three children-Samuel L., born in i818; Edward Philo, and George Ami. Edward Philo Fuller's early days were passed in Geneseo, N. Y., where he attended the district school and later the Geneseo academy, on Temple Hill, his tutor here being Prof. Felton, afterward president of Harvard college. Among his classmates were Eben N. Hosford, later a professor at Harvard; Henry V. Colt, Charles Jones and Zimri H. Austin. Mr. Fuller finished his education at the Canandaigua (N. Y.) academy at the age of seventeen years, and then engaged in a country store as clerk, but the occupation was distasteful to him and he continued in it but a few weeks. In 1836, his father was elected president of the Erie & Kalamazoo Railroad company, whose road ran between Toledo, Ohio, and Adrian, Mich., and was the first in operation west of New York; he was also appointed cashier of the Erie & Kalamazoo Railroad bank at Adrian, and therefore resigned his seat in congress, and removed with his family to Adrian, Edward P. accompanying him. Here the latter secured a position as clerk in a store, andlater in a bank. He next became a partner in a commission house, and later in AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 179 a flouring-mill, but in these he was only moderately successful. In 1845 he returned to Livingston county, N. Y., where he secured employment in the land office of Hon. Charles H. Carroll, who, with Lucius Lyon, was one of the early owners of the village of Kent, Mich., now the most valuable part of the city of Grand Rapids. In May, 1850, Mr. Fuller married Miss Cornelia Granger Carroll, eldest daughter of Charles H. Carroll (mentioned above) and from this date until I862 lived at Groveland, Livingston county, where he engaged in cattle raising and other branches of farming and in the management of his own and his wife's property. He reached considerable prominence at Groveland, being a practical business man and of a genial disposition, and served as a member of the board of supervisors in the years I85r, 1859, I860, I86i and 1862. In. the last-named year he returned to Geneseo, where he resided until I868. The death of Charles H. Carroll, fatherin-law of Mr. Fuller, involved the care of a large landed estate in Grand Rapids, Saginaw and other parts of Michigan, as well as the care of several hundred thousand dollars worth of property in Rochester, N. Y. In order to manage this vast estate, Mr. Fuller and his brother, Samuel L., came to Grand Rapids in 1868, opened a banking house under the firm name of E. P. & S. L. Fuller, and this style was maintained until 1875. In the meanwhile, Edward P. Fuller erected several business blocks and residences in the city and was an important factor in the city's growth and prosperity, and to this fact his widow and children can take just and commendable pride. Personally Mr. Fuller was a man of few words, but was frank, outspoken and-terse. He was unusually warm in his friendships, and for his early associates retained the fondest affection. He interested himself in the pros perity of all his friends, and their misfortune only tended to strengthen his friendship and call from him munificent assistance. He was passionately fond of his birth-place, from which absence never weaned him, although he was strongly attached to Grand Rapids, the city of his adoption. As a man of business, he was methodical and foreseeing, and his success in life was not at all accidental, but the result of his sound judgment. His benevolence was an inherent part of his nature, but his charities, innumerable in themselves, were of that kind that never permitted "his left hand to know what his right hand" accomplished. As a husband, father, friend and neighbor, he was never excelled, but, as all things must have an end, so did the life of this true philanthropist, who passed away June I9, I886, having retired from business in 1875. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Fuller were born three children, viz: Sophia, wife of E. P. Sweet; Philo C., a member of the firm of Rice & Fuller; and Charles Carroll, who died at the age of twelve and one-half years. * --- —------------— | WIGHT GOSS, who has been engaged in the practice of law in Grand Rapids, Mich., since 1887, was born in Portage county, Ohio, February 18, I857, the only child of Sidney and Sarah (Gilmore) Goss, the latter of whom died July 27, 1859. Sidney Goss is also a native of the Buckeye state, and his deceased wife was born in Connecticut. They were married in Ravenna, Ohio, March I7, I856, and located in Rahdolph township, Portage county, where Mrs. Goss passed away at the date mentioned above. Mr. Goss, who is a farmer by voca 180 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS tion, continued to reside on the homestead until July, 1892, and then came to Grand Rapids, where he has since made his home with his son. Dwight Goss attended school in Portage county, Ohio, until ten years of age, and then, his father having moved to Clinton county, Mich., he entered the common schools, which he attended until eighteen, and then attended Ionia high school, from which he graduated in the Latin and scientific courses in 1879. The following year he occupied himself in farming and school-teaching, then entered the literary department of the Michigan university, and studied two years; was then employed a year and a half as a commercial traveler, after which he returned to the university and took a course in law studies. After graduating, he came to Grand Rapids and for a year and a half passed his time as a student and clerk in the law office of Smiley & Earle. In I886 he was admitted to the bar by Judge Montgomery, and January I, 1887, began practice on his individual account, and has been alone ever since, with the exception of the years I888, 1889 and I890, when he was associated with Police Judge Haggerty. His career has been a most successful one, and his standing at the bar is cordially recognized by his fellowpractitioners, as well as by the court and the public at large, as being that of a legal light in the settlement of affairs of litigants in Kent county. So able has he proved to be in the exercise of his legal abilities, that he was appointed in May, 1897, as assistant United States attorney for the western district of Michigan, and still fills the position to the satisfaction of all concerned. Mr. Goss was united in marriage, July 7, I891, at Muskegon, Mich., with Miss Josephine Ahnefeldt, a native of Canada and a daughter of August and Faith (Elston) Ahnefeldt, the result of the marriage being two children-Faith and Henry. In their church relations, Mr. Goss adheres to the Universalist faith, while Mrs. Goss worships with the Lutheran congregation. In politics Mr. Goss is a republican, and fraternally, is a knight templar Mason. His professional earnings have placed him in good circumstances, and his charming home is the resort of the best members of the society of the city of Grand Rapids. ILLIAM FULLER, M. D., of Grand Rapids, was born on a farm five miles north of London, Ontario, July 5, 1842, a son of Rodolphus and Jemima (Morden) Fuller, both natives of Canada. His grandfather,William Fuller, was one of the earliest settlers of Middlesex county, Canada. His father's family removed to London, when he was eight years of age, and he received his early education at the union school. and subsequently at Mr: Baylie's grammar school, of that city. At the age of fourteen years he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. John A. Nelles, of London. In 1857, on account of financial difficulty which involved his father's family, he abandoned the study of medicine, obtained a certificate from the board of education of Middlesex county, and devoted himself to teaching a district school for a period of five years. In I862 he resumed the study of medicine under the tuition of the late Dr. Alexander Anderson, of London, matriculated in the medical department of McGill university, Montreal, in I863, from which he received the degree of M. D., C. M., in the spring of I866, receiving the senior prize for practical anatomy, and standing in the honor class of that year. In 1867 Dr. Fuller was appointed to fill a 'A I 183 AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. vacancy as demonstrator of anatomy and curator of the museum of McGill university, medical department, which post he continued to occupy with satisfaction for a period of seven years, until he resigned to accept the chair of anatomy in Bishop's college, Montreal, which he retained for three years previous to his removal to Grand Rapids. During the same period he was one of the attending physicians to the Woman's hospital of Montreal. He is a licentiate and member of the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Quebec, of the American Medical association, of the British Medical association, has been a member of the Canada Medical association since its organization; is a member of the Medical and Surgical societies of Montreal and Grand Rapids, and the Michigan Medical society. He has also from time to time contributed many valuable and original papers to medical science, which have been highly appreciated. Dr. Fuller was married in Montreal, in I868, to Miss Emeline Wickham, of Grand Rapids, Mich. He removed to Grand Rapids with his family, consisting of his wife and four children, in 1878, where he rapidly acquired a reputation and lucrative practice as a family and consulting physician and surgeon. Dr. Fuller is particularly noted as a skillful surgeon. His chief characteristics are selfreliance, energy and perseverance, and he has justly won the confidence of the communities in which he has resided. ON. SAMUEL L. FULLER (deceased), the first president of the Michigan State Horticultural society, was a native of Geneseo, Livingston county, N. Y., was born January 29, I8I8, and received I an excellent academic education, graduating from the celebrated school of Dr. Beck at Albany. In the spring of I836 he came to Michigan, passed the summer in traveling over the state, and in the autumn settled in Grand Rapids as a surveyor and civil engineer. He found employment here and elsewhere on some of the most important state work, and assisted in laying out the city of Grand Rapids and the canal at Sault Ste. Marie. In 1840, Mr. Fuller was recalled to Livingston county, N. Y., to become private secretary to Hon. Charles Carroll. In 1844 he left Mr. Carroll to take charge of his own father's estate at Conesus, in Livingston county, and in 1853 went to Europe to purchase thoroughbred cattle for an association of Livingston county farmers. On his return he purchased the state premium farm at Geneva, known as the estate of Oaklandsometimes called Delsfield farm, but ill health compelled him to relinquish it and retire to the homestead at Conesus, known as Centremont, to recuperate. During this period of rest he was elected to the state legislature and served two years, and was, indeed, during all his residence in Livingston county, ever active in promoting any measure that might prove beneficial to the community, and enjoyed its full confidence and respect. For years he was a member of the board of supervisors, and president of the school board, was constantly in office as a magistrate, and a trusted referee in legal disputations and in the settlement of estates. His patriotism was beyond impeachment or suspicion, and his physical disability alone prevented his joining the army when the war of the Rebellion broke out in I86I, but he aided the Union cause with his means and influence. In the spring of I863, Mr. Fuller became interested in the Central Express company, was made its superintendent, and moved to I 184 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS New York city. In 1868, the company having sold its interests to the Merchants' Union Express company, he returned to Grand Rapids to join his brother, Edward P. Fuller, in private banking, which business was successfully conducted several years, and will be found mentioned in detail in the biography of Edward P. Fuller on another page. No part of the state of Michigan has been more fortunate in the accession of valuable citizens than the Grand River valley was in the coming of the Hon. S. L. Fuller. He early enlisted himself in the cause of agriculture and horticulture and was persistent in his efforts for their development. He signed the first call for a meeting to organize the State Horticultural society and was made chairman of that meeting. He was unceasing in his efforts to build up the embryo organization and make it a power for good. He gave office room for meetings and consultation, and seemed to see, more clearly than others, the great possibilities of the state becoming a fruit center per se. He made a trip through Wisconsin, Minnesota and the Dakotas, and on his return told the society to push their work-that the great northwest was waiting and was hungry for Michigan fruit. His enthusiasm over the subject seemed to know no bounds, and he prophesied that the northwestern states would prove ready consumers of all the fruit Michigan could produce. Mr. Fuller was also an early worker in the Grand River Horticultural society and in the West Michigan Farmers' club, and was the life of both, as he attended all their meetings, and acted officially most of the time as president, secretary, etc., and although he frequently expressed a desire to be relieved of official duties, the members as frequently declared "No; we cannot get along without you; you are half the meeting." He had a cheerful word for everybody, was a firm friend of farm ers' institutes, and was one of the first to advocate an appropriation sufficient to enable them to hold a meeting each year in every county of the state. Public spirited, he nevertheless wanted no office for pecuniary gain. To benefit his fellow-men in the field of labor was to him an ample reward. He came from that part of western New York made famous by the first thorough work in tile-draining by the veteran farmer, John Johnston, and was himself the first to introduce ensilage in Michigan and to feed it. He was not afraid of innovations, and was heartily in favor of consultation and the interchange of views and experiences, as he argued that no two men ever saw the same process with identical eyes. The Kent Scientific institute was languishing when he returned: he became an influential member and was assiduous in its support, always attending its meetings and urging others to do so, and thus revived the organization. Mr. Fuller was twice married. He first wedded Miss Elizabeth Stevens, and two children were born to that union; the only one living is Mrs. A. C. Torrey, of Grand Rapids. After Mrs. Fuller died, Mr. Fuller next married Mrs. A. S. Van Vechten, in r856. No children were born to the last marriage. Mr. Fuller was a stanch republican in politics, and in religion was a devout member of the Episcopal church, being one of the charter members of the St. Mark's church at Grand Rapids, to the support of which he was a most liberal contributor. He often spoke of the value of the counsel he received from his helpmates, as it was his wont to consult them on all important occasions, even to details, and had great confidence in their judgment, and believed this course to be the true life matrimonial. He reached the ripe age of seventy-nine years, and passed away in peace April, 27, 1897, leaving to his offspring the priceless heritage of a spotless AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 185 I name, and one that will endure in all the future days of the existence of the city of Grand Rapids. EORGE H. GERE, to whom these lines are devoted, traces his ancestral history back through many generations to the town of Hevitree, Devonshire, England, in which county there was living, in 1635, one George Gere, who came to Boston that year and became the founder of the family in America. From Boston he removed to Groton, Conn., and there engaged in farming, and in common with others helping forward the development of the country. A descendant of the aforesaid George, Robert Gere, moved from Ledyard, Conn., to Syracuse, N. Y., in I820, and his son, Nathan Stanton Gere, was born in the latter city on the I6th day of August, 1832. Nathan Stanton Gere was married in 1855 to Mary L. Sweet, of Camillus, N. Y., and became the father of seven children, of whom four are living at this time, viz: Mrs. Joseph B. Tiffany, of Yonkers, N. Y.; Robert Gere, of the same place; Dr. James B. Gere, of New York city, and George H., the subject of this biography. Nathan Stanton Gere resided in Syracuse, and was a successful builder of railroads and canals for many years, being associated in those and numerous other business ventures with his father. He was one of the leading men of central New York, public spirited, and accumulated a valuable estate. George H. Gere was born in Syracuse, N. Y., May 3, 1859. He received his elementary education in the schools of his native city, and subsequently entered the university of Syracuse, in the class of I879. Immediately after leaving the university, Mr. Gere entered one of the large banking houses of Syracuse and later was engaged on the construction of several important public works, notably the West Shore railway, between Syracuse and Utica, and the enlargement of the Welland canal in Canada and the Erie canal in New York until I889, when he became a citizen of Grand Rapids. Here he succeeded in interesting a number of business men in the formation of the Adamant Plaster company, and, after its organization, acted as manager several years, building up a large and prosperous business in the meantime. The enterprise passed into the hands of some Detroit parties in 1892, since which time Mr. Gere has given his time and attention to the manufacture of yachts and launches, operating a factory in the village of East Grand Rapids, on the shores of Reed's lake, and near the city of Grand Rapids. For a number of years previous to engaging in this business he had given much thought and study to the construction of pleasure boats, first as a mere pastime, but when gasoline began to be used as a motive power he became satisfied that a launch so propelled could be placed on the market with every assurance of financial success. Since opening his manufacturing establishment Mr. Gere has succeeded in practically verifying his preconceived ideas, and the business from a comparatively small beginning has steadily increased in volume until at the present time his yachts and launches may be found in nearly all the states, besides which, several consignments have been made to foreign countries. He makes only the highest grade vessels, the smallest being a sixteenfoot launch, and the largest sixty feet. In order to meet the constantly increasing demand he employs a large number of skilled mechanics in the construction of both launches and engines. The factory on the lake is one of the fixtures of Grand Rapids, and Mr. Gere occupies a conspicuous place among the substantial men of the city and county. 186 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Mr. Gere was united in marriage October 21, I885, to Miss Belle Stewart, who is a daughter of V. B. Stewart, a prominent merchant and manufacturer of Utica, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Gere have one child, Doris Stewart Gere, whose birth occurred in Grand Rapids, in the year I890.; OSEPH GRACHTRUP, a respected retired farmer residing at No. 229 First street, Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in the province of Westphalia, Germany, February 10, 1844, a son of Heinrich and Margaret (Nolte) Grachtrup, natives of the same province. Of these parents, the mother was called away about the year 1854, and the father in I874-their remains now resting side by side in their native land. Joseph Grachtrup, in early manhood, was a teamster in Westphalia, which country he left when twenty-two years of age and came to America, making his way direct to Grand Rapids. On reaching this city he had $5 he could call his own, and at once sought employment, which he found on the farm of John Platte, in Alpine township, with whom he worked for three years, and who subsequently became his father-in-law. From his compensation of $12 per month, Mr. Grachtrup saved, during these three years, $360. Mr. Platte now died, leaving a fanily of nine children; Mr. Grachtrup married the eldest, Bernardina, September 18, 1870, and at once took charge of the family and reared and educated the younger members, in the meanwhile renting the farm, for which he paid $500 per annum for five years, and then $300 per annum for eight years, but during these thirteen years did not acquire a great deal of wealth, owing to his heavy family expenses. When the estate was administered, Mrs. Grachtrup received $I,ooo as her dower, and this sum, together with some meager savings, enabled Mr. Grachtrup to purchase sixty acres of the old Platte homestead for $3,800, subject to a mortgage of $2,000. On this farm he built a house at a cost of $2,300, in which he lived seventeen years, and was very prosperous. Recently, Mr. Grachtrup disposed of this Alpine township farm for $5, I50, and came to Grand Rapids to pass his remaining years in quiet retirement, at the street and number mentioned at the opening of this sketch. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Grachtrup have been born six children, named as follows: Louisa, who is the wife of Peter Saur, of Alphine township; John, who is a widower at the age of twenty-five years and the father of one child; Agnes, with her parents; Clara, deceased; Ella and Joseph. The family-are devout members of Holy Trinity Catholic church, in Alpine, and have ever been most liberal in their contributions to its support. Of Mr. Grachtrup's two brothers, Barnard is a well-to-do resident of Germany, and William was killed on subject's wedding-day, September I8, I870, while serving in the German army in the Franco-Prussian war. The parents of Mrs. Grachtrup were natives of Prussia, came to America in childhood, and were married in Alpine in 1849. The mother died March 30, 1869, and the father in August of the same year, aged forty-one and forty-seven respectively. Their children, nine in number, were born in the following order: Bernardina, now Mrs. Grachtrup; John, deceased; Louisa, now. Mrs. Rusche. of Alpine township; Joseph, a farmer on the old homestead; William, also a farmer of Alpine; Frank, a salesman, residing in Grand Rapids; Matilda, wife 187 AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. of S. Schweitzer, a farmer in Alpine township; Frederick, manager of the Star clothing house, 'at Grand Rapids, and Albert, farmer and fruit grower in Walker township. Mr. and Mrs. Grachtrup have three granddaughters, one of whom, Bernardina, daughter of the deceased son, John,is by them being reared with all the care and affection her grandparents can bestow upon her. Mr. Grachtrup has won many warm friends since he came to reside in Grand Rapids, and he and wife are greatly respected by their neighbors for their quiet ways, unostentatious charity and christianlike mode of like. LWOOD GRAHAM.-A little more than eighty years ago, a man by the name of Thomas Graham embarked on board an emigrant ship, in the north of England, for the new world. He was descended from the famous historical clan of Grahams, which figures so conspicuously in Scottish history and a part of which later dwelt in the north of England. The natal place of Thomas Graham was Carlisle, the date of his nativity being in the year 1798. He was a young man of some twenty-two years when he sailed from England, and after a four months' voyage landed in Nova Scotia, with the expectation of meeting a brother there, but later abandoned all hope on account of the brother's removal elsewhere. After a year or two he married Miss Hannah Wilson, who was born in New Jersey and taken to Canada in infancy. Thomas Graham was a cooper by trade and in Ontario he cleared up a timbered farm and later moved near Port Stanley, Elgin county, where both died, he at the age of eighty-four and she ten years younger. They left a family of nine I children, six of whom now live, and three brothers, John, Thomas and Elwood, settled in Kent county, Mich. Thomas was a carpenter at Grand Rapids and died in 1896. John still resides in Walker township, near the suburbs of the city. Elwood Graham, the subject of this biography, was born on December I, 1822, in Ontario, Canada, where the village of Welland now stands, the site of the town being the location of his father's farm. In Canada he worked for some time as a carpenter and soon began to contract for himself, employing twenty-five or thirty men. Later he built a large sash, door and blind factory, and a sawmill, and continued in this business for eight years, engaged in the erection of all kinds of timber and stone buildings until I856, when his factory was destroyed by fire, with a loss of $ I5,000. By this calamity Mr. Graham was left with about $300 to begin anew with. The great west was opening with a boom in Minnesota, and he decided to go into that state. The journey was made by rail to Chicago, thence by rail to Dunlieth, and by river steamer to St. Peter, Minn., where building had just started. Here he engaged in his old business of contracting with great success. He had made a claim of land a few miles from St. Peter in Nicollet county, and this he began to convert into a farm. In Minnesota, during those years, the redman was retiring sullenly before the fatal advance of the whiteman's frontier. Shooting, scalping and plundering forays still occurred, and in the self-complaisant reminiscences of the old settlers of that day, the merciless and mysterious savage is apt to lend to narrative the lively coloring of mortal danger. Large portions of the state then consisted of wilderness, with magnificent forests, alive with game, and with luxuriant meadows along the river banks, inviting the settler's cabin and the:. 188 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS plow. The fearless emigrants, who ventured to rear their dwellings there at that time, found it necessary ever to be prepared for an attack, as very little reliance could be placed even in the friendly protestations of the vagabond savages, ever prowling about, and almost as devoid of intelligence as conscience. In I863 Mr. Graham took up another claim of land opposite New Ulm, and had but begun improvement when the Sioux outbreak occurred just at the time when all the soldiers had been taken south to participate in the campaigns of the Civil war. The Indian agency was at Fort Ridgely, some three miles distant from where Mr. Graham had his claim. The Indian agent had, instead of paying the Indians in gold as the law required, kept them waiting for weeks, and finally paid in greenbacks. The trader had sold the Indians supplies at exorbitant prices, and they refused the "rag money." ' Accordingly the agent returned to St. Paul to get the gold. He was gone three weeks, and the Indians became so angered that they began a massacre of the traders. The outbreak came suddenly on the i6th of August, 1863, and as soon as it was realized that squads of Indians were marauding and burning houses and stacks of grain, Mr. Graham loaded his four children, and, in company with his brother, drove out into the prairie far away from the dwellings, and, as he camped on the plain that night, saw the sky reddened with the flames of the burning houses. Some neighbors returned to their homes to procure their abandoned valuables, but were slain by the merciless savages. The second day saw them continuing their journey, now joined by hundreds, and one day subsequent they met a squad of soldiers, who had been taken from Fort Ridgely the day before the outbreak, but had been recalled to quell the uprising. All the arms of the settlers were gathered together, and the company of about forty soldiers followed the river down until they came opposite Fort Ridgely. Here they were fired upon by the Indians and killed and wounded to the last man. Mr. Graham reached Le Sueur, and there, in company with two or three hundred others, fortified themselves, and auout two weeks later the outbreak was quelled by Gen. Sibley. In the meantime Mr. Graham had returned to St. Peter; his team had been employed to carry war material to Fort Ridgely, and as he had lost all his buildings and stock, he did not therefore return. The uprising resulted in the massacre of about 1,700 victims, and in most cases the mutilation of their bodies. Three hundred women and children were captured, and after weeks of effort by Gen. Sibley about '20 were rescued, the others having died either from abuse or exposure. Mr. Graham was a witness to the pitiable condition of the captives after they were secured six weeks later, and was out for a month to attend to the burial of the 1,700 massacred. He was also a spectator of the hanging of thirty-nine Indians at Mankato, Minn., and after all signs of hostility and trouble had passed he re-located near St. Peter, on another farm at Kasota, and there remained two years longer, until the fall of I864, when he came to Michigan. His father-in-law, Jesse Kipp, had recently settled in Walker township, Kent county, and so he decided to remain at Grand Rapids after selling what he then owned in Minnesota. He bought a farm in the above-named township and there lived for twenty-four years, finally disposing of the property and coming to the city. He now devotes a great deal of time to travel. He and family spent one winter in England, making a tour of the old country whence the family came, and has enjoyed a stay in California for four winters. Beside farming, Mr. Graham had some interest in AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 189 other lines of business. He owns several houses and lots in the city, and has also built a beautiful residence on Sunset avenue, where he now passes his declining days in peace. Mr. Graham was united in marriage on January I, I850, near St. Thomas, Ontario, to Miss Anna M. Kipp, daughter of Jesse and Eliza (Morgan) Kipp, she of Nova Scotia and he of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and who in the year I864 made their home in Walker township, Kent county, Mich., and there died, he at seventy-eight and she at eighty years. A son, Charles E. Kipp, resides on and operates the old homestead. The Graham family consists of four children, viz: Isabella, the wife of George Hogadone, of Walker township; Robert D.; Eliza, and Thomas E. Eliza married C. C. Michaelides, a Greek gentleman of a Greek firm, wholesalers in cotton and wool, at Liverpool, Eng., the largest firm in that business in the world. She had visited a wealthy widow at Manchester, England, who took her about the continent, thus becoming acquainted with her husband, and, returning to her parents, was married soon after. Thomas E. Graham, the youngest in the family, lives on the old homestead in Walker township, which he purchased of his father. B. GRISWOLD, M. D., a leading physician and surgeon of Grand Rapids, Mich., has been in active practice in this city since 1873, having previously had an extensive exprience in the medical department of the military service of his country during the Civil war, and at other points outside the Valley city. His practice while in the army may be said to have been the ripening process which culminated in bringing his earlier studies to perfection through constant and onerous work, especially in the treatment of surgical cases. His has been an active and useful life, as the following record will fairly make manifest. Dr. J. B. Griswold is a native of Vermontville, Eaton county, Mich., and was born June 21, 1842. His father, R. W. Griswold, was a son of the Green Mountain state, and a representative of one of the oldest and best families within its borders, and one of the original settlers of Vermontville. His mother, Abigail (Bascom) Griswold, was also a native of Vermont, and descended from an ancestry of unblemished record. Dr. Griswold interspersed the life of a farmer's son with attendance at the academy of his native place until sixteen years of age; in 1859 he entered the Agricultural college at Lansing; in. I86I he enlisted as a member of the band connected with the Second Michigan cavalry, and afterward was leader, but was discharged in 1862 on account of disability. As soon as his health permitted, he began the study of medicine with Prof. R. C. Kedzie, of the State Agricultural college at Lansing. He attended the courses of lectures of I863 and 1864 at Ann Arbor, and in I864 was commissioned assistant surgeon of the Fourth Michigan infantry. He was commissioned regimental surgeon in 1865, and served as such until mustered out in May, I866; was also medical inspector of the department of San Antonio, Texas. On returning from the war he matriculated at the Rush Medical college at Chicago, and received his degree in the winter of 1867-68. He engaged in practice at Taylor's Falls, Minn., until 1873, when he located at Grand Rapids; has been city physician two years, and was elected alderman of the Fourth ward in I88o, and for four years was a member of the board of education, of Grand Rapids. He is a member 190 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS of the Grand Rapids academy of Medicine, of which he has been president; also of the Michigan State Medical society, of which he is ex-president; also member of the American Medical association, International association of Railway Surgeons, and honorary member of the Minnesota State Medical society. His practice in this city is extensive, popular, and comprehensive in its scope, and embraces all departments of the science which he has made his life-work. The doctor is chief of staff of U. B. A. hospital, also a member of the staff of Alma Sanitarium, at Alma, Mich. He is a member of the Michigan commandery of the Loyal Legion; also of Custer post, No. 5, G. A. R. He is a Mason, Blue lodge, No. 34, Royal Arch chapter, No. 7, and a member of the council, and is also a member of the society of the Army of the Cumberland. Dr. Griswold was married at Ann Arbor, in I868, to Mary B. Wisner. They have two sons and one daughter, viz: Roger W., secretary of the Widdicomb Furniture company; Grace H., at home, and Joseph H., in the engineering department of the university of Michigan. The residence is at No. 184 North Lafayette street. R. SCHUYLER COLFAX GRAVES, of Grand Rapids, was. born in Kalamazoo, Mich., March 6, 1858, a son of Samuel and Mary (Williams-Baldwin) Graves. Rev. Samuel Graves, D. D., father of the subject, was born in New Hampshire March 25, 1820, was educated at Madison university (now Colgate), Hamilton, N. Y., and in early manhood entered the ministry of the Baptist church. For about seven years he was in charge of a congregation at Ann Arbor, Mich., and was then called to the Greek chair at Kalamazoo college, and it was during his incumbency of this professorship that his son, Dr. Schuyler C. Graves, was born. Rev. Samuel Graves was called from Kalamazoo to the pastorate of the Central Baptist church of Norwich, Conn., where he officiated from I859 to I869, and in that city the boyhood days of young Schuyler'C. were passed. The Rev. Samuel Graves next accepted a call to Grand Rapids, Mich., built the Fountain Street Baptist church, and was its pastor from I870 until 1885, and then was called to the presidency of the Atlanta Baptist Seminary at Atlanta, Ga., an institution for the education of colored boys in theology and the liberal arts. For nine years Dr. Graves acted as the president of, or professor of theology in, this institution, and then returned to Grand Rapids in the fall of 1894, and here, on January I7,. I895, ended his long and useful career in life. Mrs. Mary Graves, relict of Rev. Dr. Samuel Graves, is a direct descendant of the Schuylers and Colfaxes of New Jersey and is a member of the order of the Daughters of the Revolution. Her family consists of two, sons and two daughters. Of these, the eldest is Mrs. Henry H. Bowman, whose husband is: a banker of Springfield, Mass.; the next in order of birth is Mrs. Lawrence P. Eddy, whose husband is a prominent lawyer of Grand Rapids; the third is Dr. Schuyler C., the subject proper of this article, and the youngest is William Colfax, one of the editors of the Chicago Tribune. Mrs. Graves, the mother of this family, is passing her declining years at the home of her son, Dr. Schuyler C. Dr. Schuyler C. Graves came to Grand Rapids with his parents in January, I870, and here graduated from the high school in I877. He then entered the literary department of the university of Michigan, took the freshman year, then entered the medical department AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 191 and completed a three-year course of study in I88. He was at once appointed assistant demonstrator of anatomy in the university, but resigned this position at the close of a year to enter upon the general practice of his profession at Charlevoix, Mich., where he enjoyed a good practice from I882 to 1885, and was for a portion of this period surgeon for the Delaware copper mine, Lake Superior, and part of the time coronor of Charlevoix county. In I885 Dr. Graves came to Grand Rapids, and here for ten years devoted his attention exclusively to surgery. The year 1896 was passed by Dr. Graves abroad in visiting clinics, particularly those of London and Germany, and upon his return to America he took special courses in surgery in Philadelphia,and also under Dr. Charles McBurny, in New York city. June 4, I898, he was appointed, by President McKinley, as major and brigade surgeon, to serve, during the recent war with Spain, in the First brigade, Third division, Fourth army corps, on the staff of Brig-Gen. Jacob Kline, and did duty at Tampa and Fernandina, Fla., and at Huntsville, Ala., and then, hostilities having come to a lull, was granted a leave of absence, after which he was honorably discharged the service. Dr. Graves is one of the surgeons employed by the Michigan Central Railroad company; he has served two terms as county physician of Kent county; was professor of surgery in the Grand Rapids Medical college, but resigned at the close of the year I898; is visiting surgeon to the Union Benevolent Association hospital, and has been lecturer on anatomy at the Union Benevolent Association hospital for training nurses ever since its establishment in 1887. The doctor has also served as president of the Grand Rapids academy of Medicine, and is a member of the local, the State and the National Medical societies; 10 I I is also an honorary member of the Grand River Valley Medical association, the Wayne county Medical association, the Detroit, Eaton and Barry county Medical associations, and the Northern Tri-State Medical society, to all of which he has contributed many valuable papers on the science and practice of medicine. He is also a member of the Alpha Delta Phi Peninsular chapter, and of the Sons of the American Revolution. He is, beside, the author of the medical chapter in the History of Grand Rapids recently published by Albert Baxter, as well as of many interesting contributions to medical magazines and the public press. The doctor was also elected chairman of the surgical section of the Michigan State Medical society, and to the oratorship on surgery in the same. Dr. Graves was united in marriage October9, I883, at St. Louis, Mo., to Miss Annie M. Dryden, youngest daughter of Hon. John D. S. Dryden, ex-supreme court judge of the state of Missouri. After eighteen months of married life, he had the misfortune to lose his bride, who left behind, to grieve her sad departure, beside himself, an infant daughterAnnie Dryden-now a charming miss of fifteen years and an attendant at school in Grand Rapids. The doctor's religious membership is with the church of which his father was the pastor for so many years-the Fountain street Baptist. In politics he is a stanch republican. ILLIAM HENRY HAGGERTY, formerly police justice of Grand Rapids but at present engaged in an extensive law practice, was born in Muskegon county March I9, 1854, and is a son of I9)2 Barton and Mary (Cannavan) I respectively, of New York an Barton Haggerty, after I Miss Cannavan, which marri Chicago, Ill., located in M Mich., in I848, and engaged lumbering. He had served Mexican war, and at the Civil war again volunteered t of his country, and served in three years. He continued f gon and Oceana counties, N when he returned to his birth where he now resides. Mr. Haggerty are parents of se whom there are four still li\ wife of L. MI. Shafer, of Oce tie, who was married to a M;now a widow; Thomas, in L and William H. In politics is a republican, and in religio William Henry Haggert] farmer and was preliminarily trict school; after reaching hi, tered Hillsdale college, worke( by teaching school during the and graduated, in I88I, with B. For two years thereafter academy in the state of New for two years, taught school in Mich. In 1885 he entered thi,of the Michigan university at uated two years later with tt B., and at once located in Gr secured desk-room in the offii Groves, and, after the latter', bench, retained the entire c I888, Mr. Haggerty formed a Dwight Goss, and together tl remunerative business. Mr.,elected judge of the police cc 1891, to fill a vacancy caused Judge Holmes. Mr. Haggert3 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS -Iaggerty, natives, duties that devolved upon him as police judge, d Ireland. as well as to his private practice until the lis marriage with spring of 1892, when, in order that he might age took place in give his entire attention to his official duties, uskegon county, the firm of Haggerty & Goss was dissolved, and in farming and Mr. Haggerty was re-elected, as a recognition all through the of his ability, at the election following. Mr. outbreak of the Haggerty filled this office six and one-half Lo defend the flag years, all told, and to the entire satisfaction of the Union army his party and the public. Since retiring from arming in Muske- office, Mr. Haggerty has resumed the active lich., until I895, practice of his profession, in which he is again place in the east, rapidly forging to the front. and Mrs. Barton The marriage of Mr. Haggerty took place ven children, of in Oswego county, N. Y., June 27, I883, to ring, viz: Mary, Miss Madalia S. Howard, a native of that;ana county; Net- place, and born March 17, I860, a daughter r. Storrey, but is of George and Susan (Hall) Howard. This os Angeles, Cal., marriage has been blessed with three interestBarton Haggerty ing daughters, who are named, in order of n is a Baptist. birth, Lillah, Mildred and Edith. Mr. and y was reared a Mrs. Haggerty are members of the Division educated in a dis- street Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. s majority he en- Haggerty is a director of the Young Men's d his way through Christian association, in which humane and e winter seasons, pious body he feels an unusual interest. the degree of Ph.: he taught in an York, and then, Oceana county, e law department Ann Arbor, grad- ILLIAM E. GROVE, judge of the he degree of LL. circuit court, Grand Rapids, was and Rapids. He born near Geneva, N. Y., Novemce of William E. ber 27, I833. He is descended s election to the from Pennsylvania families, who were among )ffice outfit. In the very early settlers of that state. His anpartnership with cestors were plain, honest and unpretentious hey conducted a people. Haggerty was His early life was passed quietly on the )urt in the fall of farm, brightened with aspirations of attaining I by the death of something better in the future. He was aniy attended to the mated by a desire to gain the largest possible AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 193 education, and persisted in accomplishing his desire. He was an omnniverous reader, appropriating the contents of all the books he could secure, and during boyhood attended the winter schools in the country. From sixteen to twaenty-one his attendance at school during half of each year was rendered possible by teaching a part of the time. Upon reaching his majority he began a course of study at Swift's academy and the union high school at Geneva, N. Y., which was a preparation for college. Afterwards he entered Hobart. college, Geneva, from which he was graduated. While there he became a member of the college Greek fraternity, Alpha Delta Phi. Having completed his literary education, he came to Michigan and located in Grand Rapids, April i, 1857. He became a student of law in the office of J. T. Holmes, who was afterwards judge of the superior court, and was admitted to the bar in March, i859. He engaged in practice without delay, and in I86o was elected justice of the peace. In I867 he removed to Kansas and located at Neosho Falls, where he was elected prosecuting attorney for Woodson county. During the same period he held the office of city attorney of Neosho Falls. Afte'r a residence of five years in Kansas he returned to Grand Rapids in March, 1872, and resumed practice. For sixteen years thereafter he remained at the bar and controlled a fair practice, which was general in character. His partnerships were with George W. Thompson, two years, J. M. Harris, four years, and J. S. Lawrence, two years. He was industrious, plucky and persistent, giving to every branch of his practice close personal attention and careful supervision. His good judgment, indomitable energy, perseverance in investigation and honesty of purpose, made him a safe counselor. His fluency and ability to express his convictions in terse language made him a strong ad vocate. His evenness of temper under all circumstances, his clearness of perception and unbiased mind qualified him admirably for service on the bench. In August, i888, he was appointed judge of the Seventeenth judicial circuit, to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Judge Montgomery, and in the November following was elected to serve the remainder of the term. In 1893 he was again nominated by the republican party and elected for a full term, which expired December 31, I899, but declined candidacy for re-election and resumed practice in I900. The last election was won without a contest, as he was the choice of all parties. Having first been nominated by the republican convention, he afterwards received the endorsements of the democratic and populist conventions. Judge Grove's record on the bench has furnished additional proof of his fitness for such service. His decisions, carefully considered, have generally been sustained by the consensus of intelligent opinion in the bar and by the decisions of the supreme court. He is a gentleman of urbane disposition and engaging manners, and one who has fairly earned the universal esteem of his fellow-citizens. He was married, in I884, to Miss Jennie Caswell, of Grand Rapids, Mich. Z ILLIAM FREDERICK HAKE, M. D., the well-known physician and surgeon of No. 47 East Bridge street, Grand Rapids, is a native of this city, was born July 29, I86i, and is a son of William and Mvary (Schittler) Hake, natives of Germany, who came to America prior to their marriage, have been residents of Grand 194~3 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Rapids half a century and have had born to them a family of sixteen children, twelve of whom are still living. Of this large family, Dr. William F. is the second son and thirdborn child. The doctor received his early education in the public schools of the Valley city and then for three years attended Notre Dame university, St. Joseph county, Ind. His first entry into business life was as a prescription clerk for William Thum, a well-known druggist of Grand Rapids, with whom he remained two years, then became a student in the office of Dr. Charles Shepard for one year. He afterward entered the university of Michigan at Ann Arbor, from the medical department of which he graduated, after a three years' course, in 1882, being the youngest member of his class. In fact, he would have been graduated earlier, but he was retained until he had quite attained his najority. He at once began practice in his native city, with Dr. Charles Shepard, remaining there until 1890. He then selected for his office a room in the oldest building in the city, and one of its landmarks, and here he has been actively engaged ever since, standing now in the foremost rank of his professional brethren. Dr. Hake was an original member of the Grand Rapids Academy of Medicine, which was organized by him and Dr. Kirkland. He is also a member of the Michigan State Medical society and the American Medical asssociation. He was identified with the Michigan militia as surgeon in the Second regiment for eleven years, and is a member of the Military Surgeons' association of the United States. Besides these medical associations, the doctor is a member of the Maccabees order, of the M. W. of A., of the Germania society, of the Heerman's Sons, the C. M. B. A., an honorary member of the Turners' society, and of other local organizations. He was reared in the faith of the Catholic church, and is faithful in the performance of his duties thereto, and in his polities he is a liberal democrat. Dr. Hake was united in the bonds of matrimony in Grand Rapids, in 1893, with Miss Clara Voigt, a daughter of a prominent merchant and mill owner. This lady is quite accomplished, and is a graduate of Grand Rapids Business college. The doctor has met with abundant success in his professional career, and few persons are more highly esteemed by the general public, or in the professional or social circles of his native city. HARLES HENRY HALL, superintendent of mails, Grand Rapids postoffice, was born in Troy, N. Y., October 25, i852, and is the son of Charles Joseph and Emma Louisa (Vollam) Hall, both parents natives of London, England. Some time after their marriage, which took place in London, Charles T. and Emma L. Hall came to the United States, landing in New York about the year 1830 and remaining for several years in that city. Mr. Hall at first engaged in various kinds of trading for a livelihood and later dealt in groceries until his removal to the city of Troy, where for several years he was a contractor for different kinds of public work. He died in Troy, and of their ten children, eight are living at this time, Charles H. being the youngest son of the family. Mrs. Emma L. Hall died in Traverse City, Mich., in August, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Hall were members of the Established church in their native country, and continued true to the Episcopal faith after becoming residents of the United States. Mr. Hall early fell into the ways of his adopted AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 195 I country, became an active political worker in the democratic party and is remembered as an intelligent and exemplary citizen, reliably,honest and honorable in all his intercourse with his fellow men and not without a good education acquired before leaving the scenes of his native city. Charles Henry Hall remained in the city of his birth until the age of twelve, attending meantime the public schools. He came to Grand Rapids, Mich., in company with an uncle, W\. '. Powers, in his thirteenth year, and a few months after his arrival was joined by the rest of his brothers and sisters, who concluded to make this city their future home. After a couple of years' attendance at the city schools, young Hall found employment in a furniture factory as a scroll sawyer, and this he followed until I873, in May of which year he accepted the position of general delivery clerk in the Grand Rapids post-office. After discharging the duties of his post for a period of six months, he was promoted to chief mailing clerk, and then to head clerk, and subsequently became superintendent of mails, a position he still fills with credit to himself and satisfaction to his superiors in the office. It is appropriate, in connection with the sketch of this old and reliable employee, to give in brief outline the gradual progress of the mail service in this city; this is gleaned from the columns of the Grand Rapids Herald, bearing date of February 23, I898. " The oldest employee in the local post-office in point of service is Charles H. Hall, superintendent of mails and secretary of the Civil Service board. Mr. Hall entered the post-office May 28, 1873, when he was appointed to a clerkship by Hon. A. B. Turner. The office was at that time located in the Eagle building on Lyon street, and the first work he did was at the general delivery window, a position of great responsibility and requiring much hard I and laborious service. The general public received their mail either through lock-drawer, call-box or general delivery. Every day, after the distribution of mail, morning and evening, there would be a solid line of callers, extending from the delivery window out to the sidewalk in front. On September Ist of the same year, the carrier service was established with a force of four men, which has since been increased to fifty; there were then eight clerks; at this time there are thirty-two. In November, 1878, the office was moved to its present location, the moving being accomplished on Saturday night after business hours by a man with a one-horse wagon, assisted by Hon. James Gallup, then postmaster, and his force of clerks and carriers. They worked the entire night, and the following forenoon, getting the mail assorted in the proper place for the regular Sunday noon delivery. The new quarters seemed then adequate for all time, but the rapid growth of the service has necessitated the addition of more cases from time to time, until the question of how long the post-office can get along in its cramped condition is daily becoming a serious matter." In January, 1874, Mr. Hall was promoted to the position of mailing clerk and continued in that capacity until 1887, when he became head clerk of the mailing division. His appointment to his present position as superintendent of mails was made on the first day of July, I897. In June, I889, during the late Hon. James Blair's term as postmaster, the office was included in the classified list of civil service, and at that time the members of the United States Civil Service commission, consisting of Hons. Charles Lyman, Theodore Roosevelt and Hugh Thompson, visited Grand Rapids and appointed a local board of examiners, of which Mr. Hall was made secretary, a position which he has since filled. In all of his official relations Mr. Hall has 196 TIHE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS acquitted himself to the satisfaction of the department and his long retention in responsible capacities is a compliment to his ability as a faithful and painstaking public servant. Mr. Hall was married June 14, 1877, to Gertrude Slocum, a native of Brooklyn, N. Y. Mrs. Hall was born November I8, 1854, and she is a daughter of William R. Slocum. She has borne her husband three children, namely, Florence S., a graduate of the university of Michigan; Marion Vollam, a student of the Grand Rapids high school, and Mildred G. Mr. Hall and wife are members of the Universalist church, belonging to All Souls congregation, Grand Rapids; he is identified with the Royal Arcanum order, is a charter member of the Lincoln club, and ever since attaining his majority has been a supporter of the republican party. HARLES STORM.HAZELTINE, TM. D., has for a number of years been prominent in the city of Grand Rapids and Kent county. He is a native of Jamestown, N. Y., was born October I, I844, and is a son of Dr. Gilbert W. and Caroline (Boss) Hazeltine, the former of English and the latter of German extraction, but both American born. Dr. Gilbert \W: Hazeltine was one of the most eminent physicians and surgeons of his part of the country, and was demonstrator of anatomy in Philadelphia and New York city; he was prominent in his profession and as a local.historian, and after an active practice of medicine for over half a century, died, full of years and honors, in i891 or I892, his wife having preceded him to the grave in r856. Of their four children, Dr. Charles S. is the eldest and he and his brother, Robert W., a chem ist in Michigan, are the only survivors. The parents were members of the Episcopal church, but up to within two years of his. death the father had been an agnostic. In politics he was a republican. ~Dr. Charles S. Hazeltine was primarily educated in the Jamestown academy, which he attended until eighteen years old, and then entered the medical department of the Michigan university at Ann Arbor, where he took his first course in medicine; he then attended the Albany (N. Y.) Lying-in hospital for four months, and then returned to Jamestown, and practiced for about eighteen months. He then relinquished the profession and engaged in the retail drug business in Jamestown, which he successfully continued until November, I872; but his native town proved to be too limited a field for a person of the doctor's ambition, and he sought the advantages afforded by the city of Grand Rapids, Mich. Here, for a short time, he was employed in the wholesale saddlery and hardware trade in the Brown, Smith & Co. establishment,but the drug trade better suited his taste, and in 1875 he formed a partnership with the late Charles N. Shepard in the wholesale drug trade, under the firm name of Shepard & Hazeltine, which name was later changed to Shepard, Hazeltine & Co. The business was prosperous from the start, and at the death of Mr. Shepard a joint stock company was formed, which was later incorporated as the Hazeltine, Perkins Drug Co., with a capital stock of $150,000, and of this company the doctor has been president since its organization, it being now the most extensive concern in its line in the state of Michigan. Dr. Hazeltine was first joined in wedlock in Jamestown, N. Y., with Miss Ella Burwell, who bore him two children-Eliza Irene, the wife of George B. Douglas, a capitalist of Cedar Rapids', Ia., and Madison B., of Chicago, Ill. Mrs. Eliza Hazeltine was. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 197 called away in 1873, and for his second helpmate the doctor chose Miss Anna O. Fox, who was born in Lowell, Mass., and is a daughter of George H. Fox, a wealthy manufacturer at Lowell and Boston. To this second marriage, which took place in Chelsea, Mass., September I6, 1875, have also been born two children — Fannie D. and Delia H. The family are members of St. Mark's Episcopal church, in which the doctor has been for many years a trustee, as well as an earnest worker in St. Mark's hospital. In politics Dr. Hazeltine is a gold democrat, and in September, I893, was appointed by President Cleveland as consul to Milan, Italy. This is one of the most important consulates in the kingdom, but was not sought by the doctor, yet he was induced to hold this position one year longer than he expected, and resigned in I895, to return to his important business duties in Grand Rapids-those of president of the Haseltine, Perkins Drug Co., and director of the Grand Rapids National bank, the latter of which he has held for several years. The doctor has one of the handsomest homes in Grand Rapids, situated on John street hill. He stands high in the Masonic fraternity, being a knight templar and a shriner, and he is also a menber of various social and literary clubs. EORGE A. HESS, M. D., a distinguished regular practitioner of medicine and specialist at Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Belleville, Hastings county, province of Ontario, dominion of Canada, June 7, 1843, but was early taken by his parents to Rochester, Monroe county, N. Y., where he was reared to manhood. His education was acquired in the common schools of Rochester and at Falley seminary, in Oswego county, and his business life was begun as principal of a school at Charlotte,. where he achieved a fine reputation as an, educator and remained two years. He continued to follow this vocation for three years longer at different places, and at the age of twenty-three years began the study of medicine at Rochester, under the tutorship of Dr. J. F. Whitbeck, with whom he remained three years. At the age of twenty-five years, Dr. Hess entered the university of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, from which he was graduated March I I, 1870, when he returned to Rochester and engaged in the active practice of his profession for ten years, winning golden opinions from the general public as well as from his fellowpractitioners. While in that city he was a member of the Rochester City Pathological society, the Rochester City Medical society, the Monroe County Medical society, and the New York State Medical society, to all of I which he contributed many valuable papers on medical jurisprudence. In May, I880, Dr. Hess came to Grand Rapids, and has here almost entirely confined himself to office practice, making the treatment of cancer a specialty, in which he has met with phenomenal success and acquired a continental renown, his practice extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean, per mail, and hundreds of patients from all quarters, seeking the benefit of his skill and experience in his elegant apartments at No. 511 South. Division street. The marriage of Dr. Hess took place at Rochester, N. Y., May 23, 1873, to Miss Millie Clements, a native of that city, and this. happy union has been blessed with four children, three of whom still survive, viz: Frank A., a practicing attorney at No. 6 Canal c ' 198 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS -- street; Arthur W., a dental student, and Carrie L., a student-all in Grand Rapids. The deceased child, Clara E., passed away at the age of three years. Politically, Dr. Hess is a republican, and for three years was county physician of Monroe county, N. Y. Fraternally, he isa Knight of Pythias; also a member of the Maccabees, of which he is surgeon-general of the uniform rank. In religion he is inclined to Methodismn, having been reared by Methodist parents, but he does not affiliate with any religious organization. The parents of Dr. Hess, Francis and Almira (Rose) Hess, were born in Canada and were of Mohawk-Dutch descent. Francis Hess was a contractor in iron, but retired frotn business with a competency and passed his declining years at the home of the doctor, where he died in I896, at the age of seventyfive years. Mrs. Almira Hess still survives at the age of seventy-seven years and resides with the doctor. Dr. Hess is the only son and the eldest of the four children born to these parents, the daughters being Sarah A., now wife of James Riley, a farmer of Gratiot county, Mich.; Cecilia H., married to Bela Kentner, a contractor and builder of Monroe county, N. Y., and Minnie E., wife of Vincent Chapman, of Grand Rapids, Mich. ARVEY J. HOLLISTER, cashier of the Old National bank, of Grand Rapids, Mich., was born at Romeo, Macomb county, Mich., August 29, 1830. For his ancestry he goes back to the pioneers of Connecticut, the first settlers of his family in this country being Lieut. John Hollister, who came from England in 1642, at the age of thirty, and settled in W\ethers field. The subject of this sketch is a representative of the eighth generation from Lieut. Hollister, the son of Col. John Bently Hollister, who was one of the early pioneers in Michigan. Col. Hollister gave distinguished service as a civil engineer in the territorial organization of this state. At the time of Harvey J. Hollister's birth Michigan was a frontier territory, not becoming a state until several years later. Its people had at that early day little save courage, energy and hope, and the advantages for an education were very limited. Mr. Hollister seems to have made the most of what offered, was a faithful student when at school and a hard worker on his mother's farm. When but seventeen years old he taught school for a winter near Romeo, then entered into the employ of a drug firm in Pontiac. Two years later he joined his family, who had moved to Grand Rapids. For a few months he was a clerk in a mercantile house, then for a time in a drug store, but in 1853 he became confidential clerk in the banking house of Daniel Ball & Co., and later a partner in the firm. The troublous times of 861 compelled Daniel Ball & Co., the last of the three banking houses in the city, to close out their business at a great loss to themselves, but their obligations were all met in full. Hon. M. L. Sweet opened almost at once another bank, with Mr. Hollister as manager. This continued until I864, when the First National bank, of Grand Rapids, was organized. The Sweet bank was merged in it, and its manager made cashier and director. The bank was successful, and when its charter expired was succeeded by the Old National bank, with Mr. Hollister as director and cashier. He is the pioneer banker in the city and the oldest banker in active service in the state, having served nearly forty-seven years continuously in these relations. I T I r I I kk& L I I I I i I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 201 -- Mr. Hollister is always a busy man, and besides his banking business has been identified with many other interests. He is president of the Grand Rapids clearing-house, a position he has held since its organization ten years ago; director and stockholder in the Grand Rapids & Indiana railway; director in the Michigan Trust company; president of the Michigan Barrel company; director in the Grand Rapids Brass company and the Antrim Iron company, of Mancelona, Mich.; director and treasurer of the Cummer Lumber company, of Norfolk, Va., and Jacksonville, Fla. It has been Mr. Hollister's wish and aim that all his business connections should work in harmony with and be of benefit to the interests of the community at large. In addition to his business interests, Mr. Hollister, as president of the Charity Organization society, and formerly one of the board of control of the State public school, trustee of Olivet college, trustee of Butterworth hospital, and president of the Michigan Social Science association, has become identified with the charitable and educational institutions of the state and country. He is a strong supporter of the principles of the republican party, and although at no time actively engaged in politics, is closely connected with the councils of that party in the state. He has been a member of the First Congregational church for fifty years, is one of its deacons, and has been its treasurer for twenty years. He has been identified with the Y. M. C. A. since its organization, and is greatly interested in anything that can benefit young men and better fit them for their life work. Wihen Mr. Hollister went to Grand Rapids fifty years ago it contained less than 3,000 souls. Now the small hamlet has become one of the most attractive and enterprising of our western cities, with a population of IO10,00. YRON HESTER, the well-known undertaker at Grand Rapids, Mich., T was born in Norwich township, Huron county, Ohio, January 30, I842, the second in a family of ten children born to Samuel and. Emily (Barnum) Hester, of whom three died in infancy, the others being Martha, widow of Thomas Banks, and residing at Wellsville, Mo.; Myron, whose name opens this paragraph; Mary, who died in I868; James, in Oklahoma; Albert W., in Chicago; Emma, wife of William Cherry, of Cleveland, and Frank S., a jeweler of Lawrence, Kans. Samuel Hester, also a native of Huron county, Ohio, was the son of a Virginian, was reared a farmer, but later became a merchant, a dealer in stock and a lumberman, and died in Chicago, Ill., at the age of seventy-eight years. His wife was of the same ancestry as the famous Phineas T. Barnum, and died at Paxton, Ill., aged fifty-six. Myron Hester was reared a farmer and attended school until sixteen years of age, and then for two years attended the college at Oberlin. He acquired some experience in his father's general store, and first engaged in merchandizing at Waterloo, Ind., where he remained three years; he next followed the same business at Angola one year, then at Nashville, Mich., five years, and in 1872 came to Grand Rapids, and here his first work was as a carpenter. He had never learned this trade, but he was possessed of a natural genius for mechanics and was very handy with tools. For ten years he was next employed by W. C. Denison, in the implement trade, and this he learned in all its details. Being now desirous of engaging in business for himself, he formed a partnership with Samuel Fox, with whom he conducted the same class of business for seven years, when he sold out to his partner, united with his son, Carl S., and formed the Hester Machine company, dealing in mill supplies, I 202 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS etc., for three years, when they sold out to Studley & Berkley and Mr. Hester engaged in his present business. Mr. Hester was united in marriage February 23, I863, with Miss Catharine Quackenbush, but this lady was called from earth in the spring of 1890, leaving three children, viz.: Della, wife of Peter B. Schravsend, a civil engineer, and their union has been blessed with one child, Hester; Carl S., formerly in business with his father, is now with the Macey company; he married a daughter of Mai. Scranton, and has one daughter, Margaret; Cora is the wife of Frank Matheson, of Grand Rapids, who is also connected with the Macey company. In politics Mr. Hester is a republican; fraternally, he is a member of Valley City lodge, No. 34, F. & A. M., and of chapter No. 7, at Grand Rapids. His religious belief rests with the Christian Scientists, in the support of which he is very enthusiastic, and can give excellent reasons for the faith that is in him. Mr. Hester is now married to Georgie Cornwell, and with her occupies a most pleasant home at No. I69 Cass avenue, while his office is at No. I69 Ottawa street. He has made his own way through life, and maintains a business reputation free from stain, and enjoys the unlimited confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens of Grand Rapids, and, indeed, the respect of everybody where he has ever lived. EN. LEWIS W. HEATH.- Michigan has been especially honored in her public men. Not only is this true of the state, but in every city, town and hamlet, there are, rising above the masses, individuals distinguished beyond others, who, by reason of pronounced ability and forceful personality, have always commanded the homage of their fellow-men, and who have revealed to the world those two resplendent virtues of a superior race-perseverance in purpose and a directing spirit which never fails. Throughout the great northwest are found men who mark with deeds the vanishing traces of time, and whose accomplishments have done much in directing and controlling the destinies of the communities where their lots have been cast. Of this class Gen. Heath ranks among the distinguished citizens of Kent county, and has stamped the impress of his strong individuality not alone upon the local community, for he has figured prominently in the public affairs of the state, political and social. He has been a man among men, progressive and public spirited; he stands for that which is highest and best, and has ever been a recognized leader in supporting and disseminating progressive ideas. He entered upon life's career with but little to commend him, other than a vigorous constitution, indomitable energy, and a good education. Lewis W. Heath was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, June 22, 1837, and is a son of James and Mary A. (Mann) Heath-the latter a cousin of Horace Mann, the eminent Massachusetts statesman. When a lad of eight years his parents removed to Geauga county, Ohio, locating near Hiram college, where his boyhood and early manhood years were spent as a student. There he formed the acquaintance of James A. Garfield, then a student and under-teacher in the college. This acquaintance ripened into warm friendship, which was continued throughout the remaining years of the late president's life. After leaving college they continued in regular correspondence, Gen. Heath having at present some letters. which reveal the close relationship of the two AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 203 young men after each had merged into life's work. In 1857 the subject left college and came to Lenawee county,Mich., where he was engaged in teaching until the beginning of the Civil war. He offered his services to the country, at the first enlistment in Michigan, becoming a member of company K, of the First Michigan infantry, April I8, I861, and serving under the "three months' call." Returning in August, I86I, he assisted in raising company F. of the Eleventh Michigan infantry, in which he was commissioned second lieutenant. In April, I862, he was promoted to captain and placed on detached service. In the spring of I863, he resigned his commission in the army by reason of impaired health, and returned to Adrian, Mich. The succeeding four years were spent in life insurance work, he being connected with the Michigan Life Insurance association. In I867, he came to Grand Rapids as their general agent, serving here in that capacity until I869, when he engaged in mercantile life and transacted a large and prosperous business in hats and furs for many years. Immediately preceding the nomination of President Garfield, he manufactured a hat for him and took it to W\ashington. Just previous to the inauguration he made him another one which was worn during that ceremony, and is the hat which the president wore at the time of his assassination. The hat was subsequently returned to Gen. Heath, and is now treasured among the family relics. This feature of the subject's life-work is simply recited here to show the close relationship which existed between himself and the martyred president. Gen. Heath has been prominently connected with state and national politics.. He has always been an ardent and uncompromising republican, and served twelve years as a member of the state central committee; was elected to fill the vacancy created by the death of Senator Chandler as a member of the national committee, and was appointed a member of the executive committee of the national republican committee. In 1877 he was appointed inspector-general of the Michigan state militia, serving four years in that capacity. In April, I88r, he was appointed postoffice inspector, a position he held for several years. Gen. Heath also served as alderman from the Third ward of Grand Rapids, and has ever taken an active interest in local and general politics. As a prominent official in the military affairs of the state, he has been zealous and influential in elevating the standard of morality, punctuality and discipline in the state militia. In 1878 the general officers of the military service of the different states met in New York and organized the National Military association, for the purpose of raising the standard of the'militia of the states, establishing a more uniform system for the government of that service, and securing more liberal recognition from the general government. Gen. Heath was a delegate from Michigan. At this meeting a bill was formulated and presented later to the various legislatures of the states, which have since established a uniform system of discipline and raised the national guard or state militia to its present high grade of efficiency. September I, I863, Gen. Heath was first united in marriage, at Medina, Mich., with Miss Jennie Worcester, a native of New Hampshire, in which state she grew to womanhood and was educated. Two children were the fruit of this felicitous union, viz: Jennie Alicia, wife of Frederick Tinkham, who is engaged in the furniture business in Grand Rapids, and Ferry Kimball, who is associated with John Byrne, in the insurance business in Grand Rapids. Both these children are gradu 204 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS ates of the Grand Rapids high school, and Ferry spent two years in the university of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. The latter also was.a soldier in the Thirty second Michigan infantry, during the recent Spanish-American war. The Heath family has ever been noted for its patriotism, its members having been identified with every American war since that of the Revolution. William Heath, greatgrandfather of Gen. Lewis W. Heath, was captain in I770 of the ".ancient and honorable.artillery" of Boston, and was afterward a prominent commander under Washington, with the rank of major-general; he was also a member of the provincial congress of I774-,75, and died at Roxbury, Mass., January 14, 1814. On the maternal side, Major-Gen. James Wadsworth, of Revolutionary fame, was an 'uncle of the mother of the subject, and his son, Major-Gen. Wadsworth, was killed in the Civil war. Gen. John Parker Boyd, the -" hero of Tippecanoe," was a cousin of.Mrs. Mary A. Heath, the subject's mother, and was a resident of Newburyport, Mass. The Civil war also found members of this family on the adverse side, and one of them was a majorgeneral in Lee's army. The final link in the connection of the Heath family with the wars of the country is supplied by Col. William Angier, a relative, who served under Gen. Winfield Scott in the war with Mexico. The first assistant postmaster-general of the United States, Perry Heath, is also a cousin of the subject, once removed. Mrs. Jennie (Worcester) Heath was called from earth in July, I88I, and in September, 1882, Gen. Heath formed a second happy matrimonial union, his bride being Miss Mary H. Parker, a native of Marine City, Mich., and a daughter of L. B. and Jane (Sparrow) Parker, the former a retired physician of that -city, but who has two sons in the active practice of medicine. To this second marriage of the general have been born four children, viz: Marcia Helen, Lewis, Delos and Parker. The family worship at the Congregational church. Gen. Heath is a knight templar Mason; he is also a member of the G. A. R., and assisted in organizing the first post in the state, and is likewise a member of Michigan commandery, Loyal Legion. The general is now president of the Grand Rapids Duplicate Whist & Novelty company, manufacturer's of duplicate whist boards and counters. OBERT J. HUTCHINSON, M. D., physician and surgeon of Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in the province of Ontario, Canada, November 13, 1869, a son of George and Sarah (Shields) Hutchinson, the former of whom was a native of Sheffield, England, and the latter of the dominion of Canada. For many years the father was a merchant at Alliston, Ontario, where his life was principally passed, and where he died in I891, but had lost his wife in 1875. Of the six children born to these parents, the doctor is the youngest; John is a farmer in Canada; William is a merchant in Cleveland, Ohio; George succeeded to his father's business and is still a merchant at Alliston; Martha Southwick lives in Stratford, Ontario, and Mary Ormerod resides at Stratford, same province. Dr. R. J. Hutchinson acquired his literary education at Albert college, Belleville, Ontario, but prior to his graduation assisted in his father's store for three years. He was next employed, for one year, by W. R. Brock & Co., of Toronto, and then, for two years, by Edson, Moore & Co., of Detroit, but resigned this position to engage in professional study in the office of his cousin, Dr. S. S. Shields. He ID - I1 I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 207T next entered the Detroit College of Medicine, from which, after a three-years' course of study, he graduated in I896. Having secured a position as house surgeon of the Union Benevolent Association hospital at Grand Rapids, he at once came to this city, and filled the position of interne so satisfactorily that, at the end of five months, he was elected superintendent of the institution, being the first incumbent after the creation of the office. Two and a half years later he resigned this position to assume charge of the practice of Dr. S. C. Graves during the absence of the latter as surgeon in the army. Dr. Hutchinson is a member of the Grand Rapids Medical & Surgical society, of the Nu Sigma Nu society, connected 'with the Detroit College of Medicine, and also of a number of fraternal associations or orders. His religious affiliations are with the Division street Methodist church. In politics, he is republican. The doctor is the only representative of his family in Grand Rapids, but since coining to the city has made many warm friends, and has enjoyed an extensive and lucrative general practice. OHN B. HILLIKER, M. D., at No. 460 South Division street, Grand' Rapids, is a native of Walker township, Kent county, Mich.; was born May I8, I860, and is a son of William H. and Hannah (Thurston) Hilliker, both natives of the state of New York and of German extraction. The parents were born, respectively, in 1824 and 1827, and were married in Jackson county, Mich., the result of the union being four children. Of these, Ellen, the eldest, died at the age of twenty years; the second, Charles B., died in 1897; the doctor is the third in order of birth, and Ethloine, the youngest, is the wife of Peter McFarlane, a farmer of Mecosta county, Mich. The mother passed away at their home in Kent county in 1870, and the father is now living near Big Rapids, Mecosta county. The latter has been an agriculturalist all his life, and during the late Civil warserved his country well and faithfully for three years in a Michigan regiment. Dr. John B. Hilliker was educated in the district schools of Kent county and the Grand Rapids high school, and after having become thoroughly versed in the ordinary English branches entered the medical department of the university of Illinois, and graduated from the college of Physicians & Surgeons, at Chicago, in 1892. He at once entered upon his lifework as physician and surgeon in the elegant suite of rooms he at' present occupies, and here has established an extensive and remunerative practice. Dr. Hilliker is a member of the Michigan State Medical society and of the Grand Rapids Medical & Surgical society. Fraternally, he is an Odd Fellow and Knight of Pythias; politically, a republican, and he is serving his third year as a member of the board of education of Grand Rapids. Dr. Hilliker was united in marriage in 1882, in Kent county, with Miss Hattie Finton, a native of Kent county and a daughter of C. H. Finton. Mr. Finton was a gallant soldier during the Civil war and served three years. To the happy marriage of Dr. and Mrs. Hilliker have been born three children, viz: Charles F., December I7, 1884; Blanche Rosamond, March 18, 1888, and Marion Lucile, May 30, 1895. Mrs. Hilliker, a most estimable lady, holds membership in several ladies' societies, including the Rathbone Sisters, the St. Celia society, and the Daughters of Rebekah. The family reside in their fine modern mansion at No. 447 South Lafayette street, and this is not I 208 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS * only the home of domestic felicity, but of a cheerful hospitality. Dr. Hilliker has been self-dependent from early childhood, has worked his way through college, and has established for himself an honorable and lucrative profession. Personally, he is an affable and agreeable gentleman, and imperceptibly impresses all with whom he comes in contact with an idea of his culture and moral attributes. f ILBERT HIMES, a leading dealer in coal, lime, cement, etc., in Grand L Rapids, with office at No. 64 Pearl street, and yards on Shawmut avenue, is a native of Oswego, N. Y. Prior to coming to Grand Rapids, Mr. Himes had been largely engaged in the manufacture of cement in Oswego, and this business, in his younger days, had been a profitable vocation, but Oswego, for some reason, began tosink into decadence, and Mr. Himes wisely decided to come west. In May, I888, he settled in Grand Rapids, and located on the square on Shawmut avenue, which was then little better than a swamp, but most admirably suited for his proposed business in the near future. Without going into details, it will suffice to say that the square is now furnished with four railroad sidings and is admirably adapted in every respect for the purpose to which Mr. Himes intended from the start to apply it. As Mr. Himes cannot bear confinement, he attends altogether to the management of outside affairs of this now extensive business, while the details of the office work are left to the.management of his son, Fred P. Albert Himes was united in marriage with Miss M. Louise Munger, a native of Oswego, N. Y., and this union was blessed with five chirdren-four boys and one girl-all born in Oswego. Two of these, William 0. and John M., are now in business in Chicago; a third, Percy A., a is mechanical engineer; Fred P., the eldest, as already mentioned, is with his father, and the daughter, Lois L., is at home. Mr. Himes is a thirty-second degree Mason and politically he affiliates with the republican party. In religion, the family worship at the Baptist church. Fred P. Himes was born May I, I869, and from I888 to the present time has been with his father in business. Mr. Himes was married June IO, I891, to Amelia Flower Babcock, a native of Watertown, N. Y., and by this marriage they have one child, George Anson. Fraternally Mr. Himes is a Mason. In politics he is a democrat, and he and his wife attend the Episcopal church. OSEPH C. HERKNER, jeweler, of Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of Germany, born December i, I840. His parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Herkner, came from the "Faderland " to Grand Rapids, November I5, I849; his father died. in August, 1850. Joseph C. Herkner was educated in the city schools, and in I856 went into the business house of N. T. Butler, to acquire the details of the jewelry trade. He served his apprenticeship and found employment in this city until I86i. At the breaking out of the war, he enlisted in company D, ISt Michigan engineers and mechanics, and served valiantly and faithfully until honorably discharged September 30, I865. He enlisted as private, and AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 209 soon received the appointment of orderly-sergeant, and in November, I86I, that of first lieutenant, and in February, 1864, became a captain. At the close of the war he returned to this city, and in I870 established himself on Monroe street, where he has since managed a successful and creditable business. His store is elegantly arranged and fully stocked. He was married, in I867, to Clara L. Calkins, daughter of Charles P. Calkins, of this city. They have one daughter. Mr. Herkner was one of the organizers of company B, of the Second regiment, national guard, in 1872, and acted four years as its captain. He afterward was on the brigade staff of Gen. Smith as lieutenant-colonel and inspector-general of brigade, and continued as such duringthe term Gen. Smith was in command. OL. CHESTER B. HINSDILL, quartermaster at the Michigan State Soldiers' home, Grand Rapids, was born in Kalamazoo county, Mich., September 4, 1836, a son of Myron and Emily (Kellogg) Hinsdill. In I86r, being then a resident of Grand Rapids, he was appointed commissary of subsistence, with rank of captain, in the volunteerservice, and was later promoted to be lieutenant-colonel in the same departmnent and brevetted colonel, and served in the commissary department throughout the late Civil war. In 1875, Col. Hinsdale was appointed clerk of the court of the western district of Michigan, and filled the position with commendable ability for several years, and in July, I890, was appointed to his present position as commissary and quartermaster at the Sol diers' home, and this he has also filled in a most satisfactory manner, winning for himself a reputation for strict integrity and as a thoroughly competent business man. Fraternally, the colonel is a member of Custer post, No. 5, G. A. R. September 4, I868, the colonel was united in marriage with Julia M. Matthews, the union resulting in the birth of one child: Cora M., wife of Charles Fox, lumberman of Grand Rapids. In politics the colonel is a republican. MBROSE C. HINDMAN is one of the younger bright lights of the Grand Rapidsbar, with his offices at Nos. 301 and 303 Widdicomb block, where he is associated in practice with A. R. Rood. He was born in Carroll county, Ind., December 23, 1869, a son of William T. and Maggie (Smith) Hindman. William T. Hindman is a native of Butler county, Ohio, was reared to farming, and Miss Smith, of Burlington, Ind., the union being crowned with two children —Ambrose C., the subject of this notice, and Everett E., also an attorney of Grand Rapids. After farming for some years in Carroll county, Ind., subsequent to his marriage, Mr. Hindman engaged in merchandizing in Burlington, where he still resides. He is a robust man, is very practical, and is in quite comfortable circumstances. Mrs. Hindman is a highly accomplished lady, was formerly a school teacher, and was largely instrumental in preparing her children for an advanced education. Mr. and Mrs. Hindman are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics Mr. Hindman is a republican. 210 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Ambrose C. Hindman entered the Burlington high school in 1884, and graduated in I886. For the following four years he taught school in Carroll county, but during this period also attended the State Normal school at Terre Haute, and later entered the law department of the university of Michigan, and graduated from this famous institution of learning in the summer of I893, with the degree of bachelor of law. In October of the same year he came to Grand Rapids and entered the law office of Taggart, Knappen & Denison, with whom he worked and studied until January, 1897, when he became a partner of A. R. Rood, and has since been favored with a good share of legal business. Mr. Hindman was united in the bonds of matrimony at Middleville, Mich., December 25, 1893, with Miss Luna P.'Parkhurst, who was born in Middleville, November 28, I863, a daughter of the late Dr. Silas S. Parkhurst, a pioneer, and his wife, Orpha L. (Simons) Parkhurst, and this happy union has been blessed with one child —Will P. Mr. and Mrs. Hindman reside in their own handsome home at No. 99 Clinton street, and enjoy the full respect of all their neighbors. Both are members of the Congregational church, and fraternally Mr. Hindman is a member of York lodge, F. & A. M., and is also a Knight of Pythias, a Woodman and a member of the Sons of Veterans. In politics he is a republican. BENEZER GREGG DANFORTH HOLDEN, a former attorney of Grand Rapids and insurance agent, is the youngest of five sons, and was born February 18, 1834, in a pioneer's cabin at Kirkland, Cuyahoga county, Ohio. His parents, Josiah Rhodes and Joanna Reed (Danforth) Holden, natives of New Hampshire, were married January 24, 1824. They lived together sixty-three years, when death took the father at the advanced age of ninety. On the father's side the genealogy of the family in America has been traced back 280 years, and on the mother's 17I-the father being a descendant from English Puritan stock and the mother from Scotch-Irish, whose origin, under the surname of Gregg, appears in the history of Londonderry, Ireland, as early as I690. Oliver Holden, of Charlestown, Mass., was the author of the worldrenowned hymn, Coronation. The Hon. Samuel Holden, president of the Bank of England, though he never saw America, erected a chapel at Harvard university in 1744, which is still in use and has always been known as the Holden chapel. The brick of which it is built were brought from England, as none were then made in America. The donor of this then magnificent building also endowed the college with 2,000 pounds sterling a year, which, by his will, continued to be paid many years after his death, or until the opening days of the Revolution cut off fraternal relations between the two countries. Many of the Holden descendants in America have been educated at old Harvard, but the subject of this sketch never saw it or the chapel until 1877. The Holden chapel is now used as a lecture room, and after the lapse of 145 years is still in good preservation-its street gable being finished with a carved bas. relief of the Holden arms. The parties last above named and many others of note were among the ancestors, near and remote, of the Holden of this sketch, whose life, until he became his own tman, was that of a pioneer's boy, his father, moving from Ohio to Illinois while Gregg" was yet an infant, and finally becoming a settler in the South Woods (now the township of Byron), AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 211 Kent county, Mich., November I8, I845. He died aid was buried there. E. G. D. Holden has been in nearly every state in the Union, but had forty-four years of residence in Kent county, and is now a resident of Florence, Ore. At the age of seventeen years, with only about two months' schooling all told, he set about educating himself, and succeeded so' well that he entered college, later taught school, and studied lawthe records of Kent county circuit court showing him to have been admitted to the bar March 5, I859. Being republican in politics, he early took an active interest in the success of his party. He was eight years secretary of Kent county republican committee, and six years its chairman. He was six years chairman of the congressional committee, and served four years as a member of the state central committee. Amid the deflections of I872, as chairman of the county committee, he achieved one of the most noted victories his party ever rejoiced over in this county. Every ward in the city went republican except one, and every township in the county except one, and the combined opposition majority in these was only nine. The republican county candidates were elected the same year by fronm 2,000 to 3,000 majority. He was prosecuting attorney from I863 to 1867, and secretary of state from I875 to I879, both inclusive —two full terns. Although twice nominated for secretary of state, no state convention ever cast a ballot for him. He was always nominated by acclamation. For more than fifteen years he was intimately connected with the schools of Grand Rapids, as trustee, moderator, and director of the West side union school. He was one of the first to favor the consolidation of all school interests under one management, and rejoiced when this union was accomplished. Teachers 11 and scholars never had a more stanch friend than he. He was grand master of the Odd Fellows of Michigan seven years after his initiation, but subsequently severed his connection with that order, owing to the position assumed by the grand sire, in regard to the uniform degree of the Knights of the Patriarchal Circle. He has since been at the head of the latter order in the United States, serving one term, and was an officer on the staff of the supreme commander, with the rank of brigadier-general. In I870, in connection with his partner at that time, he originated and assisted in organizing and incorporating the Grand Rapids Savings bank, and was a member of its first board of directors. He engaged in the local insurance business in May, I86o, and for more than thirty-five years adhered steadily to insurance work. He has been special agent, state and general agent and adjuster for many companies, and as such has traveled extensively. His two sons, Charles and Henry were admitted to partnership in May, 888 —the new firm making law and real estate a part of their business, and having an office on each side of the river. Mr. Holden married, August 24, 1858, Miss Melissa E. Smith, of Marion, N. Y., who, like himself, was the child of New England parents. They have three children — the two sons above mentioned, and Mary H., the wife of Judge Willis B. Perkins, of the firm of judkins & Perkins, attorneys at law in Grand Rapids. Mr. Holden is not a member of any church; is liberal in his religious views, believes in the good and true everywhere, and recognizes these essentials in all creeds, but gives none an exclusive jurisdiction. Mr. Holden is an exceedingly well-proportioned man, stands five feet ten inches, and weighs I80 pounds; is still a very active man and is a severe student. He has been much 212 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS on the lecture platform, and his contributions to the press, both prose and verse, have been many and varied. The norn de plume of "Robert Roland" was at one time quite familiar to the public, and though he has not abandoned it, yet of late generally puts out his productions over his somewhat lengthy nomen. He is a voracious reader, and a ready, rapid writer. He has a cordial hand, a cheery word and a smile for every friend, and goes about everything he undertakes with a certain assurance of success. OEL C. PARKER, the oldest resident dentist of Grand Rapids, Mich., and the second to establish himself in the profession in the city, was born in Gainesville, Wyoming county, N. Y., July I8, 1829, and is a son of Tilley and Minerva Parker, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of New York state. Tilley Parker, the father, was a tanner and located in the Empire state when about sixteen'years ofage. He married Minerva Chase, and in 1854 moved to Madison, Ohio, where his wife died at the age of seventy-four years, when he returned to Wyoming county, N. Y., andt. died at the home of his daughter, aged eighty-three. There were four children born of their marriage, of whom Dr. Joel C. is the eldest and the only survivor. Of the other three, Lois became the wife of the Hon. Elbert Farman, who was surrogate of Wyoming county, N. Y., was for some years consulgeneral at Cairo, Egypt, appointed by President Hayes, and was one of the judges of the international tribunal in Alexandria appointed by several Christian nations for a general conference, and is now engaged in the practice of law at Warsaw, N. Y., his wife having died at Warsaw in I88I; Sarah was married to Rev. Lawrence S. Atkins, a Methodist minister, and died at Lima, N. Y., about 1884, her husband being also deceased; the only brother, J. Byron, came to Grand Rapids, learned dentistry under Dr. Joel C., was established in the profession here for a number of years, and, at the age of fifty-five years, died in Asheville, N. C., whither he had gone for the improvement of his health, leaving a wife, who has since passed away, and two children. Dr. Joel C. Parker was educated in the common schools of his native county and at the Wesleyan university, in Lima, Livingston county, N. Y. Until twenty-one years of age he continued to assist his father at leathermaking, and then, in the winter of 1851-52 taught a school in Pennsylvania. In I852, also, he began the study of dentistry with Dr. McCullough, at Castile, N. Y., and a year later came to Grand Rapids, Mich., and has remained here ever since. In I857 Dr. Parker married Miss Emily J. Stone (daughter of Charles Stone), also a native of Wyoming county, N. Y., born February 28, 1832, and of this union have been born four children: Mary S.; Charles S., now practicing dentistry at Seattle, Wash.; Theodore S., who died in I870, at the age of six years; Grace S., now Mrs. Joseph P. Luxford, of Grand Rapids. Dr. Parker has kept fully abreast with the front rank in the onward march of the members of the profession, and has absorbed all the phenomenal changes and improvements made in its progress as rapidly as they have been developed, and stands high as a professional man as well as a useful citizen. He is a member of the Michigan State Dental society and of the local dental associations, and has been president of each of these bodies. For fourteen years he was a member of the board of education of Grand Rapids, and for the same number of years a member of the state board of fish commissioners, and under AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 213 all circumstances has exercised his influence for the promotion of the public welfare. Dr. Parker has contributed many articles to the literature of his profession, and is a recognized authority on the science of dentistry. He is a thoroughly practical operator at the dental chair, is a constant student, a deep thinker and philosopher, and an inventor of unsurpassed ingenuity. He is justly entitled to the credit of inventing the telephone about I874, and this fact can be abundantly attested by Prof. E. A. Strong, of the State Normal school at Ypsilanti, Mich. But the doctor's professional duties were so onerous and pressing that year that he neglected to put his invention in practical form and push his claim at the patent office. In substantiation of the doctor's claim as inventor of the telephone, the following correspondence should furnish ample evidence: GRAND RAPIDS, May 9, '99. My Dear Strong:-Will you kindly write me whether the inclosed drawing is not a substantial reproduction of a rude drawing I made mind and was shown to you. If I could find a copy of that paper, it would fix the date very definitely. You are the only living witness of this early effo.rt of mine; all the others to whom I showed it have passed away. By replying to this you will greatly oblige. Yours sincerely, J. C. PARKER. To this letter Prof. Strong made the following reply: My Dear Doctor Parker:-I have always had the dreadful consciousness that I kept you out of a great world-fame and the triumph and profit of a great invention. I say always, for it seems long ago that you came to my house and broached the possibility of telephonic communication. Soon after you came again with 3our ideas more matured. You expressed your notion of a combined sender and receiver by a hastily-drawn sketch. My remembrance is on the back of an envelope that I handed you from my pocket for the purpose. The next day I read what I could find on. that head and left the drawing at the place of my last search-page 464 of the first volume of the old three-volume edition of Muller Ponillek Physik-the description of the Phonautograph. I saw it there afterward, but forgot it until at Philadelphia during the continued celebration, second visit, when we all heard about the work done on Sunday at the Exposition building, with descriptions of the apparatus. Then I recalled your sketch, which seemed to me essentially similar. Going home I tried to find it, but even after an immense amount of search have never been able to do so. Some years later I tried to reproduce my memory of it by a drawing, but found that my definite recollection was too vague. I could not remember whether you represented the complete circuit or not; whether the electromagnet had a continuous core or a back-piece screwed on; whether you drew a spring to regulate contact between armature and pole, or simply put in the word "spring." etc. Nor can I remember definitely what I said to you; I only remember that I felt distinctly unfavorable to your endeavoring to perfect and exploit the invention, arising mainly from the fact that the making of a complete merchanta for your inspection some time in the early seventies, to illustrare my ideas for an electric telephone? It occurred to me. a short time ago that possibly I might fix the almost exact date of my invention. In going back over the mental path that lead to it, I found that my first hint was a representation of the "Reiss telephone." That was published in a journal devoted to the interests of telegraphy -published, I think, ini New York, and called -if my memory is correct ---" The Telegraphic Journal." It was within a week after seeing the current number that the combination represented in the cut had taken form in my 214 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS ble article and getting it before the world has always been found so expensive and exacting of time and thought. I know that I indicated this pretty clearly, and here lies my great regret, that I hadn't sense enough to see that any sacrifice should have been made to render the invention practicable. Of course you might have worked along false lines and have failed to reach the goal ahead of others, but you ought to have had your chance. I felt there was no question but that the diaphragm would reproduce the vibrations of the vocal tones, but I did not believe with force enough for complete audition. This is my confession. Permit me still to subscribe myself Your friend, E. A. STRONG. The doctor has also invented several valuable appliances to the art of dentistry, chief among which is a "shot swager," which he patented in 1895, and which is now in universal use throughout the dental world. The doctor has passed a lifetime in Grand Rapids, and is recognized by its people as an affable, intelligent and moral citizen. In politics he was early a whig, and cast his first presidential vote for Winfield Scott. With the coming of the republican party he became a republican, voted for John C. Fremont, the first presidential nominee of this party, and also voted for the first republican mayor elected in the Union, viz: W. D. Foster, of Grand Rapids. Fraternally, the doctor was made a Mason in 1855, in Grand Rapids, has held the highest office of his lodge, that of W. M., Valley City, No. 86. He is also a member of Grand Rapids chapter, No. 7. B[ LBERT J. PATTERSON, M. D., a regular practicing physician and surgeon of Grand Rapids, with his office and residence at No. I34 Plainfield avenue, was born in Paris township, Kent county, Mich., February I8, 1859. a son of John and Martha (Spaulding) Patterson, natives of the state of New York, who accompanied their parents to Michigan in 1836, were married in Kent county about I846, and are now living on their farm in Paris township, aged seventy-two and sixty-four years, respectively. To John and Martha Patterson have been born four children, of whom the eldest, Charles E., is a physician of Grand Rapids; Albert J. is the subject of this sketch; Alice, twin of Albert J., is the wife of Dr. Pressey, of Cleveland, Ohio, and Robert is caring for his parents on the old hotnestead, to which his own farm lies adjacent. The early life of Albert J. Patterson was passed on the farm, but at the age of eighteen years he began teaching, and for four years taught the village school of Cascade, Mich. While thus employed he devoted his leisure hours to the study of medicine, attended Detroit Medical college three years, and graduated at the age of twenty-four. He began active practice in Kent county, at Sparta, where he remained two years, then practiced four years tn Cannonsburg, and Jannary 15, I888, settled in Grand Rapids, where he has achieved an enviable professional reputation. He has secured a competency through his medical skill, and, indeed, has never had a dollar given to him or donated to him, and even paid for his education with his own earnings. The doctor married, September 5, I882, at Cascade, Mich., Miss Janet Brown, daughter of Hugh B. Brown, J. P., and to this union was born one daughter-Lois Alice-May Io, I884, at Sparta. Fraternally, the doctor is a member of Grattan lodge, No. I96, F. & A. M.; of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Grand Rapids; of the A. O. U. W., the I. O. F., the K. O. T. M., the United Friends, and other orders. He AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 215 -- held the office of high physician, state of Michigan I. 0. F. in I898, and during his incumbency suggested the division of the state into two high courts, which suggestion was adopted. He is the high vice-chief ranger of western Michigan, is chief officer of the local court, and has been the examining physician of the same ever since its formation; he is also chancellor commander of Lily lodge, K. of P. The doctor is likewise a member of the Michigan State Medical society, the Grand Rapids Academy of Medicine, and is a member of the medical staff of the U. B. A. hospital. In politics, Dr. Patterson is a republican, has taken a warm interest in local and general politics, and, although never an office seeker, is now serving his second term as coroner of Kent county, to which office he was first elected in 1896. Dr. Patterson is a trustee of the Second Congregational church of Grand Rapids, and modestly attributes a share of his success in the city to the friendship of his pastor, Rev. J. T. Husted-and while this, to some extent, may be true, his own ability and skill will be found to be the true secret of his prosperity. January I, I899, the doctor established an office for practice, and the more convenient discharge of his official duties in connection with the I. O. F., on Monroe street, and here a portion of each day is spent in attending to the needs of his numerous patients. OHN PAUL, farmer and dealer in realestate, is an illustrious example of that successful class of individuals known as self-made men. His father, also named John Paul, was born in Whithorn, Wigtonshire, Scotland, November 15, I822, and in 1852 became a resident of Grand Rapids. He lived in Kent county from that time until his death, November 8, 1893, spending the last twenty-five years of his life at Reed's lake. He was one of the leading spirits of East Grand Rapids, and it was through his influence that a post-office was secured and named in his honor, and the place brought to the notice of the public. He was twice married and left a family of five children, four sons and one daughter, his second wife dying several years prior to his own departure. The subject of this sketch is the only child of the first marriage; the other children are Henry B., a carpenter of East Grand Rapids; William W., a painter; Edwin S., carpenter and builder, and Margaret Jane, wife of Charles Davis, who resides at Pasadena, Cal. John Paul, Jr., was born on the ist day of April, i850, in the town of W\hithorn, \Vigtonshire, Scotland, and at the age of three years was brought to Kent county, Mich., where he has since resided. While he was quite young his parents moved from Grand Rapids to a farm near what the old settlers call "The Saddlebags Swamp," and there he grew to manhood, assisting his father in the rough work of clearing land and attending in the winter seasons such indifferent schools as the country afforded. Notwithstanding his meager educational advantages, Mr. Paul early manifested a decided taste for study, and he eagerly read such books as fell into his hands, and long ere reaching manhood's estate he was the possessor of a fund of knowledge much greater than many obtain in long courses in the schools. Additional to his general love of literature, his inquiring mind led him into the domain of the practical, and this, with his strong and vigorous physique, in due time made of him a splendid specimen of symmetrically developed manhood. 216 When quite a small chil that best of all earthly frie one of the pathetic phases of retains no recollection whateN sixteen years old.he began lif the position he has since atta unaided exertions; in fact, it observed the he is indeed t his own fortune." With ai determination to succeed, within a few years what man in a much longer life, and in came the possessor of valual the vicinity of Reed's lake since platted as an additior Rapids. The terrritory emb present limits of the place primitive condition, and it se ride from the subject's home a trip which now requires bul ride on the electric line to t the city. Mr. Paul has in his posses deed issued by Andrew Jack I836, conveying the tract of la from the government to Ez upon this land he has made hi ously for over forty years. In addition to agriculture, years ago, became interested and to him more than to any the credit of inducing investr and around East Grand R town has become one of the most desirable suburbs of ti west M ichigan. He has ere( thirty residences in Paul's a posed of the same on terms tc thus bringing to the place a desirable class of citizens. accommodating dealer, favor sonable way the purchaser of i until it is now possible for a TIHE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS.d, Mr. Paul lost possessed of thrift, to obtain a comfortable nds, mother, and home in East Grand Rapids. his life is that he Mr. Paul was largely instrumental in inverof her. When ducing the Consolidated Street Railway come for hinself, and pany, of Grand Rapids, to extend their line lined is due to his eastward and otherwise make substantial immaybe truthfully provements, which finally led to the estabthe " architect of lishment of the well-known and popular pleasn energy born of ure resort of Reed's lake. He has been inhe accomplished defatigable in his efforts to give this lake a y do not achieve wide publicity, and not without encouraging due time he be- results, for every summer the village is ble real estate in thronged with tourists, who find it indeed one *, which he has of the most pleasant and most restful resorts 1 to East Grand in a state noted for such places. )raced within the Mr. Paul has been called by his fellowwas then in its citizens at different times to fill positions of emed like a long trust, among which may be named those of to Grand Rapids, justice of the peace and treasurer of Grand t fifteen minutes' Rapids township, president of the village he very heart of board and member of the school board of East Grand Rapids. He was reared in the political ssion the original faith of the republican party and still believes son, January 20, its principles to be to the best interest of the ind he now owns country; consequently he takes an active part ekiel Davis, and in every campaign involving party measures is home continu- and has contributed much to the success of his ticket. He is a member of Valley City lodge,, Mr. Paul, some No. 86, F. & A. M., and with his wife belongs d in real estate, to Oriental chapter, No. 32, 0. E. S. / one man is due The marriage of Mr. Paul was solemnized nents in lands in June 7, 1876, with Miss Agnes Gilmore, of:apids, until the Grand Rapids, Rev. J. Morgan Smith officihandsomest and ating at the ceremony. Mrs. Paul was born ne metropolis of in the same town in Scotland where her huscted, in all, over band first saw the light, but had never met ddition and dis- him until the year I873 in Grand Rapids. ) suit purchasers, She is the mother of three living children, the n intelligent and eldest of whom, Mary A., is the wife of Fred He has been an Van Bloois, an employee in a wholesale house ing in every rea- of Grand Rapids; the second, Elizabeth Agnes, moderate means, is still under the parental roof, and the only lmost any man, I son, William J., is a bright lad of ten years. AND KENT COUNTY, UP'TO DATE. 217 The mother and two daughters are members of the Park avenue Congregational church; Mr. Paul, although a friend and contributor to the cause of religion, does not subscribe to any creed or article of faith. This brief outline of the leading facts of Mr. Paul's life and business career is given because the world claims a certain property in the lives of all its people, and biography is the lamp of experience to guide and encourage others in the path of success. He is regarded as one of many public-spirited and enterprising citizens of Kent county, and for years has been foremost in every project for advancing the material interests of its flourishing seat of justice. In every relation of life his character has been above adverse criticism, and his past reflects the greatest credit upon him. HOMAS H. PEACOCK, engineer at the Masonic Temple, Grand Rapids, was born in Stoughton upon Tees, in the county of Durham, England, on 8th of August, 1847. He is a son of Isaac and Jane (Smith) Peacock, natives of the same place. Isaac Peacock, the father, a machinist by trade, remained in his native country until about I853, when he came to America. For a number of years he was in the employ of the New York & Erie railroad, and was also engaged in business on his own account at Canandaigua, N Y., where he remained for several years and prospered. He is now connected with the machinery and plumbing department at the Masonic home in this city, at the age of eighty years. In the spring of 1872 he -cane to Greenville, Mich., bought a foundry and machine shop, and did a prosperous busi ness until December, 1873, when the plant was destroyed by fire. He rebuilt the following spring and remained there until the spring of 1876, when he sold out and went to Reed City for a time. Thomas H. Peacock and his father were business partners in their various enterprises, the firm being I. & T. H. Peacock. At Greenville and Reed City, they started a machine shop, a foundry and a small grist-mill, and later went into the sash and door business, continuing in all lines named. They were very prosperous until the entire plant and stock was destroyed by fire in August, I894. While at Reed City, they did IO10,00 feet of lumberplaning daily. The fire left the firm practically helpless, and not having sufficient resources to rebuild, Thomas H. Peacock came to Grand Rapids, where, in 1883, he purchased his father's interest in the planing-mills and lumber business while his father continued in the foundry and machine shop. On the first of January, I896, the subject assumed charge of his present duties, and now has general control of the machinery, elevators, etc., at the Masonic temple. The family of Thomas H. Peacock comprised two brothers and one sister, the eldest being Joseph, a machinist now working at Avon, N. Y. He was a soldier in company IH, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth New York infantry, during the Civil war. The other brother, Isaac, Jr., was a member of the Fourteenth United States infantry, and was killed near City Point, Va. The sister is Sarah, wife of Frank Jessupp, a machinist and millwright at Brockport, N. Y. Mr. Peacock had very limited educational advantages and is practically self-educated in the school of business. At the age of seventeen, on September 6, 1864, he enlisted in company K, Second New York cavalry, and was promoted sergeant soon after, drawing C 218 THE CITY OF GRAND. RAPIDS -I pay as such from the date of his enlistment. He served with the army of the Potomac, under Gen. Custer, as brigade commander, and P. H. Sheridan as commander-in-chief. He participated in all the general engagements of the cavalry forces, and was with Sheridan at the final capitulation at Appomattox. He also took part in the famous battle of Cedar Creek with " Sheridan twenty miles away," and was mustered out of service at Alexandria, Va., in June, I865. Then followed the experience in the business above mentioned. IMr. Peacock was united in marriage October I9, I882, at Hastings, Mich., to Miss Eugenia J. Cole, a native of Waterloo, N. Y., and a daughter of John and Jane Cole, also natives of New York; she accompanied her parents to Hastings, Mich., in her childhood, and was there educated. Two children have blessed this union, viz: Thomas I., aged seventeen, and a student in the high school, and Florence May, a little miss of thirteen years, also in school. Mr. Peacock is prominently identified with the leading fraternal orders; was past post commander of Steadman post, No. I98, G. A. R., at Reed City, and is now a member of Custer post, at Grand Rapids, of which he is senior vice-commander; is a charter member in Reed City lodge, No. 363, F. and A. M.; Reed City chapter, No. 112, R. A. M.; Reed City lodge, No. 316, I. O. 0. F., of which he is a past grand, and Fitz James lodge, No. 95, K. of P., at Alma, Mich. He has been very active in all society work, serving in various official capacities. He was D. D. G. M. of the I. O. O. F., organized a number of lodges, and also was an organizer of G. A. R. posts. He has always been a public-spirited citizen, active and energetic in every good work. Mr. Peacock has always been a stalwart brothers. He has held various official positions in Reed City and elsewhere, and receives a pension by reason of frozen limbs and general disability, incurred in January, 1864. His business and social relations have brought him into contact with a large circle of acquaintances, and among them he has many warm friends. His success is most creditable, resulting from well-directed and honorable efforts, and he well deserves his prosperity and the regard in which he is held. ABBI GUSTAVE N. HAUSMANN, Grand Rapids.-In the subject of this biography we have one of the most distinguished men of Michigan, who has attained to distinction in his chosen work by acting as an earnest and discriminating student. -Earn thy reward; the gods give nothingto sloth," said the Sage Epicharmus, and the truth of the admonition has been verified in all human affairs, in all the ages which have rolled their course since his day, and especially in the subject to whose life-history we now direct attention. Rabbi Gustave N. Hausmann, of the Temple Emanuel, Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Rzeszow, Austro-Hungary, in I869, a son of Naphtali and Rose Hausmann, but when three years of age lost his father, a very scholarly gentleman, and a direct descendant of the Spanish and Portuguese Iraelites who were expelled from those countries during the inquisition of 1492. Of the Hausmann family, however, in later years, there were several very eminent rabbis. The early education of Rabbi Gustave N. Hausmann was acquired in the Austrian gymnasium (high school) at Rzeszow, and he republican, as were also his father and I N bids lMcf I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 221 I next attended the rabbinicial seminary at Pressburg, Hungary, the most famous of its kind in the empire, and there received his diploma as rabbi. At the age of twenty-one years he came to America, landed at Boston, Mass., and remained in that city three months, preparing for entrance into Harvard university, but lack of means thwarted his laudable desire. He then went to New York city and at that place attended several educational institutions in order to prepare himself for the American pulpit. In I894 he went to Chicago, where he attended the Atheneumn college for several years, also engaged in some university extension work. After finishing his preparatory studies for the American pulpit. Prof. Rabbi Emil J. Hirsch, who had been his preceptor, gave him the following certificate: "Rabbi G. N. Hausmann is well qualified to fill most of our pulpits." Rev. Dr. B. Falsental, one of the most famous Herbraic scholars in America, has fully endorsed this certificate, and has beside, paid Rabbi Hausmann many personal compliment on his attainments. Rabbi Hausmann next spent one year in travel through the states in order to study American manners and customs, and on June I, 1897, was called to the charge of Temple Emanuel, where he hassince remained performing his sacred duties in a most satisfactory manner. The Rabbi is a member of the Pastors' union of Grand Rapids and is the first Hebrew priest admitted to this society. Through his influence, the closing session of the liberal mass meeting, held under the auspices of Universalists, Unitarians, Liberals and Jews, took place at the Temple Emanuel in I898. Since the beginning of his residence here, Rabbi Hausmann has had several honors bestowed upon him by the governor of the state and the mayor of the city, to-wit: He was appointed chaplain of the state senate at the extra session held in the spring of 1898; was I appointed by Gov. Pingree a delegate to the meeting of the National society of Correction and Charities, held in New York city in the same year, and was appointed a member of the executive committee organized for the purpose of welcoming the Thirty-second regiment, Michigan volunteers, on their return from the Hispano-American war for the liberation of Cuba. At the close of the Jewish holiday, the day of atonement, September 30, I898, Rabbi Hausmann was presented by his congregation with a very fine gold watch and chain and a purse of money, in appreciation of his valuable services at the temple and as a mark of their personal esteem; the watch bears the inscription: '( From the members of the congregation of Temple Emanuel to their minister, Rabbi Gustave N. Hausmann." Rabbi Hausmann opened the house of representatives at Washington, with prayer, February 28, 1899, being the youngest minister that ever officiated in the United States congress. On the 20th of April, in the same year, he opened the house of representatives of Michigan, both prayers having been widely published, from which extracts are here inserted: Father of All the World! Thou who guidest, formest and shapest the destinies of organizations, societies and nations, we pray to Thee to lead us in the right path. We are aware that Thou, O God, hast conferred upon the American nation the most glorious mission to teach the world the needed lesson of free government, but we also know of the responsibilities which are involved in this privilege. We implore Thee, therefore, to inspire us with that noble patriotism that we may never shirk our post and shrink from our duties. Bless, O God, the representatives of this state. Help us, O God, that the barriers and walls of the various sects and denominations which divide the American people may speedily pass away and be destroyed, so that whenever the ques 0 2.22 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS tion of patriotism confronts us that each and every American citizen may say with Daniel Webster, the great apostle of free government, "Thank God that I, too, am an American." Amen. * X ' We humbly and meekly pray to Thee," said the rabbi, "to bless these representatives in this present crisis of the government's history with thy divine wisdom to legislate for the welfare of the country. Even as we have seen thy guiding hand in the first epoch in the history of our government, when the Father of the Republic, in his wisdom, gave liberty to his countrymen, and again, in the second epoch, when the immortal martyred president gave liberty to all who were born under the protection of the flag, so to-day we see Thy guiding hand in the third epoch in our history, when our government gave liberty even to those who were beyond our boundary lines. Bless, O God, the speaker of the house. Especially we prayerfully beseech Thee to bless the president of the United States with Thy divine wisdom while he guides the ship of state in these stormy days of our history. We pray all this because we love our country, because we love liberty, because we love humanity. Amen!" On April 25, I899, the evening session of the Woman's Suffrage society was begun with prayer by Rabbi Hausmann, who also wrote an article entitled "Women and the Talmud," which was well received by the public. By an invitation from Mayor Perry he became one of the speakers at John Ball park, where, on on park day, the most prominent orators of the city were participants. The congregation of Rabbi Gustave N. Hausmann consists of thirty families, founded by Julius and Joseph Hausmann. He is the owner of property valued at $I5,ooo, with good location and well cared for. He has been an ardent and earnest worker for the church and well deserves the eminent position which he has attained through his piety and devotion to duties. Benevolent in his nature, he is consequently gentle in his demeanor, and has won the heartfelt love of his congregation, not only through his amiability but through his profundity in knowledge and eloquence in the pulpit. HARLES HOERTZ, general contractor and builder, with his residence at No. I87 West Bridge street, Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in New York city, April ii, 1852, is descended from hardy German ancestry, has combined German. frugality with American ingenuity in his mentality, and has made a success of life. Michael and Barbara (Schmultz) Hoertz, parents of Charles Hoertz, natives of Wittenberg, Germany, came to the new world in early life and for about twelve years resided in New York city, where several of their children were born and where the father worked at his trade of cabinetmaker, but later removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where he and several members of his family resided many years. Charles Hoertz acquired a fair education in the schools of New York and Cleveland, and at the age of fifteen years began an apprenticeship at the cabinetmaker's trade; two years later he entered into carpentering and building, and these he has embraced as his life-work, being naturally a mechanic and familiar from youthhood with the use of tools. He began contracting in early manhood in Cleveland, followed it successfully until I885, and then secured a contract to construct a pail factory at Midland, Mich., where he passed a year, and then came to Grand Rapids and at once became identified with its building interests. He has erected a large number of fine buildings in this city, among which may be mentioned'the Kennedy and Hannish blocks, the Leonard refrigerator fac AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 228 tory, the Everett residence and other elegant mansions; but his construction work has not been confined to Grand Rapids, as he has built a fine hotel at Ottawa Beach, and a swimming-pool at Charlevoix, a railway station at Bay View, and is now constructing the United States life-saving station at Charlevoix and a depot for the G. R. & I. railway at La Grange, Ind. His pay roll numbers at present thirty-eight names, and he never has less than twenty-five. In selecting his assistants, he considers mechanical skill rather than the wages to be paid, and is thus able to turn out the most satisfactory results. The private residence of Mr. Hoertz is "a thing of beauty and a joy forever." It occupies a ground space of 38x50 feet and is two stories high. and the style of architecture is combined Gothic and Corinthian. The basement is eight feet in the clear, and is of stone, cut and coursed above ground; the first story is of sand brick-an imitation of stone-and the second story and attic are finished in handsome wood-designs. At the front entrance are Corinthian columns in rubble work, carefully selected and harmonized as to color, giving an idea of solidity combined with beauty. The dwelling is richly and tastefully furnished, its walls adorned with costly paintings, and an air of home comfort and conjugal happiness pervades the whole. The material and finishing of this model home cost $5,200. The summer residence of Mr. Hoertz is at Ottawa Beach, is constructed of wood, is 36x85 ground plan, has hardwood floors, is finished in pine, stained cherry color, and cost $3,000. Besides these properties Mr. Hoertz has several residences in Grand Rapids, which net him handsome rentals. It may be added, incidentally, that his possessions are wholly the result of his own efforts. Mr. Hoertz selected for his life-companion Miss Elizabeth, daughter of William and Bar bara (Schaffer) Hummell, born in Cleveland, Ohio, September 8, I854, to whom he was married December 24, I876. William Hummell was a native of Heidelberg, Germany. He was a designer and builder of more than local reputation, and, among buildings of note, designed and erected the Architectural school at Heidelberg. His wife was born in Munheim, Germany, and the two families came to America in 1848. William and Barbara were married in Cleveland, and the result of their union was two sons and three daughters, viz: Mrs. Hoertz, Henry, George, Mrs. Katie Borone and Mrs. Lizzie Ellenbash, all residing in Cleveland, with the exception of Mrs. Hoertz-George, who is unmarried, still living with his mother. During the Civil war Mr. Hummell was connected with the bridge constructing branch of the army, contracted disease while in the service, and died from its effects at the age of fortynine years. His widow is well known and highly respected in Cleveland, and is in quite comfortable circumstances. The marriage of M\r. and Mrs. Hoertz has been blessed with one son and one daughter, who are the especial care of their loving and indulgent parents, and who fully reciprocate in their exemplary lives. The elder child, William C., is a graduate of the city high school and of the Grand Rapids Business college, and also a graduate in civil engineering, which he intends to follow as his life profession. The heart of the mother overflows with gratitude that her only son abstains from the use of liquors and narcotics, as well as the evil influences of dissolute companions. The younger child, Miss Elsie B., is a student in the city high school, has already attained an enviable standing with her classmates as a musician, and her parents contemplate for her a trip abroad, for instruction under some of the famous musicians of Europe. 224 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Mr. Hoertz stands very high in the Masonic fraternity, having attained the thirty-second degree. He was made a Mason in Grand Rapids, holds membership in Valley City lodge, No. 86, F. & A. M.; Grand Rapids chapter, No. 7, R. A. M.; Tyre council, No. o0, R. & S. M., and De Molai commandery, No. 5, K. T., and also belongs to Saladin temple, Ancient Arabic order, Nobles of the Mystic shrine. He and wife are members of Peninsula chapter, No. 33, 0. E. S., and Mr. Hoertz is also associated with a number of the fraternal insurance societies. Previous to I896 Mr. Hoertz was democratic in his political views, but allied himself with the party of sound money and protection at the last presidential election. While not fully in sympathy with the national administration on some of the history-making features of the present day, he is nevertheless a republican, but leaves the affairs of state to those competent to deal with them and disposed to their manipulation. The family are Unitarians' in their religious proclivities and none more highly esteemed in the city of Grand Rapids. EUBEN HATCH.-Among the men whom New England has furnished to the great northwest is Judge Reuben Hatch, who was born October 11, 1847, in the town of Alstead, N. H. His ancestors came to America from England in I630 and settled in Massachusetts, where the township of Falmouth, in Barnstable county, is now situated. His father, also named Reuben, was a learned and able divine of the Congregational church, and during a long and useful life ministered to congregations in Windom, Vt., York, Ohio, Union City, Mich., and other places. The elder Hatch was married December i6, 1846, in Hudson, Ohio, to Miss Elmira Kilbourne, a native of Hudson, and by her had a family of six children, namely: Reuben, whose name introduces this article; Julia, who died at the age of three years; Azel, a talented young man of ripe scholarship, who prepared for the ministry, and who, at the time of his death, in I889, had charge of an institution for the education of colored people at Lexington, Ky., maintained by the American Missionary association; Edward died when but twelve years old; Jennie at the age of two, and Mina while but an infant. The mother of these children, a lady of culture and refinement, was called from the earth life in August, I858. Subsequently Mr. Hatch was united in marriage at York, Ohio, to Miss Marion J. Pierce, who has borne him the following children: Winfield P., of Oberlin, Ohio; Arthur, a stenographer of Grand Rapids, Mich.; Leonard, who holds a position in the statistical department of the state of New York; and Walter, who is still under the paternal roof. Mr. Hatch has reached the ripe old age of eighty-five years and makes his home in Oberlin, Ohio, where he and his estimable wife are widely and favorably known. He has always taken a deep and active interest in the cause of higher education, and was one of the leading spirits and founders of Olivet college, Michigan, and also assisted in planting a similar institution at Benzonia, this state. He was, for some years, a member of the prudential committee of Oberlin college, and, notwithstanding his advanced age, still takes an active interest in religious and educational work in the town where he resides. Reuben Hatch, Tr., the leading facts of whose life are here set forth, attended the schools in the different towns where his father held pastorates, and also received instruction in the higher branches of learning under his I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 22T father's immediate tutelage. After receiving ailiberal literary training, he began reading law at the age of twenty in Traverse City, Mich., and on the I2th day of May, I870, was admitted to the bar. He practiced his profession at Traverse City until I875, and such was his success that in that year he was elected judge of the Thirteenth judicial circuit, entering upon the duties of the position in January, I876. He continued on the bench for a period of six years, and, after retiring therefrom, resumed the practice at Traverse City until I888, at which time he removed to Grand Rapids, where he has since conducted a large and lucrative practice in the state and federal courts. For a limited period, Judge Hatch was associated with Hon. Harry D. Jewell, and later effected a co-partnership with Hugh E. Wilson, with whom he has since practiced. The professional career of Judge Hatch been highly creditable, and he occupies a conspicuous place among the leading attorneys in a city noted for the high order of its legal talent. As a lawyer, he is well grounded in the principles of his profession and the high character he has attained as a practitioner is attested by the large volume of business which has come to him since locating in Grand Rapids. For a number of years he was a leading spirit of the Traverse City bar, where he maintained a lucrative practice, being generally engaged in the prosecution or defense of cases requiring the highest order of legal talent, and not infrequently were his services retained in important litigation in courts remote from his place of residence. The honorable distinction acquired at the bar was not dimmed by his judicial experience. He acquired a high reputation for soundness in the knowledge of law, and for the clearness of his rulings. But few of his decisions ever met with reversal at the hands of the supreme court of Michigan. One of these cases was later carried to the supreme court of the United States, where the decision of the state supreme court was reversed and Judge Hatch's decision affirmed. He presided with dignity, and his impartiality in dispensing justice made him popular with both lawyers and litigants. The judge possesses a vigorous personality and commanding presence and impresses all with whom he comes in contact as a typical representative of symmetrically developed manhood-one of the best products physically and mentally of American soil and American institutions. With all his eminent ability as a lawyer and judge, Mr. Hatch is entirely without ostentation, and to the humblest of his fellowcitizens he is easily accessible. Profound as a jurist and popular with his fellow-men in the private walks of life, it may be truly said of him that he is indeed one of the notable men of his adopted city. He was married in Traverse City, August 28, I872, to Mrs. Esther H. Sprague Day, and resides in a hospitable home at No.' 8I Sheldon street. Politically he is a republican, and in religion an attendant of the Congregational church, to which his wife belongs. ILBUR FORCE, whose music parlors are at Julius A. J. Friedrich's music store, Nos. 30 and 32 Canal street, is a talented violinist, teacher and orchestral director. He is a native of Grand Rapids, born March 31, 1859, and is well known as a musician in this and neighboring cities. At the early age of six years his violinplaying astonished his parents and friends, and gave promise of an artistic career, which ;228 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS has since been more than verified. His first -teacher was Carl Zoberbier, then a young man just from the conservatory at Leipsig, and a most excellent teacher. This was followed by instruction from Karl Henning, a talented Vienna violinist, whose life was cut short in the midst of a brilliant career. Mr. Force employed the next two years of his life as director of a traveling musical company, during which time he traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada, aquiring valuable experience as an orchestral conductor; later he passed a year in Cincinnati, under the greatest of German masters, Henri Schradieck, who was so highly impressed by the talent and skill of Wilbur Force, that he used every endeavor to induce him to remain in Cincinnati as first violin in the Philharmonic orchestra but Mr. Force declined. Since then Mr. Force has been actively en-gaged as a director and teacher in Grand Rapids. As a teacher he possesses the highest -qualifications of patience, perseverance and accuracy. Upon the student with whom he comes in contact his highly sensitive and artistic temperament exercises the greatest influence. At the present time Mr. Force has over forty pupils on the violin, a number of them coming from ne ghboring cities to receive his instruction. He was instructor (violin) in the West Michigan Conservatory of Music for several years, and a number of his former pupils are now holding professional positions in colleges of music and as conductors of or-chestras. He is an honorary member of the.Schubert club of this city and has appeared with them in a number of their concerts. In 1885 Mr. Force married Miss Sara L. Jones, of Detroit, Mich., and two boys have been born to them: Wilbur G., twelve years -old, and.Clayton I., aged nine. Mrs. Force is a fine performer upon the piano, and formerly taught this instrument, but since her marriage has ceased giving instructions. They reside in a pleasant home at No. 283 North Ionia street, and are happily surrounded by a large circle of sincere friends. Mr. Force's parents are still living at Rockford, Mich., his father, Britton Force, being a prosperous farmer of that place. HARLES A. WATT, attorney at law and justice of the peace, is a New Englander, born on the 28th day of May, I858, in the town of Pittsfield, Mass. He is the eldest of the six children born to \illiam and Jane (Churchill) Watt, also natives of the above-named town and state. Mr. Watt remained under the parental roof until his 'sixteenth year, and attended meanwhile the common schools, where he mastered the elementary branches and also made commendable progress in the higher grades of learning, fitting himself for the teacher's profession. At the age of twenty years he began to teach in the public schools of his native state and followed the profession for three years, devoting his leisure time to the study of law. In the spring of I882 Mr. Watt came to Grand Rapids and shortly thereafter entered the law cffice of Hon. Peter Doran, under whose able instruction he continued three years, and was then duly admitted to practice in the courts of Kent county. During the interim between his admission to the bar and the year I890 he assisted Mr. Doran in the transaction of that gentleman's large legal business, and then for a limited period filled the unexpired term of Hon. Frank Rogers as assistant prosecuting attorney of the county of Kent. Retiring from the position, Mr. Watt devoted his attention to the general practice of his profes AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 229 sion until I895, when he was elected justice of the peace for Grand Rapids-an office of much responsibility, requiring of the incumbent goad legal ability and clear judgment. Upon taking said office he was appointed assistant judge of the police court, which office he still holds. Since his election Mr. Watt has paid close attention to the duties of the positions he so ably fills and in addition thereto also practices in the municipal and county courts, where his ability has won him a conspicuous place. As a public offi ial he is honest and impartial in the adjudication of matters referred to him for decision, and as an attorney is well qualified for legal practice both by natural adaptation and comprehensive reading, and he has a well established business. On the 3d day of June, 1885, in Grand Rapids was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Watt to Miss Mary E. O'Donnel, a member of one of the city's prominent Catholic families and a lady quite popular in church and social circles. He is a republican in his political belief, and as such was elected to the office he now fills. Fraternally he belongs to lodge No. 48, B. P. 0. E., and Lily lodge, No. IIo, K. P. ORACE J. WATERS, well known as a retail dealer in wood and coal at Grand Rapids, with office and yard at No. I80 Taylor street, is the eldest of the three children born to Oliver and Louise J. (Spalding) Waters, the two others being named Lewis J. and Mamie-the latter the wife of George McMullen-and all residents of Grand Rapids. Horace J. Waters was born in Grand Rapids June 7, 1868, was educated in the common schools primarily, and then attended the Michigan Military academy at Orchard Lake. His first employment was in a barrel factory in which his father held an interest, and of which subject became foreman of the yards and lumber inspector, and filled the place four years, and then engaged in his present business on his own account. His present yards (the second site he has occupied) are situated very favorably for his purpose, having advantages possessed by none other. At this point the railroad runs on an elevated grade above the yards, thus rendering the unloading of wood and coal into the various receptacles a very easy task. Mr. Waters is full of enterprise and energy and is very obliging in his disposition and genial in manner, is of inflexible integrity, and thus commands the confidence of his patrons. He is favored with a large share of the trade done in his line, and the future evidently has in store for him an increased volume of business. In May, I899, he purchased the feed-store at No. 210 East Bridge street, where he also has a branch office of his Taylor street coal and wood establishment. Mr. Waters was joined in matrimony in Grand Rapids, in S89r, with Miss Maud E. Quackenbush, daughter of Reynard Quackenbush, but he was bereft of his companion March 20, I896, who left him one child --- Oliver R. —to cheer his home. This lad is now a school-boy. February 8, I899, Mr. Waters, married Adga L. Hemple, of Grand Rapids, and a daughter of John F. Hemple. This lady is highly accomplished, and was educated in Grand Rapids. In politics Mr. Waters is independent and votes for the man of his individual choice, rather than for the nominee of any particular party. In religion he was rearel in the Baptist faith, yet he is not a member of any congregation, although he attends divine services punctually with this denomination. Fraternally, he is a Knight of Pythias, and a member of the orders of Foresters and of the Modern 2.30 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Woodmen of America. Being a native-born citizen of Grand Rapids, he has hosts of acquaintances, and his happy disposition has made for him many warm friends. LIVER S. WATERS (deceased), forerly one of the leading business men and manufacturers of Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Erie county, N. Y., December 4, I845, a son of Asa and Annie (Dudley) Waters, the former a life-long farmer. Oliver S. Waters received a sound practical education in youth, and was reared on his father's farm. In i866 he came to Grand Rapids' at the solicitation of his brothers, Daniel H. and Elijah D., at that time proprietors of a box factory, and remained with them until the plant was sold. In 187o he assisted in organizing the Michigan Barrel company, of which his brother, Daniel H., was the first president, and of which Oliver S. Waters was the general manager for sixteen years. He was then elected its president, which office he filled until too close attention to business broke down his health and led to his resignation in 1894. Mr. Waters was united in marriage with Miss Louise J. Spaulding, a native of Erie county, N. Y., and this union was blessed with three children, viz: Horace J., whose lifesketch appears on another page of this work; Mary L., wife of George McMullen, and Lewis D., now attending school. Near the close of the Civil war Mr. Waters was appointed as second sergeant of company F, Sixty-seventh New York volunteer infantry, and started at once to participate in the struggle, but before reaching the scene of the conflict the news of Lee's surrender came and the necessityfor Mr. Waters'services ended. Oliver S. Waters, the pioneer box-maker and cooper, was called to rest March 22, I898. He was one of the most energetic and enterprising manufacturers of Grand Rapids, was extremely popular, was of a generous disposition and a tender husband and loving and indulgent father. He acquired a competency by his business tact and ability, albeit he labored hard and was fully entitled to all he possessed. Some twelve years ago he purchased the pretty residence at No. 28 North Prospect street, where his bereaved widow still resides with her unmarried children, honored and respected by all who have the pleasure of being acquainted with her. Politically, Mr. \aters was a republican, and in religion was an attendant of the Bapist church; fraternally he was a member of the Chosen Friends, and few men have been more sincerely mourned than Oliver S. Waters. RANK E. HODGES, alderman from the Eleventh ward, Grand Rapids, and popular proprietor of a livery barn at No. 6IO South Division street, was born in Vergennes township, Kent county, Mich., January 5, 1857, a son of Sylvester and Martha (Gould) Hodges, natives of the state of New York. Sylvester Hodges was a farmer and came to Michigan, a pioneer, in 1836. On his father's farm Frank E. was reared until twenty-five years of age, but in the meantime drove stage from Lowell to Greenville, and on other routes. In I883 he came to Grand Rapids and engaged in the livery business and at once became a favorite. On the I6th day of November, I88I, he married Miss Frank Matthews, a native of Kent county, and this union has been crowned with two children -Oneta and Floyd J.-and he now resides in domestic felicity at No. 617 Madison avenue. I AND KENT COUNTY. UP TO DATE. 2831 In politics Frank E. Hodges has always been a sound democrat and has been universally popular with his party as well as with the voting population generally, and this statement is well attested by the fact that he was elected alderman in April, 1898, by a majority of 343, and was the first democrat ever elected from the Eleventh ward, and has since ably served as a member of the committees on streets and health. Fraternally he has been a Knight of Pythias for nine years and a member of Equity lodge, I. O. O. F., for three years, and is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights and Ladies of Security. His livery barn is one of the best equipped in Grand Rapids, and his pleasant manners and square and liberal treatment of his patrons have made him a prime favorite with all who have dealings in his line. Sylvester Hodges, father of Frank E., was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., and was a son of Amos and Content (Lucas) Hodges, natives of Vermont and of English descent. He was reared a farmer, and, as has been stated, came to Michigan in I836, and became a member of the Knockdown society, which was that year organized in Vergennes for the protection of actual settlers from the nefarious acts of landsharks. He was the first settler in Vergennes, and filed a claim for a tract of I60 acres in the wilderness under the homestead laws, and finally received his title-deed with the signature of John Tyler attached, as president of the United States. He underwent many hardships at the outset, made his household furniture himself for the most part, arid it, like his farming implements, was necessarily of a primitive character. But he worked manfully, and finally succeeded in wresting from the forest a profitable farm and in establishing, with the march of time, a comfortable and even an elegant home. Sylvester Hodges married, in 1836, Miss 12 Martha Gould, a native of Tompkins county, N. Y., and of the seven children born to this union, Frank E., the subject of this sketch, is the youngest, the others being Henrietta, Harriet, Janles L., Chester D., Oren S. and Frederick L. Mrs. Martha Hodges had learned to be a tailoress in New York, and on coming to Michigan was for many years the only person of her calling between Vergennes and Grand Rapids; her services were in request by all classes, even among the Indians. In the earliest days she spun, wove and made all the family clothing, and spun the first flax on Flat river, the lint being purchased by the Robinson family. In those days, too, grist had to be carried to Ionia, Grandville or Kalamazoo, to be ground, and there were but two stores in Grand Rapids-those kept by Louis Campau and a Mr. Watson. The family were all reared in the Baptist faith, and were ever ranked among the most respectable residents of Kent county. ON. CHARLES HOLDEN, fire insurance and real estate and loan agent, at No. 69 Pearl street, Grand Rapids, is a of native Grand Rapids, was born February 7, I86o, and is the eldest of the three children that have resulted from the marriage of E. G. D. and Melissa E. (Smith) Holden, his brother, Henry S., being secretary and treasurer of the Grand Rapids Carved Molding company, and his sister Mary H., being the wife of Judge Willis B. Perkins, of the circuit court of Kent county. E. G. ID. Holden, a native of Ohio, came to Kent county, Mich., in the 'fifties, located in Grand Rapids in I858, and established the agency which his son, Hon. Charles Holden, still successfully conducts. In I86o he began the study of law, 282 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS was admitted to the bar, and served as prosecuting attorney in I86I and I862. He became actively interested in politics and one of the most ardent workers in the republican party, became chairman of the republican county committee, and also a member of the republican state central committee. In the fall of 1874, he was elected secretary of state, assumed the duties of the office in January, I875, was re-elected in 1876, and closed his second term in December, I879. At each election he carried the full vote of his party, having the largest majority of any candidate on the state ticket. In May, I896, he retired from active business and now resides at Fiorence, Ore. Hon. Charles Holden received a sound education in the common and high schools of Grand Rapids, and from early boyhood has been self-sustaining. Though having a good home and indulgent parents, he also possessed a self-reliant spirit, and early earned his pocket-money by selling papers and doing odd jobs, and when but fifteen years old was appointed a messenger in the state department at Lansing. This ultimately led to his appointment to a clerkship, which he retained eight years, when he resigned, in 1883, to accept the secretaryship of the committee on state affairs and appropriations and finance jointly in the state senate. Following this, he returned to Grand Rapids and studied law for a year, and then took an extended vacation and traveled for a year all through the United States, excepting the southeast portion. On his return he resumed the study of the law, but lack of funds caused him to relinquish this study for the time being, and he accepted a position with the firm of Eaton & Lyon, the largest book concern in western Michigan. Later, better financial inducements were offered him by the Grand Rapids board of trade, with which he became identified. At the same time, he had charge of the Lyon collecting agency for Grand Rapids, then doing the largest business in its line in the northwest. He was also a correspondent of the American Cabinetmaker, a trade journal published in Boston. Again he studied law for a short time, but was induced to accept the agency of a large wholesale grocery concern in Chicago, which agency he held in western Michigan until offered a better one, of a similar character, by a firm in Covington, Ky. For this firm he had charge of all their trade in the states of Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, and with it he remained until he became a partner in business with his father and brother, under the firm name and style of E. G. D. Holden & Sons. Three or four years later the brother's interest was purchased by the father and his son Charles, and in I896 the latter succeeded to the entire business. Mr. Holden has always taken an active interest in politics and has been an influential factor in the councils of the republican party. In 1894 he received the nomination for representative from the First district, and was triumphantly elected at the general election, assumed the duties of office in January, 1895, and served one term of two years. He was greatly interested in the measure for the abolition of capital punishment, which measure he opposed bitterly, and the press at the time made very complimentary mention of his speeches on the bill, attributing to his eloquence and persistent work, the fact that the bill was killed. This was really the most important measure that was brought before the house that session. Since the expiration of his legislative office, Mr. Holden has declined further political honors, although he has kept in close touch with the leaders of his party. Fraternally, he is prominently identified with the popular young men's order —the Knights of Pythias. He is a charter member of Imperial lodge, No. I54, of Grand Rapids, AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 283 and he also organized and equipped uniform rank division, No. 57, of which he was first lieutenant; subsequently he was appointed to the rank of major on the staff of Brig.-Gen. Hastings, by Maj.-Gen. Carnahan, who has stood at the head of the "rank" for many years. Since 1883 Mr. Holden has been a member of and active worker in the First Universalist church of Grand Rapids, and at various times has held the office of church trustee, assistant superintendent and superintendent of the Sunday-school. Since his retirement from political life, he has devoted his time and attention almost exclusively to his present business, which has increased with the passing years and has prospered greatly under his fostering care. He has been strictly upright in all his transactions, and no blemish or stain has ever marred his good name. July Io, 1899, he married Miss Marie Sprague, daughter of E. W. Sprague, of Jamestown, N. Y. H ON. BIRNEY HOYT, ex-circuit judge and attorney at law, Grand Rapids, Mich., was born at Sinclairville, Chautauqua county, N. Y., October 13, 1841. His parents moved to Farmington, Oakland county, Mich., in 1845, and seven years afterward to Detroit, where their son attended the old Capital and other schools. In I855 he attended Castleton (Vt.) seminary and spent two terms ( 856-57) at Birmingham academy, in Oakland county. In 1857 his father located in Grand Rapids, one-half mile south of the fair grounds, where he still resides. Judge Hoyt attended the high school at Grand Rapids until 1860, when he entered upon the study of law, which he pursued two years in the office of Steven G. Champlin, Holmes & Champlin and C. C. Rood. At the age of twenty years, in 1862, he enlisted in company A, Sixth Michigan cavalry, and served until the termination of the war under Gen. George A. Custer. He was promoted to first sergeant, first lieutenant and captain, and successively commanded a company, a squadron and a regimental battalion. He was permanently disabled at.Liberty Mills, Va., September 22, 1863, by a shot through the left shoulder, was captured and sent a prisoner to Libby prison at Richmond, Va. Being paroled after a short time, he was sent to the United States hospital at Annapolis, where he remained eight mouths. He participated in the following battles with his regiment: Hanover, Hunterstown, the third day of Gettysburg, Monterey, Smithburg, Williamsport, Boonsboro, Hagerstown, Falling Water, Ashby's Gap, Newby's Crossroads, Front Royal, Culpeper Court House, Somerville Fort, Madison Court House, Liberty Mills, in Virginia, in I863. In 1864, Deep Bottoms, Front Royal, Shepherdstown, Smithfield, Winchester, Luray, Millford, Port Republic, Woodstock Races and Cedar Creek, Va. In 1865, Dinwiddie Court House, Five Forks, Sailor Creek, Battle of the Ridge, and Appomatox Court House. The regiment was mustered out in June, 1865, and Judge Hoyt resumed the study of law in the winter following at Ann Arbor, being admitted to the bar in June, 1866. He remained in practice until 1871, being a part of the time associated with Col. George Gray. He was city recorder and held the recorder's court four years, from May i, I867. In 1871, on the creation of the Seventhteenth judicial circuit, he was elected circuit judge, entered upon the duties of that office May I, I87I, and was re-elected in the spring 234 THE CITY OF~ GRANL~D RAIPIDS 2F of 1875 for the term of six years. His nomination by the republican judiciary convention was by acclamation. Since i88I he has been engaged in the practice of his profession in Grand Rapids. * --- —--------------- Q[ENRY HUBER, proprietor of Huber's Summer Garden, Reed's Lake, the leading resort of the kind in this part of the state, is a German, born on the 24th day of December, I841, in Adelsheim, Baden. Until fourteen years of age he attended the schools of his native town and then began learning the furrier's trade, which he has followed for a livelihood in both Germany and the United States. Thinking to better his condition in a country which offered better opportunities for young men than his own, Mr. Huber in 1865 came to the United States, landing in March of that year in New York, in which city he followed his vocation until I869. In the spring of the latter year he established himself in the furrier business in Detroit, Mich., and there remained with fair success until he removed in 1874 to Grand Rapids, where he again began working at his trade. He was thus occupied until I88I, doing a prosperous business during that time, but in the latter year opened a restaurant on Pearl street, known as the Chicago Exchange, a venture which proved satisfactory in a financial sense. Subsequently Mr. Huber moved his business to the corner of Lyon and Kent streets, where he soon had a liberal patronage. He conducted the restaurant very profitably until 1889, in May of which year he purchased a tract of land at Reed's Lake, a short distance east of Grand Rapids, and erected thereon the large pavilion which he has since occupied. This structure stands in the midst of a beautiful grove, and is one of the most attractive features of this most popular of all Grand Rapids' summer resorts. Mr. Huber is a gentleman of scholarly tastes and has given much time to the study of ancient and modern ornaments and implements of war among all nations of the world. Thirty years ago he began collecting, not only arms but ancient relics and curiosities of historic and general scientific value, and his large collection, which is always open to the inspection of the public, represents an expenditure of several thousand dollars in money and extensive travel throughout the United States and parts of Europe. In I895 he spent several months in the old world, and while there secured some very rare and valuable additions to his collection. The collection is the largest owned by any individual in the city, and one of the largest in the state, and Mr. Huber certainly deserves great credit for getting together so many rare and interesting articles in this wide field of research. Mr. Huber spent several years in the military service of his native country, and during I86o and I86I was a drillmaster in the German army. Shortly after reaching the United States he accepted the position of instructor in gymnasiums in Boston, Detroit and Grand Rapids, and also taught military tactics and general athletics in those and other institutions of similar character in Michigan and elsewhere. Mr. Huber was married in Grand Rapids, December 29, I885, to Miss Clara. Martini. They have an interesting family of four children, as follows: Elsie, aged fourteen; Henry, aged twelve; Fritz, ten years old, and Clara, who has reached the age of eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Huber are popular with the large number of people who daily resort to AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 235 the lake for recreation and rest, and, as already stated, have done their part in making the place attractive. They have many friends in the city and have mastered the art of enter-,tainment to a very satisfactory degree..B HOMAS S. HUDSON, D. D. S., with rooms Nos. 72 and 73, in "The Gilbert," Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, was born April 19, I867, and is a son of Asa and Nancy (Hendershott) Hudson, also natives of Cleveland and the parents of eleven children, viz: Kallon, Herbert, Robert Anderson, Vila, Thomas S., Clarence, Howard, Chauncey,.Delphia, Gertrude and Florence, all of whom have reached maturity, and with the exception of subject, reside in Cleveland. Of the sons, Herbert and Howard are also dentists; 'Chauncey and Robert are physicians, and of the daughters one is married. The Hudson family is of English origin.and was established in New England prior to the Revolutionary war, in which Elias Hudson, great-grandfather of the doctor, served gallantly as a colonel of New England troops; the grandfather of the doctor served in the war of I812, and the father in the war for the sup-!pression of the Rebellion. Asa Hudson, father of the doctor, was in his earlier years a contractor and builder, but 'is now living in retirement with his wife on a farm near Cleveland. At the opening of the,Civil war he enlisted at Grand Rapids, Mich., 'in the First regiment, Michigan engineers and mechanics, served faithfully until the close, and was honorably discharged with the rank of first sergeant, after which he returned to Ihis old home at Cleveland. Dr. Thomas S. Hudson was preliminarily educated in the public schools of his native city, and later graduated from the high school at Chardon, Ohio. He received his professional education under the tutorship of several practical dentists of eminence and at a dental college. In I891 he came to Grand Rapids, where he has risen to distinction in his profession and has been favored with a lucrative patronage up to the present time. Dr. Hudson was united in marriage at Chardon, Ohio, in I886, with Miss Sallie Hastings, a native of Chardon, where she was educated, and a daughter of Edwin Hastings, a merchant, but now deceased. To the doctor and wife have been born four children-Burleigh, Kenneth, Clare and Amy —ranging from two to eleven years of age. The doctor and his family affiliate with the Church of Christ, and fraternally the doctor is a member of several insurance societies. In politics he is independent, but is of republican proclivities, and individually he is held in the highest esteem by his fellow-professionals as well as by society at large. OHANNES HOOGERHYDE, the xwellknown wood and coal dealer, with his residence and office at No. 373 Turner street, Grand Rapids, was born in Holland, May I, 1842. His parents were not at all wealthy, and the only schooling he received was one winter's term when a small boy. He was reared mainly to farm work, and when twenty years of age came to the United States with his parents, who are now deceased. On arriving in America the Hoogerhyde family came directly to Michigan, and here the subject found employment on a farmabout the only labor with which he was at all 286 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS acquainted. Six or seven months later he secured a place in a planing-mill, made himself very useful and retained the position seven and a half years. He was next employed in a lumber yard for ten years, then went back to the mill, but in the meantime worked for awhile in a furniture factory-all this time learning something of men and business ways. About eight years ago, Mr. Hoogerhyde started for himself in the wood business, soon afterward adding coal to his stock in trade. He has built up a good traffic, has done his own hauling and delivering, and has been a very busy man, but the result has been very gratifying. On June 14, 1867, he married Miss Delia Ball, a native of Holland, and to this union has been born twelve children, viz: Jennie, wife of Cornelius Gondzwaard, of Grand Rapids, and the mother of three children-Krenie, John and Nellie; Cornelia, deceased; David, in Grand Rapids; Cornelia, deceased; Martin and Cornelius, in Grand Rapids; Cornelia, deceased; John, Cornelia and James, deceased; James and Maria. In politics Mr. Hoogerhyde is a republican, and his religious tendencies are toward the Holland Reformed church, which he attends, but of which, however, he is not a member. IMEON HUNT, late register of deeds and abstracter of titles at Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Vermont July 7, 1821, a son of Ormond and Adelia (Noyes) Hunt, who were pioneers of Michigan, having come to the state in I836, and for two years having resided in Kalamazoo. The father was a farmer, and leaving Kalamazoo bought land in Lowell township, Kent county, and in the adjoining county of Ionia, and aided in clearing up the country and in pioneer farming the remainder of his life. Simeon Hunt was reared on his parents' farm, but his opportunities for a school education were somewhat limited at that early day yet he was able to attend, for a short time, a common school across the line in Ionia county, and being a close observer and a diligent reader, he qualified himself for teaching, and in the fall of 1844 taught school one term at: Grand Rapids. He then returned to the farm,. which he assisted in cultivating the ten years following and then went to Lowell, where he engaged in general merchadizing until I872, when he was elected register of deeds and removed to Grand Rapids. He was re-elected to the office at the close of his first term, and while filling this position formulated a set of abstracts books, and later engaged in the abstract and insurance business, under the firm name of Hunt & Davis. This was for a time the only set of abstract books in the county and was the source of a considerable income. At the death of Mr. Hunt, which took place December 4, I 889, the abstract branch of the business was disposed of to one of the clerks, and the insurance branch to another. Mr. Hunt was married in Michigan to Miss Ruby Train, a daughter of Sylvester and Lucinda (Willard) Train, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of Vermont, but who came as pioneers to Michigan in 1840. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Hunt was graced with three children, viz: Agnes, John F., and' Louis E.-all now deceased. Louis E. was in business with his father, but died November 3, I889, leaving a widow and one child-Anna Isabel-who now make their home with Mrs. Ruby Hunt, at her pleasant dwelling on Paris avenue. In politics Simeon Hunt was a life-long republican, and as a rule was active in every campaign in his support of his party. He was, AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 237 a member of the board of supervisors when he came from Lowell to Grand Rapids in 1872, but though active in local politics in this city never sought further public office. He was patriotic, genial and strictly honorable, and passed away respected by all who knew him. His widow, a most estimable lady, is now passing her declining years in the house purchased by her deceased husband in the spring of 1874 on Paris avenue, and is greatly honored by the entire community of Grand Rapids, with whom she has passed a quarter of a century. RANCIS WV. HUNTER, an accomplished lawyer and the private secretary of Mayor Perry, of Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in the city of New York June 3, 1858, the only child of John H. and Jenny (DeVere) Hunter. John H. Hunter was also born in New York city and was of English-Scotch descent. He was a man of means, and married Miss DeVere in his native city. He was a member of the famous Seventh regiment, N. Y. N. G. -the crack regiment of the city and composed entirely of gentlemen in the higher walks of life. Miss Jenny DeVere, also a native of New York, traced her descent to France farther back than the days of the Huguenots,and is now a resident of Bridgeport, Conn., being the wife of William A. Day, of that city. Francis WX. Hunter attended the public schools of New York until fourteen years of age, then passed two years in the Peekskill (N. Y.) Military academy; he next passed three -ears at Cornell university, and then one year in the Agricultural college at Lansing, Mich., from which he was graduated with the of Lansing in 1878. He at once began practice in that city, and at the same time acted as private secretary to Judge Cooley until 1880, when he went to Pratt county, Kans., passed one summer, and then returned to Michigan and engaged in the lumber trade at Cedar Springs, Kent county. In consequence of a disastrous conflagration, Mr. Hunter abandoned this business in I888 and came to Grand Rapids, where he has since been engaged most successfully in -the practice of the law. From 1892 until I896 he was assistant prosecuting attorney under Alfred \Volcott,/ and since then has practiced alone. October 10, 1898, Mr. Hunter was appointed private secretary to Mayor Perry. The office was created this year, and, consequently, Mr. Hunter is the first incumbent. The marriage of Mr. Hunter took place in Lansing, Mich., January 20, 1879, to Miss Emma A. Johnson, a native of that city and a daughter of William and Lucy A. (Nichols) Johnson, of a very old and respectable family of pioneers. One child, Fay, has come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hunter, and she is now a bright little miss of fourteen years. Mr. Hunter is a member of New York lodge, F. & A. M., of New York city, and as a Knight of Pythias is P. C. of Eureka lodge, No. 2, at Grand Rapids. The family are great favorites in social circles and are universally respected. RED B. HUNTER, the gentleman whose brief biography is herewith presented, has been a resident of the city of Grand Rapids for more than twenty years, and has become widely and favor t degree of B. A., and was admitted to the bar ably known throughout the city and county by 288 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS reason of his personal contact with so many people in the discharge of his official duties. Mr. Hunter comes from the historical old city of Norfolk, Va., where his birth occurred on the Itth day of November, I868. His father, who had been a member of the Eleventh Pennsylvania cavalry throughout the war of the Rebellion, had, at the close of the war, brought his family south, and had been assigned to duty at the Portsmouth navy yard, where he remained for several years, until failing health brought him back north to Illinois, where his death occurred in I878. The mother, whose maiden nane was Kate Randall, resides with her son in this city. Fred B. Hunter received his educational training in the schools of Grand Rapids, of which city he became a resident in I878. He fitted himself for a commercial career by completing a full course in a business college, and after receiving a certificate of graduation, accepted a clerkship with a mercantile firm, continuing in that capacity for different houses until 1889. In that year he became substitute mail carrier for the Grand Rapids post-office, and within a short time was promoted to a clerical position inside, the duties of which he discharged until made assistant superintendent of the city delivery. By reason of great efficiency displayed in the positions mentioned, Mr. Hunter, in October, I898, was promoted to the superintendencyof city delivery, a place of much responsibility, and he has since attended to the duties connected therewith in a manner creditable to himself and satisfactory to the department. Mr. Hunter's several promotions followed in quick succession and show him thoroughly honest and withal popular with the public, who have ever found him to be a painstaking and courteous official. He was married in this city in August, 1889, to Miss Minnie Smith, who was born on the 31st day of July, I870, in Canada. This union has been blessed by the birth of one child, a son, Leo Hunter. Mr. Hunter for some time has been a member of the Letter Carriers' band of Grand Rapids, an organization of much more than local repute. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Blue lodge, No. 34, and chapter No. 7 of this city, beside which he is a member of the Royal Arcanum. A republican in his political affiliations and having the courage of his convictions in all questions of public moment, he is not a partisan or aspirant for official honors. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Hunter is at No. 8i8 Garden street, and there he meets his many friends and associates with a hospitality liberal in its dispensation and genuine in all the term implies. UDGE HARRY DIMICK JEWELL, Grand Rapids, Mich. Among the members of the Kent county bar who have achieved more than local repute is the gentleman for whom this sketch is prepared. Judge Jewell is a native of Illinois and a son of Oliver P. and Hannah (Dimick) Jewell. Oliver P. Jewell was a descendant of an old Connecticut family, and the ancestry is traceable in a direct line to the first settlers of Massachusetts, who came over in the Mayflower in 1620. He was a farmer in early life. Later he became editor of the Seneca County Sentinel, published at Ovid, N. Y., which he conducted during the early part of the war of the Rebellion. After removing to the state of Michigan he was for some time employed on the Grand Rapids Eagle, and was also connected at various times with several of the leading papers of Chicago. Upon coming to this state Oliver P. Jewell '44 77777M............................................ AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 241.... located on a farm near Cedar Springs, Kent county, where he resided until within a few years of his death. His latter years were devoted to journalism, ill health occasioned by the breaking of a limb having rendered more active life impossible. His death occurred on the 20th day of April, I898. His widow still makes her home in Grand Rapids. Oliver P. and Hannah Jewell were the parents of two children-Marshall H., editor of the Bismarck (N. D.) Daily Tribune and state printer of North Dakota, and Harry D., the subject of this sketch. By a previous marriage with Mary C. Strong, Mr. Jewell had one child, named Charles E. Jewell, a manufacturer in Auburn, N. Y. In many respects Mr. Jewell was more than an ordinary man. He acquired a thorough education, and was a man of unusual energy and perseverance. His natural ability was quickly recognized and appreciated wherever he displayed his talent. It is a fact worthy of note that he was one of the founders of the first typographical union in New York city. He was supervisor of the township of Solon, Kent county, Mich., for a time, and otherwise bore an active part in the material,advancement of the community. Harry Dimick Jewell was born in Wheaton, Ill., March 5, I869. He received his primary education in Cedar Springs, where he pursued his studies until his seventeenth year, grad-,uating from the high school of that town. His vacations and other spare time he spent upon the farm which, on account of his father's ill-health, he was obliged to assist in the management of at an early age. During the succeeding three years he read law in the office of D. C. Lyle, of Cedar Springs. In 1889 he entered the university of Michigan, from which,he. was graduated with the degree of LL. B.;in I891. He also took a post-graduate course.and received the degree of LL. M. in 1892. During the last two years in the university he was assistant law librarian, and was also for one year assistant to the Marshall Professor of Law, appointed as such by the board of regents of the university. It will thus be seen that he laid broad and deep a solid literary and professional foundation. He began the practice of his profession in partnership with Judge Reuben Hatch, of Grand Rapids-a firm which continued until January, 1893. In that year Mr. Jewell was appointed register of probate for Kent county, discharging the duties of that position until elected to the higher and more responsible office of judge of probate, in I896. He entered upon the fulfillment of the duties of the latter office January I, 1897, and his career as judge has been creditable to himself and highly satisfactory to the public in general. His admission to the bar of the Michigan supreme court dates from June, 1891, and he was admitted to practice before the United States supreme court in October, 1894. Judge Jewell was one of the founders and first editors of the U. of M. Daily, the first college daily published in the west. He was also for several years editor of the Michigan Law Journal, and as such displayed much ability as a writer. lie has also been a contributor to the American and English Encyclopedia of Law, and to various journals and other periodicals, professional and literary. He was one of the organizers of the American Republican College league, and also assisted in founding the Young Men's Republican club of Grand Rapids, of which he served as president three consecutive terms. As a lawyer Judge Jewell, from the beginning of his professional career, has exhibited a high order of talent, especially in that he has aimed to acquire a critical knowledge of the law, coupled with the ability to present and successfully maintain the soundness of his opinions. As judge, he has been able and impar 242 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS tial, and those having business to transact in his office have ever found him a courteous and high-minded gentleman. Since his elevation to the bench he has become an active member of the Michigan Probate Judges' association. Of that body he is secretary of the committee to draft a code of rules to provide for uniform practice in the probate courts of the state, and made the original draft of the rules finally adopted by the supreme court. Judge Jewell is a thirty-second degree Mason, holds the office of past chancellor in the Pythian fraternity, and also belongs to the Woodmen, the Maccabees and the Knights of Honor. He is president of the Fountain Bath Brush company, and is otherwise identified with public and private enterprises having for their object the promotion of the general welfare of the people. Judge Jewell was united in marriage at Churdan, Iowa, August 8, 1894, to Miss Euphemia Smith, daughter of the Rev. J. Malcom Smith, of that city. l OHNSON Z. HUSBAND, D. D. S., located in the Porter block, Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of Toronto, Canada, was born April 24, I858, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Aiken) Husband. George Husband is a native of Ireland, was reared a saddler, and in that country married Miss Aiken, a native of England, to which marriage have been born nine children, viz: Levi, Hugh, George, Robert, Johnson Z. (subject), Walter, Ellen, Mary and Susie. These names, however, are not classed in the order of birth, as Dr. Johnson Z. is next in age to the youngest, and of the nine three are deceased, viz: Levi, who was a bookkeeper by profession and died in Michigan at the age of forty-eight years; George died at the age of twenty-one years in Canada, and Walter, quite recently, at the age of thirty-eight years, in Buffalo, N. Y., where he had been employed as a clerk. The parents now reside in Hagersville, Canada. Johnson Z. Husband received his elementary education at Vienna, Canada, and there graduated from the high school. His professional education was acquired at the Philadelphia Dental college, where he completed a three-year course of study in I88I. He began practice in Wisconsin, but, health failing him, he returned to Philadelphia, where he passed three years, and then returned to his parental home in Toronto, and for three years or so was engaged in the commission business. He then came to Michigan, and for about eight years engaged in the active practice of his profession at White Cloud, but while there lost his office furniture, library, books of account and household goods by a conflagration. In I895 he came to Grand Rapids and again commenced at the bottom of the ladder, establishing his present office, and succeeded in building up a very satisfactory practice. The marriage of Dr. Husband took place in Hamilton, Ontario, September 5, I884, to to Miss Lida A. Harris, who was born near Hamilton. Three children came to crown this marriage-Winifred, Russell and Marguerite-but the son was called away at the age of eighteen months. Dr. Husband is a member of the Modern \T7oodmen of America, and he and wife are members of the Park Congregational church congregation, in the esteem of which they hold an exalted position, as in that of the general public. In politics the doctor is a republican, though he is not at all aggressively partisan. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 248 ROF. JOHN R. HUNZICKER, A. M., principal of the North lonia street school at Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in WVatertown, Jefferson county, Wis., February 6, I867, the second of the family of five children born to John and Katherine (Vingar) Hunzicker, natives of Pennsylvania. John Hunzicker was born in Reading, was there married in 1852, and with his wife emigrated to Watertown, Wis., where he was engaged in contracting until 1892, when he removed to Detroit, Mich., where he and wife still reside. The remaining four children, beside the professor, born to this venerated couple, were named, in order of birth, William, who has passed away; Mary, wile of Charles Asam, of Detroit; Lizzie, still with her parents, and Walter, a rattan worker, also living in Detroit. Prof. John R. Hunzicker was educated primarily in the public schools of Watertown, Wis., and then attended Wartburg college, at \averly, Iowa, for the purpose of perfecting himself in the German language, of the teaching of which he has since made a specialty. After graduating from Wartburg college, Prof. Hunzicker taught, at Detroit, a German-American school founded by himself and Prof. P. H. Haber, but at the expiration of two years' time this school, from lack of proper financial support, was transferred to the church of the Holy Cross. Prof. Hunzicker then went to Saginaw, Mich., as principal of the Fifteenth ward school, of which he had charge for eleven years, and then, in September, I898, came to Grand Rapids to assume the duties of his present very responsible position. The marriage of Prof. Hunzicker was solemnized in Detroit, April 7, I889, with Miss Anna Virgin, who was born in Port Huron, Mich., a daughter of John Virgin, a wellknown contractor and builder, and this marriage has been blessed with three children, viz: Alfred, now (December, I899) aged eight years; Leah, aged five years, and Dorothy, still an infant. Fraternally, Prof. Hunzicker is a member of Joppa chapter, No. 63, F. & A. M., at Saginaw, Mich. He is recognized as an educator of extraordinary merit, and he has the satisfaction of knowing that, since 'the age of seven years, when he was placed at school among entire strangers, he has paid his way for his education, even through college, without any extraneous pecuniary assistance. He and wife enjoy the esteem of the best circles in Grand Rapids, and well deserve it. EFFERSON D. JACKSON, D. D. S.,. of Grand Rapids, is a native of Shiawassee county, was born on the 28th day of May, 1862, and is a son of Richard and Jane E. (Rowe) Jackson, who were respectively born in the states of New York and Connecticut, and were married in Michigan in I849. Richard Jackson was originally a wagonmaker by trade, and on settling in Michigan became a farmer. He and wife both died in Shiawassee county in the same year-1889 -he on the I2th day of January, at the age of seventy-six years, and she on the 3Ist day of August, aged sixty-seven. They were the parents of seven children,viz: Sarah, wife of Jeferson Kent, a farmer near Bancroft; Mrs. Alice Beardsley, of Bennington; Alfred, a. farmer; Hattie, wife of William Cook, near Owosso, all in Shiawsasee county; Dr. E. R., a dentist of Grand Rapids; Louise, living with her sister, Mrs. Cook, and Dr. Jefferson D., the subject of this sketch. Jefferson D. Jackson was educated at the 244 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Fremont high school and was reared a farmer. He began the study of dentistry with his;brother, Dr. E. R., and commenced practice in I879, was registered in I882, and after practicing four years at Bancroft, in his native county, went to Lansing, where he followed his profession one year, and then came to Grand Rapids, but after remaining here two weeks only, was recalled to Bancroft, owing to his father's illness, and there remained in practice again for three years, meeting with abundant success. In I890, the doctor settled in Grand Rapids permanently, and worked for his brother one year, but was then taken ill and temporarily returned to his Shiawassee home, where.he remained from April until August. On coming back to Grand Rapids he opened his,present neat dental parlors in the Widdicum.block, and has here, since then, been favored with an unvarying prosperity in the practice of.his profession, in which he stands admittedly -in the foremost rank. Dr. Jackson was united in marriage, at,Grand Rapids, September 25, 1892, with Dora Adell Young, a native of Grand Junction, Mich., and a daughter of William Young, and this union has been crowned by the birth of one daughter, Mildred Beatrice, who was born January 27, 1896. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson stand quite high in the social circles of the city, and well deserve the regard in which they -are universally held. EORGE KINNEY JOHNSON, M. D. — Grand Rapids has had her full share of skillful and honorable physicians, and amongst them no one, perhaps, holds a more secure place than the gentleman whose name opens this paragraph. He is one of the oldest physicians in the western part of Michigan, and may be classed among the pioneer medical men of the state, as he has been in active practice since the early part of the summer of I846, and from the beginning his career has been uninterruptedly successful, but of this success more may be told in a concise narrative of his life, given in the same form and manner as those adopted thoughout this work. George Kinney Johnson, M. D., was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., January 17, 1822. He came to Michigan in 1826 with his father, who settled in the township of Brighton, Livingston county. There and in that vicinity the embryo physician spent three or four years, helping his father to make a farm and a home. The country was new and wild, and almost without a settlement, but he regards that experience of pioneer life and of the incidents of early settlement as wholesome. School advantages were scanty or absent, but he read with avidity such books as fell in his way. At eighteen years of age he resolved to secure an education, but the difficulties were great. There were no schools in the vicinity, but at Ann Arbor, twenty-two miles away, an oldfashioned academy, known as the McNiel academy, had its existence. This he attended two or three years, and was at that school when the corner-stone of the Michigan university was laid. During that time, as well as while pursuing professional studies afterward, he eked out his scanty means by teaching school when the exigency demanded. At the age of twenty-one years he entered the office of the late Dr. Ira Bingham, at Brighton, and began the study of medicine. Dr. Bingham was a brusque old bachelor, but was a well instructed and successful practitioner, anId took great pains with and interest in the young men he admitted to his office. In March, 1846, Dr. Johnson received his I// i,- c1 ICI IrI AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 247 I degree in medicine from the Cleveland Medical college (medical department of the Western Reserve university), and in June following he established himself in Pontiac, this state, and began his professional work. Here fortune favored him, and he soon found himself sufficiently occupied. In a few years his practice ranged over large portions of Oakland county; but at length his health broke under excessive labor. In 1852 or 1853 he removed to Detroit and undertook light practice, but his health did not return, and began to look as if it would not. In I856, being unable to do the work of his profession, he came to this city in charge of the interests of the Detroit & Milwaukee railroad, then in course of construction, and in which some of his.friends were largely concerned. In 1857 he spent several months in England, partly in pursuit of health and partly in the interest of the road referred to above. In the spring of I859 he was elected, as a democrat, mayor of Grand Rapids, and served one term, but declined to be again a candidate. In the autumn of I860, having regained sufficient health, he. resumed his profession. In 186i the great war drew him into its vortex. He became surgeon of the First Michigan cavalry and went with it to the field. He served with it during the exciting campaign of Gen. Banks in the valley of the Shenandoah, in the early months of 1862; later in the same season he served as medical director of a brigade of cavalry, commanded by Gen. John Buford, in the very stirring but unfortunate campaign of Gen. Pope. He was at second Bull Run, and had the grief to see his friend Col. Brodhead, the commander of his regiment, yield up his life. In February, I863, congress created a corps of medical inspectors of the army, with increased rank. It consisted of eight inspectors, four of whom were to be taken from the regular service and four from the volunteer service. Dr. Johnson was commissioned as one of the four fromn the latter, was at once assigned to duty with, the army of the Potomac, and was in this service during the campaigns of I863. He was present at the battles of Cfiancellorsville and Gettysburg, as well as at some minor affairs. From the end of I863 to the first of October, I865, he was medical inspector of the Middle military department. As such it was his duty, a responsible and laborious one, to inspect the field and general hospitals of that large department, extending from Philadelphia to New Berne, N. C. In November, I865, after a military service of four years and four months, Dr. Johnson returned to his home in this city, at once resumed his profession, and from that time to the present has been in full and laborious practice. He has been an active member of the various medical societies of the city, has long been and still is a member of the State Medical society, and was president of that society in I879. He has frequently contrib — uted papers and addresses to the proceedings of that society. He is a member of the American Medical association, also of the National association of Railway Surgeons, and is surgeon-in-chief of the Grand Rapids & Indiana R. R., chief surgeon of the Chicago & West Michigan, and the Detroit, Lansing & Northern. By reason of his army service he holds membership in the society of the army of the Potomac and in the order of the Loyal Legion of America. Dr. Johnson was appointed pension examining surgeon of Grand Rapids shortly after the war, and was the only surgeon on that service in this city for several years, until the Grand Rapids board was organized, after which he served as president of the board a number of years. He is also chief of staff and consulting surgeon to Butterworth hospital. 248 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS In I847, Dr. Johnson was united in marriage with Miss Adeline M. Stewart, a native of Ithaca, N. Y., and this marriage has been blessed with two children-George Stewart, president and general manager of the Grand Rapids Consolidated Street Railroad company, and Mary A., widow of George T. Kendall and now residing with her parents. The doctor adhered to the democratic Iparty until 1896, when he declined to support Bryan and free silver and allied himself with the gold democracy. - OHN GEORGE JACKSON, the gentleman to whom these lines are devoted, is the genial and popular proprietor of the fine tonsorial parlor at No. 43 Pearl street, Grand Rapids-an establishment which, in the elegance of its appointments and artistic character of work done, is second to no other of the kind in the city. Mr. Jackson has had a varied life, and unlike the majority,has made every experience redound to his interest. He was born in Ontario, Canada, May 17, I86I, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Davidson) Jackson. The father was a railroad contractor in both Canada and the United States, and a man of good intellect and gener*ous impulses, and financially successful in all his undertakings. He died in August, I86I. His wife survived him many years, dying in I895. They reared a family of four children, whose names are as follows: Hannah, Mary, George and John G., of whom all are living but George. John G. Jackson was brought by his parents to Dansville, Ingham county, Mich., when three months old, and there he lived the greater part of the time until his eighteenth year, attending meanwhile the public schools and working as occasions permitted at the barber's trade. When but twelve years old he began barbering, soon displaying decided ability as an operator, and was trusted with a chair when so small that a box was necessary upon which to stand in order to bring him on a level with the customers. He received the greater part of his practical instruction in the town of Roscommon, Mich., where he first began the trade in 1873, and one year later located at Pinconning, where he remained about nine months. Some time thereafter Mr. Jackson purchased a farm in the county of Otsego. For one year he tried his hand at agricultural pursuits, when he let go of the plow and again resumed barbering, locating at the town' of Gaylord, where he continued for a period of three years, removing at the end of that time to Manchester, where he carried on a shop with much more than ordinary success for two years. Mr. Jackson's next move was to Grand Rapids, where he located in I886. He operated his first parlors in this city until I887, at which time he established himself in his present quarters on Pearl street, where he is now the proprietor of the finest and most convenient parlor in the city. He has spared no pains or expense on his establishment, and employs only the most skilled workmen, nine of whom are constantly employed in order to wait upon the numerous customers who daily visit the place. There is connected with the parlor elegantly appointed bath rooms, seven in number, and the establishment throughout is furnished with the latest and most convenient modern appliances. The success with which Mr. Jackson has met is well deserved, and the extensive patronage of his parlors is a credit not only to the skill displayed in the line of work there done, but to his genial nature and popular standing among the people as well. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 249 I Mr. Jackson is married and has a family of two children, Pearl and Florence. His wife, to whom he was united December 25, I882, was Miss Cordie M. Berch, a native of the town of Brighton, Mich., where her birth occurred on the i5th day of May, I865. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have a beautiful home at No. 365 Broadway, which they own, and are there surrounded by many of the conveniences and luxuries of life. In addition to his home, Mr. Jackson owns other valuable real estate in various parts of the city and state. In addition to his regular calling Mr. Jackson is much interested in the culture of fruits and vegetables, and he has also been identified with the drug trade and several other lines of business since locating in Grand Rapids. He is a member of Valley City lodge, F. & A. M., of Grand Rapids-also belongs to the I. O. 0. F., Royal Arcanum and Maccabees fraternities. In politics he is a republican. BURTON JACQUES, M. D., physiomedico physician, room No. 320 Widdicomb block, Grand Rapids,. is a representative of one of the early pioneer families of Michigan, being the daughter of Lewis F. and Jane C. (Clarke) Burton -the former of whom enjoys the distinction of being the first white male child born in the township (now the city) of Grand Rapids. Lewis F. Burton was born August 4, I834, at a point now on South Division street. (Burton avenue, one of the handsome resident streets of the city, is laid out across the old Burton farm, and was named in honor of his uncle, Barney Burton.) Mr. Burton has passed nearly all his life in this city, but is now residing on a farm in Ada township, with his wife, who was born in Ypsilanti, Mich. The Burton family is of English origin, and the American branch was founded in Vermont by Josiah Burton, great-great-grandfather of the doctor, while the Clarke family is of Holland descent. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Lewis F. Burton were three in number, the eldest of whom was Emily, who was married to Martin Gilbertson, of Grand Rapids, but this lady died here in I890, at the age of twenty-seven years, and the mother of two children. The doctor was the second born, and Arthur, the third born, is a buttermaker at the Ada creamery. Dr. L. Burton Jacques early graduated from the Ionia high school and then spent two years in the U. B. A. Hospital training school in Grand Rapids, where she laid the foundation for her future professional work. She then, in 1887, entered the Indianapolis PhysioMedico college, from which she graduated in I890; she also took a course in surgery at the Bellevue Hospital college in New York city, and in the spring of I890 began active practice in Grand Rapids. In January, 1892, however, she went to Lake Odessa, Mich., and practiced four years, and while there was united in marriage, November 9, 1892, with James Jacques, D. D. S., a native of Canada and a graduate of the Indianapolis Dental college, and at the time of his marriage was following his profession at the Lake. But he was afflicted with consumption, contracted while attending the world's fair at Chicago, and this insidious disease so gained upon him that he was obliged to relinquish his practice at the Lake and return to his Canadian home, where his death took place March 27, I896. The only child borne by the doctor is a bright. little boy, George Burton Jacques, born May I8, 1894. After her husband's death, Dr. Jacques returned to her native city and resumed prac 250 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS tice, and has secured a very satisfactory line of patronage, particularly among women and children. She is a member of the State Physio-Medico association and of the local society of the same designation, is also a member of the Ladies of the Tented Maccabees, of which she has been the examining physician for six years; also of the South End Literary club. She is a lady of refinement, taste, intelligence and conversational talent, with the faculty of securing and retaining friends, and her medical skill has won for her an enviable reputation with the fraternity as well as with the public at large. ON. JULIUS McLAIN JAMISON, who does an extensive general law business at Grand Rapids, Mich., in partnership with R. H. Ferguson, was born in Wooster, Ohio, April 30, I854, a son of Obed E. and Sarah J. (Bonnewitz) Jamison, natives, respectively, of Ohio and Pennsylvania, and now residing in Allen county, Ind., where the father is engaged in farming. They are Protestant Lutheran in religion, and in politics Mr. Jamison is a republican. Julius McL. Jamison is the second in order of birth of the nine children that blessed the union of the above-named parents. He attended public school until eighteen years old, and then studied for two years at the State Normal school in Terre Haute, Ind., and then for four years taught school in Allen county, Ind., and LaSalle county, Ill., and during this period also employed his time in studying law. In I876 he entered the law office of Judge Ninde, under whose tuition he studied until I878, and then entered the law school of the university of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, Mich., from which he graduated in April, I880, with the degree of LL. B. Until November, 1882, he passed his time in traveling through northern Europe, visiting Stockholm, Christiania and St. Petersburg, and had scarcely left the last-named city when an attempt was made to assassinate the czar of Russia by annihilating him with dynamite. Altogether Mr. Jamison has crossed the Atlantic six times. On settling in Grand Rapids, in 1882, Mr. Jamison engaged in the-practice of law, doing an extensive general business. In 1898, he formed a partnership with R. M. Ferguson, which still continues. In politics Mr. Jarison is a republican, and in the fall of I894 was elected by his party to the state senate, which office he filled with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. July 27, I898, Mr. Jamison wedded Miss Mary I. Lukens, a native ot Pennsylvania. She was born in June, 1864, and the happy couple now make their home at No. 318 Madison avenue, Grand Rapids, Mich., where their many friends always receive a hospitable welcome. Mr. Jamison is a Knight of Pythias, and the social standing of himself and wife is with the best people of the city and county. Professionally, Mr. Jamison stands among the leaders at the bar and enjoys equally the respect of the bench and that of his fellowpractitioners. As a lawyer he is a close student, and is thoroughly grounded in the science and philosophy of the law. LAUDE W. JOHNSON, D. D. S., of No. 10 Canal street, Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Mount Carmel, Pa., August 7, I874, and is a son of Lloyd W. and Susan C. (Miller) Johnson, natives of the same place. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 251. Lloyd W. Johnson was engaged in mercantile pursuits nearly all his life, but nevertheless found the time to fight in defense of his native Union in the Civil war, in which he received such injuries as eventually led to his death, which occurred April 14, I892. His widow is still a resident of Mount Carmel. Their children, seven in number, are Claude W., S. Howard, L. Wellington, Frederick R., Nellie E., Mabel and Margaret M., all at home with the exception of the subject of this sketch. The mother still carries on the mercantile business left by her husband, in which she is assisted by her sons,.although Howard has been a school-teacher for the past five years. Claude W. Johnson received a thorough education in the English branches at the Mount Carmel high school, after graduating from which he assisted in his father's store for a year or two, and then took up the study of dentistry under Dr. H. S. Hollenback. After due preparation under this preceptor, he entered the Pennsylvania college of Dental Surgery at Philadelphia and completed a three years' course of study in I898. After passing a few months at home, he came to Grand Rapids in November, 1898, was associated with Dr. H. P. Snyder a short time, and then opened his present office, at the address given above, this being conveniently and pleasantly situated in a central location, and his patronage has been as great as could be reasonably expected. His skill has been promptly and favorably recognized by the public, and he has already secured a prominent place among the successful dentists of the Valley city. Dr. Johnson is a member of the C. N. Pierce Dental society of Philadelphia, also of Washington camp, No. 35, P. 0. S. of A., at Mount Carmel. He is likewise a member of the Division street Methodist Episcopal church of Grand Rapids and of the Young Men's 13 Christian association, in which he is an active worker, as well as in the church and Sundayschool. He is an affable and pleasant young gentleman and has made many warm friends since he has taken up his residence in the Valley city, where his professional success is already assured. In politics he is a republican. ILLIAM AUGUSTUS JOHNSON. - The gentleman for whom this biography is prepared is one of the many sturdy sons of New England who have contributed so liberally to the moral and material well being of the great northwest. He was born in the town of Ashby, Mass., December 20, I859, the son of Augustus W. and Gebrgianna Johnson, both natives of the same state. The elder Johnson was a farmer and died at the place of his birth at the early age of twenty-four years. His wife, whose family name was Page, subsequently married Henry S. Wright, an accomplished musician of Massachusetts, by whom she had one son, Ed. Wright, who at this time is one of the most distinguished musicians of Boston. She died at the age of forty-six from the effects of injuries received in a runaway. The early life of the subject was spent on the old Johnson homestead, Ashby, Mass., where for many years his ancestors had resided, and after the death of his father, which occurred when William was but six months old, he was taken by his paternal grandparents, with whom he remained until the age of seventeen years. He then found employment in a hotel in his native town,and after two years thus spent began working in a chair factory in the same place, continuing the latter for a period of three years. Severing his connection with. 252 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS the factory, Mr. Johnson, in company with three young companions of Ashby, started for Los Angeles, Cal., and on the journey thither reached Grand Rapids, Mich. Being pleased with the city he concluded to discontinue further his western trip, and within a short time he became salesman in a second-hand store, filling the position about two years. He then entered the employ of Messrs. Berkey & Gay, manufacturers of furniture, with whom he continued for about seven years, and spent a like period in the same line of work with Nelson & Matter, among the leading manufacturers of the city. In the month of August, I893, Mr. Johnson established his present business, storing, mnoving, packing, shipping and expressing furniture, and since that time has built up a large and lucrative business. He runs two large moving-vans, gives employment to three assistants and has ample facilities for all kinds of work in his line. His storage and warerooms, located at No. 46 Bridge street, are large and commodious and are usually utilized to their utmost capacity. Mr. Johnson was married in Grand Rapids on the 30th day of March, I892, to Miss Anna W. Phillips, daughter of John W. and Anna M. (Schermerhorn) Phillips, who were among the pioneer settlers of Kent county, moving from Canada many years ago, and settling in what is now the township of Walker. John V. and Anna M. Phillips had five children, two sons and three daughters, Mrs. Johnson being the youngest of the family. The others are Ella E., wife of John J. Deem; Charles H., dealer in spices, etc., in Grand Rapids, and a member of the city council from the Seventh ward; Etta F., wife of D. P. Aldrich, engineer on the Chicago & Alton R. R., with home in this city; and Lewis C., an employee on the Chicago & West Michigan R. R. The father of these children, a native -of Canada, died on the 24th day of June, 1887, at the age of sixty-seven years. The mother, who was born in the state of New Jersey, is still living on the old homestead established by her husband in the early days of the county. Mr. Johnson is a man of progressive ideas, takes an active interest not only in his business, which -has proved very successful, but also in all matters pertaining to the advancement of the city's industrial growth. In politics he is a stanch republican, and fraternally a member of the Masonic, Elks and Maccabees orders; while not visibly identified with any church or religious organization, Mr. Johnson is nevertheless a believer in religion and exemplifies in his life its great fundamental and underlying principles. UGENE WILSON JONES, of the firm of Houseman & Jones Clothing Co., the fashionable tailors and dealers in clothing and gent's furnishings, on Monroe street, Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in this city August II, I856, and is the fourth child born to Wilson and Elizabeth (McGraw) Jones, who were among the earliest settlers of the Valley city. Wilson Jones and his wife were both born in New York, but their marriage took place in Chicago, Ill., whence they came to Grand Rapids in 1843, and here Mr. Jones engaged at his trade as carpenter and joiner, at which he was expert, working first as journeyman and conducting business later on his own account, until I887, when he retired from active labor and is now living in ease and comfort at No. I04 Washington street. To his marriage with Elizabeth McGraw were born five children beside the subject, viz: Helen E., residing with her father; William H., vice-presi f AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 253 dent of the William A. Berkey Furniture company, Grand Rapids; Charles W'., with the Widdicomb Furniture company; Elizabeth, at home with her father, and Mary F., deceased. The beloved mother of these children, a most estimable lady, was called away May 4, I898, in the faith of the Presbyterian church, of which Mr. Jones is also a member. In politics, Mr. Jones formerly was a most active worker in the ranks of the republican party, with which he was very popular, and under its auspices served as deputy sheriff and city marshal, -but on retiring from business he naturally withdrew from active participation in political work also. Eugene Wilson Jones attended the public schools of Grand Rapids until fourteen years of age and then was employed for a year in a furniture factory; he next entered the clothing store of E. M. Kendall as errand boy, and, being quick of apprehension and quite observant of things in general, was soon promoted to the position of general clerk, then to that of salesman, and during the seven years he remained in this establishment became thoroughly acquainted with the business in all its details. His next position was with Houseman & May, as salesman, and he filled this situation in so satisfactory a manner that, in 1882, he was admitted into partnership, and the firm became Houseman, May & Co., and this firm-style was continued until I886, when the death of Mr. May took place and the firmname was changed to Houseman, Donnally & Jones, which continued until January I, 1895, when the concern now known as the Houseman & Jones Clothing company came into existence — the leading house in its line in the state of Michigan. This firm employ IOO people in their departments at the corner of Monroe and Market streets, carry a stock valued at $Ioo,ooo, and beside its merchant tailoring, men's and children's clothing and gent's furnishing trade, wholesale and retail, they make a specialty of manufacturing uniforms on a large scale. Eugene W. Jones was united in marriage at Marietta, 0., May 27, I896, with Miss Effie Green, a native of Fremont, Mich., and now has his happy home at No. 237 South Union street, Grand Rapids, where they are surrounded by a circle of warm-hearted friends, to whom they extend a general and generous hospitalty. Fraternally, Mr. Jones is a Knight of Pythias; in I898 he was elected exalted ruler of B. P. 0. E. lodge, No. 48, having been an esteemed leading knight the previous two years, and in I899 was elected by the grand lodge, at St. Louis, Mo., grand tyler of the grand lodge, for the years 1899 and 1900. He has, beside, been a member of the state militia for eleven years, has served as second and first lieutenant of company B, Second regiment, Michigan N. G., was four years on the staff of Gen. I. C. Smith, brigade commander, as captain and aid-de-camp, and one year, in the same capacity, with Gen. Eugene Robinson. Mr. Jones is also a member of the Lakeside club and of the board of trade; he is a director in the Michigan State Agriculture society and a member of the business committee. He filled the important position of chairman of the executive committee and treasurer of the Grand Rapids carnivals of I897 and I898, and led both to a financial success. In fact he has'been active and useful.in all movements that have tended to increase the general prosperity of Grand Rapids, and that he has been competent to do so is evidenced by the fact that he has raised himself from a mere errand boy to a membership in the largest manufacturing concern in its line in the state of Michigan. He has ever been a gentleman in his deportment, is affable and polite to the poor as well as the rich, and 254 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS well deserves the high position he has attained in the esteem of his fellow-citizens. He is fully posted in the manual at arms, and is a drill master of exceptional ability in infantry tactics. In politics he is a republican, but, although one of the most popular men in Grand Rapids, has never sought public office. OL. GEORGE E. JUDD, a gallant and disabled soldier of the late Civil war and the present commandant of the Michigan State Soldiers' home at Grand Rapids, was born in South Hadley, Mass., March 23, I838, and came to Grand Rapids in October, 1852. He here acquired the greater share of his education, and for two years was engaged with his father in the butcher business as a start in life, but about this time the stern call to war was issued, and April 19, I86i, he enlisted in company A, Third Michigan volunteer infantry, and on the organization of his regiment was elected sergeant of his company. August I, of the same year, for meritorious conduct, he was commissioned second lieutenant, and in a short time afterward was promoted to be first lieutenant. The first battle in which Col. Judd took part was that of Blackburn Ford, and three days later participated in the battle of Bull Run. He also fought at Williamsburg, Va., and later at Fair Oaks, where his brother, who was captain of the company, lost his life, and Lieut. Judd succeeded him in command. Subsequently, while gallantly leading his men, our subject was wounded in the left arm. This wound led to amputation, and this misfortune brought his career at the front to a short but gloricus termination. In recogni tion of his valiant services in this battle he was commissioned captain on June 23 following. After convalescence, and after having received an honorable discharge, Capt. Judd, in I864, was made captain in the.veteran reserve corps, was placed in charge of the Indian prison at Davenport, Iowa, and from I866 to 1870 was employed in the Freedmen's bureau at the south. In 1868, however, he had been commissioned second lieutenant in the regular army, and in May, 1870, was promoted to the rank of captain and placed on the retired list. May I, 1898, he assumed the office of commandant at the Soldiers' home. The marriage of Col. Judd took place September 23, 1859, to Miss Lucinda Leach, of Grand Rapids, and this union has been blessed with one son, George H., who was born April 21, I86r. He has been an active politician since his majority and served as a member of the Michigan state legislature from the Second district, Kent county, from 1889 to 890g, as a member of the republican party, over which he exercises all immense influence in both local and state affairs, and was deputy United States marshal for the western district of Michigan from 1890 to 1894. ON. J. BYRON JUDKINS, ex-judge of the Nineteenth judicial circuit of Michigan, and one of the leading lawyers of the Kent county bar, is well known throughout the state. He is a native of Ohio, born in the county of Mercer, and son of James and Mary A. Judkins. His father, James Judkins, removed from Ohio to Michigan in 187o, and is now living in Mecosta county. He is a veteran of the late Civil war, and was captain of company I, One Hundred AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 2-5 and Fifty-sixth Ohio infantry. The family of James and Mary Judkins consisted of five children, of whom but two are living at this time: Lewis F., a station agent at Fife Lake on the G. R. & I. R. R., and the subject of this.review. Judge Judkins received his elementary training in the common schools of his native county, and later became a student of the high school at Celina, Ohio. He then entered Liber college, Ind., where he pursued his studies two years, after which he came to Michigan, studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1874. Shortly after his admission, he began the practice of his profession at Hersey, Mich., where he remained until I880, during which time he was a member of the law firm of Burch, Beardsley & Judkins. In the latter year he was appointed judge of the Nineteenth judicial circuit, by Gov. Croswell, and served as such until January I, 1894, having been elected and re-elected three times without opposition, all parties supporting him. He voluntarily declined a renomination and camne to Grand Rapids, where he is now engaged in the practice of his profession. Judge Judkins is a lawyer of ability, thoroughly informed in the principles of law, and takes high rank among the leading lawyers of this city and state. As a judge he presided with dignity, was ready at arriving at conclusions, and prompt in announcing them. He was pleasant and affable on the bench, yet firm and decided in his views. During his several terms on the bench the amount of business in his court was exceedingly large, his circuit being one of the most important in the state, and it is a fact worthy of note that but few appeals were ever taken from his decisions, considering the number of cases decided, and he was usually sustained by the supreme court. A smaller percentage of his judgments was reversed by the supreme court than those of any other judge in the state. He decided some of the most important cases ever tried in the circuit courts of the state. Judge Judkins was united in marriage at Cedar Springs, Mich., October 31, 1876, to Miss Anna L. Haskins, who was born in Ada township, county of Kent, Mich. The parents of Mrs. Judkins were Abram and Margaret Haskins; the father was a soldier during the late Rebellion and his remains now lie in the National cemetery at Nashville, Tenn. Mrs. Haskins departed this life in 1893. Judge and Mrs. Judkins have a family of three children: Laverne M., Carolyn A., and Edna C. Judge Judkins is a republican in politics. He is a director of the First National bank at Reed City, and its counsel. In the fall of I898 he was elected regent of the Michigan university at Ann Arbor, but it subsequently transpired that there was no vacancy and he never filled the office. He is thrifty and energetic in business, and a man of affairs. The religious creed of Judge Judkins is represented by the Congregational church, with which he and family are identified, his wife and eldest daughter being members of the Park street church in Grand Rapids. The judge and his family stand high socially, and are respected by all who know them. ACOBUS KEUKELAAR, an undertaker with twenty years of experience, with his office at No. 350 Ottawa street, Grand Rapids, was born in Holland July 17, 1838, received his elementary education in that country, and there grew to manhood. About the year 1867, hav 256 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS ing received favorable accounts from friends in the United States of the opportunities afforded here for a poor man to rise in the world, he embarked, with some misgivings, on board a sailing vessel, and after a passage of forty-seven days landed in New York city, whence he came to Grand Rapids. Here, for a long time, he worked at whatever he could find to do, was very economical, and in course of time was able to buy a horse and wagon, with which he did miscellaneous hauling, peddled wood, etc., and steadily forged ahead. He also worked about the furniture factories considerably, and eventually learned undertaking under Peter McCallum. In due course of time he became able to embark in business for himself, about I878, since when prosperity has followed his undertakings. Mr. Keukelaar, on April 13, 1870, was united in marriage with Miss Tryntje Kimm, also a native of the Netherlands, and this marriage has resulted in the birth of two children, viz: John, now twenty-seven years old, who is in the printing business and who is married to Miss Martha Hendricks, who has borne him one child-Jennie; Henderika, the second child born to Mr. Keukelaar, is now eighteen, is highly accomplished, and is quite proficient in music, the piano being her favorite instrument. The mother of Mrs. Keukelaar died in the old country and her father in the United States about twenty years ago; the mother of Mr. Keukelaar passed away in I862 and his father in I883. Mr. Keukelaar was reared in the faith of the Holland Christian Reformed church, of which he is still an active member and a trustee. He has been very industrious through life, as well as frugal, and has earned for himself a comfortable home, and built up a business that yields him a steady and satisfactory income and places him in a position that commands the respect of his fellow-citizens. ERBERT MAXON KING, M. D., of No. 86 Jefferson avenue, Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of Jefferson county, in the state of New York. He received his preliminary education and was prepared for college at North Adams, Mass., and pursued his literary course of study at Dartmouth college, in New Hampshire, but before passing through the entire curriculum there he began the study of medicine. He then entered the university of the City of New York, from the medical department of which he graduated in I886, and was shortly afterward appointed to the externe service of Bellevue hospital, occupying at the same time a private office for his personal general practice in the city. He was attending physician at St. Chrysostum dispensary, was instructor in diseases of the nose and throat in the New York Post-graduate schopl, and at the same time was clinical assistant in the Manhattan Eye and Ear hospital. In the early part of 1890, owing to ill health, Dr. King was obliged to relinquish his professional labors and spend the summer in the Adirondack mountains. In the fall of I890 he was appointed surgeon in the United States and Brazil mail service, and remained on the ocean, mostly in South American waters, until June, 1892, when he returned to New York city and resigned his commission. He passed the summer in recuperating, and in November of the same year came to Grand Rapids, where he has ever since been engaged in active practice. In 1897 the doctor attended the National Medical congress at Moscow, and the remainder of the year was passed in visits to Paris, Switzerland, England, and other parts of Europe, and on his return to Grand Rapids he resumed his practice. The marriage of Dr. King took place February I, I893, to Miss Lucy Maples Pinchot, 0 AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 257 I — daughter of Hon. Edgar Pinchot, of Pennsylvania, a member of one of the most prominent families of the Keystone state. She was born in New York city, however, was there educated in private schools, and passed much of her early life in European travel. Dr. King was a member of the New York County Medical society when a resident of the Empire state, and is now a member of the Michigan State Medical society, the Grand Rapids Academy of Medicine, the Chicago Pathological society and the American Medical association, to all of which he has contributed many medical papers of great value. He and wife are consistent members of St. Mark's Episcopal church, and the doctor is, beside, a member of and director in St. Andrew's brotherhood..\LACHI KINNEY, elected alderman from the Fourth ward of Grand Rapids in April, 1899, is not a new man in either the city or the council, having come here from the city of Buffalo, N. Y., thirty-two years ago and having twice before been elected a member of the city council of Grand Rapids. Mr. Kinney was born in Ireland July 12, 1841, a son of Malachi and Margaret (Killian) Kinney, and was but six years of age when his parents and their children embarked for America in a sailing vessel carrying 500 passengers. This vessel was thirteen weeks crossing the ocean, and an epidemic-possibly ship fever — having broken out on board, the number of passengers was so depleted that but 240 survived to land, and among those who perished were the father and mother of the subject. Left an orphan at this tender age in a strange land, young Kinney found himself in a sad pre dicament, indeed, but the little hero did not give way to despair. He made his way from the Atlantic coast to the city of Buffalo, N. Y., near which he had an uncle living, and there passed twenty years of his life, in the meantime having an opportunity of attending the village and country school for a limited period. His knowledge, however, was not altogether acquired at school or from text books, but greatly from observation during his years of labor and early business life. At the age of sixteen years, young Kinney began learning the blacksmith trade with a brother, and remained with him until I867, when he came to Grand Rapids. Here he worked hard, saved his earnings, secured him a home and a shop, and continued his industry until November, I898, when he rented his shop and tools and retired from active work as horse-shoer, which was his principal business, although he was quite an expert in iron work generally. On the 12th day of April, I863, Mr. Kinney married, in Buffalo, N. Y., Miss Ellen Welch, who was born in Toronto. Canada, 1845, but who, after a happy wedded life of thirty-one years was called away June I2, 1894, in the faith of the Catholic church, and the mother of eleven children, viz: Mary Catherine, of Alpena, Mich.; Charles, deceased; John, of Chicago, Ill.; William, of Denver, Colo.; Edward, of Montreal, Canada; Hannah, at home; Ethel, deceased; James, Blanche, and Clara and Angeline (twins), all at home, at the family residence, No. iz Clancy street, Grand Rapids. Always a democrat, Mr. Kinney has interested himself greatly in local politics, not so much from a desire for emolument as from a sense of public duty. He was elected alderman from his ward in i890, and was so watchful over the interests of his constituents, that he was re-elected in I892, and again, so well 258 - THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS satisfied were his people with his sound judgment and vigilance, he was called upon to serve once more in 1 899. He has, at various times, held positions as member of the committees on sidewalks, on parks (of which he was chairman), on license, on public lights (of which he was also the chairman), on the fire department, and as chairman of the committee on bridges. Mr. Kinney is a self-made man, as the foregoing record well shows, and no man in Grand Rapids is more deservedly entitled to the high esteem in which he is held from one end of the city to the other. EORGE STEW\ART JOHNSON, one of the distinguished business men of 4~ Grand Rapids, is a native of Michigan and a son of G. K. Johnson, a leading physician of the city, an appropriate mention of whom will be found elsewhere in these pages. He was born in the city of Pontiac, December 8, 1850, and obtained his early education in the schools of Grand Rapids, which was supplemented by attendance at an institution of a higher grade in Philadelphia, Pa., where he made substantial progress in the more advanced branches of learning. Having early manifested decided abilities in the line of mathematics, Mr. Johnson devoted much of his time to the study of the same while attending school in Philadelphia, and in I869 entered upon a thorough course of civil engineering in the university of Michigan, which institution he attended for a period of four years, graduating in the profession in I 873. The most important heritage that came to young Stewart was a sound constitution, as an active mind, a genuine brand of true American grit and an intelligent comprehen sion of the way in which to put these to the best use. While in school his progress was marked, and in both literary and professional courses he distinguished himself far beyond the success usually attained by the ordinary student. After he graduated he at once engaged in the active practice of his profession at Ludington, Mich., where for a period of two years he was employed in laying out streets, establishing a sewage system, superintending the construction of the water-works, and looking after the paving of streets and sidewalks. The work in Ludington was the beginning of the career of Mr. Johnson as a civil engineer, and so satisfactory did it prove that it soon earned him much more than a local reputation as a thorough master of the profession. He next entered the service of the English government, and for about two and a half years assisted in the government survey in the province of Ontario, returning to Michigan at the end of this time and accepting the position of assistant engineer on the G. R. & I. R. R., the duties of which he discharged in a manner highly creditable to himself and satisfactory to the company for the period of five years. During the succeeding ten years he filled the responsible position of chief engineer for the above corporation, his long continuance therein attesting the high esteem in which he was held personally, as well as his superior prefessional qualifications. Mr. Johnson severed his connection with the above road in 1894 to accept the management of the Consolidated Street railway company of Grand Rapids, in which capacity he continued until elected to the presidency of the same two years later. In the management of this company, Mr. Johnson has displayed executive abilities of a very high order, and since assuming control the system has been greatly enlarged and the lines extended to all the parks and resorts contiguous to the "3 rI AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 261 city. The corporation is one of the most extensive business enterprises of Grand Rapids, representing a capital in excess of $1,500,000 and giving employment to 400 men. It owns North park and Reed's lake lines, and plans are now being matured to extend its lines to other and more remote points beyond the confines of the city. The busy life Mr. Johnson has led and his long connection with railroading and other large interests have brought him prominently to the notice of the public as one of the representative men of the city and state. He has always read and studied extensively along the line of his chosen calling, and his thorough knowledge of every detail pertaining thereto, and its practical reduction to the various works over which he has had supervision, have won for him the reputation of being one of the ablest civil engineers of the northwest. It might be well in this connection to state that, prior to his entering the university, Mr. Johnson had two years' practical experience on the construction of the railroad from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, now the Lake Shore, and was also employed for a considerable period on what is now the Chicago & West Michigan, between Muskegon and Big Rapids. From the first his career has been characterized by a series' of continued successes, and being still in the prime of vigorous manhood, his many friends have every reason to predict I for him a long and still more prosperous future. Mr. Johnson was happily united in marriage September 2, 1873, at Grand Rapids, to Miss Anna E. Sinclair, a native of the city, and daughter of Thompson Sinclair, a prominent citizen of the place. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have had two children, George K., and Adaline, the latter deceased. In politics, as in business, Mr. Johnson has ever taken an active interest, but not as a partisan or seeker after honors or emoluments I I I i i i I I iI i I Ii of office in the former. He is a close student of political movements and a firm believer in that wing of the democracy which stood for sound money in the last national contest-in other words, he is a gold democrat. His close connection with vast business interests has not prevented him from mingling with his fellowmen socially, and to-day he is a leading spirit in, and one of the founders of, the Lake Side club, of which he is treasurer, and he also belongs to the Peninsula and Country clubs. Fraternally he is a Mason of high degree, belonging to De Molai commandery and the Mystic Shrine. The Episcopal church represents his religious creed, to which body his wife also belongs. Although engrossed in business and social affairs, Mr. Johnson never carries them into the quiet atmosphere of home. As soon as he leaves his office, by a wonderful power of selfcontrol he shakes 'off all care and business worry and goes happily to a domestic circle, comfortable in all its appointments and restful in its luxury. There, environed by the tenderness of family ties, and surrounded by many evidences of culture and refinement, he welcomes his friends to a generous, hospitable and enjoyable entertainment. — TTO H. KLUGE; the subject of this biographical sketch, is one of the leading musicians of Grand Rapids. He is a German, born in Chemnitz, Saxony, September 2I, I866, and received his educational training in the city of his nativity. When quite young he displayed extraordinary musical talents, and at the early age of twelve years took up the study of the violin, first taking private lessons under competent instructors, I 4 262 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS -- I. I and later entering the Orchestral Music school at Limbach, Saxony, where he remained for a period of four years. After completing the prescribed course in that institution Prof. Kluge became a student in the Conservatory of Music in Leipsic, from which he was graduated after a two-years' course. Among his teachers at that place was the celebrated Prof. Frederick Herman, acknowledged by competent critics everywhere to be one of the most distinguished violinists in the world. He is now teaching in the city of New York. After his graduation Prof. Kluge played first violin in Langenbach's orchestra at BadEms, Germany, and subsequently became a member of Buchner's celebrated orchestra at Leipsic, where he played the same instrument for one year, devoting his leisure, during the period, to close and critical study of the world's great musical masters. Leaving Leipsic, Prof. Kluge accepted the position of concert master and director of Lange's orchestra, Eilenburg, Saxony, and continued there until I894, when he came to the United States, proceeding direct to Grand Rapids, where he at once began instructing a large number of pupils in the violin. To say he has met with flattering success in his profession since locating in the city is putting it very mildly indeed, as his fame as a master had preceded him, and the large number of pupils who have received his instruction have spread his reputation far and wide. In addition to his private classes he is leader of the Concordia orchestra, the largest amateur musical organization in the city, numbering twenty-five members, all of whom are musicians of marked ability. The high standing the professor has attained in the musical world, and the efficiency with which his instructions have been imparted, are attested by the fact that many of his pupils at the present time are holding professional positions in some of the leading musical organizations, several I - being directors of orchestras in Michigan and other states. As a soloist Prof. Kluge has gained much more than a local reputation. He plays the most difficult classical music, and has participated in a number of concerts in this and other cities of the state, and won the applause of critical audiences wherever he has appeared. When the professor came to this country he brought with him several very valuable violins, one an Albani and another bearing the name of Steiner, both of which have been pronounced genuine by the most celebrated violinists in America. Among these may be mentioned Prof. Adolph Resenbecker, director of the Redpath Concert company, and a man whose professional renown is world wide. Prof. Kluge's ancestors for generations were musical people, consequently his high professional standing is partly the result of heredity, but his efficiency is for the most part directly traceable to the long years of close and patient study which he has given to his beloved instrument. His father, Henry Kluge, was a violinist of note in Saxony, but did not follow music as a profession. A brother of the subject, Paul Kluge, is one of the distinguished musicians of Germany, being director at this time of one of the largest orchestras in Sol-bad, Elmen, Saxony. During Prof. Kluge's residence in Grand Rapids he has received several flattering offers to join celebrated concert troupes, but always refused on account of the large classes he had succeeded in organizing in this city. Mr. Silcox, manager of the Camilla Urso Concert company, offered him the position of violin soloist with a liberal salary, and only recently he was tendered the directorship of the City orchestra of Burgstadt, Saxony, a most flattering compliment to his high professional ability, but he saw fit to decline both places. The professor is not only a skillful per AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 268 former, but is known in musical circles as a composer of music, who has met with most favorable reception. Prof. Kluge was united in marriage September 7, I895. to Miss Emma Weller, of Wurtemberg, Germany, a union blessed with the birth of one child-Irma Kluge. ~llllllllll.lllly --- —m ESTON ORSON KNOWLES, M. D., and a gallant ex-officer of the Civil war, was born in Genesee county, N. Y., December 8, 1845, passed his early life on a farm, and was educated in the country schools of his neighborhood. He came to Michigan in I859, and, when the Twenty-seventh Michigan volunteer infantry was organized, enlisted in company D, was commissioned second lieutenant, and soon afterward was promoted on the battle field of Ream's Station, Va., to the rank of first lieutenant, and transferred to the command of company F, of the same regiment. His war record includes a list of thirty-six general engagements, in which he took an active part, beside many skirmishes. He served in the army of the Tennessee,went south under Gen. Burnside, fought at the battle of Bristol, Strawberry Plains, Blue Springs, Knoxville, Vicksburg Jackson, Campbell's Station, siege of Knoxville (November I8 to December 5, 1863), Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Cemetery Hill, Weldon Railroad, Ream's Station, Poplar Grove Church, Hatcher's Run, all in 1864; and during the closing year of the war assisted in digging and changing the famous mine at Petersburg, and also led his company in the attack on the city immediately following. His next engagement was at Fort Mahone; the occupation of Petersburg; and the collapse of the Confederacy at Appomattox. Some of the skirmishes in which Lieut. Knowles took part were very serions, such as those at Jamestown, Ky.; Big Black, Miss.; Huff's Ferry, Tenn.; Pine Woods, Va.; Yellow Tavern, Va., and Peeble's Farm, Va., and thus served from February 26, I862, until July 9, I865, when he was mustered out as. first lieutenant and brevet captain. On returning from the war, Capt. Knowles engaged in farming near Ovid, Clinton county, Mich., where he purchased I6o acres of unimproved land, on which he was engaged for three years in clearing off the heavy timber from thirty acres, doing the work himself, assisted by a yoke of steers. He also built a log house, aided by his neighbors at the raising only. This was dedicated on completion, so to speak, with a large dance, which the entire community of backwoods people heartily joined, as well as in the accompanying feast. Shortly after this, the captain sold his farm and located in Ovid, where he was engaged in the commission business three or four years. In 1871 he went to Saginaw, Mich., entered upon the study of medicine, and practiced there until I88o, when he came to Grand Rapids, and here has successfully been engaged in active practice ever since, making a specialty of treating nervous disorders by magnetism, and also enjoying an extensive general practice. The doctor has a pleasant cottage home at No. 247 Coade avenue, formerly known as East Grove street, and here entertains a large circle of warm friends at seasonable hours. Dr. Knowles first married in I865, at Ovid, Mich., Miss Jennette Burt, who was born in Ingham county, Mich., and was his sweetheart during his army days. This lady died in Grand Rapids in I883, leaving three children, viz: Loyal D.,Jennieand Jessie (twins); of these Loyal D. is contracting freight agent C 264 - THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS for the Missouri Pacific Railroad company, with headquarters at No. iii Adams street, Chicago; he married Miss Myrtle Smith, a telegraph operator for the Western Union Telegraph company, also of Chicago. Jennie is the wife of Henry Covert, a farmer of Lake View, Mich., and Jessie is Mrs. Archie West of the same place, her husband also being a farmer. The second marriage of Mr. Knowles was in 1885, with Mrs. Mary Dixon, a native of Port Hope, Canada, and whose maiden name was Spry, but to this marriage no children have been born. The parents of Dr. Knowles were Benjamin G. and Alice M. (Philleo) Knowles, the former of whom was a native of Vermont and the latter of Genesee county, N. Y., where their marriage took place. The father was a Baptist minister and also a farmer; both parents died in Niagara county, N. Y., the mother in 1869 and the father in 1872. Their family consisted of four sons, viz: Wells R., who resides at No. 144 Hanson street, Buffalo, N. Y.; William Ward, who enlisted in the Thirteenth Michigan infantry and was killed in a skirmish; Weston O. is the subject of this sketch, and the fourth child is Albert Fremont, expressman and drayman, on Main street, Lockport, N. Y. Dr. Knowles is a member of Greenwood lodge, of Good Templars; of Champlin post, No. 29, G. A. R., of the Chosen Friends, and of the Knights of Essenes. Politically he is liberal, but may be. denominated a free-silver republican. He was a candidate for coroner of Kent county in I896, but, his party being in the minority, he did not, of course, expect to be elected. He has been an ardent supporter of the greenback theory, and is an earnest worker and orator during political campaigns. In religion the doctor is a spiritualist, is a decided medium, and devotes his Sundays en tirely to public demonstrations. He is in general demand as a medium before intelligent audiences both in Grand Rapids and elsewhere, and has given some peculiar and convincing proofs of the presence of the spirits of lost loved ones. HE GRAND RAPIDS ENGRAVING COMPANY, which was organized as a joint stock company under its present name March 2I, I891, was in fact established in 1882 by Frank K. Cargill, and is now officered as follows: Frank K. Cargill, president; George T. Cargill, vice-president; Charles C. Cargill, secretary, treasurer and general manager. Frank K. Cargill, president of the Grand Rapids Engraving company, and the eldest of the three Cargill brothers constituting the firm, was born here October I9, I86i, and is a son of Hawley Nathan and Frances (Kraal) Cargill. Hawley Nathan Cargill, the father, was of Scotch descent and came from an old-settled family in America. He was born in Ontario county, state of New York, was left an orphan at the early age of thirteen years, from which time forward he was compelled to battle with the world as best he might. His parents immigrated to this state in I83I, and settled in Plymouth, Wayne county. His only brother, Henry, still living, is a coal merchant in New York. Hawley N. had but slight opportunities for attending school and his education was acquired chiefly through his business contact with the world, although he graduated from the pioneer Commercial college at Detroit about 1852. He was employed in various callings in Detroit, Mich., and Buffalo, N. Y., until I854, when he came to Grand Rapids. f:,~ jl: l:~ U: I I:'::: / \ \~ FRANK K. CARGILL CHAS. C. CARGILL GEO. T. CARGILL GRAND RAPIDS ENGRAVING CO. I~ AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. ~267 He was first employed by Miller & Grinnell in the old Masonic Hall building on Canal street, wholesale and retail grocers. Sometime later he took charge of the up-river steamboat warehouse, but in the second year the D. & M. R. R. being completed, the boats were taken below the city. The steamboat "Porter" was launched over the old dam and down the canal by him under a contract with Daniel and Sidney Ball. He next had the superintendence of the McReynolds & Stewart plaster plant (formerly the John Ball & Courtney mill). Competition becoming strong, a combination was formed, the trade was divided, and one general office established. and Hovey & Chas. H. Taylor were given control in 1859. During the hard times of I86o and I86i, he was employed by C. C. Comstock, who had a large stock of lumber and a bankrupt factory on his hands; fortunately machine-made furniture was being introduced. He and a Mr. Ham and his son, through the solicitation and management of Mr. Cargill, made the first shipment by water to Chicago, of twenty-four bureau-washstands, had them sold by auction, which opened the jobbing trade, and revealed the possibilities in that direction. Finished black walnut and cherry was at the time offered for $6.oo per thousand, but no sale; the market advanced from that time. Mr. Cargill was next employed by Richard E. Butterworth, and from there was engaged by Leitelt Bros., where he had charge of office and finances for about nine years. He was appointed member of the board of health in 1882, and was elected president the first year, and for eight years thereafter served as secretary. His connection with the board was during its pioneer days. The two important events of that time was the outbreak of smallpox, 1882, and the great flood of 1883. The placarding of houses was introduced, compulsory vaccination was enforced, an act for the inspection of animals as well as persons was passed, and provisions were made for pur — chasing the ground, and building the present Contagious Disease hospital. Mr. Cargill is of an ingenious turn of mind,. and invented a plan and machine for building tunnels under rivers, and secured a patent for the same in I876, which was deemed to be most feasible by a committee formed for constructing a tunnel under the Detroit river atthat time; he is a scholarly gentleman, and is. held in high esteem among men of elevated mechanical ability. During his investigations of the problem of tunneling Detroit river, he became aware of the great value of Portland cements, and has assisted materially in its introduction generally; from that time he has been engaged in artificial stone building, and sidewalks, in this city. Mr. Cargill married, in Grand Rapids, in I856, Miss Frances E. H. Kraal, a native of Holland, who came to the United States when but ten years of age, in the vessel with the Lancasters, DuPreas, and others. Her father and grandfather were artists. She has her father's portrait painted by himself., They have seven sons and one daughter living. Frank K. Cargill attended the public schools of Grand Rapids, and when still in his 'teens began learning drawing and engraving with Fuller & Reed, who were proprietors of the only establishment of this kind in the city, and with this firm he remained six years, although the firm's style was changed several times in the meanwhile. In i88, in company with William A. Reed, he engaged in the sanle business, but this partnership lasted one year only, when Mr. Cargill became sole proprietor. Three years later William Averill became his partner, but this partnership was dissolved in I89I by the death of Mr. Averill, and then the present firm came into existence. Mr. Cargill married, at Englishville, Kent "268 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS county, Miss Agnes Cargill, a distant relative and a daughter of David Cargill. This union has been blessed with one child, Yula Frances: Mr. Cargill, with his family, attend the church of Christ; fraternally he is a Knight of Pythias and a member of the Lakeside and the Highland Park Camping club. His residence is at No. 58 Cass avenue, Grand Rapids. Charles C. Cargill was born in Grand Rapids May 5, I863, received his education in the public schools of Grand Rapids. His first introduction to a business career was as timekeeper and general storekeeper in a lumber camp for Fuller & Avery Lumber Co. on the head waters of the Muskegon river. tle next went to the Menominee river, and at Marinette, Wis., where he was bookkeeper in the Boom company's office for two years, and then became head bookkeeper for the Menominee River Lumber company; he afterwards was connected with the Quinnesse Logging company, and moved to Iron Mountain, where the company was building a railroad to do a general logging business. A year after entering its employ, he was given full charge as its superintendent. The company employed from 300 to 400 men, did a very extensive business, and with it he remained until I894. In the year last mentioned, Mr. Cargill came to the Valley City to take charge of the business department and general management of the Grand Rapids Engraving Co. Mr. Cargill was joined in marriage, in Menominee, Mich., April 12, I888, with Miss Ida May Hubbard, who was born in Georgetown, Ottawa county, Mich., September 26, 1863, and is a daughter of George and Martha (Lowing) Hubbard. Her father, George Hubbard, deceased, was a hero of the Civil war, and was advanced for his gallantry and meritorious conduct from the ranks to a captaincy, and was likewise an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cargill have three children, viz: Martha Frances, Charles Rodger and Richard Irving. The family attend.Grace Episcopal church, and have their residence at No. I8 Hollister street. In his societary relations Mr. Cargill is a knight templar Mason, and a member of the Lakeside club. George Thomas Cargill, vice-president of the Grand Rapids Engraving company, was born in this city November 12, I864, the fifth child of the family. He attended the city schools until fourteen years of age, and was then employed in the manufacture of cigar boxes. For the next four years he was employed in the furniture factory, and then apprenticed himself to his brother, Frank, to learn the arts of drawing and wood engraving. In I893 he was admitted to the company as a partner, and upon the organization of the company was elected to his present position of vice-president. George T. Cargill married in Grand Rapids, November 12, I888, Miss Georgiana Leffingwell, who was born in this city, and a daughter of Henry H. Leffingwell, a pioneer of Grand Rapids. Two children bless their home-Florence E. 2nd Irma Marie. The family has its residence at No. 143 Fairbank street, attend the Second Congregational church, and fraternally he is a Knight of Pythias. The Grand Rapids Engraving company does printing, wood engraving, etching on copper and zinc, and copper half-tone process. The work comprizes plain work, fine engravings, show work, and the blue print process plate. Catalogues are furnished completeengraved, printed and bound. Work is done for every state in the Union, from Maine to California, from Texas to the lakes, for Boston, New York, Atlanta, Minneapolis, St. Louis, and all the large cities, and this work is AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 269 I just as fine as any in the world. The work on the Century, Harper's, Scribner's or any other magazines, does not surpass it. RASTUS U. KNAPP, a retired gentleman living at No. 301 Plainfield avenue, Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Oswego county, N. Y., five miles from the city of the same name, February Io, 1820, and is a son of Zadoc and Flavia (McGraw) Knapp, natives, respectively, of New York and Vermont. The Knapp family originated in Germany, but for some reason emigrated to England, where they were ranked with the nobility, as one of the family was endowed with a coat of arms, but whether this distinction was inherited by him from Germany or conferred on him in England is not known. Three brothers of the Knapp family came from England to America many years ago, and here became separated, but old tombstones in New York trace the immediate ancestry of our subject up to the grandfather, whose remains lie interred in Cayuga county, that state. Zadoc Knapp, father of Erastus U., was a tanner, currier and shoemaker, and died at the age of nearly seventy years. Of his children, one is living in New York, past. eighty years of age, Jared is a carpenter at Grand Rapids, Sylvanus is a farmer in Grand Rapids township, and Erastus U., the subject of this biographical sketch, came to Michigan in'1847. Erastus U. Knapp, at the age of twelve years, began to work out by the month and turned in his earnings to his father until about twenty years old, when he worked out one summer on a farm, and retained his wages for his personal use. He next hired a saw-mill that was considerably dilapidated, but repaired the mill and dam, and cleared, the first year that he operated it, $300, or more. He and his brother then bought another saw-mill, but shortly afterward sold it at a profit of $roo. Mr. Knapp then bought forty acres of timber land, which he cleared up and sold, and then worked his father-in-law's land until it was sold. In the spring of 1847 he came to Michigan in company with his brother-in-law, Cornelius Ackerson, who died about I896, and located in Calhoun county. The two were partners in producing one crop, and in June of the same year they purchased farms just northeast of and adjoining Grand Rapids, but each on his individual account. The tracts were all covered with timber at that time, with no roads near by, but the same spring Plainfield avenue was cut through and Mr. Knapp assisted in cutting through Knapp avenue nearly to Grand river. There were but very few settlers in that vicinity at that time, but among the few was Obed H. Foote, who lived just east of the Knapp farm. It was thought in those days that "tame" grass would not thrive, but Mr. Knapp sowed some grass seed that grew to maturity and produced hay far superior to that indigenous to the surrounding marshes. It was thought, also, that fruit trees would not fructify, but Mr. Knapp and his father-in-law packed a lot of trees on their backs, from the south end of the city, planted them and met with splendid success. Mr. Foote, who had lived here for several years, had no faith in fruit culture until he saw apples on Mr. Knapp's trees-and what is Michigan to-day in the way of fruit? Mr. Knapp also had the first peach orchard in Kent county; he also permitted others to set out peaches and cultivate grapes on his land, receiving $ro per acre yearly for the privilege, and those who grew the fruit made a great deal of money during the twenty-one years they had this privilege. Mr. Knapp also 270 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS -- -- induced several families he had known in New York to come and settle about him, thus promoting the prosperity of the township. Mr. Knapp was also about the first to use a mower, became agent for the Buckeye mower and reaper, and eventually erected a warehouse in Grand Rapids and handled a full line of agricultural implements for twenty-eight years. He exhibited the Buckeye mower at all the fairs throughout Kent and Ottawa counties, and in all contests was invariably the winner. He invested in a furniture factory and in bank stock, was a director in the first fair association, and in company with Maj. L. S. Scranton located the old fair grounds on Hall street, and for this service was made a life member. He was a member of the Horticultural society and secured from the State society a premium for having the best peach orchard in the state. He also introduced sheep in the early days, but the uncontrollable raids of voracious dogs caused him to abandon this industry. When the city of Grand Rapids was incorporated, Mr. Knapp's farm was not included within its limits, and when the township was organized he became the first highway commissioner, and assisted in laying out and improving nearly all the roads passing through the township. He served as justice of the peace four years, yet never issued a summons or tried a suit, but always counseled settlement, and thus kept his neighbors on good terms. In politics a republican, he was frequently found, in the early days, in the conventions of his party, in which he wielded a strong influence. On one occasion, when there were about twenty aspirants for the sheriffalty and no choice.of a candidate being reached by the convention after frequent balloting, Mr. Knapp suggested the bringing in of a " dark horse," and as the result Sluman S. Bailey was nominated, and this was the beginning of the latter's public career. The marriage of Mr. Knapp took place in New York, April 14, I841, to Miss Mary Ackerson, a daughter of William Ackerson, who brought his family to Kent county at the same time that Mr. Knapp came, and died here when past eighty years of age. To this marriage were born four children, viz: John, Betsey, Harriet and Flavia. Of these, John was a member of the Twenty-first Michigan volunteer infantry, under Gen. Sherman, and served from Tennessee all through to the Atlantic ocean. At Stone River, Tenn., he was taken prisoner, but was paroled. His father went down there and met the regiment, carrying the first letters to the soldiers after that battle. In company with six others of the boys, young Knapp was sent to Camp Chase, Ohio, whence he walked home, but not having the proper papers, remained one night only and rejoined his regiment in time to take part in the next battle. As his father had kept a blacksmith shop on the farm, he had familiarized himself with the use of tools, and part of his service was with the Michigan Engineers and Mechanics corps, but he took part in every engagement in which his regiment participated until at the battle of Bentonville, S. C., when, on the skirmish line, the company fell back from in front of a masked battery. He stopped a moment to aid a wounded comrade, and was himself shot through while performing this humane act. He crawled along, while thus wounded, for more than a mile, but died a few hours later, at the age of twenty-three years, after a gallant service of nearly three years. Betsey, the second child born to Mr. and Mrs. Knapp, is married to S. S. Bacon, whose sketch appears on another page; Harriet, the third child, is the wife of Albert Lamphear, and lives on the old homestead, while their daughter, Mary, lives with her grandparents; Flavia, the fourth child, was married to Charles AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 271 Alcumbrack, but died three years after marriage, at the birth of her only son, Fay. Mr. Knapp erected his present dwelling on Plainfield avenue, from his own plans, about seven years ago, and is now living in quiet retirement, honored by all who know him, and there are very few in Grand Rapids who do not. In the early days he joined the Division street Methodist Episcopal church and has been a church worker ever since, starting an infant Sunday-school in the school-house near his farm, and he is now a trustee of the Plainfield avenue church. ETER KORNOELJE. a well-known resident of Grand Rapids, where he has lived for the past thirty years, and for twenty years has been engaged in the undertaking business, was born in Holland. A sister had preceded him to America and settled in Grand Haven, Mich., sending home accounts so glowing of the prosperity that attends upon industry in this county, that Peter determined here to seek his fortune. With this object in view, he married Miss Mary Kloet, and eight days later started with his bride, his father and his mother, and arrived at Grand Haven, but remained there, however, two months only, when he came to Grand Rapids, as he was anxious to get a start in business. He began work here as a common laborer, as he was entirely without capital, and then for a time dealt in and peddled fish, and engaged in divers kinds of work and trade for about ten years. By close application to his various callings and by strict economy, he was enabled, about twenty years ago, to embark in his present business, to which he diligently applied himself and soon 14 made himself master of all its details. He succeeded in securing for himself a fair share of the trade of the city —indispensable, as it is to all, sooner or later-built himself a comfortable home and won for himself and family the general respect of the citizens. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Kornoelje have been born nine children, of whom five still survive, viz: Annie, Mary, Jennie, Sarah and Marti:A, all having received good school advantages. The parents of Mr. Kornoelje are now deceased and passed to rest in the faith of the Holland Reformed church, of which Mr. and wife are also faithful members. Mr. Kornoelje has always been a worthy and useful citizen since his residence in Grand Rapids and has taken great interest in the progress of the city which has become his permranent home, and in which he has witnessed so many remarkable changes in growth and character, especially during the past twenty years, and has soconducted himself as to well deserve the high esteem in which he is held by the public. c-e --- —----— e —"-=EORGE L. KRILLER, real-estate and loan agent, at No. 45 Pearl street, Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Linia, Ohio, October 2, I866, and is a son of Willianm and Frances (Sherman) Iridler, natives of the same city, where the mother died when George L., the subject, was an infant; the father, who is a mechanic, is now a resident of Grand Rapids, and having never remarried, makes his home with his sons; of whom there were five in the family, besides two daughters. Of the seven children born to William and Frances Kridler, Frank, the eldest, died at the age of thirty years in the state of Michigan;. THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS 272 Charles is a mechanic in Grand Rapids; Ella is the widow of Josiah Clark, also in Grand Rapids; Andrew J. is in the real-estate business in Grand Rapids; William died in mature years; Florence is a widow, and resides in California; and George L. 'is the youngest. The Kridler family is of German ancestry, but has been resident in America for several generations, while the Sherman family is of Irish extraction, and this particular branch has long dwelt on American soil. George L. Kridler was reared on a farm in Jamestown township, Ottawa county, Mich., whither his father had removed from Ohio at the death of his wife; he was educated in the district schools, and on attaining eighteen years of age, sold his farm and came to Grand Rapids, about 1884, and for six years was engaged in the furniture business, and then became a real estate and loan agent, as well as a handler of his own property. He buys and sells improved or vacant lots, and other real estate, builds houses and sells them, and loans both eastern and local capital in sums to suit. Mr. Kridler was married in this city August I, 888, to Miss Mary Laubenthal, a daughter of Nicholas and Ann Katherine Laubenthal, natives of Germany, who came to America soon after marriage and located in Grand Rapids in 1856. They have had born to them eleven children, of whom six are still living, viz: Mrs. Minnie Lafave; Philip, a machine hand in a furniture factory; Joseph, a cigar manufacturer; Matthias, a cabinetmaker-all of Grand Rapids; Mrs. Kittie Grannis, who lives at Conklin; and Mrs. Kridler, the youngest of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Kridler have two children-William M., born February 4, I889, and Lloyd F., born December 7, 1892. The family, although true Christians and devout believers in and upholders of the Gospel, do not affiliate with any church organization. In politics Mr. Kridler is a democrat, but prefers business to politics. Fraternally, he is a member of Equity lodge, No. 459, I. O. 0. F., of Grand Rapids. Mr. Kridler has been very successful as a dealer in real estate, and is recognized as one of the most upright men in the business. He has a delightful home at No. 585 Grandville avenue, and he and family mingle with the best social circles of Grand Rapids. ELMER KUIPER, claim agent for the Chicago & West Michigan and the Detroit, Grand Rapids & Western railroad companies, with his headquarters at Grand Rapids, was born on the loth day of August, 1869, in the Netherlands of Europe, and is a son of the late Rev. R. T. Kuiper. In April, I879, the Rev. R. T. Kuiper came to America with his family in answer to a call from one of the Holland Christian Reformed churches in Allegan county, near Holland, Mich. As he had for a long time been inspired by the American spirit of freedom and independence, he readily affiliated himself with American institutions and learned to love American manners and customs. The church work, commenced in the Netherlands, he entered upon with increased vigor in this country. For years he was a trustee of the theological school at Grand Rapids, was president of the general synod and chairman of the board of foreign missions. In 1889 he took charge of a church at East Harvey, Ill., and remained there in active church work until his lamented death in I894. Gelmer Kuiper was educated at Hope college, Holland, Mich., received the A. B. and A. M. degrees from that institution, then AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 273 entered the university of Michigan and received the degree of LL. B. from the law department in 1893. Immediately after his graduation he entered the general practice of law in the city of Grand Rapids. In 1894 he became associated with Hon. William Alden Smith, congressman of the Fifth district of Michigan, and general attorney for the Detroit, Grand Rapids & Western and Chicago & West Michigan railway companies. As a reward for his ability, close attention to his duties, and general usefulness, Mr. Kuiper was appointed claim agent of these same roads in I897, and has now general charge of this branch of their legal department. Mr. Kuiper is a typical representative of that sturdy race of Hollanders who form the best blood of the nation. They readily and eagerly absorb American ideas and affiliate thoroughly and readily with American institutions, and are loyal to the American flag. Mr. Kuiper is a conscientious worker and student, and is admirably qualified in native ability and learning for his profession. On December 22, 1898, he was married to Miss Angeline Cooper, of Chicago, Ill., and their home is at No. 336 South College avenue, Grand Rapids. Mr. Kuiper is of a very pleasant and social disposition, and is extremely popular, for to know him is to like him. Since his tenth year he has continued to imbibe the sentiment and spirit of his adopted county. He was one of the organizers and promoters of the Knickerbocker society, of Grand Rapids, and is at present one of its trustees. HRISTOPH KUSTERER, deceased, w as one of the most enterprising business men that ever lived in Grand Rapids, and although he came here comparatively poor, died one of the wealthiest of her citizens, and even then was untimely bereaved of life. He was born at Gumpelcheur, Wurtemberg, Germany, May 24, 1823, and was early baptized in the faith of the Lutheran church. At the age of fourteen years, having finished his attendance at the public school, he was apprenticed to a brewer in the town of Freudenstadt, eighteen miles from his home, and after learning his trade continued to work at the same place until twenty-one years of age, when, in accordance with the laws of his country, he returned to the place of his nativity to take his chance of being drafted into the army, but escaped being drawn. He then determined to come to America, and arrived in New York in 1845, whence he came direct to Michigan as had been pre-arranged, and located at Ann Arbor and engaged in tanning. There he became acquainted with Miss Mary D. Dauble, whom he married in the spring of I847. This lady was born in Wurtemberg, January 8, 1825, and was brought to America by her parents in I835. Her father, John George Dauble, was a man of excellent education, was a professional teacher in the old country, and on coning to America taught the village school at Ann Arbor. He was also a fine musician and a teacher of vocal music, and lived to be sixty-five years of age, his wife, nee Mary Dorothy Rinderknight, surviving until she had attained the advanced age of over ninety-three years. Mr. Kusterer remained in Ann Arbor until the year of his marriage, when he came to Grand Rapids and joined William Parmell, an Englishman, in the brewing business, but the latter, in I849, was seized with the gold fever, sold his interest in the brewery to Mr. Kusterer, and departed for California. In 1850, Mr. Kusterer built the City brewery on Iowa street, but this was later consolidated with the Grand Rapids Brewing company. When Mr. 274 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Kusterer started his brewery he had a capital of $8oo, brewed the small number of four barrels at a time, did his own work and himself made the deliveries, but eventually the business attained immense proportions. In September, I855, he purchased the fine residence property where his widow still resides, at No. 75 East Bridge street, and with admirable foresight improved and enlarged the dwelling, which was one of the first erected in the neighborhood, and there all his children were born, ten in number, of whom two died in infancy and eight reached mature years, viz: Maria Matilda, wife of Henry Lovell and the mother of two sons, Louis and Wilder, and grandmother of Norris, son of Wilder; Louisa, wife of Dr. James Mulhern, and mother of one son, William; Pauline, unmarried and living with her mother; Charles Frederick, who died the father of three children, Arthur, Carl and Robert; Emma, wife of W. F. Kelso, of Hallock, Minn., and the mother of five children, Florence, Edith, Fred, George and Louise; Helen Dorothea, wife of George Newhall, and the mother of three children, Dorothy, George and Joseph; Christopher E., of the Grand Rapids Brewing company; he married Carrie C. Correy and resides at No. 142 North Lafayette street; and Gustavus Adolphus, of the same company, and all residents of Grand Rapids with the exception of Mrs. Kelso. Beside the brewery and residence he acquired a large'amount of real estate in Grand Rapids, held-a large interest in the Hydraulic company'and in the Star Flouring mill and other business enterprises. In politics he was a democrat, 'and in religion he was a member, and his family are all members, of the Lutheran church, Mrs. Kusterer having been baptized, in childhood,[in Germany. The sad and tragic death of Mr. Kusterer took place on Friday night, October I5, I88o. He had taken passage on board the ill-fated steamer Alpena at Grand Haven, together with about sixty other passengers, and when far out on the lake the unfortunate vessel went to the bottom, with all on board, including Mr. Kusterer, Frederick Spaeth and George Hottinger, of Grand Rapids, the disaster occurring on the date mentioned above. That this calamity was a shock to the people of Grand Rapids and the immediate family of Mr. Kusterer may well be imagined, for no man in the city had been more enterprising than he, and none more charitable, kind and public spirited. His loss has never been and probably never will be filled, but his widow and children have consolation in the fact that he was honored by all who knew him and that he left behind a spotless name. EORGE A. LAMBRIX, alderman from the Eighth ward of Grand Rapids and youngest member of the board of councilmen, was born in this city February 15, I870, a son of Joseph and Ottilla Lambrix, still residents here and among the city's most respected inhabitants. Their family is comprised of six children, viz: Joseph P., Robert M., Albert H., Paul V., Edwin J., besides George A., the subject of this sketch, who is the eldest. In his youthful days young George A. Lambrix received an excellent preparatory education in the Grand Rapids common schools, and being a studious and bright scholar, was rapidly advanced and passed to the Normal Business college, and at the very early age of sixteen years engaged in the news and stationery business on his own account, and for four years carried on a profitable trade. He then sold out his establishment and joined his father in the grocery trade, which they car AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. ried on together several years, and then, concrete pavements coming into vogue, he embarked in this line and did very well for two years, when competition became so great that he wisely relinquished a trade that was no longer remunerative and became a stockholder in a furniture manufacturing concern. In politics a democrat, he was elected a member of the city council in I897, in which body he has served as a member of the committee on sewers, and as chairman of the committee on streets, and also as a member of the committee on health. Having been reared in Grand Rapids he is well posted as to the requirements of its citizens, and no better man, for that reason, could have been selected by the democracy of the Eighth ward to represent and advocate its interests. AMUEL R. LANDES, osteopathic physician of extended reputation, at No. 147 Monroe street, Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of Creston, Iowa, was born February 28, I86i, and is a son of James M. and Elizabeth (Miles)Landes, natives of Indiana. James M. Landes was a class-mate of Indiana's famous statesman, Daniel Voorhies, was about his age, passed his earlier life in school-teaching, but died on his farm in Iowa at the age of sixty-four years. After his death the family removed to Kirksville, Mo., where Mrs. Elizabeth Lanes now resides. Their seven children were born and named in the following order: Walter G., who is a farmer in Missouri; Samuel R., the subject of this sketch; John E., a merchant at Kirksville, Mo.; Henry E., in the osteopathic practice; William S., a railroad employee at Springfield, Mo.; Agnes B., an osteopathic physician in Chicago, Ill.; and Martha M., wife of Rev. Charles C. Wimple, Methodist Episcopal minister at Kirksville, Mo. Dr. Samuel R. Landes received his elementary education in the public schools of Creston, Iowa, Kirksville, Mo., and the Missouri State Normal school, and graduated from the latter in I887. He then went to Idaho, engaged in mining for a short period, and next went to Salt Lake City, where he lived four years. In 1893, Mr. Landes returned to Kirksville, Mo., where he entered the Osteopathic college, on its organization, pursued a two years' course of study, and after graduation was for a year or two professor of theory and practice of osteopathy in the same institution. In April, 1897, Dr. Landes came to Grand Rapids, and began the practice of his profession. In the winter of the same year the legislature of the state of Michigan legalized the practice of this science, to which, theretofore, no attention had been, save in the general study of anatomy by the ordinary medical and surgical student; now it is a legally recognized school, and the treatment has been made a special study in colleges established for the purpose-as dental colleges have been created for educating for the special study of "teeth." Dr. Landes has had a grand success in the practice of his specialty since coming to Grand Rapids, and numbers among his patrons many of the best people of the city. Not only is this the fact, but many people from abroad come to him and are successfully treated by him, even as far as from Washington, D. C. During the summer of I899, Dr. Landes visited Petoskey, Mich., for recreation, leaving his office in Grand Rapids in charge of his brother, Henry E., but while at that pleasure resort found more professional work to do than he found time to take recreation. Dr. Landes married, in Salt Lake City,, 276 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Utah, in August, I892, Miss May Crosby, a native of the state of New York, but this lady passed away in July, I898. Dr. Landes now resides at the Livingstone hotel. OUIS L. LAUNIERE, a prominent and influential business man of Grand Rapids, Mich., was born at Quebec, Canada, on the I2th of August, 1837, a son of George G. and Catherine (Greniere) Launiere, the parents of nine children, of whom, in order of birth, the subject was the seventh. The father was a landlord and a prominent, energetic and successful man, residing at Quebec until he departed this life. Both parents were devout Catholics and were highly respected in the church. Louis L. Launiere, their son, received his primary education in a common school and later was a student in LaSalle university, which he attended until his seventeenth year. He then came to the United Statesand located in New York city, where he remained a short time, after which he went to Haverstraw, Rockland county, N. Y., at which place he was engaged in brick work. He then returned to New York city and received a position as clerk with the French glass importers, which position he held for six months, thence going so Burlington, Vt., where he was engaged for one year in handling sashes, doors and blinds. In I857 he came to Grand Rapids, Mich., and went to work in the same kind of business with C. C. Comstock & Co., and remained with them until I86I, when he enlisted in company H, First Michigan volunteer regiment, under Capt. C. C.,Wendall. He served three years and three months and was discharged honorably by a general order from the war department. During his career in the army he was twice wounded, once at Malvern Hill, and again, in the knee, at Chancellorsville, and now draws a pension of $6 per month. After his discharge he returned to Grand Rapids and resumed work with the sash and door company until I868, when he engaged with the Nelson & Matter Furniture company, with which he worked for fifteen years. He was engaged in the grocery business on West Bridge street during the two succeeding years, and in 1892 sold out to his sons, when he was appointed to the registry department of the post-office under Cleveland. On November 15, 1864, Mr. Launiere was united in marriage to Miss Emma J. Collier, a native of Grand Rapids, who died in 1867. To this union were born two children Charles L. and Eugen'a. He was married, the second time, at Grand Rapids, on the 4th of October, I869, to Miss Bridget L. Quinn, who was born at the same place. This union was blessed by the birth of three children, viz: Albert J., engaged at present with a bicycle and leather company; L. W., of Bailey, Mich., and Eva May, who is living with her parents. The Launiere family are members of the Catholic church, in which they are greatly respected. Mr. Launiere is now the owner of a fine home and vacant lots at 29 South Pine street. He was alderman three terms, weighmaster one term, and street commissioner three seasons. He is a member of C. M. B. A. and K. of H., and in his association with his brethren of these fraternities he has won their high regard. Genial and sympathetic in nature, upright and honorable in all his actions, small wonder is it that his friends are innumerable, and that his name is a synonym for noble christian manhood among his asscciates and acquaintances. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 277 EORGE W. LAW, M. D., with his rk[ office at No. 5oi South Division street,. Grand Rapids, and his residence at No. 367 Cass avenue, is a native of Richmond Hill, Ontario province, dominion of Canada, was born July 31, I856, and is the eleventh of the thirteen children born to Abraham and Elizabeth (Klinck) Law, natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Canada, the mother being of Scotch descent. Abraham Law was during his early business life a general merchant and dealer in leather, and was also engaged in the manufacture of harness and saddlery, but later became a justice of the peace and an insurance agent at Richmond Hill, province of Ontario, where his death took place at the age of seventy-eight years and four months. Mrs. Elizabeth Law still resides in Richmond Hill, at the age of eighty-four years, although much of her time is passed with her married children, eight of whom are still living. Of these, Robert, the eldest, is a druggist at Richmond Hill; Priscilla, now Mrs. Grant, resides at the same place, her husband being a contractor and builder; Theodore V. is a physician of Detroit, Mich.; Arrilla C. is the wife of Dr. Atwood, of Chicago; Wellington J. is a realestate dealer in Detroit; George NV. is the subject of this biographical notice; Armenia Myrtle is married to Dr. Blakely, of Manitoba, and Lucetta Elizabeth is the wife of Amos J. Wright, a member of the Canadian parliament. Dr. George W. Law received a thorough elementary education in his native city, and then joined his brother, Dr. Theodore V. Law, at Detroit, under whom he learned the drug business, became a registered pharmacist, and also secured a diploma in chemistry. Under the careful and able supervision of this brother, young Law likewise pursued a threeyear course in the study of the science of medicine, at the conclusion of which he en tered the Michigan College of Medicine at Detroit, from which he graduated in I882, and at once established himself for practice at Baldwin, Lake county, where for three years he enjoyed an enviable reputation, although the field was somewhat contracted for a yqung physician of his superior ability, and where, also, he filled the office of county physician nearly the whole period of his stay there. The succeeding three years he passed in Muskegon, where he secured a lucrative practice, but the conditions there being of about the same complexion of those at Baldwin, he decided to come to Grand Rapids in I888, where the field is broader in its scope, and where his merits have met with a keener appreciation. After becoming a resident of Grand Rapids, Dr. Law served as city physician under Mayor Stowe's administration for two years, and was later appointed to the same office by Mayor Perry, to fill a vacancy caused by the absence in the army of Dr. Burkhart, the regular incumbent. Dr. Law has occupied his present business office for the past four years, and that he has become one of the city's most popular practitioners is proven by the fact that he has realized sufficient funds to erect for himself a fine dwelling in I898. Beside attending to his large list of patients, Dr. Law is the regular examiner for a number of standard life insurance companies-another evidence of his popularity, ability and practical experience. The marriage of Dr. Law took place in Grand Rapids April 14, I888, to Miss Emma Louise Ayger, a native of Seneca Falls, N. Y., where she was educated and where she grew to womanhood. Fraternally Dr. Law is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen of America, Independent Order of Foresters, Knights and Ladies' Security, Royal Neighbors, Order of Rebekah, and Rathbone Sisters, and of the 278 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS four societies last named Mrs. Law is also a member. The doctor was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, but he is not at present a member of any religious organization. In politics he is a sound republican. Socially the doctor and wife enjoy the esteem of a large circle of friends prominent in society, and their home is the abode of domestic happiness and genial hospitality. UCIUS D. HARRIS.-The present age is essentially utilitarian. Progress in all lines of commercial and industrial activity is attained not by might or favor, but by the inherent capabilities of the individual. There is no standard for the building of character, and success is not achieved by adhering to rules evolved from the brain of economist or philosopher. The man who can rise from the ranks to a position of eminence-among his fellows is he who sees and utilizes- the opportunities that surround him. It is a noteworthy fact that the essential conditions of human life are ever the same. The surroundings of individuals differ but slightly, and when on the highway leading to the goal of prosperity one man overtakes and passes others who, before him, had perhaps started under more favorable conditions, it is because he has power to use advantages which are the common heritage of the whole human race. Success is the direct result of energy directed and controlled by wisdom and forethought, traits possessed in a limited degree by the majority, but developed to completeness by the few. With the latter class it is a compliment well bestowed to number the gentleman, a brief review of whose life is herewith presented. Lucius D. Harris is a native son of Michigan, born on the 26th day of May, i850, in the county of Wayne. His parents, James and Delia (Willmarth) Harris, were natives of Canada and Michigan, respectively, and early located in Wayne county, of which they were among the first pioneers. The father bore his part in the development of that section of the country, and while not highly successful in the matter of accumulating large possessions, acquired a comfortable competence of this world's goods, and left behind him a reputation unsullied by any dishonorable act. He reared a family of four children, all of whom are'living, the subject of this sketch being the first born. Lucius D. Harris was reared amid the peaceful scenes of the rural home and is indebted to the public schools for his elementary training, attending the same during the winter seasons until arriving at manhhood's estate. In order the better to prepare himself for grappling with life's duties he subsequently entered Bryant & Stratton's Businees college, Detroit, in which he took a complete course, receiving a diploma of graduation in the year 1874, and also taught two winters in that institution. Previous to this time, however, he taught school in his home county for three years, and such was his success as an instructor that had he seen fit to pursue the profession would no doubt have distinguished himself in the field of education. After completing his commercial course, Mr. Harris became bookkeeper for the firm of Cornwell, Price & Co., Detroit, filling the position acceptably for a period of six years, and then engaged in business for himself as dealer in hardwood lumber, to which he gave his attention two years, meeting with success in the meantime. Disposing of his lumber interest in Detroit, he went to Minneapolis, Minn., as assistant general manager of the i I N, Al I 'i. 1,1114A.P -1 I4 AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 281 - - Minneapolis Harvester works of that city, and one year later resigned the position and returned to Detroit to take charge of the business of the firm by which he was formerly employed-it having in the interim fallen into narrow straits. Owing to this depression the firm found it necessary to make an assignment, and Mr. Harris was chosen assignee. The duties of this position, together with the looking after other bankrupt stocks which meanwhile had been intrusted to him, occupied his time and attention for two years, and for a like period he was interested as administrator for several estates, all of which he settled with commendable fidelity. Mr. Harris' next venture was in the wholesale paper business at Detroit, in company with Morris M. Peck, under the firm name of Harris & Peck, a partnership which lasted until I885, when Mr. Peck disposed of his interest to E. S. Marvin. The business under the style of Harris and Marvin continued in Detroit till the latter part of the following year, at which time the stock was removed to Grand Rapids and largely increased. One month after locating in this city he purchased his partner's interest and remained sole proprietor until I893, at which time the Harris Paper Co. was organized, with Mr. Harris as president and manager-a position he has ever since filled. The other officers of the company are Clark Cornwell, of Jackson, Mich., vice-president, and Ed. C. Cornwell, of Ypsilanti, secretary and treasurer, both being men of superior business qualifications. Since that time the business has constantly grown, rendering it necessary to increase the capital and otherwise enlarge the facilities in order to meet the demands of the trade. In May, I893, articles of incorporation were filed with a paid up capital of $25,000, which has since been increased, and at this time the house is the largest of its kind in the state i and one of the most prosperous and highly rated in the entire northwest. The stock includes all kinds of paper, stationery, printers' supplies and other articles usually found in such establishments, and the annual business is conservatively put down at $250,000, but as a matter of fact is considerably in excess of that amount. The success of the enterprise has surpassed the expectations of the stockholders of the company, and is due to the vigilance, business sagacity and wise foresight of the clear-headed president. The executive ability which he has displayed in the management is of a high order and easily places him in the front rank of the city's representative business men. In a word, the salient features in his entire business career thus far are close application, thorough investigation and mastery of every detail that comes within his range, unflagging perseverance and resolute purpose-and to these he owes his steady advancement from a comparatively humble beginning to a prominent place among the successful and honored mercantile men, whose endeavors make them deserving of classification with the benefactors of the city and state. A number of years prior to embarking in the mercantile trade, Mr. Harris achieved considerable distinction as a civil engineer, and while surveyor of Wayne county, a position he held two years, made a complete map of the river front of the county, besides re-establishing the lines of the original French claims, the records of which had been lost in the destruction by fire of the office of the register of deeds. This work proved of incalculable value to the county and will ever a remain a silent testimonial to his skill as a wise and capable public official. Mr. Harris was happily married in Newburg, N. Y.,in November, I877, to Miss Emma A. Goldsmith, who was born in that place on 282 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS -- the 14th day of May, 1853. Mrs. Harris is the daughter of Joseph and Susan (Woodruff) Goldsmith, and has borne her husband three children, named as follows: Louis G., Ada W. and Jessie E., all still under the paternal roof, the first named being his father's trusted business assistant. Mr. Harris is unswerving in his allegiance to the democratic party and one of its able counselors in Grand Rapids. While he has always devoted the greater part of his time to his business interests, he has by no means allowed them to shut him off from other duties and relations of life. Socially he is a valued and esteemed member of the Masonic fraternity, holding membership as follows: York lodge, No. 4Io, F. & A. M.; Columbia chapter, No. I32, R. A. M.; Tyre council, No. Io, R. and S. M.-P. E. C.; DeMolai commandery, No. 5, K. T.-P. T., P. G. M.; Moriah Grand Lodge of Perfection, fourth to fourteenth degree, inclusive; Cyrus council, P. of J., fifteenth and sixteenth degrees; M. W. and P. M. Robinson chapter Rose Croix, seventeenth and eighteenth degrees; De Witt Clinton consistory, S. P. R. S., nineteenth to thirty-second degree. In September, I898, at Cincinnati, Ohio, was conferred on Mr. Harris the thirty-third degree. It will thus be seen that Mr. Harris has been prominent in the deliberations of the order locally and otherwise, and is widely known among the members of the Mystic Tie as the author of Knight Templar tactics, a work which has received great favor throughout the entire country. The foregoing is a brief record of the leading facts in the life of a very busy man, who in many ways has contributed much to the commercial and social welfare of one of Michigan's most prosperous cities. Possessing in full measure the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens, and still in the prime of vigorous manhood, his present lot is indeed most favorable, and the future beckons him on with all that is encouraging. His beautiful home at No. 83 Henry street, supplied with conveniences and luxuries which make life pleasant and desirable, is the abode of refinement and good cheer, which he dispenses without stint to those claiming his hospitality, and when weary of the trials of business, he bids dull care begone and finds quiet and repose in a delightful summer residence at Macatawa Park, on the shores of Lake Michigan. RANCIS J. LEE, M. D., a popular and rising young physician of Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of Durham county, province of Ontario, Canada, was born January 22, I869, and is a son of Robert and Mary (Reinbird) Lee, natives, respectively, of Canada and Ireland, and the parents of eight chlidren, viz: John H., a builder in Bethany, Canada; Robert A., principal of high school, Port Hope, Canada; Charlotte E., married and residing in Vancouver; William H., a farmer in Canada; Samuel, inspector of street railways, Detroit, Mich.; Margaret, married to a Mr. Jamison, a farmer and residing in Bethany, Canada; Francis J., the subject, and Albert, of Toronto, in the dry-goods trade. The father is a builder and contractor, and with his wife makes his home at Bethany, Durham county, Ontario. Dr. Francis J. Lee received his elementary education in Port Hope, Ontario, and afterward graduated at Mitchell Collegiate institute, at Mitchell, Ontario, and then took a one-year course at Trinity university, of Toronto, Ontario, and began business as a dry-goods clerk, which vocation he followed five years, and was AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 28~ f then in business for two years on his own account in Bethany, when fire destroyed all his property. This misfortune was the probable cause of his taking up the study of medicine. However this may be, he was for eight months employed again in the dry-goods trade at Sault Ste. Marie, and in October, I89r, entered McGill Medical college, took a four-year course and graduated therefrom in March, 1896. He at once entered on active practice at Ada, Mich., ten miles from Grand Rapids, and continued there until June, 1898, when he went to Chicago, Ill., took a course in the West side Post-graduate school, and thence came to Grand Rapids, and has since had his office with Dr. William Fuller on Monroe street, where he has already established an excellent reputation that promises much for the near future. The marriage of Dr. Lee took place in Grand Rapids, in October, I897, to Miss Avilda Kelton, an accomplished young lady, a member of one of the most prominent families of the city, and who received a high class education in Brooklyn, N. Y., and Chicago, Ill. The doctor and his wife are members of the Episcopalian church and socially move in the best circles. Fraternally, the doctor is a member of F. & A. M., the K. O. T. M., and the M. W. of A., and in politics is a republican. aUGENE HUTCHINSON LONG, who has been prominent in the practice of law in Grand Rapids since 1893, was born in Albany, N. Y., June 6, 1850, a son of William and Mary J. (Layton) Long, natives, also, of the Empire state. William Long was a furniture manufacturer by occupation, and this trade he followed until his death in 1897; his widow is now a resident of Buffalo, N. Y. Mr. Long was a. republican in politics, and served his party in the city council of Buffalo, from the Ninthi ward, from 186I until 1863. He was a gentleman of moderate means, but stood very high in the esteem of many public men,. among whom may be mentioned President Abraham Lincoln. Fraternally he was an Odd Fellow, and in religion a Baitist, to which faith his widow still clings. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Long were born four children, viz: George W., deceased; Eugene H., the subject of this sketch; William E., M. D., of Buffalo, and Anna 1I., wife of F. W. Burke, of the same city. Eugene H. Long, after passing through the public schools of Buffalo, N. Y., graduated from the high school in I86o, and was at once apprenticed to a watchmaker and jeweler, with whom he remained five years, learning the trade thoroughly. HIe then began the study of law in the office of William L. Jones, read faithfully and assiduously, and in February, 1871, was admitted to the bar. Soon afterwards, he was appointed United States consular agent at the port of Dunville, Canada, filled the position with much credit to himself for two and a half years, and then returned to Buffalo, whence he removed to Jamestown, N. Y., and next, in I888, located in Detroit, Mich., practicing law, in the meanwhile, at each place. After a very successful course of practice, in Detroit, until I893, Mr. Long came to Grand Rapids, and from April of that year has here been engaged in the active practice of his profession, among his clients being the noted firm of R. L. Polk & Co., publishers of numerous valuable state directories. Mr. Long is a thirty-second degree Mason. and also a member of the A. O. U. W.; in politics he is a republican, and his social standing, like his professional, is all that could be desired. -284 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS ANIEL E. LOZIER, alderman from the Eleventh ward, Grand Rapids, notary public and hardware merchant, has been a resident here for the past twelve years, and during this period has' always held a prominent position before the public. He was born near Canton, Ohio, March 24, 1858, and is a son of Zadoc and Margaret (Petit) Lozier, parents of five children, of whom three are still living, viz: Jennie, widow of William H. Baxter, of Oakfield Center, Kent county; Daniel E., whose name opens this paragraph, and Anna, wife of John Refenberg, of Antrim county, Mich. Zadoc Lozier is also a native of Ohio, is a carpenter by trade, came to Michigan in the fall of I876 and settled in Antrim, where he is still living, having reached the age of seventyfive years on the 22d day of April, I899. His wife is of Pennsylvania extraction, and is of Quaker descent paternally. Daniel E. Lozier was reared on a farm until twenty-one years old, and in the meantime was educated in a graded school at Alliance, Ohio. He began his business career as a bookkeeper in a saw-mill, and then kept books for the G. R. & I. Railway company at Alba, Mich.; next for T. R. Van Wert & Co., merchant and manufacturer at Alba, Mich., and then for the South Grand Rapids Ice company for one year. After traveling through the west and the south for some time, he bought a grocery from Samuel Beecher, at the corner of Wealthy and Jefferson avenues, Grand Rapids, subsequently sold out, and in December, I893, purchased a stock of hardware on Madison avenue, and has since been one of the leading business men of this city. July 4, 1883, Mr. Lozier was united in marriage with Miss Ona A. Van Wert, who has blessed him with one child, Addie Ellura, born June 9, 1885. Fraternally, Mr. Lozier is a member of the Royal Arcanum and of the Royal Circle, Court of Honor and I. 0. O. F. Politically he is a democrat, and has held a notary public commission since twenty-one years of age. He had been elected deputy town clerk before he had reached his majority, but was unable to qualify on account of his minority. For two terms he served as supervisor of his township, in Antrim county. Ever since living in the Eleventh ward of the city of Grand Rapids he has wielded a strong influence in its politics, and was elected alderman in I899. In religion, Mr. Lozier is a Presbyterian, and his residence is at No. 25 Woodlawn avenue, where he ranks as high socially as he does politically. 'ENRY GODFREY KALMBACH, superintendent of Station A, post-office of Grand Rapids, and a man of remarkable talent, was born in this city on the 6th of March, I868, a son of Godfrey and Anna M. (Steincke) Kalmbach. The father was by vocation a shoe merchant and both parents were natives of Germany. Henry Godfrey Kalmbach was educated in the city schools and graduated from the high school with the class of 1890. He secured a position in the post-office as night clerk, then as day clerk, which position he held for three years, or until April I, I897, when he was appointed superintendent of Station A, on the establishment of that office, and has held it since, having entire charge of the business. In this branch there are one clerk and twelve carriers. In 1898 there were sold: Stamps, amounting to $19, 884.88; domestic money orders, $30.656. I1; international orders, $1,549.42, and this year there will be an increase of thirty per cent. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 28T Mr. Kalmbach in his political predilections is faithful to the principles of the republican party. Socially, he is an esteemed member of Valley City lodge, No. 124, K. of P.; Knights of Khorassan, Kabbe temple, and Royal Arch Mason, Columbian chapter, of Grand Rapids. He is also a member of the Lakeside club, and of the Gamma Delta Psi, the oldest high school fraternity near Grand Rapids. Mr. Kalmbach stands high in the social world as a man of unimpeachable character. In the discharge of his duties he is prompt, faithful and progressive, and he is recognized as a capable official. In this capacity he gives a zealous support to all progressive measures for the public good. He is characterized by a human sympathy and kindness, which, taken together with his integrity and honor, have gained for him the esteem of all. *wZ ----" --- —--— ^-^H OHN LUCAS, a wholesale and retail dealer in every variety of fuel and posts and shingles, with his office and yard at No. I371 West Bridge street, and his residence at No. 403 Lane avenue, Grand Rapids, was born in Hanover, Germany, October 27, 1827, and landed in America in 1847, at once settling in Grand Rapids. When Mr. Lucas settled in this city he had no capital save a willing disposition to work and an equally willing pair of strong hands. For two years he worked at anything he could find to do to make an honest living, and then found employment in a tannery, in which he worked seven years; next engaged in farming and butchering, and other work, in all of which he was both industrious and frugal. With the money saved while thus employed he was enabled to start his present business, which has led on to fortune. Although his education was limited, as far as schools are concerned, his apt observation and retentiveness of memory, aided by reading and selfinstruction, furnished him with a sound practical knowledge of business affairs, which in the end wrought out for him a competency, which he now enjoys, although his active mind and business habits hold him down to an attention to trade for which there is no necessity for pursuing, but which to him is a mere matter of enjoyment. Mr. Lucas was first married to Miss Hannah Brink, the result of this union being one child-Stephen, who is still living. After the death of his first wife he married Geesje Gunint, and to this union seven children have been; born, of whom two only survive, viz: Henry and George; Fannie, who died about five years ago, was married to Henry Nisint, and had two children, Tonie and Annie, who are now making their home with Mr. Lucas. In politics Mr. Lucas is a conscientious republican, and cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont. His religious affiliations are with the Holland Reformed church, and his social standing is all that can be desired. He is a self-made man, in the business sense of the phrase, and may well congratulate himself on his success through life-a success due to his industry, tact and strict integrity. (1111111.-11~11~11~~IMEON LEROY, M. D., of No. I96 East Bridge street, and No. 250 North. LaFayette street, Grand Rapids, was born in Wayne county, N. Y., April 5, 1876, a son of Simeon and Jane (Jagt) LeRoy, natives of France, who came to Grand Rapids, when single, about I86i, 2883 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS were here married, and then went to New York, but returned here in I865, but in I866 went to New York again, and finally returned to Grand Rapids in I876, where they have lived ever since, he being known as a merchant, and now reside at No. 250 North LaFayette street. They have had born to them a family of six children, viz: John, a grocer of this city; Katie, who died June I9, I891, at the age of nineteen years; Anna, Simeon and Cornelius-the last named being in partnership with his father in the wood business. Dr. Simeon LeRoy received his elementary education in the public schools of Grand Rapids, and this was supplemented by an attendance at Welton's Business college. He studied medicine at Saginaw, Mich., and graduated from the Grand Rapids Medical college in 1898. For a time after graduating he served as surgeon of the Union Benevolent Association hospital, and then, early in the present year, engaged in general practice, and may, when not out upon professional business, be always found at either one or the other of his two offices. The doctor is examining physician for the M. \V. of A., for the A. O. U. W., D. of H. and I. O. F., in all of which he is a member, and has already laid the foundation for a lucrative list of patients and a remunerative general practice in medicine and surgery in the near future. The doctor's religious relations are with the Fountain street Baptist church, and in his political views he is republican. t ----.-. --- —------— " g -OBERT M. LUTON, M. D., a homeopathic physician and surgeon of great repute at Grand Rapids, Mich., with his office in room No. 6, Gilbert building, was born in St. Thomas, in the province of Ontario, dominion of Canada, August 31, I850, and is a son of Wlilliam and Elizabeth (Crane) Luton, both natives of the same province, but of whom the father, all his life a thriving farmer near St. Thomas, died in 1896. The family, beside the parents, was comprised of five sons and three daughters, of whom six of the children are still living, besides the mother. Dr. Luton received a collegiate education in his native city, and was professionally educated at Trinity college and the university of Toronto. His early medical studies were along the line of allopathy, or the "regular" school of medicine, particularly during his sojourn in Toronto, and about the year 1872 he located in Newaygo, Mich., where he practiced until his graduation from the Hahnemann Homeopathic college at Chicago, in 1873, he having, of course, been under training in the latter institution for the prescribed course necessary for an advanced student, and already in practice. For two years he practiced in Newaygo as a homeopathist, and then (I875) came to Grand Rapids, and here he has made his home ever since, with the exception of four years-from I882 to I886-when he was a member of board of trade in Chicago. Dr. Luton is a member of the State Homeopathic Medical society of Michigan, to which he has contributed many valuable papers on homeopathy. In I874 he was made a Mason, and in this fraternity he has attained the thirty-second degree. He is an active member of Royal Arch chapter, No. 7, De Molai commandery, No. 5, Knights Templar, and is, of course, a member of the Mystic shrine. In politics the doctor is a democrat, and has served the city of Grand Rapids as health officer since May, 1898. In 1877 Dr. Luton was joined in matrimony, near St. Thomas, Canada, with Miss Alma Cline, a native of Ontario and a most amiable lady, and possessed of many accom AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 289 plishments, having been educated at St. Thomas. The doctor and wife are members of the Christian church, their social standing is with the best class of citizens in Grand Rapids, and professionally the doctor is unrivaled-but they have no children to perpetuate their honored name. OUIS BARTH, M. D., a physician and surgeon of considerable prominence, at No. 245 East Fulton street, Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Krotcchin, Prussia, November 2I, 1859, and, at the early age of ten years, entered the gymnasium of his native town, in which he passed the maturity examination in 1878, although but nineteen years old. The same year he entered the Medical university of Breslau, where he passed two semesters, and then entered the Medical college of Vienna, where he studied one semester (or six months), after which he passed a theoretical examination at Berlin, under Prof. Vlrchow, November 7, I880. He next had hospital experience under Liebreich, Langenbeck, Frerich and Schroeder at Berlin about a year, and took the degree of doctor of medicine, surgery and obstetrics at Wurzburg, Bavaria, December 21, I88I. In January, I882, he left that city for London, England, where he continued his studies in the hospitals until July of the same year, when he came to the United States and settled in Grand Rapids the latter part of September. Here his medical and surgical skill attracted immediate attention and he was promptly assigned to the front rank of the longer-established medical men of the city. He devotes more hours to practice than any other physician within the bounds of Grand Rapids, and it is not an exaggeration to say that his patronage is enormous, as a visit to his office will show a gathering of waiting patients far in advance of the hour scheduled for him to be present. At the same time his opinion is sought for in consultation from all parts of the state. In connection with his consultation room, Dr. Barth has a dispensary, in which his prescriptions are prepared under his personal supervision, and he also personally selects all drugs before they are assigned a place in the dispensary, which is under the charge of a competent pharmaceutist. His private office is supplied with all modern appliances for the diognosis of diseases, including the first X-ray machine introduced in the city, and his library is replete with medical and scientific volumes, numbering over 3,000. The doctor is a generous-hearted man and often devotes his attention to the cases of the poor patients for the sake of science as well as humanity. At the meridian of life he has realized a competency, and this despite the fact that he has been obliged to acquaint hinself with the customs and language of a new world within the space of eighteen years, and in despite, also, of all rivalry and traduction, has secured for himself a professional and social standing in the city of Grand Rapids second to that of no man. Dr. Barth is a charter member of the National Association of Railway Surgeons, is the only physician of the infirmary known as the House of the Aged Poor, which is conducted under the auspices of the Little Sisters of the Poor, and is also the consulting physician at the orphans' asylum, and for the Sisters of the parochial schools, and also for the Masonic home. The doctor is eminent as a Mason, having attained the thirty-second degree, and is likewise a charter member of Daisy lodge, No. 48, B. P. 0. E. In politics he is a republican, but in nowise aggressive. ~_ 290 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Dr. Barth married in Grand Rapids, in I892, Miss Ilona Barth, an adopted daughter of his brother, and a native of Budapest, Hungary, and his domestic life is an exceedingly happy one. ANIEL McCOY, president of the State Bank of Michigan, and fornerly a lumber manufacturer and dealer, at Grand Rapids, was born July 17, 1845, in Philadelphia, a son of John and Mary (McGowan) McCoy, and was educated in the public schools of that city. In I867 he came to Michigan and began dealing in lumber supplies at Roreo. October I8, I869, at Romeo, Mich., he married Gail L. Ayer, daughter of Alvan B. Ayer, of that place. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. McCoy have been born four children, viz: Helen Francis, wife of Max Grab, residing in New York city; Ralph, who was educated at Orchard Lake Military academy and Cornell 'university, and is now a lieutenant in the Seventh U. S. infantry,' stationed at Rampart City, Alaska; Katherine, educated at the Mount Auburn institute, Cincinnati, and Gerald, a student of the.Grand Rapids high school. Mr. McCoy commenced lumbering on the south branch of the Manistee river, the firm being composed of James A. Remick, of Detroit, John G. Riggs, of Saginaw, and himself. The logs were floated down the river to Manistee, and there cut into lumber., In 1873 Mr. McCoy went to Clam Lake, where he began lumbering operations with Charles M. Ayer, under the firm name of McCoy & Ayer, remaining in that partnership until 1883, when the firm dissolved and Mr. McCoy continued in the business alone. In April, 1883, he re i j I since resided in this city, and in 1894 wound up the business. He has operated saw-mills, planing-mills and a narrow-gauge logging railway in Lake county; also a farm near the city, out toward Reed's Lake. He has been connected with the Grand Rapids Edison Light & Fuel Gas company since the organization of that corporation, and its president continuously. He was president of Clam Lake village, when living there; and after its incorporation as the city of Cadillac he was elected its mayor for three successive terms. He was also chairman of the Wexford county republican committee, and since his removal to this city has been the presiding officer of the Kent county republican committee one term, and is one of the prominent and influential republicans of western Michigan. Mr. McCoy is a representative, go-ahead, energetic, progressive citizen, one of the class who give vigor and strength to even so progressive a city as Grand Rapids. H kMES T. McALLISTER, one of the young and most energetic as well as popular lawyers of Grand Rapids, was born in Detroit, Mich., January 6, I870, a son of James L. and Catherine (Sheridan) McAllister. The father, now.deceased, was a lumberman by vocation, and the mother, who is a second cousin of the late Gen. Phil. Sheridan, famous for his gallant cavalry service in the Civil war, is now a resident of Reed City, Osceola county, Mich. James T. McAllister was well grounded in the English branches of learning and in the classics in the schools of Detroit, which he attended until nineteen years of age. He then. entered the law office of Judge J. B. Judkins,. moved his headquarters to Grand Rapids, has I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 291. now of Grand Rapids, but at that time a resident of Reed City, and after a full course of study was admitted to the bar, by that gentleman, at Baldwin, Mich. Mr. McAllister then came to Grand Rapids and began practice, in the subordinate position of clerk, in the office of McGarry & McKnight, and remained in this office until I893, when he formed a partnership with Edward L. Walbridge, with whom he practiced one year; his next partnership was with William F. McKnight, in conjunction with whom a practice was had for three years, and then, June i, 1898, a partnership with J. A. Lombard was formed and is maintained until the present time, under the firm style of Lombard & McAllister, with office in the Norris block. The marriage of Mr. McAllister was solemnized at St. Ignace, Mich., November 15, I892, with Miss Mildred Madden, who was born in Mount Forest, Canada, October I8, 1870, and this marriage has been blessed with three children, viz: Mildred (now deceased), Thomas and Robert. ANFORD V. LYON, retired farmer and a gallant soldier in the late Civil war, is a native of New York, born in the town of Naples in the year 1837, August 25. His paternal ancestors for a great many years lived in Vermont, removing to that state in the time of the colonies, and some of the family afterward emigrated to New York. Brunson K. Lyon, father of the subject, was a native of the Green Mountain state, as was also his wife, Pauline Wiley, but they were married in New York and there spent the remaining years of their lives, both dying in Naples at the age of fifty-seven years. Brun15 son K. Lyon in early life followed the profession of civil engineering and later carried on the mercantile business in connection with agricultural pursuits. His family consisted of seven sons and three daughters, of whom six are now living, scattered over various parts of the country, principally California, Oregon, New York and Michigan. Sanford W. Lyon was educated in the schools of his native town, and while still a lad began working for himself as a market gardener. He followed this vocation in New York until i86I, at which time he came to Michigan, locating in the vicinity of Grand Rapids, where he remained until entering the Federal service in August of the following year. Previous to coming west Mr. Lyon proffered his services to the country by enlisting, in I86r, in a company organized in Naples, N. Y., but which, owing to the prevalent belief that the war would be of short duration, was not ordered to the front. The second enlistment was in company B, Twentyfirst Michigan infantry, which formed a part of the army of the Cumberland. Mr. Lyon was with his command through all its varied experiences in the campaigns of Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia, and took part in a number of noted battles, including Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Bentonville, and many lesser engagements and skirmishes, in all of which he acquited himself as a brave and gallant solider. At the battle of Bentonville he wasshot through the leg below the knee and also received a gun-shot wound in the left thigh; both of these injuries were very painful and sufficiently serious to render neccessary his retirement from further active service in the field. Indeed, he has never recovered from his injuries, and will carry painful reminders oi them with him to the grave. In September, I863, Mr. Lyon was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant and assigned to the command of 292 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS..1 company A, and it was while leading his men in the thickest of the fight that he received the wounds aforementioned. Returning from the war, Mr. Lyon resumed market-gardening near Grand Rapids, which he carried on quite successfully until retiring from active life a few years ago. He has accumulated a sufficiency of worldly effects to make his remaining years comfortable, and is also the recipient of a liberal pension from the government to which he devoted the best part of his life during the dark days of the Rebellion. Mr. Lyon was married September 4,i 862, to Miss Harriet A. Tracy, daughter of Addison and Teresa (Reddington) Tracy. The parents of Mrs. Lyon were natives of Massachusetts, but for a number of years resided in Lorain county, Ohio, removing thence to Grand Rapids, when she was a child of five years. Addison Tracy was in the insurance business for a number of years in this city, and died in 1864; his wife died in the year 1872. The family consisted of four sons and six daughters, only three of whom are now living; one, besides Mrs. Lyon, lives in the vicinity of Grand Rapids, to-wit: Mrs. Emily Blalock. Mr. and Mrs. Lyon have four children: Hurley H., Mrs. Mina Stoughton, Wiley S. and S. P.-the last two still with their parents. Politically Mr. Lyon has been a lifelong republican; frequently solicited to accept official positions by his party, he always declined, preferring to be a worker in the ranks rather than a standard bearer or a party leader. He is not identified with any church or religious organization, his only creed being to live a blameless life as far as in him lies, and to assist to the best of his ability his fellow-men in their struggles against adversity. He believes in using the good things of this life, and thinks that worldly wealth can only be appreciated when judiciously exchanged for its equivalent in worldly comforts and enjoyment, consequently he has always lived well. He has spent some time in travel, having twice visited the Pacific coast in company with his wife, and at this writing is making preparations for a third and much more extended trip. Few men in the community enjoy as great a degree of popularity as does Mr. Lyon. A patriot when patriotism meant the sacrifice of self for the preservation of the Union —a citizen interested in everything having forits object the public welfare, a neighbor who exemplifies by his daily walk and conversation the Golden Rule-his name well deserves a place in this volume. EORGE L. McBRIDE, M. D., with his office and residence at No. 14I East Bridge street, Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Port Dover, province of Ontario, dominion of Canada, March 4, I864, a son of William and Ann Maria (Williams) McBride, the former a native of north of Ireland and the latter of the New Dominion. The father left his native land when a lad of thirteen years, and has passed his life in agricultural pursuits. To his marriage with Miss Williams were born nine children, viz: Mary Lodema, Abigail, John Wesley, Richard Alonzo, Ida A., George L., Lydia Charlotte, Annie Laura and William James. Two of the sons are farmers, one a mechanic, and all the children, with the exception of the youngest, are married; with the exception, also, of Dr. George L., they all reside in Canada, but were bereft of their mother about I88i. Dr. George L. McBride was educated in literature in the Port Dover high school, the AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 293 Toronto normal school, and the Toronto Collegiate institute. For four years he was principal of the Merriton public school, and in 1887 entered the Toronto university as a student of medicine, completed his studies in the spring of I892, and received the degree of M. B. Tor. (bachelor of medicine of Toronto), and from the Victoria university he also received the degree of M. D. S. M. (doctor of medicine and master of surgery). He began practice in the fall of the same year, locating on East Bridge street, Grand Rapids, and here he has since met with a continuous series of professional success. In 1895 Dr. McBride married Miss May C. Flint, a native of Grand Rapids, and a daughter of Capt. C. C. Flint,. an old resident of the city. Mrs. McBride, although born in Grand Rapids, was reared and educated in New York city, and returned to her native city about 1894. She is a lady of superior musical attainments, is a composer of marked merit, and is especially gifted as a performer on the piano. Among her more popular compositions are the Song of Liberty and Free Cuba, and a two-step, entitled, Dewey's Advance-but many other of her sentimental productions have been rewarded with the approbation of the public. Dr. McBride is a member of the Grand Rapids Academy of Medicine, the Michigan State Medical society, and the Union Benevolent Association hospital staff, and is professor of surgical pathology in the reorganized Grand Rapids Medical college; he is also a member of the A. O. U. W., the I. O. F., the National Union, and the M. W. of A., being medical examiner for the four orders last named. In politics he is a republican, and in religion a Presbyterian. The doctor has been very successful as a physician and surgeon and stands very high in the esteem of the profession as well as that of the public. He owns a beautiful home at the address already mentioned. Here he and wife enjoy the visits of a large circle of unfeigned friends, who are ever welcome and are entertained in a most intellectual manner, while their bodily comforts are not uncared for, Mrs. McBride being especially noted for her unstinted hospitality. OHN S. McDONALD, one of the most popular young lawyers of Grand Rapids, is a native of Canada, and was born in Ontario February 8, I865, the sixth of the family of nine children born to Samuel and Nancy (Locke) McDonald, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Canada, where they still reside, and where the father is engaged in agricultural pursuits. Of their nine children, eight still survive. The father is in moderately good circumstances, and he and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. John S. McDonald is a graduate of the Victoria university of Toronto, and his legal education was acquired at the university of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. He was admitted to the bar of Grand Rapids in I891 by Judge Burch. For a few months he practiced alone, and then, in 1891-2-3, was in partnership with M. F. Griffin, and alone again until I896, when he was made assistant prosecuting attorney-a position'he still retains, under F. A. Rodgers. Mr. McDonald was joined in matrimony November 27, I895, in Grand Rapids, with Miss Adelia J. Duncan, a native of this city, born July 27, I873, and a daughter of James R. and Elizabeth (Banghart) Duncan. Mr. McDonald and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and own a cozy 294 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS home at No. 505 Cass avenue, where they dispense a cheerful hospitality to a large circle of warm-hearted and sincere friends. Fraternally, Mr. McDonald is a Knight of Pythias, also a member of York lodge, F.' & A. M. HOMAS F. McGARRY, of Grand Rapips, Mich., was born in -Ada, Kent county, Mich., December 25, I859 received a common-school education, and taught school. He was admitted to the bar April 13, I880; January I, I88I, he became a member of the firm of Mitchell, Bell & McGarry, of Ionia, Mich.; was city attorney three terms and mayor of Ionia one term. In I884 he married Miss Nettie Belding, of Cincinnati, Ohio. In I890 he moved to Grand Rapids, and became associated with the Hons. M. H. Ford, William F. McKnight, Allen B. Morse and J. Byron Judkins. January I, 1895, he formed a partnership with George E. Nichols, of Ionia. This firm conducts business both at Ionia and Grand Rapids, under the name of McGarry & Nichols. ON. CHARLES WILLIAM McGILL, a rising young attorney and counselor at law of Grand Rapids Mich., was born in Troy, Rensselaer county, N. Y., July 14, I865, and is the fifth of the six children born to Hugh and Eunice Aan (Newton) McGill, the former a native of Canada, of Scotch parentage, and the latter of New York, where their marriage took place. Hugh MvcGill, a persevering and self-edu cated man, was a farmer and extensive charcoal burner in Rensselaer county, where he lived until the spring of 1867, when he brought his family to Michigan and located in St. Joseph county, where he still resides upon a beautiful farm one mile east of White Pigeon. For many years he has given special attention to raising and buying horses for the New York markets, which business he has conducted with great success. Being a man of strong convictions and capable of thinking for himself, he has risen to prominence in his township and county, and is highly respected by all who know him. Charles NV. McGill attended the district schools of St. Joseph county during the winter months until fifteen years of age, and then entered the union school at White Pigeon, in the same county, graduating therefrom in I885, Having determined to take up the study of law, he came to Grand Rapids in I886 and studied one year in the office of Henry B. Fallass. In October, I887, he entered the office of Turner & Carroll, was admitted to the bar September I8, 1888, by Judge William E. Grove, and continued his stay with Turner & Carroll until December, 1889, when he formed a partnership for practice with his brother, John H. McGill, and this partnership was maintained until the death of the latter, April I, 1892. Mr. McGill is a republican and has.taken an active part in both local and state politics for the past ten years. In I892 he was elected to the office of circuit court commissioner for Kent county, and so ably did he perform the duties of this position that he was elected to fill a second term in I894-thus serving, in all, four years. At the expiration of this last term, the republican party sent Mr. McGill to the state legislature, where he represented the city of Grand Rapids in a most honorable and creditable manner during the regular session of 1897 and the special session of I898. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 295 In the spring of 1898 he was nominated by the republicans of Grand Rapids for the office of judge of the police court, but failed of an election by a small plurality. On January I, 1899, he was appointed assistant to Attorney General Horace M. Oren, in which capacity he has rendered most excellent service to the state. Mr. McGill was happily united in marriage in Randolph, Dodge county, Wis., August 22, I894, with Miss Stella Louise Stark, a native of Kenosha, Wis., and a daughter of John Given and Julia Lobdell (Dean) Stark, natives, respectively, of Connecticut and New York. Fraternally, Mr. McGill is a member of Imperial lodge, No. I54, Knights of Pythias. In social circles Mr. and Mrs. McGill hold a very elevated station and enjoy a full measure of the public esteem. OL. WILLIAM T. McGURRIN, of the firm of Sproul & McGurrin, contractors for plumbing and heating, is a native of Grand Rapids and was born February 16, I857, a son of Manis and Ellen (Malone) McGurrin, who were respectively born in the counties of Mayo and Kilkenny, Ireland, came to Grand Rapids in their early adult years, and were married in this city in November, I850. The father was a building contractor and died September 5, 1894, at the age of eighty-three years, the mother following him to the grave six days later, aged sixty-five. The children born to the above named parents were ten in number, of whom one died young. Of those who reached maturity, John, the eldest, was a mechanic and constructor, by calling, and died at the age of thirty-six years; William T., the second born, is the subject of this sketch; George is a plumbing contractor at Duluth, Minn.; Frank has been a resident of Salt Lake, Utah, for the past twelve years as a reporter for the federal court; Ellen J. is married to Dr. J. L. Burkhart, city physician of Grand Rapids; Charles H. is reporter of the circuit court at Kalamazoo, has a record of being the most rapid stenographer in the world, and has visited various cities in Europe for professional exhibition. (Frank, of Salt Lake City, held the same honor.) Manis, the seventh born of this family, is a soldier in the United States army. Previous to his joining the army; he was a contracting plumber in Chicago, and at his first enlistment left his business in charge of others; he went to the front as sergeant in a company in the First Illinois cavalry, and after serving out his term returned to Chicago, sold out his business, and enlisted in the Twentieth United States infantry, and is now serving at Manila. Frederick C., next to the youngest of the family, was formerly assistant stenographer to his brother Frank, and is now an attorney at Salt Lake City; Edward, the youngest child, is also an attorney and is in partnership with his brother, Frederick C., and both are graduates from the law department of the university of Michigan. With the exception of Frederick and Manis, all the fanily are married. William T. McGurrin was educated primarily in the parochial schools of Grand Rapids and then took a course in the city high school. For two years he clerked in Calkins Bros'. grocery store, but left one evening, and the next morning found him an apprentice at the plumber's trade; with Thomas Smith & Co., with whom he served two years, and then began business with his present partner, Robert Sproul, in March, I876, the firm of Sproul & McGurrin being now the oldest in this line in the city as continuous partners. 296 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS From I875 until 1877 Mr. McGurrin was a member of the Centennial Guards, an independent military organization, and was second lieutenant of his company. In September, I877, he enlisted in the Michigan National Guards, and served in every capacity in the Second regiment, from private to colonel. In I893, by reason of political complications or trouble in the regiment, he failed of re-election, and retired as lieutenant-colonel, and in I894 returned to his old company, B, at the solicitations of its members, to assume command, in recognition of his former efficiency as a disciplinarian and financier. In due course of time he straightened out the financial troubles in which the company had become involved, discharged twenty-seven men, and recruited the company to its full limit. In I895 he was re-elected colonel of his regiment by practically a unanimous vote, and again elected in I898. Soon after this event the regiment was ordered into camp by Gov. Pingree, Col. McGurrin receiving the following telegram from the adjutant-general of the state: COL. W. T. MCGURRIN-Have your command ready to move in heavy marching order to the Island Lake not later than Tuesday, April26. Every available rifle,blanket and overcoat must be taken. Do not bring stores or provisions, except rations en route. The men will find use for private blankets for a few days. If short of overcoats, men not supplied may wear citizens' overcoats. Extra overcoats and blankets will be issued at camp. Route wired later by quartermaster-general. Mounted officers may bring horses. All captains notified, except those in your own town. Notify your field and staff. By command of the governor. E. M. IRISH, 3:37 P. M. Adjt.-Gen'l. The regiment was now designated as the Thirty-second, that being the next consecutive number after the Civil war enlistments. It was mustered into the service of the United States at Island Lake, May 13, and on the I9th of the same month it started for Tampa, Fla., arriving there on the 22d. It was there assigned to the Second brigade, First division, Seventh corps, and Col. McGurrin placed in command of the Second brigade. June 8th the regiment was assigned to the provisional division, of the Fifth army corps, and Col. McGurrin returned to the command of his regiment proper. It was the intention to send this division to Santiago de Cuba with Gen. Shafter. Horses were loaded and provisions and ammunition issued, but the transports failed to arrive, and Gen. Shafter, having received peremptory orders to sail for Santiago, put to sea, leaving the provisional division behind. This was a mortifying disappointment to Col. McGurrin and his men, but the colonel remained with his command continuously, with the exception of two days' leave of absence, until July 19, when the regiment left Tampa and went to Fernandina, Fla., whence, August 25, it moved on to Huntsville, Ala., and thence returned to Island Lake, Mich., arriving September 22, and on the 24th the colonel gave the men a verbal furlough of thirty days, with directions to hold themselves in readiness to return at a moment's notice. Mustering out began on the 27th of October, the four Grand Rapids companies being the first. Col. McGurrin accompanied the mustering officers to the rendezvous of each company and the work was ended about November 15, 1898. December 27, the colonel received from Maj.-Gen. Guy F. Henry the following complimentary communication: Col. William T. McGurrin commanded a regiment-the Thirty-second Michigan volunteers-and a brigade in my division at Tampa. He was a most energetic and capable officer and had a fine command. The boys were given a grand ovation on AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 297 their return to Grand Rapids, and for the time being the "city was theirs." Patriotism and appreciation were everywhere apparent, and after the enthusiasm had subsided Col. McGurrin resumed his business relations with his partner, and from a soldier was transformed into a quiet business man of his native city. Col. McGurrin was united in matrimony, in Grand Rapids, May 5, I88I, with Miss Katherine E. Ryan, a native of Croton, Mich., and a daughter of Jeremiah Ryan, one of the wealthy and influential business men of the city, but she passed away in October, I895. Three sons and one daughter came to bless this marriage, viz: William Gregory, a youth of seventeen years and now attending school; Mary Irene, aged thirteen years; Edgar Francis, aged eleven, and Gerald, aged eight. Politically the colonel has always been a democrat, but has never been aggressive nor ambitious of public office. In religion a Catholic, he and family attend St. Andrew's cathedral, and he is very liberal in his contributions to the support of the church. Fraternally he is a member of Daisy lodge, No. 48, B. P. O. E.; division No. i, Kent county A. O. H.; C. M. B. A.; Knights of Columbus, and Knights of St. John; also the Grand Rapids battalion, a military organization, of which he is the president of the civil board. He was supreme commander of the Knights of St. John for the United States and Canada for the years I891 and 1892, serving two terms; he was vice-president from Michigan of the National Plumbers' association for several terms, and president of the state association. The colonel has also been prominent on several occasions in representing his state abroad at military celebrations, among which may be mentioned the national encampment of the National Guards, at Washington, D. C., in I886, being major of the Second regiment Michigan National Guards and holding a posi tion on the staff of Gen. C. C. Augur; was lieutenant-colonel, or second in command, at the world's fair dedicatory exercises, and was at Yorktown, Va., in I88, on the anniversary of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. \Vith his past vast and varied experience and present prominence and usefulness as a citizen and business man, Col. McGurrin may well be classed among those who constitute the very vitality of the progressive city of Grand Rapids. FRANK McKNIGHT. -The gentleman to whom these lines are devoted is a younger brother of William F. McKnight, mention of whom will be found elsewhere, and at this time holds a responsible position in the Grand Rapids postoffice. Mr. McKnight was born in the city of Kalamazoo and received an elementary training in the common schools of Kent county, which was later supplemented by a thorough course in the Northern Indiana Normal school at Valparaiso. Ind. He entered the latter institution at the age of seventeen years, and after attending one year returned to Michigan, and during the two years succeeding was engaged in educational work in Kent county. With a laudable desire to enlarge his knowledge, Mr. McKnight returned to Valparaiso and completed the scientific, elocutionary and commercial courses in the Normal, receiving a certificate of graduation in I886, and accepting in that year a position as teacher in the schools of Minooka, Ill. After teaching there one year, he became an instructor in the city schools of Grand Rapids and devoted his time and attention to the profession until I890, 298 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS when he retired from the educational field and took up the study of law in the office of Godwin, Adsit & McKnight. He was admitted to the bar in I89I and immediately entered upon the active practice of his profession, continuing the same with encouraging success until 1894, a part of the time as assistant prosecuting attorney under his brother, but in 1894 he abandoned the legal profession for the time, in order to accept the position of superintendent of the money order department in the Grand Rapids post-office, the duties of which he is at present discharging. Mr. McKnight is a gentleman of scholarly tastes and exemplary habits, and is well informed in the principles of his profession. The position he now fills is one of great responsibility, but since entering upon the duties he has proved himself competent in every respect and stands high in the regard of his official superiors. Mr. McKnight is a member of lodge No. 48, B. P. 0. E., the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the K. of C., and is a leading spirit in the Lake Side club. He was married in this city on the I9th day of October, 189I, to Miss Anna M. Burns, of Ada, Mich., daughter of Lawrence Burns, of that place. Mr. and Mrs. McKnight have one child, Elizabeth B., who was born July 31, I895. The family are Catholics, belonging to St. Alphonsus' church. Politically Mr. McKnight is a supporter of the democratic party. AMUEL McBIRNEY LEMON, one of the prominant wholesale grocers of Grand Rapids, as the senior partner and president of the Lemon & Wheeler Co., was born November 27, 1848, at Corney I i crew, parish of Mullabrack, in the county of Armagh, Ireland. His parents, Samuel and Rachael (McBirney) Lemon, were of the famous Scotch-Irish ancestry, which sturdy stock has left a lasting mark on American institutions, in the great names it has contributed to every department of American life. As has been well said, "the Scotch-Irish were the first to declare independence from Great Britain, and foremost in the Revolutionary struggle, leaders in the formation and adoption of the constitution, and its most powerful defenders; most active in the extension of our national domain, and the hardiest pioneers in its development." The Puritan, the Huguenot and the Dutch must gratefully salute with admiration this race which has given to the American Pantheon the names of Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, John Paul Jones, James Madison, John Marshall, Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, James Buchanan, Horace Greeley, Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant. Mr. Lemon was blessed only with the characteristics which he inherited from such a race, but, although the record of his life is short, it exhibits a singleness of purpose and a tenacity in the pursuit of business which has commanded success even under adverse conditions. It was the intention of his parents that he should prepare for the ministry, but he early expressed his desire to follow a mercantile life, and after receiving the best education his native county afforded, his father apprenticed him at the age of eighteen years to one of the largest grocers in Ireland, at Portadown, Armagh county. Here he remained for five years, without pay, working hard to perfect his knowledge of the business, and soon after the completion of his apprenticeship, in November, 1870, set sail for America. On landing in New York, he secured a place with the grocery firm of Acker, Merrill & Condit, at the modest salary of $io per p-:i__::,-b _ fffff::-:-:0:::-1:-::-::-:::;::i Z M{M:::.::-:-_-c!M: iz 2s a.:::-:-:-:: M J ^;:: sc,: e, v i -- i D i v \ 1 K 0:f:f0:: I::: SI:;: J;::::: j-: -:::- ~ - ss f ~ k0000000:000 __........................ I t.......................,~~~~~~~~ ~~................................................................_ i j wES~....,.,......................... ----- - - -: -- --- ~~~~.................S........... _;......., _ =|_~o:: S X=X E=...v.- 8...:ma.:.X,2.... f - w!s F -;S R SS ~o{ifff i E ii?.S f.~ b u. S f2 i ii 301. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. week, paying $8 of this amount per week for his board. But within seven months, so valuable were the services of Mr. Lemon to his employers, that his salary was raised three times. His next move was to accept a position with A. M. Semple, of Rochester, and after five years of service there, Mr. Lemon had become manager of that extensive wholesale and retail grocery business at a fine salary. Tempted by a better offer, he then transferred his services to Lautz Brothers & Co., of Buffalo, and for five years was engaged in selling their goods, with conspicuous success. Although drawing a salary which was equaled by few in his line, the ambition which would not let the Irish lad remain in his native land still impelled him on, and he decided to begin business for himself. His travels had familiarized him with the growth and prospects of Grand Rapids, and, admiring its push and enterprise, he decided to link his fortunes with its future. In I88o Mr. Lemon removed to Grand Rapids, and became a member of the wholesale grocery firm of Shields, Bulkley & Lemon, which after years of successful operation has been succeeded by the firm of Lemon & Wheeler company. His career has been marked by a steady and undeviating purpose to succeed in his chosen business. He has aimed to be a wholesale grocer, and has not been tempted into other lines, but has made himself a place in the business world which does him credit. For the last eight years, however, he has been a director in the Fourth National bank. Mr. Lemon was married January 17, 1883, to Miss Mary M. Peoples, a daughter of James and Margaret Peoples, of Rochester, N. Y. Both Mr. Lemon and wife are members of the Westmnister Presbyterian church, of Grand Rapids. Fraternally Mr. Lemon is a Mason, and has attained the rank of knight templar. Politically he has always been a republican, and has been influential in the ranks of his I party of this state. November I. I897, Mr. Lemon was appointed, by President McKinley, collector of internal revenue for the Grand Rapids district. In the prime of life, with a fine presence and the qualities of.mind and heart which have made him a host of friends, Mr. Lemon is one of the business men of Grand Rapids who believe thoroughly in its future, and who show in their own lives the advantages America gives, and what may be done in a few years by a poor foreign boy in this favored land. Patriotic and public-spirited, intensely American because he knows personally the difference between a republic and a monarchy, he is an example of the man from whom the high types of American citizens are ever coming. * --- —-— "^ --- —--— " WALTER McLOUTH. - Prominent among the well known musicians of Grand Rapids is J. Walter McLouth, who was born in Ingham county, Mich., on the ISt day of February, 1870. After attending the public schools of his neighborhood at intervals during the years of youth and early manhood, he began the study of music, making a specialty of the violin, his instructor being Prof. William Church, under whose tutelage he continued for a period of five years. In I880 he went to Jackson, Mich., and there played in Prof. Church's orchestra and also became a member of the band and orchestra under the leadership of Prof. Edward Boos, one of the distinguished musicians of the northwest. Mr. McLouth remained in Jackson until I890, at which time he went to the city of Adrian, where he organized the McLouth Society orchestra, a popular and highly appreciated company of 802 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS talented musicians, and also united himself with the First Infantry Military band of that place to play solo clarinet, enlisting in the state service for a period of one year. The band formed part of Gov. Winan's escort to the World's Columbian Exposition at Chicago in I893, and while there received many compliments for the high grade of music played and the superior excellence of its execution. Mr. McLouth remained in Adrian two years and then returned to Jackson for the purpose of taking charge of the Church orchestra as director, which position he held for one season, removing at the end of that time tQ Kalamazoo to accept the leadership of the Grand Opera House orchestra of that city. While in Kalamazoo Mr. McLouth taught private pupils in stringed instrument music, making specialties of the violin and mandolin, in both of which he had large classes, also in banjo and guitar. He came to Grand Rapids to accept the position of director of the mandolin orchestra at Lakeside club, Reed's lake, and shortly after taking charge was induced by his many students and friends here to make this city his permanent home. As a composer of music Prof. McLouth has won recognition among the leading musicians of the United States, a number of his compositions having been published and are now played by the best orchestras throughout the country. By nature Mr. McLouth is a musician, but his present high standing is not the result of inherent abilities, but is the outgrowth of long years of patient and painstaking study under competent instructors. Though still a young man, he has reached a position in the profession such as few rarely attain, and the enthusiasm with which he pursues his art bespeaks for him a brilliant future. Mr. McLouth was married August 9, 1896, to Miss Celia Lillian Burlingame, of Salt Lake City, Utah, and now resides in handsome apartments in the Hermitage. His father, Oscar McLouth, an ex-soldier of the war of the Rebellion, is a prosperous farmer of Jackson county, this state; his mother, whose maiden name was Ann Gean Dexter, is the daughter of John Dexter, one of the prominent agriculturists of Washtenaw county. The subject has one sister, Alma McLouth, who live with the parents on the home farm. ARRY B. McMILLAN, D. D. S.The dental profession in Grand Rapids is well represented by Dr. McMillan, who has attained prestige in his chosen calling by reason of his marked ability. Dentistry may be said to be almost unique among other occupations, as it is at once a profession, a trade, and a business. Such being the case, it follows that, in order to attain the highest success in it, one must be thoroughly conversant with the theory of art, must be an expert in the use of many tools and appliances incidental to the practice of modern dentistry, and must possess business qualifications adequate to dealing with the financial side of the profession. In none of these requirements is Dr. McMillan lacking; on the contrary, close study has given him a broad understanding of the science of dentistry. H. B. McMillan is a native of Fort Wayne, Ind., and was born the 6th of February, I874, a son of James and Jane (Smith) McMillan. His father was a mechanic by trade, born on the isle of Islay, Scotland, and his mother in New York city. They were married in Fort Wayne, Ind., and now reside at 719 Jefferson avenue, Grand Rapids, in which city the father is employed in the boiler works, having removed here from Fort Wayne in AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 8038 I883. Politically James McMillan is a republican, and is the father of two sons and one daughter, viz: Harry B. and Walter, the latter foreman of the G. R. & I. carshops, is married and has one child; the sister is Mrs. Euphemia Haverkorn, residing on Jefferson avenue, Grand Rapids. Harry B. McMillan was educated in the Grand Rapids schools, and began the study of dentistry in I895, entering the university of Michigan and completing a three years' course the 30th of June, 1898. He established his present office in the Gilbert January I, I899, and has a finely-appointed suite of rooms and neatly furnished. His business is already very satisfactory, and his extensive professional training fits him for the intelligent and successful practice of his profession. In social relations he is a member of his college society, the Delta Sigma Delta fraternity. Politically he is, like his father, a republican. ATTHEW T. McNAMARA, proprietor of the Valley City creamery and also of the McNamara dairy farm in Paris, is a native of Kent county, Mich., born in the township of Paris October 9, i856. His father, Michael McNamara, and mother, Bridget Neylan, were respectively natives of county Clare and county Cork, Ireland. They were married in the old country and remained there until I850, at which time they came to the United States, locating for a limited period in Ohio, and upon the construction of the Detroit & Milwaukee railroad through Michigan moved to Grand Rapids. Michael McNamara was a contractor on the above road, and after completing the section under his charge he purchased a farm in Paris: township, and with the exception of a brief period devoted his time to the tilling of the soil. Five children were born to Michael and Bridget McNamara before they left thei'r native isle, one of whom died on the voyage to America. Of those living at this time Patrick is a farmer at Edmore, Mich.; Daniel E. is engaged in the creamery business in Grand Rapids; Mary, widow of John Mooney, resides in the city; Catherine, widow of William Toole, lives on a fruit farm ten miles west of the city limits in Ottawa county, and the subject of this sketch, who was the second youngest of the family, is noticed in following paragraphs. Michael McNamara's death occurred at the home of his daughter, in Ottawa county, January 27, I893, in his eighty-second year, having survived his wife but a few months, her death having taken place May 21, 1892, in her seventy-eighth year. The early life of Matthew T. McNamara was spent on the home farm, which he now owns, and the public schools of Paris township furnished the means of a practical English education. He assisted his father until arriving at young manhood's estate, and then began the pursuit of agriculture for himself, in the meantime becoming interested in dairying, which in due season became his principal life work. Beginning the dairy business upon a somewhat moderate scale he gradually increased it until I889, when he removed to Grand Rapids in order to give personal attention to its large and constantly growing interest, and also to operate the Valley City creamery, which he established that year. The latter is an important and highly appreciated industry, employing six people beside the proprietor, and the product, which is of a superior grade, finds ready sale in the markets of Grand Rapids and elsewhere. Mr. McNamara keeps on his farm a large number of fine cows, :304 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS --- and the income derived from this source alone is quite liberal. His place is in section No. I, Paris township, and the creamery, which represents a capital in excess of $5,ooo, is situated at No. 68 Lake avenue. Mr. McNamara was happily married in St. Andrew's cathedral May 2, 1882, to Miss Mary E. Cox, daughter of James and Ann (Eustace) Cox, Rev. Father McManus officiating at the ceremony. Mrs. McNamara's parents were natives of Ireland, the father born in Tipperary and the mother in county Clare. They were married in New York, came to Michigan in 1855, and for over forty-four years lived on a farm in the township of Paris. James Cox was for many years a teacher and is now manager of the Porter block in Grand Rapids. His wife died on the home farm in Paris township February i, 1899, at the age of sixtyeight. The family consisted of four sons and four daughters, Mrs. McNamara being the eldest. She was born in Grand Papids shortly after the family located here, and has always lived in Kent county. For ten years prior to her marriage she taught in the schools of Kent county, and earned the reputation of an efficient and popular instructor. To Mr. and Mrs.. McNamara have been born ten children, namely: James Michael, Edward John, Francis Matthew Leo (died when twenty months old), William Daniel; Mary, Roy Thomas (who died at the age of thirteen months), Anna Marguerite, Louis Henry and Catherine Helena; all the children living are still under the parental roof and constitute a happy and contented family. They and their parents are members of St. Andrew's Catholic church. Mr. McNamara is a democrat, but by no means an aggressive politician. He has held various official positions, township and minicipal, and for a number of years served on the school board in Paris township. EORGE MIDDLETON, practical sign 1ornamental and fresco painter, at No. 1 37 North Division street, Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Manchester, England, October 5, I840, a son of John and Nancy (Harrison) Middleton, natives of Derbyshire. John Middleton, who was born in Matlock, in the county of Derby, was a calico printer by trade, and Manchester being the chief seat of the calico industry in England, he naturally gravitated to that manufacturing emporium and there passed the remainder of his life, dying at the age of seventy-four years, and there also his wife passed away. Of the sixteen children born to this venerable and respected couple, there are six only now livingThomas, Margaret, Harriet, Rufus, John H. and George (the subject of this notice)-and of these Margaret, Rufus and George are the only ones in the United States, John H. having attained prominence as a musician at home and being content to remain there, as is his sister, Harriet. George MIiddleton, at the age of eighteen years, came to the United States, landed in New York, and thence made his way to Leavenworth, Kan., but very shortly returned to the Empire city, where he arrived the night previous to Lincoln's first election to the presidency. The Civil war, treading close on the footsteps of this glorious event, inspired Mr. Middleton with a patriotic love for his adopted flag, and he enlisted in the Ninth New York infantry, and was assigned to the regimental band, he being, like most of his family, well trained in music. He accompanied his regiment in its campaigns through North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland, and while at Pleasant Valley, Md., the order came from the war department to disband all regimental band organizations, yet Mr. Middleton, being an excellent cornet player, was retained by his colonel after -te7 6^t6crk e, " 307 AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. the band had been discharged, but shortly afterward he was taken sick and was released from further service in that corps. Convalescing, he next enlisted with the military band at the West Point Military academy, N. Y., in which he served three years, thus covering the entire period of the Civil war, and something over. The principal actions in which he was a participant during his first enlistment were at Hatteras Inlet, \Vinton and South Mills, N. C.; then across the Dismal Swamp to Fortress Monroe; then to Fredericksburg, where Gen. Lee was confronted on his invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania, and was also at the engagements at Sharpsburg and Antietam, Md.; his services during his second enlistment were confined to West Point only. After his discharge from the service Mr. Middleton located in Newburg, Orange county, N. Y. (a few miles up the Hudson river from West Point), and there remained until I880, when he came to Grand Rapids, Mich. He had learned his trade in England, Leavenworth, Kan., and Newburg, N. Y., and on settling in Grand Rapids embarked in business on his own account, and has conducted it ever since. For twelve years of this period he conducted a store on Monroe street for the sale of wall-paper, paints and painters' supplies, but suffered some financial loss and retired for a while, but resumed his present business on a smaller scale, and is now prospering. Mr. Middleton was united in marriage at Newburg, N. Y., October I4, I863, with Miss Anna Jeannette Porter, a native of that hilly but beautiful city on the Hudson; seven children were born to this union, viz: William, a business man of Grand Rapids; Georgiana N., now Mrs. John Platte; Harry, a painter and paper-hanger; Emma Ionia; Nettie, wife of Norman Doughty, an expert accountant; Josephine, and a child that died in infancy. Mrs. Anna J. Middleton died August 20, I896, and November o1, I898, Mr. Middleton married Mrs. Sarah Brundage, daughter of Alba and Elizabeth Sweetland. Mr. Middleton is a royal arch Mason, and also belongs to several insurance fraternities. In politics he is independent, and exercises his franchise for the candidate best suited, in his opinion, for office. He has always been a temperate and industrious citizen, and as such enjoys the well-deserved esteem of all who know him, and they who know him best esteem him most. He resides in his own pleasant dwelling at No. I28 Clinton street. EN. ANDREW T. McREYNOLDS, 1 deceased, was one of the leading lights of the Grand Rapids bar, as well as a soldier of more than ordinary gallantry. He was born in Dungannon, county Tyrone, Ireland, December 25, I807, and maternally was a cousin of Gen. Andrew Jackson, the hero of the battle of New Orleans and later seventh president of the United States. His grandfather was also a laywer of consummate ability in Ireland, and had an office in Sackville street, Dublin, was for years sheriff of Tyrone county, and lived to reach the patriarchal age of 103 years. His father was John McReynolds, also a distinguished member of the Irish bar. The mother of Gen. McReynolds bore the maiden name of Ann Sloan, was also a native of Ireland, and died in Cherry street, Grand Rapids, at the age of ninety years. Andrew T. McReynolds was intended by his father for a soldier, but fate decreed otherwise. Great tales reached Ireland of how 808 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Cousin Andrew was climbing the ladder of professional and political fame, and the young McReynolds determined to try the new world also. Upon the death of his father, he inherited the estate, and two years later found the proceeds in gold in a carpet-bag on the way to New York. Andrew Jackson was president then, and the young man received a warm welcome, which also extended to another relative, Senator McLane, of Baltimore. He spent but little time in the east, however, and made his way in 1833 to Detroit, which then had a population of less than 2,500. Having a natural inclination toward politics, and incited by the success of his cousin, he was elected alderman four years after his arrival in Detroit. In I839 he was chosen one of the delegates to the Harrisburg convention, which nominated Harrison. This was the first national convention in which Michigan figured as a state, and Gen. McReynolds was for many years past its only survivor. After that time he was a prominent,figure in Michigan history. He took an active part in the political and military history of the state and nation, and his record is among the first in everything. His military record dates back to 1832, when he, as a member of a Pittsburg company, assisted in putting down the nullification rebellion in South Carolina. His political history continued from the Harrisburg convention. In 1847 he was a democratic member of the Michigan senate, and his remarks upon the subject of the relations with Mexico were so eloquent that he attracted notice at Washington and President Polk tendered him a captaincy in the Third dragoons. He accepted, and his record among the "greasers" was that of a gallant soldier. In I848 he was commissioned, by brevet, major "for gallant and meritorions conduct in the battles of Contreras and Cherubusco." At the latter place he was wounded in the left arm, which was ever afterward comparatively use less. It.was at McReynold's side, also, that Phil Kearney's arm was shot off. Maj. McReynolds returned to Detroit and afterward became the first captain of the Montgomery guard. In 1859 he came to Grand Rapids and entered upon the practice of law, but he had hardly settled down when the Civil war broke out and he was given carte blanche to organize a cavalry regiment anywhere. The regiment was wanted badly and the president could not wait for the governor to issue a commission. In this way Col. McReynolds happened to be the only colonel of volunteers, commissioned by President Lincoln direct, during the war. He raised a regiment in New York city at once, and his gallant record in the Civil war is a matter of history. His son, B. Frank McReynolds, now secretary of the local board of police and fire commissioners, was also a gallant fighter in the war. After the war Gen. McReynolds returned to Grand Rapids and resumed the practice of law. When he reached the age of eighty years he was still able to conduct as vigorous a legal contest as younger men, and did so up to within a short time of his birthday, when he publicly announced his retirement in favor of younger men. During his later career in Michigan, Gen. McReynolds never held any prominent office, for, owing to republican ascendency in the state, his democratic opinions barred the recognition which his distinguished service warranted. He stumped the state for over twenty years for democracy and was United States district attorney for western Michigan during Andrew Johnson's term, thus participating in the only glimpse democracy had had in the state for a period of thirty years. In I852-4 he was prosecuting attorney for Wayne county, and in I874-6 he was prosecutor for Muskegon county, and although seventy years old when he held the last named office, he performed the duties most satisfac AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 8309 torily. During his long and useful life the venerable general had experiences which few men enjoy. He was in Liverpool when the first locomotive started out with a train, and was the first passenger on the first railroad train in the United States. He was also in Baltimore when the first telegraphic message was sent over the wire. During his early residence in Detroit the Asiatic cholera broke out in a severe epidemic and physicians and nurses were frightened. Young McReynolds volunteered his services and did such effective work that the dread disease was soon stamped out. In recognition of this, the city of Detroit presented him with a large and valuable cameo pin. After his return from the war with Mexico, the citizens of Detroit presented him with a sword of great value and magnificence, the cost of which was raised by popular subscription, no one being allowed to contribute more than ten cents. Always a stanch democrat, he never missed attending to his duties as a citizen and member of the party. He was many times honored by being selected as a delegate to various state and national gatherings, but one of his proudest moments in all his glorious career was when he officiated as chairman of the local reception committee for the democratic state convention in Grand Rapids in I892, to which place he was appointed by Chairman Thomas F. Carroll. And Gen. McReynolds was probably the oldest Knight Templar in the United States, if not the world. He became a Mason in Ireland,and by special dispensation was initiated and pushed through to knight templar degrees before his twenty-first birthday. He helped to organize Detroit commandery, and was for the last few years the only surviving charter member of that commandery. He was also an honorary member of De Molai commandery of Grand Rapids. Every Christmas the commandery sent him a large and beautiful box of roses, and at each banquet,for years, the knights remembered him in the same manner. He hardly knew what a pain or an ache was, except from his wound, and sickness was quite unknown to him. Until very recently, with one exception, the last physician he ever employed was in I834, in Detroit, when he caught a severe cold and nearly died. He had always been an inveterate smoker and enjoyed his pipe to the last. He was, aside from his G. A. R. connections, president of the Mexican War Veterans' association, and when he attempted to resign at the last meeting because of old age he was not allowed to do so. He had attended every meeting of this association since its organization and had always been its president. He was also a charter member of the old original Detroit Boat club. Gen. McReynolds was united in marriage at Worthington, Mass., with Miss Elizabeth Morgan Brewster, who was but one year younger than himself, and who traced her lineage to the Pilgrims of the Mayflower, and was a lineal descendant of Elder Brewster. The three living children who blessed this union were named Maria W., who is the wife of Charles H. Dean, of Grand Rapids; Helen Sloan, wife of Fred A. Nims, a prominent lawyer of Muskegon, and Benjamin Franklin, of whom further mention will shortly be made. Those deceased are George Sloan, Emily Ann, Mary Elizabeth and Andrew Jackson. The mother of these children was called away at the ripe age of eighty-four years, and the venerable father died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. F. A. Nims, at Muskegon, November 26, I898, at the extreme age of ninety years, and with his varied life-record and invaluable services, it may be well be imagined that his memory will be kept green by the residents of Michigan and his honored descendants. THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS 810 Benjamin Franklin McReynolds, secretary of the board of fire and police commissioners of Grand Rapids and the eldest child of Gen. Andrew T. and Elizabeth (Brewster) McReynolds, was born in Detroit, Mich., October 31, 1842, and the Wolverine state has always been his home. He came with his parents to Grand Rapids May 1, 1859, was educated in the common schools of both cities and at Hobart college, N. Y., where he became a member of the Sigma Phi society, and was reared to business pursuits. His first venture was as a partner with Charles Taylor in the wholesale and retail grocery trade, and together they laid the foundation of what has since become one of the largest concerns in its line in the state of Michigan, although, after some years they sold their old stand and erected a new store on Canal street, where Mr. McReynolds was manager until he became interested in quarrying and other enterprises. For a few years after I869, he and Mr. Taylor conducted the Emmett plaster quarries and mills. He was chosen general passenger agent and cashier of the Chicago & Canada Railroad company in 1878, which office he filled with marked ability until I882, when he was elected to his present position, which he fills with equal satisfaction. Benjamin F. McReynolds became a soldier of the Civil war almost at its outbreak, when he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the First New York Lincoln cavalry, and for meritorious conduct was soon promoted. He. went into active service September 20, I862, and served with distinction until March 11, I865, when he was honorably discharged on account of disability, have undergone severe and rugged service. October 15, 1887, Capt. McReynolds married Miss Hattle I. Miley, daughter of John Miley, one of the pioneer furniture manufacturers of Michigan, located at Niles, and this union has been blessed with one son, John, now two years of age, and who will, it is fondly hoped, perpetuate the name of his father and illustrious grandsire. In politics the captain is a democrat, has been junior vice-commander of Custer post, G. A. R., was once a delegate to the national encampment at St. Paul, was senior aid on the staff of Gen. Eaton, department commander, G. A. R. of Michigan, and is a genial gentleman in all repects, and honored by all who know him. iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii HE MICHIGAN MASONIC HOME for aged master Masons and their widows, at Grand Rapids, is a purely voluntary benevolent association, was incorporated November 5, I885, and its building opened for occupancy May 21, 1891. The idea of forming this association originated with the late John D. Jennings, a native of Dublin, Ireland, who was born March I6, I818, came to the United States at the age of twenty-one years, and was fairly prosperous until stricken with paralysis. He lived to see the Home constructed and opened, and passed his lingering days of illness within its walls until his death on Monday morning, November 21, I89I. His daughter, Mrs. Harriet Brown, was the first matron of the Home, and his wife, Mrs. Margaret H. Jennings, also a native of Dublin, died beneath its roof January 6, I892, at the age of sixty-seven years and five months. The Home is maintained by voluntary contributions and ten cents per capita dues by members of the various Masonic lodges of the state. It is managed by a board of fifteen trustees, which at present is constituted as follows: M. M. Read, of Ypsilanti, president; AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 311 Henry L. Anthony, of Sturgis, vice-president; William Went, of Manistee, treasurer; R. V. McArthur, of Grand Rapids, secretary. Board of control-John W. McGrath, of Detroit; Frank D. Jenks, of Port Huron; Byron C. Hill, of Jackson; J. E. Rice, of Grand Rapids; A. D. Wooodward, of Ludington; Charles L. Fitch, of Grand Rapids; A. W. Durkee, of St. John's; Charles H. Pomeroy, of Saginaw: R. D. Swartout, of Grand Rapids; Mrs. Louise Turck, of Alma; Mrs. A. A. Matteson, of Middleville, and Mrs. Lida A. Pratt, of Jackson. The land belonging to the association comprises thirty-three and one-half acres, adjoining Grand Rapids, and near Reed's lake, and is beautifully situated. It and the buildings cost $65,000, and are now valued at $Ioo,ooo, and at the present time there are thirtyeight inmates of the Home; these, with the superintendent and his family and the necessary domestics, make a total of forty-eight. No words can express the gratitude of the inmates and the admiration of the brotherhood in general toward the founder of the Home, the lamented John D. Jennings, whose philanthropic spirit and tireless energy brought into existence this noble institution, and his incipient steps, resulting in fruition, can be no better made plain to the reader than by quoting a portion of the circular issued by him to the fraternity at the outset of his undertaking, which says: Brotherly love is the moral cement which unites the Masonic edifice into one mass. By the exercise of brotherly love, we are taught to regard the whole human race as one family. The high and the low, the rich and the poor, created by one almighty Parent, and inhabitants of the same planet, are to aid, protect and support each other. It unites men of every country and every religion, and conciliates true friendship among those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual dis16 tance; hence it is, that we propose to lay before our brethren of Michigan the feasibility of establishing a home in the city of Grand Rapids for the protection of indigent aged Masons, where they can be protected against want in their waning hours, and be assured of our brotherly love. We propose to lay before you, brethren of Michigan, the subject-matter for your consideration, and we not only think, but know, you will cheerfully acquiesce in the plan that each and every Mason who will think well of it to subscribe his name as a member, who is willing to pay the sum of two dollars a year for its support, said sum to be paid in semi-annual payments, and when a sufficient number of contributors signify their desire to call a convention to make rules for its perpetuity; by establishing such a home yo will not only be doing yourselves an everlasting honor, but will be carrying out the principles of the order which now stands foremost among all the fraternal societies in the world, the most envied for its fraternal fellowship. We do not ask you as lodges to sign -but as Masons untrammeled by any legislative body. The lodges being a constitutional part of the grand lodge, might not receive the approbation of the grand lodge, but, as master Masons, you are appealed to, to join us in this philanthropic cause, of helping the needy poor and worthy master Mason, his widow, or his orphan, in their aged declining years, when unable to help themselves. You will readily see how it is approved of, when out of 150 master Masons personally appealed to, only seven refused to sign their names. Through this simple appeal was consummated his charitable, noble and benevolent design. Rial V. McArthur, present superintendent and secretary of the Home association, was born in Oakfield township, Kent county, Mich., September 9, 1850, and is a son of Giles and Harriet (Newcomb) McArthur, who were born near Cleveland, Ohio, and came to Kent county, Mich., in I843. The farm on which the parents settled, in Oakfield township, comprised I60 acres of virgin forest, but THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS 319 by dint of industry has been cleared off and brought under cultivation, and there the father and mother, the only surviving pioneers of the township, still live with their youngest son. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Giles McArthur numbered seven, of whom one son is deceased. The eldest of the family, Frank, is a prosperous farmer in Grattan township; Rial V. is the second in order of birth; Lewis E. is still on the homestead; Julia A. is the wife of Dr. Pasco, of Grand Rapids; Jane is the widow of Nelson B. Rich, formerly a court officer, and whose death took place in June, [897; Emma is the wife of William J. Spicer, a wealthy farmer of Montcalm county, and Minnie, who was married to Lewis Brown, a farmer of Grattan township, died at the age of twenty-three years. Rial V. McArthur was educated in the common schools of Oakfield township and the graded schools at Grattan. At the age of nineteen years he came to Grand Rapids, was employed in a wholesale grocery for two years, and drove the first delivery wagon in the city. He then engaged in the grocery trade on his,own account at Grattan Center and Oakfield, but two years later sold out and bought a farm, on which he lived one year, and then sold. His next business was as hotel keeper at Rockford for one year, and he then purchased a fruit farm of eighty acres near that city, on which he passed fourteen years and still owns, besides owning a farm of 223 acres east of Rockford, both of which he still manages, and from which he has realized a handsome competence. In April, I889, Mr. McArthur withdrew from his farm and assumed charge of the Kent county Home, on salary, and for his efficiency and service during the erection of the new buildings, his salary was increased $200 per annum, and he was also presented with a bonus of $Ioo. After about seven years passed in this work he retired, in I895, to his home in Grand Rapids, and spent over a year as a loan broker, when, through the instrumentality of Judge J. fW. Champlin, he was selected as superintendent of the Home, which, in the meanwhile, had come under the jurisdiction of the grand lodge of Michigan. Later he was elected secretary, and has ably filled the joint office ever since. Mr. McArthur was married April 15, I876, at Grand Rapids, by the late Rev. Graves, D. D., to Miss Olive D; Force, a native of Vergennes township and a daughter of Britton and Eliza (Cook) Force, natives, respectively, of Trumbull and Columbiana counties, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Force were married in their native state, early came to Kent county, Mich., first located in Vergennes township, and are now living on a 6oo-acre farm in Cannon township, near Rockford. Mr. Force was one of the first school-teachers of Kent county. To Mr. and Mrs. Force were born four sons and two daughters, of whom, Irving, the first born, died at the age two years, and the second child, of the same name, died at the age of forty-seven years, in I896; Mary A. is the wile of C. W. Ives, a druggist of Cheboygan, Mich.; Olive D., now Mrs. McArthur; Wilbur, a prominent musician of Grand Rapids, and one child that died unnamed. Mrs. McArthur graduated from the high school of Rockford, taught school a year, and is a vocalist of more than local reputation. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. McArthur has been blessed with a son and daughter, viz: Lottie May, who was educated in the Grand Rapids normal school, and is now a teacher of some note in the county schools, and Maxwell Lloyd, who was born May 24, I888, and is now a bright lad at his studies in school. Mr. McArthur has transacted a vast amount of business during his useful career, yet he has never brought a lawsuit against another and AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 313 has never been sued. In politics, he is a democrat and is active and influential in the counsels of his party. He has held the position:of township school-inspector, and was once a candidate for the wardenship of the Ionia reformatory, yet, notwithstanding his being splendidly endorsed, failed to secure the governor's signature to the appointment. He was made a Mason in the Valley City lodge, No. 34, of Grand Rapids, and is now a member of DeWitt Clinton consistory, Scottish rite, thirty-second degree, and he and wife are members of Oriental chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. As a citizen, Mr. McArthur has ever been useful and public-spirited and progressive, and he enjoys the respect of the entire corm unity. DGAR A. MAHER, a well-known attorney at law in Grand Rapids, was born in Covington, Wyoming county, N. Y., June 25, 1850, a son of Ira and Clarissa (Blackmond) Maher, the former of whom was a blacksmith and farmer, and both of whom are now deceased. Edgar A. Maher attended the district school at Covington until thirteen years of age,.and then the Middlebury academy at Wyoming, N. Y., and also the academic institute:at LeRoy, N. Y. He finished his education in 1869, and then engaged in miscellaneous work,until 1871, when he came to Michigan, and located at Lansing. He entered the law department of the university of Michigan in the 4fall of I873, and in April, 1874, was admitted to the bar by the supreme court, and began practice in Ionia and later came to Grand Rapids. In 1891 he formed a partnership with L. K. Salsbury, and they are one of the leading law firms of the city. Politically, Mr. Maher is a democrat, and fraternally he is a member of Masonic lodge, No. 34, and of Grand Rapids chapter, No. 7, and a pastmaster of Tyre council, No. 1o. ROF. JOHN WV. MATTHEWS, M. S., principal of th'e South Division street school at Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in St. Joseph county, Ind., September 23, I858, the eldest of the ten children that comprised the family of Oscar and Diana (Hutchinson) Matthews. Of the tenchildren alluded to, nine are still living, and of these, five reside in Grand Rapids, two of the daughters being teachers in the public schools and one daughter in a commercial house; one son, Wallace B., is practicing medicine; one son is a teacher in Barry county, and another is interested in dairy products. Oscar Matthews was born in southern Indiana and can trace his progenitors to the same stock from which Abraham Lincoln descended. He was a farmer by vocation, and came to Michigan about the year I864, locating in Barry county on rented land, which he cultivated one year, and then bought a farm in Irving township, same county, on which he lived until about I873, when he purchased a wild tract of I60 acres, overgrown with maple timber, and the task of clearing off and breaking up this wild farm fell mostly upon the subject, who is the eldest son, and the next elder brother. John W. Matthews first attended the district school in Barry, winter and summer, until nine years old, and then attended in winter only until about fifteen, when the family removed to the I6o-acre tract mentioned above, on which his services were so requisite 314 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS that he was withdrawn from school altogether, and did not attend again until he had reached the age of twenty. About this time, also, a friend suggested that he apply for a certificate to teach, and this, after a severe examination, he secured. The same winter, he taught a district school most satisfactorily, and then taught two years longer, but, realizing his own deficiency, he entered the high school at Hastings,'Barry county, greatly improved himself, and graduated at the age of twenty-four years. The money with which he paid his high-school expenses had been earned by working on the farm in summer during the period in which he was engaged in teaching district schools. In I882, Mr. Matthews entered the Agricultural college at Lansing, Mich., and by hard study finished the full course in three years. He next taught one year, in order to secure the means for admission to the university at Ann Arbor, where he took a special course of two years in biology and pedagogy, and while there also acted as a member of the board of examiners in Barry county, and the year after leaving the university he was appointed secretary of this board, and filled the office with consummate ability for one year, when he came to Grand Rapids, and was for five years teacher of biology and chemistry in the Central high school. At the close of this term of service in the Central, Prof. Matthews was placed in charge of the science department of the State Normal school at Platteville, Wis., but at the close of a year a division was made, or, rather, a re-organization, by which there were two departments erected-the department of natural science and the department of physical science -and of these, Prof. Matthews retained the natural science department. At the end of a year he obtained an appropriation of $1,700 for his department, with which he placed in a I chemical laboratory and fitted up the physical and biological class-rooms in first-class order;: but, at the end of about three years, political and religious dissensions arose among the people of the state, and were brought to bear upon the school, and Prof. Matthews withdrew and came to Grand Rapids. Here he had charge of the ungraded school until 1897, when he was placed in charge of the South Division street school —his present position. Prof. John W. Matthews was united in marriage, February 14, I889, with Miss Dora E. Kennedy, of Hastings, Mich., and to this happy union has been born one child —Andrew Allen. But Mr. and Mrs. Matthews, in the kindness of their hearts, have adopted two boys, Felix, aged, five years, March 9, I899, and Bayard, aged four, April I9, of the same year — and these they are rearing with all the tenderness and care that could be given to their own offspring. It will have been seen that Prof. Matthews is a gentleman of most persevering characteristics, as well as patience, qualities well calculated to qualify any person for the training of youth. His erudition is profound and his experience ripe, and no better man could be found for the position he fills. He and his amiable wife enjoy the esteem of the best people in the city, and it will be an unfortunate day for Grand Rapids when they take their departure. They attend the Unitarian church; fraternally, he is a member of Fraternal Mystic Circle...................... BALLACE B. MATTHEWS, M. D., of Nos. 406 and 407 Widdicomb building, Grand Rapids, Mich., was. born in St. Joseph county, Ind., April 22, 1862, a son of Oscar and Diana AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 315 (Hutchinson) Matthews, the former a nativeborn American and the latter a native of England. To the marriage of these parents were born four sons and six daughters, and of these ten children nine grew to maturity, viz: John WV., a teacher in Grand Rapids; Etta, wife of Paul N. Bump, of Hastings, Mich.; Nora A., a teacher, also, in Grand Rapids; Myrtle, who died at the age of twenty-three years; Lillian M. and Louis J. (twins)-the former a teacher and the latter a raiser of and dealer in live stock in Barry county; Minnie B., bookkeeper for her brother, Dr. Wallace B.; Eva L., cashier for Beach & Booth, restaurauteurs, and James R., a teacher in Barry county and also a student of dentistry. Dr. Wallace B. Matthews received his elementary education in Hastings, Mich., to which point his parents had removed when he was a child. His boyhood was passed on his father's farm in Barry county, as well as the earlier years of his manhood. In the fall of 888 he became a student in the Homeopathic college at Ann Arbor, where for two years he studied this school of medicine, and then entered the office of Dr. R. M. Luton, of Grand Rapids, under whose preceptorship he studied some months, and then passed one year at the Chicago Homeopathic college, from which he graduated March 24, I89I. On his return to Grand Rapids he practiced six months alone, making a fine reputation for one so young in the profession, and then succeeded to the practice and occupied the office of his former tutor, Dr. Luton, who was obliged to relinquish active work on account of impaired health. Dr. Matthews was married in Grand Rapids, December 27, I893, with Miss Emma E. Rosenberg, a native of Lisbon, Mich., and a lady of many accomplishments. For three years she was a school-teacher in Muskegon, Mich., where she established so high a repu tation that she was secured by the Grand Rapids authorities, and for the seven years pre-.vious to her marriage taught in the public schools of this city. The doctor and Mrs. Matthews worship at the Church of Christ, and the doctor in politics is a democrat. The doctor is a member of the State Homeopathic society and of the Homeopathic society of Grand Rapids; also of the K. of P., I. O. O. F., I. O. F., K. of H., M. WV. of A., F. M. C. and the Royal Neighbors, is medical examiner for the five last named of these orders, and is also physician for court Rescue, No. 445, Independent Order of Foresters. He stands in the foremost rank of the practitioners of medicine of,his school in the state, and is favored with a large share of patronage, in general practice, by persons who as a rule believe in the Homeopathic method of treatment. Socially, he and wife enjoy the esteem of the best residents of the city, and their home is always found to be a pleasant resort by those wvho enjoy a congenial hospitality. EUBEN MAURITS, M. D., corner Lake avenue and East street, Grand Rapids, is a native of Vriesland, Ottawa county, Mich., was born October 29, I870, the youngest of the twelve children born to William J. and Margaret (Rychel) Maurits. William J. Maurits and Margaret Rychel, natives of Holland, came to America with a colony of their countrymen and settled in Grand Rapids in I847. In 1849 their marriage took place, and after a residence in the city for about twenty years, during which the father followed his trade of carpenter and builder, they sought a home on a farm in Ot 316 TIHE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS tawa county, and in Zeeland, that county, they are now living in quiet retirement. Of their twelve children, seven still survive, of whom further mention will be made.,Dr. Reuben Maurits was educated at Hope college, Holland, Mich., in literature and the classics, and after graduating entered the medical department of the university of Michigan at.Ann Arbor, in I889, and graduated from this famous institution in I892. Immediately following this important occurrence he located for practice in Grand Rapids, where his abilities have been rewarded with a success that justifies him in still retaining the office and residence of which he first took possession seven years ago. He is a member of the Grand Rapids Medical and Surgical society and has served as visiting physician to the Kent county infirmary for nearly three years, having been elected, as a republican, to that office by the board of county commissioners; he was also instructor in gynecology at the Grand Rapids college of Medicine one year, but resigned this position on account of the urgent demands in his private practice. Dr. Maurits was united in marriage in Chicago, Ill., November 25, 1897, with Miss Angeline DeBey, a native of that city and a daughter of the late Dr. William and Eva (Takken) DeBey. Her grandfather, the late Rev. Dr. DeBey, of Chicago, was also an active and progressive worker in the Reformed church of the Windy city; Mrs. Eva (Takken) DeBey is a native of Holland, but for many years was a resident of Grand Haven, Mich., now makes her home with Dr. Maurits, the subject, and is well known among the old settlers here. Mrs. Dr. Maurits was a graduate of the Chicago high school, and of the Cook county normal, and for two years was a teacher at Chicago, and for a like period in the public schools of Grand Rapids. The doc tor and his wife are members of the Bethany Reformed church of this city, and their social relations are extremely pleasant. Of the seven surviving members of the twelve children born to the parents of Dr. Maurits, all are married save the youngest daughter, and the husbands of the daughters are farmers; one son is a carpenter, one a machinist and the third is the accomplished physician, Reuben, of this sketch. The names of the seven, given in priority of age, are as follows: Antonia, Henrietta, Peternella, Joseph, Peter, Maud and Reuben. OHN H. MAY, the popular dealer in nursery stock and real estate, at No. 1261 South Division street, Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, December 2, 1850, a son of John and Katherine M. (Stout) May, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Pennsylvania, and both of German descent. John May, the father, moved with his wife and children from Ohio to Logansport, Ind., in I853, where they now live. Of the thirteen children born to this venerable couple, eight still survive, viz: Lewis E., foreman of the repair shop at Logansport, of the Logansport, Detroit & Eel River Railroad company; John H., the subject; William Franklin, a stonecutter and operating a business in marble at Logansport; Isabel, wife of William Buchanan and living near Star City, Pulaski county, Ind.; George NV., a farmer of Champaign county, Ill.; Katherine, wife of William Enyart, of Logansport; Frederick R., a farmer nrar Star City, and Levina, wife of William Brown, also a farmer near Star City. John H. May received his education in the AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 317 public schools of Logansport, but under somewhat adverse circumstances, as, in the pioneer days of that now thriving city, he was obliged to walk two and a half miles to reach a schoolhouse, was chased frequently by wolves en route, and was nine years old when he first attended. Later he supplemented this education by an attendance at the Logansport academy. In 1870 Mr. May began earning his livelihood as a sewing-machine agent, and was next employed for three years as a clerk in a hotel at LaFayette, Ind. In the fall of 1873, during the financial panic, he visited Denver, Salt Lake City, Cheyenne and other points in the far west, returned to LaFayette, and then made a trip south, visiting St. Louis, Mo., etc. In the winter of 1874, he bought furs at Galveston, Texas, and in the Indian territory, for the southern branch of the Northwestern Fur company, drove a heavy dray for a wholesale house in New Orleans for three months, and then came north, via Cincinnati, to Circleville, Ohio, and was there married, on his twentyfifth birthday, to Miss Elizabeth A. Huffer, a native of the town. January I, 1876, with his bride and his limited effects, he returned to Logansport and farmed his father's place of I60 acres for a year, realizing an excellent crop. About this time the Indiana drainage law came into effect, and he secured contracts for making roads, ditches, etc., under this law, and this engaged his time for seven years. He next engaged in the fur business at Star City during one or two winters, but lost money, and for four or five years following carried on an agricultural implement trade in the same city. He next went on the road as an expert for the McCormick Machinery company-starting in Texas, going through to Montana, and also visiting nearly every agricultural state il the south and east, covering a period of four years. April 3, 1893, Mr. May came to Grand Rapids and engaged in the nursery business, incidentally handling real estate, and also farming on a small scale in the suburbs of the city. In his nursery trade Mr. May handles the stock produced by the Lake Shore Nursery company, of Erie, Pa., and works over his territory year after year-this fact showing the virility of his young trees-and in the spring of 1898 disposed of over 27,000. Mr. May also finds time to engage in his old business of grading, and holds contracts for this class of work between Grand Rapids and Holland, and likewise between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, and is, indeed, one of the busiest of busy men. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. May, five died in infancy; the surviving three are Ida Bell, who is married to Frank Jackson, an employee of a wholesale house in Grand Rapids; Adam Fortress is eleven years of age, and John Archibald is four years old. Mrs. May is a member of the United Brethren church, as is also her daughter, while Mr. May was reared in the faith of the Methodist church. In politics Mr. May began with the support of Horace Greeley for the presidency in I872; he later voted forTilden, Hancock, Blaine, Cleveland for his second term, and Bryan. In local matters he votes for the man of his choice. Socially Mr. and Mrs. May and family are highly respected, and no mere useful and enterprising citizen than Mr. May can be found in the city of Grand Rapids. EWIS ROBERT MAY, M. D., of No. 86 Canal street, Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of Danville, Pa., was born February 5, i859, and is a son of Michael and Rebecca (Gross) May, natives of \urtemberg, Germany. ,818 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS - Michael May, after coming to America, was engaged in merchandizing for a number of years and died in Philadelphia, leavinghis widow and their two children-the doctor and Mrs. Sarah Glouch, now a resident of Texas. The Gross family was emphatically a medical one, that covered several generations in Germany, the family home being at Altdorph, Baden, but of the latest generation, even, the greater portion is deceased or dispersed through other countries. The early education of Dr. Lewis R. May was acquired at Akron, Ohio, from the high school of which city he is a graduate. He began the study of medicine in Chicago, Ill., in I88, and graduated from Harvey university in I894, and was appointed as assistant county physician of Cook county' In I895 he was a member of the board of health of Chicago, but ill health necessitated a trip to Germany, and while there he took a post-graduate course at the university of Heidelberg, and also a course in clinics. He returned from Europe in August, I898, and in the following October came to Grand Rapids. Here his professional abilities met with immediate recognition, and his course has ever since been upward and onward. The doctor is a member of all the Illinois medical societies, and fraternally he is a Knight of Pythias. He is liberal in his religious views, as in most other things, and in politics is a republican. He still lives in a state of single blessedness. I I the town of York, New York state, on March I, I823, a son of John and Mercy (Price) Naysmith, natives, respectively, of England and the state of Maryland. John Naysmith descended from Scotch ancestry, wes born while his father was serving in the British army, and his wife's birth occurred in Maryland the same day on which he first saw the light. Henry R. Naysmith was reared on his father's homestead in the Empire state, and while still a youth engaged in the manufacture of clothing; in this he displayed great efficiency, and it is a fact worthy of note that the first broadcloth coat his father ever wore was the product of the son's skill with the needle. Before attaining his majority Mr. Naysmith served an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade, and his skill as a builder is attested by numerous structures of different kinds in various parts of Grand Rapids and throughout Kent and other counties. In his youth he was denied the privilege of gaining the education he desired, but being of an observant and studious nature, and fond of books, he became in time the possessor of a fund of valuable knowledge which served well as a foundation for a career of great usefulness in subsequent life. Actuated by a laudable desire to increase his knowledge, Mr. Naysmith, after coming to Grand Rapids, availed himself of the advantages of attending an academy taught by Prof. Everett, under whose able instructions he pursued his studies two winters, making rapid progress during that time. Subsequently he taught two terms of school, after which he turned his attention exclusively to contracting and building, following the same with success and financial profit for many years, until failing health compelled him to relinquish manual labor. For two terms he was a member of the board of review, and during the active years ENRY R. NAYSMITH, Grand Rapids, Mich.-For many years the subject of this review was a prominent contractor and builder of Grand Rapids, as well as one of the city's most highly esteemed citizens. Mr. Naysmith was born in -Z/ 6 I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 321 of his business life, few, if any, mechanics of Grand Rapids planned and executed more work, or did as much towards the material development of the city. Later, when his bodily powers began to decline by reason of infirm health, and he was no longer able to do manual work, he continued to plan and superintend the construction of many important edifices, and otherwise pursue the vocation to which his life was devoted. Mr. Naysmith was married in Marshall, Mich., on the I2th day of November, I857, to Miss Desdemona Church, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Ennis) Church, who survives her husband and resides in the pleasant dwelling which he erected in 1857 at 243 Lyon street. Mr. Naysmith built a residence a number of years prior to the erection of the present home, which occupies a site on the adjoining lot west, and the interesting fact is recalled that he did some of the work on the building by the light of Indian camp-fires on the rear of the lot. From 1862 to 1875 Mr. Naysmith, was engaged in the manufacture of builders' materials, and conducted the leading industry in this line then in the city. When he first came to Grand Rapids the Indian population in and around the town greatly exceeded that of the whites, there being then about I, Ioo of the former and 900 of the latter. From this it is at once apparent that he saw the place grow from an insignificant frontier hamlet into one of the largest and most progressive cities of the great middle west, and as already stated he was no idle spectator of the almost phenomenal development, but a potent factor in contributing to its impetus. In the true sense of the term Mr. Naysmith was a self-made man, and as such ranked with the leading spirits that gave character and influence to Kent county and its progressive seat of justice. In politics he was republican, well read and fully informed on the great public questions of the times, and took a warm interest in local party action, but not as an aspirant for official position. Fraternally he was a member of Doric lodge, F. & A. M., also Knights Templar, and in religion subscribed to the liberal creed of Universalism. He was a leading member and one of the organizers of the church in Grand Rapids, and aided materially both financially and otherwise in building up this organization which was one of his greatest delights, and cheered by a beautiful christian faith, he fearlessly passed into the higher life on the 30th day of September, I894, beloved and honored by all who knew him. RED AUGUSTUS MAYNARD.-This distinguished representative of the Michigan bar is ex-attorney general of the state, is still in the prime of life, and his friends insist that he is at the opening of a brilliant career. He is a master of the theory and practice of law, and his enviable standing as an honest man and an upright citizen gives character to his eloquent speech. He was born in Ann Arbor, January 20, 1852, and his career has honored his native state. His father, John W. Maynard, is the oldest living settler of Washtenaw county,as respects years of residence. The father came from Massachusetts in 1824, and when he grew to manhood engaged in mercantile pursuits in Ann Arbor, in which he is still interested. By his generosity it was made possible for Ann Arbor to become the seat of the great university of Michigan. Mr. Maynard's mother is a native of New York, the daughter of the Hon. Gideon Willcoxson, a leader of the bar in the 822 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS early days of Michigan. She came with her parents to Ann Arbor in the spring of 1826. Mr. Maynard's parents were married on the 7th day of December, 1836, and soon thereafter established their home in the house which they now occupy. It is thought that this is the oldest house in the state of Michigan. Fred Augustus Maynard was reared under the parental roof, and graduated from the city high school in I870. The same year he matriculated in the classical department in the university of Michigan, and in due time completed his studies and received the degree of A. B. in 1874. In the fall of that year he entered the law department of the same university, and made so good a record in the next two years that he was graduated without undergoing the ordeal of an examination. Even while a law student he was admitted to the Wayne county bar, after a thorough examination in the spring of I875. In 1876 he had conferred upon him the degrees of M. A. and LL. B. The literary class of I874 contained a number who have since become prominent in professional, business and political circles. Among these are Dr. Henry Wade Rogers, president of the Northwestern university at Evanston, Ill.; Lawrence Maxwell, of Cincinnati, a leader of the Ohio bar, and lately solicitor-general of the United States; Henry T. Thurber, President Cleveland's private secretary; Victor H. Lane, circuit judge; Henry R. Pattengill, superintendent of public instruction of Michigan; William H. Wells, a leader of the Detroit bar; Prof. Calvin Thomas, lately of the university of Michigan, and one of the most brilliant educators in the country. Mr. Maynard was a leading spirit in the university athletic world, being a member of the university base-ball nine, cricket eleven and foot-ball eleven. Late in the year 1875 he came to Grand Rapids, and torney of Kent county —his partner, Capt. Stephen H. Ballard, being prosecuting attorney. In I88i Mr. Maynard was elected prosecuting attorney by an overwhelming majority, and at the same time formed a partnership with Mr. George P. Wanty, which was continued for three years. In I887 his present partner, Henry E. Chase, became associated with him under the firm name of Maynard & Chase. Mr. Maynard's administration of the duties of prosecuting attorney was marked with great brilliancy. Many reforms were instituted by him, which have resulted in the saving of thousands of dollars to the tax-payers. In I885 he was unanimously nominated for the office of judge of the superior court of Grand Rapids. In I886 he declined the nomination for the state senate. In I889 he became Michigan's candidate for the office of governor of Alaska, having the unanimous support of the Michigan delegation, but President Harrison saw fit to give the appointment to Vermont. In I890 he was elected representative to the state legislature under the law providing for cumulative voting, which was afterwards declared unconstitutional by the supreme court. In I894 he was elected attorney-general by a plurality of over 112,000. He was warmly commended by the state press in his preliminary canvass, and his nomination was made by acclamation-the first among the very few times in the history of the state when a first nomination was accorded by acclamation and a rising vote-and elected by a plurality of over 57,000. He has an established reputation as a trial lawyer, and his management of a case is a delight to a student. He is an enthusiastic, all around lawyer, and was for several years a director of the State Bar association. He is a stalwart republican, and never hesitates to express his convictions. He ad the next year became assistant prosecuting at AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 328 vocates broad and progressive ideas, and is a vigorous representative of the young republicans of the state. He is a public speaker of much power and many natural oratorical gifts. Quickness of perception, soundness of judgment, solid common sense, fidelity and enthusiastic loyalty to his friends, are regarded as the more prominent attributes of Mr. Maynard's character. He is very happy in his domestic relations. Miss Charlotte Nelson became his wife October 24, I878; she is a daughter of the late James M. Nelson, a prominent figure in the first manufacturing enterprises in Grand Rapids. She is a lovely woman, and accomplished and popular lady, and well supports her husband's name and standing. They are the parents of two children, a girl and a boy. Mr. Maynard comes of good patriotic stock and belongs to the order of the Sons of the American Revolution. He enjoys the somewhat unusual distinction of having had three great-grandfathers in the American Revolution. He is a college Greek, and is a member of the D. K. E., in whose fortunes he still takes a lively interest. On the expiration of his term of office in December, I898, he again engaged in the active practice of his profession. AYLORD B. MILLER, M. D., aleading practitioner of medicine in Grand Rapids, P Mich., is a native of Torrington, Litchfield county, Conn., was born July 25, I83I, and is a son of Thomas Allen and Mary C. (Hudson) Miller, natives of the same state. His paternal grandfather, Ebenezer Miller, was a patriot of the Revolutionary war and fought under Gen. Israel Putnam, his ancestors having been of English and WTelsh descent. Dr. G. B. Miller is the eldest of a family of three children, the next in order of birth being John Thomas, a graduate of Yale college and an attorney in Grand Rapids, and the youngest, Hobart Brizillia, being proprietor of a boat-house at Reed's lake. The doctor was preliminarily educated in the Torrington academy, passed thence to the Stockbridge (Mass.) academy, where he was prepared for college, and at East Hampton, Mass., was fitted for medical tuition. His first preceptor in this science was Dr. James Welsh, at Winsted, Conn., under whom he was prepared for lectures at Woodstock, Vt., which he attended in I849; he then passed one year in the office of Dr. J. B. Whiting, at Torrington, Conn., and the winter of I850-5I he passed at the Michigan university, Ann Arbor. He then attended the Berkshire Medical college at Pittsfield, Mass., from which he graduated in 1852, and started in practice at Harwinton, Conn., where his success was so gratifying that he remained there eleven years. In I863 Dr. Miller came to Grand Rapids. During the Civil war he served as assistant surgeon for eight months in the hospital at East Bridge street, Grand Rapids, and at the general rendezvous near Jackson, Mich.; was then ordered to report to Gen. Sherman, and joined the army at Chattanooga, Tenn.; was on the Atlanta campaign, and was finally honorably discharged for physical disability at his own request, and this disability still clings to him, rendering him incapable, at times, of continuous professional labor. Dr. Miller became a member of the Massachusetts State Medical association in I852, of the Connecticut State Medical society in I853, and the Litchfield county Medical society in the same year, and of the the American Medical association in I86o. He is now a member of the various medical associations of Grand Rapids, of the Michigan State Medical 324 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS society, and was president of the Grand Rapids Medical and Surgical society but is not now in active membership with any of these, for the reason that he is unable to attend their meetings, particularly their night sessions. For three years he was president of the Grand Rapids board of health. The marriage of Dr. Miller took place in New Hartford, Litchfield county, Conn., December 13, 1853, to Miss Caroline Amanda Watson, daughter of Thomas and Emeline (Curtis) Watson, who both died in West Winston, Conn., at the respective ages of seventysix and eighty-five years. The grandfather of Thomas Watson served gallantly in the Revolutionary war, and was a descendant of John Watson, an Englishman, who settled in America in I644. By marriage, the grandfather was connected with the families of Gov. Bradford, Jonathan Edwards and Noah Webster, and Mrs. Miller is a sixth cousin of our naval hero, Admiral George Dewey. Mrs. Miller is a lady of liberal education, being a graduate of Mount Holyoke seminary, in the class of I85r. To Dr. and Mrs. Miller have been born three children, viz: Mary Emma, who died unmarried in I881, at the age of twenty-six years; Thomas Watson, a merchant for a number of years in Grand Rapids, and Alice, wife of Rev. Henry Hopkins Kelsey, pastor of the Fourth Congregational church, at Hartford, Conn. The doctor and his wife are members of the Park Congregational church, at Grand Rapids. In politics the doctor has been a life-long republican, his father having been an active abolitionist. In his profession he keeps in close touch with the advancement which is continually being made. Neglect of patients can never be charged against him, and in the performance of each day's duties he finds inspiration and strength for the labor of the day fol lowing. These sterling qualities have brought him an extensive practice, and his standing with the public and the profession is all that could be desired by even the most ambitious. ROF. JOHN A. MEYER, the accomplished musician and instructor on the organ and piano-forte, with his residence and music parlors at No. 261 West Bridge street, Grand Rapids, was born August 10, 1829, in Berne, Switzerland, in which city he acquired his earlier literary education. Ulrich L. Meyer, father of the professor, was a civil engineer in the employ of the government of the Swiss republic, and died at the age of fifty-two years, the subject of this sketch being then but fifteen years old. The lad, John A., being thus bereft of a father's care, was left to plan for himself his future career, and having manifested at a very early age a taste for music and a remarkable skill as an instrumentalist, he decided, in I846, to enter the Teachers' seminary at Munchenbuchsee, near Berne, and qualify himself fully for the profession of music. He graduated from this institution in 1848, and immediately began giving instruction on the organ and piano in his native city, and so continued until his departure for the United States. On arriving in America, August 28, 1850, Prof. Meyer visited relitives in Rochester, N. Y., and taught music a while, but the next year (I85I) went with a large company of friends and others overland to San Francisco, Cal., and for about a year was employed as a clerk in a large hardware store in that city, and then went to visit relatives in Cincinnati, Ohio. He next went to Waterloo county, On AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 325 tario, Canada, where he taught private classes and also gave instruction in the public and parish schools, and at Hamburg, Canada, was united in marriage, on the I5th day of October, i856, with Miss Francisco Frank, and of the twelve children that have blessed this union ten stillsurvive, viz: Mrs. Fred Cordes and Mrs. Joseph Cordes, whose husbands are both prosperous farmers of Alpine township, Kent county, Mich.; Mrs. Jacob Brautigam, whose husband is a millwright of Grand Rapids; Mrs. Charles Klein, of Chester township, Ottawa county, Mich., where her husband is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits; Mrs. George Frey, of Grand Rapids, her husband now living and working in a mill at Lisbon; Joseph, an employee of the Standard Oil company, and Maximilian, employed in a hat factory, and both residing in Grand Rapids; Eugenia, Stephania and Mary are still under the parental roof. In I87I Prof. Meyer came from Canada to Michigan, and for seven years taught music in Alpine township, Kent county, and then, for six years, taught in the township of Wright, in Ottawa county. In the latter county he served three terms as justice of the peace, and under President Cleveland's first administration was postmaster at Berlin. January I, I893, Prof. Meyer brought his family- to Grand Rapids, having accepted the position of organist at St. James Catholic church, and at the same time opened his parlors for the instruction of pupils in piano and organ instrumentation. The number of his pupils has always been flatteringly large, and their excellent execution gives ample evidence of the professor's proficiency as a teacher. The professor has also given a number of concerts and organ recitals, and has invariably met with warm receptions by large, fashionable and appreciative audiences. He has shown his patriotism and devotion to his adopted country by enlisting, in New York, in the Fourth regiment, regular artillery, but an injury to his arm soon incapacitated him for military life, and he was honorably discharged. Socially, the professor has a very large circle of warmhearted friends among the better class of the citizens of Grand Rapids. By twenty-seven children he is called grandfather, and he has, in all, 14I relatives living in Kent and Ottawa, counties, Mich. ONALD ELLIS MINOR, now prominent as an attorney at law, Grand' Rapids, Mich., is a native of Fayette county, Pa., and was born May I, I868. His life experience has been most varied and interesting, and is illustrative of the success which ever attends well-directed energies, and the reward of industry and perseverance when confined to their proper channels. Donald E. Minor attended public school in his native county until fifteen years of age, and was then apprenticed to the trade of mason and builder, at which he had served, but three years when he was promoted to be superintendent of the works. In 1887 he went to Birmingham, Ala., as superintendent of the construction department of the Tennessee Coal, Iron & Railroad company, and soon afterward organized the J. L. Minor company, for the construction of coke plants, for railroad excavating, and for heavy masonry work, with which company he was connected until the fall of I888, when he withdrew and entered the Northern Indiana Normal school at Valparaiso, Porter county, Ind., from which he graduated in, I890 with the degree of bachelor of science, and also completed the commercial course. He then returned to Ala 326 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS barma, where he superintended the erection of a coke plant and the construction of several short railroad branches for the Lady Ensley Coal, Iron & Railroad company, of which the famous capitalist, the late Enoch Ensley, was president, and \Walter Moore, so prominent in development of the mineral belt of the state, was the general manager. At the conclusion of this undertaking, which required one year's time, Mr. Minor became connected with the Pioneer Mining & Manufacturing company at Thomas, Ala., as general bookkeeper in charge of their office in the coke-making department, and while filling this position was united in marriage December 22, 189I, with Miss Mabel Haste, a native of Valparaiso, Ind., and a daughter of Col. George S. Haste; this union has been blessed with one child-Emma. In April, 1892, Mr. Minor resigned his position in Thomas and became associated with his father-in-law, under the firm name of Haste & Minor, and engaged in the retail hardware business at Valparaiso, but at the close of a year sold his interest to Mr. Haste and returned to Alabama to accept the position of superintendent of the Bessemer Fire Brick company-the largest plant in its line south of the Potomac river-and filled this responsible position until July, 1894, when he became ambitious of filling a higher sphere in life. He accordingly entered the law department of the university of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, devoted himself assiduously to study for two years, and graduated in 1896. While at college he was unusually active in the work of the oratorical department; was treasurer of the Oratorical association in the senior year, and' was second vice-president of his class. Upon [graduating he immediately began the practice of law in Grand Rapids under the firm-style of Minor & Bullen, but in the spring of the following year Mr. Bullen was elected clerk of justices' courts, and since then Mr. Minor has continued in practice alone. January I, 1899, he was appointed assistant prosecuting attorney under F. A. Rodgers, whose term will expire January, I9OI. His success has been most flattering, and the indications are that, with the same energy and tact that he had devoted to his former lines of business, applied with equal vigor to this, the day is not far distant when he will stand in the front rank of the legal practitioners of Kent county. Mr. Minor is a member of the Rice, Minor Manufacturing company, horticultural implement makers, and fraternally is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of Korhassan, the Royal Circle (in which he holds a chair), and he and wife are members of the Division street Methodist church. In politics a republican, he is a member of the city executive committee, is president of the Young Men's Republican club, and has served as a delegate to the state convention at Detroit. ON. JEFFERSON MORRISON, deceased, was one of the early pioneers of Kent county, Mich., its first probate judge, and one of the most enterprising and progressive business men that ever had a home in the state of Michigan. He was born in Milton, Saratoga county, N. Y., July 15, I805, a son of James and Martha (Green) Morrison, the former a native of Rhode Island, but was drowned in the Hudson river, N. Y., when his son, Jefferson, was but three years of age. When twelve years of age, young Morrison was apprenticed by his mother to learn the trade of tanner and currier, but at odd times he succeeded in attaining a rudimentary edu AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 327 cation in a district school, and at the age of twenty years, by close economy, he had saved sufficient money to pay for one year's tuition at the academy in Castleton, Vt. He then worked at his trade in Galway, Saratoga county, N. Y., until I831, when he went to Utica, in the same state, worked a few months, and then came to Michigan, and entered the employ of Judge Ingersoll, a leather manufacturer of Detroit, and while there passed successfully through the cholera epidemic of 832, and remained there three years in all. In 1834 he was appointed inspector of leather for Wayne county, in the then territory of Michigan, by Gov. S. T. Mason, and also was commissioned a justice of the peace and a notary public for Kalamazoo county, which then included what is now the county of Kent. In 1834, Col. McReynolds, who had great confidence in the judgment of Mr. Morrison, secured his services in entering some land in and about Grand Rapids. Mr. Morrison entered several large tracts of forest land in the vicinity of the then trading post on the colonel's account, likewise 400 acres of plaster beds for himself, and also purchased some real estate in Grand Rapids. In I835, Mr. Morrison, in company with Rix Robinson, started on an investigating tour from Grand Rapids to Chicago, Ills., starting down Grand river in a canoe. The first night they stopped at a deserted trading post and next day arrived at Grand Haven, on Lake Michigan, where they secured two Indian ponies and an Indian as a guide to the mouth of the Kalamazoo. It being then after dark, they employed another Indian and two squaws to guide them along the shore of the lake to St. Joseph, where they embarked on a small schooner for Chicago. After finishing this trip he returned to Detroit, Mich., on a pony he had purchased, but in the meantime disposed of one lot in Chicago at $300 profit. Among the Indians throughout the country he was known, in their language, as Poc-to-go-ninne, and enjoyed their entire confidence. In May, 1835, Mr. Morrison settled permanently in Grand Rapids, purchased a lot at the foot of Monroe street, near Campau square, built a store and engaged in general merchandizing, hanging out the first sign ever seen in the village, and this sign is still retained as a souvenir by his widow. The store was the fifth building erected in Grand Rapids, and Mr. Morrison conducted a very successful business here for many years. In 1836, he brought his wife from Detroit by stage, but met with some difficulties on the way. On reaching Millville, the Thornapple river was found to be greatly swollen and not to be crossed in the usual way. But Mr. Morrison met with several Indians with whom he was acquainted, and from them borrowed two canoes. In one of them he placed his wife, two trunks and two squaws, but started ahead in the other canoe to look after some land he had previously purchased at Cascade. While crossing over a rapid, however, the canoe containing Mrs. Morrison and the trunks was filled with water and one of the trunks carried down the river, but the squaws managed to get the canoe ashore and landed Mrs. Morrison in safety. The same day they all reached Robinson's trading post, remained all night, and the next day reached their distination without further mishap. In the same year (1836) Mr. Morrison entered land and laid out the village of Saranac, Ionia county, owning considerable land in that vicinity, and Morrison lake, named after him, is now a beautiful place used as a resort, and he also entered land in Cascade, Kent county. Mr. Morrison continued in general merchandizing in Grand Rapids until I853, when he sold out, but still retained a stock of old goods which he took to Croton, on the Muskegon 828 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS river, which village he had foumded and laid out on a tract of I, 30 acres he had purchased in the pine woods some years previously. While there he took the census of Newaygo county for I86o, and the same year returned to Grand Rapids and engaged in the grocery trade, which he continued until I874, when he retired from active business. During all his business life his credit never failed, and his name, signed to a "shinplaster," held a higher rank in the commercial circles than the bank-notes of the best banking institutions and other monetary concerns of the state-the issuance of " shinplasters ". being an exigency caused by the disastrous financial panic of 1836-37, the worst the nation had ever experienced. In 1836 he was elected, on the democratic ticket, as probate judge of Kent county, and was the first incumbent of that office. He also laid out an addition to the city of Grand Rapids, called Morrison's addition. He was the first senior warden of the Episcopal church of Grand Rapids, and in the faith of this he passed away May 30, I895, leaving an untarnished name, that will live forever in the memory of the residents of Grand Rapids. Hon. Jefferson Morrison was twice married. First, in I836, to Miss Caroline A. Gill, daughter of Abram Gill, of Detroit. To this marriage were born five children, of whom two still survive, viz: Sarah, wedded to Calvin Porter, of Kent county, and Walter B., an eminent physician, of Muskegon. Three deceased children were named Lewis C., George and Byron, who find their last resting place in the same cemetery in which their mother lies in eternal rest. The second marriage of Hon. Jefferson Morrison was February 6, 1850, when he chose for his bride Mrs. Wealthy M. Davis, daughter of Daniel and Eunice (Hutchinson) Woolley, and this union was blessed with six children, and of these there are three still living, viz: Ellen, of Grand Rapids; Mrs. Lucy M. Webber, of Cadillac, Mich., and James, of Buffalo, N. Y. The three deceased were named Frederick J., Mary and John. Mrs. Wealthy M. Morrison is a lady of many estimable personal characteristics, has been prominent in social and charitable work in the city, and was one of the organizers of the U. B. A. hospital home, and has been a trustee for many years, holding the office of treasurer and also president for five years; also taught Sabbath-school for nearly forty-six years in the Park Congregational church, which she joined in 1849, and still attends. She has passed her seventyseventh year, is still active, and retains her mental faculties to a marked degree, taking active part in all charitable and benevolent work, and literary as well. The family have an extensive library, and their home is located at No. IOI Fountain street, where they have lived for over forty years. Mr. Morrison was a genial, whole-souled man, and a universal favorite with old and young. Jefferson avenue was named for subject, and Wealthy avenue was named for his wife. APT. JOHN MUIR, retired boatbuilder and boat-master, member of the city council, and one of the best posted business men in the city of Grand Rapids, came here direct from Scotland, August 3, I85I, and has ever since been one of the most useful and enterprising residents the Valley city has yet known. John Muir was born in Creetown, Kirkmebreck, Kirkcudbrightshire (in the south part of Scotland) January 26, i830, and is the son of Hugh and Elizabeth (McCreath) Muir, the AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 329 former of whom was a farmer by calling. The education of the future boat-builder and captain, John Muir, was excellent, the tutors of his native land being up to the present day renowned for their profundity and thorough methods in imparting their knowledge to their pupils —especially in mathematics. Hugh Muir, on reaching America, at once settled in Kent county, Mich., and for some years was engaged in farming, but his son John having been reared to manhood in a seaport, here found himself out of his element, as there was no sea, lake, nor river in the neighborhood, and consequently no shipyard, and, as John had early been inclined to the study of watercraft and had been theoretically interested in navigation and the construction of different classes of vessels at Kirkcudbright, the means of propulsion, etc., and having been fascinated with marine architecture, he apprenticed himself to the trade of shipcarpenter, which, assisted by his profound knowledge of mathematics, he easily mastered, but at the age of twenty-one years, on his arrival in Kent county, Mich., he found his '"occupation gone." Still he was a wright in wood, and by nature as well as education a mechanic, and for the first two years here he worked as a millwright; then, perceiving the possibilities of the Grand river as a navigable stream for a certain class of vessels, he commenced building boats adapted to its waters, and met with eminent success. He also studied the peculiarities of the stream, became familiar with its rapids, depths, shallows and shoals, sunken rocks and landmarks, variations of current and surface indications of safe or unsafe navigation, and eventually became the pilot supreme of the stream, no man yet having ever attained so close an intimacy with its intricacies and peculiarities as himself-that is, so far as the necessities of the city of Grand Rapids are concerned and Capt. Muir is to-day, as he 17 has been for many years, the chief reliance of the United States government for information concerning the river in the Grand Rapids vicinity. For many years Capt. Muir has been a licensed pilot, his last certificate bearing date July 29, 1897, and running for five years; he also holds a certificate as master of steam vessels for the district of Michigan, including Grand Haven, and this certificate is also issued for five years, although formerly it was issued annually; besides these, he holds a United States inspector's license as chief engineer (unlimited) for five years from July 29, I897, empowering him to act as chief engineer on any steam vessel navigating any fresh water in the United States. All the knowledge possessed by the captain is of a practical nature and not solely theoretical, but still his practice has been based on theory of the most solid character, chiefly resulting from his own powers of ratiocination, and that fact speaks for itself and may be placed to his credit. The captain's knowledge of machinery may also be termed self-acquired, as he began as an assistant in setting up engines, then advanced to the setting up of them himself, assisted by underlings, and then became practical in running them, and became so expert that he has passed the rigid examinations before boards of engineers with success, where regular graduates in engineering met with ignominious failure-although the captain was reared as a worker in wood. These successes need no comment. Capt. John Muir was united in marriage at Chicago, Ill., on the Ig9th day of September, I853, to Miss Jane Davidson, who was born in Canada and is a daughter of John Davidson, a native of Scotland. This marriage of Capt. and Mrs. Muir has resulted in a family of nine children, born in the following order: Margaret F., who is the widow of James B. Morton 330 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS and the mother of four children, viz: Janie Isabella, Elizabeth Esther, William Alexander and Grace Muir; William H. married Clara Bellamy, and is the father of two children, Hazel Caroline and William Wallace; John D. married Martha E. Kitredge, and has five children, namely, Boyce K., John Keith, Marth Ruth, Kenneth Davidson and Bruce K.; Elizabeth M.; James D.; Andrew A., who is married to Jennie Rockwell and has one daughter, Martha Jean; David, who died at the age of nineteen years; Jessie M., wife of Arthur C. Rockwell, and has one daughter, Irene Muir; and Jeanie, wife of George B. Armstrong. The children have all been reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church, of which the father's family had been members for generations, and from which the captain received his letter of membership in 1852, on his departure from his native land, but is now a member of Park Congregational church. The unmarried children make their home at the pleasant residence of the parents, No. 59 Paris avenue, Grand Rapids, where proverbial Scotch hospitality holds full sway. In politics Capt. Muir is a republican and has been ever since the formation of the party. He voted for John C. Fremont, the first republican candidate for the presidency of the United States, and has voted for every candidate nominated for that office by the republican party up to the present time. He has himself held aloof from office seeking, but the people of his, the Third ward, of Grand Rapids, appreciating his superior business qualifications and executive ability, insisted upon his representing them in the city council, and in I898 elected him a member of that honorable body to serve until April, I9OO, malgre lui. He has already served as a member of committees on streets, on sidewalks, on markets, on river, and on the special committee for securing pure water for the city, and as a member of the last-named committee was its chairman in its conference with the board of public works for the attainment of this allimportant end. At this point the record of the captain's official usefulness closes, but it may be truthfully stated that he has performed his duties faithfully and efficiently, and what his future career officially will be is, of course, a mere matter of surmise, but much will be expected of him, and he is not a man to disappoint. *-s --- —------------- OBERT W. MORRIS.-Robert W. Morris was one of the pioneers in the lumber industry of Michigan. He came to Grand Rapids from New York state in 1837. About a year later he removed to Muskegon and engaged in lumbering with Martin Ryerson. Together they built up the most extensive business in that line in the state, not only having large mill interests in Muskegon and large holdings of timber lands throughout the state, but extensive lumber yards in Chicago, and their own fleet of steam and sailing vessels to carry the product of their mills. After the close of the Civil war Mr. Morris retired from the firm, with what was then a comfortable fortune, and returned with his family to Grand Rapids, where he resided until his death in I866. The old homestead on Cherry street has always been one of the finest in the city, and the grounds, twenty acres in extent, embraced what is now the Morris addition to the city of Grand Rapids, platted and covered with homes in the heart of the principal residence district. Although Mr. Morris was never an active partisan in politics, he was for six years mayor of Muskegon, and was honored with other positions of trust and responsibility. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 33881 Surviving him were his wife, Sarah, nee Joslin, since deceased (1897); daughter, Jennie, since deceased (1886); son, Frank WV., and daughter, Mary A., the wife of William Aldrich Tateum, a member of the Grand Rapids bar. Robert W. Morris is held in kindly memory by the older residents of western Michigan as a man of fine character, a considerate employer, and an enterprising and sterling man of business. Jgir YRON A. NELLES, D. D. S., Grand \ ill Rapids, Mich., and a very skillful and popular professional, is a native of Viola township, Lee county, Ill., was born November I, 1858, and is ason of Henry W. and Elizabeth (Louckes) Nelles, natives of Canada, although the Nelles family traces its ancestry to the Mohawk Dutch of early New York. Henry W. Nelles, on leaving Canada about the year I855, located in Lee county, Ill., and was there engaged in farming ten years, and in 1866 came to Grand Rapids township, Kent county, Mich., and here passed the remainder of his days, dying on his farm April 3, I89I; his widow still resides on the farm, seven and a half miles west of the Valley city. Of their three children, the doctor is the eldest; George \V. is farming the homestead, is thirty'one years old and unmarried, and Susie E., now a young lady, is also living on the homestead. Byron A. Nelles was thoroughly educated in the English branches in the district school and later became a student at the Northern Indiana Normal school at Valparaiso, Ind., and after graduating therefrom taught school five years. I He entered the Chicago college of Dental Surgery.in 1887, and graduated with the degree of D. D. S. in 1889, and atonce began practice in Grand Rapids, where he has met with the most flattering success. Dr. Nelles was married, October Io, i886, in Georgetown, Ottawa county, Mich., to Miss Rettie E. Bowen, a native of that county and a daughter of William Bowen, a Canadian, and two children have come to grace this union-Guy B. and Rita V., the former ten years of age and the latter ten months. The doctor is a member of the Dental Protective association of the United States and of the local dentists' society, and keeps well abreast of the great advances that are being made in modern dentistry. He has also, with prudent foresight, made quite sure of the future financial welfare of his family by uniting with various insurance associations. In politics he is a democrat, but has never been a seeker after public office. He has met with uniform success professionally, and socially he and wife stand high in the respect of their numerous friends and the general public, and have their pleasant home at No. 13 5 Mount Vernon street. EORGE B. NEWELL, manager and leader of Newell's Band and Orchestra at Grand Rapids, was born in Kalamazoo, Mich., March 28, I865, and is one of the most popular, one of the youngest, and one of the most successful musical directors in the United States. His father, William H. Newell, is a prosperous farmer, and owns a beautiful home near Kalamazoo. He married Marilla, daughter of Dimmick Butler, of Bockport, N. Y., and his seven children have all been greatly interested ITHE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS in the study of music. The six, besides George B., are Eva, wife of William Sweeney, of Washington, D. C.; Fred W. resides at Hammond, Ind., and is a railroad employee; Anna is the wife of George Robins, chief of the fire department of Hammond; Frank is a grocer, and is also the leader of the Academy of Music orchestra at Kalamazoo; Adelbert is studying music at Grand Rapids under the direction of his brother, and Charles, foreman of the Canvas Boat company at Kalamazoo, is also clarinet soloist of the Chamber of Commerce band. George B. Newell attended the public schools of Kalamazoo until about eighteen years of age, when he went to Coldwater, Mich., and identified himself with the musicians of that city, became an instructor, and soon had large classes in violin music, beside playing in the Tibbit's Opera House orchestra, of which he became the leader the same year and the year following, 1888. From there he returned to Kalamazoo, where he was leader of Bush's Academy of Music orchestra two seasons. Prof. F. A. Lawson, of Grand Rapids, at that time leader of Powers' Opera House orchestra, heard of Mr. Newell and secured him to fill an engagement as violinist and prompter at the Arlington hotel in Petoskey the following summer season. After two weeks of the engagement had expired, Mr. Lawson was taken sick and died, and in the disposal of his effects it was his desire that his fine collection of music, consisting of over 500 numbers, should go to Mr. Newell, which is now in his possession, and he values it very highly. Mr. Newell finished the season at the Arlington hotel after the death of Mr. Lawson, and then was engaged as leader of Powers' Opera House orchestra, Grand Rapids. He afterward associated himself, as violinist, with the Braun orchestra, in the winter season, and I the Wurzburg band and orchestra in the summer. The season of 1894 and 1895 he was engaged by Director Wurzburg to lead his orchestra on all special occasions. The following are some of the society events where he was leader: Dancing club given in the St. Cecilia building, reception and ball given to the Ann Arbor Banjo and Glee club, majestic ball, charity ball, Custer Guard annual ball, railroad clerk's 'annual ball, Knights of the Grip banquet and ball, K. of P. annual ball, Board of Trade banquet at the Morton house, minstrel show given by railroad clerks and Athletic club, beside dress parties in Cadillac, Manistee, Reed City, Big Rapids, Muskegon, Grand Haven, Holland, Kalamazoo and Lansing. Mr. Newell has an accomplishment that few leaders have, and that is to lead and prompt at the same time. He did the prompting for Gage & Benedict after the death of Mr. Braun, until these ladies retired. He was leader and manager of the Braun-Baars orchestra until Mrs. Baars retired. Since that time Mr. Newell has started in business for himself, and has engaged such competent musicians as Miss Florence Ross, Profs. Heald,. Bronson and others to assist him. Mr. Newell organized his orchestra for its sixth season in 1899, and furnishes, as occasion requires, from five to thirty pieces, and with his military brass band from fifteen to forty pieces. Those who are interested in musical matters and wish to confer with Mr. Newell on this subject will find him at any time at Julius A. J. Frederich's music store. Mr. Newell is a member of a number of fraternal orders, viz: Daisy lodge, No. 48, B. P. O. E.; K. of P., D. O.. K.., I. O.. F., Enterprise lodge, and Kent camp, M. W. A. The local Musicians' union, No. 56, sent Mr. Newell as its delegate to the American Federation of Musicians, held at Milwaukee, Wis., May 9-13, I899, and he has on several occa AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 333L sions represented the local Musicians' union at the convention of the Central Labor union. October 15, I889, Mr. Newell married at Kalamazoo Miss Libby E. Weller, who had been a teacher in the public schools of that city for six years previous to that date. She is a daughter of Andrew J. \Veller, of Kalamazoo, an employee of the Michigan Central Railroad company. This marriage has been graced by two children, both born in Grand Rapids, viz: Mamie, April-6, i891, and Haze Belle, February I4, I895. i ON. RICHARD LINNEY NEWNHAM, superior court judge, a sagacious and prosperous lawyer of Grand Rapids, was born in London, England, September 20, 1850, a son of Richard B. and Hannah (Harrison) Newnham, now residents of Saugatuck, Mich. Richard B. Newnham was a police officer in London, and was married in Staffordshire, England, in I839. In I862 he ca'me to the United States, and, the Civil war being then under full way, he enlisted in the navy, in defense of the national flag, and served faithfully until the end of the war. After an honorable discharge, he settled in Saugatuck, Mich., where he has served as justice of the peace, township clerk and supervisor. To his marriage with Miss Harrison have been born thirteen children, of whom eight reached mature years, viz: John in England; Lucy, wife of Edwin Crossman, captain of an ocean steamer and resident of Bristol, England; Hannah C., in England; Mary A., married to a Philip Frost, and also in England; Richard L., whose name opens this sketch; Eliza, widow of Joseph G. Annes ley, of Saugatuck, Mich.; Stephen L, a lake navigator, and Marie, principal of a school in Hastings, Nebr. Mr. and Mrs. Newnham are members of the Episcopal church, and in politics Mr. Newnham is a democrat. Hon. Richard L. Newnham, when a boy, sold newspapers in the streets of London, then became a telegraph messenger, and next, for two and a half years, was a copy holder in the proof-reading department of the London Morning Post. At the age of sixteen years and five months he landed in New York city, and February 19, 1867, came to Michigan and found employment in the saw-mills at Saugatuck during the summer months, while the winter months were devoted to attendance at school. In 1871 he began teaching during the winter season, and in 1874 entered the normal school at Ypsilanti, from which he graduated in I87.5; from the spring of I876 to the fall of the same year he passed his time in study in the law office of Judge Padgham, at Allegan, Mich., was then admitted to the bar, and at once began practice at Saugatuck, where he met with decided success, and remained until I88o. This year, in order to enlarge his field of operations he removed to Allegan, where his practice was greatly enlarged and where, in 1892, he was appointed prosecuting attorney to fill a vacancy of one year. In 1894 he was appointed United States assistant attorney for four years, and in the same year he came to Grand Rapids, and here has since enjoyed an excellent general practice. In the spring of I899, Mr. Newnham was nominated by the democratic party of Grand Rapids as its candidate for the office of superior court judge, and was elected by 578 votes over Julius M. Jamison, and took his seat May, I, I899. Mr. Newnham was united in marriage, in Allegan, September 20, I878, with Miss Annie M. Higinbotham, a native of that city, born July 834 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS 28, I853, a daughter of Peter N. and Mary (Northrop) Higinbotharn, of English descent. This marriage has resulted in the birth of four children, named as follows: Stephen L., Alice M., and Lucy A. and Laura A., twins. In religion Mr. Newnham is an Episcopalian, while his wife adheres to the Presbyterian faith. Politically, Hon. Mr. Newnham is a democrat, as is indicated above, is secretary of the democratic congressional committee, and from 1892 to I894 was a member of the democratic state central committee. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Maccabees, of the Court of Honor, and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Professionally he has made a success, and owns realty in Grand Rapids and Saugatuck, and makes his home at No. 749 Wealthy avenue, Grand Rapids. His social relations are most pleasant, and he and wife enjoy the sincere esteem of the best families in the city. The career of Judge Newnharn is another evidence of what pertinacity of purpose can accomplish, especially when accompanied by an unswerving honesty and an inflexibility of integrity such as have characterized him throughout life, and the eminent position he now fills is but a just recognition of his probity, as well as his consummate ability as a lawyer. Richard B. Newnham, the father of Hon. Richard L. Newnham, was born at Knightsbridge, London, May 24, 1819, twenty-five minutes after the birth of Queen Victoria at Kensington palace, just adjacent. Marie, the youngest of Richard B.'s children, was born May 24, 1863, and the twin daughters of Hon. Richard L. Newnham, Lucy A. and Laura A., were born May 24, I885. In the fall of 1899, Judge Newnham sent to the queen a photograph of his. people who were born on the same day on which her majesty's birth took place, and in recognition received a photograph of four members of the royal family- of different generations —including the queen herself, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of York, and the infant son of the last named. * --- —------— " ----"SAAC NOBLE, of the well-known firm of Noble & Croll, grocers, at No. 354 W est Bridge street, Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of Brampton, England, was born October I, I870, and is a son of John and Susan (Todd) Noble, who came to America in 187I, for two years lived in Syracuse, N. Y., then came to Michigan, and from I873 until I882 resided in Grand Rapids, whence they removed to Cascade, where the father, who is a cabinetmaker by trade, is now engaged in farming, and, with his wife, is enjoying good health. The family of these parents consists of nine children, viz: Mary, wife of E. W. Alton, of Jackson, Mich.; Elizabeth, married to William Raeside, of Grand Rapids; Anna, widow of David Croll and partner with her brother Isaac, in Grand Rapids, and the mother of two children, Bessie and Willie, aged respectively, seven and eleven years —Mr. Croll having died in Holland, Mich., July 28, 1899; John, a farmer at Cascade; Andrew, a cabinetmaker with Berkey & Gay, of Grand Rapids; Isaac, the subject of this sketch; Alice, unmarried; Ralph and Frank the last three with their parents. Isaac Noble was educated in Grand Rapids and Cascade, and began his business life with Hon. George P. Stark, general merchant in the latter place, with whom he remained seven years. In I895 he returned to Grand Rapids, passed through a course in the business college, and then was appointed day clerk in the Eagle AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 335 hotel, filled the position four years, and then joined his sister, Mrs. Croll, in the grocery trade, at the street and number above given, where a first-class assortment of fresh goods may always be found, suited to the tastes of the most fastidious epicures. Isaac Noble married at Cascade, November 5, 1897, Miss Grace A. Stark, daughter of Frederick W. Stark, of Akron, Ohio. Mrs. Noble was born in Mount Vernon, Ohio, June I0, 1878, and was educated at Akron. She has blessed her husband with one child, Olive Louise, who was born December 9, I898, and this little pet is the sunbeam that brightens the household. Mr. Noble is a member of Ada lodge, No. 280, F. & A. M., and with his wife is also a member of Oriental chapter, No. 32, 0. E. S., and both are likewise members of the Church of Christ, Mr. Noble has, moreover, long been identified with the Y. M. C. A. and with the C. E. work. He is a young man of. the purest morals and christian character, is esteemed by all who know him for these amiable characteristics, and for his urbanity and naturally genial disposition. His present business venture is his first along the line of independent activity, and promises to be a successful one, as his extensive experience in the employ of others, together with his fine business abilities, gives this assurance. OLEMAN NOCKOLDS, V. S., M. D., is a native of England, born in the city of Yarmouth, on the 2nd day of February, 1870. He attended school in his native country, and is a graduate of the Royal college of Preceptors of London. He remained in England until the age of nineteen years, when he came to America, and since that time has traveled extensively in this country and Canada, visiting every state in the Union with one exception. Before leaving his native shore the doctor prepared himself for his profession by taking a full course of veterinary surgery in the Royal Veterinary college of London, at which he was matriculated in 1887. Then, further to increase his professional knowledge, he entered the Veteninary college of Toronto, and after receiving therefrom a degree, began to practice in that city, where he continued for a period of two years. Dr. Nockolds went from Toronto, to Newark, N. J., where he remained for a few months only, removing thence to Jacksonville, Fla., where he practiced his profession for six months. His next move was to Chadron, Nebr., thence six months later to San Antonio, Tex., where, for some time, he was assistant inspector of contagious diseases. In the course of his travels the doctor, upon several occasions, passed through Grand Rapids, and being pleased with the city finally decided to make it his permanent location; accordingly, in I897, he removed to this city, accepting the chair of principles and practice of veterinary surgery and medicine in the Grand Rapids Medical college. The doctor's professional practice covers a large field, being frequently called to visit places remote from Grand Rapids, in Michigan, and to other states. His services are in great demand, and his practice has become a decided success financially. While giving attention to all departments of the profession, Dr. Nockolds makes a specialty of domestic animals, dogs particularly, in the treatment of which he has been eminently successfully, his hospital in this city being usually filled with sick and disabled canines. The doctor is a regular graduate of the medical department of the Grand Rapids Medi cal school, received his degree in May, I899, 836 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS and is now one of the registered physicians of this city. He devotes the forenoons of each day to the general practice, and his afternoons are taken up with teaching and lecturing at the college. All in all, he is a remarkably busy man, the demands upon his time and attention being being both numerous and onerous. Dr. Nockolds is a son of Samuel R. and Lydia Nockolds, both parents still living in Norfolk county, England, the doctor being the only representative of the family in the United States. The father is a clergyman of the Church of England, and his family consisted of five children, of whom the doctor is second in order of birth. The doctor was reared in the Church of England, and at this time belongs to the Epicopal church of Grand Rapids.......mm......l...... ON. CYRUS E. PERKINS, ex-judge of probate, Kent county, is a New Englander. born in the city of Lawrence, Mass., on the 9th day of October, 1847. His father, Cyrus E. Perkins, and mother, whose maiden name was Lydia Birney, were natives of New Hampshire, where the ancestors of both families lived for many years. Judge Perkins is the first-born of two children, and at the age of seven was brought by his parents to Grand Rapids, Mich., from the high school of which he was graduated in the year I866. The year following was spent in traveling through the various New England states, and upon his return he accepted a clerkship with a business firm, and was thus employed until February, I872. In that year Mr. Perkins yielded to a desire of long standing and began the study of law, entering the office of Judge B. A. Harlan, one of the leading jurists of Grand Rapids, under whose instructions he continued for a period of five years. In I884 he was admitted to the bar and continued the active practice of his profession for two years, but in the meantime, I876, he had been elected to succeed Judge Harlan as judge of probate. He took possession of the office in 1877, and continued to discharge the duties incident thereto for a period of eight years, being re-elected his own successor by the republican party, of which from early manhood he had been a stanch supporter. By Gov. Luce he was appointed judge of probate to fill the unexpired term of Judge Follett in 1886, and in I888 was regularly elected, and again in I892, filling the office, in all, eighteen years. He served one year as treasurer of the Penn Trust company, and since I898 has been associated in the practice of the legal profession with L. W. Wolcott, his present partner —a firm which does a very extensive business in Grand Rapids and elsewhere. Judge Perkins has been a close student of his profession and thoroughly believes in the dignity of the law. His thirst for useful knowledge has increased with years, and, like most men of distinction, he has utilized every advantage possible within his reach that could in any way add to his stock of legal information. The salient features in his career are close application, thorough mastery of fundamental principles of the law, and the ability and tact to apply these to cases in hand. His professional ability and profound knowledge have brought to him a merited success and to-day he is the peer of any member of the bar where he practices. Judge Perkins was married September 20, 1876, to Della A. Foote, a native of New York, though a resident of Grand Rapids, having come here when a child with her par 0711) AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 3389 ents. This union is plessed with two children viz: Mabel H. and Edward F. In addition to his professional duties, Judge Perkins is interested in the industrial growth of Grand Rapids, being a director of the Grand Rapids Chair company, president of the Grand Rapids Veneer works, president of the,Grand Rapids Cold Storage company, and:also chief executive of the New Erie Life Insurance company; additional to the above he is also a director of the board of trade, a member and director of the executive committee of the Citizens' Telephone company, director of Grand Rapids Hook & Eye company, and at this time fills the office of president of the Michigan Home & Hospital association. As already stated, the judge is a leading republican; his services as an orator are in great demand during political campaigns, and he has contributed greatly to his party's success, as a political organizer and worker. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and in religion belongs, with his wife,. to the Congregational church. LBERTUS NYLAND, M. D., of No. 14 1, Monroe street, Grand Rapids, Mich., and one of the best-known physicians in the state, is a native of Holland, Ottawa county, Mich., was born March 15, 1855, and is a son of Egbert and Dina (Schuitert) Nyland, natives of Holland, Europe, where they were married, and whence they came to America, in 1849, and settled in Holland, then in the far backwoods of Michigan. Egbert Nyland was a weaver in his native land, but on settling in Michigan became a farmer. To him and wife were born nine children, in the following order: Derk J., a farmer of Allegan county; Alice, who died in infancy; Garret J., who died in childhood; Garret J. (second), who died in December, I887, in young manhood, leaving a wife and two children; Henrietta, wife of 1. H. Streur, a farmer of Allegan county; Alice (second),married to Dr. Lenderink, also of Allegan county; Albertus, whose name opens this biography; John, who died in young manhood, and Doris, who passed away when yet a child. The mother of this family died at Holland, Mich., in August, 1859, at the age of thirty-five years, and the father died at the same place November 1, 1872, at the age of fifty-six. Albertus Nyland was reared to manhood on the home farm, was educated in the common schools and the Michigan State Normal school. He finished the common school course in i868 and the scientific course in 1882. For six years he was employed as a teacher, mostly in graded schools, his last engagement in this vocation being as principal of the Grandville school, Kent county. While thus employed as a teacher he began preparing himself for his present profession, and in 1883 entered the Physio-Medico college at Indianapolis, Ind., from which he graduated in I886, and at once entered the practice at Grand Rapids, Mich., where he has won for himself a most enviable reputation, which extends far and wide. As he speaks fluently the German and Holland-Dutch languages, as well as English, he secures many patients who desire to consult him in the two former tongues -their own vernacular-and thus feel more at ease in availing themselves of his remarkable skill. The marriage of Dr. Nyland took place at Grand Rapids, November i8, i888, to Miss Myrtie E. Day, a native of this city and a daughter of Dr. A. W. Day. Three children have blessed this union, and are named Rebecca, Jessie and Frances. 340 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Dr. Nyland is president of the Michigan State Physio-Medico association, is a prohibitionist in politics-although he not infrequently votes the republican ticket. He is very temperate in his personal habits, has never smoked a cigar nor drank a glass of intoxicating liquor, and stands very high in the esteem of the public of Grand Rapids. ILLIAM F. PENWARDEN, M. D., of No. 502 South Division street, Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Fingal, Elgin county, Ontario, Canada, January 7, i86I, a son of George and Druscilla (Smith) Penwarden. George Penwarden was born in Devonshire, England, and his wife was a native of Canada. Mr. Penwarden in early life was a contractor and builder, but for twenty years he was a hotel-keeper. He was successful in the pursuit of wealth, and the last ten years of his life were passed in retirement. He lost his wife in February, 1885, and his own death occurred in St. Thoras, Canada, in February, I894, at the age of sixty-four years. These parents had a family of six children, of whom four are still living, Dr. William F. Penwarden, being the only son. The daughters areJennie, widow of Thomas D. Finlay, of St. Thomas; Eda E., wife of David Robb, and Gertrude, wife of David Nichols, of Melbourne. Dr. William F. Penwarden passed his early life in his native country, and acquiied his literary education at St. Thomas Collegiate institute, from which he graduated in I877. He is also a graduate from the Williams & Rogers Business college, of Rochester, N. Y. In I88o he attended his first session in the medical department of the university of Michigan. The succeeding two years were passed at Bellevue Hospital Medical college, New York city, and his first year of practice was at Castlewood, Hamlin county, S. Dak. September 28, I884, he came to Grand Rapids, and for the past ten years he has been at his present location, where he has built up a most satisfactory practice. Beginning with I89I, he served as county physician four years, and for two years of this period-I893 and I894 -served as coroner. He has also served on the staff of the various city hospitals, and at the present time is a member of the staff in the department of obstetrics and diseases of women for the Union Benevolent association. Dr. Penwarden was married at Petrolia, Canada, January 20, I886, to Miss Maggie F. McPherson, a native of Petrolia and a graduate of the Sacred Heart convent. Her parents are George S. and Fannie (Fisher) McPherson, natives, respectively, of Scotland and England. The father has held the office of city clerk of Petrolia for the past twenty-five years, and is very prominent in local politics as well as in social life. To the otherwise blessed marriage of Dr. Penwarden no children have yet been born. The doctor is a member of several professional societies, and of the fraternal orders he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of Foresters, Modern Woodmen of America and the Improved Order of Red Men. Mrs. Penwarden is a member of the Episcopal church, which the doctor also attends. In politics the doctor is a sound democrat, is very active in promoting the interests of his party, is usually a delegate to its conventions, and by it has been elected to the various offices held by him as heretofore mentioned. Professionally he is highly esteemed, and his AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 84t successful practice has resulted in winning for him a pleasant home and in placing him in comfortable circumstances. HARLES H. PHILLIPS, alderman from the Seventh ward, Grand iRapids, and general agent for the \Wolverine Spice mills, was born in Walker township, Kent county, Mich., February 28, 1853, and is a son of John W. Phillips, a native of Canada and the father of five children, viz: Ella E., wife of John Deem; Charles H., the subject; Euretta, wife of D. P. Aldrich; Lewis C., and Anna, wife of W. A. Johnson, all of Grand Rapids. John W. Phillips was born May 2, I821, was a farmer by vocation, came to Kent county in I840, and followed his calling in Walker township until his retirement to the city in 1885, and where his death took place at the age of sixty-seven years, his widow being still a resident of the city, and having been in Kent county since I844. Charles H. Phillips was reared on the home farm, and was educated in the common schools, supplemented by a course through a business college. He began the active pursuits of business life as a clerk in a grocery store before he had attained his majority, and for eighteen months "filled the bill" to the entire satisfaction of his employers. He was next employed by the Wolverine Spice Mills company as a packer of goods, but being naturally apt, and having an intuitive conception of mercantile affairs, agumented by an acquired knowledge of their intricacies, he was wise enough to take stock in the concern, when it was converted into a joint stock company. The company not only ground spices, but also manufactured carpet-sweepers and clothes-wringers at that time, and of the spicegrinding department Mr. Phillips was appointed the superintendent. Within a few years, however, the company disposed of I everything with the exception of spice manufacturing, when Mr. Phillips was appointed sole manager of all the business of the now extensive concern. In this position he remained until May i, I899, since which date he has been the salesman and general agent for the company, disposing of its products to all available markets. Mr. Phillips was most happily united in marriage, May 8, I883, in Carroll county, Ind., with Miss Alice J. Hayhurst, daughter of Bezaleel and Julia (Ripple) Hayhurst, well known and highly respected residents of the county named. To this union one child, Blanche Euretta, has been granted, to make this union still more happy. In his fraternal relations, Mr. Phillips is a member of Valley City lodge, No. 86, F. & A. M.; Grand River lodge, No. 408, I. O. 0. F.; Knights of Maccabees tent, No. 33; I Modern Woodmen of America, Kent camp, No. 2314, and Rebekah lodge Violet, No. 34, and in all these he keeps his dues well paid up and consequently holds an excellent standing. In politics a democrat, Mr. Phillips has always been active in promoting the interests of his party in local affairs, and his activity in this respect has made him very popular, not only with his party but with the residents and voters of his ward, who have always felt that he has held their interests at heart. In consequence, he was elected member of the city council in I897, and gave such satisfaction that he was immediately returned for the short term following, which has not yet expired. He has served as a member of the committee on streets, on the committee on charter amendments,'as chairman on the com .'842 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS mittee on parks, and as a member of the committee on sewers, and under all circumstances has proved himself to be fully capable. Besides filling his position as alderman, he has served one term as a member of the board of supervisors, and the end is not yet. ILLIS BARNES PERKINS. Judge Perkins was born in Linden, Genesee county, Mich., February 7, I86I. He is the elder of two children born to Delos A. and Marilla A. Perkins. At the age of four years he removed with his parents to Booth's Mill, a year later to an adjacent farm, and at eight to the village of Fenton, Mich., where he remained until he reached the age of fourteen years, when he came with his parents to the city of Grand Rapids, where he has remained ever since, excepting about five years, from I883 to I889, when he was engaged in the practice of law at Kalkaska, Mich. His early education was received in the public schools of Fenton and Grand Rapids. The early period of his career was fraught with more or less difficulties, and frequently he was obliged to seek employment, working at various times in the store of Foster Brothers and the Star Clothing house and elsewhere in the city of Grand Rapids. Through the tireless efforts of his parents, and particularly his mother, he was' enabled to surmount these early difficulties, and in I880 he began the study of law in the office of Kennedy & Thompson, at Grand Rapids, Mich., where he continued for one year, and then entered the law department of the university of Michigan, where he pursued his legal studies for a period of two years, completing the pre scribed course and graduating with the degree of LL. B. Returning to Grand Rapids, he entered the law office of Stuart & Sweet, where he remained as assistant until 1883, when he removed to Kalkaska, Mich.. and became associated in the practice of law with A. A. Bleazby of that place under the firm name of Bleazby & Perkins, which partnership continued until the fall of the year following. In November, I884, Mr. Perkins was elected prosecuting attorney of Kalkaska county, and after discharging the duties of that position for one term effected a partnership with Ernest S. Ellis, which continued until the month of January, 1888; the business of the firm during that time embraced a large range of litigation in the courts of Kalkaska and other counties in the northern part of the state. This partnership was dissolved and Mr. Perkins continued alone until March, 1889, when a fire destroyed his office and library, and in the month of April of that year he returned to Grand Rapids and entered into a partnership with Edwin F. Sweet, under the firm name of Sweet & Perkins. This partnership continued until February, 1895, when the Hon. J. Byron Judkins joined it and the firm thereafter was styled Sweet, Perkins & Judkins. In July, I897, Mr. Judkins and Mr. Perkins retired from the firm and continued business under the firm name of Judkins & Perkins. In the spring of 1899, Mr. Perkins was elected circuit judge of the county of Kent by a plurality of i,600 votes, a substantial recognition of his ability as a lawyer and his personal popularity with his fellow-citizens irrespective of party,and he entered upon the discharge of his judicial duties on the first day of January, 1900. As a lawyer he is a diligent worker, possessed of broad views, keen perception, strong self reliance, an ample fund of mental re // / "-,o? T), AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 345 sources, and on his elevation to the bench he had become a recognized leader in his profession. Judge Perkins possesses not only those powers which render a man efficient in the legal and political arena, but is also possessed of the gentler traits which mark refined social intercourse, always manifesting a generous regard for others, with strict allegiance to the principles of honor, and his liberal ideas in matters of public policy or private concern have won for him the confidence and esteem of his fellow-men. In politics he has always been a republican, but never a partisan. He is now in the prime of manhood, physically and mentally, with a fair prospect before him of eminent success, and whatever may be his future or whatever position he may be called upon to fill, it is reasonably certain that no one will bring to the discharge of his duties a more ardent zeal to do right, equity and justice than he. Judge Perkins married Miss Mary Holden, daughter of Hon. E. G. D. Holden, of Grand Rapids, in September, I886, and this marriage union has been blessed with four children, Charles H., Willis B., Jr., Mary Merrill and Margaret Helen. Judge Perkins and family attend the Universalist church, and fraternally he is identified with the Masonic, Pythian and Elk orders. W APT. JOHN H. POISSON.-The native place of the subject of this review is the city of Lyons, in southern France, and his birth dates from the Ist day of April, 1839. He is the eldest in a family of ten children born to Paschal and Marie (Mailhyot) Poisson, also natives of the city of Lyons, where their marriage was solemnized in the month of April, 1838. The second in order of birth died when one year old, and the third, whose name was Siedger, departed this life in Escanaba, Mich., in I887. The next was Louise, who became the wife of Joseph Tousignant. After her, in the order named, are Philomena, wife of Hector Toutant, of Hancock, Mich.; Joseph, hotelkeeper at Rapid River, upper peninsula of Michigan; Adele, whose home is in Quebec, Canada; IElmira, also resides in Quebec, and Lewis, who left the parental roof at the age of fourteen years, has not been heard of for over twenty-five years. Capt. Poisson was taken to Canada by his parents when a lad of fourteen and spent the fourteen succeding years in Three Rivers,. engaged the greatest part of that time as a tailor, having commenced learning the trade before bidding adieu to his native shore. He enjoyed exceptional advantages for obtaining an education, attending the schools of Lyons during his youthful years, and subsequently pursuing the higher branches of learning in the seminary at Nicolet, province of Quebec, a Catholic institution of high order, from which he was in due time graduated. He became a resident of Grand Rapids, Mich., in I865, and for eighteen years thereafter followed merchant tailoring for a livelihood, meeting with a fair measure of success in his business. Seeing an opportunity of making some money at Reed's lake when that popular summer resort was first opened to the public, Capt. Poisson purchased a small revenue cutter, the Florence, built in Baltimore, Md., and placed it on the lake as a pleasure boat. This was in the year 1883. He operated this craft in season for about ten years, and realizing a liberal return on the investment concluded to construct a vessel of greatly enlarged proportions. Accordingly, in 1893, he built the Major A. B. 346 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS -- Watson, which was launched on June 25th of that year and put in commission on the 4th of July following. This vessel, representing a capital of $20,000, is complete in its every detail, is beautifully finished and furnished with all the comforts and conveniences for the accommodation of excursionists, picnic parties, and individuals desiring to make private tours on the lake. The naming of the vessel was a compliment to Maj. A. B. Watson, a prominent business man of Grand Rapids, between whom and the captain a warm personal friendship had long existed. The widow of Maj. Watson permitted the use of her husband's name, and further showed her appreciation by contributing to the vessel $200 worth of flags, eight of which represented as many different foreign nations, the remainder being beautiful emblems of the United States. The trip around the lake is made for the nominal fare of ten cents, and so popular has the Watson become that never since the launching has it failed of having a liberal patronage. The captain has a comfortable and commodious place for entertaining with refreshments his many customers, and until recently he paid a dock fee amounting to $400, but the dock which he now uses was recently constructed by himself at an outlay of $5oo. He owns a beautiful private residence, situated near the dock, and for several years conducted a restaurant for the accommodation of pleasure seekers, but, owing to the pressing nature of his other business, he has lately discontinued this and now devotes his attention solely to his vessel, which has proved a most encouraging financial success. Capt. Poisson was married in Three Rivers, Canada, October 13, I862, to,Miss Philomena E. Toutant, whose parents, natives of France, settled in that place about the year 1847. Capt. and Mrs. Poisson have four children living and five dead; the living ones are Joseph H., a photographer of Grand Rapids; Marie Sarah, wife of John Brown Schneider, a cabinetmaker of this city; Marie Josephine, married to George King, a stock dealer of Kent county, and Charles B., who operates the engine on his father's vessel. In his political views the captain is a democrat.. He was one of the first trustees of the village of East Grand Rapids, and also served for number of years as a member of the school board, besides holding other official stations of trust and profit. He was reared in the Catholic faith, has ever been a true son of the church, and for a third of a century has been one of the leading members of the St. Andrew's congregation, to which his family also belong. [ ]ILLIAM J. ORMOND, deceased, although not an old settler of Grand Rapids, was very well known as an official, and respected as a useful and public-spirited citizen. He was born in Ireland, and in. that country was apprenticed to a baker, but, his father dying, he came, while yet a lad, to America with his mother and three brothers, but never afterward worked at the trade he had started in to learn. The family, on reaching the United States, came at once to Grand Rapids, where young William J., being industrious and attentive to any kind of work he found to do, and being of fine physique, soon attracted attention, and was appointed an officer on the police force, a position he held for eight years, giving the fullest satisfaction as a guardian of the public peace. He next engaged in railroad work, and later in pipe-laying, and while thus employed was seized by a sickness, the result of exposure, which terminated in his AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 847 death, May 22, I886. He was a true and devout Catholic, and in politics was a democrat, and the city lost in him a good citizen and his family a true and provident husband and an affectionate father. Mr. Ormond was married at St. Andrew's church, Grand Rapids, to Miss Kate McCarthy, a native of the city of New York, and this union was blessed with eight children, named, in order of birth, as follows: Mary E., Jennie, Jerome XV., Margaret A., Daniel E., Lida H., Blanch H., and Julia, the lastnatmed of whom died at the age of two years. Several of these hold good positions in the city, and are industrious and filially assist in supporting their mother, who enjoys the respect of her many friends and neighbors, as well as that of the congregation of St. Andrew's church, of which she is a devout member. SQUIRE C. PHILLIPS, one of the best known citizens of Grand Rapids, and a gallant ex-soldier of the war of the Rebellion, was born in Newfane, Niagara county, N. Y., 1833, and is a son of Abrahatr and Betsey Phillips, highly respected residents of the village. At the age of seventeen years young Phillips went to Fort Wayne, Ind., and was employed three years on the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific railroad in the run between Fort Wayne and Toledo. He then passed a year at home and subsequently came to Grand Rapids, and here learned the carpenter's trade. After working a reasonable time as a journeyman, he was employed one year as foreman at Saddlebag Swamp by the D. & M. Railroad company, and afterward returned to work in the city, where his ability and industry had previously been so generally recognized. In I858, Mr. Phillips married, in Grand Rapids, Miss Mary Hall, who was born at Gun Plains, in Allegan county, Mich., in I839, and is a daughter of Silas and Susan Hall, who camne to Grand Rapids in I842. To this marriage have been born five children, named Susan M., George B., Frank, Ella M. and Cora D. In I859 Mr. Phillips went to Denver, Colo., ~but returned to Grand Rapids in time to enlist at the first call for volu.nteers to suppress the attempt to disintegrate the Union by the disgruntled politicians of the south, and aid in the defense of the honor of the national flag. In the spring of I86r, therefore, he enlisted in company B, Third regiment, Michigan volunteers, under the command of Capt. Baker Berdan. He fought at the battle of Bull Run and also took part in a number of skirmishes, and at the termination of his six months' term of enlistment was honorably discharged. He immediately re-enlisted, but this time in company B, First regiment, Michigan engineers and mechanics, and took part in all the bat-.tles, skirmishes and marches in which the regiment participated until he was again honorably discharged at Chattanooga, Tenn., after a service of three years, with the rank of orderlysergeant. Having made an excellent military record, Mr. Phillips was employed for some time in Nashville, after being mustered out of the service, by the United States government. Mr. Phillips comes from a warlike family, his grandfather having fought in the Revolution, and his father in the war of I812. On returning to Grand Rapids, Mr. Phillips was associated with Wheeler, Borden & Co. in a sash, door and blind factory, for nearly or quite four years, and then bought fifty-six acres of land in Walker township, close to the city, and.engaged in fruit growing, in which 348 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS he has made as grand a success as he has in all his other undertakings, having fifty acres of bearing trees. Fraternally Mr. Phillips is a Freemason, and he and wife are members of the order of the Eastern Star; Mr. Phillips is likewise a granger, and a member of the Old Settlers' society, as well as of the Grand Army of the Republic. He has served as justice of the peace four years, is a charter member of Gen. Innes command, has been treasurer of the Grand River Valley Horticultural society for fifteen years, is also vicepresident of the Durfee Embalming Fluid company, and for twelve years was moderator in school district No. 7, West Bridge street. His residence is on a commanding site at the west end of the city, and for this "( West Side " he has done more than any one else, in spite of strennous antagonism toward its improvement-such as securing the extension of street sewers and the extension of grading, etc., and the consequent enhancement of the value of the property. The parents of Mrs. Phillips were among what may be designated pioneers of Grand Rapids, Mr. Hall having erected the first frame house on the West side, on Front street, and having served as supervisor of Walker township when the town came to the river,in i848 The mother of Mrs. Phillips was called away in 1867, at the age of fifty-five years, and her father in I874, at the age of sixty-five years, and no more respected people ever lived in the city of Grand Rapids. EV. SIION PONGANIS, pastor of St. Adalbert's (Polish) Catholic church, at the corner of Fourth and Davis streets, West side, Grand Rapids, was born in Poland, April 24, I859, and his earlier education was acquired at Warsaw, in the gymnasium and theological seminary. After graduating from the latter, in 1883, he went to Rome, took an additional course in theology at the Gregorian university, and in I885 was adopted by Bishop Richter, of Granl Rapids, and came here in August of the same year. In December, I885, he was ordained priest at St. Andrew's cathedral, was assistant to the bishop four months, and was then appointed to the charge of St. Adalbert's parish. Here he is greatly beloved by his people; no dissensions have taken place in the congregation since his incumbency, and he is now the oldest priest, in point of service, in the city of Grand Rapids. St. Adalbert's church was erected in I88I, and the following year it was dedicated by the IRight Rev. H. J. Richter, D. D. Its first pastor was Father Jablowski, who remained but a few months and was succeeded by Father Matkowski, who continued as pastor for two years. In I886 Father Ponganis assumed charge, the congregation then consisting of about 120 families and the parochial school having an enrolment of ninety pupils. The new school building adjoins the church yard on the north, and is a handsome stone and brick structure of eight rooms, and cost $15,ooo. The class-rooms are in charge of nine sisters from Notre Dame, Ind., and during the past ten years has had a remarkable growth, the enrolment being now over 600. In I889 the church was enlarged and greatly improved, the seating capacity being largely increased, at a cost of $6,ooo. The congregation has steadily increased under the pastoral care of Father Ponganis, and now numbers about 700 families, although it was divided in 1897, in September of which year the corner-stone of St. Stanislaus was laid and blessed. The new house of worship is on North Diamond street, East side, is now completed and finished, cost I 1 AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 349 $ro,ooo, but as yet no pastor has been appointed to take charge. This new church will, in course of time, take about I50 families from St. Adalbert's congregation, but still Father Ponganis will have the largest congregation in the city, that of St. Andrew's cathedral alone excepted. There are seven benevolent sodalities connected with St. Adalbert's, the chief of which, St. Adalbert's society, erected at a cost of $15,000, a large casino, in. which their meetings are held and their entertainnents given. This society numbers 250 members, and is in a most prosperous condition. In 1895, the congregation of St. Adalbert's erected a Sister's house, at a cost of $6,ooo or more; the priest's house, on Fourth street, south of the church-edifice is a handsome two. story frame. Not a dollar of debt rests against the parishes of St. Adalbert and St. Stanislaus, and for this commendable fact much credit is due to Father Ponganis, whose zeal and untiring labor, exercised among his loving and faithful parishioners, have brought about this happy condition. EV. ISAAC PLATT POWEL.L, of Grand Rapids, Mich., was born May 7, 1838, in Clinton, Oneida county, N. Y. His father, John Powell, was born in Washington, Litchfield county, Conn. The latter was a man of strong character, deep convictions and earnest religious life. He took an active part in the religious and reform movements of his time, and was ultimately associated with such men as William Lloyd Garrison and Gerrit Smith in the great anti-slavery struggle. He died at the age of sixty-one years. His wife, Mary (Johnson) Powell, was born in Vermont, of sturdy New 18 England stock. She was a woman of deep earnestness and resistless energy, and profoundly interested in the great reforms that absorbed the attention of the best men and women of her day. She died in her ninetieth year, in the full possession of her mental powers. In early manhood John Powell moved to Clinton, Oneida county, N. Y., where he engaged in farming and fruit-growing. His farm was located on the approach to the beautiful hill which is crowned with Hamilton college and its unrivaled campus, a situation of rare beauty and exceptional advantage. The Rev. Isaac P. Powell, the subject of this sketch, was born under these circumstances, and spent his early life there, having a brother five years older than himself, now the Rev. Edward P. Powell, a man of high standing in the literary and scientific worldlecturer, pastor and publisher. He resides at Clinton, N. Y. At the early age of seven years Isaac P. Powell lost his father, and upon his brother and himself fell the cares of life. He worked upon the farm and in the fruit orchard in summer, and attended the district school in winter. In due time he entered the village academy, then taught by his brother, and prepared for college, which he entered when eighteen years of age. Like many others he worked his way through college, cultivating the farm as well as attending to college work. He graduated in I86o, and in the autumn of the same year entered Union Tneological seminary in New York city. The Civil war soon began, and in the autumn of the following year, I862, he left the seminary, returned to his home and recruited a company for the One Hundred and Forty-sixth regiment, New York volunteers. He was given a captain's commission by Gov. E. D. Morgan, and soon went to the front with his regiment, which t 350 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS was assigned to the Fifth corps of the army of the Potomac. After being engaged in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Williamsport, Bristow Station and Union Ran, he was captured in the battle of the Wilderness, and spent seven months in southern prisons. He was brevetted major for services on the field, and was given a major's commission as soon as he rejoined his regiment. In this capacity he served through the final campaign of the army of the Potomac, and was at Appomatox when the Confederate army surrendered. As soon as he was mustered out of service he returned home, and after a short interval returned to New York city to complete his theological studies. His health was greatly impaired, but he completed his course with honor. When about to graduate he was stricken with illness which prostrated him for an entire year. After his recovery he was offered a tutorship in Hamilton college, his alma mater, and also a professorship in Roberts college, Constantinople, but declined them and accepted a call to the Congregational church of North Canaan, Conn., and remained there about five years. On June 2, i868, he was married to Miss Sara H. Clay, of Grand Rapids, Mich., a lady of fine family, rare culture and charming character, and soon after took charge of his parish, where he was duly ordained and installed. But his health was by no means established, it having been sadly undermined during the war, and after five years of very successful service his strength was exhausted and he was obliged very reluctantly to turn aside from professional life, which he greatly enjoyed, and for which he was well qualified. During the following twelve years he was utterly unable to engage in work of any kind. His wife, also, was an invalid. In I88i he removed to Grand Rapids, where health began to improve and life looked brighter. On the 14th of May, I886, his wife died. Three children had preceded her, all in infancy.When his health was partially restored, Mr. Powell's services were sought for the work of preparing boys for college —a work in which he has continued until the present time with much success. On December 18, I89o, Mr. Powell was married to Mrs. Helen Griffith Smith, widow of the late Hon. Henry S. Smith, of Grand Rapids, a lady well known in the religious, literary and social circles not only of the city but throughout the state. A son, Edward Merrion Powell, was born to them May 6, 1892. Mrs. Powell is a sister of H. J. Hollister, a leading banker of Grand Rapids, is of English extraction paternally, and maternally of New England descent; she is a lady of fine literary attainments and of strong christian temperament, is a leader in church circles, and a teacher whose place could not well be filled in the Sunday-school, and she is one who never tires in good work. Mr. Powell has been prominent and active in the services of Park Congregational church of Grand Rapids for many years and is constantly called upon for addresses in religious, political, literary and army circles. He has not identified himself with any social organization excepting the Loyal Legion. The Christain church abundantly satisfies him. Maj. Powell is a man of rare literary genius, and is especially gifted in oratory. The misfortune of a life time of ill health has proven to him a blessing in disguise. Though possessing a genial temperament and happy disposition, his leisure moments have been spent largely in study and thoughtful reading, resulting in a cultured mind, well stored with information, covering not only his professional sphere, but those of science, philosophy, literature and politics. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 351 I As a public speaker he is graceful and logical, his very earnestness and sincerity carrying conviction. His enunciation is perfect, his gesticulation natural and easy, his command of language unlimited. He is a man above the medium stature-graceful and dignified, whether it be as the entertainer of his army comrades, whom he loves so well, or in the discussion of the weightier topics pertaining to his profession. His career as an educator is spoken of in the highest terms by the refined people of Grand Rapids, some of whom express the opinion that his usefulness in that sphere is second only to that of the other high calling wherein he was a recognized success. It is said that '(experience is a good school," and the proverb is fully verified in the life of Maj. Powell. As a writer he possesses the rare accomplishment among scholars-that of brevity and terseness. His sentences are clearcut and free from ambiguity, simplicity of language seeming to be his crowning desire. It is to be hoped that this record of a lifetime of usefulness, wrought out under the most trying circumstances, may inspire some struggling young man to emulate so worthy an example. D ACOB TOME PRESTON, a member of the Kent county, bar, office 58 and 59 Wonderly building, Grand Rapids, is a native of Maryland, born in the town of Port Deposit, on the banks of the Susquehanna river, February 3, i86i. He is a son of Joseph Brown and Melissa (Trump) Preston, both natives of the above state and of English ancestry, respectively. Joseph B. Preston, the father, was a man of reputation in the town where he lived, di rectly interested in the bank of that place and other business enterprises. During the troublous days of the Rebellion he was a strong Union man and gave expression to his convictions with an openness and courage which made him very unpopular with certain of his fellow-citizens, whose sympathies were with the Confederacy. Several years prior to the war he was engaged in the lumber business on the Susquehanna. During the war, he owned and operated flouring-mills. He was a man who combined literary talent with great business sagacity, and at his death left a valuable estate which he accumulated by his well-directed industry. He had a family of nine children, two of whom died in infancy, and seven of whom are now living, the subject of this review being the fourth in order of birth. His widow now makes her home in Grand Rapids. Jacob Tome Preston laid the foundation of his literary education in the local school, which he attended at intervals until eighteen years of age, when he became a student in Maplewood institute, near Philadelphia, where he pursued the higher branches of learning for two years, then entered the junior year at Pennsylvania college, at Bellefont, remaining one year, then entered the literary department of the university of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. In 1882 he entered the law department of the university, the full course of which he completed in two years, receiving his degree LL. B. in 1884. After a short visit to the scenes of his boyhood, Mr. Preston, in the fall of 1884, began the practice of his profession in Grand Rapids with Turner & Carroll, in whose office he remained for a period of two years, receiving valuable instruction during that time in the practical work of the law. He then opened an office of his own and practiced by himself until I889, at which time he became a member of the firm of Turner, Carroll & Preston, a 352 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS partnership which continued until the beginning of 1891. Severing his connection with the above partnership, he removed to the \Vonderly block, and after practicing by himself for one year, became a member of the firm of Dunham & Preston, which partnership lasted until the spring of 1897. Since that date MIr. Preston has been alone in the practice, doing a safe and lucrative business in the courts of Grand Rapids and Kent county, and the state at large, and winning for himself the reputation of a capable and painstaking attorney. His practice has been successful, and he stands high professionally among the lawyers of his city. His habits of industry, with other qualifications which guarantee ultimate promotion, have tended to enlarge the area of professional advancement, and he occupies to-day a place in the front rank of attorneys noted for high intellectual and legal attainments. In all his professional relations Mr. Preston is recognized as possessing a strong sense of truth and justice, and he has always endeavored to shape his life according to these principles. Mr. Preston was married March 3, 1898, to Miss Minnie Hicks, who was born in Ypsilanti, Mich., in the year I868; she is a daughter of Stephen and Rhoda Hicks, formerly of that city. Mr. Preston is a member of lodge No. 48, B. P. 0. E., and is also an active worker in the order of Woodmen, belonging to Kent camp, Grand Rapids. He and wife are attendants at the Baptist church, and they reside in a beautiful home at No. 39 Eureka avenue. H ENRY BENJAMIN PROCTOR.-An enumeration of those men of the present dayf who have achieved success and won public recognition for themselves, and at the same time have hon I I i i i ored the state to which they belong, would be incomplete were there failure to make reference to the one whose name appears at the head of this article-the present popular and efficient treasurer of Kent county. A gentleman of high intelligence, broad-minded and public spirited, he su'stains an honorable reputation among his fellow citizens, and as a public servant has proved true to every trust reposed in him. Henry B. Proctor is a son of John T. and Mary J. (Corey) Proctor, both natives of Genesee county, N. Y., a state which has contributed much of its sterling manhood and womanhood to the population of the northwest. John T. Proctor was brought to Michigan in his childhood and grew to maturity in the county of Macomb, where he received his education and learned the trade of milling. He became a resident of Kent county in 1855 and for a number of vears thereafter followed agricultural pursuits in Cascade township, departing this life at his home there on the ioth of October, I883. Much might be written about this excellent citizen, as he was a man of sterling character, successful in the accumulation of this world's effects and possessed of much more than ordinary powers of mind, which were cultivated and strengthened by literary training. He was a potent factor in the community where he resided; prominent in local affairs of his township and county, and as an active worker in the Methodist church did much to stimulate and advance the moral as well as the material interests of his neighborhood. His wife, a fit helpmate forsuch a husband, whom she greatly assisted by wise counsel as well as by the untiring labor of her hands, was called from the scenes of the earth on the 5th day of March, i888. The two children of this worthy couple, ElmerG., of Grand Rapids, and Henry B., possess in a marked degree their strong traits of AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 353 character and high, noble qualities, a heritage in comparison with which houses and lands, public honors and the applause of nen, are insignificant in value. Henry Benjamin Proctor was born in Cascade township, Kent county, February 4, i86o. In early life he attended the district schools of his neighborhood, and subsequently entered the high school of Caledonia, where he pursued the more advanced branches of learning until his twentieth year. He then turned his attention to the time-honored calling of a tiller of soil, and in connection therewith carried on general trading, by means of which he was enabled to accumulate a handsome property, both real and personal. In 1889 he was elected township supervisor over a popular competitor by a majority of fifty votes, and discharged the duties of the position until 1896, when he resigned in order to take possession of the county treasurer's office, to which he had been elected in 1896. The popularity of NMr. Proctor is attested by the fact that, in the election which placed him in office, he carried the county by the handsome majority of 3,329, and so ably did he conduct the affairs of the position, that in I898 he was chosen his own successor by an increased majority-that of 3,972 votes. In the discharge of his public duties Mr. Proctor has been uniformly kind and obliging, and his manner of conducting the office is proof sufficient of the party's wisdom in his election. As custodian of the public funds, the people have unbounded confidence in his honesty and integrity of purpose, and so long as he handles the finances the public may rest assured of a strict and accurate rendering of the high trust reposed in him. The domestic life of Mr. Proctor has been most agreeable, and a beautiful home at No. 289 La Grange street is presided over by a lady of culture and refinement, to whom he was united in marriage on the i8th of March, 1882. The maiden name of Mrs. Proctor was Alice Richards, daughter of H. S. and Susanne Richards, and her birth occurred in the city of Kalamazoo, June 5, I86r. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Proctor has been gladdened by the birth of one child; Harry, now a bright lad of sixteen years. Mr. Proctor is one of the leading republicans of Kent county, and has contributed much to his party's success in many county, state and national campaigns. He is a Mason of high standing, belonging to the lodge at Ada. Measured by a financial standard, Mr. Proctor has met with encouraging success, having already acquired a sufficiency of this world's goods to put himself beyond the pale of anxiety, owning a fine farm of 10 oacres in Cascade township and some valuable city property. In every relation of life he has met the expectation of his many friends, and on the roster ot Kent county's representative men his name is deserving of an honorable and especial mention. HEODORE PROSKAUER, M. D., a regularly practicing physician in the Porter block, Grand Rapids, but who devotes his talents to such specialties as diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, in the treatment of which he has met with more than ordinary success, was born July 2, I865, in Prussia, Germany, and in that country received his education and grew to manhood. He passed from the minor schools to the gymnasiu:m at Kreuzburg (which corresponds with our American high school), and there passed nine )ears in its curriculum. He next attended the Medical college of Berlin five years, received a license to practice medicine in I889, and in the same year received 854 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS his diploma as M. D. at Leipsic. He was then appointed assistant physician in an eye and ear hospital at Nurenberg, Bavaria, and held this position until I891, when he established a practice on his individual account, which he followed' in Germany until I896, making specialties of the eye and ear, and while thus engaged prepared several valuable articles on scientific subjects, as follows: (i) Ein Beitrag zur myopiestatistik, in Graefe's Archio fur Ophthal. (2) Ptosis congenita. (3) Ein Beitrag Autophthalmoskopic, in Centralblatt fur pract. Augenhlkder. (4) Embryonen von oxynris in der Nase in Zeitschrift fur obrenheilkundes. (5) Treatment of Trashoma, in Centralblatt fur pract. Augenhlkder -the doctor being especially proficient in his original method of operating upon cataract. In 1896 Dr. Proskauer came to America and for several months resided in New York city. In 1897 he came to Grand Rapids, and has already established an enduring fame and a remunerative practice along the line of his specialties. The doctor is still unmarried, and is the only representative of his family in America. Salo and Helen (Kalisher) Proskauer, the parents of the doctor, were both born in Prussia, but the mother was called from earth at the age of fifty-one years; the father is now a resident of Breslau, and is engaged in merchandizing. Of their four children, Ignatz, the brother of the doctor, is a merchant in Hirschberg, and is married; the two sisters are Julia and Adalia, and are still single. HOMAS E. REED, farmer, dairyman, justice of the peace, etc., at Paul P. O., Kent county, Mich., was born on the farm where he now lives, May 4, 1847, and is a son of Porter and Polly (De Long) Reed. The father came to this farm in 1833, being the first family to locate a home on the shore of Reed's lake-which is named for this pioneer. Two uncles, Lewis and Ezra Reed, located on government land, taking a quarter of a section each. Porter Reed owned and cleared up a fine farm, which was subsequently divided among four children, the old homestead falling in part to Thomas E., and he subsequenty purchased the interests of the other heirs. This gives him the home in which he was born. The father came from Ilion, Herkimer county, N. Y., where he was born July II, 1812, and where the parents were married; the father died here at the age of forty-five years; the mother survived him until December 2, 1883; she was born November 5, 1813. The family of four children were named Julia, born August 22, 1838, died May 29, I868, the wife of Daniel Defendorf; Gibson, born July 31, 1840, is living in Grand Rapids, is a farmer and served in the same regiment in the Civil war with his brother, Thomas E.; Thomas E. is the subject of this sketch, and Ransom R., born August 23, 1854, is the youngest. Thomas E. Reed was educated in the district schools and has always been a farmer. He served gallantly in the Union army during the Civil war as a member of company B, Twenty-first Michigan volunteer infantry, and was seriously wounded in the battle of Bentonville, N. C., for which he receives a pension. Mr. Reed was married in Ottawa county, Mich., February 21, i867, to Miss Mary L. Walker, who was born in St. Clair county, Mich., a daughter of Hampton L. and Mary (Earle) Walker, natives of Vermont, but married in St. Clair county, Mich. The father was a shoemaker in early life, but in later years became a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Walker had a family of eight sons and four daughters, named as follows: Alpheus E.; I Ih I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 355 Marcia, died in infancy; Henry H.; William, killed in battle of the Wilderness during the Civil war; Mary; John N., died in hospital from wounds received in action before Knoxville; Marcia Euraina; Albert, dead; Milo B.; Alvin; Hiram, and Harriet'Sophia, dead. Mr. and Mrs. Reed have three children living and one deceased: Kittie Zoe, wife of Charles E. Morgan, lives at Reed's Lake; Polly Adel, wife of Charles Snow; Caroline, married to George Young, lives in the family, and William I. died at the age of nineteen months, although the second born. Mr. Reed has been justice of the peace for three years, town treasurer several years, and has also served three years as village president. He is a member of the G. A. R. and of the Court of Honor, and politically is a republican. Two of Mrs. Reed's brothers were killed in the Civil war while serving in the Union army. Thomas E. Reed is one of the most honored men of his township, and the family name is one that will be remembered with esteem as long as there is a resident in the county. EMIUEL D. PUTNAM, M. D., deceased, was a well-known physician and druggist in Grand Rapids, Mich., as far back as 1846. He was born in Herkimer, the county seat of Herkimer county; N. Y., August 3r, 823, a son of Alfred P. and Sophia (Dickerman) Putnam, the parents of the latter being natives of Brattleboro, Vt. Lemuel D. Putnam, M. D., was reared to a farmer's life, but had no liking for the vocation, his tastes leaning toward the study of physiology and correlative sciences. He was afforded good school opportunities, and first attended the common school of his native town, then an academy at Fairfield, Herkimer county, and finally graduated from the Union college in Schenectady, in 1845, and later attended medical lectures in Philadelphia, Pa., and Cleveland, Ohio. After full preparation, literary and professional, he came to Grand Rapids in 1846, and at once entered upon the active practice of medicine, being among the earliest practitioners to locate here. His practice, however, was not confined to the city, but extended through a considerable portion of the surrounding country, yet, after one year of this arduous toil, he discovered that it was too great a strain on his physical endurance, and he was compelled to relinquish it. Dr. Putnam then formed a partnership with Dr. Charles Shepard, under the firmname of Shepard & Putnam, and engaged in the drug trade. Dr. Shepard came to Grand Rapids in 1835, and was the first to open a drug store in the then village. This store was a small affair at first, but answered its purpose, and gradually but steadily grew in importance and in its volume, of business. In due course of time, Dr. Putnam bought out the interest of Dr. Shepard, and several years afterward formed a partnership with F. J. Wuerzburg, formerly his clerk, in the same trade, but in 1857 the building and contents were totally destroyed by fire, yet Dr. Putnam immediately re-established the business in a new building on the south side of Monroe street. In I859 there were only five drug stores in Grand Rapids; in I867 there were nine; in 1875 eighteen; in 1885 thirty-four, and in I89o five wholesale and fifty-seven retail stores, and this latter number has since been fully maintained. It will thus be seen that Dr. Putnam was among the pioneers in this line, and this he continued following until I887. When Dr. Putnam came to Grand Rapids men of his caliber and education were very few and far between, and his advice was sought 836 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS on many important occasions and his judgment called into exercise in all matters of public weight or moment. Although proverbially kind and benevolent, he was successful as a business man, and at the time of his death, which occurred July 22, 1895, was a director in the City National bank, and was universally recognized as one of the best business men in the city, as well as a man of the strictest integrity, and one faithful to all the obligations of life. In politics he was ever a republican, and fraternally was a member of the Chi Psi society of Union college. Dr. Putnam was united in marriage, in 1852, with Miss Caroline Willard Williams, a daughter of Dr. Stephen West Williams, of Deerfield, Mass., and this happy union was blessed with one child, Isabel Williams Putnam. Mrs. Putnam is a lady of intelligence and refinement and a fit mate for her husband, than whom she never could have found a better. Mrs. Putnam, with her daughter, has visited many interesting parts of the world, including England, France, Germany, Belguim. and even up the Nile, and the mother and daughter now live in elegant ease, at their attractive home, No. 20 Sheldon street, honored by all who know them. AJ.-GEN. BYRON ROOT PIERCE, the only full brigadier-general of the late Civil war living in the state of Michigan, was born in East Bloomfield, Ontario county, N. Y., September 20, 1829, a son of Silas and Mary (Root) Piercethe former a native of New York and the latter of Massachusetts, and both of English descent, the father of Mrs. Mary (Root) Pierce having been a hero of the Revolutionary war. Gen. Byron R. Pierce was educated at Rochester, N. Y., and began his business life in a woolen factory, a vocation in which his father had been engaged; he later became identified with the dental profession, and in 1856 came to Grand Rapids and followed his profession up to the date of his enlistment. He had in the interval been captain of the Valley City Light Guards for two or three years, and thus had had some experience as a drillmaster; he was at Joliet, Ill., when he enlisted in the United States volunteer service, and was hurried home to Grand Rapids to take command of a company already organized. He was at once commissioned captain of company K, Third regiment, Michigan volunteer infantry, and was mustered in May 13, I86- a very early date of the Civil war, indeed —and from that time forward, for bravery and meritorious conduct in face of the enemy and other places, his promotion was rapid until his muster out, August 24, I865, a period of over four years and three months, and this valiant service was recognized even after the war had closed by the national and state governments. These promotions may be briefly enumerated as follows: Major of Third Michigan infantry, October 2, I861; lieutenant-colonel of Third Michigan infantry, July 25, 1862; colonel of Third Michigan infantry, January i, 1863; brigadier-general, U. S. volunteers, June 7, 1864, mustered on field, June I8, 864, at Petersburg, by Maj.Gen. \V. S. Hancock's acting-assistant general; brevet major-general of U. S. volunteers, April 5, I865, for gallant services at the battle of Sailor's creek. A brief list of the various engagements in which Gen. B. R. Pierce took an active part, as copied from the archives in the war department at Washington, D. C., is as follows: Richardson's brigade, Mills' division, McDowell's army-Blackburn's Ford, Va., July /L-^ ^3c I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 359 i8, i86; Bull Run, Va., July 2, 86; Bailey's cross roads, Va., August 30, I861, reconnaissance to Pohick church, and the Occoquan, November 10-14, I86I; reconnaissance to Occoquan village, February 3, I862. First brigade, Third division, Third corpsYorktown, Va., April 4 to May 4, I862. Third brigade, First division, Third corps -Williamsburg, Va., May 5, I862; Fair Oaks, May 3I, I862; seven days' fight before Richmond; Savage Station, June 29, 1862; Peach Orchard, June 29, 1862; Glendale, June 30, 1862; Malvern Hill, July 1, 1862; second Bull Run, August 29-30, I862: Chantilly, September i, I862; duty in defense of Washington, D. C., until November, I862; Burnside's march, January 20-24, 1863. Third brigade, Second division, Third corps -Chancellorsville, Va., May 1-3, I863 -wounded May 3, in left hand and right arm; Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863-wounded through left leg, below knee; New York city and Troy, N. Y., August 17 to September 17, I863; Auburn, Va., October I, I863; Kelley's Ford, Va., November 7, 1863, and Mine Run, November 29-30, 1863. Second brigade, Third division, Second corps-March, 1864. First brig de, Third division, Second corps -Wilderness, May 5-7, 1864; Todd's Tavern, May 8, 1864; Po River, May o0, 1864; Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864; led the charge on the Salient; wounded in left leg; horse killed under him; commanding First brigade; North Anna, May 23-24, 1864; Cold Harbor, June I to 12, 1864. Commanding Third division, Second corps, before Petersburg, Va.. June II to 22, 1864; wounded June 18, in left shoulder; \Weldon Railroad, June 22 to 23, I864; Deep Bottom, July 27-28, I864; Mine Run explosion, July 30, in reserve; Strawberry Plains, August I4-I8, 1864; Ream's Station, August 24, I864; Poplar Springs Church, September I 30-October I, 1864; Boydton road, October 27-28, I864; Fort Sedgwick, November 5, 1864; Dabney's Mills, February 5-7, 1865; Hatcher's Run, March 28, I865; White Oak Road. March 30-31, I865; Boydton Road, April 2, 1865; fall of Petersburg, April 3, 1865; Sailor's creek, April 5, I865; Farmville, April 7, i865; New Store, April 8, I865; and Appomattox Court House, April 9, I865, mustered out, August 24, 1865. The above statement, although concise, is valuable, as it gives the dates on which these important engagements, in which Gen. Pierce took so active a part, occurred, but the details of which are precluded from publication in a work as limited in its scope as is this, as, indeed, the history of any one of the large engagements would require a volume much larger than this. Gen. Byron R. Pierce was united in marriage, in Grand Rapids, October 12, 188, with Miss Abbie L. Evans, a native of Rhode Island, and a daughter of George G. and Mary A. (Reynolds) Evans, both natives of Providence, and Capt. James L. Reynolds, greatgreat-grandfather of Mrs. Gen. Pierce, having been a patriot of the Revolutionary war. Gen. Pierce has served two years as department commander of the Grand Army of the Republic of Michigan, and also as senior vice commander of the Loyal Legion, department of Michigan; he is also a master Mason and an Odd Fellow; in politics he is an active and influential republican, and in religion is a Universalist; Mrs. Pierce, a lady of refined tastes and many accomplishments, is an Episcopalian, and has been a faithful and valued helpmate to her husbandln much of his varied career. Gen. Pierce had three brothers and one brother-in-law in the Union army during the Civil war, and of these one brother, Frederick, died of disease while in the service. Of the r C 860 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS surviving brothers, Col. E. S. Pierce is deputy sergeant-at-arms in the house of representatives at Washington, and Capt. Silas K. Pierce is a business man in Iansing, Mich. Maj. H. C. Grout, who married Gen. Pierce's sister, was paymaster in the United States army, and died after the close of the war. Samuel O. L. Potter, M. D., who married Mrs. Gen. Pierce's sister, is brigade-surgeon on the staff of Gen. Hale, at Manila,-and thus it will be seen that the military spirit pervades the whole family. From 1887 (the date of its opening), Gen. Pierce was commandant of the Michigan Soldiers' Home until I891, when a change was made in the administration through the mutations of the politics of the state government. Soon after leaving the Home, the general leased the Warwick hotel, which he successfully operated until the spring of 1899, when he retired, having made it the' most popular hotel in the state, and is now living in quiet ease, surrounded by a host of warm-hearted friends. EORGE R. RENWICK, M. D., at No. 12 Canal street, Grand Rapids, 4 is a native of this city, was born November 23, I855, and is a son of Thomas R. and Julia (Patterson) Renwick, natives, respectively, of Canada and New York state, and parents of three children, of whom the doctor is the eldest; Loren N. is a florist of Grand Rapids, and his twin sister, Mrs. Abram Ledeboer, is also a resident of this city. The father was a florist and gardener by calling, passed the major portion of his mature years in Grand Rapids, and died in April, I896, at the age of sixty-seven years, his wife still surviving him. I I I Dr. Renwick was elementarily educated in the public schools of Grand Rapids, and in early manhood was a florist. While engaged in this vocation he entered upon the study of medicine. After proper preparation he entered Rush Medical college at Chicago, Ill., in 1888, completed a full course and graduated in I892. He then opened practice in Grand Rapids, where he has met with unusual success, and has a large list of patients among the better class of citizens. The doctor is a member of Grand Rapids Medical association, and is a prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being medical examiner for Grand River lodge, No. 408; is also a medical examiner for the M. W. of A.; a member of the Degree of Honor, the Home Forum, the Columbia League, the Fraternal Mystic Circle, the Royal Arcanum, the Select Knights, and the Knights of Fidelity (Foresters). He has been reared in the faith of the Congregational church, and in politics is a stalwart republican. His social standing is with the best people of the city and county, his professional reputation is second to none in the Valley city. The doctor was married at Sparta, Kent county, Mich., in I88I, to Alice \Vhite, by whom he has two children, viz: Millison and G. Robson. They reside at 157 Straight street. *"Z ----" --- —-------- IRK RIEMERSMA, a retail dealer in wood, at No. 236 West Leonard street, Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Holland May 7, 1844, and came to America about sixteen years ago. He first found employment on reaching Grand Rapids, in the Widdicomb furniture factory, as fireman, but also attended to the engine, AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 861 keeping it clean and cleaning things generally, and this labor furnished him a living for nearly four years. He then engaged in the retail fuel business, and by hard work and close attention to the needs of his customers succeeded in realizing sufficient money to purchase his present wood-vard and dwelling about seven years ago, and has here gained the reputation of being strictly honest in all his dealings. Mr. Riemersma was marritd, in the old country, to Miss Ofga Fitsbeck, who has borne him nine children, viz: William, Dirk, David, Ida, Annie, Maggie, Hendrick, Mary and Finchrist, six of whom are still at home. Mr. Riemersma deserves great credit for having made the advance in life which he has reached, as he was worth nothing when he came to Grand Rapids, had no knowledge of the English language, had quite a family to support, and had many difficulties to struggle against and to overcome; but he was by nature industrious, honest and frugal, as well as persevering, and now owns his own wood-yard, teams and dwelling, as stated, and is comparatively independent of the world. In religion he is a member of the Christian Reform church (Holland), and in politics is a republican. * --- —--------------- OHN RINGOLD, sexton of the Fulton street cemetery, in Grand Rapids, is a native of Holland, and was born near Zeeland on the i9th of October, 1849. He came to America with his parents in 1865, and lived in Cincinnati, Ohio, for about six years. From there he came to Grand Rapids in I871, and has since made this city his permanent home. The parents of subject were Gerard and Anna S. (Tilame) Ringold, were natives of Holland, and the father was a gardener-the business he followed in Cincinnati and also in Grand Rapids. He died here at the age of sixty-eight years and five months, and his wife died at the age of sixty-five years. The father's father is also buried in Grand Rapids, having died at the age of seventy-nine years, and the remains of all were interred in the cemetery of which the subject now has charge. John Ringold learned the business of a gardener and served at that calling, as well as coachman, in Cincinnati, and also in this city. Two years were spent at the same business in Salem, Mass. In 1880 he was elected sexton by the board of directors of Fulton street cemetery, and has held that position continuously since. This is a private cemetery, irrespective of church organization. Its patrons are the old settlers of the city and county, this being the oldest cemetery in the city, having been laid out in 1835. Mr. Ringold has buried at least 3.000 people, and he is of the opinion that there are 2,000 unmarked graves. The grounds include about fifteen acres, all laid out in burial lots, there being only about fifty unoccupied. The grounds are handsomely kept, Mr. Ringold having from three to seven men employed as assistants. His nineteen years' continuous work as sexton is sufficient recommendation of his ability and adaptibility. Mr. Ringold was married in this city June 23, I88o, to Hattie Konning, a native of Holland, Europe, who came to this country in childhood. Her parents were Harry and Talge Stolp, both natives of the same country. The mother died in 1886, and the father lives at Alaska, Mich. Mr. Ringold has five brothers and two sisters living-he being the eldest. The second is Cornelius, who lives at 445 Wealthy avenue, and is a furniture packer for Berkey & Gay. Henry is a traveling furniture salesman; Nicholas is employed with Julius Berkey I :362 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS in the furniture business; Peter is in Chicago, interested in the laundry business; Mary-twin sister of Peter-is the wife of Jacob Bastiansa, of this city; Minnie is now married to Cornelius Copeman, a grocer on Fulton street, this city. Mr. and Mrs. Ringold have a family of nine living children-four sons and five daughters -named as follows: Anna, Harry, Gerard, Cornelius, Albert, Tildena, Minna Marietta, Margaret Helen and Elizabeth, all at home, and they had still another daughter, Tillie, who passed away at the age of two months and eleven days. Mr. Ringold is a stanch republican, as are also his brothers, and the family church relations are with the Bethary Reform church. Mr. Ringold is a member of the I. O. O. F., and also the Holland Aid society. He has been very successful in accumulating property, having by his own efforts secured valuable properties in Grand Rapids. He owns a good comfortable home, where his family live. He and family are highly respected, and well deserve the high regard in which they are held by everybody in the city. i"g IEORGE RUSSELL PERRY, mayor of I 1nd Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in IBridgeport, Conn., January 30, 1849, and is a son of George H. and Hannah Perry. In every community there may be found rising above their fellows individuals born to command, who dominate not alone by superior intelligence and liberal mental acquirements, but by a natural force of character, which minimizes discouragements and dares great undertakings; such men are by no means tare, and it is always profitable to study their lives, weigh their motives and hold up their achievements as incentives to greater activity upon the part of those just entering upon their first struggle with the world. These reflections are suggested by the career of one who has forged his way to the front ranks of the favored few, and who by the exercise of a strong inherent force, directed by intelligence and judgment of a high order, stands to-day among the representative men of his city and state. George H. Perry, father of George R., was descended from one of the old and highly respected families of New England, and in his youth learned the hatter's trade, which he followed all of his life. It is a fact worthy of note that he opened in Detroit many years ago the first exclusive hat and cap store in Michigan. and from I851 until his death, on the 12th day of August, 1893, he was an honored and successful resident of that city, doing much to promote its commercial and its industrial interests. The wife of George H. Perry was Hannah Dobbs, a native of Danbury, Conn., and a member of a family noted in Revolutionary annals, Dobbs Ferry, where an important battle of that historic struggle took place, being named in honor of one of her ancestors. She bore her husband five children, four of whom yet survive, and, being a woman of great force of character, and active christian sympathies, early impressed upon the minds of her offspring the necessity of noble aims and high ideas as essential to success in the great struggle of life. Of the elder Perry it is sufficient to state that he was a man of sterling worth, inheriting in a marked degree the sturdy virtues of an intelligent and God-fearing New England ancestry, and combined, with a liberal education, a rare business tact, which made him financially successful in the several business enterprises which from time to time engaged his attention. For a number of years he was 'qw lljw~g 4-%a7 9^ I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. identified with the Banner Tobacco company of Detroit, being vice-president of the same at the time of his death, and, in addition to his career in the commercial world, achieved considerable local distinction as a politician, first as an old-line whig, and later as a supporter of the democratic party. Reared in the tenets of the Episcopal faith, he remained loyal to his church, and exemplified his creed by a life devoted to his loved ones and to the good of the community in which he lived and moved. George Russell Perry was quite young when taken by his parents to Detroit, and in the schools of that city he received his educational training, completing the high-school course in the year I864. Previous to his graduation, however, he was at different times employed as clerk in a drug house, and immediately after laying aside his studies, entered upon a three-year apprenticeship in pharmacy, which he completed in I868, removing in that year to Grand Rapids, with the history of which place he has since been identified. During the five years succeeding his arrival in this city Mr. Perry served as clerk and business manager of Charles M. Shepard's large drug store, and in 1872 entered the employ of T. J. Bluthardt, a druggist and pharmacist in Chicago, also opening a branch house on the corner of Twelfth and Halsted streets, to which he gave his personal attention for a period of two years. In the meantime he entered into the marriage relation with Miss Jennie Blake, and for a short time thereafter resided in Chicago. He soon returned to this city and accepted a position as bookkeeper with the wholesale grocery firm of L. H. Randall & Co., with which he remained throughout its various changes until becoming a partner in 1883. The firm, under the name of Freeman, Hawkins & Co., continued one year, when Mr. Perry purchased the former's interest, and from its re-organization until I891 the house became widely and favorably known in commercial circles as Hawkins & Perry. Severing his connection with the mercantile trade in the year last named, Mr. Perry engaged in the brokerage business, which has, since claimed his attention, his operations being confined principally to dealing in the wholesale staple grocery line, bringing him in contact with the leading business men of Michigan and the northwest. He has large dealings in the cities of Grand Rapids, Traverse City, Cadillac, Iansing, Muskegon, Detroit, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and many other important commercial centers, and a conservative estimate puts the annual volume of his transactions at over $1,250,000. Additional to his large and constantly increasing business in the line of brokerage,. Mr. Perry is also interested in various other enterprises, in the management of which he displays ability of the highest order, and the success of which places him in the front rank. of Michigan's clear-headed snd substantial financiers. As already stated, Mr. Perry is a married' man, the ceremony which united him to the lady of his choice, Miss Jennie Blake, daughter of Alexander Blake, a former promiment lumber dealer of west Michigan, having been solenized on the 6th day of January, I874;: the issue of the union has been five chidren, Alexander, Florence, George Russell, an infant that died unnamed, and Jeannette, the last named being the only survivor. An aggressive and public-spirited man in every sense of the term, it would indeed have been strange had Mr. Perry not been attracted to other important matters outside the pale of his business interests. A close student of economic and political questions from his youth, his inclinations led him into the public arena, and from I876, the date of his first ~66 THIE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS -- -- active participation in general campaigns, to the present time, he has been a prominent factor in local, state and national politics. He enthusiastically espoused the cause of Samuel J. Tilden in the notable contest of 1876, and, although a young man, did such distinguished service for his favorite candidate that he won an enviable reputation as a successful campaigner in the councils of the party, and thus attracted the favorable notice of the leading politicians of the state. In 1886 he was made chairman of the executive committee of the Fifth congressional district, which he held for four years. At the earnest solicitation of his many friends in Grand Rapids, Mr. Perry, in the spring of I886, accepted the nomination for the office of city treasurer, and after an anitnated contest was elected. He filled the position four years, having been chosen his own successor in I890, and after an interval of rest from official cares was elected in the spring of 1898 mayor of Grand Rapids by a majority of 738 votes. It is a compliment worthily bestowed to class him among the ablest and most worthy men ever elected to the dignified and responsible position of city executive, and the honorable course he has pursued, and his impartiality in the discharge of his official functions, mark his administration as one of the most upright and satisfactory in the history of Grand Rapids. in the fall of 1898 Mr. Perry was nominated for congress against his protest, he being in favor of giving the honor to some person seeking the same, and was absent from the convention when nominated. He made the race, however, in a dignified manner, but with the national, state and county tickets went down in honorable defeat. Immersed as he has been for many years in the cares of large business interests, and carrying a burden of official responsibility un der the weight of which many of less determination would have broken down, Mr. Perry has found time amid all these to devote much attention to other matters of a different nature. For nearly a quarter of a century his name appears prominently connected with a number of civil, social and benevolent organizations and societies, having for their object the symmetrical development of a true and noble manhood. He is a Mason of high standing, being a member of local lodge, No. 34, Grand Rapids, besides receiving the thirtysecond degree in that ancient and honorable fraternity. He is also greatly interested in the Pythian order, belonging to Eureka lodge, besides being a leader in the recently established side degree of Khorassan. The Modern Woodmen claim him among their best mnembers, as do also the Woodmen of the World, and the benevolent order of Maccabees. Mr. Perry's connection with the noble order of Elks merits more than a passing notice. He was active in bringing about the organization of the local lodge in this city, putting his name upon the charter, and ever since it became an established fact his time and means have been given without stint to make it a success, and to keep ever before the minds of the members the great underlying principles through the agency of which the order has found such an abiding place in the affections of all benevolently' inclined lovers of humanity. Owing to many unfavorable circumstances, the growth of the order in Grand Rapids was for some time considerably hampered, the treasury became depleted and membership constantly decreased, but the election in I895 of Mr. Perry as exalted ruler marked a new era in its history, and his induction into office proved the beginning of a greatly increased interest on the part of its friends and well wishers. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 867 Convinced that too much emphasis had previously been put upon the purely social phase, and firmly of the opinion that the world failed to appreciate the broad humanitarian foundation upon which the fraternity rested, he called to his aid kindred spirits of like enthusiasm with himself, and within a period of two years succeeded in overcoming much unreasonable public prejudice, and in establishing the society upon a basis which promises to be permanent for all time to come. Numerically weak when he assumed management, it increased during his administration to an active membership of 606, with $9 o90 in the treasury, and ninety-five applications on file, with many to be presented. Mr. Perry filled the position of exalted ruler two terms, and refused a third election, and during his incunmbency enjoyed the satisfaction of seeing the great numerical increase noted, besides assisting to the extent of his ability in bringing about the erection and completion of the present beautiful and commodious lodge room, which for elegance, convenience and furnishing is perhaps unequaled by any like structure in the United States. He served as a member of the ritual committee, which met in October, 1897, in New York, and a number of his suggestions were embodied in the ritual as now used by the order throughout the United States; at the meeting of the Michigan League of Municipalities, which he re-constructed and was instrumental in organizing, held in Grand Rapids in September, 1899, he was honored by being elected its president. The prominence he has attained as an active worker in the order, both local and national,has brought him to the favorable notice of leading Elks in all parts of the country, and it is fitting to predict for him a continuance in the confidence and esteem of the large and growing membership of this most popular and benevolent fraternity. In many respects Mr. Perry is much more than an ordinary man, and his life forcibly illustrates what intelligence and well-directed energy can accomplish, though opposed at titles by obstacles calculated to deter and discourage. An apt pupil in the school of practical life and self-supporting from the early age of sixteen, he has been able to comprehend and successfully solve the many different problems in the stern school of experience, and, while eagerly taking advantage of every favorable circumstance that came his way, he never sat down idly waiting for opportunities, but with rare sagacity and foresight created them. As a promoter and manager of large business interests, as an efficient and painstaking custodian of important public trusts, as a leader in benevolent enterprises for the material and moral elevation of humanity, as a citizen in the private walks of life, he has ever commanded respect, and by reason of strength of character and broad liberal views upon all questions of public moment, he has made his mark in the history of the community and state. Of fine presence and vigorous personality, to which may be added a natural combining of the elements calculated to win and retain strong and permanent friendships, he has always been a potent factor in molding public sentiment, and the resolution with which he addresses himself to every duty in hand, and the ability displayed in the various positions to which he has been called, prove him to be a natural leader of men. RANK AUSTIN RODGERS. -There.is no more important office to the people of a county than that of prosecuting attorney. The diversity of business of the office, ranging from the prosecution of all THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS persons charged with criminal offenses within the county to the careful attention of the county's civil interest, calls for a man to take and hold that position who has had an equally diverse and extended range of legal and business experience. The present efficient prosecuting attorney of Kent county, Mich., is Frank Austin Rodgers, a native of Massachusetts, born in the town of Sandwich on the 8th day of November, I849. His father, George H. Rodgers, also a native of Massachusetts, was born of English ancestry, and for many )years followed agricultural pursuits and fishing in both Massachusetts and Maine. The mother of the subject, whose maiden name was Catherine Austin, was also born in the state of Massachusetts. When the subject was a lad of ten years his parents moved to Maine and settled on a farm near the city of Bangor. There he attended the public schools until eighteen, when he entered Kent's Hill college, from which in due time he was graduated and immediately thereafter he engaged in teaching, and followed that profession for several years. Having early determined to prepare himself for the legal profession, he began a systematic course of reading while still engaged in teaching, and afterwards entered the office of WV. P. Young, prosecuting attorney for the county of Piscataquis, Maine, where he continued his study until his admission to the bar on the I Ith day of September, I879. Mr. Rodgers was admitted to the bar by the supreme court of the state of Maine, and after practicing in the east until I88O he removed to Grand Rapids, Mich., where he has since been located, having in the meantime succeeded in building up a large and lucrative legal business in the courts of Kent county and elsewhere. Imniediately upon locating in this city, he joined the West Side Republican club, an active political organization which contributed much I to the success of the party in that year and since. Mr. Rodgers continued the active practice of his profession until the spring of I888, at which time, upon the earnest solicitation of his many friends, he accepted the nomination for alderman of the Seventh ward, a section of the city which was then, and has been since, overwhelmingly democratic, giving majorities ranging from 400 to 700. Notwithstanding the discouraging outlook, he entered the contest with a will, and by his personal effort, combined with his popularity, defeated the democratic nominee by a safe majority. Mr. Rodgers was an active member of the city council, serving on many important committees, and was instrumental in bringing about much important municipal legislation. In I896 Mr. Rodgers was his party's candidate for the office of prosecutinog attorney, and his election to the same was by the largest majority ever given to one running for that office, with a single exception. Prior to his election, he had served the county as assistant prosecuting attorney under William J. Stuart for two years and four imonths, and also held the same position under Alfred Wolcott for a period of fourteen months. So ably did Mr. Rodgers discharge his duties as prosecutor that in I898 he was chosen his own successor by a largely increased majority. He has made an enviable record as a public official and has been conscientious in the discharge of every duty, and it is safe to say that the county of Kent has never been served by a more careful, painstaking and able public servant. It has been frequently said that for the last two years the prosecuting attorney's office has been more ably conducted than during any period in the history of the county. The record of Mr. Rodgers from January I, I897, to July I, 1898, is an especially creditable one. Some idea of the amount of busi-.6 AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 869 ness transacted during that period may be obtained from the following figures: Number of persons convicted of some offense, i,315; number acquitted, 93; number of years represented' by sentences in the penal institutions of the state, 275,; sentences in the county jail aggregating 251 years, making a grand total of over 300 years. The amount of fines collected was $5,oo9.50, not including costs collected. There were also two life sentences imposed upon convictions secured by him. Mr. Rodgers called to his assistance only men of well recognized ability in the legal profession; his first corps of assistants consisted of J. S. McDonald, B. M. Corwin and Harry Rodgers, with Miss Ollie Stewart as stenographer; with the exception of Mr. Corwin, who was succeeded by D. E. Minor, the present corps is the satie as the first. Mr. Rodgers was married in Milo, Maine, to Miss Sarah D. Foster, a native of the Pine Tree state and daughter of Leonard and Sarah (Williams) Foster. The issue of this union is two children-Harry E., a graduate of the university of Michigan, and Frank A., Jr. Mr. Rodgers is identified with quite a number of social orders and fraternities, including the Masonic, in which he has taken the degree of Sir Knight, K. of P. and Woodmen's. He and his wife are attendants upon the services of the Fountain street Baptist church, of which Mrs. Rodgers and their son, Harry E., are members, and active in all the good work of the same. Sufficient has already been said to give the reader a proper conception of the high professional standing of Mr. Rodgers since engaging in the practice in this city. In addition to his official duties he has been connected with a number of important cases, among which may be noted the celebrated MlcCard murder trial, in which he acted as counsel for the defense. So ably did he handle this case, and with such power 19 I I I i i I II I I I did he appeal to the jury, that he succeeded. in obtaining a verdict of manslaughter, with a sentence of four years in the state's prison, which was afterward reversed by the supreme court, and he was subsequenty acquitted. He was also counsel in the noted Wilson case, where he also displayed unusual ability which brought him into prominent notice among the leading lawyers of central Michigan. EORGE ROELOFS, general insurance, real-estate and loan agent, at No. 29 Canal street, Grand Rapids, is a native of the Netherlands and was born May 8, 1853, a son of Egbert and Johanna (Glazer) Roelofs, of whom further mention will presently be made. George Roelofs received a sound commonschool education in his native land, including instruction in the vernacular and the German and French languages. At the age of nineteen years he came to America and settled in Grand Rapids, rapidly acquiring a knowledge of the language of the country, and for four years was employed in a crockery store, a business for which he was peculiarly fitted, as he had spent his youth in the store of his father, who was a dealer in china and crockery in the city of Zwolle, Holland. He was next employed in the office of the auditor of the Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad for six years, and the succeeding seven years were passed as bookkeeper for the Osterhout & Fox Lumber company. \While in this employ he became interested in the insurance business, and after about two years' experience in this line in a sort of amateur way, he resigned his position as bookkeeper, rented a room fromn his employers, became a full-fledged insurance agent, and gradually added the real-estate and loan 370 features. From this humble developed his present exten for the past eight years present office, at No. 29 Car During the political caml Roelofs established the "Eel a weekly newspaper printer language, and this is the or tion journal in America. It cate of temperance and recei port from-the hundreds,wh the views of its fearless edi culation of about 1,300 in principally in Grand Rapids. In I895, Mr. Roelofs mn native Holland. During years he had been in Amer died, and his mother has died living brother has spent all in the regular army of Hollar the rank of captain. Four ( the family have reached the 3 and five died in childhood or George Roelofs was unite Grand Rapids, November 25 Mary Dykema, a native of th ter of well-known parents, o is made elsewhere in this happy union five children ha whom Flora, the eldest, is efficient bookkeeper; Henrie tha and Howard Russell, ai parental roof-the elder two graduates of the Grand Rapic Mr. Roelofs has been cc Reformed church for twentysincere Christian and support and lives strictly up to the le quired in the faith. He is zealous student of the class guages, and passes his evening and in writing editorials fo Voice of the People," as its tit THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS beginning he has lated into English. In his writings he is consive business, and scientious and vigorous, "hewing to the line, has occupied his let the chips fall where they may." In his nal street. business he is pleasant and accommodating, paign of 1892, Mr. and as a man he is respected by the entire n Stemdes Volks," community. d in the Holland fly Dutch prohibiis a faithful advoives a cordial supo harmonize with itor, having a cir- [CHAEL RONAN, one of the most Holland families, I successful farmers and fruit growers of Kent county, Mich., with ade a trip to his his home on section No. 0o, the twenty-three Grand Rapids township, was born in county ica his father had W exford, Ireland, March 4, 1827, and came since. His only to the United States in I85i, with but $25 in his mature years cash, but possessed of an abundance of energy. id, and now holds After working in Michigan on farms about Dther members of three years, he bought sixty acres of new land sears of maturity, in Newaygo county, on which he lived ten infancy. years, more or less, cleared up the land and.d in marriage, in then traded for eighty acres in Barry county,, 1875, with Miss also all new. On this tract he lived five years e city and daugh- and then came to Kent county and located in f whom mention Plainfield township on I60 acres, which he volume. To this still owns, and in I880 he settled on his pres-.ve been born, of ent farm of I60 acres in Grand Rapids townher father's very ship. This farm had been newly cleared, and Atta, Irene, Eber- was in bad condition, but he has converted it re still under the into one of the best farms in the township, daughters being and has twenty acres set in peach trees. Is high school. Mr. Ronan married, in Newaygo county, )nnected with the Miss Mary Deborah Murray, a native of Canfive years; he is a ada, and this union was blessed with the folter of the Gospel, lowing-named children: Bridget, widow of ssons he early ac- James Pierce, and a resident of Grand Rapids; a constant and Matthew W., of whom further mention will;ics and the lan- be made; Maggie, wife of Michael Haynes, of ys in these studies Plainfield township; Charles, in Grand Rapids; r his paper — 'A Peter, in Wisconsin; John; Michael, who:le signifies, trans- died of diphtheria at the age of twenty AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 871 three years; Frank, who died in childhood, and Frank (second), who, with John, operates the farm. The family are members of the St. Alphonsus' Catholic church of Grand Rapids, and in this faith Mrs. Ronan passed away December 7, 1896. A brother, Patrick Ronan, came to America two years later and settled in Newaygo county, but in I865 came to Grand Rapids township and has since resided in Kent county. Matthew W. Ronan, mentioned above, has served as township clerk and township treasurer. \Vhen a child, disease deprived him of the use of his lower limbs, but his brain is phenomenally active, and his keenness of perception and clearness of intellect is a matter of wonder to all who meet him. Like all the family, he has been an active democrat. As already mentioned, Mr. Ronan has one of the best farms in Kent county. It is located in the finest fruit region of the state, and Mr. Ronan has made it what it is, inasmuch as it was, when he took possession, in a very rugged condition, full of stumps, and with great brush hedges for fences; but he has remodeled everything and made the place a delight to the eye of the passer-by, and rendered it profitable in all its parts. In I898, Mr. Ronan made a visit to his old home in Ireland, but soon returned to his home in America better satisfied with it than ever, as he is here respected by everybody and is recognized as one of the best of IrishAmericans. [ ]LPHONSO L. RUFFE, M. D., prominent as a homeopathic physician and surgeon at Grand Rapids, with his office in the "Gilbert" building, is a native of Ohio, was born in Hanoverton, Co lumbiana county, February 24, I854, and is a son of John and Sarah I. (Smith) Ruffe, also natives of the Buckeye state and the parents of eleven children, viz: Jennie, Samuel J., Mary E., Henry E., Alphonso L., Frank P., John A., Eli W., George \V., Luella May and Florence Jessie. All are living excepting Luella MIay. The parents now reside in Denver, Colo., where the children also live, with the exception of Alphonso L., and one who is a resident of Oregon and another of New Mexico. The elementary education of Dr. A. L. Ruffe was acquired in the conmmon schools of Hanoverton, and his higher courses of study were pursued at the Rootstown academy and the Northwestern Ohio Normal university at Ada. From 1875 until I878 he followed school-teaching as a profession, in the meanwhile assiduously studying medicine. He was next employed as a bookkeeper until 880o, when he became manager of a business enterprise at Grand Rapids, but continued to devote all his spare time to his preparatory medical studies. In I884 he entered the Chicago Homeopathic Medical college, from which he graduated in 1887, and immediately thereafter located at Au Sable, Mich., entered upon the practice of his profession and opened a drug store in partnership with Dr. A. M. Webster, of whom mention in full is made on another page of this work. In I891 Dr. Ruffe went abroad and passed the greater part cf a year in travel through Europe, Egypt, Africa, India, China and Japan; he then returned to Au Sable, resumed his practice, and remained there until I895, when he came to Grand Rapids, and established his present office-still in conjunction with Dr. Webster-and now is among the leading practitioners of his school of medicine in this city. Dr. Ruffe was one of the organizers of the 3872 - THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS fraternal insurance association known as the New Era, is its medical director, passes upon all the examinations, and appoints all assistant medical examiners. He is a member of the Hahnerann society of Chicago, is a thirtysecond degree Mason and a Shriner, and in politics is independent, as he votes according to his own conscience, regardless of party lines or nominations. The marriage of Dr. Ruffe took place in Grand Rapids, May I7, 1882; to Miss Clara E. Haire, youngest daughter of Hon. John Haire, of Pentwater, Mich. Mr. Haire was one of the early settlers of the Grand river valley, but about I889 removed to Pentwater, where he has been entensively engaged in lumbering, has filled many official stations, and from which district he is a representative in the state legislature. To the felicitous marriage of Dr. and Mrs. Ruffe have been born two children-Lawrence Earle and Evelyn Lucile, aged, respectively, fifteen and four years-the son being at present a student in the Grand Rapids high-school. The doctor and his wife are members of the Order of the Eastern Star, and Mrs. Ruffe is particularly active in forwarding the interests of the various societies connected with the Church of Christ. The social standing of the family is with the best circles of Grand Rapids, and the professional rank of the doctor is of the highest order. I ILL E. RYAN, the professional gentleman whose name introduces this biographical sketch, is a wellknown member of the Kent county bar and has acquired much repute in the particular department of jurisprudence pertaining to commercial law. Mr. Ryan is a son of the well known journalist, Martin T. Ryan, for many years editor of the Allegan Democrat, and Sarah Ryan, whose maiden name was Harmon. The parents, both natives of Massachusetts, still reside in Allegan, and the famnily consists of two children-Celia A., and the subject of this review. Will E. Ryan was born in Adams, Mass., November I8, 1867. He received his education in the high school of Allegan, from which he was graduated in 1884, and immediately thereafter entered his father's office, and later became his associate in the editorial management of the Democrat. He continued in journalism until I889, though he entered the law department of the Michigan university in 1887, where he pursued his legal studies until his graduation in 1889, then practiced law in Allegan, Mich., until April, 1890, when he began the practice of his profession in Grand Rapids with Arthur Rood. The law firm of Rood & Ryan continued until January, 1897, since which time Mr. Ryan has practiced alone, making a specialty, as already stated, of commercial law. He is a careful student, possesses a clear, analytical mind, and is blessed in a marked degree with those qualities which are so necessary in the prosecution of the legal profession. He is recognized as a safe and honorable counselor and adviser, a good advocate, and although not old in the profession has already succeeded in building up a large and lucrative practice. Mr. Ryan was united in marriage at Ann Arbor, December 23, 1889, to Miss Ella M. Brush, a native of that city, born on the 23d day of October, 1869. She is the daughter of George S. and Elmina Brush and has borne her husband one child, Raymond B. Ryan. Mr. and Mrs. Ryan are popular in the social circles of Grand Rapids and occupy a deservedly high place in the esteem of a large num — AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 373 ber of friends in and out of the city. She is a men-mber of the Park Congregational church, active in the work of its various departments, and exemplifies in her daily life the faith which she professes. While not visibly identified with any church organization, Mr. Ryan is a friend to all religious and moral enterprises, and encourages every movement affecting the well being of the city and community. ILLIAM ROWE, retired business man of Grand Rapids, was born in the town of Penzance, Cornwall, England, about ten miles from Land's End, the extreme west point of that country, on the I th day of July, 1830. He is a son of William and Jane Rowe, who spent their lives in Cornwall, the former dying at the age of forty-nine and the latter departing this life when seventy-three years old. By occupation the elder Rowe was a nurseryman and met with success with his vocation; he was the father of a large family, but four of whom are living at this time, the subject being the only one to come to the United States. By reason of his father's ill-health, William's early educational advantages were somewhat limited, as he was compelled, when quite young, to contribute towards the support of the family by assisting with the work of the nursery. Being studious by nature, he devoted all his leisure to reading such books as he could command, and with the education received by a few years' attendance upon an elementary school in the neighborhood of his old home he became, while still a mere lad, unusually well informed. His first work for himself was in the line of his father's business, and the knowledge of horticulture thus received served as so much capital after he became a citizen of the United States. In 1849 he left the familiar scenes of his native land and turned his face toward the shores of the new world, there joining some relatives who had preceded him to this country, and who had settled at Rochester, N. Y. Shortly after reaching that city Mr. Rowe found employment in a nursery, and in due time formulated plans for engaging in horticulture upon his own responsibility. By the advice of his friends he finally gave up these plans and turned his attention to mechanical pursuits in Rochester, where he spent some years in becoming skilled as a worker in wood and iron. For about ten years he worked in an establishment where threshing machines were manufactured, and during that period became a skilled mechanic, earning good wages, which were carefully hoarded with the purpose in view of engaging in business for himself when a favorable opportunity presented itself. In due time he succeeded in accumulating sufficient means to purchase a sniall tract of land at Fowlersville, N. Y., upon which he erected a beautiful residence; there he began his wedded life, having married at Rochester, january 2, 1852, Miss Salome Sargisson, whose parents, John N. and Sophronia (Bower) Sargisson, were natives, respectively, of Lincolnshire, England, and Durham county, Ontario. Spending a single year in Canada after marriage, he returned to Fowlersville, where he remained ten years, and from there, in the fall of I864, came to Grand Rapids, locating his family in this city in April of the year following. During the next fourteen years Mr. Rowe carried on different kinds of mechanical pursuits and also devoted considerable attention to horticulture, having in the meanwhile purchased a fruit farm in the township of \Walker, between which and his shop in the city he divided his time about equally. For several years after moving to Grand 374 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Rapids from his home in Walker township, Mr. Rowe was on the road as traveling representative for the T. S. Hubbard Vineyard company, of New York, in which capacity he visited many states and familiarized himself with that important line of industry throughout the Union. It was while thus employed that he became acquainted with the wonderful possibilities of Arkansas as an agricultural and fruit-growing section, and after severing his connection with the company, he was led to locate there. He purchased a farm near the town of Judsonia, Ark., where he moved in 1883, and at once engaged in fruit growing upon quite an extensive scale, realizing therefrom financial returns far exceeding his expectations. He was one of the earliest northern men to engage in fruit growing in that state-a business that has since assumned wonderful proportions. While a resident of Arkansas he served as representative of White county in the legislature, having been elected by the Farmer's association without regard whatever to party lines. He took strong stand for the development of the resources of the state, a matter that has since made rapid strides. He also took steps to organize the W\hite county Fair association, an institution that met with wonderful success, and its influence extended to every feature of life in the county, agricultural, educational and social. He also secured a law to prohibit the sale of liquor within three miles of the university of Judsonia, working a revolution in the place. Although well satisfied with the south as far as he was concerned, through the influence of his family he finally disposed of his interest there and returned in I89o to Grand Rapids. Soon afterward Mr. Rowe began buying and shipping grain at Saranac, Mich., and continued the business with encouraging success for about six years. He located at his present home, No. 4f4 Broadway, Grand Rapids, in October, I895, and since that time has superintended the large fruit farm on Plainfield avenue, belonging to The Valley City mills of this city, a position of much responsibility and also liberally remunerative. Mr. Rowe has always taken an active interest in fruit growing and is one of the best informed and most widely known horticulturists in the state. He was a charter member of the State Pomological society, now known as the State Horticultural society, of which he served as vice-president from Kent county, and his name also appears upon the charter of the Grand River Valley Horticultural society, in the organization of which he was a potent factor, and of which he served as president four years previous to his moving to Arkansas. While a resident of the latter state he was president of the Farmers' association of White county, served in the same capacity with the Judsonia Horticultural association, and was president and secretary of the \Vhite county Fair association, which was the first county fair held in that part of Arkansas up to that time. By his advice thirty acres of land were purchased for a fair site, inclosed with a six foot fence, and the necessary buildings erected at considerable cost, all on credit, but such was the success of the venture that within five years the entire debt was discharged and the association left in a flourishing condition. This fair proved a good advertisement for bringing \hite county to the notice of the public, and did as much as, if not more than, anything else toward developing its wonderful resources by inducing a thrifty and well-to-do class of people to locate within its borders. Through the instrumentality of Mr. Rowe, much improved machinery was introduced from the north and east, which tended greatly to advance the agricultural interests of that section and replace the crude implements which had previously been used by the farmers there. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 375 Mr. Rowe has never lost interest in the work to which the greater part of his mature years have been devoted, and now, as previously, he is considered an authority on all matters pertaining to horticulture and agriculture in general. He keeps fully abreast of the times, and although practically retired from active life, is still one of the substantial factors in promoting the advancement and highest good of Grand Rapids and Kent county in the matter of keeping them in the front rank of Michigan's most progressive and enlightened agricultural and industrial sections. Mr. and Mrs. Rowe are the parents of a large family, ---thirteen children in all-of whom but six are now living, viz: William N., of Valley City Mills; Alma Sophronia, wife of Isaac Whittemore, of Wayland, Mass.; Rev. George E., minister of the Baptist church and farmer, residing in Paris township, Kent county; J. Scofield, chief accountant and auditor of the Globe Employers' Liability Insurance association, of London, England, in the headquarters for the United States at Boston; Violet, a stenographer of Grand Rapids, and Jennie May, a student in Mrs. Street's Kindergarten school of Grand Rapids. Of the deceased members of the fanily three died of that fell disease, diphtheria, within eight days; they were Ina Jane, aged twelve; Dora E., aged ten, and Carrie S., aged three years. Two children died in infancy, and two, Janie and Susan, died at the age of five and thirty-four years, respectively. The last named was the wife of Leonard Jenks, and left a family of four children. Mr. Rowe has been successful in the accunulation of this world's goods; he has dealt liberally with his children, giving them exceptionally good educational advantages and starting each in life with abundant financial resources. He owns valuable real estate in Grand Rapids and elsewhere, besides a comfortable competence more than sufficient for his earthly sojourn. Mrs. Rowe and her children are communicants of the Baptist church; Mr. Rowe was reared in the church of England, and while a regular attendant upon religious services and believer in the truths of Revelation, does not subscribe to any creed or profession of faith. Mrs. Rowe was born October 4, I835. Her parents moved from their home in Durham county, Canada, to Rochester, N. Y., many years ago, and the mother died on the home farm near that city at the age of forty-five. The fatherlived to be a very old man, departing thislife at the advanced age of ninety years. T. ALPHONSUS' ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, on East Leonard street, between Lafayette street and Coit avenue, with the Rev. Patrick H. Barrett, C. SS. R., as the present pastor, was erected in I888. The parish was created in August of that year, and the Rev. Theodore Lamy was the first priest appointed to the charge, came to the new parish August 2I, and one week later was joined by the Rev. Terrence Clarke. The parish includes all the East side, north of Fairbanks street, and with'in its limits are about 200 Catholic families. The first services of the congregation were held September 2, I888, in one of the large rooms of the then unfinished orphans' asylum, as the church-edifice was as yet incomplete, and afterward in Patrick Finn's hall on Plainfield avenue, and were so continued until the occupancy of the chapel proper a few weeks later. Father Lamy held the charge until I893, and then Father F. Girardey officiated about one year; then in November, I894, Rev. Daniel Mullane; following him came Father THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Joseph Distler, who remained until May, 1898, when the present incumbent, Father P. H. Barrett, was placed in charge as superior. The congregation numbers about I,ooo, forty of the families living in the country. The assistants of Father Barrett are the Rev. John B. Cronin, C. SS. R.; Henry Urben, C. SS. R., and Joseph Scholly, C. SS. R. St. Alphonsus' parochial school-building, the corner-stone of which was laid in October, I888, is I IOx54 feet, and was blessed and occupied January 6, I889. It has an attendance of about 275 pupils, under the charge of six Dominican sisters, has five rooms and twelve grades-teaching a thorough highschool course. Rev. Fr. Patrick H. Barrett was born in New York city May 25, I856, and there acquired his early education; his literary education was had at St. Clement's college, I1 -chester, Md., and his theological studies were pursued at the seminary in Ilchester, Howard county, Md., near Baltimore, through a course of twelve years. He was then appointed professor of classics and rhetoric of St. Mary's college at North East, Erie county, Pa.; was next appointed president of St. Clement's college at Saratoga Springs, N. Y., and filled the position seven years, or until 1893, and was then appointed rector of St. Patrick's church, at Toronto, Canada, and remained until November, 1894. His next appointment was to St. Joseph's college, Kirkwood, Ma., near St. Louis, as president and professor of classics, mathematics and rhetoric, filled the offices until April 20, I898, and on May 4 canme to Grand Rapids to assume the rectorship of St. Alphonsus' parish. The assistants of Father Barrett do missionary, work whenever called upon in any part of the United States, officiating as long as their services are needed, according to the size of the parish to which they may be called. The congregation of St. Alphonsus has reached its present numbers by gradual growth, and under the administration of its present pious and erudite head is destined, beyond a doubt, to develop more rapidly. The priest's house, at No. I65 East Leonard street, is a large frame structure adjoining the school building, was built about I890, and is occupied by Father Barrett and his assistants. OHN W. POWERS, attorney at law, of Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of New York state, and was born in historic Lo.uisville, St. Lawrence county, Noveimber 19, 1869, a son of Henry and Susan (Shoen) Powers, also natives of the Empire state. Henry Powers, who is of Irish parentage, is a substantial farmer, owning 320 acres of good land-the farm on which the subject of this sketch was born. To his marriage with Miss Susan Shoen there have been born six children, all of whom have been reared to maturity and all well educated. They are James L., in St. Lawrence county; Jennie, Guy D. and William S., on the homestead; Frank H., in Syracuse, N. Y., and John V. The parents are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics Mr. Powers is a republican. John W. Powers lived on the old homestead and attended public school until fifteen years old, and then Potsdam normal school until nineteen, when he graduated, and for the following two years was principal of the public school at North Lawrence. In the tall of 1892 he came to Michigan, entered the law department of the university of Michigan, graduated in 1894 with the degree of LL. B., t i. r00::: f:: An::;: - r: X f: 7 X::: - a:::::::: f:::: 0:: r:::::::::::: d?:::::::: a:::::;: r:: X: 0::::: r::: '::::::: ff::;: Of:::: 0: Of:: d:0:::$ f - f -- t \ fff S 0: 00: lb .3 7 AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. and was admitted to the bar in June of the same year. The following summer he spent at home, and in the fall he came to Grand Rapids and opened his law office, and here his talents have attracted numerous patrons and secured for him a lucrative practice. Mr. Powers was united in marriage at Milwaukee, Wis., June 28, I898, with Miss Jessie Baldwin, who was born in Elgin, Ill. But the matrimonial bliss of Mr. Powers was too untimely terminated by the sad death of his bride October 29, I898-a bereavement that has required his most strenuous efforts to withstand. The funeral services were held at home November i, 1898, Rev. Daniel F. Bradley officiating, and the remains tenderly laid to rest in Valley City cemetery. Mr. Powers was elected circuit court commissioner in November, I898, receiving the largest plurality of any one on the ticket4,226 votes and the time he has occupied the office shows that the people were not wrong in the estimation of the abilities of their candidate. Mr. -Powers was made a Mason in Deer River lodge, No. 499, New York state; he is a Knight of Pythias, a Modern Woodman of America, and a member of the Court of Honor, and no gentleman in Grand Rapids is held in more cordial esteem. He makes his home at No. 21 Ethel avenue. T. ANDREW'S CATHEDRAL, southwest corner of Sheldon and Maple streets, Grand Rapids.-A Roman Catholic mission was located by the Rev. Frederic Baraga, in June, 1833, on the west bank of the river. Ere this the Rev. Gabriel Richards and other priests from Detroit had visited the Indian villages of this section, but Father Baraga, afterwards bishop of Marquette from I853 to I868, was sent by Bishop Fenwick, of Cincinnati, to establish a permanent mission among the mixed population of that period. It then consisted of the Indian village of the Ottawa tribe, situated about where the L. S. & M. S. round-house now stands, a few trappers, and a score or two of early settlers. The missionary selected a tract of about sixty-five acres on the west bank of Grand river, opposite the head of Island No. 4 (in the later maps No. 3), and there erected a frame building for a chapel, and just north of it a small dwelling. Soon after, a building for church uses was secured on the east side. It stood a short distance above the present site of the Barnard house, near Waterloo street. It was a large frame building, with dormer windows, was originally painted with yellow ochre, and figured prominently in the initiatory efforts of religious bodies. This was begun ori the west side, moved across on the ice, and transferred to Father Baraga, but remained his only a year, after which services were held in a rude structure which he, with the assistance of some Indians, built on the west side. In the fall of 1834 he was assisted as rector of St. Andrew's parish, established in June, 1833, by Rev. Andreas Viszoczky, who succeeded him in 1835 —a Hungarian, whose eminently useful career was here ended by death, January 2, 1853, at the age of fifty-five. In 1837 Louis Campau built a church for St. Andrew's parish on the southwest corner of Monroe and Division streets, which was never deeded to the bishop; yet the congregation worshiped there for some time. Later the pastor and flock were sheltered by the chapel of the Indian village, or a small, red school-house on Division street, between Brownson and Bridge streets, or in private dwellings; but in I847 the bishop sold for $4,000 the 880 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS lands years before granted by the government for the benefit of the mission, and out of this fund Father Viszoczky bought the Richard Godfrey house and grounds on the southeast corner of Monroe and Ottawa streets, now occupied by the Aldrich-Godfrey-White block. The price was $1,500. There a stone church was built in 1849 by Robert Hilton, C. B. W\hite, William C. Davidson and Ebenezer Anderson, the corner-stone being laid June I0. The house upon the lot became the priest's residence, and this was destroyed at 3 A. MI., January 14, I850, by a fire that proved most disastrous, for the records of the parish perished in the flames, the unfinished churchbuilding, which was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. Peter Paul Lefevre, August 11, 1850, was somewhat damaged, and saddest of all, the aged mother and the sister of Father Kilroy, assistant priest, were consumed with the house, Father Viszoczky and a male servant having saved their lives only by jumping out of the second story. About 1,860 baptisms had been registered in the books thus lost. From that date for several months their worship was conducted in the largest room of Maxirne Ringuette's house, later known as the Grand River house, on Waterloo street, and this hospitality generously offered by the owner included a temporary shelter for the rector. The succession of pastors from that time 'has been as follows: The Revs. Edward Van Pammel, rector, April, I853, to June, 1857; F. J. Van Erp, rector, September, 1857, to August, 1859, and associated with him November, 1857, to February, 1858, the Rev. H. Rievers, and January, i858, to February, I859, H. Quigley, D. D.; F. X. Pourrot, rector, February, 1859, to July, I860; Thomas Brady, rector, July, I860, to January, i862; Joseph Kindikens, rector, January 17, I862, to December, I865; B. J. Wermers, rector, December 27, 1865, to October, I868; James C. Pulcher, rector, October 6, I868, to spring of I872, when he built and became pastor of St. James' church, on the west side; P. J. McManus, rector, June, 1872, until April, 22, 1883, when St. Andrew's became the cathedral of the then consecrated bishop of the diocese of Grand Rapids. It appears that the following have also been assistants: Fathers Pierce, in I837; Mills, I837-38; Boehm, 1838-39; Lang, I839; --—, 18-; Kilroy, 1847-50; DeKuninck,' 1850-53; Montard, I857-58. The present dioscese was created May 20, I882, by brief of Pope Leo XIII, and embraces that part of the southern peninsula of Michigan lying north of the south boundaries of Ottawa, Kent, Montcalm, Gratiot and Saginaw counties, and west of the east boundaries of Saginaw and Bay counties. The first bishop of the diocese is the Rt. Rev. Henry Joseph Richter, who was promoted to his present office by papal brief dated January 30, 1883, and consecrated April 22 of that year. Father McManus remained at the cathedral until his death from an accident, December 29, 1885. Other assistants at St. Andrew's were the Rev. J. F. Lovett, from the fall of 1883 to that of 1884; the Very Rev. C. J. Roche, October, 1884, to Septernber, I887; the Rev. John Sanson, March I7, I886, to February, I888; the Rev. IH. Frencken, appointed September, I887, who now has charge of St. Joseph's (Holland) church; the Rev. Joseph Benning, appointed in February, i888; the Rev. Thomas L. Whalen.appointed June 24, 884; and the Rev. John A. Schmitt, appointed in August, I889. In I890, Rev. James Byrne, and same year Rev. Napolean Poulin; in I892, Rev. Byrne was transferred to Cascade, Kent county; in 1891, Rev. John E. Troy; in I896, was transferred to Hemlock, Saginaw county; in the fall AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 388 of 1893, Rev. Benning was transferred to St. Mary's, Grand Rapids; in I894, Rev. Timothy O'Connor; in 1896, Rev. Michael J. Gallagher; in 1898, Rev. O'Conhor was transferred to St. James, Bay City, and Rev. Edward Racette took his place and remained until December, I898, when he was transferred to the Holy Family church at Saginaw. At present, I899, Revs. Schmitt and Gallagher are at the cathedral; also Revs. Thomas Reid and John Baptiste Abel. The fine church bell was purchased during Father Wermer's incumbency. In the winter of I872-73 the grounds on Monroe street were sold to the late Moses V. Aldrich for $56,000, and the stone of the old church was used for the foundation of the present edifice. Bef:re this, Father McManus had begun the erection of the $1 5,ooo school-house opposite the cathedral, whose chapel on the second floor was blessed by Bishop Borgess March 27, 1874, when the old house was vacated, and here the services were held until the dedication of the new church by the same bishop, December I9, 1876. This fine house of worship and its furniture cost $50,ooo. It has a seating capacity of 945 in the body of the church and 200 in the gallery. A few years since the residence was bought just south of the parochial school for the teachers —Sisters of Charity — who instruct the pupils. More recently two lots were secured just south of the church, upon which the episcopal residence, costing $t5,ooo, is built- The aggregate value of this church property is about $l o,ooo. From time to time large numbers of its parishioners have been dismissed to organize other congregations, leaving St. Andrew's present parish bounds as follows: All of this city east of Grand river and south of the Fifth ward, or Fairbanks street, the north end of the city having been set off in August, 888, to constitute St. Alphonsus parish. RECAPITULATION. Bishop............. Secular priests.... Priests of religious orders.......... Total............. Churches with resiident priest...... Missions w ith churches........ Stations........... Chapels.......... Ecclesiastical students for diocese Academies for young ladies..... Parishes with parochial schools..... 1 78 12 90 66 70 40 9 45 2 45 Pupils............. Orphan asylums.... Orphans........... Industrial school... Inmates........... Total of young people under Catholic care.... Hospitals......... Homes for aged poor Inmates during the year........... Baptisms......... Marriages......... Burials........... Catholic families... 10,383 2 220 1 110 10,600 4 1 110 4,074 645 1,220 17,836 T. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, at No. 29 Rumsey street, Grand Rapids, Michl., was organized in 1887, and Rev. Henry Frencken, the present pastor, placed in charge of the congregation. February 0o, I889, the edifice was dedicated by the Right Rev. Henry Joseph Richter, bishop of the diocese of Grand Rapids, and the communicants at that time numbered about seventy families. The parochial school, conducted in the church building, was opened in September, I889, the priest's house erected in 189I, and an assembly hall in 1897. Although not the most pretentious church edifice in the city, St. Joseph's is conplete and convenient in all its appointments. Rev. Henry Frencken, the devout and earnest pastor of St. Joseph's, was born in Bois le Duc, Holland, March 5, i86o, and his preliminary studies were pursued in his native land, and his theological course was had at the American college at Louvain, Belgium, where he graduated in I887, was ordained, and the same year came to the United States, and was here at once placed in charge of the congregation of St. Joseph. The sermons and lectures here are delivered in the language of the peo '882 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS pie of Holland, of which nation the members of the congregation are natives or descendants of natives. Father Frencken has made two visits to Europe since he became pastor of St. Joseph's-first, in I892, when he passed six months in visiting his parents and in continental travel, and secondly, in I899, when, in February, he again visited his old home and passed four months in travel, on this occasion visiting Rome, where he had the honor of an audience with the Pope. July 3, he again returned to his beloved flock of St. Joseph's and resumed his pastoral labors, which have been more than ordinarily successful. Father Frencken's parents are still living in Holland, where he has also a brother, who is likewise in the ministry of the Catholic church, and he has also two brothers in the ministry of the church in the United States-Rev. Charles, of Spring Valley, Ill., and Rev. H., of Seattle, \Vash. St. Joseph's school was taught the first year by lay teachers, but the following year the Dominican Sisters took charge, and three of these still conduct the school under the supervision of the pastor. The attendance has increased from forty pupils the first year to one hundred at the present time, and though no language save the English is taught it is called the "Holland" school: The course of study embraces all branches necessary to entrance upon collegiate work. Assembly hall is used for school entertainments, the meeting of sodalities, etc., and is nicely furnished and arranged for the purposes intended, and is supplied with ample seating capacity. The Altar society numbers seventyfive members, and the C. M. B. A., branch No. 74, has a membership of forty. All the buildings adjoin each other on Rumsey street, and the parish is in a most. flourishing condition, greatly due to the able ministration and good management of its accomplished pastor. ILLIAM H. ROSS, M. D.-Few physicians of Grand Rapids have gained as wide a distinction in their profession as has Dr. William H. Ross, who for many years has occupied a conspicuous place among the successful medical men of western Michigan. He was born in the township of Norwich, Oxford county, Ontario, Canada, on the 27th day of July, 1845, and is a son of Hopkins and Mary (\LMustard) Ross, both natives of the same county and province and of Scotch descent. Hopkins Ross, by occupation a farmer and mechanic, reared a family of four sons and three daughters, the doctor being first in order of birth. The second is Alexander Nelson, a stationary engineer, and interested in the manufacture and sale of lumber near the city of Seattle, Wash.; Sylvester is a wellto-do farmer living in the vicinity of Hersey, Mich.; the fourth son, Daniel, was hurt at the age of fourteen by falling upon the ice and never recovered from the injury; he lingered as an invalid seven years and died at the age of twenty-one from necrosis of the bone. The three daughters are Mary, Sarah and Martha the first two twins. Mary married James IHogadone, a lumberman of the state of Washington; Sarah became the wife of James H. Hope, a farmer of Hersey, Mich., and Martha resides at Kendallville, Ind., where her husband, E. W. Crewitz, owns and operates a large flouring-mill. The mother of these children departed this life in her native country in I858, and the father, after his second marriage, became a resident of Michigan, locating in Grand Rapids in the year 1863. Subsequenty he removed to a farm near Hersey, where he served for some time as justice of the peace, and where his death occurred after having reached his seventysecond y ear. Dr. Ross received his early education in 9 t i;; `i rr 14Hlllfn~llsPrs s A a -I; S r ~ S a? X \\ ,,~ eI AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 3885 the schools of his native county, and after the death of his mother, which occurred when he was but fourteen years of age, he entered upon an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade. In I863, he located in Kalamazoo, Mich., where for a period of about two years he operated a shop and did a fairly remunerative business, at the same time studying medicine under Dr. Barnhart, of Schoolcraft, Mich. When twenty years old he was married to Miss Mary A. Hope, of Kalamazoo, and two years later moved to the town of Everett, where he erected a building and engaged in general mercantile trade, a venture which proved financially profitable and to which he devoted his time and attention until disposing of his stock and locating in Hersey in the year 1873. At the latter place the doctor embarked in the hotel business as proprietor of the Hersey house, at the same time engaging in the drug trade, which he carried on successfully in connection with his duties as a caterer to the traveling public. He continued in Hersey three years, during part of which time he served as under-sheriff of the county, and also devoted the leisure hours at his command to a course of preliminary medical study and work in pharmacy and chemistry. Disposing of the hotel, the doctor turned his entire attention to the drug business, which he conducted until 1879, the meanwhile prosecuting his medical, studies, with a vigor which overcame every obstacle and placed him,.long before actively engaging in the practice, among the widest read and best informed medical men of the town where he resided. After closing out his stock of drugs at Hersey to Dr. R. J. Kirkland, Dr. Ross, in the spring of I880, moved to Grand Rapids, began the practice of medicine in 188I, and opened another drug store on West Fulton street, which he conducted in connection with the start naturally adapted to the practice of medicine, as is shown by the success which almost immediately attended his efforts. His duties multiplied year after year until his practice became very extensive, especially in the treatment of rheumatic complications and inflammatory diseases, which soon gained for' him much more than local distinction. The better to fit himself for a wide and varied practice, the doctor in I883 took a course in the Hahnemann Medical college,. Chicago, and during the year 1884-5 pursued his studies in the Pulto Medical college, Cincinnati. Not content with the knowledge derived from those institutions, he took another course in I885-6 in the Eclectic Medical college of Cincinnati, where he achieved high rank as a student, graduating at fhe head of his class and also serving as its president dur — ing his period of attendance. While attending the colleges referred to, the doctor was not content to be a student merely; but continued the practice in Chicago and Cincinnati, in both of which cities he established an enviable reputation as a specialist in inflammatory and kindred diseases. Further to add to his professional knowledge, Dr. Ross in I892 took a post-graduate course in the Chicago Medical college, and some time prior to that date received instruction from Prof. Vilas, the eminent eye, ear and throat specialist, in the treatment of ailments peculiar to those parts of the human body. He also took a special course in obstetrics under Prof. Sheldon Leavitt, of Chicago, in the summer of I884. In the treatment of inflammatory and all constitutional diseases, he is without a peer in Grand Rapids, and the success with which he has performed many skillful and delicate surgical operations, and the relief afforded numerous sufferers from complicated rheumatic duties of his profession. He seemed from the.difficulties, place him in the front rank of the, 386 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS state's distinguished professional men. During his twenty years' residence in this city his professional record has been without blemish, and the extensive practice he commands here and elsewhere is the legitimate result of a life consecrated to the noble service of alleviating human suffering. Though endowed by nature with superior talents, Dr. Ross has attained his present enviable position by long and patient effort. From the beginning of his career as a physician he has closely devoted himself to his profession, permitting neither attractions of travel nor the enticements of political office to turn him from his high purpose. As a consequence of this devotion, liberal financial returns have been his, and he is now the possessor of a magnificent competence, including valuable real estate in Grand Rapids and in various parts of Michigan and other states. Situated on the St. John's river, opposite the city of Palatka, Fla., is the doctor's winter home, which he has fitted up for the accommodation of such patients as desire his professional services during his annual sojourns in the southland. The building stands on the east bank of the river, IOO feet back from the water, is commodiously constructed and supplied with the conveniences and appliances necessary to the successful treatment of patients; and the enterprise, the outgrowth of a philanthropic motive, has already proved a safe investment from a financial point of view. Politically Dr. Ross has strong convictions as a member of the republican party, but, as already stated, he has consented to fill no official position, not having the time to spare from his profession. He is an active member of the American Medical association and for a period of twenty-five years has been identified with the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken many degrees, including among others that of Sir Knight; he is also a member of the I. O. O. F., and from his fourteenth year has belonged to the Baptist church. The doctor possesses musical talents of a high order, and at this time is leader and director of the choir of the English Lutheran church of Grand Rapids. He filled a position as first tenor in the St. Mark's Episcopal church for several years, and also for several years filled a like position in the Second street M. E. church choir of this city. The doctor's marriage, to which allusion has already been made, has resulted in the birth of two children, the elder of whom, Clarence H., died when one and a half years old; the second, a daughter, Alex May, is now the wife of Dr. Eugene Cohn. She was graduated from the Grand Rapids high school and is a lady of versatile talents. She is an accomplished musician and an elocutionist of high standing, in both of which she enjoyed the benefits of the ablest instructors in Chicago and elsewhere. Her husband is a practicing physician at St. Jacob's, Ill. The wife of Dr. Ross is a native of Kalamazoo, Mich., and only daughter of Edward and Mary (Stevens) Hope. Her father was an early settler and prominent citizen of that city. He was a government contractor during the war of the Rebellion, and gave two of his sons to battle for the national Union. Dr. Ross is a man of scrupulous integrity, and no unworthy act has ever been charged to him professionally or otherwise. He is courteous in his general intercourse, and especially so with members of the medical profession, with whom under all circumstances he is scrupulous to observe the code of ethics. He is bold and daring, yet feeling and sensitive as a surgeon, and though eminently successful as such, is none the less distinguished as a physician and obstetrician. He is social with friends, and possesses a personality that attracts all classes to his acquaintance, and his AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 887 conversation is characterized by good sense and solidity. As a professional man and citizen he is highly respected, and the good he has accomplished for suffering humanity will always be his most enduring monument. T. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH is the second oldest in Grand Rapids. The preparatory work of starting a church for the German-speakingCatholic population of the city was begun in 1856, by the Rev. Edward Van Parnel, of St. Andrew's, and consummated when the first services were held in St. Mary's, in I857, by Rev. M. Marco, who remained pastor until I862. From that year till I865, Father Allgeyer was pastor; from I865 to I870, Father H. Berhorst; from I870 until I886, he and Rev. J. G. Ehrenstrasser, were pastors, respectively. The death of Father Ehrenstrasser, builder of the new St. Mary's church (1874), took place toward the close of I886, and from I887 until 1893 the congregation was temporarily in charge of a Franciscan Father, Rev. Joseph Schwick, and Rev. J. A. Schmitt, successively. In I893, for the first time after the death of Father Ehrenstrasser, a pastor was- appointed in the person of the Rev. Joseph M. Benning, with the Rev. Francis J. Berhorst as assistant, and these two clergymen preside over the parish at present. The new St. Mary's church building was erected about twenty-five years ago, is an imposing structure, in pure Gothic style, and in point of architectural beauty is one of the handsomest in the state, and its interior is replete with works of art. St. Mary's School.-August 6, I866, three of the school Sisters of Notre Dame, from Milwaukee, took charge of St. Mary's school at Grand Rapids, and opened with eighty children, which number rapidly increased the first year. The old school-building was a small frame structure, situated at the corner of First street and Broadway, and contained three miniature class-rooms. In 1884, the- pupils numbered 200, and the old church-building was repaired and divided into four class-rooms for the use of the increased number of pupils. But this building proved to be inadequate for the still growing school, and \within a few years St. Mary's congregation found it necessary to erect a new school-house on Turner street, and this is superior to most of the schoolbuildings in the city, and of it the congregation may well be proud. It contains ten spacious, well ventilated class-rooms, a large hall on the third flat for the use of the pupils, who now number 520, and are taught by ten Sisters, the course of instruction being the same as in the public schools, to-wit: a kindergarten, eight grades and a commercial course. Very Rev. Joseph M. Benning, vicargeneral of the diocese and pastor of St. Mary's Catholic church, Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of the grand duchy of Oldenburg, Germany, was born October 5, i855, and came to the United States when young. He was educated in Cincinnati, Ohio, at Mount St. Mary's Seminary of the West, and was ordained to the priesthood July 9, I88o, by Most Rev. William Henry Elder, archbishop of Cincinnati. His first pastoral duties were as chaplain of the orphan asylum at Cummingsville, Ohio, was next assistant to Right Rev. Henry Joseph Richter, then pastor of St. Lawrence church, Cincinnati, and on the appointment of that reverend gentleman, in I883, to the bishopric of Grand Rapids, Father Benning accompanied him to Michigan and became pastor of St. Joseph's parish at Muskegon, where he erected a church-building, priest house and school-building, and remained until r i 888 ITHE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS i886, when he was transferred to the pastorate of Saginaw, where he again manifested his ardor and wonderful energy by erecting SS. Peter and Paul's church, and at the same time built St. John the Baptist's church at Carrollton; when these churches were about completed, he was transferred to St. Andrew's cathedral at Grand Rapids, and was first assistant under Bishop Richter from 1887 until 1893, during which period he built St. John's orphan home and the episcopal residence, and also made substantial repairs to St. Andrew's school-building and made additions thereto. This work includes the raising of the large brick structure about nine feet, and the placing of another suite of rooms beneath. In 1893 Father Benning was appointed pastor of St. Mary's church, Grand Rapids, where he has since devoted his earnest attention to the improvement of the spiritual and temporal condition of his congregation, in which noble work he has met with the most flattering success. His life has been busy and untiring in the service of his beloved church, and his labors have been of incalculable value to his fellow-men. February 14, 1897, Father Benning was appointed vicar-general of his diocese, and this position of responsibility and honor he holds in connection with his pastorate of St. Mary's, a history of which church is summarized above. w-. JAMES CHURCH. —No house of worship in the city of Grand Rapids is more architecturally beautiful than the Catholic church of St. James. Owing to the rapid growth of the western portion of the city during the years just following the outbreak of the late Civil war, the late I Rev. James C. Pulcher, then pastor of St. Andrew's, with the zeal and energy that had always been characteristic of that enlightened clergyman, conceived the idea of organizing a congregation and erecting a church for the accommodation of the faithful Catholics of that portion of the city. The subject was submitted to the bishop of Detroit, under whose jurisdiction Grand Rapids then was, and that dignitary designated the Sixth, Seventh and Eighth wards of the city as the parish of St. James, with Rev. J. C. Pulcher as pastor. The lamented deceased had, however, already begun the work of building a church, and the action of the bishop greatly stimulated the work, as the people rejoiced in the fact that they were soon to have a parish and church of their own. The foundations were built, in I869, by Thomas Berry; Patrick O'Neil was the contractor for the brick work; Smith & Grady were awarded the wood work, and a Mr. Warden the painting and decorating. The corner-stone was laid July 21, 1870, Bishop Borgess presiding, and during the next year steady progress was made by the builders, as July I, 1871, William G. Robinson, the architect, reported the work completed. The dedication, however, did not take place until July 25, 1875, when Bishop Borgess again presided. The architecture of St. James is of the Romanesque style, with Gothic gables and tower, the exterior combining symmetry with utilization of space. There are eighteen stained-glass windows, presented by members of the congregation in memiory of deceased relatives, and one large window purchased by the congregation. The frescoing and interior finishing are remarkably rich in design and the workmanship and the subjects well selected. The cost of the edifice was $38,000, which, with the value of realty and other church property, makes an aggregate of $50,000. Father Pulcher, to whose untiring zeal St. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. S9 James church was brought from incipiency to maturity, was at its completion transferred to the church of Our Lady of Help, at Detroit, and Rev. Gustave Limpins, a native of Ghent, Belgium, pastor of that church, was placed in charge of St. James. The death of this reverend gentleman occurred Januarv 25, 188, and two days later his'remains were interred in the Grand Rapids Catholic cemetery. Father Pulcher was at once recalled to St. James, and February 5, I88I, resumed his pastoral duties, but his health failed, and in December, I897, he was relieved from his charge and the church was placed under the ministration of Rev. Robert W. Brown. Rev. James C. Pulcher was born iJefferson county, N. Y., March 21, 1843, studied for the priesthood at Mount St. Mary's of the West, Cincinnati, tien in Belgium, and was ordained over thirty years ago, December 23, I866. His devotion to his faith and the promotion of the welfare of his congregation and the glory of his church were remarkable and probably never excelled. Wihen relieved of his charge of St. James, he sought relief in various sanitariums, including- those of Cincinnati, also in the far south, at Rome City, Ind., and at Battle Creek, but all in vain. The end came at Detroit, the night of August I4, 1899; the remains were brought to Grand Rapids, and here interred in St. Andrew's cemetery, on the 8 th, Bishop Richter officiating at mass in person, assisted by numerous clergymen, and attended by a large concourse of laymen to the final resting place, but the limited scope of this volume will not permit of a detailed recount of the obsequies. Rev. Robert \V. Brown, the pious and able successor of Rev. Father Pulcher to the pastorate of St. James; has proved his worthiness by his successful mianagement of the affairs of the congregation, both spiritual and temporal, during the protracted illness of his predecessor. 20 He was born in Chester township, Ottawa county, Mich., December 9, 1859, and reared on his father's farm until eighteen years of age, in the meantime attending the conrnmon schools, and at the age of seventeen entering the graded school at Lisbon, in his native county. On leaving his honie young Robert Brown began teaching public school in Alpine township, Ient county, and at the termination of one term returned to Ottawa county and taught three consecutive years. In i88 he entered upon an elective course in the Grand Rapids high school, beginning there in the junior year's work and graduating in 1 883, after which he taught one more term, and this wound up his career as a pedagogue. In the spring of I884 Father Brown entered St. Vincent's college at Latrobe, Pa., under the Benedictine Fathers, there coinpleted a classical and theological course in 1889, and on the 29th day of June, in the same year, was ordained priest by the Right Rev. Iishop Richter at Grand Rapids, and at once assigned as assistant pastor at St. Simon's, Ludington, Mich. After serving six months in this capacity, Rev. Father Brown was appointed pastor of St. Simon's, but after four years of zealous and successful labor his health, became impaired, and at his own request he was transferred from the humid atmosphere in the vicinity of the lake to the more salubrious air of Saginaw county, where he was appointed pastor of the Hemlock missions. Later, the missions were divided, and Father Brown was given charge of the church at Merrill, in the same county, where he assiduously labored, accomplishing much that was beneficial to his flock, until January, I897, when he took up missionary work with Rev. E. H. Youman, C. S. P., and labored in the diocese of Grand Rapids until February 7, I898, when he relieved the late Father Pulcher, whom he. has succeeded as pastor of St. Jatles. 890 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Father Brown is broad-viewed and liberalminded, and while his devotion to the church and its work is paramount to all things else, he is not seclusive, but affable and agreeable in his manner and conversation, and the parishioners of St. James, whose affection he has won, are well pleased that he has become their pastor, rather than that any other might be called to succeed Father Pulcher. The priest's house, or parsonage, adjoining St. James church, is a handsome modern edifice, erected in I873. The parochial schoolhouse was built in I886, and an elegant hall, having a seating capacity for about 500 persons, was erected in I896. The school is in charge of seven Sisters of Notre Dame, who have 325 pupils under their instruction, The societies connected with St. James are the League of the Sacred Heart, St. James' Aid society, the Ladies' Sewing society, and a branch of the C. M. B. A.-all in a most flourishing condition. B RED SAUNDERS, ex-alderman from the Fifth ward, Grand Rapids, and proprietor of the popular Baldwin house, on Plainfield avenue, near the passenger depot of the D., G. H. & M. R. R., was born in the village of Adams, Jefferson county, N. Y., August 12, I859, and is what may be called a hotel-keeper by heredity, his father before him having been a " Boniface" of the old and genial style for which the landlords of early days were noted, but upon whos3 generous hospitality modern inventions have added many comforts. Burton C. Saunders, father of Fred Saunders, married Abigail Maxom in New York state, and at the time of the birth of the sub ject was in the stock business. He came to Grand Rapids about the year I863, and in I864 opened the Sherinan house at the corner of Leonard street and Plainfield avenue. He continued to grow in popularity not only as a hotel-keeper but as a citizen, served in the common council eleven years, and for two terms was its president; for four years he was a justice of the peace, and also a school trustee, and in many other ways the public manifested their confidence in his integrity and sound business knowledge. Fred Saunders grew to manhood in Grand Rapids and was educated in its common and high schools. He began the business activities of life by working in one of the factories for which the city is so famous, but his father decided that his services in the hotel would prove of advantage to both, and in I877 young Fred began his career as a hotel assistant, and at the death of his father, in I880, succeeded to the business. The old Sherman house conducted by his father and himself for twenty years, was later destroyed by fire, but in its close vicinity the present Baldwin house was erected and business at once resumed, and so prosperously that Mr. Saunders is now disposed to sell and retire, and allow some one else a chance to make a fortune. On the 4th day of March, I885, Mr. Saunders married Miss Fannie Sommers, an accomplished young lady of German extraction, who has blessed him with six children, born in the following order: Fred, Burton, Carl, Velma, Leila and Claude. In his fraternal relations, Mr. Saunders is a member of Valley City lodge, No. 157, I. O. O. F., of the B. P. O. E., of the I. O. R. M., and of the National Union. As a democrat, he first held the office of collector for the Fifth ward in I88I and 1882; in 1884 he was elected alderman, served six terms, and after an interval of one year was re-elected; he has three times been presi 4 AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. I 891 dent of the council, and has been a member of every committee of that honorable body, with the exception of that on license; his last term of service expired May I, I899, as a member of the council, and on that day he was appointed a mlember of the board of assessors for three years, and it may be added that he has also served for several years as an efficient member of the board of health. As a landlord his popularity is almost unbounded, and as a citizen and official his name stands without reproach. From even this brief record of his successful career, the reader can form an almost adequate idea of his usefulness as a resident of Grand Rapids, but, at the same time, that usefulness can hardly be expressed in words. ENRY G. SAUNDERS, M. D., one of the oldest and most experienced physicians of Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of Petersburg, Renssaelaer county, N. Y., was born June 15, I819, and is a son of Isaac and Matilda (Wells) Saunders, natives of Rhode Island, and both of English descent. These parents settled in New York state in their young days, and to their marriage were born seven sons and two daughters, of whom three, besides Dr. Henry G., are still living, viz: Thomas P., a prominent attorney of Adams, N. Y.; William G., a well-known physician of Grand Rapids and for twenty years a justice of the peace, and Mrs. Elizabeth Scriven, also of Grand Rapids. The deceased children were named Matilda, Isaac, Thompson W.,Porter and Burton, all of whom died in Adams township, Jefferson county, N. Y., with the exception of Burton, who died in Grand Rapids, Mich., and all well advanced in years, except Porter. Both parents died in New York state-the father at the age of eightyone years, and the mother at fifty-seven. Dr. Henry G. Saunders was reared on the home farm in the Empire state, and his primary education was acquired in a district school during the winter months. At the age of eighteen years he entered a select school at Bellville, N. Y., which he attended three winters, being also employed as an assistant teacher. He next attended Union academy, of Jefferson county, one term, and then one term at the DeRuyter institute, Madison county; he was next employed as a teacher in Jefferson county, and while thus engaged had occasion to call for the services of Dr. William V. Rosa, to treat an affliction of the eye, brought on, doubtless, by over reading. The intimacy formed with this physician during this treatment led to his study of medicine, for three years, under this able man, and during this course of study he was elected superintendent of schools, a position he held for three years, when he resigned, in order to secure more time to devote to his medical studies. He attended lectures at Geneva, N. Y., in the winter of 1845-46, and the following year at the medical department of the university of New York city, also at the Broadway hospital and Dr. Detmold's school of Surgery & Medicine, receiving diplomas from the latter institution, as well as from the university, in the spring of the year 1847. For some years Dr. Saunders remained in New York attending hospitals, infirmaries, alms houses, clinics, etc., then visited Philadelphia, and for some months pursued a similar course. He then went to Adams, N. Y., where he at once secured a lucrative practice. He also established an office at Ellisburg, about nine miles west of Adams, and there, likewise, built up a large professional practice and also engaged in prosecuting claims against 892) THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS the United States government, mostly to recover pensions for disabled soldiers. About I855, the doctor visited Grand Rapids for the first time, the city then having a population of about 5,000oo. He next visited Oceana county, Mich., where he purchased a large tract of land, with a view of engaging in lumbering, and then returned to Ellisburg, W. Y., resumed his profession and remained there until I858, when he came back to Grand Rapids, and this city has since been his permanent residence. He went to the trouble, however, of first looking around for a suitable location in which to engage in the lumber trade, but finally rejected this business as not profitable at that day, and resumed his professional practice and the prosecution of claims, as formerly. Until I875 he held a very extensive practice, professionally, but his health became impaired, and he has confined himself since then to the treatment of friends who insist upon his services during office hours. The early experience of Dr. Saunders in Grand Rapids, owing to a series of misfortunes was not of a very encouraging character, as he was three times burned out during the first eighteen months of his residence here, and by these conflagrations he lost most of his personal effects, including a library of great value, his surgical instruments and his account books, with no insurance. But he possessed indomitable courage, and energy, has lived to see Grand Rapids grow from a village of about 5,000 population to a thriving city with a population of over IO10,00, and through his personal efforts alone has acquired a competency. He now owns 1,500 acres of timber land, one good farm, six large tenements and about thirty city lots, and for forty-one years has resided in the same dwelling on North Ionia street. August 22, 1853, Dr. Saunders was united in marriage with Mary E. \Vodell, only daughter of William and Sarah Wodell, of Ellisburg, N. Y., but this lady passed away June 2, 1878, without issue; but the doctor has reared an adopted daughter, Anna, who is 1now the wife of IE. H. King, a druggist of Chicago. Mrs. Saunders was a member of the Division street Methodist Episcopal church at the time of her decease, but the doctor has never affiliated with any religious organization; he has, however, maintained a membership with the various medical and surgical associations of Grand Rapids. Almost his entire life has been devoted to his profession, but for the past few years he has sought relief in paying some attention to his other business interests. For a man of his years he is remarkably well preserved, but he has lived a plain and abstemious existence, has never used intoxicants of any kind, and his indulgencd in tobacco, most of his life, has been limited to an occasional smoke. ENRY O. SCHERMERHORN, a much respected retired farmer of Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Port Rowan, Norfolk county, province of Ontario, dominion of Canada, January 20, 1830, and is a son of Daniel and Ann (Wall) Schermerhorn, the former a native of Greene county, N. Y., of pure old Knickerbocker descent, and the latter of Nova Scotia, of Scotch extraction. These parents were married in Ontario, and had born to them a family of thirteen children, six of whom still survive; the father, who was a farmer all his life, died in Kent county, Mich., in 1887, at the advanced age of eighty-two years, and the mother at the same age, died four years later, both being respected and honored by all who knew them. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 393 Henry 0. Schermerhorn was educated in his native town of Port Rowan, and quit school to accompany his parents to Kent county, Mich., in 1845, and here his father purchased a ftlr t which was then owned and used by the county as its poor farm. On this place Henry 0. grew: from youth to manhood, continued to attend school during the winter seasons and assisted his father, in the suriimmer seasons, in clearing and cultivating the then wild land. At the age of twenty-three years he went to New York city and took a course in a business college, and in that city was employed in various lines of business for about ten years. In 1862 he returned to Michigan and engaged in farming in Walker township, Kent county, for about fifteen years. and during this period served as township clerk, and school inspector ex-officio, as a democrat. In 1877 he came to Grand Rapids and was elected a member of the county board of supervisors from the Seventh ward and filled that office sixteen years, and also served one term as a supervisor at large. Although influential with his party, he is not severely partisan, and has filled office more froml a sense of public duty than from any desire for reward or fame. In all his business transactions Mr. Schermerhorn has met with more than ordinary success, from a financial point of view. Strictly honorable aud truthful in all his dealings, he has won the confidence of the business community, and this confidence he never violated. He has acquired a fine estate in Grand Rapids, comprising, chiefly, residences and improved property of other kinds, and all has been the result of his industry, good management and sound judgment, as he was an absolutely poor young man when he left his father's farm, and is, in the business sense of the phrase, a self-made-man. He can now well afford to retire to the ease and comfort of private life and enjoy the fruit of his early indus try and husbandry, without even the care of a wife and family. The surviving members of Mr. Schermerhorn's family, beside himself, are Anna M., widow of J. W. Phillips, and residing at No. 143 Scribner street, city; Mrs. Prisilla McEwan, on a farm in Plainfield township; Mrs. Harriet Fretts, a widow, also in Grand Rapids; Mrs. Sarah E. Whitworth, wife of Dr. Herbert Wilitworth, of Dodge City, Kans.; John W., a hotelkeeper at Thompsonville, Mich. The deceased members that reached adult age were Cornelius P., who died in 1897 at Lake Charles, La.; George, who was a soldier during the Civil war, and was president of the G. A. R. association at Grand Rapids at the time of his death. The others all died in their infancy. Mr. Schermerhorn is not identified with any social or secret order, nor with any church organization. In early manhood he was a member of the Presbyterian church in New York city, and still holds his 'letter," but he has not re-joined the society since he has resided in Grand Rapids. He has, however, led a life of strict morality and is at heart a sincere Christian. APT. \WALTER KARL SCHMIDT, pharmaceutist and proprietor of the popular Thutms drug store, at No. 84 Canal street, Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of this city, was born March 7, 868, and is a son of August and Josephine Schmidt, a sketch of whose life appears on another page of this work. Walter K. Schmidt was educated in the public schools of Grand Rapids, and this education was supplemented by a course in pharmacy in the scientific department of the university 894 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS - -— ` of Michigan. In this line he served an apprenticeship of two years, under German tutors, H. & F. Thum, and is practically a bachelor of science, but lacked a few hours during semester of study in some specialty of obtaining the diploma entitling him to that degree. From the date of his graduation, in June, I89I, until January I, 1892, he was employed by his former tutors, the Messrs. Thum, and was then taken into partnership. His special qualifications as an analytical chemist were soon recognized, not only by his partners but by the scientific people of the community. Good positions and business opportunities were open to him in every direction, and he soon discovered the fact that his position as a junior partner was neither profitable nor distinguished. This consideration finally led to his purchase of the entire business in October, I894. To the original stock he has added a line of photographic supplies-on a small scale at first, but now extended so as to cover an entire floor of his block. This branch has become a very extensive department, and gives employment to a number of traveling salesmen, as well as to a number of employees in the store. In keeping with his ancestral history, Capt. Schmidt, at a great sacrifice of his business interests, promptly offered his services, at the breaking out of the war between the United States and Spain. He had joined the militia of the state as a member of company B, Grand Rapids guards, in I884, and had received excellent lessons in drill, which fully qualified him as a commander. Consequently, when the trouble with Spain arose, he was commissioned first lieutenant of company G. Thirtysecond Michigan infantry, under Col. McGurrin, and a sketch of this regiment will be found in the biography of the colonel on another page. On his return from active service, Lieut. Schmidt was promoted to the captaincy of company M, formerly company G, Second Michigan national guards-a position he still holds. Capt. Schmidt is a member of Valley City lodge, No. 86, F. & A. M.; Grand Rapids chapter, No. 7, R. A. M.; Daisy lodge, No. 48, B. P. 0. E.; the German Workingmen's society; the Lakeside Social club, and the Military club. Politically he is a democrat. The captain married in Grand Rapids, in October, 1892, Miss Nellie L. Turner, a native of the city and a descendant of one of its oldest and most prominent families. ESTELL B. SCRIBNER, real estate, loan and insurance agent, at No. IS West Bridge street, Grand Rapids, was born across the street from his present office March 15, 1849, and is a son of James and Eliza (Slocum) Scribner, natives of New York city and early settlers of Grand Rapids. James Scribner was born in ISoI and his wife October 27, I8o7, and they were married in their native city August 26, 1826. In 1836 they removed to Detroit, Mich., and a few months later Mr. Scribner came alone to Grand Rapids, but later brought on his family -in March, 1837. They settled on the west side, and Mr. Scribner purchased large tracts of timber land in Alpine and Sparta townships, and was a man of wonderful enterprise, pluck and charity. He built the first bridge across the Grand river, which proved to be of such public benefit that the state bought it. He was one of the first directors of the G. R. & I. R. R., established salt works here, and by a liberal policy toward the poorer class of immigrants induced many of them to make perma AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 395 nent settlement roundabout the city. He died in Grand Rapids October 2, I86o, most mourned of all the mourned. His wife, who born in the same house in which her mother was born, and in which she was made a bride, lived to reach the greatly advanced age of ninety-one years, retained her mental faculties until the latest hour and passed away in peace December 24, I898, a member of St. Mark's Episcopal church and of the Order of the Eastern Star, her mortal remains being interred beside those of her husband in the Valley City cemetery. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. James Scribner comprised eight sons and four daughters, concerning whom the following record may be made in brief: Hail Columbia lost his life at Vicksburg, Miss., during the Civil war; James L., also a soldier, was wounded at the disastrous battle of Chancellorsville, was taken prisoner and long confined on Belle Isle and in Libby prison; Stephen R., for the last two years a resident of San Francisco, Cal., first went west about I857, remained ten or twelve years, engaged in gold mining, then came east and engaged in the hardware business for ten years, sold out and returned west, realized a fortune, and finally retired to his present home; Charles H., a partner in business with his brother; Nestell B. was a member of company C, First Michigan engineers, served four years, being a veteran, but incurred a disease from which he has never recovered. Others of the family are William R., who died in Grand Rapids, December 16, 1898, just previous to the mother's death; Mrs. M. A. Pew, of No. 99 Broadway; Mrs. E. J. Sawyer, No. 2I3 Barclay street; Sarah M. Stevens, No. 313 Lagrave street, corner of First avenue; Belle S. Temple, at No. 311 South La Fayette street; and David C., the youngest of the family, is secretary and treasurer of the Grand Rapids Paint & Wood Furnishing company, and resides at No. 103 LaFayette street. Nestell B. Scribner graduated from the Grand Rapids high school and is a member of its Alumni association. He has been identified with the real-estate business of Grand Rapids all his life, his father having been the pioneer in this line. One year, however, he passed in travel for pleasure throughout the west, and beside this made a trip to the Pacific coast with a party of eighteen from this city for the purpose of going to Alaska and navigating the Yukon river, but unforseen delays in the construction of a boat for that purpose caused him to sell out his interest in the expedition at Seattle, and to return home via San Francisco, arriving here during his mother's last illness, since when he has devoted his time to the settlement of the family estate and to a general real-estate business. Mr. Scribner is prominently identified with several of the leading fraternal societies of the world, being a member of York lodge, No. 4I1, F. & A. M.; Grand Rapids chapter, No. 7, R. A. M.; DeMolai commandery, No. 5, K. T., and has attended several of the national meetings of the Knights Templar since and including 1876, when they were in Philadelphia; is a charter member of DeWitt Clinton con'sistory, was its first S. G. W., and assisted in initiating all the thirty-second degree Masons in western Michigan; is a member of the 0. E. S. in the grand chapter of Michigan, organized the first chapter of the order in Grand Rapids, and for three years was its first worthy patron. Mr. Scribner is also a charter member of Imperial lodge, K. of P., of Grand Rapids, and was first S. W. of Doric lodge, and is likewise a member of Daisy lodge, No. 48, B. P. O. E. His mother donated the first lot to the St. Paul's P. E. Memorial Church society-being the first contribution-and Mr. Scribner was the first junior warden of that 396 TIHE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS organization. He has always taken an active interest in vocal music, being a chorus singer in church choirs and identified with musical circles generally. In politics, Mr. Scribner has been a lifelong democrat, as was his father and all his brothers, but he has never been ambitious as to public office. Mr. Scribner is a splendid specimen of physical manhood, standing nearly six feet in height and weighing nearly 200 pounds. He knows no sickness, and his physical strength and endurance cannot be measured, while the scope of his mentality can only be guessed at; yet some slight idea may be formed of the tenacity of his memory, when one reflects upon the fact that every word and phrase pertaining to the exalted offices he holds in the fraternal societies has been acquired through oral instruction, as not even a word is allowed to be written, for the purpose of memorizing it, or for any purpose whatever. Mr. Scribner has never married. RTHUR RAYMOND ROOD, prominent as an attorney at law in Grand Rapids, with his office at No. 301 Widdicomb building, was born in Lapeer, Mich., September 27, I858, and is of English descent. Henry C. Rood, father of Arthur R. Rood, was a native of Vermont, and descended fr.om ancestors who came to America long before the Revolutionary war and settled in \Vilbraham, Mass., but members of the family later removed to Vermont. Moses Rood, greatgrandfather of subject, served as a soldier in the struggle for the independence of the colonies, and Aaron Rood, grandfather of Arthur R., was a soldier of the war of 1812. Ann Eliza (Clark) Rood, mother of Arthur R., was born in Michigan, but her parents were both natives of the north of England. Henry C. Rood was brought to Michigan by his parents when only six years of age, and became one of the pioneer farmers of Lapeer county, where he is living at the present time. Arthur Raymond Rood worked on his father's farm in youth and attended the district school in season until thirteen years old. He then entered the high school at Lapeer, finished its course, and was graduated in I876. In the autumn of the same year he matriculated at the university of Michigan and pursued the studies of the literary department continuously for three years. He had by this time found it necessary to earn the money for his college expenses, and after teaching for one 'ear he returned to the university of Michigan, completed the Latin and scientific course, and was graduated in I88i with the degree of Ph. M.; the master's degree was conferred on him for extra work done during the course. For the first year after his graduation he was superintendent of the public schools at Saline. The vacations and all the hours that could be sared from his duties as teacher were occupied with the study of law, and his proficiency was such that he was admitted to the bar in the fall of I882. About the same time he was admitted to the senior class of the law department of the university of Michigan, as his preliminary studies were accepted as the equivalent of the first year's course of study; so that he was able to graduate with his class in the spring of 1883, and received the degree of bachelor of laws. Immediately after graduation, Mr. Rood located at Grand Rapids and spent a short time in the law office of Hughes & Smiley. This was followed by a brief period in the office of Fred A. Maynard, and a year with S I I I I I I i Ii I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 3( (7 Turner & Carroll. He then opened an office for himself, through the substantial assistance of Charles C. Rood, and practiced alone until January, 1893, when he formed a partnership with Will E. Ryan. The firm of Rood & Ryan continued until 1897, when Mr. Ryan was succeeded by Ambrose C. Hindman, which firm continues to the present time; their practice is general. Mr. Rood is a republican. He was chairnian of the republican city committee in the campaign of I896, and re-elected chairman of the committee in I897. In the spring of 898 —he was nominated for mayor on the republican ticket, but was defeated. In the state convention of September, 1898, he was elected one of the members of the state central committee from the Fifth district. Mr. Rood has been a Mason since i886, has advanced to the thirty-second degree, and is a member of all the Masonic bodies in Grand Rapids. He is a man of active temperament and energetic, has traveled somewhat, and is unmarried. As a lawyer he is recognized as among the able men in his profession in western Michigan. XIAMUEL L. SHARPSTEEN, the accomplished and truly artistic photographer of Grand Rapids, and prize winner at all photographic exhibits where his work has been placed in competition with that of others, was born near Battle Creek, Mich., June Io, I850, and is the fifth of the eight children that graced the marriage of Anson and Caroline (Parker) Sharpsteen, natives of New York and early settlers in Michigan, the old homestead here entered by them being still the property of the family. The father died on this homestead in j876, and the mother in 1889, and of their children all but one are still living. The parents were sincere members of the Methodist church, and in politics the father was a republican and locally quite prominent. Samuel L. Sharpsteen was educated in the public schools of Battle Creek, and remained with his parents until twenty years of age, when he apprenticed himself to a photographer in his native town, and at the end of two years had perfected himself in the art, as far as it was then known. He then went to Owosso, Mich., and in partnership with his elder brother opened a gallery. The partnership lasted but six months, when subject became the sole proprietor and carried on a successful business until I882, when he removed to Ionia, where he remained eight years; he then passed one year and six months in Detroit, whence he came to Grand Rapids and stands to-day as the leading photographer of the city. Mr. Sharpsteen married, in Owosso, Mich., Miss Nettie Tuttle, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and to this union were born two children-Carrie and Roy-but both have been untimely called away. Mr. Sharpsteen is a Blue lodge Mason, is a republican in politics, and is a member of the Lincoln club. He is the owner of considerable realty in the north, has a pleasant residence at No. 305 South Union street, and he and wife hold high rank in the social circles of the city of Grand Rapids. As an indication of the excellent photographic work done by Mr. Sharpsteen, it may be mentioned that he took the first prize, a silver medal, at the photographic convention held at Chautauqua, N. Y., where eighteen states were represented and where there were forty-four exhibits of competitive skill. 400 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS OHN STEKETEE. -The Steketee family, consisting of father, mother, seven sons and three daughters, formed a valuable part of the remarkable colony of Dutch emigrants, conducted to this country by Rev. Dr. Van der Meulen in 1847, that settled in the southwestern part of Ottawa and northwestern part of Allegan counties, where the Rev. Dr. Van Raalte had established a colony in 1846. John Steketee, one of the stalwart sons alluded to above, was born in the province of Zeeland in the kingdom of the Netherlands, January 13, 1833. His father was an employee of the Netherlands government in the capacity of constructor of dykes and canals, as had been his ancestors before him for many generations, for which important employment a special education and training had to be obtained. A great part of that low country was redeemed from the ocean by the construction of canals and dykes, and to maintain them effectually against one of the greatest forces of nature was the first and most constant care of the public officials; therefore no more honorable, trustworthy and useful position could be conferred on a citizen than that given the elder Steketee. The loving father, who joined the pious Van Raalte with his large family of sons and daughters, in seeking a new home in the wilds of Ottawa county, did so entirely for the advantages such a removal would confer upon his children', and not with any expectation that it would improve his own condition. The Steketees settled at Zeeland, Ottawa county, Mich., and were the first of the colony who made choice of that locality for a home. John Steketee was, at the time of that settlement, fourteen years of age. Three years afterwards he became a clerk in the store of James P. Scott, at Grandville, remained thus employed until 1852, and then removed to a farm near Reed's lake. That same year he was married in Grand Rapids to Miss Catherine Van der Boegh. After a residence on this farm for eight years, he sold it and established his home in Grand Rapids, on Goodrich street, which home Mr. Steketee still retains. Its twenty-six years of happy family associations and neighborly acquaintances form the largest figure in the good round sum of his earthly pleasures. In the memorable and eventful presidential contest of I860, Mr. Steketee was a supporter of the great Senator Douglas, of Illinois. Through the war fie followed that distinguished patriot in becoming a war democrat, but immediately after the assassination of President Lincoln he joined the republicans, and had the honor of being the first republican chosen supervisor from the old First ward, which office he held continuously for eleven years. On the i2th of July, 1889, he was appointed collector of internal revenue at Grand Rapids, by President Harrison. He held this highly responsible office four years and discharged its complicated duties with honor to himself and satisfaction to the public. Whatever credit is due that office during that term is to be accorded Mr. Steketee, who gave his entire time to the place with characteristic interest and mastered its details. In April, I884, Mr. Steketee was selected by the government of the Netherlands for the position of its vice-consul for Michigan. This office imposed upon him many matters of a confidential nature in behalf of his former countrymen, who had located in great numbers in western Michigan, and especially in Grand Rapids. In the execution of these various duties, always of a more or less delicacy and interest, Mr. Steketee displayed such good judgment, sincerity and generosity, that it endeared him greatly to all those who required his advice and official aid. This office he now holds, and will probably continue to do so to AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 401 the end of his life. In recognition of his wise and valuable aid, during his consulship, to the men and women of Dutch birth, the loved and beautiful Wilhelmina, upon attaining her sixteenth birthday, conferred upon Mr. Steketee the Knighthood of Orange-Nassau, one of the highly honorable, noble and select orders of the Netherlands. Two years later, when the young queen attained her majority and ascended the throne under so many promising auspices for the Dutch nation, Vice-consul Steketee sent the following hearty cablegram to her. To Her Majesty, Wilhelmina, Queen of the Netherlands, The Hague. Congratulations from one hundred thousand Hollanders residing in the state of Michigan. May God's blessing rest upon your Majesty and people. JOHN STEKETEE, Vice-consul of the Netherlands, at Grand Rapids, Mich., U. S. A., and Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassua. The Steketee family is one of the most distinguished both in politics and business of all the Van Raalte colony. It can be said of John Steketee that he has had the highest office ever conferred upon a Hollander in this state by the Federal government. He has won his successes by a quiet, modest, upright life, and strict devotion to his own household and his own affairs. He is not one of those who have climbed up by the footholds of injustice. No man has fallen because he has risen. His sons, worthy of the sire, have already succeeded to his business, and he is devoting the sunset of age to recreation and leisure, spending his summers in a handsome cottage on the shore of Black lake, where the colony, which settled at Zeeland and Holland, Mich., landed in the spring of IS47, when this region was in its primitive condition. He is at ease in his possessions and at peace with his fellow-men. John M. Steketee, son of John and Catherine Steketee, mentioned above, was born in Grand Rapids. June 29, i855, and there attended the public schools until thirteen years of age; he was then employed as clerk in a grocery store until seventeen years old, and next was given employment for two years in the carpet department of Spring & Avery's dry-goods store, and thus acquired a practical knowledge of mercantile affairs. In March, 1877, he was employed by the City National (later the National City) bank as janitor, and held the position until July, 1889, being perfectly reliable and trustworthy in the performance of his duties. He was then called to his father's office as an assistant, and later succeeded to the business, with his brother, Jacob, as a partner, and the two now deal extensively in real estate and manage all the details pertaining to that line, such as notarial work, etc. John M. Steketee married in Grand Rapids, November 19. I890, Miss Jennie Ypna, and he and wife are members of the Congregational church, with their pleasant home at No. 96 Goodrich street. In politics Mr. Steketee is a republican. Jacob Steketee, also a son of John and Catherine Steketee, was born in Grand Rapids, February 22, I873, and at the age of seventeen years graduated from the public school -in I891. He then began the study of law in the office of Smiley & Earle, continued it under Smiley, Smith & Stevens until September, I893, and then entered the law department of the university of Michigan at Ann Arbor, from which he graduated with the class of I895, and also took a course in literary studies. He was admitted to the Kent county bar, by local examination, April 20, 1895, prior to graduation, and since that date has been in active practice, every day adding to his success and remuneration. Jacob Steketee married in Grand Rapids, November 3, 1895, 402 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Miss Frances Walder, a native of the city, born November 7, 1874, and a daughter of Frank and Anna Walder, natives of Germany,.and this marriage has been crowned by the birth of one son, John. Mr. and Mrs. Steketee are members of the Congregational church, and own a handsome residence at No. 49 James street. ILLIAM READ SHELBY, of Grand Rapids, vice-president of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railway company, was born in Lincoln county, Iy., December 4, 1842. The family, of which he is a representative of the sixth generation, was founded in America by David Shelby, who came from Cameron, Wales, about the year 1730 and located near North Mountain, in the vicinity of Hagerstown, Md., and gave the country a line of descendants who have well exemplified the sterling, robust manhood, the fearless courage and perseverance of the Welsh race. Evan, son of David Shelby, was a noted hunter and Indian trader, and rose to the grade of brigadier-general, appointed by the state of Virginia, in I779, forservices rendered in Indian warfare, this being the first officer of that grade west of the Aileghany mountains. His son Isaac, born December II, I750, on the homestead near Hagerstown, Md., founded an estate in Lincoln county, Ky., which he anamed "Travellers' Rest," was elected first governor of Kentucky, and re-elected in 1812. He was a distinguished Revolutionary officer and the hero at King's Mountain. The result of that battle turned the tide in the southern states in favor of the Continental army and led to the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. On the breaking out of the war of I8 12 he issued a call for troops, and at the head of a brigade of 4,000 Kentuckians marched to the aid of Gen. Harrison and participated as one of the commanders in the battle of the Thames, which ended the hostile operations of the British in the northwest, for which distinguished service congress voted and presented him a gold medal. In 1817 he was called by President Monroe to a seat in his cabinet as secretary of war, but declined the office on account of his age. He died at "Travellers Rest" July 18, 1826, from a stroke of apoplexy. His son Evan, born at " Travellers' Rest" July 27, I787, inherited a portion of his father's estate, named it "Milwood " and was a wealthy land and slave owner and an extensive stock raiser. He died in Segnin, Texas, April 19, I875. John Warren Shelby, his son, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born at " Milwood " November 11, 8r14, and succeeded to a portion of his father's estate, to which he gave the name of " Knightland." On the breaking out of the Civil war he espoused the Union cause and lost his large property, consisting of a valuable estate, stock and slaves, as a consequence. He moved to Pewee Valley, Ky., in 1875, and died in that place February 25, I88I. He was married January i6, I838, to Mary Humphreys Knight, daughter of Dr. Joseph W. Knight and Ann Catherine Humphreys, of Louisville, Ky., and granddaughter of Dr. John Knight, a surgeon in the army of the Revolution, of the family of the Scottish earl, John Graham, of Claverhouse. To them were born six children, of which William Read was the eldest son and third child. I Wiliiar R. Shelby acquired his education in the preparatory schools and Centre college of Danville, Ky., his collegiate course being lk Ill, 7 ca -V'T' i-r)T TNTrV - T TP Tn n A T'F 'A WrI A M TTn T.rT' INIJ ]XJJ~iN I \XJu I 1, uJI k-) J-ni Z.. -1vul~ I cut short by the Civil war, and subsequent occupation of Kentucky by the Federal and Rebel troops, at which time, as a member of the i Home Guard," he was able through his extensive acquaintance and knowledge of the political tendencies of the citizens of the state to render valuable aid to the Union cause in enrolling and recruiting men for the national army. During tle years 1863-4-5 he devoted himself to supplying wood to steamers on the Mississippi river at Island No. 37, being protected by the United States gunboats. From that time until I869 he was employed by the Adams Express company in their office in Louisville, Ky., and in that year removed to Pittsburg, Pa., to accept the position of secretary and treasurer of the Continental Improvement company. This company was organized under charter from the state of Pennsylvania for the purpose of building railroads, and among its promoters were such eminent financiers as Gen. G. W. Cass, Thomas A. Scott, William Thaw, of Pennsylvania; Hon. Samuel J. Tilden, J. F. D. Lanier, of New York; Hon. John Sherman and Reuben Springer, of Ohio, and this company is still in active operation. Among its first undertakings was the contract to build the Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad in the states of Michigan and Indiana. For this purpose a branch office was opened in the city of Grand Rapids in 1871, to which place Mr. Shelby removed in September of that year to take charge of the office, having in the year previous been elected secretary and treasurer of the Grand Rapids & Indiana and the Michigan & Lake Shore Railroad companies. On the completion of this contract the Michigan office was abolished, and in March, 1877, Mr. Shelby resigned his official connection with the Continental Improvement com I pany to assume the position of vice-president and treasurer of the Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad company, to which he had been elected. January i, 1892, he was made first vice-president of this company, retaining also the position of treasurer and purchasing agent, which he had assumed in March, I877. In June, I896, the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad company was sold out under foreclosure proceedings, a new company, the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railway company, was formed, and Mr. Shelby elected vice-president, treasurer and purchasing agent. From I870 to 1873 Mr. Shelby held the offices of secretary and treasurer of the Southern Railway Security company, at that time controlling and operating the East Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia, the Memphis & Charleston, and other southern railroads. October I6, 1899, he was elected president of the Muskegon, Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad company, and president of the Big. Rapids & Western Railroad company, and October 24, 1899, he was elected president of the Cincinnati, Richmond & Fort Wayne Railroad company. In addition to the many duties involved in the positions above named, Mr. Shelby has been actively and extensively interested in the development of farming interests in various sections of the country. Since I875 he has been manager of the "Cass" farm, a portion of which is more generally known as the (' Great Dalrymple" farm in North Dakota, the first farm opened in the Dakota territory, and is president of the Lake Agricultural company, owners of about 20,000 acres of land in what is known as the Kankakee valley, lying about fifty miles south of Chicago in the states of Indiana and Illinois, on which some $200,000 has been expended in drainage and preparatory work. Mr. Shelby, in addition to these interests, I 406 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS has been for years a member of the board of directors of the First National bank and the Old National bank, its successor, of Grand Rapids, as well as a stockholder in various manufacturing and mercantile ventures, which have contributed to the growth and development of the city's interests. As a member of the board of education, and chairman of its committee on grounds, he was instrumental in establishing the system of adorning and ornamenting portions of the public school grounds, which has tended so much to enhance the beauty of the city. In May, I888, he was appointed a member *of the board of public works and served in this.capacity five years, a portion of which time he was president of the board, which office he re-,signed on account of other exacting duties. During all his residence in Grand Rapids Mr. Shelby has been an active member of St. Mark's Episcopal church, a member of its vestry for the past twenty-five years and senior warden since 1883. An adherent of the democratic party, his work in this connection has been to further its interests in assuming a full share of the financial burdens imposed by party affiliations and an active interest in its meetings, but never sought or held political office. It was on his motion in the sound money conference in Chicago that the Indianapolis convention was held in I896, causing the defeat of the Chicago platform and Bryan. He was chairman of the sound money democratic organization in Michigan, which conducted so vigorous a Ccampaign in I896. Mr. Shelby was married June I6, I869, at Sewickley, Pa., to Mary C., daughter of Gen. George W. Cass, the issue being seven children-five sons and two daughters-six of whom survive: Cass Knight Shelby, born September iS, 1870; Charles Littleton, born August. 9, 1872, Walter Humphreys, born March I, 1875; Ellen Dawson, born February 20, I876; George Cass, born December 5, I878; William, born April 30, 188I, died in infancy, and Violette, born April'23, 1882. By those of his fellow-citizens with whom Mr. Shelby, through his business and social interest, comes into contact, he is accorded a character above reproach, and the following from the pen of one of his intimate friends voices the sentiment of all: Mr. Shelby is a splendid specimen of physical development, always presenting the appearance of being well cared for. He is domestic in his habits, unostentatious in his manner of living, affable and cordial in his greeting alike to rich and poor, and although having large and perplexing interests to attend to in his every day business he never shrinks from the duties and responsibilities every man owes to the community in which he lives. The nature of the work to which the most of his time has been devoted to the present has tended to develop a keen insight into financial matters. Clear headed and far seeing, with a quick perception of the pulse of the people, a disposition at once open and liberal, his is certainly a valued presence in the various business and social organizations necessary to the progress and development of the city's best interests. ALCOLM C. SINCLAIR, M. D., of Grand Rapids, Mich., was born on a farm near St. Thomas, Elgin county, Ontario, October 3, 1850, and here he spent his youth, during which time he passed through the usual course of a Canadian country school, after which he entered the St. Thomas high school, and from there went to the grammar school of the same place, where he took a full course in the classics and the higher branches of learning, with the intention, when through, of teaching school; AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 407 but instead of so doing he at once began the study of medicine, and at the age of eighteen years entered the office of Dr. Leonard Luton, of St. Thomas, Ontario-the present president of the college of Physicians & Surgeons of Ontario; there he spent two years in preparatory studies, then entered.Iahnemann Medical college, Chicago, Ill., from which he graduated in the spring of 1873; besides attending Hahnemann Medical college, he also attended surgical clinics at both Cook county and Mercy hospitals, Chicago. After graduating he began the practice of his profession at Ne"waygo, Mich., where he remained for nearly two years, and from there, in 1876, came to Grand Rapids, which offered a larger field for the practice of his chosen profession; sickness in his family caused a temporary removal from Grand Rapids, during which time he went south, spending a winter in Florida; he also, in the meantime, visited Europe, spending the most of his time in England and Scotlandcombining pleasure and recreation with professional study and observation in hospitals, particularly those of London. In I88o the doctor returned to Grand Rapids, and soon established the extensive and lucrative practice which he now enjoys. The doctor is a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy, being at present a member of the Inter-State committee of the said organization; he is also a member of the Michigan Homeopathic Medical society, having served as its president during the year of 897; he was prominent in the organization of the college of Homeopathic Physicians & Surgeons of Grand Rapids, of which he was the first president. He is one of the collaborators and founders of the Medical Counselor, a medical journal published in the city of Detroit; is also a member of the board of censors of the Detroit Homeopathic Medical college, and has Pingree a member of the Michigan state board of medical examiners in medicine, and was elected president of said board at its first meeting at Lansing, which office he now holds; he is a member of the staff and one of the lecturers of the U. B. A. hospital, as well as a member and ex-president of the Grand Rapids board of health; he is also a director and one of the founders of the Grand Rapids Mutual Building & Loan association. The doctor is likewise associated with the Masonic fraternity, being a member of Grand River lodge, No. 34, F. & A. M., Grand Rapids chapter, No. 7, R. A. M., Tyre council, No. 10, and DeMolai commandery. No. 5, K. T., and Saladin temple, Mystic Shrine. The doctor is a son of Coll and Jean (McLarty) Sinclair, both natives of Argyleshire, Scotland, but who early located in Canada, where they married and settled on the farm on which the doctor was born. His father was an active and highly respected business man, farmer, and extensive dealer in cattle; he was a man of sturdy character, who never turned a deaf ear to those in need; and many there are who can attest to his sterling qualities and unbounded generosity. The mother was a representative of the highest type of womanhood, possessing a broad and cultivated mind, well stored with knowledge; she exemplified the higher ideals of life, and her memory, on account of her good qualities and many acts of kindness, is sweetly cherished by her immediate family, and those whose good fortune it was to know her. They are both deceased. The doctor can clearly trace his genealogy back to the celebrated clan Sinclair, so noted in early Scottish romance and history, and he takes just pride in the fact that o'ne of the knights selected to accompany the good Sir James Douglas, in performing the sacred duty of bearing the heart of Sir Robert Bruce to recently been appointed by Gov. Hazen S. the Holy Land, was a Sinclair, of ~Rosslyn. 40S THE CITY OF There were born to his parents twelve children-nine of whom are living-two beside the doctor being physicians; one, Dr. Coll Sinclair, being a graduate of McGill college, Montreal, and a resident of Alymer, Ontario, where he is prominently and favorably known; and it might also be worthy of mention that three of the doctor's sisters also married physicians. The other physician is Dr. D. S. Sinclair, who, after receiving a classical education at the St. Thomas collegiate institute, was prepared for teaching and followed that profession for a time, after which he entered the Chicago Homeopathic Medical college and graduated therefrom in the spring of I887. Coming directly to Grand Rapids, he associated himself with the subject of this sketch; he is also a member of the staff and lecturer of the U. B. A. hospital, and is known in Grand Rapids as one of her most successful physicians and citizens. Politically, Dr. Sinclair is an active and influential republican, possessing the confidence of his party, and while not an active worker in politics, he, in a quiet way, exerts a great influence in political matters pertaining to the party to which he belongs; in his religious affiliations, the doctor and family are members of the Disciples' church. Dr. M. C. Sinclair was married May 25, i885, to Miss Edith M. Luton, a daughter of William and Eliza Luton, of Spring Water Lodge, Mapleton, Ontario; she was educated in the high schools of Ontario, devoting considerable time to music and art. Two beautiful and interesting children have been born to this union-Douglas and Jean-the former, twelve years of age and the latter ten. Mrs. Sinclair is an active worker in the Disciples' church, being at the present time president of the Ladies' Ten, also a member of the board of lady managers of the U. B. A. hospital; both she and the doctor stand very high in GRAND RAPIDS social circles in Grand Rapids, and are equally interested and active in any movement designed for the welfare of the people of that city. IBEL TOWN PAGE, one of the oldest, most energetic and most successful of real estate dealers in Grand Rapids, has reached his present prominence through his intelligent and liberal use of "printer's ink," at which he is an adept. He is, moreover, a writer of more than ordinary attainments, and this gift has been employed, in part, in historical editorials on Grand Rabids, its growth and prosperity, and in advertising his business. In I892 he published a quarto pamphlet of over a hundred pages, in which may be found a wonderful amount of valuable information. The primary object of its publication was to personally answer the many letters received from prospective buyers, relative to settling in Grand Rapids. The little work, however, includes choice selections of prose and poetry, as well as original articles on forestry, horticulture, health, travel and a " thousand and one" interesting subjects, altogether practical and useful. In addition to this, Mr. Page has contributed special articles on various topics to the horticultural journals and city papers, evincing a familiarity with his subjects which renders his productions eagerly sought and as eagerly read. But it is necessary that his birth and parentage be spoken of, and his earlier career be traced: Abel Town Page was born at Rutland, Vt., April 15, 1829, and is the fifth of sixth children whose parents were Abel and Zilpha (Barnes) Page. The former was born at AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 409 Rindge, N. H., January 30, I775, married October 17, 1809, and died April 30, 1854. The latter was born January 14, I790, and departed this life at Grand Rapids May 25, 1849. The subject of this sketch accompanied his parents to Detroit in I835, and in the fall of 1836 to Grand Rapids. The eldest son,William B., remained at Detroit, where he died March II, I84I. Abel T. was reared amid pioneer surroundings and associations and is therefore well versed in the early history and progress of Kent county. I-e obtained his early education at a village school taught in the old National hotel, on the present site of the Morton house, and subsequently on the corner of John and Barclay streets, with Mrs. Streeter as preceptress; then on Prospect Hill, in a school-house (used on Sunday for public worship), and taught by Mrs. Dr. Winslow, wife of a pioneer physician. He afterward finished his schooling at the academy taught by the late Henry Seymour, Rev. Addison Ballard, Rev. James Ballard, now deceased, also Prof. Franklin Everett. When young, he assisted his father in horticultural and agricultural pursuits, and in 1844 he and his father set out the first nursery within the limits of Kent county. He then went to Monroe, and for several years was employed as clerk in a store owned by James Armitage. He came back to Grand Rapids, and assisted his father in the nursery business until the latter's death (in 1854), when he took charge of the business, which he operated until 1857. He then sold the nursery, and after a year's residence at Grand Rapids purchased a farm four miles northeast of the city, where he resided, engaged in farming and horticulture, until the fall of I86o, when he sold his farm, and two years later returned to and engaged in the grocery business in the city. After being engaged for some years in different pursuits he 21 I I established his present business, in which he has made a noble success. Mr. Page is a member of the Old Resident's association, the Y. M. C. A., the Kent county Horticultural society, the Grand Rapids Sanitary association, and board of trade. He was one of the founders of the WVestminster Presbyterian church, and has been elected deacon, besides filling various other offices. Mr. Page was first married December 2I, 1852, to Martha Briggs, a native of Scio, Washtenaw county, Mich. Two children were born to them-William B., an expert machinist, constantly in the employ of railway companies, and Edward, who died at the age of one year. Mrs. Page died January 30, I860, and December 30, I863, Mr. Page married Harriet E. Butler, a native of Grand Blanc, Genesee county, Mich., and a daughter of John and Sarah P. (Walkley) Butler, natives respectively of New York and Connecticut, but this lady died in this city April 13, I887, since which time Mr. Page has resided in the fanily of relatives. In I890 Mr. Page became interested in a pleasure resort or summer home in northern Michigan. He purchased seventy acres of land on Omena bay and set about improving and beautifying it for a home. Always a lover of Nature and a close observer of her laws, he made this ideal spot soon a popular resort for pleasure seekers. It was christened "CheMinwahbe," an Indian word signifying Fine view," and the application of the aboriginal term was no misnomer. Nature, art and science, combined with a liberal expenditure of money, have rendered ( Che-Minwahbe " '"a thing of beauty and a joy forever." Mr. Page having devoted much time and talent-to the collection of fruit and ornamental trees, in his earlier years, ( Che-Minwahbe " farm has received its share of attention in this direction, partly for profit, but more largely 410 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS for the pleasure of employing his knowledge of horticultural science. Omena Resort adjoins this farm, and recently Mr. Page purchased five lots on the extreme point of land extending into the bay. In I896 he built Omena Inn, a summer hotel for the accomodation of pleasure seekers. So popular was this resort that it was found necessary to build large additions in I898, doubling the capacity of the house. Beautiful natural scenery, heightened by the intelligent ingenuity of the owner, renders this a most beautiful spot. The hotel, built after the idea of modern cottages, is a handsome structure, very inviting to the weary, overworked pleasure seeker. Parties from Grand Rapids, and from various states as well, have erected summer cottages there and spend their vacations among the rustic beauties of nature. Among those who have availed themselves of this privilege are Rev. D. F. Bradly, Gen. B. M. Cutcheon, the Bevere Sisters, Mrs. Judge Withey, F. H. Graves and Mrs. Willard, of Grand Rapids. Besides these, Prof. Currier, of Oberlin (Ohio) college, and others have purchased lots and are constructing cottages this summer. Three years ago the site of Omena Inn, with its beautiful surroundings, was in its primitive state, covered with natural timber. CheMinwahbe farm is also in a high state of cultivation, with good buildings and other improvements. It is leased, and serves to supply the cottagers and hotel guests with fresh fruits and vegetables in season, together with necessary poultry and dairy products. Omena Inn is also leased to competent person, who caters to the wants of the pleasure seeker or careworn man of business. Mr. Page takes great interest in his possessions in the north, and usually spends his summers there, as far as business in Grand Rapids will permit. Though already past the three score and ten years allotted to man, he is active and energetic, and in the full possession of all his faculties to a remarkable degree. Yet he feels that his pilgrimage here will necessarily be of short duration, and his only regret is, that he has not been able to accomplish more for the benefit of his fellow-man. Mr. Page is a republican, yet cast his first vote for John P. Hale, a free soiler; but upon the organization of the republican party he cast his influence with it, though ever voting for the best man, regardless of party, in local affairs. He is a member of the Humane society, and is thoroughly domestic in this tastes. LARK E. SLOCUM, the popular alderman from the Twelfth ward, Grand Rapids, and president of the board of councilmen, as well as foreman of the G. R. & I. R. R. company's copper and tin department, was born in Norwalk, Huron county, Ohio, January 14, I853, and is a son of Edward and Amelia (Clark) Slocum, the former of whom was a competent and well-known railroad foreman, but is now deceased, and the latter a resident of Santa Ana, Cal., for the past seven years. About the year I856 the Slocum family left Norwalk for Crestline, Ohio, whence they went to Fort Wayne. Ind., where Clark E. Slocum served an apprenticeship in the Pennsylvania railroad shops, learned his business thoroughly, and met with rapid promotion. He then passed a short time in Pittsburg, Pa., but returned to Fort Wayne, Ind., where he lived, all told, about twenty-five years, when the railroad company at Grand Rapids, needing a thoroughly competent foreman, employed him to come here and take charge of its copper and tin department, the duties of AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 411 " which he assumed March 20, 1882, and has since held with every satisfaction to all concerned. He has made himself very popular with all classes of the population, especially with railroad men, and his present exalted municipal position plainly shows the esteem in which he is held by the democratic party, of which he is a faithful and ardent member, but of this position mention will be made further on, as well as of his election to the honorable body over which he presides. Mr. Slocum married, March 23, 1874, Miss Augusta Hart, who has blessed.him with two children, the elder of whom, May Amelia, was highly educated, graduated from the literary department of the university at Ann Arbor, and is now occupying a responsible position as teacher in the Wealthy avenue school of Grand Rapids, where her ability is fully recognized; the younger child is named Edward. The family are members of the Congregational church, to the support of which they never fail to make liberal contributions, and fraternally Mr. Slocum has long been a member of South End lodge, No. 250, I. 0. 0. F., in which he has served as past grand, and he is also a member of the encampment. The Knights of Pythias likewise hold him within their ranks, and the Royal Arcanum find it necessary to assess him on proper occasions, which assessment no member more cheerfully pays than he. To revert to Mr. Slocum's popularity as a democrat, it may be mentioned that he was elected alderman from the Twelfth ward of Grand Rapids in I892, without solicitation on his part, and so well did he care for the interests, not only of his ward but those of the city, that he was, to his surprise, elected president of the honorable body in I899, he having served as a most effectual member of the ways and means committee for the previous six years, as well as on several other import ant committees. His present term will expire in 900o, and it is ten to one that he will succeed himself-if not reach a higher office. For the past sixteen years Mr. Slocum has had his pleasant home at No. 280 Ninth avenue, where he and family extend a generous hospitality to a host of warm-hearted friends, and enjoy, in return, their sincere regard. gmDDWARD L. SMITH, a successful business man of Grand Rapids and one of the leading manufacturers of cigars and wholesale and retail dealers therein, is a native of Detroit, Mich., and a son of Frederick and Caroline (Benz) Smith. He was born on the 7th day of November, I858, and passed the first ten years of his life in Detroit, removing thence to Ann Arbor about I868. He attended school in the latter city until his fifteenth year, and then went to South Bend, Ind., where, at the age of sixteen, he entered upon a three years' apprenticeship to learn the cigarmaker's trade, which he has since made his life work. After becoming proficient in his chosen calling, Mr. Smith located in Coldwater, Mich., where he remained during the interim from I88I to 1885,' and in the latter year began work as a journeyman, which he followed in various places until I887. From that date until 1890 he sold goods and then engaged in business for himself in Grand Rapids, establishing a stand at No. I98 East Bridge street, where he carried on a large and lucrative trade until I898. In September of the year last named, Mr. Smith, by reason of the rapid increase in his business, removed to more commodious quarters on Crescent avenue, No. 20, where he now has a 412 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS large manufacturing establishment, and also one of the most complete stands for the retail trade in the city, and the goods which Mr. Smith manufactures have a first-class reputation. Mr. Smith's success is all that he can reasonably expect, and the position which he has attained in the commercial world is the direct result of his energy and well-directed business sagacity. His reputation in business circles is quoted as first-class, and his great personal popularity has been a potent factor in winning him not only a large number of customers, but many warm friends as well, in the city and elsewhere. In addition to the claims of business, which are quite onerous, Mr. Smith finds time to devote to other matters of a social and political nature, being an active member of the Pythian, Forester and Woodmen fraternities, and an earnest worker in the ranks of the republican party in Grand Rapids and Kent county. NSON LEE SMITH, M. D., of No. 545 Ottawa street, Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of West Unity, Williams county, Ohio, was born February I, 1862, and is a son of Anson L. and Rosetta (Herrick) Smith, who were born, respectively, in Ohio and New York, but were married in the Buckeye state. Anson L. Smith, the father, removed from Ohio to Portland, Ionia county, Mich., in 1863, and there engaged in farming until I868, when he settled in Crystal, Montcalm county, purchasing large tracts of pine timber, and engaging in the sale of logs and in the manufacture of lumber until his death in I892. His widow still resides at Crystal, in affluent circumstances. They had born to them three sons and one daughter, of whom William H. is an electrician at Detroit; Anson Lee is the gentleman whose name opens this sketch; Myron E. is an invalid at the maternal home, and Rosetta M. is the wife of George WV. Allen, a caterer at Detroit. The early education of Dr. Anson LeeSmith was acquired at the village school in Portland, Ionia county, which he attended' until sixteen years oll; he then went to Stanton, Montcalm county, graduated there from the high school, and for the following two years was employed in teaching. He next purchased a drug business in Crystal, which he conducted for three years, then sold, and for the twelve years following continued to buy and sell similar stores at various points. throughout the state, realizing a profit on each, transaction, by which he was enabled to acquire a complete medical education. In; 1893 he matriculated at Detroit Medical college, received one year's credit on account his; knowledge of chemistry, and graduated in 1896 with the degree of M. D. For a few months after graduating he practiced his profession ini Detroit, and then, in the autunn of 1896, came to Grand Rapids, and has here already attained a prominent position before the public, both as surgeon and physician. As may be inferred, the doctor is a registered pharmacist, and he is also a member of the Grand Rapids. Medical & Surgical society. Dr. Smith was happily united in marriage in i88I, at Maple Rapids, Clinton county, Mich., to Miss Minnie L. Corbley, a native of Montcalm county and a daughter of William. Corbley, an extensive agriculturist and the owner of a fine body of 500 acres of land near Crystal, with most excellent improvements. Mrs. Minnie L. Smith was educated in Crystal and at the Stanton high school, is a lady of many accomplishments and natural refinement improved by culture, and has blessed her husband with one son-Alba Lee-born in 1890o. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 413 In politics Dr. Smith is a stanch republican. Fraternally he is a member of the I. O. 0. F., lodge and encampment; of the M. W. of A., and the Court of Honor. He and family attend divine services at the Fountain street Baptist church, and socially no family in Grand Rapids is held in higher esteem. -— ATHAN G. SMITH, M. D., botanical physician, at No. 64 Canal street, Grand Rapids, is a native of Oakland, Mich., and was born September 2, 1836, a son of Dr. Frederick and Sarah (Gott) Smith, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of Germany. Dr. Frederick Smith was a. graduate of Yale college and passed his life principally in the drug business and the practice of medicine, and in farming. In I836 he came from Connecticut to Michigan, and located in Dixboro, Washtenaw county, near Ann Arbor. He entered from the government a farm on the bank of Silver creek, where he lived many years, but died on his farm near Plymouth, Wayne county, at the ripe age of about eighty-five years, his wife also dying at the same place and at about the same age. The early life of Dr. Nathan G. Smith was passed among the Indians, there being but few-white settlers in Washtenaw county, where his parents had located just after his birth. For ten vears he attended school at Ypsilanti, Washtenaw county, and then entered Ann Arbor university, in the same county, where he pursued his medical studies for two years, and then entered the Cincinnati (Ohio) Medical college, where he pursued a course of study in botanical treatment, and the practice of this school of medicine he has continuously followed for forty-four years. In I854 the doctor came to Grand Rapids, and here was in the active and successful practice of his profession when the Civii war broke out, at which juncture he was appointed to the medical department of the army. For two years he served as surgeon of the Twenty-second Michigan regiment, and then three years in hospitals, his last position being that of surgeon in hospital No. I, at Murfreesboro, Tenn., where he was.honorably discharged at the close of I865, after a service of nearly five years. In his last position, he had charge of the entire hospital, including the dispensing of all medical supplies, and holds a very complimentary letter from the inspector-general of the United States, in which he is commended for his honorable record in handling over $50,000 worth of these supplies, and for his painstaking and competent administration of his department. After the war, the doctor returned to Grand Rapids, but did not resume business until he had traveled from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean, passing through thirteen different states. In I870, however, he finally settled down here and re-engaged in-practice. It has been his habit to prepare his own compounds, from native roots, herbs, etc., and has kept one man constantly employed in gathering these ingredients. The doctor has been successful as a physician, but is a failure as a collector of fees. He has at this moment accounts outstanding that exceed $22,000 in Grand Rapids alone, but has never resorted to legal measures in order to enforce collection. He has nevermissed a call night or day, nor has he ever inquired, ( Will he pay?" He has signed but three death certificates in ten years, and a singularity is, that he has never attended a funeral in his life, and has never been inside a church-being of Quaker stock. Dr. Smith was married in Sturgis, Mich., 414 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS in I870, to Miss Melissa Whiting, a native of Halifax, N. S., and of Scotch ancestry. Two children have blessed this union, viz: Arthur, a civil engineer by education, but now a dealer in hardware at East Jordan, Mich., and Effie G., who is living with her parents, neither of the two being married. In politics, the doctor is inclined to republicanism, but is liberal in his views and at times votes for a democratic friend. ARRY SMITH is a practical and experienced sign-writer, of No. I4 Canal street, Grand Rapids, was born in Phillipsburg, Warren county, N. J., March 7, 1855, and is the eldest of the four children that crowned the marriage of Samuel and Amelia (Arnold) Smith, both natives of Pennyslvania. Their remaining three children are Jarvis, a farmer at Roscoe, Ill.; Anna, wife of John Brown, a farmer of Chickasaw county, Iowa, and Edward, a molder, in Grand Rapids, Mich. All are married and heads of families. Harry Smith was an infant when his parents removed from New Jersey to Rockford, Ill., and there, when ten years of age, he was bereft by death of his mother, since when he has been self-supporting. His father remarried and is now engaged in fruit growing at Fruitport, Mich. Harry Smith attended the common schools of Rockford, Ill., until his mother's death, and remained in the town until twenty years of age. In 1876 he came to Grand Rapids and began an apprenticeship of two years at his present calling. In 1878 he bought the business from his employer and is now the oldest sign-writer in the city. From his early boyhood he developed a taste for his art, and preferred it to any other em ployment, even then resolving that it should be his life work, and his budding talent at that early day has fructified in the production of one of the best artists in this line in the state of Michigan. Mr. Smith also became much interested in base-ball in his early manhood, and followed his fortunes on the " diamond " for nine years, playing in the cities of Danville, Rock Island, Rockford and Freeport, Ill.; Dubuque and Davenport, Iowa; Janesville, Beloit and Racine, Wis., and also with several amateur teams. Mr. Smith was married in Grand Rapids, December 25, 1878, to Miss Susie DeYoung, a native of this city and a daughter of Cornelius and Johanna DeYoung, old residentsthe father having. been engaged in teaming here for many years-and the parents of seven children, viz: John, Mary, James, Jennie, Susie, Hannah and Samuel, all lnarried, with the exception, perhaps, of Samuel, who has not been heard from in fifteen years. John is in business in Cadillac, and James is mayor of Holland, Mich.; the others are all in Grand Rapids. To Mr. and Mrs. Harry Smith have been born four sons, viz: Judson, an artist in Detroit; Howard, who assists his father, and Perry and Roger A., attending school. Politically, Mr. Smith is democratic in his views, but is not violently partisan. Fraternally he is-united with various orders. He joined the A. O. U. W. in I889, has passed all the official stations in the local lodge, and is now a member of the grand lodge of Michigan, and is a member of the Knights of Fidelity, a uniform rank of the A. O. U. W.; he is also a member of the M. W. of A. He owns a pleasant home at No. 225 Clancy street, where he and family have lived the past fifteen years, and where their long residence has placed them among the most respected people of the whole neighborhood. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 415 ENRY SMITH, a prominent horticulturist and florist, is one of Kent county's native sons, and dates his birth from the 24th of July, 1859. His father was from Canada. He was a thorough farmer, an earnest worker, and leader in all church work of the Methodist Episcopal denomination. His mother, Mrs. Sarah Escott Smith, came with her parents from New York city to Grand Rapids in 1839, where she soon learned the names of the forest trees and plants, and loved them as companions. She was a pioneer teacher of Kent county, was married to George Smith in 1854, and went with him into the dense forest west of Englishville Station, where the road was marked with blazed trees, and hewed them out a home of o00 acres, which was sold in 1869. They then located just west of the city on Bridge street, where four years later George Smith died after an illness of twenty months, leaving a home of twenty acres, encumbered by debt, to the wife and son. The son being then in high 'school continued his studies there, afterward taking a course in the commercial college, fitting himself for a business career, but the love of horticulture and floriculture predominated in their choice of a vocation for a living. With an unvarying trust in divine help in time of need, Mrs. Smith commenced the cultivation of plants under glass in a very limited way, which, with careful industry, grew from year to year, so that, with the fruit interest, they have been able to add to both farm and glass. There are now over twenty greenhouses, where they gather thousands of roses, carnations, violets, etc., every day, for a fine trade here and throughout the state; also several hundred dollars' worth per month are shipped to Chicago; they also raise thousands of potted plants for spring trade. Their 200 acres of farm are covered with almost all kind of fruits adapted to this climate, which have paid well. They employ from fifty to 00 people during the fruit season, and have thirty employed during the winter months; have a boarding house where they care for about twenty men, also furnish homes for two or three families that work for them. The greenhouses are at the farm, the store at the corner of Monroe and Division streets. They have also an interest in the Citizens' Telephone company. They have a fine modern residence, where they annually entertain the G. R. V. H. society, their church societies, etc., in which they are interested. Mr. Smith is enthusiastic in the pursuits to which he devotes his time and attention, and is likewise devoted to his home and business. He is a public-spirited man, active in all movements looking to the prosperity of the city, and also a zealous worker in the church. He is a Methodist in his religious belief and a trustee of the congregation worshiping on Second street. In politics he is a republican, and fraternally belongs to lodge No. 52, I. O. O. F., in Grand Rapids. ARINUS A. SORBER, for the past seven years an undertakerat No.267 Grandville avenue, Grand Rapids, and for twenty-five years a resident of the city, was born in Holland in 1848, and was reared a carpenter and cabinetmaker. He was married November 20, 1873, in the city of Grand Rapids, to Miss Anna Vanderschoor, a native of the Netherlands, and to this union have been born eight children, of whom four only are now living, viz: Catherine, wife of Jacob Westerbaan, and the mother of one child, Annie; Nellie, wife of Wallace Waalkes; 416 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I Marina and Jennie, all of Grand Rapids. Mr. Sorber has taken great pride in the education of these children and is also an ardent friend of public education. His trade of cabinetmaker naturally led Mr. Sorber to the making of coffins, and this to the undertaking business, in which he is now fully posted and up-to-date in all its details; he has achieved an excellent reputation in this line, being decorous in his demeanor and affable and obliging in his disposition, and now commands a good share of the funeral directing business of the city. In politics Mr. Sorber is a republican in his proclivities, but in local affairs votes for the man he deems most suitable for the duties of the office to be filled. His religion is that of the Lutheran church, of which he and his family are members, and his course of life has been such as to win the respect of all who know him. Mr. Sorber has been a good, true and lawabiding citizen, and has done all in his power to advance the interests of his adopted city and to promote its substantial prosperity, and this patriotism has been reflex in its action, for with the prosperity of the community his own affairs have prospered, and the object he had in view when, in his early days, he came here, has been daily plainer to his sight and has become a palpable realization-the independence that results from industry, but which is so seldom rewarded even with a bare pittance in his native land. ILLIAM ROSE, V. S., at No. 128 East Fulton street, Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of the province of Ontario, Canada, was born May I, 1844, a son of William and Elizabeth (Mc Intosh) Rose, both natives of Scotland, but who were married in Canada in the spring of 1839. His mother died January 31, I899, and his father May I, I899. Before coming to America the father followed his trade of tailor, but after his arrival in Canada engaged in agricultural pursuits. To his marriage with Miss McIntosh were born eight children, in the following order: George, who died when about fourteen years of age; John, a farmer in Canada; William, whose name heads this paragraph; Elizabeth, wife of George Martin, a member of the Interior Decorating company, of Chicago, Ili.; Jane, who was the wife of Percy J. Pierce, died at the age of forty-two years; Daniel is a veterinary surgeon at Muskegon, Mich.; George A., who spent many years as traveling auditor for the Pullman Palace Car company, is now retired and lives in Canada, and David is a practicing physician in Chicago, Ill. Dr. William Rose was educated in the public schools of Port Dover, Norfolk county, Canada, and his earlier years of labor were passed in farming on his father's homestead. In the fall of 1879 he entered the Ontario Veterinary college, from which he graduated in I88, and then came to Grand Rapids, where, for the past eighteen years, he has been favored with a most excellent line of practice at the same office he still occupies, and where his residence is also situated, to wit: No. 128 East Fulton street, and during this period, it may be here interjected, he has realized a fortune of $75,000, a fact that most eloquently proclaims his professional skill. The marriage of Dr. Rose took place in Buffalo, N. Y., May 25, I874, to Miss Jennie Allen, who was born in the neighborhood of the doctor's nativity and who was educated in the public schools of Simcoe, Canada. Two sons have come to bless this marriage, viz: Frank Howard, born September I2, 1884, and :~~~~~~~~~~.....:g-S-: S '7g0XD 4 -------:-:-:;:0000~~~~~~........... 0000:0:tVR v~ r <^ ~ lI AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 419 Delos Blodgett, born April 25, I886, both of whom are bright pupils of the South Division street school at Grand Rapids. The parents of Mrs. Rose, Ralph and Elizabeth (Trenzo) Allen, still reside in New York state, the former being a native of Connecticut and the latter a Canadian, as mentioned,, being of French extraction. Mrs. Rose and her children are members of St. Mark's Episcopal church, while the doctor, who is distinctively liberal in his views, is not a member of any religious body. Fraternally, Dr. Rose has been an Odd Fellow for several years, and politically he is a republican. The sons are both members of the Evening Press club, No. T, of which Delos is the secretary. This organization is maintained by the Evening Press for the literary training and social entertainment of their active "little merchants," who have made it a success. The Pleasant Hour on Sunday afternoons is looked forward to with pleasure by the little fellows who cry the Penny Press. The stranger of observing disposition, who visits Grand Rapids, cannot fail to notice that the venders of newspapers in the city are usually little gentlemen, who no doubt have received necessary hints on deportment at the Pleasant Hour. If a prospective buyer says "I can't read," the worst thing they say is"Well, look at the pictures." iENRY SPRING is the veteran among the dry-goods merchants of Grand Rapids. In the early years of the present century a young couple of Farmersville, Cataraugus county, N. Y., formed a life copartnership. Sturdy,. healthy bodies, sound minds and honest purposes, composed their stock in trade. They were Jared S. Spring and Catharine, his wife. Their simple life moved modestly, in content, through summer's shine and winter's storm, until, one cold, blustering morning, while the snow was drifting about and sifting into their humble home, February 7, I830, a little boy came there to stay. They named him Henry. He was the eldest of six boys who found good quarters in the hearts of this robust couple. The boys were given the advantage of the district school in the winter-in summer they were obliged to lend the mite of their small strength for family support. Tired at length of living "from hand to mouth," the parents decided to try life in the then " far west," hoping thus to better the opportunity for their boys. In the spring of 1845 they started with their sons, their household goods on a wagon, a team of horses, and two cows. From Buffalo they took steamboat for Detroit, and there began the struggle over the log ways and through the deep sands of Michigan. The cows and a bag of meal furnished sustenance until they reached Cannonsburg, in Kent county. In Clinton county the horses were exchanged for two yoke of oxen. At the present day the pains and pleasures of such a journey may be more easily imagined than realized. They purchased a farm, and the family struggled onward through fever and ague and dire necessities until fairer skies appeared, and they felt that they were literally "out of the woods." Jared and Catharine lived to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary, all the six boys being present, each with wife and family, in Cannon township, September 2, I878. Jared S. Spring died in I89I, at the mature age of eighty-eight years, having survived his wife some seven years. The six sons still gather annually at the old home in Cannon. Henry Spring, the subject of this sketch, began business as a clerk in a small general as -420 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS sortment store in the village of Cannonsburg, where barter was the fashion of the time. Aspiring to something more he came, in 1849, to Grand Rapids, applied to Jefferson Morrison, then one of the leading merchants of the place, for a position, and received it. Morrison's store stood near the spot where now is the beautiful four-story front whose sign reads " Spring Dry Goods Company." In February, 1854, while in the employ of Lewis Porter as clerk in a clothing store, Mr. Spring had an invitation from two enterprising men of this city who were looking for some bright young man of good habits to whom they could intrust the management of a large stock of goods-to unite his business ability with their capital. They were David Burnett and Amos Rathbone. He promptly accepted their proposal. In February, 1854, also, he married Annis Salsbury, daughter of a farmer of Clarendon, Orleans county. N. Y. After a few years his partners retired from the mercantile firm, leaving Mr. Spring sole proprietor. From this modest beginning has grown the fine business which now for many years has been so well known as that of the firm of The Spring Dry Goods Company. From November, I86o, until the spring of I876, he was associated with Edwin Avery, under the firm name of Spring & Avery. The firm then became Spring & Company, which continued until April I, I898, when the corporation as it now exists sprang into existence with a capital stock of $100,000, Mr. Spring being its president. The building now owned and occupied by the company is a colossal brick structure, four stories and basement, 44x265 feet, fronting Monroe and extending through to Louis street. The trade, which is strictly dry goods, is wholesale and retail, crowds closely the figure of $1,ooo,ooo per annum, and keeps busy some 120 employees. Mr. Spring relates an incident of his boy hood which kindled the desire by which he was led into the mercantile life which he has so closely and successfully followed, substantially as follows: When I was about ten years old we lived near Victor, N. Y. One morning my mother sent me to the village with a basket of eggs, to exchange them for groceries. It was the first time I had been charged with such a duty, and I felt that a responsibility rested upon me to do the errand so well that she would trust me again. At the store I was received politely by a boy but little older than myself. He attracted me. He was dressed nicely. His shoes were black and his collar was white. He deftly and pleasantly waited upon me, and I was kindled with a desire to occupy such a position-to know how to wait upon people, especially boys, as well as he did, and be able to trade and figure up as easily. I remained, asking him questions about the business, until there was no excuse to stay longer. The boy was as polite when I left as when I came in. From that hour my chief ambition was to get into a store, and when, at the age of fifteen, I entered a little general store, at Cannonsburg, I was the happiest boy imaginable. Mr. Spring is president of the Grand Rapids Electric Light & Power company and vice-president of the Grand Rapids Mutual Building & Loan association, through which many homes have been secured in the city. Always a republican, he has not sought office, though any in the gift of the people would have been his for the taking. He early took interest in the old County Fair association, and the district and state fairs have found him a valued assistant. The Lakeside club, of which he is president, has done much to improve the social side of the lives of business men, and in it Mr. Spring takes just pride. Its influence is felt.over a wide area, and its membership now exceeds I,000. He is a Mason and an Elk, and no man stands higher in the hearts of the brethren. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 421 As was hinted in the beginning of this sketch, Mr. Spring leads all now in mercantile business in length of continual prosecution of the dry-goods trade in this city, having been connected with it for fifty years. In 1859 thirteen dry-goods stores were noted in the city directory; of the names there given only that of Henry Spring now remains in the same connection. Though his head is "silvered o'er," his eye is bright, his step elastic, his countenance smiling and pleasing, his greeting hearty and cordial. Public-spirited and generous, with ready ear and open hand for those in misfortune or distress, he is everywhere recognized as an honorable, whole-hearted and genial citizen. ENS SORENSEN, M. D., a regular practicing physician and surgeon, located at No. 77 Canal street, Grand Rapids, is a native of Braband, near Aarhuus, Denmark, born on the 7th of October, I863. He was educated in his native country, his studies covering Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Danish and English. He in fact mastered twelve languages, and is to-day able to speak and write them. His professional education was received in the university of Copenhagen, where he pursued a course covering eight years, and graduated from that, the only medical university in Denmark, on the last day of January, I887, his examinations having covered the entire month. In I885 he was a delegate to the medical students' convention in London, England, where he met students from all the European nations. He was one of the fortunates who received the national stipendiuma donation of funds by the kingdom to certain of the best students completing the university course. This enabled him to spend a year in, travel, and he visited various European cities, principally Leipsic. One of the conditions on, receiving this stipendium is that the student shall make careful memorandums of what he observes in the various hospitals, colleges, etc., which he visits. This is published at the expense of the state and distributed among the students in the university. The doctor states that the most interesting character whom he met on his European trip was Danant-the founder of the Red Cross societvwhom he met in Switzerland. Another character whom he met was the French physician, Siebault, who sought to introduce hypnotism. into the medical science. Returning from his trip, he established himself in practicE in his native country. There he occupied a position in a department under the state corresponding nearly with our Amer — ican health department in large cities. In I892, owing to a cholera epidemic in Germany, that government sent calls to foreign countries for physicians, and Dr. Sorensen responded to this call and practiced in Hamburg forone year. From Hamburghe went to Edinburgh, thence to London, and thence to Liverpool. There he took an engagement on the steamship Toronto, and was physician on this vessel for seven trips across the Atlantic. The steamship company gave him transportation to the world's fair at Chicago, where he met many of his countrymen and became imbued with the idea that the United States is a pretty good place to live in. From Chicago he went to Howard county, Nebr., where he was the county physician. He then moved. to Omaha and practiced in that city for a short time, and still has his certificate from the state board of health of Nebraska. In July, I898, he located in Grand Rapids, Mich., and here he has already established a very satisfactory practice.:t *422 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS In February, I898, his sister joined him, coming from Russia, where she had spent about eight years. The late czar of Russia married a daughter of the king of Denmark, and hence his association with the Russian royal f amily. Dr. Sorensen was married in western Nebraska, October 7, 1894, to Miss Minnie Anderson, a native of Denmark, though reared in America. At the time of marriage, she was a student in Omaha Medical college, and is now engaged in practice with her husband. They have no living children. The doctor;and wife are members of the Danish Lutheran church, and the doctor is a member of the Danish Medical society, and of the I. 0. 0. F. lodge, No. II, of this city, and keeps up ihis dues in each. He is a genial, affable and scholarly gentleman, well up in his profession.and destined to make his mark in the world. He is the only graduate of the university of Denmark in the state of Michigan. He is also the only X-ray expert in Grand Rapids, and is now constructing X-ray machines himself. HE RT. REV. HENRY JOSEPH RICHTER, bishop of Grand Rapids, Mich., was born on the 9th of April, I838, at Neuenkirchen, in the grand duchy of Oldenburg. After studying in the local schools and under a private teacher, he came to the United States in I854, and entered St. Paul's school in Cincinnati in the succeeding year. This was followed by five years' of study application in St. Xavier's, St. Thomas, at Bardstown, and Mount St. Mary's college, in Cincinnati. He went to Rome in 186o, entered the American college, and, winning his doctor's cap in 1865, was ordained on the loth of June by Cardinal Patrizi. Return ing to Cincinnati in October, he filled the chair of dogma, philosophy and liturgy in Mount St. Mary's seminary, and a year later was made vice-president of that institution. In I870 he founded the church of St. Laurence and made it a thriving parish; was chaplain to the Sisters of Charity at Mount St. Vincent's academy, and a member of the archbishop's council, and one of the committee of investigation of the diocese. When his Holiness, Pope Leo XIII, established the diocese of Grand Rapids on the 2oth of May, 1882, the Rev. Dr. Richter was selected for the new see. He was consecrated and enthroned in St. Andrew's, Grand Rapids, on the 22nd of April, 1883, by the Most Rev. William Henry Elder, of Cincinnati. At the beginning of his administration Bishop Richter found thirty-six priests, thirty-three churches with resident pastors, and seventeen parochial schools with 2,867 pupils, out of a population of 50,000 Catholics. At present there are in his diocese ninety priests, sixty-six churches with resident pastors, and forty-five schools with 10,383 pupils. At his request the Franciscan Fathers, the Fathers of the Holy Ghost and of the Most Holy Redeemer, have established houses in the diocese. Various new charitable institutions have been established, and substantial churches have been built and are in the course of erection in different parts of the diocese. Having taken part in the second provincial council of Cincinnati, in I882, as one of the secretaries, he assisted as bishop at the third plenary council of Baltimore, in 1884. In the spring of I885 he made his first official visit at Rome, and attended the provincial council of Cincinnati in I889. Bishop Richter is of a very modest, quiet and retiring disposition. He has always had the reputation of being a very learned and able theologian. A man of principle and energy in the discharge of his duty, he always seeks the I:6!, 111, 11 11?,- I,l-, -7, __,z -1 " -Z -2 t Z/ /i t / c --- ~ L;A t~P~~' I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 425 most unostentatious manner of performing it. Combining an unusual activity with such high talents, he labors with untiring zeal at the important work entrusted to his care. RIAS S. SPRINGER, V. S., of No. II2 North Ionia street, Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, January I9, 1856, a son of Moses and Barbara (Shantz) Springer, the former of whom was a native of Doon, Ontario, Canada, and the latter of Ohio. These parents were married in Waterloo, the mother of Mrs. Springer having gone from Ohio to Canada when their daughter was a mere child. Moses Springer was born August 31, I824, and was a son of Benjamin and Mary Springer. He was of remote Holland extraction, his great-grandfather having been a clergyman of the Episcopal church in that country, but later went to Sweden, where he became a bishop and also a baron. Charles Christopher Springer, a son of the bishop and baron, was educated for the Episcopal ministry and came to America in I665, thus being the founder of the family on this side of the Atlantic. Moses was a man of sterling integrity and great prominence in his community, served as a member of the Canadian parliament and was sheriff of Waterloo county at the time of his death, September 5, I898. He had been three times married-his first wife, Barbara Shantz, having been born August II, I825, and dying October I3, I884, the mother of six sons and six daughters, of which family ten still survive. To the two subsequent marriages no children were born. Dr. Urias S. Springer was the sixth child born to his parents. He received a sound lit erary education at Waterloo central school, which he attended until about sixteen years of age, and then, for a brief period, was employed in a machine shop. He supplemented his central school education by an attendance at the Berlin Collegiate school, from which he graduated at the age of twenty years, and then entered the Toronto Veterinary college, where he pursued a full course of study, and while still a student had charge, for a time, of the professor's practice. He took the highest honors of his class and was graduated with the degree of V. S. Immediately after this event, in I88o, he went to Tipton, Iowa, at the solicitation of a number of stock breeders, and with the highest recomendations from his tutors, and remained there until I887, when he came to Grand Rapids, and from the first until the present has enjoyed a lucrative practice in the, city and surrounding country. Dr. Springer was joined in matrimony,, January I, I890, at Preston, Waterloo county, Ontario, with Miss Lucena Clemens, a native of that city, and a daughter of Joel and Magdalina (Shoemaker) Clemens, both natives of Canada and the father a retired farmer of wealth, now residing with his wife at Preston, Waterloo county, Ontario. Mrs. Springer grew to womanhood on her father's farm, but was educated in Zion, where she received special instruction in vocal music, and was for eleven years the leading soprano in the Methodist Episcopal church at Preston. Dr. Springer is a member of the I. O. 0. F., which he joined in Grand Rapids, and in which he has filled the principal chairs of his lodge, and has represented it, beside, in the grand lodge; he is also a member of the Royal Arcanum. He was also a member of the Iowa State Veterinary, society and its secretary for some years, but resigned on coming to Grand Rapids. The doctor and wife are members of the 426 2THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Fountain street Baptist church, this city, and Mrs. Springer is a member of all the church *societies and very active both in church and Sunday-school work. In politics the doctor is.a republican, but he does not confine himself;to party lines in local affairs. He is devoted Ito his profession and keeps himself supplied with all helpful publications, being an everlasting student, and no one stands higher than he in the veterinary art. DWARD G. SQUIRES, superintendent for the Grand Rapids district of the Prudential (life) Insurance company of America, whose headquarters are in Newark, N. J., has his office in Nos. 310 to 315 Houseman block, corner of Pearl and Ottawa streets, Grand Rapids, and is probably the busiest, and certainly one of the most energetic, insurance men of the city. Mr. Squires was born near Manchester, Delaware county, Iowa, November 29, 1869, and is a son of Uriel John and Emma J. (Boynton) Squires, both natives of the state of New York, but, who settled in Delaware county, Iowa, about I863, where the father died on his farm about 1877, his widow being now a resident of Madison, Ill., a suburb of St. Louis, Mo. Their family consists of three sons and three daughters, all of whom have reached the years of maturity and have been named, in order of birth, as follows: Cora B., who is the wife of Charles W. Gibson, a railroad employee in Madison county, Ill.; Minnie V., living with her mother; Edward G., the subject; Ernest Dwight, a car-builder, at Madison, Ill., and Arthur Jerome, a bookkeeper in a railroad office in Venice, Ill. The mother of this family remarried and is now Mrs. Knowles, although a second time a widow, and to her second marriage was born one child, Maude, now the wife of Albert Esque, a car-builder of Jerseyville, Ill. Edward G. Squires, the subject of this biographical notice, received his early education in a common school of his native county,. and his attendance thereat was of brief duration, as, at the age of eight years, he was bereft by death of his father, but, being a bright lad, managed to educate himself for the activities of business life. When sixteen years old he ventured forth on the "road" as a solicitor of orders for the enlargement of photographs. After three years thus spent, he learned the photographic business in Alabama, whither the family had removed in the meantime, and for five years traveled with. aportable gallery of his own. He then came northward as far as Cairo, Ill., where, for a year, he acted as a superintendent of a fruit farm, and then accepted a position in St. Louis, Mo., as foreman of grade work for the Chicago & Alton Railroad company, which position he retained one year, returning to Delaware county, Iowa, and was employed for a year by the C. & G. W. Railroad company. He next went into the meat-market business for a year at Dubuque, Iowa, then sold out and bought an interest with N. H. Hyde in a photographic gallery at Manchester. About November, 1894, Mr. Squires went to St. Louis and continued in the photograph business until November 11, 1895, when he became agent and collector for the Prudential Insurance company, and April 6, I896, was promoted to the position of assistant superinterdent at East St. Louis, Ill.; two years later he was advanced to the superintendency of the Grand Rapids (Mich.) district, took up his residence here, and has since established a reputation of being one of the most active and energetic insurance men in the state-a fact AND ENT COU, UP TO ATE. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 427 which is duly appreciated by his company. He has direct charge of all the company's agents in the district, the direct payment of all liabilities caused by the death of the insured in the company's industrial branches, and the supervision of the interests of the company generally. In this class small weekly payments on premiums are accepted and infantile insurance as low as five cents per week, and in case of death the full amount of the policy is promptly paid; and in one instance, it is related, the policy on the life of a child accidentally killed by a street car was paid within fifty minutes afterdeath. The following table speaks for itself: FIVE YEAR-STRIDES IN A CONTINUOUS FOR WARD MOVEMENT. ASSETS. 1878................................. 21,391.26 1883.................................. 563,278.49 1888................................ 2,874,162.56 1893.................................. 11,021,444.93 1898.................................. 28,888,196.42 INCOME. 1878........................ $ 60,48,.06 1883................................. 845,902.62 1888............................ 3,757,084.15 1893................. 9,521,912.19 1898.................................. 17,481,875.74 SURPLUS. 1878.................................. $ 14,357.08 1883.................................. ' 175,656.69 1888........................ 776,218.56 1893.............................. 2,735,560.67 1898.................................. 5,888,894.76 INSURANCE IN FORCE. 1878.................................. $ 2,027,888.00 1883................................ 23,053,935.00 1888.................................. 93,661,783.00 1893.................................. 230,641,299.00 1898................................. 414,547,053.00 Hiram Sisson, an early settler of that county and a prosperous farmer. This union has been crowned by the birth of two children, viz: Elva Mildred, born September 20, 1895, and Edna Cora, July 4, 1897. Mrs. Squires is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to the teachings of which Mr. Squires also strongly inclines, and to which he liberally contributes financially. In politics Mr. Squires is a republican, and socially he and wife enjoy the esteem of many of the best citizens of Grand Rapids. NDREW JACKSON STEBBINS, the well-known real-estate dealer and insurance agent at Grand Rapids, was born in Madison county, N. Y., October 14, I840. In October, 1846, he came to Michigan with his father, Gaius P. Stebbins, who settled Kent county, two miles south of Sparta village. Charles D. Stebbins now owns and lives on the farm first taken by his father, on section 26, in Sparta township. Andrew J. Stebbins in youth attended the common school. When the war of the Rebellion came on, he enlisted in company B, Twenty-first Michigan infantry, and had charge of medical supplies at hospitals No. i and No. 4, Nashville, Tenn., and was hospital steward until the close of the war. After his return he worked on a farm two years, and then engaged in the lumber trade for several years, owning and operating mills on section No. i, Sparta, known as Stebbins' mills; also lumbered several years for \illiam T. Powers. He then built an elevator at Sparta Center, and bought grain for some time. Afterward, in 88So, he went to Dakota, and spent a year at Deadwood, lumbering there also for W. T. Powers. Mr. Stebbens is mainly a self-edu Mr. Squires was joined in matrimony at Strawberrypoint, Clayton county, Iowa, September I, 1894, with Miss Minnie A. Sisson, a native of Delaware, Iowa, and a daughter of 428 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS cated man, but has always taken great interest in schools. At his mills in Sparta, after two years of hard work in that behalf, and several defeats, he succeeded in securing the organization of a school district, formed of territory taken from the four towns of Sparta, Algora, Tyrone and Solon; also in having a good school-house built and nicely furnished with patent seats and desks. While he lived there he managed to have at least nine months of school each year, often making personal contributions for the maintenance of the schools, and frequently giving presents to the small scholars for constant attendance and faithful work in their studies. For several years in Sparta he held the office of justice of the peace. In I882 he was elected treasurer of Kent county, since which time he has resided in Grand Rapids, and was reelected in I884, thus holding the office four years. In I889 he was elected a member of the common council-alderman from the Fourth ward-serving as president of the council during the administration of Edwin F. Uhl as mayor. Mr. Stebbins married, in I866, Mary V. Gillam, of Sparta. They have three children -Miss Elsie, born in I869, teacher; Orson D., born in 1870, bookkeeper, and Leo A. J., born in I888. Mrs. Stebbins died in this city on March 23, I895, and was buried in Greenwood cemetery. On August I, I898, Mr. Stebbins married Elizabeth A. Pierce, of Grand Rapids, who had been a teacher in the public schools of this city for many years, and at the time of her marriage was principal of the Straight street school, which position she resigned upon her marriage. Politically, Mr. Stebbins is a democrat. He was a charter member of Kent chapter of royal arch Masons, and was high priest therein until he removed to Grand Rapids. For many years he has owned a fine farm in Sparta, but never lived on it. At present he is engaged in the real-estate and insurance business, and is a leader in this line. * --- —----------— " — K ILLIAM S. STOUGHTON, of the firm of Hester & Stoughton, and an experienced undertaker, embalmer and funeral director of Grand Rapids, was born on his father's farm in the Buckeye state July 5, I867, a son of Col. S. J. and Helen A. (Shannon) Stoughton. S. J. Stoughton, a successful lawyer in Ohio, at the breaking out of the late Civil war recruited a company of men and entered the service as first lieutenant in the Forty-fourth Indiana volunteer infantry, and through his gallantry and meritorious conduct was promoted, step by step, until he attained the rank of colonel of the One Hundredth Indiana regiment, but his hard service so affected his rugged constitution that he was completely broken down, and he was eventually discharged, near the close of the conflict, his death taking place four years later. His widow is now living in Grand Rapids, Mich., and is the mother of two children —Clara A., wife of C. F. Parmalee, of this city, and William S., the subject of this biography. William S. Stoughton, two years after his father's death, was taken to Canada by his mother, and there passed ten years, after which they went to North Dakota. His. education has been somewhat neglected, as when seven years of age he was compelled to go seven miles to school, driving an old horse, with his sister for a companion, but years later he had an opportunity of attending a business college in Minnesota. After working on a farm two years in North Dakota, Mr. Stoughton secured a position with an uncle, who was in AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 429.. the furniture and undertaking business, and was experienced in his line. For four years he worked and studied hard and gained a thorough knowledge of the business in all its details, and for two years was a partner with his uncle. His health, however, began to fail, and a change became necessary, and he sought out-door work as a carpenter; through this means he regained his health and strength and some twelve years ago settled in Grand Rapids, where his skill with tools readily secured him steady employment. About i896 he formed a partnership with Mr. Hester in his present line, and did a good business of about $I2,000 per year, at the corner of Fountain and Ionia streets, until its dissolution, June 20, I898, Mr. Stoughton now being the sole proprietor. Mr. Stoughton was married in Grand Rapids, on the I6th day of October, 1895, to Miss Mina Lyon, of Kent county, and one child has blessed this union-Arthur Tracy. Mr. and Mrs. Stoughton attend the Congregational church, and in politics Mr. Stoughton is a republican. For four years he was a trustee of East Grand Rapids, and for four years, also, was a member of the board of revision for the township. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and he and wife are among the most respected citizens of their neighborhood. Mr. Stoughton is a member of the North American, and owns two houses and lots adjacent to the city, besides other realty. ILLIAM JAMES STUART, a member of the Grand Rapids bar, was born in Yankee Springs, Barry county, Mich., November i, IS44. His early education was received in the common schools of his native county, which he 22 attended during the winters until he was fifteen years of age, in the meantime pursuing the uneventful life of a farmer's son during the remaining portion of the year. At fifteen he entered the public schools at Hastings, and later on the high school at Kalamazoo. He was graduated from the latter in I863 with the first class graduated from that school. After teaching school during the following winter, he entered the freshman class of the university of Michigan in the spring of 1864, and upon completion of the literary course was graduated with the degree of bachelor of arts in I868. Irrespective of having earned the means with which to pay the expenses of a college course, he was self-educated. For two years succeeding his graduation from the university Mr. Stuart taught school at Hastings, and then entered the office of Balch, Smiley & Balch, where he pursued the study of law. He had early formed the purpose to become a lawyer, and while prosecuting his literary studies and employed in teaching, he had constantly kept in view this acme of his hope and ambition. After his preparatory course of reading under the instruction of the firm mentioned, he entered the law department of the university of Michigan, completed its course and received the degree of LL. B. upon his graduation in I872. Returning to Kalamazoo he became a partner in the firm in which he had formerly been a student, but the association was only temporary. In November of the same year he removed to Grand Rapids, and in January, 1873, was appointed assistant prosecuting attorney for Kent county under E. A. Burlingame. At the same time he formed a partnership for general practice under the firm name and style of Burlingame & Stuart, which continued until April 20, 1876. He was appointed city attorney for Grand Rapids in I88o and held the position for two terms. In May, 1888, he. 480 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS.. _.....I was appointed prosecuting attorney of Kent county to fill the vacancy caused by the removal of the incumbent, and was afterward elected for a full term. In addition to these offices, which are strictly in the line of his professional work, Mr. Stuart has held other positions, both educational and political. For two years he was a member of the board of education of Grand Rapids. In 1892 he was elected mayor of the city and re-elected in I893, serving two terms. The university of Michigan conferred upon him the degree of master of arts, and for 1894-5 he was president of the society of the alumni of the university. He has devoted his talents and energies almost without reserve to the practice of law. He was associated with E. F. Sweet, under the firm name of Stuart & Sweet for twelve years, from April, 1876, and for five years, from April, i888, he was in partnership with Loyal E. Knappen, under the firm name of Stuart & Knappen. From 1893 to 1897 he was engaged in the general practice alone. In the spring of I897 he formed his present partnership with S. W. Barker, under the style of Stuart & Barker. They conduct a large business, all of which receives much of his personal attention and is conducted in such a manner as to hold a profitable clientage. He is exceedingly methodical in the arrangement of his business and painstaking in the preparation of his cases. He is equally careful in the trial of cases in court, and is also a successful advocate. His command of language is easy and his manner of speech agreeable. In social intercourse he is affable and courteous with everyone. Fraternally, he is a Mason and Knight of Pythias, and politically he has always been a stanch republican; religiously, he is a communicant and vestryman of St. Mark's Episcopal church. On April I3, 1874, he married Mis3 Calista Hadley, of Hastings., LFRED MORLEY SWITZER, M. D., a popular young physician at 17 West Bridge street, Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Ontario, Canada, December 24, 1870, and is a son of Benjamin and Anna (Taylor) Switzer, natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and the New Dominion. Benjamin Switzer is of German descent and is a near relative of the late Gen. J. B. Switzer, of Pittsburg, Pa.-a hero of the Civil war. Mr. Switzer was formerly a merchant in Canada, and was also engaged in stock-raising in the United States, and is now the owner of several farms near Ontario. Of the three children born to him beside the doctor, Herbert C. is a student' in the Detroit Medical college; Clara A. is now Mrs. Albert WTise, of Clinton, her husband being an active business man and successful farmer, and Bertha M. is residing with her parents in Clinton. Dr. Switzer, the subject of this memoir, received his early education in the common schools of Canada, and later graduated from the Clinton Collegiate institute. He next read medicine for three years in the office of a Canadian physician of some repute, and then entered Detroit Medical college in I893, completed a three years' course of study, after which he passed one summer at Bartholomew's and Middlesex hospitals in London, England. On his return to America, he opened an office in Grand Rapids, in 1897, and here is rapidly rising in popularity as an accomplished and skillful physician and surgeon. The doctor is a member of the Grand Rapids Medical society, also of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Maccabees, of which latter order he is the medical examiner, as well as medical examiner for the New Era Insurance company. Dr. Switzer was united in marriage, November 2, I898, at Grand Rapids, with Miss AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 431 Madge E. Hogadone, a native of the city and a daughter of George Hogadone, a fruit farmer in the neighborhood, and whose family is prominently identified with the county of Kent, and whose brother-in-law has served several times as state representative and is now senator. Politically, the doctor is a republican in his proclivities, but votes intelligently, or as his common sense may dictate. DSES TAGGART, one of the leading lawyers of Kent county, and 1E ex-attorney-general of Michigan, was born at Wilson, Niagara'county, N. Y., February 27, I843. His ancestors were men of character, ability, education and resources. His great-grandfather, James Taggart, emigrated from Ireland to America in boyhood, and settled in Londonderry, Rockingham county, N. H. James Taggart married Jane Anderson, whose father was one of the first locators of Londonderry, N. H., and whose mother was born at Londonderry, Ireland, during the memorable siege of I688. His grandfather, Samuel Taggart, a native of Londonderry, N. H., was born about the middle of the eighteenth century, graduated from Dartmouth at twenty, and licensed to preach in the Presbyterian church during the year that the American colonies declared their independence of British domination. Samuel Taggart was for many years pastor'of the Presbyterian church of Colerain, Mass., where he died in 1825. He served fourteen years as member of congress from a district in the state of Massachusetts, having been first elected, in I802 as a federalist. He was a man of large abilities and retentive memory; a powerful speaker, and a writer of recognized force on religious subjects, as well as political topics. Moses Taggart is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution by virtue of his maternal grandfather Ichabod Cone's enlistment and service, in both the states of Connecticut and New York, in the Continental army. Upon both sides Moses Taggart comes from New England families whose representatives occupied honorable and important positions in the public service. His early life was passed upon his father's farm, where he laid the basis of a strong physical organization. He had expected to go through college and had finished his preparatory course at Wilson Collegiate institute, when the enlistment of two older brothers in the war of the R ballion imposed upon him in a great degree the care and maintenance of his parents. He therefore gave up c-llege and returned to the farm. Subsequently he entered as a student the office of the late Judge Taggart, of Batavia, his uncle, formerly judge of the supreme court and court of appeals of New York; graduated from the law department of the Michigan university in 1867, and was admitted to the bar of New York, at Buffalo, in December of the same year. He came to Michigan in January, I869, settling first at Cedar Springs; afterward removed to the city of Grand Rapids and entered first the office of, and then into partnership with, B. A. Harlan, then judge of probate. He soon after formed a new business connection with Eugene E. Allen, and the firm of Taggart & Allen thus formed was afterward changed by the admission into the firm, in 1875, of L W. Wolcott, and subsequently by the withdrawal of Mr. Allen on account of ill health and the admission to the firmn of C. V. Gaunn. Until January, I898, the firm of Taggart & Wolcott and Taggart, Wolcott & Gaunn was a prominent one in the city, and th- gentlemen compDs 482 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS ing it have ranked among the leading members of the bar. Since his admission to the bar Mr. Taggart his given almost his entire time and attention to the study and practice of his profession. As the community around him has increased and given him wider opportunities for development, he has grown with it. Years of hard work in a profession which is singularly exacting has brought him appropriate compensation in a quickened comprehension and strong grasp of legal questions and a continuing capacity for growth. In the fall of 1884 Mr. Taggart was elected to the office of attorney-general of the state, as the candidate of the republican party. It was an office the importance of which is not generally understood outside of the profession. To that position he brought an industry and ability that made its administration by him noticeable in the state at large. He found its duties so importunate that to their complete performance it was necessary he should suffer much pecuniary loss in his private practice. He did not hesitate, but, submitting to that loss, gave himself unreservedly to the delicate and important questions which arose in the conduct of his office as attorney-general. After having been re-nominated by his party, and re-elected by the people in I886, he retired at the end of his second term, having won fcr himself by the discharge of his duties an enviable reputation. During his exercise of the functions of the office he formed the acquaintance of the bar generally throughout the state and won, the respect of all by his candor, courtesy and impartiality. His conduct was regulated by a high standard of morality and a keen sensibility of the importance, and sometimes delicacy, of the official duties imposed upon him. He was frequently called upon to explain or construe statutes in advance of any judicial expression upon the same, and he es tablished the reputation of preparing his opinions thereon conscientiously, and expressing his views with unusual clearness. The law has engaged his attention absolutely since he first engaged in the practice, and he has uniformly exhibited ability, industry and skill as a practioner. Mr. Taggart's friendship is marked by a sincerity and firmness which always commands respect. His Christianity is of the practical sort, which affects the daily life and conversation. In the relations of society and citizenship he aims to be guided as nearly as possible by the Golden Rule. He was married October 17, 1872, to Miss Lillie Ganson, of Ypslianti. His children are Ganson, Ralph C., James M., Van Cleve, and Anna, and since January, 1898, his son Ganson has been a member of his father's law firm, which is now Taggart, Ganson & Taggart. Personally, Mr. Taggart is a man of strong convictions, firm in his friendships, courteous in his bearing. A member of the Presbyterian church, he carries his Christianity into his daily life-in all things having a great deal of the steadfastness of his Puritan ancestors, without any of the Puritan bitterness. Not only as a lawyer, but as a man, he has won and enjoys the sincere respect of the community in which he lives. ILLIAM ALDRICH TATEUM, a member of the Grand Rapids bar, came to this city in 1887. His early life was passed in Massachusetts, his natal state, and in Connecticut, where he graduated from the Wesleyan university at Middletown, and was prepared for his chosen profession at Hartford, later becoming.. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 438 a student at the Boston university law school. Since coming to Grand Rapids, Mr. Tateum has taken an active interest in political affairs, as a republican. In I891 and I892 he was a member of the board of aldermen of the city. In the session of the state legislature of 1893-4, he wxas a member from this city in the house of representatives.. Although this was his first term in that body, he received the unusual honor from his colleagues of being elected speaker, and presided during the session. LLIAM WISNER TAYLOR, one of the oldest and most experienced attorneys at law in Grand Rapids, was born in Geneva, Ontario county, N. Y., April 25, I843, a son of \alter T. and Charlotte (Dobbin) Taylor, natives of the same state-the former a classical scholar and professor, and the latter a daughter of Gen. Hugh Dobbin, of the war of I812. Prof. Walter T. Taylor, in I851, came to Michigan and established, under the auspices of the general synod of the Dutch Reformed church, the academy at Holland, Ottawa county, which afterward developed into Hope college. With the academy he maintained his connection until 1855, when he returned to Geneva, N. Y. He was a practical philologist, and had been a professor in Hobart college, N. Y., as an educator, but ended his days in Geneva, N. Y., in 1857-his widow surviving until 889. They were the parents of thirteen children-the subject, William W., being the twelfth-and of these there are eight still living. William Wisner Taylor was under the instruction of his father at Geneva, N. Y., and Holland, Mich., until sixteen years of age; he then passed two years as a clerk in a bookstore in Geneva, then entered Hobart college, N. Y., and graduated in I865 as second-honor man. For some time he taught school on Long Island, then entered Columbia College (New York city) Law school, under President Theodore W. Dwight, and was admitted to the bar in the city of New York in the fall of I867. He was sent to Charleston, S. C., under the auspices of the Protestant Episcopal church, as superintendent of a colored school, remained two years, and in June, 1869, came to Grand Rapids and engaged in the practice of his profession. As a democrat, Mr. Taylor served as city attorney from 1874 until 1879, inclusive, was next assistant city attorney for two years under James VT. Ransom, and then again filled the office of city attorney from 1889 until 1893. The marriage of Mr. Taylor took place at Oyster Bay, Long Island, N. Y., July 23, 1871, to Miss Olivia R. Burtis, who was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., January 8, I848, a daughter of Oliver D. and Rachael (Smith) Burtis. This happy union has been blessed with six children, viz: William Wisner, late sergeant of company H, Thirty-second Michigan N. G., but now serving in the Philippines as corporal of the Fourth infantry; Olivia, Louise R., Charlotte B., Elizabeth and Julia B. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are members of St. Mark's Episcopal church, and the social standing of the family is most desirable. ILLIAM JAMES THOMAS, county clerk of Kent county, Mich., was born in Cannon township, November 24, 1859, a son of John M. and Carrie (Kromer) Thomas, the former of whom was born in Lycoming county, Pa., and 434 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS the latter in New York. These parents were married in Kent county, Mich., November 24, 1858, settled on a farm, on which their two children, William J. and Fred, were born, and where Mrs. Thomas died in I866. In the meanwhile Mr. Thomas had served a year in company H, Twenty-first Michigan volunteer infantry. The second-born child, Fred, is a resident of Grand Rapids, and is a furniture finisher by vocation. John M. Thomas remained on the old homestead in Cannon township, after being bereft of his wife, continued his occupation of farming, and in I868 married Miss Carrie Scott, a native of New York, and to this marriage has been born one child-Blanche. In politics Mr. Thomas is quite prominent as a republican. He served as deputy sheriff in 1878, and was the republican candidate for sheriff in I884; during Harrison's administration he served as deputy United States marshal, and now holds the office of county drain commissioner. In I889 Mr. Thomas removed from Cannon township to Grand Rapids township, a half-mile north of the city limits of Grand Rapids, where he still resides. He is a royal arch Mason, and is highly respected throughout the county. William J. Thomas was educated in the union school of Cannon township and at the high school of Grand Rapids. He began his business life at the early age of eighteen years, by teaching a country school two years, followed by twelve terms as principal of the Cannonsburg union school. He next engaged in lumbering, followed the calling during the years 1882 and I883, and then settled down to farming. For three years (1894-95-96) he served as supervisor of Cannon township, and in the fall of 1896 was elected county clerk, and again in the fall of I898. This compliment is pretty good evidence that he has filled The marriage of Mr. Thomas took place in Cannon township June 4, I881, to Miss Cora L. Lacey, who was born in Rockford, Kent county, Mich., May 17, I860, a daughter of John I. and Catherine (Gray) Lacey. Four children have come to bless this marriage, and are naned, in order of birth, John N., Mae, Charles and Leah. Fraternally Mr. Thomas is a member of Rockford lodge, No. 246. A. F. & A. M.; Daisy lodge, No. 48, B. P. 0. E.; Cannon tent, No. 8 5, Maccabees; Grand Rapids court of Foresters, and Kent camp of Woodmen. Mr. Thomas and family reside at No. 263 North Prospect street, Grand Rapids, but Mr. Thomas still owns his farm of 320 acres in Cannon township, which he has cultivated in small grain by hired help, and on which he breeds some fine live stock. As a republican Mr. Thomas is greatly in favor with his party as well as with the public, and socially he and wife enjoy the esteem of a very wide circle of warm-hearted friends. HARLES WELLINGTON TUFTS, of the city of Grand Rapids, although not an old settler, is among the enterprising men of the place, and of recent years has been a considerable factor in its improvement and development. He was born in Gallon, Ohio, January 8, I856, and, through a long line of notable ancestry, traces his lineage back to Peter Tufts, who was the progenitor of the family in America, and came from Norfolk county, England, about the year 1630. He was a Massachusetts colonist, and with his brother-in-law, William Bridges, kept the Malden ferry in the latter office with ability and faithfulness. I i646 and i6~47. He lived iri Everett and on AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 4385 the site of the niter storehouse in Maiden, and was a large land owner. He married Mary, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Pierce, of Charlestown. She died January 10, 1702, aged seventy-five years. He died May 13, I700, aged eighty-three years. Their gravestones in Bell Rock cemetery, Malden, are still in an excellent state of preservation. From this beginning, the Tufts family multiplied, and its representatives may be found in all parts of the United States. As a rule they have been prominent in social and political affairs, and the name of Tufts is intimately associated with many notable events, and philanthropic enterprises. Among them was Peter the second, known as Capt. Tufts. He was commissioned lieutenant of a cavalry troop October 17, I699, and later was much interested in educational affairs; and John Tufts, whose name appears on the rolls of old Harvard as far back as o708. He studied theology, was pastor of Second church, at Newbury, from 1714 to 1738, and wrote, as early as 171 4, ('An Introduction to the Singing of Psalm-tunes, in a plain and easy method, with a collection of tunes; In three parts." He advocated singing by note, and his was the first book of the kind published in New England, and. passed through several editions. Generations later came Charles Tufts. the granduncle of the subject of this sketch, who was born in Medford, Mass., July I6, 178r, and died at Somerville, December 24, 1876. 1 He was a manufacturer and active business man, promoted the prosperity of his town, and added to his fortune bysagacious investments. He was a liberal friend of education, and to his effort, liberality and influence, was founded, in 1847, Tufts' college, at Boston. The college has become the largest and strongest institution of its class in the United States. He gave not only large amounts of money, but seventy acres of valuable land, upon a part of which the college stands. This same land was purchased by Peter Tufts in 1690. A charter was obtained in 1852, and instruction actually began in I855. The college is under the control of the Universalist church, and the divinity school prepares students for the ministry of that denomination. Otis Tufts, a second cousin of Charles Wellington, was the inventor of the grain elevator, the first being operated by a large screw, which ran up the center of the elevator car, and this he used for years in his machine shop in Boston; he afterward improved upon this, and built a large number, which are still in use in the same city. He was also the first man to use several cables on cars for safety in case of breakage. James W. Tufts was the inventor of the soda-. water fountain, and realized a fortune from its sales. The parents of the subject of this sketch, George A. Tufts and Sarah R. (Pettyes) Tufts, mnoved to Leslie, M'ich., in 1864, where Charles Wellington received -his primary education. He was graduated from the high school in 1876, and that same year entered the university of Michigan and was graduated in I88o, with the degrees of A. I3. and A. M. Subsequently he studied one year in Berlin and Leipsic, Germany. Then, returning to the United States, he engaged in teaching, first for one year at Sheboygan, Wis., then as principal of the high school at Kalamazoo, and later as principal at the Normal at Ottawa, I11., for four years. Mr. Tufts graduated from the law department of the university of Michigan, at Ann Arboar, was admitted to the bar at Mason, Ingham county, came to Grand Rapids in 1888 and commenced the practice of law, forming a partnership with C. R. Buchanan, under the firm name of Tufts & Buchanan; this arrangement continued for two years, during which time Mr. Tufts' personal business had increased to large pro 436 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS portions, and the partnership was dissolved by mutual consent. This gave the subject an opportunity to give more attention to the real-estate business, and in this line of work he has accomplished much. He bought five acres between Madison and Union streets, near Fifth avenue, and platted the same, and this is known as C. W. Tufts' First addition to Grand Rapids. This tract is now mostly improved and in its management he built four residences himself. Later he platted another five acres, known as C. W. Tufts' Second addition, and since coming to this city he has built and sold 156 houses-many of them fine models of architecture, and all of them a good class of residences. He is also interested in other additions to the city, his own holdings taking the greater part of his time. In 1893 Mr. Tufts began and completed the attractive building on Fulton street known as the Wellington flats. This edifice is one of the best in the city, is 45 x 168 feet, six stories, and contains about 200 rooms. In I899 he enlarged this building-making an addition of 48x62 feet, seven stories, and containing ninety-eight rooms-the entire building costing upward of $ioo,ooo. The Wellington flats are so called from early associations. A great uncle of Mr. Tufts, who was a prominent man in Boston, bore the name of Wellington, and after him also was named the subject. Mr. Tufts was married at Toledo, Ohio, September I8, I877, to Gertrude L. Clapp, who was born in Owego, N. Y., December 25, I86o, a daughter of James H. and Mary (Dana) Clapp, of Massachusetts, whose ancestry is traceable in direct lire to members of the Mayflower colony. They have one daughter-Lura G., born January 25, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Tufts attend the Congregational church, and in politics Mr. Tufts is a repub lican. Socially Mr. Tufts is a genial gentleman, whom it is a pleasure to meet. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic order and is a member of the Patriarchal Circle. [_EORGE SLATER, a respected retired t farmer residing on South Division [J street, Grand Rapids, is a native of England, and was brought by his father to Lower Canada, his mother having died when he was still an infant in England. The parents were Robert and Elizabeth (Reeves) Slater, both natives of England. The father was born May 22, 1787, and died in Lower Canada in 1864; the mother was born August I8, 1781, and died in 1827. Of their family of six, the eldest, a daughter, died in infancy; John, whom subject has never seen, remained in England, and is a very old man, if living; Henry died at St. Marys, Canada West; William died in Lower Canada; Richard is a farmer of Preston, Minn., aged seventy-eight years; Robert died in this country about 1892; George, the subject, was born October 25, 1825; Samuel, born in 1834, is in Caledonia township, Kent county, Mich.; he is a son by his father's second marriage. The stepmother was Esther, a widow of a soldier of the English army, her former name having been Mrs. Asprey Lewis. She also died in Lower Canada. George Slater, the subject, ran away from horne in boyhood and located at Canaan, Vt., and was voriously employed in Vermont, New Hampshire and Connecticut until his marriage, November 24, i85, after which he farmed on Canaan Hill for seven years. His wife was Emily Beecher, a distant relative of Misin Missing Page AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 489 Henry Ward Beecher and descended from Revolutionary stock. Her parents were Joseph and Maria (Cramer) Beecher, Joseph's parents, Nathan and Lucy Beecher, having been born in Connecticut, as was his wife, and they ended their days in New Hampshire. The father, a farmer, died at the age of eightyseven and the mother at fifty-two years of age. Nathan Beecher, paternal grandfather of Mrs. Slater, was a soldier under Washington in the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Slater had five brothers and four sisters, five of whom are living; these are Chester Allen, in New Hampshire, a farmer; Mrs. Slater; Reuben is in Lower Canada; Nathan is in New Hampshire, and Catherine Dearth also lives in that state. After seven )ears spent in farming in Vermont, Mr. Slater brought his wife and three children to Michigan and located on a farm in Paris township, Kent county. This was in March, I859. He bought eighty acres of partly improved land and lived in a log cabin for some years; afterward he bought 100 acres adjoining. This land is still in the family, though I I acres have been added. Mr. and Mrs. Slater are the parents of six children living and one dead, viz: Allen G., born in Vermont on October i8, I853, and now on a farm in Paris township; Richard J., born in Vermont September I6, 1856, and now a farmer in Cascade township; Maria E., wife of Charles Dennett, resides in California; she was born in Vermont May 6, 1858; Chester B., born November 19, I86, in Paris township, died August 18, 1863; Alfred W., born March 5, 1864, is a farmer in Paris township; Nellie M., born May 30, 1866, was married March 17, 1887, to Joseph Apsey, and lives on the old home farm; John E., born October 30, 1868, lives on the old home farm, aportion of which he owns. The descendants of George Slater are represented by twenty-five grandchildren. I Mr. and Mrs. Slater remained upon the Paris township farm until their children were grown to maturity, when they gave each of the sons a farm and retired to city life. One of these farms cost Mr. Slater $6,o00. They came to Grand Rapids in February, I890, and purchased the block in which they live, beside other city property and they still own a portion of the old home farm upon which they located in I859. They brought $I,600 with them from Vermont, and this was invested in the eighty acres, leaving a debt of $300. From this humble beginning, by virtue of hard work and economy, they became very well to do. Mr. Slater has been a life-long democrat and has held various offices in Paris township. He is a member of the church of England, and his wife is a member of the Congregational church. They have assisted with their means in building up a church in Paris township, and contribute to the support of many others. Mr. Slater has been self-sustaining ever since he ran away from home in boyhood. His father was a man of good education, and was a justice of the peace in Lower Canada for many years. Subject's educational advantages were somewhat limited, but he makes up for this lack by being blessed with good hard common sense. He is jolly and wholesouled-a joker who appreciates a joke on himself as well as on his companion, and is a universal favorite. He is strictly temperate, never having used stimulants, even tea or coffee. I AMES M. TRAVIS, who buys and sells everything on earth and has storage room for more at his unique museum, No. 67 Canal street, Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Staunton, Augusta county, 440 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Va., October 8, 1845, and is a son of John W. and Anna (Trimble) Travis, the former of whom was born in Augusta, and. the latter in Rockingham county, of the Old Dominion. The father, by inheritance, was a slaveholder, but was conscientiously inimical to the system, and freed five of his human chattels long before the breaking out of the Civil war. He came west during the childhood of 'Jim," and died in Edgar county, Ill., where his wife also passed away. They were the parents of eight sons and four daughters, of whom the subject is the seventh son. Five of the sons were soldiers in the Union army during the Civil war, and one was in the Confederate service. The Union boys were George, William, Henry, James and Charles, and though all escaped death, James was twice wounded and Henry wounded once. The first "unpleasantness" that happened James, in the way of an injury, was at Stone River, and the second was at Missionary Ridge. John Travis, who served in the Confederate army, has since gone to his eternal home. George is now a practicing physician in Missouri, and Charles is now a major in the United States regular army. James M. Travis was educated in the country schools of Edgar county, Ill., and after serving three and a half years in the Seventy-ninth Illinois infantry, with the army of the Cumberland, traveled eight years with a brother as manager of the latter's entertainment troupe. In I871 he came to Grand Rapids and was first employed in clearing off the timber of the right of way of the Holland railway, and next engaged in the flour and feed trade, then in the livery business for five years, and next in his present business as salesman. He succeeded to the ownership of this peculiar establishment in I887, and its designation, or title, as already given, explains the nature of the traffic he conducts. The business was established over fifty years ago by Squire Buddington, passed from him to Robert Smith, who was the employer of Mr. Travis, and at his death came into the hands of the latter through purchase. Of course it would be useless to attempt to describe the tremendous stock of curios, relics and other articles, useful and ornamental, that he has constantly on hand. In fact, it is more than he can do himself; but whatever a buyer may want he can get, and whatever a seller has to dispose of he can sell, at No. 67 Canal street. Mr. Travis was married in Grand Rapids, in 1872, to Miss Marcia E. Dunton, a native of Wisconsin, and to this marriage have been born four daughters and one son- Calla, Evylin, Ella, Maud and "C. C." The eldest daughter is a teacher of physical culture, delsarte, calisthenics, etc., at the Akley institute, of which she is herself a graduate, and she also has charge of the Charlevoix resort entertainments during the summner season. The other children are still at home. The mother of Mr. Travis was a lady highly connected in Virginia, as she was a double full cousin of John Randolph, of Roanoke. William Travis, brother of subject, is a sketch artist of national reputation, and is located in Burlington, N. J. I-e has traveled extensively in European countries, is fully equipped for an elaborate business in his line, and has already made a grand success in life. James has himself been very successful financiall', having accumulated a fine property through his close application to business. His family home, at No. 508 Jefferson street, is a model of good taste. He is a teetotaler, as far as the use of intoxicants is concerned, but is a genial companion. He receives a pension on account of wounds received in the service of his country, and in politics is a democrat, although he has never sought political honors. Jovial and goodnatured, with a AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 441 strong sense of humor, he delights in the title of plain "Jim Travis," rather than in the more dignified cognomen of Mr. James Travis. HRISTIAN VANDERVEEN, a wellknown physician and surgeon of i Grand Rapids, was born in Holland, Mich., on the 12th day of May, I873. He is a son of Rev. Christian Vanderveen, who came to America when a boy with a colony of emigrants from Holland, and settled in Holland, Mich. The elder Vanderveen was a minister of the Dutch Reform church and an. alumnus of Holland academy, now Hope college, and also completed a theological course at Rutger's college, New Brunswick. He began the ministry at the age of twentyone, and spent the greater part of his life in the sacred calling, dying in October, I896. His wife, whose maiden name was Maria Louise Taylor, was born in New York and is still living, residing at this time in the city of Grand Rapids. The family of Christian and Maria Vanderveen consisted of nine children, all of whom are living and named as follows:,Charlotte, Richard, Christian, Maria Louise, Hugh Woodruff, Theodore F., Francis C., Agnes Emily and Edward Ferry. The eldest brother is clerk in the service of the United States on the G. R. & I. R. R.; the others are still under the parental roof. Dr. Vanderveen was educated in Grand Rapids, graduating from the high school with the class of I893, and after a year entered the medical department of the university of Michigan, where he completed a four years' course, receiving his degree in I898. His professional education completed, the doctor at once began the practice in Grand Rapids, and notwithstanding the fact of his being one of the youngest physicians in the. city, has already succeeded in building up a lucrative business. The doctor is an enthusiastic student. His knowledge of the science of medicine is comprehensive and accurate, and by constant perusal of medical literature and contact with his professional brethren he keeps abreast of the times in all matters pertaining to the healing art. His fidelity to every duty of professional and social life has gained him high esteem, and his ability in the line of his calling has already won him gratifying success financially and otherwise. The doctor is a member of the Knickerbocker society, his name appearing upon its charter, and he belongs to the A. O. U. \V., holding at this time the position of examining physician for Grand Rapids lodge, No. 8. He is also a member of the Prudent Patricians of Pompeii, being the physician for Palmleaf primary, No. 44. Doctor Vanderveen is a democrat, belonging to that wing of the party which believes in sound money; otherwise, a gold democrat. He is not identified with any religious organization, but is a friend of the church, believing it to be a potent factor for substantial good in the community. He was married. in Grand Rapids March 23, I899, to Miss Cecelia W. Schickell, a native of Madison, Wis., and daughter of Peter C. Schickell, a well known insurance and realestate dealer of this city. OHN J. VOS, deputy treasurer of Kent county and one of the leading military men of Grand Rapids, is a native of Michigan, born on the I5th day of July, I865, in the city of Grand Haven. He is descended from sterling Dutch ancestry, his 442 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I father, Johannas D. Vos, having come from -the Netherlands many years ago and having located near Grand Haven, Mich., of which part of the state he was one of the early pioneers. Johannas Vos married Zena Bosch, also a native of Holland, and for a number of years after corning to Michigan was a successful dealer in lumber. He is still living at a good old age, his home at this time being Muskegon, Mich., where he is engaged in the mercantile business. John J. Vos attended the public schools of Grand Haven until his fifteenth year, and obtained while so doing a fair knowledge of the branches constituting the common-school curriculum. He early turned his attention to business affairs, and while a lad in his teens proved a valued assistant to his father in the latter's lumber trade. At the age of eighteen he entered Swensberg's Business college, Grand Rapids, in which he completed the prescribed commercial course, and after receiving a certificate of graduation became connected with the hardware firm of Vandeveer & Witman, in whose employ he remained continuously for a period of eleven years. His long continuance with a single firm proves the high esteem in which he was held by his employers, and is also a glowing tribute to the efficiency to which he has attained in his profession. Severing his connection with the hardware house, Mr. Vos accepted the position of deputy county clerk under F. D. Eddy, the duties of which office he discharged for three years, and then became chief deputy in the county treasurer's office under H. B. Proctor, a place to which, with the exception of eight months spent in the United States service, he has since devoted his time and attention. On the breaking out of the Spanish-American war Mr. Vos tendered his services to the state and was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the Thirty-second regiment, Michigan vol unteers, having previously held the rank in the National Guards, with which he has been connected for fifteen years. He saw no active service in the late war, and after the return of his command resumed his duties in the treasurer's office. For many years Mr. Vos has been prominent in military affairs, both as a student and actual participant, and for a period of four years served as captain of the West Side company, a superb organization, and, as already stated, later became lieutenant colonel in the National Guards. He was instrumental in bringing about the consolidation of the three Grand Rapids military organizations, thus securing their admission into the army designed for the invasion of Cuba. He is now engaged in important military work in connection with the organization in the city, and expects to bring them up to a standard of efficiency second to that of no other company or battalion in the state. Mr. Vos is a public-spirited man, interested in the prosperity of the city, and is a recognized force in the republican party of Kent county. He is a member of the Pythian and Elk fraternities, and also belongs to the insurance organizations known as Foresters and Woodmen of the World. K. SALSBURY, city attorney of Grand Rapids, was born in the town of Saline, Washtenaw county, Mich., March I, I868. His parents were George and Corintha (Edwards) Salsbury, the former a native of New York, born of English parentage, and a relative of Lord Salisbury, the present premier of the British empire. Mrs. Sa!sbury is a native of Michigan and died in this state in I895. She was the It - w qW AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 445 - I mother of seven children, the subject of this sketch being the second of the family. L. K. Salsbury was twelve years of age when the family moved to Kent county. Until his sixteenth year he attended the common schools, making such rapid progress that at that early age he obtained a teacher's license. He taught school in Kent county until 1883, at which time he entered Albion college, where he took a four years' literary course, completing the same in 1887. He then began the study of law with John W. Mathewson, of Lowell, and after continuing there one year entered the United States mail service and was thus employed about a year. He then resumed the study of law in the office of Turner & Carroll, of Grand Rapids, under whose instruction he continued one and a half years, and then for one year he was a student in the law department of the state university at Ann Arbor. Mr. Salsbury was admitted to the bar by the supreme court of Michigan in I890, in July of which year he opened an office in partnership with J. M. Mathewson of Lowell, and for some time carried on business in that town, and also in Grand Rapids. This partnership continued until I892, at which time Mr. Salsbury became associated in the practice with his present partner, E. A. Maher, of Grand Rapids, and the firm thus constituted has a large and constantly increasing business in the courts of Kent and other counties. In I896, and again in 1898, Mr. Salsbury was the democratic candidate for prosecuting attorney, but failed of election, though running ahead of his ticket each year —I,ooo votes in I896, and i,8oo in I898-and in May, I899, he was elected city attorney, the duties of which position he has since discharged in an eminently satisfactory manner. Mr. Salsbury brought to the profession a mind well fortified with literary training, and during the period of his practice, which has taken a wide range, he has won a position in the ranks of the thorough and logical lawyers of the Kent county bar. In the general practice, as well as in the discharge of his duties as city attorney, his characteristic energy and industry are everywhere manifest, and he has discharged every relation with credit to himself and to the profession which he honors. Mr. Salsbury is a Mason, Elk, and a member of the K. of P., the Foresters, Maccabees and Woodmen fraternities. He was married in Muskegon, Mich., November IO, I891, to Miss Gertrude Shanks, who was born near Columbus, Ind., December 26, I865, the daughter of Mark Shanks, who at this time is a prominent lumberman of Ionia county, Mich. Mr. and Mrs. Salsbury have one child, Helen. Financially Mr. Salsbury has met with encouraging success, having accumulated valuable city property, including his beautiful home, No. 4I Lawn court. w EORGE F. UPTON, retired farmerl and lumberman and for many years a familiar figure on the streets of Grand Rapids, was born in New Brunswick, May 21, 18I9. His ancestors were among the early families of that province, and there his father, Samuel Upton, a successful fisherman and farmer, lived and died. The mother, Mary Upton, also a native of the same country, like her husband lived to a ripe age and lies by his side in the ancestral burying ground. George F. Upton was reared to manhood, in the county of his nativity, but enjoyed meager educational advantages, the primitive schools of that time being few and far between. He learned the alphabet at his mother's knee, 446 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS and under her instruction was taught simple spelling and the mysteries of elementary reading. From this meager beginning he soon became a fluent reader and eagerly perused such books and scraps of literature as fell into his hands, and he recalls with much satisfaction the grand delight with which he pored over the pages of the Arabian Nights, the first volume he ever read from beginning to end. Not content with a single perusal of these thrilling tales, he read and re-read them until the contents were thoroughly memorized, and he also studied a History of England until he could repeat verbatim nearly every chapter of its contents. At the age of nineteen he first saw.a newspaper, and from that time to the present he has been a persistent reader of current periodicals, thus storing his mind with a vast fund of information and keeping himself fully abreast with the times in all matters of politics, religion and science, besides drinking deeply from the fountain of general literature. While still in his 'teens, Mr. Upton began life for himself as a lumberman in the woods of New Brunswick, where vigorous exercise in the pure free air developed a strehgth of muscle which made him a true type of the hardy athlete among a class of men noted for their great physical strength and endurance. He followed this kind of work almost continuously until 1854, at which time he came to Michigan and engaged in farming and lumbering in the county of Ottawa, where he purchased a 220 acre tract of land, covered with a dense-forest growth and otherwise as nature made it. The greater part of this land was cleared for cultivation by his own hard labor, and the sound of his ax 'was frequently heard before sunrise, and the echo s died not away until darkness rendered too indistinct the log or tree upon which he was working. He experienced in all its details the vicissitudes of pioneer life, and now tells how he frequently chased the deer over the frozen snow until they were fairly run down and killed after an all-night chase through the thick woods with which the country was then covered. In September, I86r, Mr. Upton entered the United States service as a member of company C, First Michigan engineers and mechanics, and remained with the same until July of the following year, when he was discharged by reason of an injury, from the effects of which he has ever since been a sufferer. He returned home on crutches, and these he has since been compelled to use, the nature of his hurt being such that locomotion would be difficult and painful without them. Mr. Upton's army record, like that of his experience in civil life, was exemplary, and his sacrifice upon the altar of duty was made bravely and uncomplainingly. Like thousands of other gallant defenders of the flag, he is now the recipient of a pension from the government, which, although gratefully appreciated, is insignificant when compared with his injuries received while at the front. Mr. Upton was married in Ottawa county, Mich., March 26, I856, to Lydia M. Platt, a native of Saratoga county, N. Y., who bore him two children: Nellie, born in 1859, married Milton Platt, had three children, and died in November, I898; the other, a son, George Nathaniel Upton, was born in I86o, and departed this life at the early age of twenty-six years. After nearly forty years of happy married life, Mr. Upton was left alone in the world, his devoted companion being summoned from the scenes of earth on the 8th day of May, 1895. Much might be said of the sweet, pure life of this noble woman and faithful wife. She was cultured far above the average woman of her day, possessed a keen discriminating mind, was well versed in the world's best literature, and for a period of AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 447 twenty-seven years taught in the schools of her native county and elsewhere. Since her death and the breaking up of his family, Mr. Upton has lived among strangers, and in so doing has always been surrounded with friends whom he has won by his genial and companionable disposition. As stated in the beginning of this sketch, he has been a familiar figure on the streets of Grand Rapids the greater part of the time since 1854, and one of the pathetic experiences of his life is recalling the names of his many friends and companions of former days, now sleeping their last sleep in ( The windowless palaces of rest." He is one of the few remaining links connecting the present with a generation rapidly passing away, and when contemplating the changes time has wrought he can with the poet truly say: All, all are gone, the old familiar faces. Although old and somewhat infirm in body, his mental faculties have been to a wonderful degree retained and he is still the close student and careful observer he was before advancing years laid their restraining hands upon his physical powers. One reason for his remarkable vitality may be found in the fact that, throughout his life, Mr. Upton has been temperate in all his habits, and for years his voice has been heard in no uncertain tones in behalf of temperance and sobriety. He belongs to no church or secret society, and in religion is what may be termed a materialist. He does not accept the prevalent doctrines and dogmas of Christianity, and from early manhood has been a careful and unbiased reader of all books and publications supporting or antagonizing what the world has been 'pleased to call Revelations. Few, if any, are as well acquainted as he with the writings of Payne, Voltaire, Huxley, Darwin, Spencer, Tyndall, Bishop Taylor, Bishop Davidson, Judge Ladd, and numerous other great thinkers, both for and adverse to the christian system, and he has arrived at conclusions and formed his opinions only after full intelligent investigation and painstaking research. In the sense in which the term charity is usually understood, Mr. Upton has been most liberal, contributing of his means to worthy enterprises and never turning a deaf ear to the appeals of the deserving unfortunate. During a long and active business career he succeeded in accumulating a competence which, supplemented by'his pension, enables him to pass his declining years in comfort, his infirmities being the only detractions therefrom. Though at times a great sufferer, he long since learned the true philosophy of life -to meet every misfortune uncomplainingly-and by the reason of the exercise of this spirit of resignation he is, despite his fourscore years, a charming companion and the life of every social circle of which he forms a part. It is the earnest prayer and fervent hope that good old " Uncle George," by which term he is familiarly known, may yet be spared many years in which to complete his journey to the mysterious bourn whence no traveler ever returns. W RIE VERHEU, wholesale and retail dealer in coal, wood, flour, feed, grain, hay, straw, lime, hair, cement, etc., at Grand Rapids, was born in the south part of Holland, December 10, I848, was fairly well educated, and began his business life in a grocery store in his native land. In I891 he came to America and soon found his way to Grand Rapids, and here first went to work in the coal yard of Albert Himes & Son, and in that employ learned the details of his present business, in which he em-: 448 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS barked about the year I891, in a small way, and later bought out a Mr. Peterson, on West Leonard street, where his sons are still conducting the coal department of the concern. His main office is now at No. io8 West Bridge street, and the coal-yard and office at the crossing of the C. & W. M. railroad, his office telephone being No. 1852, and the yard 'phone No. 1842. He is doing a most thriving trade and well deserves the success with which he has met, as he is very courteous and obliging, and conducts his business with strictly honest principles and a sound sense of justice. Mr. VerheU was married in Holland, in May, 1875, to Miss Derke Bastemeyer, and this union has resulted in the birth of nine children, in the following order: Frederick, Jacob, Kate, Johanna, Peter, Cornelius, Tini, Katie and Willie, all of whom were born in Holland, with the exception of Willie, who was born in Grand Rapids, but all are now living in this city. The family have been reared in the faith of the Holland Reformed church, and in politics Mr. Verhet is a republican. Mr. Verheii has proven himself to be a good citizen and shown himself appreciative of republican institutions. He is progressive himself, and has shown himself to be greatly interested in the progressiveness of the city he has chosen for his home, and by such as he the prosperity of any community is always sure to be unfalteringly advanced. YRON HAMILTON WALKER, for l over twenty years in practice at Grand Rapids as an attorney at law, was born in Westboro, Mass., January 17, 1855, a son of Silas and Louisa E. (Everett) Walker, and the youngest in a family of six children, viz: Irving E., who died in a Rebel prison; Melvin H., of Westboro, Mass.; Erastus E., of Pittsburg, Pa.; Herbert S., deceased; Emma L., wife of Oscar A. Rowland, of Oceana county, Mich., and Myron H. Silas Walker was born in Holden, Mass., December 30, 181, was there reared to farming, then moved to Westboro, and there lived until I866, when he removed to Wooster, Mass., came thence, in 1870, to Grand Rapids, Mich., and lived here until 1887, when he removed to Hesperia, Oceana county, where he was called away in I892 and his wife February 25, I896, both in the faith of the Baptist church. Mr. Walker was a quiet man of strong convictions. He was first a whig in politics and later an abolitionist and republican; was firm in his religious belief, was an industrious student of the Bible, and was greatly respected wherever he was known. Myron H. Walker had attended the common schools in Massachusetts until I870, or until the family came to Grand Rapids. He here entered the high school, graduated in 1874, then taught a district school one winter, and next took a course at the Grand Rapids Business college. For a year he kept books for L. M. Cutcheon, lumber dealer, then entered the university of Michigan and graduated from the law department in 1878 with the degree of LL. B. He was at once admitted to the bar of Kent county, and iri company with Charles A. Renwick opened an office at No. 8 Canal street, Grand Rapids. This partnership was maintained two years, when Mr. Walker moved to Lowell, Kent county, where he practiced until 1885, when.he came back to Grand Rapids, and here he has had his hands full of business ever since. June I, I897, he formed a partnership with Gerald FitzGerald, and this firm now stands among AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 449 the best in the county, doing a general and comprehensive law business. Mr. Walker was married in Kalamazoo, September I8, I888, to Miss Lounettie E. Stevens, who was born in New York, August i8, I865, and this union has been crowned by the birth of two children —Marjorie L. and Richard E. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are attendants of the Fountain street Baptist church, and in politics Mr. Walker is a prohibitionist, as well as a social and industrial reformer; for two years he has been president of the Social Science club of Grand Rapids, and is a hard worker for the promotion of all projects designed for the public good. His standing in society, as well as professionally, is very high, and his wife enjoys with him the esteem of all who really know them. AJ. ELIJAH DUDLEY WATERS, deceased, was born July 29, 1830, D at West Falls, Erie county, N. Y. His early education was obtained at the common schools of that vicinity and at the Aurora academy. In 1857 he came to Grand Rapids, and soon, with his brother, Daniel H., engaged in the meat-packing business on the east side of Canal street, between Lyon street and Crescent avenue, which was continued until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion. October 13, I862, he was commissioned major of the Sixth Michigan cavalry, and went to the field with that regiment. On its way to the front, in December of that year, Maj. Waters had charge and command of a portion of the regiment, but on account of the difficulties attending transportation in those days, the journey to Washington occupied about a week. An incident of that 23 trip, illustrative of the sensitive nature and humane disposition of Maj, Waters, as well as of his self-assertion in an emergency,'is related by some of his men. In consequence of the delays on the route, their supplies became exhausted, and at a station in Pennsylvania he asked the railroad train officials to stop and give him time to feed his men and horses. They refused, saying they were running that road. He replied: "You may be running this road, but I am running this train." Thereupon he ordered the train side-tracked, and the men and horses were unloaded, rested and fed. His men lustily cheered him for this act of kindness, and soon thereafter they reached Washington in fine spirits. The major remained with the regiment in front of Washington during the winter, but in the spring following was obliged to resign on account of ill-health, and was honorably discharged May 7, 1863. Maj. Waters was popular with the men of his command, and spoken of by members of the regiment as thoroughly patriotic and the very soul of honor. Returning to Grand Rapids from the war, with his health partially restored, with his brother, Daniel H. Waters, he engaged in manufacturing, and together they built up in a few years what was destined to become one of the most successful business enterprises in the city -the manufacture of bent-work woodenware. In 1859 Mr. Waters served the city as director of the poor, and was alderman for his ward in I86o-6. In 1867 he united with the St. NMark's Episcopal church. He died in this city January I, I868, leaving a wife and two children. In business life, though cut down at his prime, he had thoroughly won the public confidence and esteem, and at the time of his death was rapidly gaining a most honorable position among his fellow-men. One who knew him well, at that time wrote of him: " In his friendships and in all his dealings he was true 450 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS as steel. He loved the truth, and could not be tempted to be dishonest. He could be trusted without bonds. He was generous to a fault. The poor loved him, for he was their friend. None suffered from want within his knowledge, if in his power to relieve. He diied young, but lived long enough to be gratefully remembered by all our citizens." ON. ERWIN CURTIS WATKINS, a prominent attorney at law, at Grand Rapids, and an ex-soldier of the Civil war, with his residence in Rockford, Kent county, Mich., was born in Covington, -N. Y., January I5, I839, the fourth of the five children of Milton C. and Susan (Joy) \Vatkins-the latter a cousin of James F. Joy, the railroad magnate of Detroit. Milton C. Watkins, one of Kent county's earliest pioneers, was a native of West Rutland, Vt., where he was reared, and where he married Miss Joy, who was born in Deerfield, Mass. After marriage he located in Troy, N. Y., where he was employed in carpenter work -until 1835, when he removed to Genesee county, in the same state, where he taught school, engaged in carpenter work, and finally bought a farm, which he cultivated until 1844, when he came to Kent county, Mich., assisted in organizing Grattan township, and was its first supervisor. He was very prominent as a republican, and served in the lower house of the state legislature from I858 until I860, and was a member of the state senate in I862; he was assistant internal revenue collector four years, was a man of literary taste, possessed considerable means, and died in the faith, as a member of the Congregationalist church, May i6, I886, his wife surviving him until January 22, I889. The five children born to Milton C. Watkins and wife were named as follows: Mary, now wife of J. B. Colton, formerly of Grand Rapids, but now of South Dakota; Charles J., of Grattan township, Kent county, Mich.; Electa, widow of Andrew Chellis, of New Hampshire; Erwin C., the subject of this sketch, and Louis, deceased. Erwin C. Watkins attended the district school of Grattan township until fifteen years of age, and then the Union school in Otisco, Ionia county, until seventeen; he next attended school in Grand Rapids two years, and finished his literary course at Everett's academy in i86o. In the meantime he had been studying law in the offices of Miller& Wilson and Lucius A. Patterson, and was about to enter the law department of the Michigun university at Ann Arbor, when the Civil war broke forth. Being a member of the Valley City guards, Mr. Watkins was about to take part with his company in the three months' service, but before the guards were ready to leave the city there came the call for three-year men, in response to which Mr. Watkins enlisted for this term in company K, of the Lincoln cavalry, afterwards the First New York cavalry. The regiment was sent via Washington, D. C., to the front, in Fairfax county, Va., to Yorktown, up York river, and to Chickahominy, Mr. Watkins being then a sergeant. At Mechanicsville he was commissioned lieutenant, and for two months acted with this rank. He was next placed in command of a company, and on the field, after the first battle of Fredericksburg, was made adjutant; then served as aid for two months; was next acting assistant adjutantgeneral of a brigade, then of adivision of cavalry in the department of West Virginia, on the staff of Gen. Hunter. After the battle of Lynchburg, Gen. Hunter was relieved and Adjt. Watkins reported to Gen. Sheridan, who appointed him adjutant-general hXT P rrnTTNTmxTr TTF) ITDC\ T A r' A C1 A XNTTn TrT y+UNi JXJ2AiN I 'AJU~N I 1, UL? I LJZ I r. IJUl of a cavalry corps. After the battle of Cedar Creek, he received orders from the war department to report to Gen. Neil and aid him in organizing the troops in the Shenandoah valley. Gen. Neil was relieved by Gen. Seward, and the subject was ordered to report to him as adjutant-general, having been appointed by the president and confirmed by the senate as assistant adjutant-general, with the rank of captain, and later brevetted major. Maj. Watkins took part in I00 battles, many of which were noted fights. It was he who captured Gen. Mosby and his accoutrements, but the general managed to escape from the guards while the captain was still leading his men in battle. Maj. Watkins, at the close of the war, resigned his commission at Martinsburg, Va., April i6, 1865, immediately returned to Grand Rapids, and was here admitted to the bar by Judge Lovell in i866. He began practice in partnership with Fred Nims (now of Muskegon), but remained with him a short time only. He removed to Rockford, his present home, bought a half-interest in a flouring-mill, of which he took charge in September, I866, and also engaged in the practice of law. Shortly afterward he became the owner of a saw-mill, shingle-mill and planingmill, and his business so increased in these industries that he relinquished the practice of law, as far as Rockford was concerned, and devoted his entire time to his milling interests. In 1872 Maj. Watkins was elected by the republican party to the state legislature, and so ably did he execute the duties of the office that he was re-elected in I874. He served through three sessions, one being a special. During his term in this body he served as chairman of the committee on railroads and as speaker pro tempore. In I875 Maj. Watkins was appointed, by the United States government, an inspector of Indian affairs, and, as there were three of these, there were three districts created, and Maj. Watkins was elected president of the board. In I88I he was appointed warden of the state house of correction at Ionia, Mich., and served eight years. After an intermission of two years, spent at Thompson, in the upper peninsula as manager of the Delta Lumber company's mills, he returned to his mills in Rockford, where he remained until I894, when he sold-out, went to Chicago, and for six months was engaged in the wholesale and retail furniture trade. He next embarked in the manufacture of fine cigars, as manager and treasurer of the Belding Cigar company, of Belding, Ionia county, Mich., and was nominated for mayor in the spring of I896. He was elected chairman of the state central committee of the-union silver party of Michigan in 1896. At the close of the presidential campaign he opened a law office in Grand Rapids, in partnership with B. L. Ransford, and here he has been in active practice ever since, but still retains his home in Rockford. In July, 1899, the firm was changed to Watkins & Watkins, his son being the junior member. The marriage of Maj. Watkins took place in Putney, Vt., October 30, 1864, to Miss Julia S. Brown, daughter of Elijah and Cyntha Brown. Mrs. Watkins was born in Deerfield, Mass., January 30, 1837, and died June 27, I899, in Rockford. She bore her husband two children, viz: Ella Rose, who graduated from Olivet college in 1887, and Roy Milton, who, from June, 1893, to January, 1897, held a clerkship in the office of the state auditorgeneral, and who graduated with honors from the law department of the university of Michigan, with class of I899. Mrs. Watkins was a member of the Congregationalist church, and she and her husband were liberal in their contributions to its maintenance. The major is a thirty-third degree Mason, Memphis rite; 452 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS = = * c _... i... _.... is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, being the first commander of the post at Rockford, and is also a member of the Loyal Legion. He has had a wonderful life-career, and has always had the intelligence to avail himself of opportunities as they offered themselves and the courage to act as his conscience dictated. Besides the business interests already alluded to, the major has interests in Nevada mica mines, and timber lands in northern Michigan. He is one of the most enterprising business men of the state, and professionally, as well as socially, stands in the foremost rank. HARLES R. SLIGH, founder of the Sligh Furniture company and one of the leading business me'n of Grand Rapids, was born in the Valley city January 5, 1850, and is a son of James W. and Elizabeth (Wilson) Sligh, the former of whom was born in Scotland and the latter in Ireland. His father was one of the first to respond to the call to arms at the outbreak of the Civil war, was captain of a company in the First Michigan mechanics and engineers, served with honor and ability, and died at Tullahoma, Tenn., November 15, 1863, from injuries received in a railroad accident while the train was being attacked by the Rebels. Upon the death of his father, and while an elder brother was yet serving in the army, Charles R. Sligh was obliged to leave school to earn his own living and to aid in the support of the loved ones at home. He served a three years' apprenticeship at the tinsmith's trade under W. D. Foster and then worked a year at the trade in Grand Rapids, and in the railroad shops at Galesburg, Ill. He then accepted a clerkship in Foster, Stevens & Co.'s I.. hardware store, where he remained six years. During these years he devoted his spare hours to study and reading under the direction of an old schoolmate, who had graduated from the State university. When a young man he became a communicant of the Episcopal church, and was for several years superintendent of Grace church Sunday-school. At the age of twenty-five years Mr. Sligh became a traveling salesman for the Berkey & Gay Furniture company, and as such covered the territory west of Pittsburg and south to the Gulf of Mexico. He was the first to sell Grand Rapids furniture in the southwest, visiting Texas before many railroads were built, and when the stage coach was the principal means of conveyance. In I88o, Mr. Sligh and others organized the Sligh Furniture ccmpany, and under his management it has become one of the large furniture concerns of the country and thoroughly representative of Grand Rapids'chief industry. The company started with a small factory, limited capital and about twenty-five workmen. Its capital is now $50,000o. Its factory has three acres of floor spaco and gives employment to 300 artisans. The establishment is known wherever furniture is sold; its success has been in a large measure due to the executive ability, enterprise, energy and good judgment of Mr. Sligh in its management. He was for several years successfully engaged in importation of mahogany logs and lumber, visiting Central America five times on this business. He was one of the organizers of the Grand Rapids Furniture association and was twice elected its president. He was one of the chief movers in the organization of the Western Furniture Manufacturer's association, and was its president until it merged into the National association; and of the new association he was the first president, and twice re-elected. Aj, N,-4 AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 455 He was a charter member and one of the chief movers in the organization of the Grand Rapids board of trade, for several years serving as vice-president, and from the beginning was chairman of the River Improvement committee-a committee whose work has niade possible the improvement of Grand river for deep water navigation. He was also the first to suggest and was the chief organizer of the Citizens' Telephone company, and is still a director in-the same. He was likewise a charter member of company B, Michigan state militia. Mr. Sligh visited Germany in 89go, and after thoroughly canvassing the glass districts, rnade arrangements to buy the products of scattering factories, not controlled by the trust, and by importing direct, caused the dissolution of the monopoly. Later he made a tour of Great Britain to study the possibilities of selling American furniture abroad, an effort which has resulted in the establishment of a Grand Rapids furniture store in London, the beginning of an export trade which promises to be highly profitable and beneficial to all American furniture men. In politics, Mr. Sligh was a republican up to I896, and, firm in his convictions and true to his political faith, he was a liberal contributor and a stanch supporter of his party, while he thought his party was right. He took as active a part in political affairs as comported with good citizenship and as his business would permit, repeatedly declining offices and honors which he could have had for the taking. He studied carefully and thoroughly the issues as they arose, and on the financial question became convinced that this country never could obtain lasting prosperity without bimetallism. Having reached this conclusion, he advocated the policy, and when the national republican convention surrendered itself to the gold ring and the moneyed syndicates, he left the party with which he had been identified from his first ballot. He advocated the organization of a silver party and was active in its work of education and organization. Upon the death of Hon. James Turner, of Lansing, he was chosen to succeed him as chairman of the state central committee of the Union silver party, and did much to further the work. At the Bay City convention in I896, he was unanimously nominated for governor by the largest political convention ever held in the state. The selection proved a wise one, his personal popularity drawing many friends to the cause; which was ably discussed by him throughout the state; but the result at the polls showed that the great masses of voters had not as yet studied the question sufficiently. His personal bearing and campaign was such as to largely increase the number of his friends, and he stands to-day one of the recognized leaders of advanced thought in Michigan. Mr. Sligh was united in marriage, in I875, with Miss Mary S. Conger, and this union has been blessed with three children-Edith, Adeline and Loraine. The Sligh home is one among the many attractive ones of the city, and in the midst of the family he finds his greatest enjoyment. ~ —~ --- —----------- LFRED M. WEBSTER, M. D., the well-known homeopathic physician and surgeon of Grand Rapids, and a member of the firm of Ruffe & Webster, is a native of the \Volverine state and was born in Richland, Kalamazoo county, Aug3ust 19, I849. Dr. Webster received his elementary education in Richland, and after leaving school worked on a farm for a few years; he then learned the printer's trade, which he fol 456 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS lowed as a journeyman for two years. He next taught school for fifteen years in Alaska, Birmingham, Monroe an East Tawas, Mich., in all of which places he filled the office of superintendent. He graduated from the State Normal school of Michigan in the classical course in 1869, entered the Chicago Homeopathic college in 1885, and graduated from the latter institution in I887. He engaged in active practice of his profession at East Tawas for a short time, built up a fine practice, and in 1889 formed a partnership at Au Sable with Dr. A. L. Ruffe, where they practiced medicine together and also operated a drug store, Dr. Webster being a registered pharmacist. In I891 these gentlemen came to Grand Rapids, and now stand at the head of their school of practice in this city. Dr. Webster is a member of the Michigan Homeopathic Medical society; of Grand River lodge, No. 34, F. & A. M.; Royal Arch chapter, No. 7; Oriental chapter, Eastern Star; the Amaranth and the M. W. of A., and is one of the originators of the New Era association of Grand Rapids, of which he is the general secretary. The New Era is a fraternal insurance company, was established October 20, 1897, has at present a membership of 2,000, and differs from other insurance societies, in that it is conducted without lodge expenses. Dr. Webster was first united in marriage, in I870, with Miss Caroline M. Donaldson, of Saline, Mich., but this lady was called from earth in I879, leaving one son, Donald Eugene, who is now employed as local secretary of branch No. I, of the New Era. The second marriage of the doctor took place November 25, 188o, the lady of his choice being Miss Hattie Hale, of Alaska, Mich., who blessed him with two daughters-Ida C. and Ruey M. -and died in Au Sable ten years after her marriage. The doctor is a member of the Division street Methodist Episcopal church, is missionary superintendent of the Sunday-schools, and lives fully up to the teachings of the denomination to which he belongs. In politics he is independent, but is a prohibitionist from principle, and voted with the party as long as it had a distinctive existence. He was its candidate for congress from the Tenth district of Michigan in 1884, but shared in the general defeat. Of late years, however, the doctor has eschewed politics, as his large practice requires nearly all his attention, what little time he has to spare being devoted to the affairs of the New Era, the office of which he is contiguous to his own in the "Gilbert" building. EMMETT WELSH, M. D., of Grand Rapids, is one of the most eminent specialists in the treatment of diseases of eye, ear, nose and throat in the state of Michigan. He was born in Columbia, Lancaster county, Pa., January 22, I858, and there received his elementary education in the public schools. For four years he was under the tuition of Dr. Craig, surgeon for the Pennsylvania Railroad company, and then entered Jefferson Medical college, fronm which he graduated in 1878. For six years thereafter he was in active and successful practice in Latrobe, Westmoreland county, and while there was mine physician for the Loyal Hanna Coke & Coal company, the Saxman's mines and the H. Clay Frick & Co. Coal company. He next went to Philadelphia, took a special course of study, and was appointed assistant at the university of Pennsylvania for the treatment of nose and throat diseases, out-door department, to Prof. Carl Seiler; assistant to Prof. John B. Roberts, in surgery, at the Philadelphia Polyclinic, and AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 457 was resident physician at Wills' eye and ear hospital in the same city. Dr. Welsh also attended lectures in London, England, and Paris, France, as well as lectures by Dr. Berry, at Edinburgh, Scotland, and holds certificates entitling him to advanced privileges in his peculiar line. July 6, I885, Dr. Welsh settled in Grand Rapids and has here met with uninterrupted success ever since. His unusual skill has led to his being appointed to many prominent positions; in I886 he was appointed, by President Cleveland, expert pensioner examiner for western Michigan, and still holds this important office. He is ex-president of the Grand Rapids board of health, ex-president of the Grand Rapids Academy of Medicine, exvice-president of the Michigan State Medical society, and ex-secretary of the National association of Railway surgeons. He is a member of the Michigan State Medical society, of the National Medical association, of the Mississippi Valley Medical society, and of the National association of Rhinology; also an honorary member of the Pennsylvania State Medical society, and, by dimit, of the Western Laryngological society. His system of examination in sight and hearing is so near perfection that it has been adopted by several railroad companies both in the United States and Canada. The doctor is the present examiner for color blindness and other visual defects, as well as disorders of the ear, for the G. R. & I., C. & W. M., D. G. R. & W. railway companies, and the consolidated street railway, police and fire departments of Grand Rapids. Fraternally Dr. Welsh is a thirty-second degree Mason, and is also a member of the Royal Arcanum, the Maccabees, the Red Men, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. The marriage of Dr. Welsh took place in Grand Rapids, January 20, I898, when he was united to Miss Grace Vivian Diver, a native of this city. Dr. Welsh is permanently located in the Wonderly building and he resides on Jefferson avenue. LI WILLIS WELLS, V. S., of No. 158 Kent street, Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Norfolk county, province of Ontario, Canada, November 17, I852, a son of William and Mary (Walker) Wells, of whom further mention will be made. Dr. E. W. Wells was educated in the high school of Victoria and in Simcoe, was reared on a farm and followed agriculture as a vocation until he entered Ontario Veterinary college in 1879, in which he completed his studies in I88T. He practiced for a short time at Port Rowan, Ontario, then for four years at Lowell, Mich., and in I885 settled in Grand Rapids, where he has been actively and remuneratively employed ever since, with the exception of a few months that he passed in Chicago, Ill. The parents of Dr. Wells were both natives of Canada, the father being of Welsh extraction, but the mother's family emigrated from North Carolina in the early part of the present century, when the country was quite new and the journey made in wagons and on horseback. The Walker family was of Irish and Scotch origin, but both the Wells family and the Walker family are now recognized as long established and prominent among the residents of Norfolk county, Ontario. To William and Mary Wells were born two sons and one daughter, of whom Eli W. is the eldest; Martha, the daughter, died at the age of twelve years, and Edgar is a farmer in Canada. The father 458 THIE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS - died in 1865, at the age of sixty-five, and the died July, 1899, on the old Canadian homestead, at the age of eighty-nine years. Both parents, however, had been previously wedded, and each had a family of four children by the first marriage, but all harmonized and fornmed one happy family. Seven of these half-brothers and sisters of the doctor are still living, are all married and variously located, though the most of them live near the old Canadian home. Dr. Wells was himself united in marriage, in his native country, in I875, to Miss Lizzie Thorne, who was born in Dunstable, England, in I851, and four children have crowned this union, viz: Daniel Adelbert, Archie Walter, George Arthur and Lottie May. The elder two of these children are machinery salesmen and the younger two are still at home. In politics, Dr. Wells is a republican, but is not offensively partisan, as he is able to see faults in the republican party and virtues in the democratic. The Wells family stand high socially, the sons being honorable and upright young men, and respected by every one. They are free from many of the vices of "Young America," neither drink nor smoke, and are of unusually moral habits. SA W. SLAYTON is widely known throughout central and western Michigan and possesses a striking personality and versatile talents. His name is inseparably connected with the growth and development of one of the state's great industries, and through the medium of various publications his ideas relative thereto have been given wide publicity. Mr. Slayton's family history contains much that is interesting to the biographer and is traceable in an unbroken line back to I690. I In that year an orphan boy in his eighth year, among the hills of Scotland, through the machinations of certain realitives who united in a conspiracy to obtain possession of a valuable estate to which he was heir, was sent to America under an assumed name, landed in Massachusetts, and found himself practically an exile in a new. country. From this individual, Thomas Slayton, there have been enumerated I,393 descendants, one of whom is the subject of this review, who was born on the 27th day of December, I 830, in Middlesex, Yates county, N. Y. His parents were Russell and Berthena (Clark) Slayton, who had a family of six boys and two girls. He received his name in honor of his paternal grandmother's father, whose birth occurred in one of the New England colonies in I743, and who figured in the early annals of Vermont, to which state he removed at a period antedating the struggle for independence. Asa W. Slayton was educated in the high school of Victor, Ontario county, N. Y., and at the age of sixteen years came to Michigan with his parents,locating in Grattan township, Kent county, where subsequently he engaged in farming and teaching. In addition to the above mentioned vocations, he was for some years variously employed as surveyor, mason, tinner, carpenter and painter, devoting the winter seasons to- educational work, in the prosecution of which his success was most encouraging, his popularity as an instructor being attested by the fact of his frequent retentions in the same school; and he has a record df forty years in the school-room, during which time he taught seventy-three terms-a longer time of service perhaps than that of any other instructor in the state. He was in the army two years, lieutenant of Company B, Twentyfifth Michigan; as acting-engineer, he built the fortifications at Mumfordville, Ky., and at Camp Nelson. & 0 AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 461 Since 1857 Mr. Slayton has been actively identified with the arboricultural interests of Michigan, having set out the first large pear and cherry orchards in the western part of the state and demonstrated to the satisfaction of all the peculiar adaptability of the soil and climate for fruit growing. His interest in this important industry has by no means abated, and he is still a leading spirit and ardent supporter of the West Michigan Agricultural society and a frequent contributor to the leading periodicals of agriculture and horticulture. He was one of the six original members of the State Horticultural society organized in I869, and has served six years as treasurer of the same; and it was largely owing to his untiring efforts that the first horticultural exhibits were made in Grand Rapids, out of which eventually grew the West Michigan society referred to above. Mr. Slayton has always been a public-spirited citizen, interested in everything calculated to advance the general good, and few have done as much towards developing the splendid resources of the county as he has. In I87I he rented his farm in Grattan township and removed to Saranac, Mich., where he taught for five years; thence, in I876, to Whitehall, Muskegon county, where for a period of eleven years he served as principal of the city schools. He disposed of his farm in I885 and purchased a five-acre tract in the suburbs of Grand Rapids, which he has greatly improved by building and setting out various kinds of fruit and other trees, thus making a comfortable and delightful home, where he expects to spend his remaining.years. Mr. Slayton takes much pleasure in attending to his grounds and experimenting scientifically in the propagating of various kinds of fruits, the results of which have been not a few valuable additions to this important and enticing branch of industry. For many years he has paid much attention to collecting articles of scientific and historic value, and at this time his museum of natural history, containing also numerous instruments for chemical, philosophical and astronomical experiments and observations, is one of the finest private collections in the state. Many of these instruments are the resultsof his own inventive genius and mechanical skill, and his entire collection, valued at several thousand dollars, represents a vast amount of research and is a creditable monument to scientific devotion. Mr. Slayton is also a skillful taxidermist, and has many fine specimens of stuffed skins of animals, birds and reptiles. Not the least interesting of the hundreds of articles in his collection is a miniature mansion, constructed after modern architectural ideas, finished and furnished with the latest household appliances, by his daughter Ivy, who enters with enthusiasm into all her father's work and investigations. The marriage of Mr. Slayton was solemnized on the 30th day of October, I865, in the township of Vergennes, Kent county, with Miss Margery McPherson, who was born in that township, May 5, 1844, and who for a number of years was a teacher in the public schools. The following are the names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Slayton: Ivy, Myrtle and Zena, all three graduates of the Whitehall high school, and Victor and Flora, graduates of the high school of Grand Rapids. Ivy is a teacher in the city schools, Myrtle for nine years has been a stenographer for the Widdicomb Furniture company, Zena is the wife of P. H. Travis, a lawyer, and the son Victor is a journalist. Mr. Slayton has spared no efforts in fitting his children for honorable positions in life, and the high estimation in which they are held in social circles, and the responsible places which some of them already fill, show that this sol citude for their 462 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I welfare and the advantages for intellectual culture have by no means been misdirected. A happy wedded life of over thirty years' duration was sadly severed on the 23rd of December, I896, at which time Mrs. Slayton was summoned to the higher life. She, with her husband, united with the Congregational church in Whitehall in 1877, and she ever exemplified the pure faith professed. Mr. Slayton served as deacon and treasurer of the abovementioned congregation until his removal from Whitehall, although he' still retains his membership there; the daughters are members of the Park Congregational church of Grand Rapids, and are active in all good work connected therewith. For fourteen years, Mr. Slayton devoted much time and patient research in tracing his family genealogy, and the result of his work was published in book form in I898. The volume contains a vast amount of exceedingly interesting and valuable information and will always prove a source of great satisfaction to all Slayton posterity, by preserving in permanent shape facts and dates that would otherwise have been lost. Politically Mr. Slayton has always voted with the republican party, or the prohibition, and while not a partisan in the sense of aspiring to official preferment, he has been an active worker, contributing not a little to the success of the party in many contests. He has filled various township offices, but in so doing sacrificed his inclinations for the public good. He is a temperance man and has never been in a saloon. Mr. Slayton is a dignified and polished gentleman of the old school. He is prepossessing, courteous and sociable, positive in opinion, decided in action, and a man of honesty and independence of spirit. He has more than ordinary powers of mind, developed and enriched by study and professional expe rience; and these, with a refined taste and high ideals of life, make him a most charming addition to any social circle. He is widely respected and influential, and his name is worthy of conspicuous mention with the representative citizens of Grand Rapids and Kent county. But he says there are hundreds of other better men; and he thinks that the credit for settling up the new country belongs mostly to the fathers and mothers who have gone to the brighter hore. APT. EDWIN WENT, soldier, sailor, and old settler of Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Hastings, England, January 14, I830. He was but ten years of age when his parents, with their ten children, landed at Montreal, Canada, but of these further mention will be made toward the close of this biographical notice. Young Edwin learned the wig-maker's trade in Montreal, and later went to New York city to find employment, and while there shipped, in I849, on board a passenger sailing vessel,. as steward, for a trip around Cape Horn for San Francisco, this being at the time of theearly and intense gold excitement. The ship had a very stormy passage and was five months in making the trip, but nevertheless Mr. Went passed six years on the ocean and on the Mississippi river. Returning to New York, Mr. Went worked at his trade until near the breaking out of the Civil war, and then went to Aurora, Ill., where he organized company H, Thirteenth Illinois volunteer infantry, of which he was commissioned captain, and was for threemonths on duty in the state, and was then mustered into the United States service May 21I, i86I,and served three years and three months. A MN~n Th VPMNTT CYMT TNTV T TP TO n A TT a AR 'liN I I-J~ I U INY I I, VL I V U 1I- I J-:r. *uo with the army of the Tennessee under Gens. Grant and Sherman. He participated in the battle of Pea Ridge, the march through Missouri to Helena, Ark., and took part in several severe skirmishes en route. He was next at Chickasaw Bayou, Miss., where, out of sixty men in his company, forty were lost, the regiment being almost annihilated. He was then appointed an aid-de-camp to Gen. Sherman, held the position temporarily, and then returned to command his company at Vicksburg, where he was wounded on the top of his head by a piece of shell, and for five hours lay in the broiling hot sunshine before relief came. At Lookout Mountain he was wounded through the right ear, and through the right leg at Champion's Hill, Miss. He fought at the battle of Arkansas Post while still under treatment for his wounds, preferring to stay with the boys rather than be ill in the hospital. For six months, also, Capt. Went had command of his regiment as senior captain. He was on the Atlanta campaign and fought in the battle of Resaca after the expiration of his term of service, and then went with Sherman to the sea. Capt. Went was one of the guards of honor over the remains of the martyred Lincoln while they lay in state at Chicago, being one of twelve officers in the voluhteer service selected by the war department for this purpose. This honor Capt. Went remembered with pride, as he had been honorably discharged from the service some months prior to the assassination. The captain returned to Aurora, Ill., with the remnant of his company, was mustered out, and soon after went to Chicago and resumed work at his trade. In 1866 Capt. Went came to Grand Rapids to visit a friend, and while on this visit decided to remain, and at once engaged in the barber business, in conjunction with his wigmaking. Capt. Went was united in marriage, in Jersey City, N. J., in I849, with Miss Cornelia Dermeus, a native of Brooklyn, N. Y., born in 1829. The grandfather of this lady was an officer in the American navy during the Revolutionary war, and the name is well known in the state of New York. The captain and his wife have lost the three children born to their marriage, but have reared a daughter they adopted in early childhood, and who is now Mrs. Cornelia Irving, residing near Holland, Mich. Capt. Went receives a pension on account of his wounds received in the service. For three years he did the barber's work at the soldier's home, having been appointed for that purpose by the board of managers, and he has received other marks of appreciation of his gallant services. He is a member of Custer post, No. 5, G. A. R., and is now serving his ninth term as delegate to the state encampment. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and has been an Odd Fellow since twenty-one years of age. Before the war, Capt. Went was a Douglas democrat, but since its close he has supported the principles of the republican party. The parents of Capt. Went both died in Brooklyn, N. Y., the father at the age of eighty-four years and the mother at eighty: two, the captain being present at the deathbed of the latter, who was blind for six years prior to her demise. Of the children, William was a sea-captain, but lost his vessel and now lives in Australia; Ann married Charles Price, but died under a surgical operation in Brooklyn; Ellen is the wife of Charles Einsfeldt, and Maria is married to Charles Johnstonboth of Brooklyn; Charlotte, now Mrs. Ladd, resides in Boston; Caroline died in Havana, Cuba, and Henry died in infancy at Montreal, Canada. Capt. Went has been a resident.of Grand -464 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I Rapids since 1866, having come here when the city contained a population of I5,000 only, and has lived to see it grow into a metropolis of Ioo,ooo or over, and this growth has been watched with commendable pride on his part, although he has not been able to take any very important action in promoting its progress. He is quiet and unassuming, yet is one of the best known men in the city, is honored for his past career, and stands very high in the esteem of all as an upright man and a useful citizen. HARLES O. SMEDLEY, a prominent attorney at law, of Grand Rapids, is a native of the Buckeye state; he was born in Massillon, Ohio, December 27, I856, and is a son of William and Mary (Lowe) Smedley, natives of Rusholm, near Manchester, England. William Smedley, with his wife and a large family, came to the United States in I852, and located in Massillon, Ohio, where he was employed as a stationary engineer. In 1857 t.he familyremoved to Wooster, Wayne county, Ohio, where they lived until 1875, when Mr. Smediey and his family came to Michigan. They lived in Grand Rapids one year, and then moved onto a farm in the township of Blendon, Ottawa county, where the parents spent their last days. William Smedley's wife died in 1888, and he died in I893. He was a hardworking, earnest man; was a republican in politics, and cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. She was a noble woman, loved by all who knew her, and revered by her children. Charles 0. Smedley received his early edu cation in Wooster, Ohio, which city is noted for its splendid schools and university. Here he attended the public schools until seventeen years of age, when he came to Ottawa county, Mich., and engaged in teaching; he taught school in district No. I, of Blendon, Ottawa county, the winter of 1874-75; this was his first winter in Michigan; he boarded one and one-half miles from the school-house and often had to walk through an unbroken road when the snow was four feet deep and the thermometer at thirty-five degrees below zero; all the peach trees and some other fruit trees were killed that winter. In I875-76 he taught the graded school in Ferrysburg, Ottawa county, Micl., as principal; he also taught school in Allendale, Blendon, Eastmanville and Georgetown, all in Ottawa county, teaching in all about eight years. In April, 1878, he was elected township superintendent of schools of the township of Blendon, and did much towards the improvement of the public schools of that township. In I88I he engaged in the mercantile business at Bauer, Ottawa county, Mich., with his brother, Thomas, under the firm name of Smedley Brothers, dealers in general merchandise. Here he established the Bauer post-office and was its first postmaster. In I88I he was elected a justice of the peace for the township of Georgetown. This first interested him in the study of law; and he soon had Blackstone, reading it nights and at odd times while clerking in the store. In the spring of 1882, he entered the law office of Turner & Carroll, in the city of Grand Rapids, to study law. Mr. Turner was elected prosecuting attorney in the fall of I882, and Mr. Smedley was soon made his deputy; he continued the study of law with Turner & Carroll, and on the 7th day of July, 1884, he was admitted to the bar in the Kent circuit court; and in the supreme court on the I7th day of —iOW%:": ~:::~::;::i —:,~ R:E:i$ii~:~::: -:::::I~:;~ aii:a-n:I;,:;:: —:i; __::~ ::;::~:-:::::i-i:::: —:_:_- -:::':-;::::':::::~i:": '':'::-;:-"'::::':-::B~:-::~:"~:::-: -:: -:-i.l~ -;:;:::-~:::-::::~:::::;;:: —::::::::-::i::;::-::::i::::-:-I::_::::: —::: i:ii::::ii::-::scl:-::-; —::::: -Ba ~ — r:::: -: --- —lii —::-~ —:~-:;::a::::`:9;:::I: i I;. Ii...j--.. I I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 467 March, I885, and in the United States circuit and district courts the 3d day of June, 1890. He entered the law department of the university of Michigan, and graduated in June, 1885. Returning to Grand Rapids in I885, he entered into the practice of the law, with a good education, but with an empty pocket-book, being obliged to borrow money to buy his first law library; he immediately formed a partnership with William W. Irwin, a graduate of the same law class, whose acquaintance he had made at Ann Arbor; they opened an office at 14 Canal street under the firm name of Snmedley & Irwin, which partnership continued until July, 1889; then he opened an office and practiced law without a partner, at I2 Canal street, where he continued until 1893; then he removed to his present quarters, I5, 16 and 17 New Houseman Building. On account of increasing business, he formed a partnership, January, 1899, with Benn M. Corwin, under the firm name of Smedley & Corwin; these gentlemen now hold a large and remunerative line of practice in their profession; they have made commercial and corporation law their specialty. In addition to his law business, Mr. Smedley owns and is interested extensively in real estate in the city of Grand Rapids. He has attained his present position through hard, steady work, and careful attention to his business. Mr. Smedley was married September 3, 1890, to Miss Lillian M. Hinsdill, of Grand Rapids; she was born in North Bennington, Vt., June 30, I868, and is a daughter of Edward and Nancy M. (Towsley) Hinsdill; they have two children, a son and a daughter. Harold Hinsdill Smedley, born September 29, 1893; and Myla Rosamond Smedley, born September 6, I897. Mr. and Mrs. Smedley have broad views as to matters of religion and attend the Univers alist church. Mr. Smedley is a master Mason and a member of the Valley City lodge, No. 86, and is a member of several fraternal societies. [ EORGE WESTVEER, M. D., with I his office in the Lovett building, and residence at No. 49 Taylor street, Grand Rapids, is a native of Holland, Mich., was born February IO, 1867, and is a son of John and Nellie (Dewinter) Westveer, both natives of the Netherlands, who, after their marriage, came to America, about fortyfive years ago and located near Holland, Mich., where they resided until 1871, when they came to live in Grand Rapids. To the marriage of John and Nellie Westveer were born four children besides the doctor, viz: Adrian, a minister of the Reformed church, and stationed at Wyckoff, near Paterson, N. J.; Christian, a machine hand at Berkey & Gay's furniture factory, Grand Rapids; Nellie, who was married to Peter Bradford, and.died in 1893, and Martin, Iwho died at the age of twenty-two years. The father of this family died when forty-one years old, and the mother married, some years after, Isaac Schowenaar. She is now over seventyfive years.of age. Dr. George Westveer, who was about four years of age when his parents came to Grand Rapids, received his elementary education in the public schools of this city, and this was supplemented by a two-year course of study in Hope college, Holland, Mich. Being thus prepared he entered the Indiana Physio-Medico college, where he took a three-year course, and graduated therefrom March 23, 1898. In the meantime he had had one year's practice in his profession as an under-graduate, and 468 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS after graduating he entered at once upon full practice at his present location in Grand Rapids, and although not one year there the indications are that there is a bright career before him in the near future, as the practice already secured is far in excess of that which ordinarily falls to the lot of the young practitioner. Dr. Westveer was united in marriage, in Grand Rapids, November 4, I888, to Miss Minnie Douw, a native of the Netherlands, who was brought to Grand Rapids in her childhood by her patents. The only child resulting from this union was born November 4, I889, was named Johnny, but was called away at the age of seven months. The doctor and his wife are members of the Fourth Reformed church and are very sincere in the observance of its teachings. In politics the doctor is a republican. While the doctor is daily rising professionally in the esteem of the public, he and wife daily advance in that of the social circles, in which they held a permanent footing before and have held since their marriage. [EN. WILLIAM L. WTHITE.-DistinIa l guished as a civilian and soldier, and ist standing in the front rank of Michigan's representative men, is Gen. William L. White, who for a number of years has stamped his vigorous personality on the city of Grand Rapids and Kent county and made for himself a state-wide reputation. The general is a New Yorker, born on the 3Ist of March, I86I, in the county of Erie, and because of the stirring events of the month and year, was named William Lincoln, the middle name being given him in honor of the president just taking his seat. He is descended from notable ancestry and traces the family history back to a period antedating the war of inde pendence, in which struggle a number of his antecedents bore gallant and distinguished parts. Others figured in the service of the country in different capacities, the most illustrious of whom Stephen Hopkins, from whom the general is directly descended, was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and his brother was the first admiral of the American navy. The Whites moved to Michigan when the subject was quite young and settled in Grand Rapids, where he attended the public schools and later became one of the most successful and thorough pharmacists in the state. For a number of years he was employed in the old pioneer drug store of E. R. Wilson, and on the first day of April, I888, entered into partnership with William E. White, since which time their Morton House pharmacy, the most prominent of the kind in the city, has been doing a thriving and successful business. In a public way, Gen. White has been little before the people. About eighteen years ago he enlisted in company B, Second regiment, of the Michigan state troops, as they were then called, and after serving through various grades was appointed regimental quartermaster, which position he held for eight years to the satisfaction of every man in the command. He was recognized as one of the best regimental quartermasters the state ever had, and it was the experience gained in this position which enabled him to make such a signal success in the higher position to which he was appointed by Gov. Pingree. His success in the latter position, too, is another and unanswerable argument in favor of the promotion of men from the ranks instead of recognition of men for the higher offices who have never seen service. Twice before, Quartermaster White was a candidate for the higher position-a candidate in the sense that his friends worked hard to AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 469 land the place for him —but although he was the senior regimental quartermaster of the brigade he was turned down in favor of political preferment. There was much feeling in the state troops in those days over the manner in which certain governors had ignored the men in the ranks and appointed to the high positions and on the staff men with little or no experience whatever, and this feeling led to the organization of the Officers' association. This organization did little, however, beyond the giving of expression to the sentiment in favor of recognition of men who had earned promotion, and no formal action was ever taken. Gov. Pingree, himself an old soldier, saw at once where the trouble was, the injustice of the system, and his promise to remedy it made him hundreds of friends among the soldiery. When he was elected he kept his word, and not only appointed Gen. White, but named a staff, every man of which had been a member of the brigade, or had seen service of some sort. The result of this was first witnessed at Island Lake in the summer of 1897, when there was the greatest harmony and sympathy between the line, field and staff officers. They all pulled together, and the result was the most successful camp the state ever experienced, the reports of the United States inspecting officer to the government proving this. The part played by Gen. White was a prominent one. He was even a greater success as quartermaster-general than as regimental, and the more duties he had the better they were done. And in the emergency encampment of 1898 he made a record which has been the pride of the state, in that he got the troops thoroughly equipped and away in such a short time that it attracted attention and unstinted praise from all sides. Gen. White was reappointed quartermaster-general of Michigan, January I, i899; in addition to this, on July 25, I898, the general was made lieutenant-colonel of the Thirty-fifth Michigan volunteer infantry, with which he bore a gallant part in the Spanish-American war until his discharge at Detroit on April i, 1899. In the spring of 1899, Gen. White disposed of his drug business, and July, following, engaged in manufacturing, being at this time president of the White & White Co., manufacturing chemists, and also holding the positions of secretary and treasurer of the Simmons Knitting company, an establishment for the manufacture of all kinds of underwear. At home Gen. White was very prominently mentioned for the republican nomination for mayor of Grand Rapids in the spring of 1898, and he could have had the nomination by acclamation had he not refused to allow his name to go before the convention. All factions in the party were united upon him, but as he pulled out and another was named, the solid party vote could not be controlled, and under the circumstances existing a democrat was elected. Politically Gen. White has been a zealous supporter of the republican party ever since attaining his majority, and he figures prominently in all campaigns, contributing much to the success of that ticket. With the exception of the single instance referred to, he has never been mentioned as an aspirant for political honors, and he is also free from the practices of the partisan and has little use for the professional politician. Fraternally, Gen. White belongs to Valley City lodge, No. 34, F. and A. M.; Grand Rapids, No. 7, R. A. M.; DeMolai commandery; DeWitt Clinton consistory, Scottish rite, thirty-second degree, Saladin temple, Mystic shrine. He is also identified with the Pythian fraternity and is an active member of the B. P. O. E. As a business man, Gen. White's career has been marked by the exhibition of those qualities which make success almost a cer 470 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS tainty, possessing the rare executive ability indispensable in the management of large and responsible concerns. Like all men of energy. he is imbued with the spirit of self-reliance; every interest intrusted to his care is managed with judgment and tact, and in all relations of life his deportment has been that of the broadminded and courteous gentleman. The general is in the prime of vigorous manhood and has a dignified and pleasing presence, impressing all with whom he is brought into contact as a man of strong personality and well calculated for leadership where great interests are involved. His manner is affable and pleasant, and it is needless to add, in view of all that has been said, that he has many friends and commands the respect of the best classes, wherever he goes. HARLES EDWARD TEMPLE, attorney at law and dealer in municipal bonds, at Grand Rapids, was born in \White Pigeon, Mich., July 13, I858, a son of Rev. Charles M. and Harriet F. (Waite) Temple. He attended school in his native town until 1869, when the family removed to Sturgis, where he further attended school until 1872, then came to Grand Rapids, and here graduated from the high school in I878. He next passed two years in the classical department of the Michigan university at Ann Arbor, preparatory to his entering the law department in I88o, and from the latter he graduated in I882 with the degree of LL. B. He then went to Toledo, Ohio, and for three years was in the employ of Lenderson & Lang, lawyers and abstract men, and director in the Dow street railroad, and was next engaged in the development of the gas and oil district of the Buckeye state until i888, when he was admitted to the Ohio bar. In the spring of the same year he disposed of his gas and oil interests, returned to Grand Rapids, and entered the law office of Edwin F. Sweet and remained with him two years, since which time he has been in the municipal bond business and general law practice alone, making an admirable success of his undertaking. Mr. Temple was united in marriage in Grand Rapids, June 20, I888, with Miss Belle Scribner, a native of this city and a daughter of James and Eliza (Slocum) Scribner, old and promiinent residents. This union has been blessed with a daughter and a sonFrances Scribner and William Howard. Mr. and Mrs. Temple are members of St. Mark's Episcopal church, of which Mrs. Temple was one of the earliest cornmmunicants, and in politics Mr. Temple is a stanch republican, although he has never frittered away his time in seeking public office. He is a member of the Phi Delta Phi society, a law fraternity, and as a citizen stands high in the regard of the public, by whom he is recognized as a gentleman of advanced thought and unusual legal and business abilities. HEODORE OSBORN WIILIAMS, county surveyor of Rent county, Mich., and civil engineer at Grand Rapids, was born in Allegan, May 27, I86I, a son of Hon. William B. and Marietta O. (Osborn) Williams,, both natives of Rochester, N. Y., where they grew to maturity and were married. Hon. William B. Williams was reared to the legal profession and was quite a young man when admitted to the bar of Rochester, cdN 10r -"" IO Ib AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 473 ' --- —— where he was actively employed in his profession until I856, when he brought his wife to Michigan and settled in Allegan, where he now holds a prominent place among the members of the bar. He has twice been elected probate judge of Allegan county, served in this capacity eight years in all, and has also served two terms (1867-I'87o) as a member of the state senate of Michigan, of which body he was president in I869 and I870. From I873 to I876 he represented the Fifth Michigan district in congress. He also served as a member of the constitutional convention of I867, and commissioner of railroads from 1877 to 1883. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Williams. have been born five children, namely: Marion, wife of F. R. Rudd, a drygoods merchant of Detroit; William B., Jr., a life insurance agent of Manitoba; Ella, married to T. S. Updyke, a real-estate and insurance agent at Allegan; Theodore 0., the subject of this biography, and Frank H., at present probate judge of Allegan county. Theodore Osborn Williams, with whose life this article has most to deal, graduated from the high school at Allegan in 1879, and then for two years was employed on a farm owned by his father; from i88I to 1883 he attended the Agricultural college at Lansing, then for a year or more was re-employed on the farm, after which he went to southwestern Kansas, where he was employed in clerking and surveying until 1887, when he returned to Allegan. Here, he was at once appointed county surveyor to fill a vacancy for one year, and so ably did he perform the duties of the position that he was elected to fill the office for two years, and at the close of his term was re-elected —thus serving in all five years. In I891 Mr. Williams came to Grand Rapids and was here employed by the city engineer in field work, surveying the new city limits, which duty filled up the time until the 24 fall of 1892, when he was elected county surveyor, and re-elected in 1894 1897 in he was re-appointed, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of F. E. Skeels, and while still in office was re-elected in the fall of 1898, the people of Grand Rapids feeling well satisfied that they could never secure a more competent man for the office. The marriage of Mr. Williams took place at Plainwell, Allegan county, May 12, 1892, to Miss Ida Whitcomb, who was born in that village December 6, I869, a daughter of Alfred N. and Nellie (Chandler) Whitcomb, natives of Michigan, and of colonial descent, and this union is now brightened by the presence of one little child —Willfred, born October 27, I895. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are members of the Episcopal church, and in politics Mr. Williams is a republican. Beside performing his duties as county surveyor, he does surveying' and engineering for the Holland & Lake Michigan railroad and the Saugatuck, Douglas & Lake Shore railroad, both electric lines, and also does work for the county drain commissioner. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and socially he and wife enjoy the warm friendship and 'esteem of all who know them. HARLES MOSEMAN WILSON, who was born in Ionia, Mich., October 10, 1858, is an elder brother of Hugh E. Wilson, whose sketch is given in full below. He attended the Ionia public schools until seventeen years old, entered the literary department of the university at Ann Arbor in 1876, and graduated, with the degree of Ph. D., in I88o. He next studied law in the office of Blanchard, Bell & Cagwin, at Ionia, for two 'years, and in fall of 1882 was admitted to the bar, immediately C* 474 THIE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I after which important event he returned to the Ann Arbor university, entered the law department, and graduated therefrom with the degree of LL. B., in 1883. He then at once located in Grand Rapids and was engaged as assistant with Champlin & More until January, I886, when the law firm of More & Wilson came into existence, Champlin being elected to the supreme bench, and still continues, their practice being general in its character as well as extensivein its scope. Mr. Wilson was married at Auburn, N. Y., June 3, 1891, to Miss Jane Wadsworth Dunning, who was born March 13, I86I, a daughter of Henry S. and Jane (Wadsworth) Dunning, and this union resulted in the birth of two children-Henry Dunning and Helen Moseman. Mrs. Jane W. Wilson was called away October 22, 1897, and the mother of Mr. Wilson now superintends his household affairs. In politics, Mr. Wilson is a gold democrat, and fraternally is a Mason. UGH E. WILSON, a well-known member of the Grand Rapids bar, was born in Ionia county, Mich., October 17, I867, a son of Henry J. and Helen (Moseman) Wilson, parents of seven children, five of whom attained the years of maturity, viz: Alice, wife of Lee M. Hutchins, secretary and treasurer of the Hazeltine & Perkins Drug company; Charles M., of the law firm of More & Wilson; William K., a grocer of Ionia; Hugh E., the subject of this biographical notice, and Gilbert W., a railroad employee. Henry J. Wilson, the father of this family, was a member of the firm of Page & Wilson, prominent bankers and merchants (handling chiefly grain in their mercantile transactions), and in politics Mr. Wilson was a democrat. He was untimely called away April 22, 1879, and his widow is now a resident of Grand Rapids, a most highly respected lady. Hugh E. Wilson graduated from the Ionia high school in 1885, after which he took a two-year literary course at Wooster university, Ohio. He then came to Grand Rapids, passed two and a half years in the law office of Taggart & Denison, and in the fall of I890 was admitted to the bar at Ionia. He further advanced his legal studies by attending the university at Ann Arbor for one year, and was graduated there in I891 with the degree of LL. B. He then entered the office of Judge Champlin, in Grand Rapids, and there continued adding to his legal lore until December, I892, when he formed a partnership with Judge Reuben Hatch, now so well known in the legal circles of the city. Mr. Wilson is secretary and treasurer of the Mueller& Slack Manufacturing company, and has held this double office ever since the organization of this well-known furniture company. He is a democrat in politics, and fraternally is a Knight of Pythias. Socially he is quite a favorite, but his attention is almost wholly absorbed in his professional duties. 'jLFRED WOLCOTT, one of the prominent members of the bar at Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Summit county, Ohio, March 17, 1858, ason of Alfred and Mary Ann (Scoville) Wolcott, who were the parents of eleven children, of whom six reached the years of maturity, viz: Simon P., ex-state senator, and a lawyer of Kent, Ohio; Andrew A., who died in the Civil war; John M.,in the post-office at Washington, D. C.; Anna A., wife of Rev. L. B. Bissell, a Presbyterian minister at Lansing, Mich.; Alfred, the subject of this sketch, and Fremont C:, who was a manufacturer at Canton, Ohio, but is now deceased. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 475 Alfred Wolcott, Sr., father of the abovenamed children, was also a native of Summit county, Ohio, was born January 28, 1812, and married April I8, I836. His father was an early settler in Summit county, having located there as a government surveyor, and the son Alfred, although he began life a poor young nan, rose to prominence in his district. He was temperate, hard working, and strictly honest, represented his district in the state legislature, acquired a competency, and died an honored man in 1889. He had lost his wife in 1881, and both died in the faith of the Disciples' church. Alfred Wolcott, the subject of this review, was educated in a country school in his native county, and at the age of fifteen years taught one term in the district school. When sixteen years old he entered the preparatory department of the Western Reserve college at Hudson, Ohio; at the age of eighteen he was matriculated in the college proper, and at twentytwo graduated in June, i880, with the degree of B: A., taking honors and giving the philosophical oration. He then went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and studied law in the office of E. P. Bradstreet for one year, when he was called home to the deathbed of his mother. In the fall of 1882 he came to Grand Rapids, completed his law studies in the office of Stuart & Sweet, and in May, 1883, was admitted to the Michigan bar. Mr. Wolcott practiced alone, or clerked in a law office, until 1885, when he formed a partnership with H. H. Drury. In I888 he was elected circuit court commissioner and served two years; in 1892 he was elected prosecuting attorney, and the same year the partnership between Mr. Wolcott and Mr. Drury was dissolved and Mr. Wolcott joined Charles E. Ward, under the style of Wolcott & Ward, the partnership continuing until Mr. Wolcott's election to the bench. In 1894 Mr. Wolcott was re-elected prosecuting attorney. Since the expiration of this term in 1896, Mr. Wolcott has devoted himself exclusively to the extensive general practice of his firm, which is admittedly one of the leading law firms of the city. Mr. Wolcott was united in marriage at Akron, Ohio, October 21, I885, with Miss Carrie B. Hawk, who was born in the Buckeye state June 17, 1858, a daughter of Daniel and Louise (Kau) Hawk, natives of Germany. Mr. Hawk was an early settler in the state, was a tailor by trade, later became a farmer, and finally a merchant, but has retired from business and now makes his home with Mr. Wolcott and wife. To the marriage of Mr. Wolcott have been born two children-Mlabel L., now aged thirteen years, and Hazel K., aged ten years. Mr. Wolcott is a Knight of Pythias, and past chancellor of Eureka lodge. He has been very successful in the practice of his profession, stands high as a politician, and possesses remarkable oratorical powers, which have been used effectively on the stump as well as on the forum. NWhen the republican judicial convention was held in the spring of I899, Mr. Wolcott received a nomination by acclamation for judge of the circuit court, and was elected by a majority of about 2,400; the term of office began January I, I900. The genealogy of the Wolcott family has been preserved as far back asthe fourteenth century. The founder of the family in this country was Henry Wolcott, who was born in 1578, and came to America in I629. One of his sons, Simon, married, in I66I, Martha Pitkin and lived in Windsor, Conn. His youngest son was Roger, who was born in 1679 and married in 1702. Roger's eldest son was named Roger, and his youngest son Oliver. The latter was born in 1726 and was one of the signers of the 476 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Declaration of Independence. The elder Roger was a representative in the general assembly in 1709. The next year was put on the bench of justice and later on was deputy governor of the colony and chief judge of the superior court. In 1745 was appointed major-general of the army and led the Connecticut troops against Cape Breton, and at the taking of Louisburg. In I750 was governor of Connecticut. His son Roger was judge of the superior court and one of the revisers of the law of the state. Parmenio, a son of the younger Roger, lived in Rome, N. Y., and died in I812. His eldest son was Alfred, who was born in 1769, removed to Boston, Ohio, and was one of the pioneers of the Western Reserve. His son Alfred was the father of the subject of this sketch. When Henry Wolcott came to this country he brought many interesting historical records of the family in England which have been deposited with the New England Historic Genealogical society, of Boston. ii APT. JOHN A. S. VERDIER, cashier of the Kent County Savings bank and ex-treasurer of Kent county, Mich., was born at Oostburg, province of Zeeland, kingdom of the Netherlands, December 17, 1838. His parents were Abram J. and Marie S. (Brill) Verdier, descendants of the Huguenots, the former of whom died when the subject of this sketch was six years old. A year later the widow, accompanied by her seven children-four daughters and three sons —came to the United States. They located at Buffalo, N. Y., where they remained during the winter of 1847-48, removing the following spring to Sheboygan, Wis., where Mr. Verdier grew to manhood, receiving a common-school education. His mother died in 1865. I I When ten years of age, he entered the office of the Sheboygan Nieuwsbode, the first paper printed in the Holland language in the United States. He remained in the office three years, learning the trade. When fifteen years old, he entered the hardware store of F. Lawrence, remaining with him eight years. In I862 he enlisted for the Union, and was commissioned first lieutenant of company E, Twenty-seventh regiment, Wisconsin volunteer infantry; was promoted, in 1864, to the captaincy of company H, same regiment, and served in that position until the close of the war. He is a member of the Loyal legion, department of Michigan, and past post-commander of Custer post, No. 5, G. A. R., of Grand Rapids. Immediately after the war, Capt. Verdier came to Grand Rapids and formed a co-partnership with W. P. Kutsche, in the hardware business, and the firm remained as such for five and one-half years. Mr. Verdier then sold out his interest and purchased the stock owned by John McConnell, in the same line of trade. In May, I874, William A. Brown was admitted as a partner, and gas-fitting and plumbing were added to the business. The June following, the store and contents were burned, and that summer Mr. Verdier closed up the business altogether. In the fall of the same year he started a wood yard and hay market, and continued in that business until the fall of 1876. He then changed this business to the purchasing and sorting of rags, and the manufacture of tinware, which line of trade he carried on several years. He has served four years as trustee of the board of education for the Fourth ward, and was reelected for two years last September (I899), and at the annual elections for officers of the board he was elected as president, in which capacity he is now serving. He is also presi-' dent of the Grand Rapids Carved Moulding iI 11 10 I I AND KENT COUNTY. UP TO DATE. 479 Co.; also president of the Knickerbocker society of Grand Rapids, a society composed of Holland-Americans; also vice-president of the Grand Rapids Clearing House association. Capt. Verdier has been a republican since the organization of the party, in 1854. In the spring of I87I he was elected alderman of the Fourth ward for two years, and re-elected in 1873 for a like term; in the spring of 1875 he was elected comptroller of Grand Rapids; in the fall of I876 he was elected treasurer of Kent county on the republican ticket, re-elected in I878, and also in I880 by increased majorities, showing his undoubted popularity. In I 88o he ran against John Walker, who was the candidate of the democratic and greenback party for treasurer, and led by 1,200 majority. Mr. Verdier is a master Mason, and a member of Valley City lodge, No. 34; is also a member of the First Reformed church (English), in which body, for about thirty years, he officiated as deacon; was also a superintendent of the Sunday-school sixteen years. Mr. Verdier was married October 5, I870, to Maria J. D'Ooge, a sister of Prof. Martin L. D'Ooge, of the university of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and Prof. Benj.L. D'Ooge, at Ypsilanti. They have four sons-John Walter, Leonard D'Ooge, Frank Lawrence and Martin D'Ooge. J. Walter is a graduate of the university of Michigan in the literary department, and will graduate from the department of medicine in I9oo; Leonard D'Ooge graduated from the literary department of the same university in June, 1899, being president of his class, has taken up the study of law, and will graduate in 901o from that department; the other sons are students at the high school in Grand Rapids. \hen the Kent County Savings bank was organized in January, I885, Mr. Verdier was elected cashier and has since held that position; he is also a member of the executive commit tee of the State Bankers' association, and secretary of group No. 2. As a banker, Mr. Verdier has, by careful attention to business, proved himself one of the strong and able financiers of the city and state. RVING WOODWORTH, sheriff of Kent county, and who is a native of Seneca county, N. Y., was born September 5, 1855, and is a son of Nestor and Phebe (Wing) Woodworth, natives, respectively, of New York and New England. The father was a farmer, who came to Michigan in I879, and resided with his. son Irving, in Grand Rapids, until his death, in I891, in the faith of the Baptist church. The mother had passed away, in the same faith, when Irving was but a boy, and of the seven children born to these parents six still survive. The father was a republican in his politics, held several township offices, and locally had been quite a prominent man. Irving Woodworth received his primary education in the common school of his native township, later attended the academy at Trumansburg, Tompkins county, N. Y., and finished his education when twenty years old. He remained with his father on the home farm until he had attained the age of twenty-three years, and then came to Grand Rapids, Mich., and engaged in dairying. He first rented 400 acres five miles north of the city, and next purchased 240 acres, to which he later added eighty acres, all of which land he still owns. He was very successful in his business, and resided on his farm until I893, when he was appointed under sheriff to Nathaniel Rice, who died two months later, and Mr. Woodworth then assumed the office of acting sheriff, and filled out the unexpired term of Mr. Rice. 'In I896 Mr. Woodworth was elected sheriff by a large majority, 480 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS for which office he had been fully qualified by his prior experience, and the duties of which he so ably administered that he was re-elected in I898, and is the present incumbent. Mr. Woodworth was joined in marriage in Grand Rapids, May 6, I896, with Miss Nellie Cutler, a native of Gaines township, Kent county, and a daughter of J. I. and Harriet (Church) Cutler, and to this congenial union has been born one child-Irving, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Woodworth attend the Methodist Episcopal church, and in his fraternal relations is a blue lodge Mason and a member of lodge No. 48, B. P. 0. E., while in politics he is a stanch republican. He still continues his dairy business on his 320-acre farm, which is situated in Plainfield township, and he is classed among the go-ahead, enterprising citizens of Kent county, by whom he is universally respected. ON. WILLIAM F. McKNIGHT, one of the ablest, most energetic and most indefatigable, as well as successful, members of the bar of Grand Rapids, and still in the vigor of his early manhood, was born in Cascade, Kent county, Mich., July 23, 1863, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Fitzpatrick) McKnight. Thomas McKnight is a native of Dublin, Ireland, came to America while still a single man, and was first married in Kalamazoo, Mich. At his marriage he settled on a farm on which his wife passed away, in 1875, but on which he still resides and is remarried. There have been born to him ten children — but of these the sons alone survive and are named as follows: John, who is farming on the old homestead; Joseph, also a farmer; William F., the subject of this biography; L. Frank, who is associated with his brother, William F., and is also superintendent of the money-order department of the post-office; Edward E., M. D., of Alpena, Mich., and Charlie A., an attorney in Chicago, Ill. The McKnight family are all devoted Catholics in their religious faith, and all are possessed of that indomitable spirit which characterizes the Irish-American race, and which chiefly manifests itself in a determination not to be conquered by adverse circumstances, and by a steady adherence to honest toil as the means of material progress. Thomas McKnight, inheriting these sterling qualities, made them manifest on his arrival in America. He had received a good education, his wife had been a physician in Dublin and later in this country, and he himself was a pioneer, but had made three trips to Michigan before settling in the vicinity of Grand Rapids about fiftyfive years ago. Hon. William F. McKnight attended the common schools of Cascade until sixteen years of age and then taught district school, a vocation he followed, in conjunction with further study, for two years. By this time (i881), having saved his money, he was prepared to enter the Normal college at Valparaiso, Ind., from which he graduated, with the degree of A. B., in I884. He then became superintendent of a school at Kankakee, Ill., a position he held two years, when he entered the law department of the Michigan university at Ann Arbor; this institution he graduated from with the class of 1887, and was admitted to the bar in I888, at Grand Rapids, by Judge R. M. Montgomery, now chief justice of the supreme court. For one year immediately following his admission to the bar, Mr. McKnight practiced alone, more or less, and then formed a partnership with G. Charles Godwin and Allen C. Adsit, under the firm style of Godwin, Adsit & McKnight, which firm maintained a foremost rank among the legal fraternity of Grand AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 481 Rapids until Mr. McKnight was elected prosecuting attorney in I890, and Mr. Adsit elected to the bench. The same year, Mr. Godwin died, and thus the firm passed into dissolution. Mr. McKnight served one term as prosecuting attorney after the dissolution of the firm, but in the meantime formed a partnership with T. H. McGarry and Melburn H. Ford, and this firm, under the style of McGarry, Ford & McKnight, existed until I895, although during the interval Mr. Ford was called away by death. Since I898, Mr. McKnight has been associated in practice with his two brothers. A solid democrat in politics, Mr. McKnight has acted as chairman of the democratic county committee and as a member of the democratic state central committee four years, and was a member of the democratic conference committee preceding the national convention held at Chicago in I896, to which he was also elected a delegate and in which he made a fight against Don Dickinson as a contestant for his seat. He was appointed, at this convention, with Senator White, of California, and Senator Blackburn, of Kentucky, to wait on William J. Bryan and arrange fora time and place to announce officially to him his nomination as a candidate for the presidency, and was also a member of the ratification committee which met at Madison square, New York city. Mr. McKnight is a close personal friend of Mr. Bryan, and ably assisted him in his campaign through Michigan, Indiana and other states. Fraternally, Mr. McKnight is a member of the Knights of Columbia, is a Knight of Pythias, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Modern Woodmen of America, lodge No. 48, B. P. O. E., the Peninsula, County, Lakeside and Hesperus clubs, and the Grand Rapids battery. He is deeply interested in the financial affairs and manufacturing industries of Grand Rapids, and is owner of considerable real estate in the city and in the county, and his professional practice extends through all parts of the state. Personally he is of fine appearance, and is always gentlemanly in deportment, and his eloquence is irresistible. Still a bachelor, he is a prime favorite in social circles, and his standing before the public indicates that position of permanent importance are yet to be his. OSEPHUS CLARK SPROAT was born on a farm in Dorr township, Allegan county, Mich., in 1863, during the dark days of the great conflict that threatened the life of the nation. His parents were hardy pioneer settlers who reared a family of twelve-eight sons and four daughters. (The father, Robert Sproat, now seventy-nine years old, resides with the subject of this sketch and is-as young as most men at fifty.) Josephus Clark Sproat's youth was spent working on the farm in summer and attending district school in winter. He appreciated the advantages of education and made the most of his opportunities, but it was not until the age of nineteen that he had the benefit of the city schools. He came to the city in i88o and managed by strict economy to take a course in the late Prof. Swensberg's Grand Rapids Business college, after which he secured a position as office boy and assistant bookkeeper for the Grand Rapids Democrat, and with the exception of two short intervals, has been actively connected with the management of the paper for the past nineteen years. His success and advancement from the position of bookkeeper to that of one which gives him the general management and control of the paper is due to his positive nature and persistent energy, his loyalty to friends and aggressive methods en 482 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS ___.__.. 7 abling him to advance under adverse circumstances, in the face of strong competition. Taking the Democrat when its affairs were in a deplorably complicated condition he has more than doubled its circulation and given it a better standing and reputation in the city and state than it ever before enjoyed. ILLIAM WINEGAR, senior member of the Winegar Furniture company, L of Grand Rapids, Mich., was born on the first day of January, 1826, in the town of Gaines, county of Orleans, and state of New York. He was the son of John and Susan (Perry) Winegar, and was one of twelve children, four boys and eight girls, ten of whom lived to be men and women, two dying in infancy. The names of his brothers and sisters who lived to be men and women were: John M., Louisa, Catherine, Emeline, Julia, Henry, Samuel, Jeanette and Harriet. They have all passed away with the exception of Julia and Henry. His earliest remembrance of home is at the age of five years, when he was living in Clarkson, Monroe county, N. Y. He lived there until the year I835, when his mother died at the age of forty-four years; then they moved to the town of Farmington, Oakland county, Mich. His father had no brothers, and was a wool carder and clothier in his early days. He died at the age of sixty-eight years in the year I852, in the town of Fowlerville, Livingston county, Mich. His mother was one of twelve children, all of whom lived in western New York. The Perry family were agricultural people. He lived in the town of Farmington, Oakland county, Mich., until the year 1840, when he went to Detroit, Mich., and attended school, working his way through in winter, and farming in summer, continuing in that way until he was about seventeen years of age. He returned to the state of New York in the year 1844, and went to school a part of the summer and taught school the following winter in the log school house where he had learned his (A, B, C's." In the latter part of 844 he went to Rochester, N. Y., with a capital of $3, and started in business, selling Yankee notions, etc., a business that he followed for about five years, when he went to Elkhart, Ind., where his sisters lived. He remained there until July, I85I, when he married Miss Emma E. Smith at Grass Lake, Jackson county, Mich. Of that marriage two children were born: Mary S., who died in 1873, and William S. On the I th day of November, I856, his wife died. On the 23rd day of March, I859, he married Miss Mary Emma Bingham, daughter of Dr. David and Mary H. (Smith) Bingham, of Grass Lake, who was born on June 17, 1838, at Whitesboro, N. Y. To this, his second marriage, were born four children: Harriet (deceased), Frank Bingham, Alice Frances (widow of Edward W. Tinkham), and Louis Howard, the two latter now living with their parents. The family are members of the Park Congregational church; their politics is republican. He continued farming and merchandizing in Grass Lake Mich., until the year 1862, when he enlisted in the Seventeenth Michigan infantry and went to the war. He was appointed second lieutenant, then first lieutenant, then captain, after which he resigned because of physical disability, in the year 1863, at the close of the siege of Knoxville. His commission was dated June 17, 1862. He then returned to Grass Lake, Mich., where he engaged in the real estate, lumbering and building business, making sash, doors, blinds, etc., a business that he followed until the year I871, when he came to Grand Rap / WINEGAR GROUP. U"1 ~i,, B I I i: n I rc E,i b:: i i AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 485 ids, bringing with him his machinery, and continued in the same business until 1873, when he sold out his manufacturing business, but continued in lumbering and real estate until the year 1882, when he went to manufacturing furniture, and started in the retail business on Canal street, in 1885. In 1887 he built his store on the corner of South Division and Cherry streets, where his business is now located. In 1887 he took his second son, Frank Bingham, into the business. Frank Bingham Winegar was born in Grass Lake, May 8, I86I. He finished his education in the high school at Grand Rapids. When he was eighteen years of age he engaged in the book business, and continued in same until 1887, when he went into business with his father, as buyer and salesman. In I893 he was married to Miss Aurilla Pearl. Of this marriage three children have been born: Frances Pearl (deceased), Mary Bingham and Frederick Perry. In I89I William S. Winegar, eldest son, joined the firm of Winegar Furniture company. William S. was born in Grass Lake, Jackson county, Mich., July 27, 1854, where he lived and attended school until nineteen years of age, when he engaged in the lumber business at Chelsea, Washtenaw county, Mich. On account of his health he had to close up his business and go to Colorado, where he was engaged in mining and lumber. In I874 he married Miss Margaret G. Swift of Grass Lake. He then engaged in the lumbering and shingle business, which he followed until I891, when he went into business with his father and brother Frank B., where he now is, and has been the financial and general manager of the Winegar Furniture company. William S. and Margaret G. had six children, two of whom are living: Swift Wells, born in 1882 and now with the Winegar Furniture company, and William Edward, borh in 1889. Louis Howard Winegar was born August 8, 1868, in Grass Lake, Jackson county, Mich. When three years of age he came to Grand Rapids where he attended school. When he was seventeen years of age he was engaged in the furniture business, a part of the time with his father, and a part of the time in Chicago and Rockford, Ill., and is now with the Winegar Furniture company as F. B. Winegar's assistant. The business of the Winegar Furniture company has grown from a small beginning to an immense business, occupying a building eighty-two feet front, and 135 feet deep, a portion of which is six stories, besides several large warehouses for storing their immense stock of furniture, carpets, stoves, crockery and all kinds of house-furnishing goods, giving employment to twenty-five people. The success of the business of the Winegar Furniture company is largely due to the enterprise and thrift of William S. and Frank B. Winegar. RAND RAPIDS MORNING DEMO[ CRAT.-The first newspaper pub-,l lished in Grand Rapids, Mich., was issued April I8, I837. It was the Grand River Times, printed and published every Saturday morning at the rapids of Grand river by George W. Pattison, editor and proprietor. The outfit cost $4, 100, and was wrecked three or four times on its way from the office of the Niagara Falls Journal, where it was purchased. Louis Campau and the Kent company bought 500 subscriptions each, paying $I,ooo for a year's delivery of same in advance. So the Times started with a decided boom. It was, however, only published intermittently until 1841, when J. H. Morse & Co. assumed control of the property and began publishing under the title of the Grand Rapids 486 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Enquirer. Among the editors and regular contributors to the Enquirer were Simeon M. Johnson, E. D. Burr, Jacob Barns, C. H. Taylor, T. B. Church, E. E. Sargeant. Solomon L. Withey, C. I. Walker and A. D. Rathbone. E. A. Gordon established a weekly called the Herald, March I9, 1855, and in November, 1855, Jacob Barns & Co. began publishing a daily issue of the Enquirer. Under the management of Mr. Gordon the two papers were consolidated in May, I857. The business did not thrive financially during the war and the property was\transferred to Merrills H. Clark, in I865, who changed the name to the Grand Rapids Democrat. C. C. Sexton. J, W. Davis, C. B. Smith and A. A. Stevens were Mr. Clark's most effective co-workers. In I877 Mr. Clark sold to Messmore & Stevens (Col. I. E. Messmore and Gen. A. A. Stevens), who in turn sold to Frank W. Ball, in August, 1882. Under Mr. Ball's management the property increased in patronage and influence, was enlarged to an eight-page paper, and became recognized as the leading newspaper of western Michigan, a position it has continued to hold. In I891 Mr. Ball sold the property to ex-Mayor Isaac M. Weston. Under Mr. Weston's management the telegraph service was placed practically on an equal footing with the Detroit papers, and the Democrat became, in the opinion of many, the best newspaper in the state. Hard times and Mr. Weston's ill-health necessitated some changes after a few years, and in March, 1897, the property was purchased by the Grand Rapids Publishing company, in which J. Clark Sproat, who had been connected with the paper in various capacities for the previous seventeen years, acquired a controlling interest, and as secretary, treasurer and general manager has directed the paper's business and policy to the present time. In March, I899, the price was reduced from two cents to one cent, and the form changed to an eight-column, four-page. It has made rapid progress in public esteem and subscription patronage since that date and is recognized as the best morning penny paper published in a city the size of Grand Rapids in the entire northwest. The Dem6crat at the date of this publication enjoys an average daily circulation of 17,ooo copies. It is printed every day in the year. AURENS WRIGHT WOLCOTT, an experienced and consequently prominent attorney at Grand Rapids, Mich,. was born in Warsaw, Wyoming county, N. Y., February 8, 1843, and is a son of Nelson and Alvina (Wright) Wolcott, who were married in Middlebury, Genesee county, that state. Nelson Wolcott was born January 2, i8o6, and his wife March 28, I809; the latter died in January, I894, but the former still survives at the advanced age of ninety-three years. There were born to these parents eight children, named in order of birth as follows: Ellen H., wife of R. C. Baker, of Batavia, Ill.; Robert N., secretary and treasurer of the Kent Furniture company, of Grand Rapids; Henry R., president of a wagon manufacturing company, of Batavia, Ill.; Laurens W., whose name stands at the head of this biography; Mary L. D., wife of Prof. T. R. Willard, of Knox college, Galesburg, Ill.; Seymour A., business manager of the Belleville hospital for insane females at Batavia, Ill.; William A., druggist of the same city, and Frank N., a merchant of Tombstone, Ariz. Nelson Wolcott, the father of this family, was in his active days a merchant, and realized a moderate competency. He has been a republican in politics ever since this party was AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 487 organized and was the first county clerk of Wyoming county, N. Y. Laurens Wright Wolcott was educated primarily in the common school in his native district; then attended the seminary at Alexandria, Genesee county, N. Y., and next attended the Batavia (Ill.) institute until 1860. Civil war about this time was threatening devastation to the land, and he was one of the first to offer his services, and, if need be, his life, in the cause of universal liberty. He enlisted September Io, I86I, in company D, Fifty-second Illinois volunteer infantry, served gallantly his full term of three years, and reenlisted, as a veteran, December 25, 1863, at Pulaski, Tenn. He was a member of the Sixteenth army corps, under Gen. Dodge, and among his many important engagements may be mentioned those at Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, the campaign with Sherman to the sea, including the capture of Atlanta, Ga., was through the Carolinas, and in all the historic battles of his corps, now familiar as a matter of history to every American school-boy and intelligent adult reader. He was present at the grand review at Washington, D. C., in May, I865, was sent home via Louisville, Ky., to Chicago, Ill., and received, in that city, an honorable discharge July I2, I865, with the rank of first lieutenant, having entered the army as a private, as all enlisted men are required to do, and receiving their promotion for meritorious conduct and bravery on the field of battle. On his return to Batavia, Ill., Mr. Wolcott began reading law, which study he continued, under proper tuition, until the fall of I868, when he entered the law department of the university of Michigan at Ann Arbor, studied there one year, and in April, I869, came to Grand Rapids. Here, for a year, he was a clerk and student in the office of Byron D. Ball, then became a partner, and together they did a lucrative business until the fall of 1873; Mr. Wolcott was then in practice alone until 1875, when he formed a partnership with Moses Taggart, under the firm-style of Taggart & Wolcott, and until January I, I898, this firm stood at the "head and front" of the legal profession of Grand Rapids. At the date last mentioned, Mr. Wolcott united with Judge Cyrus E. Perkins. Besides his extensive law practice, Mr. Wolcott has many other interests to handle. He is a stockholder in and vice-president of the Kent Furniture company; has interests in a lumbering firm operating at Duluth, Minn., and is secretary and treasurer of the Usal Redwood company, of Kent county, Mich., but operating in California. It is left to surmise whether he is enterprising or not, or whether his hands are full, or whether he is doing anything to advance or promote the progress of the Valley city. Among the positions of honor and trust that Mr. Wolcott has filled are those of circuit court commissioner, to which he was twice elected by the republican party, and which office he filled from January I, 1873, to January I, 1877, and that of a member of the board of education from I877 to 1878, and of which he was the president during his term. Mr. Wolcott was united in marriage, at Grand Rapids, March 5, 1875, to Miss Lucy Gallup, who was born in Palmyra, N. Y., October 20, 1848, a daughter of Dr. James and Hannah (Capron) Gallup, and this union has been blessed with two children-Ellen Capron, wife of William D. Cheney, a wholesale fruit merchant, of Columbus, Ohio, and Kate Wright, at home with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Wolcott are members of the Congregational church, and fraternally Mr. Wolcott is a Knight Templar Mason, a member of DeMolai commandery, No. 5, Grand Rapids, and likewise a member of the Lcyal Legion. It is unnecessary here to make any comments on the 488 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I standing or career of this enterprising man. In his profession he stands in the front rank of Michigan lawyers. MAN WISSE, M. D., of No. I8 West Bridge street, Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in the province of Zeeland, Holland, March 7, 1854. He was educated at the academy in Middleburg, in the classics, higher mathematics, languages, etc., and in the same city took a course in theology, but later changed his views with reference to a life-profession, and entered upon the study of medicine. April 18, 1875, he married Miss Maria Barbara Van Page, to which marriage two sons were born in the mother country, one of whom. Andrew, the younger of the two, died at the age of three years. In I879 Mr. and Mrs. \Wisse, with their remaining child, came to America, and on reaching Grand Rapids had in their possession a capital of eleven dollars. Although well versed in his native language and in German and French, this knowledge was of little avail where English was the predominating tongue. His professional education had not been completed, yet the laxity of the laws of Michigan justified him in entering upon the practice of medicine, but he did not at first confine himself to this alone. He taught music, did clerical work, or any other that was honorable, chiefly for those who spoke his native tongue, and while his medical practice was his mainstay, it was three years before he felt able to enter a medical college. In 1884 he matriculated at the college of Physicians & Surgeons at Chicago, Ill., graduated with honors in I886, and returned to his practice, which had been irregularly maintained during his college vacations. Promptness became his watchword, and no day was too in clement or night too dark to preclude his instantly answering a call to the bedside of a sufferer, regardless of the question, "who is to pay?" But this assiduity met with its reward, and now, instead of "eleven," he counts his dollars by multiples of thousands. Dr. Wisse's profound knowledge of gynecology has given him a wide reputation, and he has frequently been called to treat chronic female troubles to the states of Iowa, Illinois and Indiana. But the doctor has a hope of soon retiring from active practice, and has recently engaged in a semi-professional business, having established a plant for the manufacture of two of his own specifics —( Angeline" and "Iman's Compound,"' which have been already generally introduced into the drug trade, and have met with unqualified popularity. Iman's Compound is now known as one of the leading medicines of the age and is found in all of the leading drug stores of Michigan. Illlinois, Indiana and Ohio. This prescription is the result of wide experience and careful research, and is now making his name famous from its good results. Angeline, a toilet preparation in a beautifully decorated bottle, is now known as one of the most desirable articles in that line, and is used by thousands who herald its praises. Of the doctor's four children, three still survive, viz: Cornelius, Diana Johanna and Johanna Phebe. The son, Cornelius, completed a thoroughly elementary course of study in the Grand Rapids high school, later graduated from the Illinois Medical college, and is now one of the leading young physicians of South Chicago; the two daughters, both born in Grand Rapids, are accomplished young ladies, and materially aid their father in the detail work connected with the sale of his specifics. The family are all members of the First Presbyterian church of Grand Rap C-4~~ 1 AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 491 -- -- ids, and their social standing is with the elite of the city. Dr. Wisse is an active member of the Michigan State Medical society, has been one of the most successful physicians and surgeons of the state, and justly deserves the high esteem in which he is held by the profession and the public at large, and future generatious will bless the day that brought him to America. I USTAVE ADOLPH WOLF, a lawyer l of acknowledged merit and great experience, and a well-known citizen of Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Ogdensburg, N. Y., February I, I858, and is a son of Jacob and Clara (Newborg) Wolfthe former a native of Bavaria and the latter of Wurtemberg, Germany, but married in New York. Jacob Wolf came to the United States in I852 and located, at first, in Elmira, N. Y., where for a short time he was engaged in merchandizing; he next moved to Ogdensburg, where he followed the same business until I869, when he came to Grand Rapids, and here continued in trade until within the past few years, when he retired. Mr. and Mrs. Wolf have had born to them seven children, in the following order: Benjamin, of Evart, Mich.; David, of Grand Rapids; Gustave A., the subject of this sketch; Joseph, deceased; Esther, married to A. M. Amberg, a merchant of Grand Rapids; Ida, wife of M. A. Heyman, of the Heyman Furniture company, also of this city, and Bertha, wife of Prof. M. Levi, of the university of Michigan, Ann Arbor. The family worship at the Temple Emanuel. Jacob Wolf is a Mason, and politically he is a republican. He is a gentleman of means, and is greatly respected for his many personal merits. Gustave A. Wolf was a lad of eleven years when brought to Grand Rapids by his parents. He here attended public school until seventeen years of age, and then entered the law office of Taggart, Simonds & Fletcher, with whom he read law for a year, and then entered the law department of the Michigan university at Ann Arbor, from which he graduated in 1878 with the degree of bachelor of laws. He then contracted with his former preceptors as clerk, and worked and studied with them as such until I88I, when the firm became Simonds, Fletcher & Wolf, and so continued until I883, when Mr. Wolf embarked in business on his sole account, since when he has been actively engaged in general practice, although for a time he made a specialty of commercial law. Mr. Wolf was joined in wedlock at Rock Island, Ill., November 30, 1887, with Miss AmandaRosenfield, who was born October 23, 1864, a daughter of Meyer and Caroline Rosenfield. In politics, Mr. Wolf is a republican, and fraternally he is a member of Doric lodge, F. & A. M. HUBERT WOOD, a rising nativeborn lawyer of Grand Rapids, Mich., is a son of Isaac W. and Mary R. (Russell) Wood, who came from Massachusetts to this city in I868. Isaac W. Wood was a well-educated gentleman and was bred a lawyer, but ill-health precluded the practice of his profession, two years' work at the bar sufficing to convince him that his constitution was not sufficiently robust to justify his continuance in that field of labor. Consequently, he came west and engaged in merchandizing and milling, being occupied in the latter vocation at the time of his most lamented death, which occurred May 24, 1889, at Grand Rapids, where his widow still resides. In politics Mr. Wood was a republican, and 492 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS in religion a Congregationalist. To Isaac \V. and Mary R. Wood were born two children, viz: Mary E., attending Smith college, in Massachusetts, and Willard Hubert, whose name opens this biographical sketch. W. Hubert Wood was born August 7, I869, and received his elementary education in the city schools of Grand Rapids. At the age of eighteen years he entered \Villiston seminary, East Hampton, Mass., studied one year, and then matriculated at Amherst college, took the full course of four years, and was graduated with the degree of A. B. in 1893. On his return to Grand Rapids he was employed one year as a reporter on the Democrat; he passed the following year in study in the law office of W. J. Stuart, was then examined before the court, and was admitted to the bar by Judge Adsit May 20, i895. Until i897 he practiced alone, but in February of that year became associated with Railroad Commissioner S. Wesselius, an arrangement which continued with a satisfactory general law practice, until September I, i899, since when Mr. Wood has been alone. Mr. Wood is a republican in politics and is very active in his efforts to promote his party's interests. He was president of the Young Men's Republican club at Grand Rapids during the McKinley campaign of i896, and in that position displayed a consummate executive ability that stamped him as an available man for future emergencies. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Grand Rapids and of the high school Gamma Delta Psi society; was a charter member of the High School association, and for two years was president of the Alumni association; he is also a member of the Chi Phi fraternity of Amherst college, and is altogether an active and energetic gentleman who well deserves the high esteem in which he is held by the profession, in society, and by the public in general. He makes his home with his mother, who owns her residence in Grand Rapids, and who is one of the most respected residents of the Valley city. OHN MILL WRIGHT, M. D., of No. 979 Griggs avenue, Grand Rapids, is a native of this city, was born August 3I, i873, and is a son of Dr. P. P. and Victoria (Peck) Wright, the former from VWisconsin and the latter from Pennsylvania, and the parents of five children besides the doctor, viz: Paul E., an instructor in gymnastics, in Indianapolis; Lawrence O., a dentist in Grand Rapids; Max G., a professor of the French and German languages in Stanford university; Henry P., a mechanic in Indianapolis, and Lillian (Wright) Dean, wife of John C. Dean, of the Dean Brothers steam pump works, also of Indianapolis. Dr. John Mill Wright graduated from the Grand Rapids high school in 1892, and from the Detroit college of Medicine in i895, having taken a three-years course at the latter, and at once began practice in the same office hie now occupies. He at present is serving his second term as lecturer on inateria medica and therapeutics in the Grand Rapids Medical college; is also a member of the board of education, in which he is a member of the committee on special training, and the committees on school library and apparatus and grounds. He is also a member of the I. 0. 0. F., the Golden Cross, the International Congress, and the Royal Templars, for all of which he is medical examiner, as well as for the Fraternal Alliance, and court physician for the Foresters. In politics he is a republican. Dr. Wright was joined in matrimony in Grand Rapids, in I 892, with Miss Frances Dreggs, a native of the city, a daughter of AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 493 John Dreggs, the well-known lumberman, and a graduate from the city high school. This union has been graced with one bright little daughter, Lillian Victoria, now five years of age. Dr. Wrightis a young professional gentleman of extraordinary prospects, as his training under the tutorship of the most eminent physicians of the city, together with his adaptability for the profession and his personal proficiency and affability, fully indicate. D ILTE ZAAGMAN, undertaker and embalmer, at No. 269 Central avenue, Grand Rapids, was born in Holland, June I, I86I, and is a son of William and Jacomina Zaagman, who had born to them four children, viz: John, Jilte, Lizzie and Aggie, all residents of Grand Rapids. The father was a farmer in the old country and brought his wife and John to Grand Rapids in the year I889, engaged here in the milk trade, and passed from earth in I895; his widow is still a resident of this city. Aggie came to America in I887, and Lizzie in I888. Jilte Zaagman, who had been reared a farmer, came to America in I882, having preceded his parents and brother John, seven years. As he has had to work from childhood, his early education was but meager, and after coming to the United States he improved it somewhat by attending night school, but it is chiefly derived from self-instruction, observation and business experience, and is of, the most practical character. He was industrious and thrifty when young, and in I889 had saved sufficient cash to purchase the small stock still left in the hands of a retiring undertaker, and by persistent attention to his affairs has since built up a business that compares favorably with any of the same character in the city. September 9, 1883, Jilte Zaagman was united in marriage, in Grand Rapids, with Miss Jennie Kregel, who was born here February 7, i857. To the happy marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Zaagman have been born eight children, viz: Willie, who died in infancy; Willie (2), who died at the age of two months and two days; Willie (3), who died when four months and five days old; Jennie, who died at the age of two years and twenty-two days; Jennie (2), Wilhelmina, Willie (4) and John, all at home and still small. Mr. and Mrs. Zaagman are members of the Holland Reformed church, and are greatly respected by all their neighbors and their many warm friends. Mr. Zaagman thoroughly understands the art of embalming and is master of all the details of the undertaking business, the consequence being that his services are almost in constant demand. ILLIAM G. YOUNG, M. D., the popular and successful physician and surgeon at Nos. 514-515 Widdicomb building, Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, was born February 23, 186I, a son of Andrew and Katherine (Himler) Young. Andrew Young was left an orphan in childhood and knows but little of his family, but is now a capitalist, and is living at Mancelona, Mich., with his wife and two sons. His wife was a native of Germany, but they were married in Cincinnati. The family consists of three sons and one daughter, of whom the subject of this sketch is the eldest. Adolph F. is in the insurance business at Mancelona; Carrie, wife of William Kling, resides in Grand Rapids; Adelbert B. is the youngest of the family and is now in school. Dr. Young received his elementary education in his native city, and graduated from the high school. He took up the study of medi 494 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS cine at the age of twenty years, the first course being at the Michigan college of Medicine & Surgery at Detroit, and then traveled a year or two,after which he returned to college, completing a four years' course in 1892. He then took three post-graduate courses in New York city —first at the New York Post-Graduate Medical school on surgery; the second at the New York Polyclinic, also on surgery, and the third course, on the same subject, at the New York school of Clinical Medicine. The doctor had begun general practice at St. Ignatz, Mich., in I892, and while there he attended the post-graduate schools, as before stated. Dr. Young located in Grand Rapids in December, I896, and entered upon general practice, which he continued until he was commissioned assistant surgeon in the United States army. This honor was the result of a competitive examination, as he was assigned to duty at Porto Rico, where he landed early in September, I898, where he was on duty until June, 1899, when he was transferred and came home, and was discharged in the fall of I899. His rank entitled him to the pay and emolument of a captain in the regular army. On a second competive examination Dr. Young was appointed special operator in hernia cases for the department of Porto Rico. This selection was made on the evidence of efficiency in practical surgery. He performed the first hernia operation ever performed on the island of Porto Rico-the local surgeons being very illiterate on the subject of surgery. Dr. Young is a member of the American Medical association, Michigan State Medical society, Medical and Surgical society of Grand Rapids, and the Grand Rapids academy of Medicine, is visiting surgeon to Butterworth hospital, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity, M. M.; R. A., K. T., thirty-second degree, and Shriner. Dr. Young was married at Ionia, Mich., July 5, I885, to Miss Jessie C. Brainard, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and a daughter of Jephtha and Mary Brainard, the father being deceased, and the mother residing at Cleveland, where Mrs. Young was educated and always resided until married. Two children were born to this union, viz: Jessie C., who died at the age of eight years, and Rose V., a little miss of four years.."r 2r~T~:: c ---~7- -z4 KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN. "UP TO DATE." D AURA SMITH HAVILAND, who published her autobiography entitled "A Woman's Life Work," depicting thirty years' labor in the cause of humanity, was born in Kitley, Leeds county, Ontario, December 20, I808. At the age of seven years she was taken to Niagara county, N. Y., by her parents, Rev. Daniel and Sene (Blancher) Smith, who located at Cambria, now Lockport. When a mere child, Laura was of an inquiring disposition and inclined to skepticism, but at the age of thirteen- experienced religion. She nevertheless kept on the even tenor of her life in deference to her parents, who were members of the society of Friends, and at the age of sixteen was married, in Friends' meeting, to Charles Haviland. In 1829, they settled at Raisin, Lenawee county, Mich., near her parents, and she still continued her association with the Friends, although severely troubled in mind. She felt convinced that her soul was lost, and was in despair, but she later discovered that she had misinterpreted Paul's letter and that she could still hope for salvation, and after earnest effort felt that she had found it: On account of the position assumed by the society of Friends on the slavery question, she, with several others, withdrew from '25 that society and united with the Wesleyan Methodists, and in I837 established the Raisin institute, the first school in Michigan to open its doors to colored youth. But the institution lost some of its white pupils in consequence of this step. The Raisin institute was later connected with the Michigan orphan asylum and finally it was made a state institution and became the state public school, located at Coldwater. Fugitive slaves, however, always found succor and help at the home of the Havilands, and the house was stigmatized as "the nigger den." Laura S. Haviland had always been impressed with the significance of dreams in foreshadowing the events that were to happen in her family. In some of her visions were depicted the loss of her husband and infant; but it was not until after twenty years of married life that her husband passed to the great beyond, and she was called upon to mourn the loss of five of her family, including her parents, within six weeks; she was herself stricken, but happily recovered, to thoroughly identify herself with the "underground railroad," and in a hundred ways assist unfortunate fugitive slaves. Laura S. Haviland, in I863. went to the Ihospitals of Cairo, Ill., and Memphis, Tenn., 498 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I carrying supplies for our soldiers of the Civil war, as well as for freedmen in camp on Island No. Io, and alleviating much suffering. Returning to Michigan, she assisted in organizing the Freedman's Relief association, and soon returned south to the succor of 4,000 freedmen, who were concentrated at Natchez, Miss., in condemned army tents, and also extended her work to various other places, including Baton Rouge and New Orleans, La. In April, I864, she went to Ship Island in the gulf of Mexico, then occupied as a prison for about 3,000 Federal soldiers, who had been convicted of trivial offenses by the infamous Judge Attocha, a former Rebel captain who, on taking the oath of allegiance to the United States government, was appointed judge-advocate by Gen. Butler. The records showed that, for the petty offense of intoxication, he had sentenced hundreds of men to fifteen years of i nprisonment, with ball and chain attached to the person, and the additional penalty of a forfeiture of part of their pay, and he also perpetrated many other similar atrocities. She was determined to right the wrong done these men. She secured a petition to Gen. Weitzel, signed by seventy ex-soldiers, appealing for the deliverance of these unfortunates, but, owing to red tape, little or nothing was accomplished. She therefore wrote out a full report of the case, accompanied it with a copy oflthe records and forwarded it to the member of congress from her home district, who placed the documents before the secretary of war, and she soon had the satisfaction of learning that the infamous judge had been removed and a commission sent to investigate the case, which resulted in the liberation of the 3,000 prisoners. Most of these were returnel to their regiments, and thus one of the most disgraceful episodes of the war was partially righted. In June, I864, she was made agent of the Freedman's Aid society and at once repaired to Kansas to assist refugees, both white and black, who had fled to that state from Missouri to escape the raids of Gen. Price. The last six years of Laura S. Haviland's life were spent with her brother, Rev. S. B. Smith, at Grand Rapids, where she passed away April 20, I898, but was active in the cause of humanity to the last, and when unable to make addresses, continued to write messages to various societies. Her remains were interred in the old churchyard in Lenawee county, besides those of her husband and parents. Her portrait still depends from the walls of the State public school at Coldwater, and the Industrial Home at Adrian, which she, associated with Mrs. Mary T. Lathrop, representing the W. C. T. U., secured, and which she named, and the teachers and pupils of Raisin institute still hold anniversaries in memory of one of the noblest philanthropists that ever lived in Michigan. ARON ABER.-Paris township, Kent county, Mich., has been the home and scene of labor of many men who have not only led lives that serve as examples for others, but have also been of important service to the commonwealth through various avenues of usefulness. Among these the name of the late Aaron Aber is certainly entitled to conspicuous mention, by reason of the fact, that, for a number of years, he was a prominent factor in the progress and development which have characterized the growth of this section of the county. Mr. Aber was a native of New York, was born in what is now Schuyler county, that state, September 20, 1828, and was a son of 499 AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. -I Philip and Eleanor(Cox) Aber. He was reared and educated in the place of his nativity and there remained until I853, at which time he came to Michigan, and located in Kent county, whither many of his former neighbors and friends had preceded him. On the 9th day of May, I859, he married, in Oakfield, Kent county, Miss Catherine E. Horton, daughter of Warren and Harriet (Darby) Horton, who was born in Orange county, N. Y., June 7, 1830. During the six years succeeding his marriage, Mr. Aber lived in Montcalm county, and in April, 1865, purchased the present farm, consisting of 160 acres in Paris township. Here he spent the remaining years of his life in the peaceful pursuit of agriculture. Mr. Aber was an advanced farmer, as the well kept appearance of his place fully attests, and took great pride in his home, being rarely found absent therefrom unless urgent business called him elsewhere. Indeed, he was what may be termed a " home body," domestic in his tastes, believing in making his dwelling the most desirable spot on earth, so far as he and his family were concerned. By diligent attention to his business he prospered, and by embodying in his life the principles of the Golden Rule, won many warm friends, and stood deservedly high in the estimation of his fellow-citizens. An unswerving democrat in politics, his modesty forbade him asking honor or emoluments of office; and for partisan methods he had no sympathy and but little respect. Fraternally he belonged to the Masonic order, being for many years an active worker in lodge No. 24, at Grand Rapids. The broad principles of justice and equity exemplified in the teachings of Christ, represented his religious creed; and to deal justice tempered with mercy was his rule of conduct: throughout life. He never saw fit to indentify himself with any religious body, nevertheless was a firm believer in a broad religion, and was a friend of churches of whatsoever name or creed. His life work is his own best monument, and his death, which occurred on the 17th day of February, 1899, was an irreparable loss, not only to the immediate family but to the entire community. Mrs. Aber was brought by her parents to Michigan in 1849 and until her marriage lived in Oakfield, where both her father and mother are buried. Her family at this time consists of two daughters, the elder of whom is Mrs. Hattie Bostwick Bowen, and has four children, namely: Jessie, Ethel, Cora and Burr Aber Bowen.. The second daughter is the wife of Edward Reed, who operates the home farm. Mrs. Aber is a lady of intelligence and mature judgment, highly esteemed by her neighbors and always interested in every good work. She has acted well her part in life and the future awaits her with bounteous rewards. AMES J. ABRAHAM, highway commissioner of Grattan township and a prosperous farmer, was born in Ada, Kent county, Mich., July I, 1858, and is the second of seven children-two sons and five daughters-born to Patrick and Johanna (Doyle) Abraham, of which children six are living and residents of Kent county, and one daughter, Ann, formerly a teacher in the county, is now the wife of John Byrne, a member of the police force of Grand Rapids. These children have all been confirmed in the faith of the Catholic church, of which the parents are devout members. James J. Abraham was meagerly educated in the district schools of Ada township, later attended the Jesuit college at St. Mary's, Kan., and was fifteen years of age when he was confirmed by Bishop Borgess, of Detroit. He was reared to farming and acquired a practical knowledge of that vocation. 500 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS September 26, I893, he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Winnie C. Troy, by her brother, Rev. Father John E. Troy, of St. Andrew's cathedral, Grand Rapids, and four children have blessed this union, viz: Gertrude Lucille, Patrick Joseph, John Aloysius and James. Mrs. Abraham was born in Caledonia township, Kent county, September 3, I868, and is a daughter of John C. and Bridget (Malloy) Troy, parents of four sons and four daughters, of whom seven are still living, viz: Mary, now known as Mother Catherine, of the Sisters of Mercy, in Oklahoma; Dr. E. H., a graduate of Ann Arbor university, and now practicing medicine and surgery in Detroit; David W., formerly a teacher in Bowne township, and now farming in Caledonia township; Maggie, of Oklahoma, and known as Sister Mary Frances, of the Sisters of Mercy; John E., now a resident priest of Hemlock City, Mich., having graduated from St. Francis Xavier college at Milwaukee, Wis., and having been ordained by Bishop Richter at Grand Rapids, Mich.; Mrs. Abraham is next in order; Patrick J.; Joseph, who graduated from Sandwich Catholic college at Sandwich, Ontario, then studied theology at Innspruck, Germany, and is now in the community of the Jesuits at St. Louis, Mo. Mrs. Abraham was graduated in the class of 1892 from the academy of the Sisters (Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary) at Monroe, Mich. She was confirmed by Bishop Borgess, at Grand Rapids, at the age of twelve years, and is a model wife and mother. Mr. and Mrs. Abraham began their married life in section No. 29, Grattan township, on 120 acres, for which they went considerably in' debt, but they have prospered, and have now a most excellently cultivated farm. Mr. Abraham is a free-silver man, a nonexpansionist, and an admirer of William Jen nings Bryan. He was elected commissioner of highways of Grattan township in 1898, and in I899 was re-elected, an indication of his popularity with his fellow-citizens. Mr. Abraham is a member of the A. O. of H., of Grand Rapids, and he and wife are members of St. Patrick's congregation, of Parnell, and contribute freely to the support of the church and its sodalities. Mr. Abraham deserves much credit for the industry and 'frugality he has displayed and exercised through life, and the energy through which he has lifted himself from comparative poverty to a position of comfort and even competency, and recognition by the best classes of his township, with whom he now stands, and by whom he and his wife and children are respected for their many personal merits. EORGE ALBERT. —Prominent among the well-known and prosperous agriculturists of Alpine township, Kent county, Mich., is George Albert, a native of Otisco, Ionia county, Mich., born September I5, 1852 and was the fourth child of John and Marguerite (Krupp) Albert. His father was born in Baden, Germany, June I6, I810. He came to America in the year 1829, when nineteen years of age, having made the voyage alone. His first permanent residence was made at Thomson, Ohio, where he remained for a period of about ten years, traveling much of the time as salesman for the old-fashioned clock, his trade being that of a clock-maker. After leaving Ohio he located at Otisco, Ionia county, Mich., where he lived for about thirty-five years and thence removed to Kent county, locating at Grand Rapids. There he lived but a few months, at the end of which time he purchased a farm in section i8,Plainfield township, where he resided eight AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 501 een years, thence returning to Grand Rapids to live until his death, which occurred August 24, 1894. His remains are laid to rest in the Alpine cemetery. The mother of George Albert was a native of Germany, also, born in the year 1823. She came to America with her parents and met her husband at Thomson, Ohio. She is still living and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Joseph Platte. George Albert, of this biography, began life for himself when forty years of age, heretofore having conducted the business of his father. At the above age he purchased his present 120-acre farm in section No. 15, Alpine, and immediately removed upon it, and now has seventeen acres devoted to fruit. On January 8, 1877, he was united in marriage to Miss Marguerite Schiltz, a native of Otisco, Ionia county, Mich., born May 30, 1855, being the fourth child of Christian and Mary Schiltz. Her parents are both natives of Germany, and, having come to America at an early age, are now residents of Otisco. Mr. and Mrs. Albert are the parents of two children: Ernest C., and Anna, both living at home with their parents. He stands on the Chicago platform, and as an official he is serving the people of Alpine as justice of the peace for the third year. Both he and his wife are active members of the Alpine Catholic church and highly esteemed by a large circle of friends, and are ever ready to contribute to a worthy cause. LBERT ADDISON, one of the more progressive and successful agriculturists of Courtland township, Kent county, was born in the county June I, 1847. He is a son of Thomas and Emeline (Johnson) Addison, who had born to them a family of four sons and three daughters, six of whom are still living, viz: Mary, wife of Daniel Moore, of Rockford, Mich.; Lydia, married to Frank Woodruff, of Ypsilanti, Mich.; George, a resident of Berkley, Cal., and foreman of a packing house in San Francisco; Robert, a mechanic of Pasadena,Cal.; Albert, and Thomas, manager of the general electric company of San Francisco, but residing in Berkley. These children were all educated in common schools, and Thomas also graduated from the Bellevue Hospital college of New York. Thomas Addison, the father of the family, was born in North Duffield, England, in I807, and died in Courtland, Mich., June 12, 1875. He came to America in a sailing vessel about I825, landing in New York city. He was married in the Empire state, and later, while it was still a territory, came to Michigan, reaching Plainfield on a flat-boat, having come some distance down Grand river. From Plainfiled he came to Counrtland township, having but one dollar remaining. But, by dint of industry and the exercise through many years of the native ability characteristic of the family, attained to affluence. Mr. Addison was at once brought into prominence in local affairs. He was an ardent democrat of the Jeffersonian school, and was the first clerk of Courtland, being present at the organization of the town. He was subsequently elected a justice of the peace, a position he filled with credit and honor., Fraternally, he was a member of Rockford lodge, No. 246, F. & A. M., and in religion he and wife were strict adherents of the Episcopalian faith. Albert Addison received a good commonschool education which so aroused a desire for further culture that he has aimed to improve his leisure hours with profitable reading. He was reared a farmer and stockraiser; but, when he embarked in farming on his own account, had no capital save an earnest disposition to accomplish what was set before him to 502 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS --- do. April 4, I87I, he was united in marriage with Miss Josephine Stoner, a native of Kent county, and a daughter of John and Mary Jane Stoner; they have two children-Raymond V. and Christina. Mrs. Josephine Addison was born January 3, I853, received her preparatory education in the common schools, and then passed five years in the Rockford high school. John Stoner, father of Mrs. Addison, was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., July 23, I818, and Mrs. Mary Jane Stoner, a native of St. Joseph, Mich., was born January 6, I825. To thenl were born three sons and five daughters, of whom the following survive: Josephine; Mary, wife of J. D. Clark, a hardware merchant at Grand Rapids; Jennie, married to S. P. DeVries, also of Grand Rapids; John, blacksmith of Kalispell, Mont., and Charles D., a railroad employee in Illinois. John Stoner, the father, was a man of much influence, and one whose life was passed in endeavor to do his whole duty nobly. He was a democrat, and when a resident of Rockford served as treasurer of Algoma township. His lamented death took place October 2, 1876, in the faith of the Baptist church, to which his widow, now residing in Rockford, still belongs. Raymond V. Addison, the elder of the two children born to Albert and Josephine (Stoner) Addison, has received a common-school education and has, excepting some months in 1896, passed his life on his father's estate. He has a fine taste for music and is quite proficient as a performer on the mandolin; his sister, Christina, is also of a musical turn and has received special instruction on the organ. Both these young people are members of the Epworth league, of which Raymond is the librarian and Christina the organist. The Addison homestead consists of I6o acres of section No. 23, Courtland township, and this farm Albert Addison purchased from the other heirs after the death of his father. He has been very successful in the management of his business, and is classed among the progressive and representative men of the township. He and family enjoy the unfeigned respect of the community. He is an ardent friend of the public schools, and has been treasurer of the school board for many years. He is also a member of Rockford lodge, No. 246, F. & A. M. ELSON F. ALBEE, D. V. S., an agriculturist of Wyoming township, Kent county, Mich., where he has resided for the past thirty years, was born in Danby, Rutland county, Vt., June 28, 1822. His father, Zattue Albee, was a native of Massachusetts, was a millwright by trade and a Methodist preacher by calling, found his wife in Vermont aind died in Cleveland, Ohio, at the age of seventy-six years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Chapman, was a native of the Green Mountain state, and died in Cleveland, Ohio, when fifty-six years old. To this venerable couple were born fourteen children, of whom two only are now living-the subject of this sketch and Adeline, wife of Edward Gillette, and now residing in Lockwood, Monterey county, Cal., at the age of sixty-six years. Nelson F. Albee was a child of four years when taken from Vermont to Ohio by his parents, who settled near Cleveland, and there he was educated -to a limited degree in a log house, the only kind in existence in the pioneer days of the Buckeye state. But he was an apt scholar and fond of reading, and had a natural affection for dumb animals, taking much delight in relieving their suffering when in pain. Living on a farm, he had many op AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 503 portunities for observing the habits of animals, for studying their ailments and ministering to their cure. This led to his systematic reading of works devoted to this branch of surgery and medicine, in which he is now an expert, having had a practice of fifty years' duration. But it is necessary to revert to the earlier days of his life. While yet a boy, the doctor left the home farm and went to Nottingham, near Cleveland, and entered a dry-goods store as a clerk, and learned something of the business; he then went to Haysville, Ashland county, where for two years he carried on the dry-goods business on his own account. About 1845 he married, about ten miles from Dayton, Miss Ann Marie Shunk, and in I85i he and wife and their two children went overland by ox-team to California, being somewhat afflicted with the goldfever, and were five months ir making the trip. But they discovered that wealth could be more easily gained by other processes than mining, and they took in washing at the rate of $7 per dozen. They passed three and a half years in the Golden state, and then returned, via Nicaraugua, and in eighteen days reached Cleveland, Ohio, and lived in the vicinity of that city until I866, when they came to Kent City, Mich. For some time the doctor did considerable lumbering, both in his own forest and for W. T. Powers, attending meanwhile to his practice as a veterinary surgeon. The doctor came to Wyoming township about the year 1884, making the change principally on account of his health, and purchased a tract of twenty-five acres, which he has greatly improved, and has chiefly devoted to the cultivation of fruit, but, as a rule, rents it out, as his practice requires the greater part of his attention. To the doctor and Mrs. Albee have been born eight children, seven of whom are still living, viz: Almira, wife of Charles Goodwin, of Chicago, Ill., and the mother of two children, Almira and Kitty; of. these Almira is married to Frederick Hayden, of Chicago, and Kitty is the wife of Charles Cole, of the same city, and has one child, Helen. Victoria is the wife of John Thomas, of LaFayette, Ind., and has four children-Minnie, married to Dr. Doyle, of Logansport, Ind., and the mother of two boys; Nelson F., married and the father of one son; Lettie and Maud. Ann is the wife of John Tozer, of Grand Rapids, and has four children-Sadie, Frank, Ella and Myra. Arthur N., of Grand Rapids, married Belle Clark and has one son-LeGrande. Kittie, wife of D. Thompson, of Kent City, has five children-Eddie, Freddie, Otis, John and a babe. Hattie is the wife of Willian- Bowen, of Newaygo, and Nelson T., Jr., the youngest of the doctor's children, married a Miss Workman and lives in Grand Rapids. Fraternally, the doctor is an Odd Fellow, but has not affiliated for years; politically, he is a republican, taking much interest in the success of his party. Personally, the doctor is highly respected by the entire community, and professionally he has made a grand success -a success so great, indeed, that he now refuses calls away from home, but attends to all cases at his office on his premises, where he keeps on hand constantly a stock of medicines and all the modern and latest improved implements and appliances requisite in the practice of his profession, ETER ANDERSON, the well-known blacksmith of Kent City, Mich., has been identified with the town since i886, and has earned for himself the reputation of being a most excellent mechanic as well as a model citizen. He was born in Columbus, Bartholomew county, Ind., April 504 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I 9, 185 I, and is the third in a family of two sons and two daughters born to William H. and Mary E. (Geesee) Anderson, of which children only he and his sister, Harriet E. (wife of C. R. Palmer, of Maple Grove, Barry county), are still living. William H. Anderson, father of Peter, was born in the Netherlands, but died in Indiana when the latter was still in his infancy. The mother remarried, and, her second husband being a blacksmith, the subject of this sketch was early inducted into the business, or, as he remarks, " He went to work in the shop as soon as he was tall enough to stand in front of an anvil." When he had attained his majority he left his step-father and began the battle of life on his own account, but did not have $5 in his possession, although he had become a perfect master of his trade. Since then his life has been spent in Michigan. March i6, I876, Mr. Anderson married Miss Sibyl L. Palmer, a native of Barry county, Mich., and to this union have been born two sons and three daughters, of whom the following named four still survive: Maudie Belle, wife of Harry S. Powers, general agent for the Osborne Reaper company at Kent City; Fannie E., who completed the seventh grade in school and received instruction in music, and in May, 1899, was married to Ray Dunning, a farmer of Tyrone township, but now city drayman of Sparta, and a son of C. R. Dunning, whose sketch appears on another page; Lester 0., who has also passed through the seventh grade, and is now assisting his father, and Tina, at home. Mrs. Sibyl L. Anderson was born June I9, I858, and received a sound common-school education. When Peter Anderson settled in Kent City he began business in a rented shop, as he had had the misfortune of losing, while a resident of McBride's, Montcalm county, his shop, tools and stock, involving a loss of $1,200, by a con flagration. Besides this, he had been too kind to his friends by going security, paying losses to the amount of $400. But he was not discouraged, and began again at the foot of the hill to climb to his present enviable position. On starting in Kent City he had a few tools and about $30 worth of stock, and after purchasing some provisions and other requisites for his family had $. 50 left in cash. He has been energetic and thrifty, however, and to-day owns one of the best equipped and neatest blacksmith shops in the county of Kent. The workshop is 36x24 feet in dimensions and contains two excellent brick forges, and his storehouse or stock-room is 20 x20 feet and is packed with first-class material. Besides, his residence is his awn, and not a dollar of indebtedness stands against his dwelling, his shop, or his stock and tools. Mr. Anderson is a republican in politics and cast his first presidential vote for U. S. Grant. He is an ardent friend of the free schools and has served as a member of the Kent City school board seven years, and is still serving as such. As an Odd Fellow he has passed all the chairs and is now a member of lodge No. 380, at Kent City. Socially he is respected and honored, a distinction which every self-made man assuredly deserves. ARVIN M. ATHERTON, a distinguished attorney at law of Sparta, Kent county, Mich., was born in Lisbon, Ottawa county, of the same state, September 23, I869, and is a sbn of Sylvanus and Malinda (Williams) Atherton, parents of four children. Sylvanus Atherton, the father, who traced his ancestry to the English, was born in Pennsylvania, where he was reared to farm v.I r1 ~~.. d) b-I) Cf F4 0 rmmq 0 rml Q AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 507 ing and whence he removed to Ohio, and from there, several years later, came to Michigan;and continued to follow farming in Kent county, and also engaged in mercantile trade in the village of Lisbon. In I88I he settled in Sparta, Kent county, and here died November 25, 1892, a highly respected citizen; his widow now resides in Sparta, at the home of her son, Marvin M., whose name stands at the opening of this biographical notice. Marvin M.Atherton was primarily educated in the common schools, and after having passed through all the required grades was thoroughly prepared for college, entered the Michigan State Normal school in I888, and graduated in I892. In I893 he entered the university of Michigan, from the law department of which famous institution he graduated in 1895. He began practice in Detroit, Mich., the same year, gained considerable practice, and in September, I898, located in Sparta, where he has met with flattering success as a lawyer,:and where, also, he exercised the functions of a notary public. Although still in the profession, he is rapidly approaching a foremost place in its ranks, and if the present buds of promise fully fructify, he will stand in the fore-front in the near future. Mr. Atherton is a member of Unity lodge, No. 174, Knights of Pythias; is in politics a republican and cast his first presidential vote for Ben. Harrison. Socially he maintains an excellent standing with the best people of Sparta, and is greatly esteemed on account of his many personal merits. Arty Atherton married Miss Susan R. Webb, October 31, I899. This lady was born in Cass couuty, Mich, June 8, I869, and is a daughter of H. J. and Frances (Woods) Webb. She was primarily educated at Cassopolis, and finished her education at the State Normal school of Ypsilanti, graduating with the class of I89I. RIGHT C. ALLEN, the subject of this sketch, is a worthy descendant of one of the early pioneers of Michigan and belongs to a family renowned in the annals of early American history. His father, Hiram H. Allen, was in many respects a remarkable man, and left the impress of his individuality indelibly stamped upon various localities of Kent county. Hiram H. Allen was a native of Chittenden county, Vt., born May 14, I804, and a near relative of Col. Ethan Allen, who gained signal fame by the capture of Fort Ticonderoga at the breaking out of the war of American independence. He came to Michigan in 1830, served as a volunteer in the Black Hawk war, and became a resident of Kent county in 1838, though he had come here for a limited period two years prior to that date. His first residence was constructed of sawed planks, an indifferent affair, one of the first dwellings in this section of the country. This house, which was occupied by the family many years, stood on the main thoroughfare leading to Kalamazoo and.was frequently used as a stopping place by the traveling public during the early days of the county. A part of the original structure is still standing, and incorporated into the dwelling where the immedate subject of this review now resides. Of Hiram Allen, and the part he took in developing Kent county, much might be written. By trade a tanner, he abandoned that vocation upon settling in Michigan, and turned his attention to farming and lumbering, in both of which he met with gratifying success. He was a true type of the rugged pioneer of seventy years ago, strong, industrious and fearless, and possessed unusual powers of mind which made him a valuable man in the community, as he was frequently consulted by the early settlers in matters of law and business, and for many years held important official po 608 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS sitions. For thirty years he was a justice of the peace in Paris township, being chosen to that office at the first election, which was held under his own roof. It is also a fact worthy of note that he officiated at the first wedding ceremony ever held in the township, the contracting parties being Charles Kelly and Emeline Clark, the latter of whom is still living where their marriage was celebrated, in the township of Gaines, at that time included in Paris. During his long incumbency, Mr. Allen became widely and favorably known, and the justice and impartiality of his decisions attracted numerous litigants to his court. He was a leading politician in that early day; a stanch old-line whig and equally zealous as a republican after that party came into existence. Firm in his convictions, and a fluent talker, he was ever ready for argument, being no mean antagonist in many wordy encounters which characterized neighborhood assemblages, in those times, when everybody was a politician, and. all took part in such discussions. His mind once formed concerning any matter seldom changed, and he defended his views with a tenacity and logic which easily made him the leader of his party, and one of its most trusted advisers. He always aimed to do the right, and, though firm and antagonistic, no one ever accused him of a dishonorable motive or attributed to him aught inconsistent with the strictest integrity. He enjoyed political conclaves, and seldom, if ever, failed to attend the conventions of his party. Always a great pedestrian, he frequently walked many miles, either day or night, to be present at such meetings, and once there was one of the leading spirits, his good natured personality lending enthusiasm to the occasion. During the war no man in Kent county proved a warmer friend of the Union, and he contributed liberally of his means; besides exercising strong influence in inducing young men to enlist in the service of their country and in caring for the familiesof those who went to the front. In his religious opinions, Mr. Allen was. also firmly established, and his church, the Episcopal, had no more enthusiastic supporter or liberal patron than he. In social circles he was ever a popular idol —full of life, and repartee-and nothing pleased him better than the annual gatherings of the Old Settlers association, where he was always called upon to; give graphic accounts of manners, customs, and life in the backwoods during the days. when the country was passing through the pioneer period. In early life he was active in Masonic circles, but did not affiliate with the lodge much during the latter years of his life. He was a stockholder in the old plank road, and always seconded any enterprise looking to, the internal improvement of the county and. state. Sufficient has already been said to give the reader an intelligent understanding of the characteristics of this representative pioneer, and the part he took in the growth, and development of the country. Personally he was always popular, and possessed a restless energy truly remarkable, the word "fail" not bering in his vocabulary, and the expression, It must go" being his favorite maxim. After a long and useful life fraught with great good to the community, and possessing the esteem of all who knew him, on the 2nd of January, I890, this excellent citizen and old-time gentleman Passed to that undiscovered country, from whose bourne no traveler ever returns." His wife was born in Williston county, Vermont, April 20, 1804, and died January Io, 1878. She was of quiet and retiring disposition, a suitable balance to her husband's. restless temperament, and is held in loving remembrance by her children, whom she trained in high and noble ways of living. Mr.. and Mrs. Allen were the parents of three chil 5090 AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. dren; Wright C., whose name introduces this biography; Lucy O., wife of James VanAuken and Mary A., wife of Jerome- E. Phillips, of Grand Rapids. Wright C. Allen was born in the town of Tecumseh, Lenawee county, Mich., July 22, 1831, and has spent his entire life within the boundaries of his native state. Reared on the farm he early became acquainted with hard work, and while still quite young made a full hand in the " pineries," besides doing his share on the home place, attending in the meantime such schools as the country at that time afforded. He and his father worked together, their interests being mutual, and from the first success attended his efforts. His first realestate transaction consisted of eighty acres about one mile from the home farm, to which he has since added from time to time until he is now the possessor of quite a large tract, owning over 435 acres, including the original homestead of I80 acres. His valuable farm lies two miles south of the city limits and with its improvements makes one of the most desirable country homes. Beside this he has valuable property elsewhere, among which are five acres within the corporate limits of Grand Rapids. Mr. Allen possesses business abilities of a high order and every enterprise with which he has been identified:has resulted in encouraging financial profit. He has faith in the dignity of his calling, and manifests an intelligent interest in everthing pertaining to agriculture. Mr. Allen succeeded his father as justice of the peace, discharging the duties of that office with satisfaction to all concerned for a number of years. He has also been called to other positions, including those of township treasurer and constable, in each of which his aptitude for the successful conduct of public affairs has been exemplified. A republican in I I I his political belief, Mr. Allen is no partisan. He always supports his party's ticket in national and state contests, but in local elections gives his vote to the candidate best fitted for the office sought. Mr. Allen was married February i8, 1869, to Miss Sarah J. Watson, daughter of Joseph J. and Catherine (Thomas) Watson, who came to Grand Rapids with her parents in 1852,, her native place being Dansville, N. Y. The father of Mrs. Allen was for a number of years a contractor and builder, and had an enviable reputation as an architect, having taught architecture both in New York and in Michigan. In I860 he settled in Paris township, and followed agriculture until his death, which occurred on the i8th of May, I899, at the advanced age of eighty-seven. His wife was born in Livingston county, N. Y., June 12, 1819, and departed this life March 13, I89I. To Wright C. and Sarah J. Allen have been born two children, the younger of whom Auril, died at the age of eight years. Florence E., the survivor, was born August II, I871, married Charles S. Smith, and has the following children: Auril, Amy, Wright Allen and Wallace Marion Smith. It is well that a work like this be carried to completion in this year, that closes the nineteenth century. But a few more years and all those honorable and respected pioneers will have passed from these scenes to the more beautiful " Land of the Leal." Their labor done, the tide comes in for the last time, and midst the falling of tears, they embark upon the "' waveless sea." RS. SARAH E. ATHERTON, of ' Sparta township, Kent county, Mich., with her post-office at Lisbon, across the line in Ottawa county, has been a resident of Sparta township 510 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS since I854, and is well known for her great kindness and amiability of disposition, and has played quite a conspicuous part in the history and development of the county. She is a native of Orange county, N. Y., was born September 2, 1831, and is a daughter of William H. and Elizabeth (Smith) Hoyt, wellknown residents of the Empire state in their early days, and the parents of four children — one son and three daughters —of whom Mrs. Atherton and her sister Caroline, widow of John Bare, and now residing in Antelope county, Nebr., are the only two survivors. Mrs. Bare, however, has seven children and forty grandchildren, and her post-office address is Neligh, Nebr. William H. Hoyt, father of Mrs. Atherton, was also a native of Orange county, N. Y., was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and died at the early age of twenty-six years, six months and nineteen days, in Septemtber, I835. He was highly intelligent and chiefly self-taught; he had solved all the problems in Daboll's arithmetic and compiled them in a volume in his own handwriting, and was well read in history. He was a resident of Henry (now Defiance) county, Ohio, at the time of his death, his daughter (Mrs. Atherton) being then four years of age. Mrs. Elizabeth (Smith) Hoyt, also a native of New York, was born in I813, and died in the state of Ohio in I893, a devout member of the U. B. church, and a lady of good education and of many christian and womanly graces. Her father, Timothy Smith, was a pioneer of the Mohawk valley, N. Y., and was a man of the strictest integrity. The step-grandfather of Mrs. Atherton, Richard VanSkiver, was a hero of the war of 1812, and her grandmother's father, Hall, a patriot of the Revolution, was taken prisoner at one time, and was nearly murdered by the enemy's putting.powdered glass in bread. Her grandmother's aunt's father and mother were killed by the Indians in the early pioneer days of New York; the savages had attacked their cabin, bent on massacre, and the aunt ran outside the door to seek a means of escape, but surely would have been slain, had not an Indian, who had been lurking behind a tree, recognized her as one he was indebted to for past kind acts, and so saved her life. She was made a captive, however, and held for three months in a wigwam, and while thus imprisoned gave birth to a daughter. Mrs. Sarah E. Atherton, the subject of this biography, passed her childhood and youthful years in the state of Ohio, was educated in the common schools, and supplemented this instruction by self-application to the study of standard literature, for which she had a natural taste and inherent love, and, as Miss Sarah E. Hoyt, became one of the most accomplished young ladies of her neighborhood. At the age of twentythree years she was led to the marriage altar, September i6, 1854, by George Atherton, who was born in Steuben county, N. Y., October 25, 1826, was educated in the common schools and early learned the carpenter's trade. The same year of their marriage (1854), Mr. Atherton brought his bride to Michigan, purchased I6o acres of timbered land in Sparta township, Kent county, and began the arduous but not altogether unpleasant life of genuine pioneers. The township was new, with only one blazed road, and that led to Grand Rapids, and nowhere else, and many a time did Mrs. Atherton ride behind an ox-team. Their first habitation was a log cabin, the main part of which is still standing and is now a half century old. All the improvements that now adorn this farm, including the beautiful as well as the useful, had been made by Mr. and Mrs. Atherton prior to the death of the former, about ten years ago, and what was once a 511 AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. dense wilderness is now one of the finest farms in the township. In the early days, Mr. Atherton was offered forty acres on Stocking street, Grand Rapids, for a span of horses. George Atherton was an able financier as well as a laudably ambitious citizen and farmer; yet, though an active republican, he never aspired to public office. He was esteemed by all who knew him for his honorable life, his intelligence, his industrious habits and his excellent executive ability. He was a kind husband, a true friend and a useful member of society, and was called to his final rest September 21, I888. His remains were followed to the grave by a large train of unaffected friends and interred in the Lisbon cemetery, where his widow has erected an elegant gray granite monument, sacred to his memory. The month of September, it may here be incidentally mentioned, has proven a fortuitous one to Mrs. Atherton, inasmuch that she and her sisters were born in September, her father died in September, she was married in September, and in September her husband was taken away. Arthur W. Letson, a young man of excellent character, now finds a home on the beautiful estate owned by Mrs. Atherton, who, in the kindness of her heart, shares with the otherwise homeless lad her bounteous hospitality, and has been so doing since the fall of 1891, adopting him when he was aged about fourteen years. He graduated from the Lisbon graded schools in 1897, passed his teacher's examination and secured his teacher's certificate, and in every way has shown himself worthy of the kindness of his benefactress. He exhibits marked evidence of talent in art, and the kindly advice and admonitions of Mrs. Atherton have not been bestowed upon him in vain. Young Mr. Letson was born in Coldwater, Branch county, Mich., June 7, 1877, and is a son of Lorenzo and Marion (Donnelly) Letson; he passed seven years of his life in Newaygo county, several years in Muskegon county, and the last eight and happy years have been passed with Mrs. Atherton. For forty-five years Mrs. Atherton has been a resident of Kent county, and her daily walk through life has commanded the respect of all who know her. In religion she is a Universalist, but she (as did her deceased husband) has ever contributed most liberally toward all the churches of Sparta, and her contributions have not yet come to an end. It may truthfully be said that no more benevolent lady ever lived in Sparta, nor one more deserving the respect which is so freely bestowed upon her. B HOMAS ANDERSON.-This gentleman affords in his life and success further evidence that industry, economy and integrity constitute the keynote to honorable competency. The blood of the "canny Scot" flows in his veins and his life exhibits the most worthy characteristics of that hardy race-industry, frugality and honesty. He is now in his prime. He has trusted to his own strong arm and healthy brain for success, nor has he been disappointed. Beginning business life with little capital and other privileges quite limited, but with a sturdy purpose to do, with all his might, what was required of him, he has conquered the impediments to progress, and stands to-day an illustrious character among the many successful men of Kent county. Mr. Anderson was born February 3, I850, his natal place being Glasgow. His parents were Joseph and Elizabeth (Arbuckle) Anderson, and he is one of four survivors of an original family of seven children. His father was born in the city of Edinburgh. A molder by trade, he became head of the firm that did I 512 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS government work, one contract being the making of cannon balls that created such havoc by English artillery at the memorable siege of Sebastopol. In 1850. accompanied by his family, he set sail from Glasgow and landed in New York, where, until 1867, he was engaged in farming. He thence came to Kent county, and now, at the advanced age of eighty-one years, lives, a remarkably wellpreserved old man, and one whom to know is to honor. His wife was also a native of Edinburgh. She died in the year 1896, at the age of about seventy-seven. The greater part of the life of Thomas Anderson has been spent in the state of Michigan. He received a liberal education, and until twenty-four years of age he remained upon his father's farm. November 15, 1874, he was united in marriage to Miss Theresa Wellman, a scion of one of the old pioneer families of Michigan. To this union were born two daughters one, Erma Ray, is now living. She is the wife of Willis A. Davis, is a resident of Oakfield township, and a refined and respected lady. Mrs. Anderson was born in Kent county, November 15, 1850, and is a daughter of E. J. and-Mary (White) Wellman, a suitable biography of whom is found in this volume. Mr. Anderson began married life by operating his father's farm for some time. He bought a place, and, after many trades and changes, he now owns a beautiful home in Oakfield,one mile south of Harvard, the estate containing I572 acres. He has found his farm suitable for the profitable cultivation of potatoes, and has accordingly made that a staple crop. He has grown as high as 5,ooo bushels in one season. His farm is not only in a high state of cultiVation, yielding handsome returns for the labor bestowed, but it is fully equipped with a fine, commodious, well-arranged house, barns and all essential out-buildings, all making one of I the most desirable farms in Oakfield. In addition to a successful business on his farm, for several years he had dealt in potatoes, shipping to various markets thirty to forty car-loads each season. Mr. Anderson makes no pretension to political aspiration and does not tie himself to either party, preferring to exercise the franchise to elect such men as he deems most worthy the distinction of office. Socially, he is a Maccabee in Evans tent, No. 785, and with his estimable wife fraternizes with Greenville grange, P. of H. He has visited many of the principal cities of the country in connection with business, and, with observation and careful, thoughtful reading, has come to be one of the best informed men of Oakfield. OSEPH R. AUSTIN, an old-time farmer and one of the highly-respected residents of Sparta township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Oakland county, this state, July 8, I845, and is the third in order of birth of the five children that constitute the family of John and Elizabeth (Forsythe) Austin, of which children three are still living, viz: Joseph R., the subject of this sketch; Henry J., a married farmer of Chester township, Ottawa county, and Nancy, wife of W. H. McCune, also of Ottawa county, Mich. John Austin, the father, was a native of Ireland, was reared a farmer and was there married. Soon after this last-mentioned event, he came to America, landed in New York, and came thence to Michigan, locating first in Oakland county and then coming to Kent county, where he purchased eighty acres across the boundary line in Chester township, Ottawa county, for which he paid the government $1.25 per acre, the original deed for this AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 513 land, signed by Franklin Pierce, president of the United States, and Gov. Greenly, of Michigan, being now in the possession of Joseph R. Austin, the subject of this sketch. John Austin's first habitation in this western wilderness was the inevitable log cabin, and wilderness it was of a verity, as not a tree had been cut when he settled here. Indians were numerous, and often called at his cabin dooron their way to Grand Rapids, which, at that early date, was a mere "shanty town." Wild deer would venture upon the little clearings Mr. Austin had made on his farm and browse with the domestic cattle; bears were frequently seen in the neighborhood, and all these primitive scenes age still vivid in the recollection of Joseph R. Austin, the subject of this sketch. Ox-teams were the means of conveyance, no highways were laid out, not a church-building nor school-house was known to the vicinity, nor was there a building of any kind to be seen north of the Grand river. Often it required two days and a half to make the trip to and from Grand Rapids, to attend church or for other purposes; and teams were frequently stalled in the mud at the corner of Canal and Monroe streets, that city. The mail from Grand Rapids to Newavgo was carried on foot once per week, and many times the sturdy old pioneers would go by ox-team five to seven miles to visit neighbors-quite a different state of affairs from that of the present. But John Austin was a man of tireless energy and fertile resources, redeemed his land from the primitive forest, increased its dimensions to 240 acres, and died one of the substantial pioneers of the state. In politics he was a republican, but cast his last vote as a prohibitionist, and in religion he was a Methodist. Mrs. Austin was called away May 7, 1873, and Mr. Austin, May 4, I888, both devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Lisbon, and their mortal remains now rest side by side in the Lisbon (Kent county) cemetery, where beautiful monuments stand sacred to their memory. Joseph Austin was but three years of age when brought to Kent county, and he still retains in memory the condition of affairs as detailed above, and which still existed during his boyhood years. His opportunity for an early education was very meager, as may well be inferred from reading the foregoing paragraphs, but he has witnessed the growth of the little trading-post of Grand Rapids into a great and booming city of I00,000 population, and the development of Sparta township from a dense wilderness into a rich agricultural district, improved with all the conveniences and appliances of modern civilization and progress. He was reared to farming, stock raising and fruit growing, and has passed all his life in Kent county. July I6, I865, Mr. Austin married Miss Emma A. Converse, and three sons and two daughters have graced this union, namely: Ettie V., wife of William Vanderhoof, a farmer of Ottawa county, and to them has been born one little daughter Hattie-now at school; Alice E., who was a student at the Sparta high school, was a music teacher for some years, is now the wife of William Humphreys, a prosperous farmer of Casnovia, Muskegon county, and is the mother of two children — Hazel and Joseph J.; Robert L., a very industrious lad, is being reared to agriculture on the home place; Tracy N., a hustling, bustling boy, and of a very ingenious turn of mind; and Joseph V., the youngest of the five, is a natural-born stock raiser and farmer. Mrs. Emma A. (Converse) Austin was born in Potter county, Pa., April 13, 185O, and is a daughter of Henry and Augusta C. (Wolbert) Converse. The father was a native of Vermont, was a farmer, and died in Indiana, in I880, at the age of seventy-nine years, a 514 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS - Methodist in religion and in politics a democrat; the mother was a native of New York, of German parentage, and died March '2, 1863, also in the faith of the Methodist church, and in age fifty-four years. There are two brothers and five sisters still living of the Converse family, viz: One brother and one sister in Pennyslvania, one brother in New York, one sister in Oregon, and the remainder in Michigan. Mrs. Austin was educated in the common schools and is a lady of most pleasing personality. Mr. and Mrs. Austin began their married life on their present farm of ninety acres, on which they have a beautiful residence, which is the abode of a good will that is extended to their numerous friends as well as to the passing strangers. They are the friends of public schools and members of the Free Will Baptist church, of the Sunday-school of which Mr. Austin has been the superintendent many years, and his wife a teacher. They have aided financially in the erection of three different churches in their community, and Mr. Austin is a strong temperance man. He and wife are highly esteemed for their many personal excellencies of character, and move in the best social circles of the township. OSEPH AVERILL, of Walker township.-There is probably no name more familiar among the farmers of Kent county than that of Averill, a brief genealogy of which is here presented as furnished by Joseph Averill, a prominent young farmer of Walker township, who is ably sustaining the good name established by his forefathers. Joseph Averill is a native of Polkton township, Ottawa county, Mich., and was born April 23, I86o, being the eldest child of Levi and Artemisia (Denton) Averill. Levi Averill was a native of New York and was born in the year I828. He came to Michigan when but a small boy with his father, John P. Averill, who located at Battle Creek, where they lived for about ten years, at the end of which time they removed to Polkton township, Ottawa county, and remained there until the year I859. In i860 Levi and wife came to Kent county, and purchased a farm in'Walker township, but not being satisfied here they then removed to Alpine township, where they lived until their removal to Grand Rapids. After a short residence in Grand Rapids, tired of city life, they left for Ada village, where they now reside, and where he is engaged in farming and dairying. During his residence in Walker and Alpine townships, Mr. Averill witnessed many improvements in Kent county. Upon his arrival he found much of the land covered with timber and swamps, and the now thriving city of Grand Rapids was a mere village. Since the organization of the Kent County Agricultural society, Mr. Averill has served three or four years as president,. and has filled the important position with honor, and remained director for several years. He was also superintendent of a department in the West Michigan Fair association. The date and place of Mrs. Averill's birth cannot be ascertained, as she died when her son, Joseph, was but five years old. The latter's step-mother was Catherine Smith, a native of Walker township, and a daughter of the pioneer, David Smith. Joseph Averill began life for himself when twenty-one years of age, prior to this having attended the country school. At this age, having become sufficiently advanced in education, mainly in the Grange academy in Alpine, to be able to teach in the common schools, he accordingly engaged to teach and successfully followed the profession for about seven years, mainly in Kent county. He next purchased a AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 515 farm in WValker township, which he rented out for two seasons, then moved upon it himself and made it serve as his home until the removal, in 1898, to his present farm in section No. 5, Walker township. This farm contains forty acres on Peach avenue, in the excellent fruit region. His other farm contains thirty acres, almost wholly devoted to peach trees. He also owns a first-class hog-pen of forty acres, adjacent to Kinney station. All these he operates himself. On January I, I885, Mr. Averill was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor M. Manley, a native of Huron county, Ohio, born November 22, i856, and the third child of Skiff and Betsey Manley. The father of Mrs. Averill was a native of Vermont and her mother was born in England. They resided on the Manley homestead in Huron county until i885, when they came to \Valker, securing the present home of their daughter, Mrs. Averill. Both parents died here, and their remains are interred in Walker cemetery. Mr. Manley was a good carpenter and contractor, and reared nine children, all of whom still survive. Mr. and Mrs. Averill are the parents of but one child, Levi S., a lad of twelve summers, who is now attending school. He is also a member of the juvenile grange. Mr. Averill is an ardent republican and cast his maiden vote for James G. Blaine. Officially, he has served as deputy Agricultural association clerk, also as deputy township clerk. Socially, he and wife are members of the Kinney grange. They are active members of the AlpineWalker Congregational church, Mrs. Averill having been Sunday-school superintendent for the last two years. She has always been a worker in the Sunday-school and has about seventy-five Sunday-school scholars; also has been delegate to Sunday-school state conventions. He is a member of Centennial lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 280, ever since his twenty26 first year. Mr. Averill continued to teach in connection with his farming. Mrs. Averill taught for twelve years, mainly in Huron county, Ohio. She received an excellent normal training, and was one of the really successful teachers. He keeps well posted on general matters. ' --- —---------------- ILLIAM BAHRE, since 1857, has been a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Kent county, Mich., since the spring of I870, and is one of the most enterprising agriculturists of Sparta township. He was born in the kingdom of Hanover, August I5, I834, the fourth of the three sons and three daughters born to William and Elizabeth (Borchers) Bahre, of which children three are now deceased, the three survivors being Frederick, William and Christina. Of these, Frederick was a miller in Germany, but on coming to America became foreman of the large car shops in Buffalo, N. Y., but is now a landscape gardener in that city and is.a man of wealth; William is the next eldest, and Christina is the wife of August Losien, a well-to-do farmer, of Ottawa county, Mich. William Bahre, the father, was also a native of Hanover, was born in 1798, and died in Ottawa county, Mich., in I866. He had served his full time in the German army, and by trade was a carpenter and joiner. In September, 1857, he sailed with his family from Hamburg for- New York, and after a voyage of two weeks landed in the Empire city, whence he started for Buffalo, and when eighteen miles from that city began life in America as a farmer, renting land for seven years ere he came to Michigan. In Grand Haven township, Ottawa county, Mich., William Bahre, the subject of this. 516 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS -- -- sketch, and his father purchased I60 acres of partially improved land, and on this land the father lived until his de.ath in the faith of the Lutheran church, his wife, who was born in Hanover, in I795, having departed this life in 1857. William Bahre, the subject, was educated in the common schools of his native land and was reared to farming. He was twenty-three years of age when he came to Armerica with his parents, but was a young man of some little means. He has always been industrious and a shrewd manager, and manual labor has never been a dread, but he has always cheerfully and willingly "placed his shoulder to the wheel" and urged forward the car of progress toward the goal of prosperity. February 12, 1863, Mr. Bahre wedded Miss Anna Hubert, and of the six sons and six daughters that have come to bless this union nine are still living, viz: Otto, the eldest who is married, is well educated in both German and English, and by vocation is a farmer; Anna is the wife of Henry Schafer, a thrifty young farmer of Chester township, Ottawa county; Henry, a resident of Lisbon and married, owns a farm in Kent county, and is a carpenter and joiner by trade; Louis, married and a farmer, has his residence in Ottawa county; Emma is married to Martin Krafts, a well-to-do farmer, also of Ottawa county; Matilda is the wife of Paul Schmidt, a young and thriving farmer of Ottawa county, and a son of Rev. Schmidt, pastor of the German Lutheran church at Lisbon, Chester township; Huldah has passed through the eighth grade in the public school, has also been educated in the German school and confirmed in the Lutheran church, and has her home with her parents; Reinhardt has also been educated in both German and English and is still under ths parental roof; Frederick is in the sixth grade at school, and is the youngest in the family. Mrs. Bahre was born in Prussia, Germany, on September 21, 1846, and was a' child of four years when brought to America by her parents, who are both now living in Grand Haven, Mich. Her father was a blacksmith by trade in his earlier manhood, but later became a farmer, and his wife is one of the best and noblest of helpmates. Mr. Bahre purchased his present partially improved farm of eighty acres in Sparta township in 1870 and made his home in a log cabin; the C. & W. M. R. R. was in course of construction, the village of Sparta was known as Nashville, and Kent City was called Tyrone. All the changes which have since taken place Mr. Bahre has witnessed and taken part in, as far as the township is concerned, and has also been a factor in many others that have taken place in the county. He has made all the improvements on his own farm, and erected his present comfortable dwelling in 1882. He has aided financially in the erection of the Lutheran church near Lisbon, and his son-in-law, Paul Schmidt, was secretary of the building committee, while Mr. Bahre himself has for six years been an official of standing in the congregation, and his children have all been confirmed in the same faith. In politics Mr. Bahre votes for the man best suited in his views for office and is not held down to the lines of any party. With the public at large he and family are held in the highest possible esteem. INSON BEARD, deceased, late of Cascade township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Monroe, Fairfield county, Conn., December 25, 1832, a son of Linson and Anna Beard, and died in Cascade township April 30, 1891. Linson Beard, the subject of this sketch, and an elder brother, Edgar, came to Kent AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. I county, Mich., about the year I845, and bought a farm of more than I60 acres in the wilds of Cascade township, the greater part of which was cleared by Linson, as his brother Edgar was a very popular Methodist minister and but seldom lived on the place, his ministerial duties necessitating his presence elsewhere, and his death occuring at Centerville, Mich., March 4, I875. He had retained thirty acres of the farm, but this share was later sold to the father, who had come to Cascade after the two brothers had settled here, and opened a shoe shop in Cascade village, where his death took place November I4, 1883, at the age of eighty years, his wife having died January 24, I877, both in the faith of the Methodist church. For years, while still- a young man, Linson had clerked in Grand Rapids, and in that city first married, in I856, Miss MaryA. Fisk, who died January 13, I866, the mother of one child, Ella, now the wife of a Mr. Sutton, a traveling salesman of Grand Rapids. The second marriage of Mr. Beard took place November I8, I867, at Manlius, Onondaga county, N. Y., to Sarah Jane Niles, a native of that town, and this union was crowned by the birth of two children, viz: Nettie B., who died in childhood, and Gertie May, who is now 'the wife of Cornelius Koetsier, and the mother of one child, Linson. After marriage, Mr. Beard settled permanently on his farm and made extensive improvements, in accordance with his second wife's views, she being a lady of rare taste and judgment, and the farm being in an almost wild state when they came to make it their home, and lived some years thereafter in the old log house. The dwelling is a comfortable structure, surrounded by an expanded lawn,,adorned with many handsome evergreens, which are kept neatly trimmed, and in this delightful abode his widow st 11 makes her home. In politics Mr. Beard was a republican, and at the call to arms, at the outbreak of the war of the Rebellion, he enlisted in company C, First Michigan engineers, but after a few months' service, was honorably discharged on account of disability. His health remained impaired for many years, finally culminating in heart trouble, which was the cause of his untimely and lamented death. He was a devout Methodist, a class leader, and for four years superintendent of the Sunday-school attached to his church in Cascade. He was well read in the Bible and general literature, and, like his wife, was possessed of exquisite taste. Both were charter members of the Cascade grange, and both were a unit in their religious faith. Mrs. Beard still conducts the farm most successfully, aided by her son-inlaw, and the family enjoy the unstinted esteem of all their neighbors. HARLES W. BAKER.-Among the mostprominent and prosperous farmers and speculators of Algoma township, Kent county, is Charles \V. Baker, whose face and name are familiar to all residents of the county, and in whose life these facts, it may be presumed, will be of interest to many, as they peruse the pages of the genealogical record of the representative citizens of Grand Rapids and Kent county. The subject of this sketch was born on the 28th day of June, 1852, in Kent county, where he was reared, being the first child to grace the union of John W. and Barbara Ann (Gross) Baker. His father was a native of Stark county, Ohio, and was born about I812, and died in I888. He first came to Kent county in 1847, and soon after located in the township of Plainfield, where he lived for about thirty years, at the end of which time 518 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I he removed to the state of Texas and there resided until his death. The mother of Charles W. Baker was a native of Pennsylvania, and was also born in 1812. She came to Kent county with her parents when but a child and met her husband in Plainfield township, where they were joined in matrimony. She died in I869 and her remains are interred in the Rockford cemetery, where a beautiful monument has been raised to mark her resting place. One brother, Frank, and a sister, Ida, live in Indian territory, and one sister, Emma, is the wife of Lee Corbin, of Grand Rapids. Charles W. Baker began life for himself, when about twenty-five years of age, by leaving his father in Texas, having gone there with him two years before, and returning to Michigan, where he worked as a farm hand for a short time, and then for two years in the lumber woods at Sand Lake, hauling logs, etc. Subsequent to this he returned to Plainfield and rented the Samuel Gross farm in that township, remaining there for one year, and then renting the Smith farm in Alpine, where he resided about the same length of time. He then purchased sixty acres of land in Plainfield township and made this his home for about five years, at the end of which he traded it for his present home in section No. 35, Algoma township. Mr. Baker now owns two farms of 200 acres of well improved land, located in Algoma and Cannon townships, forty acres of which he has set to apples and peaches. By hard labor and good judgment he has amassed enough property to make his life enjoyable. He is widely known as proprietor of threshing machines, having conducted one for nearly twenty years. He has probably threshed more grain than any other operator in Kent county. On July 4, 1879, he was married to Miss Bertha Ecklesdafor, a native of Stark county, Ohio, born in I853. Her parents, Ernest and. Christina Ecklesdafor, came to Kent county, when the country was very new, and purchased the Baker homestead, where she made her home until her marriage. Her father's death occurred in I891, at the age of eightythree years. Her mother is still living and has attained the ripe old age of ninety-six years. She has three brothers -- Ernest, Leonard and Frederick, and two sisters, Christina and Lena. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are the parents of four children, viz: Arnold E., proprietor of a meat market at Rockford, Mich., and Volney, Christina and Milda, all residing at home. In his political faith Mr. Baker is a supporter of the republican party and cast his first vote for James A. Garfield. Fraternally he is a member of Edgerton tent, K. O. T. M. Mr. Baker does not belong to any church, while Mrs. Baker is an active member of the Presbyterian, at Grand Rapids, and attends the Congregational church at Rockford. Both of them are ever ready to assist in a good cause and worthy benevolence. Socially the family stand very high in the esteem of the residents of Algoma township, as well as other townships in which they have lived, and none better deserve it. ESLEY J. BARNUM, an enterprisIing and successful merchant of Velzy, Solon township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Lenawee county, March 30, I855, and is the eldest in the family of three sons and two daughters that graced the union of Oliver S. and Luana (Morse) Barnum. Of these five children, Amelia, the next in order of birth to Wesley J., is the wife of Adam McNabb, general bridge superintendent for the C. & W. M. Railroad company; Alfred, brother of subject, I19 AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. is an engineer by profession, resides in Fremont, Mich., is married, and is one of the state deputies of the Modern Woodmen of America. Oliver S. Barnum was born in the state of New York, but early came to Michigan, and at the breaking out of the Rebellion enlisted in the Twenty-first Michigan volunteers, and died in a military hospital at Nashville, Tenn. His wife, also a native of New York, died in Newaygo county, Mich., in I89I, a consistent member of the Disciples'church. Wesley J. Barnum was but five years old when his parents settled in Newyago county, and at the early age of thirteen years he began the battle of life on his own account. He had received only a limited education at school, but was naturally a close observer of men and things, and a lover of books, and through his own efforts secured a sound knowledge of practical business affairs. His earlier laboring years were passed in the manufacture of shingles and lumber in the lower Michigan peninsula, and March 3, 1876, he married Miss Loisa Eakright, a native of DeKalb county, Ind. To this marriage have been born two sons and one daughter, viz: Fred D., who has completed his eighth grade in the public schools;. Grace D., who has also finished the eight grade and is unusually talented in vocal and instrumental music, and Alex. M., who is in the eighth grade at school, and, like his brother, Fred D., is inclined toward merchandizing. Mrs. Barnum was born January 29, 1855, and is a daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Shaw) Eakright, of English nativity. On the maternal side there still exists a large unpartitioned estate in England, of which the American members of the family will doubtless, in course of time, fall heirs to a liberal portion. Besides Mrs. Barnum there are four children of this family still living, viz: Frances, wife of George Woods, a farmer of Muskegon county, Mich.; James, married, and living in the same county; William, an inventor and salesman, and now a resident of Butler, Ind.; John is a policeman at Caspell, Mont. The father of this family, who was a farmer by occupation, died at his home in Muskegon county in I89I. February I, 1893, Wesley J. Barnum settled in Velzy and opened a general store, with a stock that did not cost over $700, but his business tact, fair dealing and courteous treatment of his patrons soon placed him on the highway to prosperity, and now, within six years, he does a trade reaching $5,000 per annum, and carries a stock that is always fresh and sound. In politics Mr. Barnum is a republican, and about six years ago was appointed postmaster at Velzy. He has also served as a justice of the peace and as assessor of school district No. 2, at Velzy. Fraternally he is a member of lodge No. I31, F. & A. M., at Newaygo. He and wife are members of Harmony chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, at Cedar Springs. He is also clerk of Solon camp, No. 5671, Modern Woodmen of America. He is a gentleman of indisputable integrity and unblemished business reputation. He and wife are members of the Adventists' church of Grant, Newaygo county, and are strong advocates of temperance, and as residents of Velzy stand very high in the esteem of everybody, great and small. D SAAC J. BEAR, who has been a citizen of Michigan since 1854, was born in Carroll county, Ohio, April 29, 1834, and is the third of a family of four sons and eight daughters born to John and Catherine (Hemery) Bear, of which children 520 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS four are still living, viz: Isaac J., the subject of this sketch; Allie, a widow; Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Pettingall, of Salem township, Allegan county, and Sarah J., widow of Arthur Whitehead, of Pueblo, Colo. John Bear, the father, was born in Pennsylvania and was reared a farmer in Ohio, as he was but a small boy when he reached that state. He received a common-school education, grew to nianhood in the belief of the democratic party, but voted for John C. Fremont, the first republican nominee for the presidency of the United States. He volunteered as a soldier in the Civil war, and after its close came to Michigan, and died at the home of his son, in Allegan county, in i865, from the effects of exposure during his service. A son, Henry, also died from the same cause, and a brother, W\illiarn S., was killed at the battle of Shiloh. His wife was possessed of those cardinal virtues which grace true womanhood. Isaac J. Bear was reared and educated in Ohio, in which state he lived until about twenty-one years of age, when he came to Michigan. November 15,, 1857, SMr. Bear married Miss Emily E. Brown, and to this union have been born ten children-three sons and seven daughters-but of these are now only four living, viz: Charles A., who was educated in the high school in Grand Rapids, and has been and is a successful teacher in Kent county; Emma is the wife of George E. Walker, of Grand Rapids, is a high-school graduate, and with her husband has visited Los Angeles, Cal,; Abba is also a graduate of Grand Rapids high school, has been instructed in instrumental music, and resides with her parents, and Winnifred is in the sixth grade of the district school. Mrs. Emily Bear was born in Racine county, Wis., and taught the first school in Salem, Allegan county, Mich. Her parents are now deceased. i \When Mr. and Mrs. Bear began their married life, Mr. Bear had no capital save an ax, having given his father his only cash, $20,. just before his itime" was out. They began on forty acres, for which they went in debt. But Mr. Bear was one of the brave boys in blue to take up arms in defense of his country in its time of peril, and he enlisted, in 1864, in company F, Twelfth Michigan infantry, under Capt. William McLaughlin. The regiment rendezvoused at Grand Rapids and was assigned to the trans-Mississippi department, under Gen. Pope, reported at Cairo, 111., then went down the Mississippi and up the White river to Duvall's bluff, and were placed on scout duty on Cache river and Red river, and endured the greatest hardships of a soldier's life, being often without rations for days at a time. The service was not of long duration, however, as the glad tidings soon came to hand of the surrender of the Rebel army under Gen. Lee. Mr. Bear was for a time afflicted with inflammation of the eyes, for three months was in hospital, and was honorably discharged at Little Rock in June, 1865, and returned to his wife and family. Mr. Bear now resumed his agricultural labors in earnest, and by his diligence and hard labor acquired 170 acres in Allegan and Ottawa counties. In 1889 he sold his farms, which he had cleared up, and spent about five.years as a general merchant, and also dealt in real estate in Grand Rapids, where he owns some good property. In 1896 he purchased 120 acres of good land in Byron township, with a soil of clay, sand and muck, well suited to the cultivation of cereals, vegetables and fruits of the latitude, and to-day has an elegant estate, on which not a dollar in the shape of a mortgage stands. Mr. Bear is a republican in his politics and is a warm friend of the public school system; he has been officially connected with the dis AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 521 - -- --- trict schools for several years, and the subject of education has claimed a great deal of his thoughts and attention. Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Bear are devoted members of the United Brethren church, and Mr. Bear was a member of the general conferences of this religious society at Dayton, Ohio, and Toledo, Ohio, in I893 and I897, respectively. He has aided liberally with his means in the erection of several church edifices, and has always given freely in assisting many other benevolences that have been worthy of his consideration. He stands prominently among the best agriculturists of Kent county, and his extensive and varied experience in other walks of life has earned for him the unfeigned respect of his fellow citizens throughout the county of Kent and the township of Byron, and his family enjoy with him in sharing the esteem which is always attached to an unsullied name. EONARD BEHLER, deceased, late of Lowell township, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, May o, I819, and died September 20, I897. In 1844 he *came to the United States, and for ten years resided in Crawford county, Ohio. He was united in marriage, in Germany, to Miss Margaret Mick, who bore him two children. On coming to Ohio, he rented land in that state, and in 1854 came to Kent county, Mich., where he took up eighty acres of land, under a soldier's claim. At that time he had a capital of some $300, $175 of which he paid for the land and was able to live on the remainder until he erected a house on his own farm. He then was compelled to work out for a livelihood and engaged in any kind of work he was able to obtain. His first house was a one-room log cabin, all made out of rough material and put up with ax and auger. The old structure still stands, unoccupied. Mr. Behler is now engaged in general farming, having made an addition of forty acres to his farm and put about Ioo acres in a good state of cultivation and improvement. He was a weaver by trade, having followed that in Germany, and upon coning to America was kept busy, especially during the war and in winter season, which employment was a great help to him in getting a start. In politics he was a republican, and took an active interest in political affairs. He nearly always used the German language, and the Methodist class was first held in his house, so he was one of the original class that grew into what is the German Methodist church in West Lowell. He always held church offices, such as steward, trustee, class leader, and Sunday-school superintendent. He retained all his mental faculties and was active until the time he died, and settled his estate to suit himself. His wife still survives him, and is the mother of seven children, viz: Christie, who served in the Second Michigan cavalry and died at twenty years of age on the march, of dysentary contracted in the service; John V., of St. Louis, Mich.; Jacob F., of the same place; Adam F.; Mary A., the wife of Leander Cline, a resident of Lowell; Elizabeth, who died in childhood, and Lydia, who died in April I899, at the age of thirty-five, and was the wife of Charles O'Harrow. Adam F. Behler was born in Crawford county, Ohio, August 7, I853, and passed his boyhood days on the farm, which he rented for nine years, and then bought the homestead of I20 acres. In his political predilections, he is a republican, and has often been delegate to various conventions. He was united in marriage on March 24, I881, to Miss Sarah Helrigel, who was born in Ontario, and came to 522 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Michigan when a, child. His family consists of Minnie, Earl, Lloyd, Glen, Allen, John, Harold and Pauline, all of whom are living at home. They are members of the South Lowell Methodist Episcopal church,where Mr. Behler is superintendent of the Sunday-school, and has served as such for six years. *" --- —-------------- D LUMAN S. BAILEY. Such a man as Sluman S. Bailey is a valuable acquisition to any community, for in all the relations of life he is found true and faithful to the duties and obligations that have rested upon him, and his sterling worth and rectitude of character commend him to the confidence and high regard of all with whom he is brought in contact. An ex-sheriff and ex-collector of the internal revenue, he is now devoted to the more congenial and less perturbed occupation of a successful tiller of the soil in Paris township, where, as will be seen, he was a pioneer. Mr. Bailey was born on the I4th of Iecember, i821, to Joseph S. and Sophia (Dennison) Bailey-the latter the daughter of a Revolutionary soldier-who were natives of Ruthland, Vt., were married in I819 and soon thereafter became pioneers of western New York. Sluman S. Bailey, the eldest in a family of three daughters and six sons, attended the oldstyle district school until nineteen years of age, then spent two years in Yates academy, when, health failing, he sought out-door employment and worked two years on his father's farm. On October 30, I844, he was united in marriage to Miss Delia G. Starbuck, a daughter of Isaac and Rebecca Starbuck, who were prominent Quakers. In October, 1846, he came with a covered wagon to Detroit, thence to Paris, where he bought 120 acres of heavilytimbered land, and moved into his log house before the roof was finished. They experienced all the oft-told hardships of the earliest pioneers; yet with it all there was much that made life enjoyable. He cleared ninety acres within a few years and was the owner of a good farm. Here he lived for fourteen years, when, upon his election to the office of sheriff of Kent county, in the fall of I86o, he removed to Grand Rapids. He was re-elected in I862, and for two years was revenue inspector. He was again elected sheriff, and about the same time, without his knowledge, and though not a friend of the then national administration, and not an applicant for the position, Mr. Bailey was appointed collector of internal revenue for the Fourth district of Michigan by President Andrew Johnson. Aaron B. Turner, editor of the Eagle, was an applicant, but on account of an editorial reflecting upon the administration he was refused the honor. When President Johnson's term expired Mr. Bailey resigned, as he would not serve longer under that appointment. Grant at once accepted the resignation, but soon after re-apppointed him. He seived in this capacity for fifteen years, gaining the reputation of an efficient and faithful official. With one exception his was the longest term of service as collector of any such official in the United States. He retired from the office during President Arthur's administration. As sheriff of the county, he attained distinction for his success in catching and 'convicting criminals, and seemed to possess special faculties in this line. Many interesting anecdotes are told of him both as sheriff and collector, which if collected and written would fill a volume. He was one of the most successful officials; nor did he sacrifice his own morality or self-respect. He has always been I I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 525 active in party affairs, and, with other officials, has endeavored to conduct the county business as economically as possible. He was justice of the peace for four years, supervisor of Paris township for seven years, school inspector several years and was one of the founders of the Kent county Agricultural society, of which he was for one year president and for several years secretary, and a member of the State Agricultural society for six years. He took a prominent part.in the fight for United States senator; which resulted in the election of Hon. T. \W. Ferry. Mr. Ferry, knowing his ability, chose him to supervise the campaign; and the result but showed his capacity as manager of a contest where the most astute professional politicians were pitted against each other, and where disreputable rceans were resorted to by the opposition to carry their point. This battle, won with honor, was renewed with redoubled vigor at the end of that term, when sins of omission as well as commission were urged in vivid coloring against the senator. Again was Mr. Bailey called upon to fix the fences, which was done with the skill and foresight of an old battlescarred general. Great opposition had developed throughout the state, but with personal visits to disaffected points, and suitable use of warm acquaintances he had made during his public career, the tactics of the opposition were overcome and again the battle was won. Though a generation has passed since the zenith of his fame and activity in political work, he is still sought in council by the leaders of to-day, who esteem and venerate this man, whose honesty of purpose and fairness in battle are conceded by friend and foe. Hon. Wm. Alden Smith holds him in greatest esteem and consults him with almost the faith accorded to ancient oracles. It was at his advice that Mr. Smith declined the candidacy for United States senator, when I Burrows was re-elected, and by so doing prevented a division in the republican ranks. Mr. Bailey has been in close touch with many public men, having held intimate correspondence with Hon. Samuel J. Randall and others of equal repute. He has been a faithful and worthy official, a keen and successful business man; a far-sighted,clear-headed politician; a courteous, genial gentleman, and above all a sincere and conscientious Christian. The following anecdote may serve to portray him in the light of a temperance man. When but eight years old he had signed the temperance pledge, though in that day it was customary to drink at all gatherings, houseraisings, log-rollings, etc. When he was ready to build his own house, it was a question often discussed as to whether he would treat the men. He had brought two or three barrels of fine yellow pippin apples all the way from his father's orchard in New York. Not having whisky, it seemed at first that the men would be disappointed, and possibly refuse assistance, but the proffering of the apples had a far different result. They appreciated his temperance, and, recognizing the immorality of their own customs, became his warmest friends. Ever after he never lacked for friends at times of logging, or even at any time. He won the men, many of whom were Irish, and, though he did not conform to their customs, he lived to see most of them rather conform to his views. Not rabid or anyway antagonizing, but kind and genial by nature, he was able to secure the friendship of all. He is not a prohibitionist or even an advocate of local option; but observation and experience have led him to favor high license and strict enforcement of the law. He returned to his farm in I88I, and some nine years after he aided in starting the East Paris Congregational church, having the cooperation of many of those who in former years were liquor men, but who were induced 526 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I — somewhat by his example to feel the need of church influence. His family comprised four children, two sons and two daughters, the youngest of whom, Charles W., died in August, 867; Herman S., the eldest surviving son, married Della Waterman, of Grand Rapids, and is a farmer in Plainfield, and served for three years as deputy collector of internal revenue under his father; Alice S. died, unmarried, October, I897, and Clara B. is the wife of O. A. Ball, a wholesale grocer of Grand Rapids. Mr. Bailey for some years has been much interested in the movement for good roads, and is known more generally among the younger generation as Good Roads Bailey. He is looked upon as authority upon the subject of roads, and has delivered addresses before large audiences upon his favorite theme. Among others was the supervisors' outing at Saginaw, where he was the guest of honor. He has written extensively upon the subject and his articles have been widely copied and read. Another subject upon which he grows eloquent is that of equal rights to women in matters of property, and he worked for laws that will give to the woman who has assisted in accumulating an equal right in the property with her husband. He advocates woman's rights in all things she asks for, believing the world will be better when she has a larger share in its control. Mr. Bailey and wife are now passing their declining years upon the farm in Paris, after treading life's pathway together for more than fifty-five years, surrounded by hosts of warmest friends and relatives. Among others is another venerable couple whoIn Mr. Bailey, in his capacity of justice, joined in life's strongest bonds more than fifty years ago. It is doubtful if the records of the state can duplicate the circumstances connected therewith. But few of the friends of half a century past remain. They who have seen and taken part in all the growth and making of Kent county are fast passing to the spirit world. Yet many friends hold earnest prayer that the time will be long ere this venerated and respected couple shall hear the summons, that, answering, will take them to the sovereign, dim, illimitable ground beyond the waveless sea. OHN H. BAKER. The name of Baker has for a number of years been connected with the development and progress of Michigan, and the record of the family is one which reflects credit upon the county of Kent, especially the division known as Plainfield township. The father of the subject of the sketch was John WV. Baker, a native of Lancaster, Ohio, where his birth occurred July It, 1822. When twenty-three years of age he married Elizabeth J. Frakes, also a native of the Buckeye state, and shortly thereafter removed to Kalamazoo county, Mich., locating in the town of Vicksburg, where he resided for a period of thirty years. He then became a resident of the county of Kent, and has ever since been numbered among the representative men of this section of.the state. His wife is also living and enjoying the best of health for a woman of her advanced years, and is the mother of eight children, John H., being youngest in order of birth. John H. Baker was born in Centerville, Mich., September 12, 1864. In his early years he attended the common schools, and at the age of nineteen began life for himself as a clerk in a grocery store in the town of Fremont, where he remained four years, obtaining a thorough knowledge of business during the period of his service. His next venture was the manufacture of flour at Bear Creek Mills, AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 527 - I - in connection with which he also carried on the grocery trade, and a little later affected a copartnership with his nephew, W\esley Baker, in a grocery store at the town of Rockford. The latter he subsequently disposed of to E. E. Hewitt, who is still one of the leading business men of the town, but continued the former enterprise with encouraging success until his removal to Cannonsburg, where for five years he conducted a mercantile establishment, which yielded him a liberal income. In December, 1897, Mr. Baker located at Mill Creek and opened a general store, of which he is still the proprietor, and his business from that time to the present has been satisfactory in every particular. His stock is carefully selected with the object of meeting the demands of the public, and by fair and honorable dealing he has succeeded in building up a large and lucrative local trade besides selling a large amount of goods to customers living many miles in every direction from Mill Creek. Thus far Mr. Baker's mercantile enterprises have proved uniformly successful, and his present store is easily the leading establishment of the kind in the town. Mr. Baker was happily married October 7, I888, choosing for his wife Miss Lillian R. Frink, who was born in South Haven, Mich., May 9, I867, the sixth child of \Valter and Hattie E. (Wilbur) Frink. The father of Mrs. Baker was born in the state of Massachusetts in the year 1832 and became a resident of Michigan sometime in the 'fifties. The mother, also a native of Massachusetts, was born the same year as her husband. Both now reside at Fremont, Mich. To Mr. and Mrs. Baker have been born two children-Ethel and Walter J.-students of the Mill Creek school. Mlr. Baker is serving the people of the village and vicinity as post-master and is proving a most efficient and obliging official. He be i longs to the K. 0. T. MI. and I. 0. 0. F. lodges of Mill Creek, and politically affiliates. with the republican party, being a great admirer of President McKinley and the policy he is at present pursuing. Of Mr. Baker, both as a business man and citizen, much that is commendable might be said. He is a man of superior business capacity and resourceful ability, his resolute purpose and keen discrimination enabling him to carry forward to successful completion whatever he sees fit to undertake. He has made for himself an honorable reputation, is popular in social, business and political circles, and well deserves this tribute to his worth in these pages, devoted to a review of Kent county's representative men. OHN BEUCUS, the leading hardware dealer in Cedar Springs, Kent county, M ich., is a native of Berlin, Green Lake county, Wis., was born February I8, 1859, and is a son of Thomas and Ann (Baa) Beucus, natives of the Netherlands and the parents of five childron, of whom three were boys-John, Thomas and Henry. John is here spoken of in full; Thomas is a resident of Cedar Springs and is a commercial traveler; Henry is the manager of the Royal Tailors' establishment in Chicago. Thomas Beucus, father of this family, was born in 1825 and died October I7, i885. He was an artisan by occupation and about 1847 came to America, landing in New York city, whence he went to Green Lake county, Wis., where he passed the remainder of his life; his widow is now a resident of Holland, Mich., and is, as was her husband, a Presbyterian in religious faith. John Beucus was educated in Berlin, Wis., and at Hope college, Holland, Mich., and I ,528 TIHE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS * 5: i * afterward became a salesman for leading firms in Chicago, Milwaukee and Minneapolis. In I889 he opened a hardware store in Cedar Springs, having purchased a mortgaged stock that could have been packed in a two-horse wagon. But his long experience as a salesman had prepared him thoroughly for the prosecution of this trade, and he now occupies a fine store, conveniently located at the corner of Main and Ash streets, and carries a full and well-selected stock of shelf and heavy hardware, Majestic ranges and the standard makes of heating and cook-stoves, and also handles the celebrated Crescent bicycles-his sales reaching at least $25,000 annually. This magnificent result, in so short a time, is due to his fair and impartial treatment of his patrons, and his desire to please. In purchasing, he does not confine himself to one firm or one city, but selects his stock from the best to be found anywhere or everywhere, and his stock on hand is never reduced to a lower valuation than $8,ooo. In connection with his hardware store Mr. Beucus conducts a shop for all kinds of repairs and for the manufacturing of spouting and plumbing for residences, etc., which the public find to be a great convenience. In his politices Mr. Beucus is a stanch republican. He cast his first presidential vote for James A. Garfield in I880, and was himself elected, in 1892, an alderman of Cedar Springs and held the office six years. He has ever been the friend of progress, and willingly contributes of his means toward the promotion of every project designed to advance the interests of his town and for the elevation of its inhabitants in the social and moral scales, and he is also a warm friend of public education. He is a gentleman of refinement, besides being a model business man, and well deserves the high respect in which he is universally held. EV. H. T. BARNABY, D. D.-One of the most eminent and noteworthy ecclesiastics of Michigan is he whose biography is presented in the following paragraphs. As a man of parts he is known not alone to men of his calling but to men of other professions in all parts of the country. His fame, both professionally and personally, has preceded him almost everywhere, and today, in his seventy-seventh year, few ecclesiastics are better or more favorably known in his surrounding country. He has been a power in the pulpit as an exponent of the faith of the members of his church, the history of its dogmas, and a resume of church duties. In looking after the spiritual welfare of his fellow-citizens, Bishop Barnaby gets very near to his people, and has ever sought to develop the highest type of social life of the church. He has made himself a personal friend of each and every member of his flock, sympathizing with them in trouble and rejoicing with them in their gladness, and in his many capacities, both as pastor and bishop, has shown himself to be a well educated gentleman, possessing a fine and genial mind, in discourse fluent, eloquent and forcible. Rev. Bishop Barnaby was born at Angelica, Allegany county, N. Y., on the 26th of April, 1823, being a son of Alvin P. and Amanda (Stutson) Barnaby, the parents of a son and daughter. He is of pure English extraction and his early progenitors came to America, nu mbered among the pilgrim fathers. Rev. Barnaby is the only survivor of the children. His father was a native of Belcher, Mass., born in the year 1796, and died in I845. He was educated in his native state, which affords the greatest educational facilities and has a population of the finest and most cultured people. Here he lived until twenty-one years of age and accordingly his attainments were very high. He was much devoted to poetry and fine liter I:-:: -- -— i il-!::::,::-;.~i::::::: i 4/7CA./% <^YATE. He wedded in February, 1862, Miss Margaret H. Underwood, a native of the Buckeye state. She was born in the vicinity of Lima, November 1o, I838, and two sons have been born to this marriage, viz: Charles R., who is a practical newspaper man of Belding, Mich., in partnership with El B. Lapham. They are the editors and publishers of the Belding Banner, a six-column quarto, forty-eight columns, and is a beautiful paper, typographically. It has a circulation of I,000. These gentlemen have one of the most complete newspaper plants in the state of Michigan, and they are making of it a signal success; Charles R. Cowdin married Miss Mae DeGeer, a native of Michigan and an adopted daughter of a Congregational minister, Rev. W. W. DeGeer, and a niece of the latter's wife. Two children have been born to this marriage-Walter and Florence. Mr. Cowdin is a stanch republican, is a member of the county committee, and has been elected three times as the city clerk of Belding. H. Earl Cowdin, the younger son of C. H. and Margaret H. Cowdin, and the present editor and general manager of the Rockford Register, is a native of Lima, Ohio, was born July 20, I87o, and is a graduate of the Rockford high school, of the class of I887. He is a born printer and journalist. He and his brother Charles are said to be the youngest editors in the state. When but a little boy of eight summers, he would climb up to the case to set type. In May, 1889, he assumed the entire management of the Register, the third oldest paper in the county outside of Grand Rapids, and is classed among the practical printers of Kent county. He also is the editor and publisher of the Michigan Messenger, the official organ of the Michigan division, Sons of Veterans, and which is sent to every member of the order in Michigan, the issues averaging 2,500 copies. He wedded Miss Flora J. Ar nott, a native of Kent county, September 2I, 1893, and a little son, Alden Arnott, born May 17, I896, and a baby daughter, Marjorie, born August 28, I899, grace the union. Mrs. Cowdin was born in November, I870, graduated from the commercial class of 1889, and then attended Alma college one year. Mr. and Mrs. Cowdin are both members of the Congregational church at Rockford. Mr. Cowdin is a stanch republican politically, cast his first presidential vote for Benjamin Harrison; was vice-president of the Kent County Young Men's Republican club for the two years 1897-99 -and in 1899 was elected first vice-president of the Lincoln Republican club; was elected as village clerk within two months after his majority, and is now the incumbent of that office. Socially he is prominent as a member of the Sons of Veterans, was state commander of the Michigan division in X896, was re-elected in I897. He doubled the membership in nine months during the first year he held the office, and the next year he increased the membership eighty-five per cent. At the completion of his first year he was awarded the silver cross of the order, and at the end of the second year was presented an officer's sword, which is a high testimonial to his competency. He was asked to again assume the office, but declined on account of pressing business interests. He is also a member of Rockford lodge, No. 246, F. & A. M., and of the K. O. T. M., No. 684. To revert to the career of C. H. Cowdin, the father of H. E. Cowdin, it should be recorded that he was one of the brave men who went to the front during the Civil war. He enlisted in company I, Thirty-fourth Ohio volunteer' infantry, September I5, I862, and served until his honorable discharge, June 27, I865. Mrs. Cowdin's brother, Robert Underwood, was a member of the same company, but it should be added that Mrs. Cowdin had four brothers in the war, two of whom were 620 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS captains, and C. H. Cowdin had two brothers in the service, one of whom, Frank B., was adjutant of the Twenty-seventh Ohio infantry. The name Cowdin is of Scotch origin, and a branch of the fanily emigrated from Scotland to America in the sixteenth century and settled in Massachusetts. Miss Ada Howard, of Methuen, Mass., a first cousin of C. H. Cowdin, was a former president of Wellesley college. The Register plant is complete in its furnishings and contains an eight-column Prouty press, which is capable of running off 800 to I,OOO copies per hour; and is also furnished with a Gordon press, with platen Iox I5 inches, both run by the Backus water motor power, twenty-two inches in size. The large press was placed in the office in 1893 and the water motor in 1897; the Gordon took the place of an (' Aldine," and there is also a 7 x I I Model jobber, and a twenty-three-inch Leader paper cutter. The plant is valued at $I,500. As already mentioned H. E. Cowdin is the editor and compiler of the work of the paper, and also the manager of the job and mechanical department. The job work is metropolitan in style, and consequently entices the patronage of the business men of Rockford. The paper itself is cleanly edited, is typographically and grammatically correct, and will class well with any paper in a town of 2,500 population. LIFTON S. COWLES, a scion of one of the best-known pioneer families of Spencer township, Kent county, Mich., and himself a highly respected citizen, is a native of Moline, Ill., was born September 24, 1853, and is the second child in the family of Shepard B. and Louise J. (Fletcher) Cowles, whose family history will be found in full in this work. I Clifton S. Cowles was but a mere child when his parents removed from Illinois to Ohio, where they lived two years only, and then came with the family to Kent county, Mich., where he has since lived, and engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. He received a rudimentary education in the district school, but was an apt scholar and very observant, and as he grew to manhood's years was noted for his industry, firmness of character and decision of purpose. July 5, 1878, Mr. Cowles wedded Mrs. Louisa (Cowles) Hart, and this union was graced with five children-one son and four daughters-of whom, however, three only survive, viz: Edith L., and Persis S., who are students in the high school, class of 1901, at Greenville, and Georgia L. Mrs. Louisa Cowles was born in Dumfries, Ontario, Canada, June 19, 1846, and is a daughter of Solomon and Persis (Shaw Cowles, whose fnamily consisted of four sons and three daughters, of whom, besides Mrs. Cowles, only two are living, viz: Charles S., and Richard B., extensive farmers. Mrs. Cowles received a common-school education and is a lady of most pleasing address. Her parents, now deceased, were of English descent; and her uncles, the Shaws, were renowned as tanners in Canada and the New England states. Mrs. Cowles was but thirteen years of age when she came to Michigan with her parents, who settled in Ionia county, where her father took up 320 acres of land in Keene, twelve miles from Ionia, and there died, aged sixty-seven years. Her mother then lived with Mrs. Cowles till her death, aged eighty-one years, having survived her husband twenty-one years. In politics the father was of republican tendencies, and in religion he and wife were at first Presbyterians, but in their latter years became Congregationalists. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 6-21 Clifton S. Cowles purchased his present farm about 1873. It comprised eighty acres of pine land, from which considerable of the timber had been cut, and the first habitation occupied here by Mr. and Mrs. Cowles was a log cabin, which still stands. They endured the usual hardships of frontier life, as all was solid timber from their home to Trufant, four miles distant, with no highways, no neighbors. Mrs. Cowles well remembers the lonesome days she passed with her little children while her husband was toiling in clearing up the homestead. Indians roamed about and deer gamboled on their premises. But they toiled hard to carve out a home from the woods and to rear their children in respectability, and, notwithstanding some ill-fortune, they have succeeded admirably. Pine trees have given place to fields and meadows, and Mr. and Mrs. Cowles now own I60 acres of good arable land, highly cultivated and improved with all the conveniences of modern farm life the result of their own:efforts. Mr. Cowles is liberal and broad in his political views, and cast his first presidential vote for Peter Cooper, the father of the greenback party, and his last for William J. Bryan. Mr. Cowles has served his fellow-townsmen as justice of the peace for almost twelve years, has been school inspector two or three years, and for many years has been a member of the school board. He favors employing the best instructors the district school funds will permit, and in bringing the school to the highest efficiency. On several occasions, Mr. Cowles has acted as delegate to conventions. In his religious views Mr. Cowles is a Universalist. Mr. and Mrs. Cowles have done their full share in contributing to the promotion of all benevolent projects, and never fail to contribute toward advancing the public welfare as far as their means will permit. They are highly prized as citizens, and enjoy the 32, esteem of every member of the community among whom they have passed so many years of usefulness. ASON C. COWLES, one of the young and enterprising agriculturists of Spencer township, Kent county, Mich., is a member of a well-known and influential family of the same, and was born January 27, I868, on the old Spencer township homestead. He is the seventh in a family of eleven children, seven sons and four daughters, born to Shepard B. and Marian A. (Conant) Cowles, the full record of which family may be learned by consulting the sketch of the father at another place in this volume. Mr. Cowles of this sketch received such an education as could be acquired from the advantages of the common schools of his native township and was reared to honest toil as a farmer, which vocation he has followed through life. He is a young man wvho has ever lived a life of integrity and honor, has always been active and industrious, and has been a credit both to himself and his family. On the 30th of November, I890, he was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Sipple, a native of Courtland township, but reared in Nelson. To this union there has been born one daughter, Cleo. Mrs. Cowles was born on the 23d of March, 187I, and is a daughter of William and Katie (Stoll) Sipple. There were three brothers and one sister in the family, all of whom are living, viz: John, agriculturist, residing in Nelson township; William, also a farmer of Nelson township; Minnie and Alvah. The father of Mrs. Cowles was born in Germany, and at an early age was brought to America by. his parents, Christopher and Maggie Sipple, who settled in Courtland township, 622 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I Kent county, Mich., where the mother still resides. Here he followed the lumber business for many years and is a successful farmer of the vicinity. In his political predilection he'is a stanch republican and strongly upholds the principles of that party. He now lives on his old home with his son, William, Jr. His wife died when Mrs. Cowles was eighteen years of age, when she became his housekeeper until her marriage. Mr. Cowles took charge of the old homestead in the year 1892. He has since by his diligence and industry been able to buy out the other heirs and is keeping the farm in excellent repair and neatness. He has eighty acres of the 260 that originally constituted the homestead. He makes potatoes a leading crop. Mr. Cowles is; in politics, a non-partisan and casts his vote for the man rather than the party. He and his wife are charitably disposed and are ever ready and willing to lend a helping hand to the poor and needy. Th'ey are people who hold the highest respect of all their acquaintances in Spencer and surrounding country. HEPARD B. COWLES, one of the best known citizens of Spencer township, Kent county, Mich., and hero of two of the nation's wars, was born in Amherst, Hampshire county,. Mass., March I5, 1826, and is a son of Sylvester and Sophronia (Mason) Cowles, who were the parents of three sons and three daughters, of whom four still survive, viz: Newell M., a retired farmer and wealthy resident of Brunswick, Medina county, Ohio; Shepard B., the subject of this memoir; Millura, wife of Jerome Fredericks, a prominent Freemason and prosperous mechanic of Conneaut, Ohio, and Emily, wife of Louis E. Remsburg, a successful merchant at Ohio, Bureau county, Ill. The name of Cowles is of English origin, and the Cowles family of America traces its lineage to John Cowles, who was born about 1593, sailed from England about I635, and died in Massachusetts in I675. S. B. Cowles, whose name stands at the head of this article, has still in his possession a genealogical tree of the Cowles family, running from 1635 up to the present time, showing that nearly all those of the name in the United States descend from the above mentioned John Cowles. Sylvester Cowles, father of Shepard B., was born in Amherst, Mass., March I2, I795, and died in Ohio in 1880. He was a mason by trade, but an agriculturist chiefly by occupation, and his estate adjoined the campus of the celebrated Amherst college. After marriage he removed to the state of New York, and thence to Ohio, in 1836 purchased land in the Western Reserve, and there passed the remainder of his life. Politically, he was first a whig and later a republican, and religiously both he and wife were Congregationalists. Mrs. Sophronia Cowles was a native of Cummington, Mass., was born in I8oo, and died in 1879. She was liberally educated at Belchertown (Mass.) seminary, was a great favorite wherever she made her home, and was a lady of fine instinct and high principles. Shepard B. Cowles was but a small boy when taken from Massachusetts to New York, and was ten years of age when taken to Ohio, where he lived until he had attained his majority. May 24, I847, he enlisted at Cleveland as a volunteer for the Mexican war, in company E, Fourth regular infantry. He took part in the battle of National Bridge, under Gen. Franklin Pierce, and was thence sent, under the same general, to Pueblo, to reinforce Gen. Winfield Scott. He was present at the battles of Cherubusco, Molino del Rey and Chepultepec. After the fall of the city of Mexico he was for three months on guard I 623 AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. duty, or until the final surrender of the Mexicans, and was paid off in the halls of the Montezumas after peace was declared. He is still a pensioner of the Mexican war. After his return to Ohio, he located his land warrant of eighty acres in WVood county, but afterward sold his land, started across the plains of California with an expedition, but so much sickness prevailed in the party he withdrew and returned to Ohio, where his first marriage took place, November 7, I850, to Miss Louise J. Fletcher, the result being four sons and one daughter, of whom three sons and one daughter are still living, viz: Volney F.; Clifton S.; Franklin C.; and Louise, wife of Orwell E. Cole. A separate sketch of each is found in this volume. Mrs. Louise J. Cowles was born at Olmsted, Ohio, February 7, i832, was a daughter of Cotton and Sophronia (Mason) Fletcher, was reared and educated in her native state, and died July 28, i863, a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church. The second marriage of Shepard B. Cowles took place in Oakfield, Mich., to Miss Marion A. Conant, a native of New York, and to this union were born three sons and three daughters: Georgie M., who is married to Philo Lavander, a farmer of Oakfield; Mason C., of whom mention is made in full elsewhere; Florence M., wife of John Sipple, of Nelson; Corwin, a farmer of Spencer; Cary N., a farmer of Spencer; and Marion A., a teacher of music in Jackson county, Mich. The lamented death of Mrs. Marion A. (Conant) Cowles took place in Spencer township June 14, 1879. The second war experience of Shepard B. Cowles was during the late Rebellion, to assist in putting down which he was enrolled in company G, Thirteenth Michigan infantry, September 24, I864, and assigned to the Fourteenth army corps, under Gen. W. T. Sherman, with whom he made the famous I"march to the sea." He was at the burning of Atlanta, and at the siege of Savannah, Ga., and while on the march from the former to the latter city was compelled to do his own foraging, and once, while carrying a good heavy load of flour he had "gobbled up," he lamed himself in both insteps. He was famous as a forager, and being liberal hearted and always ready to divide with his messmates and comrades, and being withal jovial and good natured, was a favorite with officers and men and escaped any little punishment that possibly might have been meted out to another soldier that could not handle his case well. At Savannah, Mr. Cowles once had a very c' lose call." He was helping to erect a fortification, and while behind the enclosure spread his rubber poncho on a stick stuck in the ground and was standing erectly under this shelter to protect himself from the burning rays of the sun; but the thought struck him that he might as well sit down, which he did, and the next instant a Tninie ball passed through his little improvised tent, just above his head, the act of sitting saving his life. Mr. Cowles was present. at the battle of Bentonville, N. C., the last battle of the war. At Alexandria, Va., came the shocking news of the assassination of President Lincoln, and the recent rejoicing over the surrender of Lee was transformed to deep-seated sorrow and horror. The march was continued on to Washington, D. C., however, and there Mr. Cowles was a participant in the historical grand review in May, and in June, I865, he was honorably discharged, for the second time, from the military service of his country. He was a brave, faithful and devoted soldier, prompt to obey orders, never asked to go home on a furlough, and was never guilty of an act that led to his being put in the guardhouse. It was in 1854 when Mr. Cowles pur 624 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS chased his first tract of land in section No. 29, Spencer township, Kent county. For this tract of I20 acres, utterly without improvement, but a wilderness of pines and swamps, he paid the government $I.25 per acre in gold, and he still holds the original deed to it, signed by President Franklin Pierce, who had formerly been his commander in the war with Mexico. Spencer was then a part of Oakfield township, so he has been a citizen of the former ever since and even before it has borne a name-for, in fact, its first name was Celsus. In the beginning Indians were numerous and deer abundant; no church, no school-house existed in the township, nor any roads. The first post-office was in section No. 29, and Mr. Cowles was the first postmaster, having been appointed during President Lincoln's first administration. The first habitation of Mr. Cowles in his new home was a pine log house, but his present handsome dwelling and the well-tilled farm of to-day give ample evidence of the thrift which has attended the labor and excellent management of the owner. As a practical mason Mr. Cowles has done a great deal of superior brick-work in his part of the county, and among other "jobs " superintended the brick-work on the Cedar Springs high-school edifice; but the greater part of his time has been passed, since residing here, in the improving of his homestead, agriculturally and otherwise. Politically Mr. Cowles was first a free soiler, but on the organization of the republican party joined its ranks and voted for its first presidential candidate, John C. Fremont, and later for Abraham Lincoln; but he is not altogether partisan, and in local politics will often vote for a good man in preference to a strictly party nominee. He has himself held every township office within the gift of the people, with the exception of those of supervisor and treasurer, and has filled each with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituency. Fraternally he is a Freemason, and is also a member of Carlton post, No. 327, G. A. R., at Trufant, of which he is the present quartermaster. His guide through life has been the Bible, and he endeavors to fully live up to its teachings, taking for his model the Savior of man. Having himself taught school in Ohio for two years in his earlier days, he advocates the employment of the most experienced teachers in his present district. He has always been an active worker in all things in which he has been interested, and has lifted himself from comparative obscurity to his present position as one of the leading and most influential men of Spencer township and county of Kent, and is now passing his. declining days in peace at the home of his son, Clifton S., honored and beloved by all the community. OLNEY F. COWLES, a well known agriculturist and ex-official of Spencer township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of Berea, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, was born November 21, I8'5, and is the eldest of five children-four sons and one daughter-born to Shepard B. and Louise (Fletcher) Cowles, a full biography of whom will be found elsewhere in this volume. It may here be mentioned, however, that the subject of this biographical notice descends from an ancient English family, the progenitor of the American branch having been born on Albion's isle in 1695, and in his day quite prominently known in New England as John Cowles. Volney F. Cowles was a child of four years when his father, a hero of the Mexican and Civil wars, settled in Michigan among the pioneers of Spencer township, Kent county. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 625 At that time Indians still roamed at will through the wilderness that surrounded the rude cabin occupied by his parents and family; wolves made i( night hideous " with their barking and growling, and even bears were occasional visitors, terrifying the children when they strayed too far from the cabin door. But to compensate for these annoyances, deer also abounded, and a little expenditure of either cash or farm produce for powder and ball sufficed to keep the family table supplied with ample food. Educational advantages in the early days of the life of Mr. Cowles were at a discount, and at nine years of age the first school he attended was held in the rude log cabin, Miss Louisa Ingraham being his teacher. The cost of educating the children was paid through the " rate bill," which was levied on each family according to the number of children who had attained school age. Volney F. Cowles is a practical brick and stonemason and plasterer, which trade he began to learn when he was sixteen years old. He remained with his parents until he had attained his majority, meantime giving them his earnings. He aided in building the Cedar Springs high school, of which his father was superintendent of construction. In I877 he traveled through portions of Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Mississippi. February 29, I880, Mr. Cowles wedded Mrs. Mary M. Powell, whose maiden name was Kennedy, and three children have graced this union, viz: Clifton V., Glenn S., and Gladys L. Mrs. Mary M. Cowles was born near Sparta, Ontario, June 17, 1847, and is a daughter of Alonzo and Harriet D. (Cook) Kennedy, who were the parents of five sons and six daughters, of whom Mrs. Cowles is the only survivor. She was a child of nine years when she came to Michigan with her parents, who purchased forty acres in Vergennes township, Kent county, but subsequently sold this property and removed to Greenville, Montcalm county. Both are deceased. When Mr. Cowles and wife began their married life on their present farm of 120 acres, he was $i, oo in debt. He also had to secure a team, cow, implements, etc., on credit. About twenty-five acres of their land had been cleared off, but the stumps remained, and it required an immense amount of hard labor to put it in a condition for cultivation. They now own I60 acres with I20 acres well cultivated and highly improved. They are free from mortgage, and their industry, frugality and perseverance afford a worthy example to the rising element or the township. Mr. Cowles cast his first presidential vote for Peter Cooper, the great apostle of the greenback party. He has been several times selected to represent his people in county conventions. He was elected township clerk in 1882 by the republicans, and re-elected yearly until i885, when he was chosen supervisor. In 1886 he was again' elected township clerk, and this office he has filled altogether for eleven years-a fact which indicates that his constituents have great faith in his integrity and ability, and this is further evinced by the fact that he was elected township treasurer in 1896. He and wife are warm friends of the public schools and favor the employment of the best teachers. Mr. Cowles has in his possession a copy of the Cowles' Genealogical Tree, running back to I695, and compiled by Capt. Calvin D. Cowles, of the regular United States army; he also has the original deed, signed by President Franklin Pierce, to the land in Spencer township, entered by his father, Shepard B. Cowles. Volney F. Cowles is a member of Evans tent, No. 785, Knights of tire Maccabees, and 626 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Mrs. Cowles is a member of hive No. 696, L. O. T. M. Miss Marion A. Cowles, half-sister of Volney F. Cowles, has made her home with him and wife since she was four years of age. She is now a teacher of music. Mr. and Mrs. Cowles are of the pioneer families of north Kent county, and stand among the most prominent residents of their section of the state, and live fully up to the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." j ARDNER CRANSTON, one of the exl perienced farmers of Plainfield township, Kent county, Mich., and one of the brave men who served with the Michigannvolunteers during the late Civil war, was born in Tompkins county, N. Y., August 24, I838, and is a son of Thomas and Betsey (Eldred) Cranston. Thomas Cranston was a native of Rhode Island, was born in I80i, and after several migrations came to Michigan in 1838 and located on section No. I5, in Plainfield township, Kent county, where his summers were passed in clearing up his land, and his winters in the manufacture of shingles, for many years. His death occurred in i888. His wife was born in Vermont about I81I, and her death took place, also on the old homestead in Plainfield township, in I88o; their remains now rest side by side in Hall cemetery; but their memory is still fondly cherished by their children and the many warm friends they had made during their long years of life in Kent county. Of their family of ten, three only survive: Gardner, Samuel C. and Alice, wife of Alfred Pixley, at the old homestead. Gardner Cranston was reared to agricultural pursuits on his father's farm, which he assisted in his boyhood days in clearing up from the wilderness, but was accorded a fair district-school education. He began his business life on his own responsibility, about 1867, by purchasing a farm now containing seventysix acresin Plainfield township, adjoining the old homestead, and here prosperity has ever since attended him. He was united in marriage, April 7, 1867, with Miss Sarah Ann Wells, who was born in Plainfield township January 27, 1848, a daughter of Robert and Laura (Richardson) Wells, and to this union have been born four children, viz: Clyde D., a farmer of California; Clarence A., of Grand Rapids, Mich., and George, at home, but who is a carpenter and cabinet maker, and Laura, who is a music teacher. Robert Wells, the father of Mrs. Cranston, was born in Madison county, N. Y., about I809, came to Plainfield, Mich., in I847, and here followed his trade of blacksmith until his death, in I886. His wife was also a native of Madison county, N. Y., was born about 1814, and died in I889, her remains now lying interred beside those of her husband in Hall cemetery. The war record of Mr. Cranston may be briefly given as follows: In September, I862, he enlisted in company F, Sixth Michigan volunteer cavalry, under Col. Gray, and left for the front December 6, of the same year. He participated in all the marches, skirmishes and engagements of his regiment, and gallantly and unflinchingly served until wounded at the battle of Falling Waters, which wound necessitated his confinement in hospital about three months. On recovering, he rejoined his regiment, and underwent all the arduous services of a soldier's life, and fought in every battle in which his regiment took part until the close of the war. He participated in the grand review, after which the regiment was sent to Powder River to attend to the Indians, and AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 627.... _ there they erected Fort Conner. Mr. Cranston received an honorable discharge November 24, 1865, and now receives from'a grateful country a pension of $12 per month for his valiant services. He is a member of Webber post, G. A. R., at Rockford, and in politics is a prohibitionist. Mr. and Mrs. Cranston are active members of the Free Will Baptist church, and by their straight walk through the paths of morality, and their uniformily kind and amiable conduct in life, have won the warm friendship of all who know them. EORGE CRAWFORD, the subject of [ l this sketch, has been one of the leadI ing and popular citizens of Oakfield township, Kent county, since i86r, not only as an agriculturist but also business man and as one of the veterans of the Civil war. He enjoys the confidence of all who know him as an honest, trustworthy and respectable citizen. He was born in Preble county, Ohio, on the 19th of October, 1834, being the seventh of the family of nine sons and four daughters of Samuel and Elizabeth (Loy) Crawford; nine of these are living, viz: Sarah, widow of William Conrad, residing in Kent county; William, who was a soldier through the Civil war and is now a mechanic of Dallas county, Iowa; David, a farmer of Montcalm county, Mich.; Green B., a farmer of Spencer township; Thomas, a soldier in the Civil war and now a farmerof Oakfield;John M., of Montcalm county; Isabella, a widow of Jesse Fletcher, resident of Oakfield, and George. Samuel Crawford was born in the state of Maryland in 1803, represented the early Dutch and Irish families, carrying blood of each in his veins. He lived successively in Pennsyl vania, Ohio, Indiana, and latterly in Michigan, where he died in Oakfield in I873. In politics he was formerly a democrat, but after the second administration of President Lincoln he became a firm supporter of the principles of the republican party. He and his wife were reared in the faith of the Lutheran church. Elizabeth Loy was a native of Ohio, and was born in I804. She died in Kent county, Mich., on the 30th of July, I888, at the ripe age of eighty-three. Until death she retained exceptionally fine mental powers and a remarkably keen perception. George Crawford's boyhood and youth were passed in assisting his father in operating his farm, and in fact he devoted his services to the family needs until after he had reached his twenty-fourth birthday. All advantages for anything but a limited education were meager in-Preble county at that time, so that much of his learning has been acquired in contact with men and in the exercise of a naturally quick intellet. On the 25th of December, 1858, he was united in marriage to Miss Rose Anne Trego. They have eight living children: Loice Alice, wife of George C. Smith, a farmer of kIontcalm county; Lewis Allen, a farmer in Oakfield, and who married Miss Alta Hill, and has one daughter, Agnes W.; Minerva Adella, wife of Alonzo Hart, a farmer of Oakfield; John M., who was lately married to Miss Bertha Conklin and is a farmer of Oakfield; Cora B., wife of Edward Taylor, a farmer of Oakfield; Mary Elsie, at hone; E. Eldora and Rosa L. Vernice, are at home. Mr. Crawford and wife have given their children a good common school education and such other advantages as as the community affords; and take pleasure in knowing that all reflect credit upon their parents. Mrs. Crawford was born in Northumberland county, of the Keystone state, on the 22d of February, 1839. When but two months 628 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS old she was taken to Elkhart county, Ind., where she was reared and acquired a commonschool education. Her father, John S. Trego, was a native of New York, and was born in 1809. His life work was that of a farmer. He died at his daughter's in Oakfield, in 1897, when he was eighty-eight years of age. He was a republican and a man in many respects worthy of emulation. His wife was born in Pennsylvania, of German parentage. Mrs. Crawford is a lady of kind and genial disposition and has proven a suitable helpmate and companion to her husband. Mr. Crawford was one of the boys in blue, as he enlisted in company F, of the Twentyfirst Michigan, at Ionia. His regiment was assigned to the army of the Cumberland under the command of General Rosecrans, at Louisville, Ky., in which state he saw most of his service. He was taken sick, but owing to the vile and filthy condition of the hospital, he was placed in a tent, and in a few days, under the skillful nursing of comrade Lucius E. Morgan, was able to be on duty in his regiment at Bowling Green. He received a rupture, terminating in diseases, on account of which he received a surgeon's discharge in I863. He has never fully recovered, but still has to depend upon the protection of a truss. When Mr. and Mrs. Crawford were married they had an extremely limited capital, their entire outfit for housekeeping costing but a few dollars. They sold their first eighty acres and purchased forty in Montcalm county, of partially improved land, on which they lived until they came to Oakfield in I869. In 1870 they settled on the present farm, which was then in almost a state of nature, requiring many years of hard labor and diligent application of every energy to place it in its present excellent condition. It is located one mile east of the village of Harvard, and, with suitable buildings and other improvements \ found on a well-regulated homestead, making a most valuable and desirable property. Years of assiduous industry, backed by intelligently directed efforts, have carved from the wilderness a comfortable home, where ease and comfort now come to this worthy couple and where they find pleasure, being surrounded by children and friends. In political affiliations, he has been a stanch supporter of the republican party since its birth at Jackson,in 1854, and finds satisfaction in that he has voted for every presidential candidate of his party, including Fremont, Lincoln, Garfield and McKinley. He has always taken an active interest in the affairs of his township; and, being one who at all times has ably advocated his party's principles, has often been selected as a delegate to conventions. He is interested in education and has advocated all those things that tend to better and broader education. Socially, he is a member of L. C. Hart post, No. 247, G. A. R., of which he has twice served as commander, and has aided greatly in bringing the post into its preseit flourishing condition. Mr. Crawford lives the life of a good citizen, surrounded by his family and many friends, justly meriting the success and reward which has crowned his efforts. He has many strong social qualities, and while not of a sporting nature enjoys sitting with jovial companions at a quiet game of pedro. ICHOLAS B. CREVELING, a prosperous farmer and prominent official of Alpine township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Livingston county, N. Y., August 8, 1847, a son of Benjamin and Jane C. (Olp) Creveiing, natives of New Jersey, whose marriage was blessed with six children, viz: Christina, now the wife of Ed AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 629 ward E. Wheeler, a prosperous farmer of Alpine township; "Nick," as he is familiarly called, and who is the subject proper of this biographical mention; Alfred C., deceased; Daniel O., also a thriving farmer of Alpine township; Elizabeth, wife of Clifford Crittenden, a professor of Latin in a public school of Grand Rapids, and Benjamin, deceased. Benjamin Creveling, the father of this family and alluded to in the foregoing paragraph as a native of New Jersey, was born in 1819, came to Michigan about 1852, lived about forty years in the township of Plainfield, and then removed to Grand Rapids, of which city he is still an honored resident. When he first located in Plainfield the township was an unbroken wilderness, but through his industry and thrift he amassed considerable property, and up to the date of his removal was classed among Plainfield's wealthiest citizens. His wife, who was born in 1822, is still living with her husband in Grand Rapids. Nicholas B. Creveling was about thirty years of age when he began life for himself by purchasing a small tract of land in Alpine township, which tract is cleared up and converted into a comfortable home. He afterward purchased a saw-mill, which he operated two years or more, and then bought his present home in section No. 12, Alpine township, and this he has since continued to profitably cultivate. He has erected two commodious barns at considerable expense, makes a specialty of dairying, keeps twelve or fifteen cows, and converts their milk into butter. He has a silo, and up-to-date accommodations and facilities. He uses a separator in his buttermaking and sells to special customers, who consume all he produces. He also feeds annually from fifty to seventy-five Berkshire hogs, which, when fattened, he exhibits at the district and state fairs, in which he has secured several high-class honors. December 24, I887, Mr. Creveling married Miss Alice Wilson, a native of Kent county, Mich., born February 17, 1867, the fifth child in the family of Andrew J. and Sarah (Nixon) Wilson. Mrs. Creveling received a commonschool education, but she was carefully trained in housewifery, and her home of to-day is a model in all respects. This union has been graced with three children, viz: Jane, Clifford (deceased) and Dora Elizabeth. In politics Mr. Creveling is a democrat, although he cast his first presidential vote for Ulysses S. Grant. He is serving his people as clerk of Alpine township, an office he has filled in a most satisfactory manner for several years, and fraternally he is a member of the I. O. 0. F. lodge at Mill Creek, and of the Alpine grange. Socially, he stands very high in the esteem of his fellow-citizens, and this esteem is shared equally by his estimable wife. |. ][EORGE CROW. p6stmaster of Ada, r r< Kent county, Mich., was born November I6, 1832, in Newfane, Niagara county, N. Y., and is a son of Elias and Philatha (Hill) Crow, also natives of the Empire state, born, respectively, in I799 and I8oo, and parents of six children. Elias Crow first came to Michigan in I830 and located in Detroit, and in I831 moved to Jackson county, but three years later removed to Ada, Kent county, where he followed farming up to the date of his death, I843, his widow surviving until 1875. George Crow was educated in the common schools of Ada township, whither he was brought in 1837 by his parents, and was reared a farmer. In his early manhood he had the superintendency of an eighty-acre farm in the township of Ada, and in July, I856, his first marriage was to Miss Emily Amelia Grant, who 630 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS bore him two children-Harriet, who is deputy postmaster, and William, a street-car conductor in Grand Rapids. Mrs. Amelia Crow died May 27, 1874, and for his second helpmate Mr. Crow chose Miss Isabella Grant, a sister of his former wife. The second marriage took place July 5, 1875, and this union has also been blessed with two children, viz: Claude Grant, who graduated frcm the Saginaw high school, then entered the class of mining engineering in the State university, and is pursuing his studies at the present time in practical connection with the operation of a gold mine in California; the second child, Maud E., died at the age of seventeen years; and, in addition to this affliction, Mr. Crow was a second time bereft of his life-companion, as Mrs. Isabella Crow was called away January 21, I88I. Mr. Crow is a member of the G. A. R., having gallantly served in the Thirteenth Michigan battery of light artillery in the Civil war from August, I864, until honorably discharged in July, I865. He took part in many severe engagements, but suffered less injury from the vindictive enemy than from an attack of rheumatism, from which he is still suffering. On his return from the service he resumed farming in Ada township, of which he has been a resident since the days when it was a primeval forest-his father having been the first person to grow wheat within its boundaries. In politics an ardent republican, Mr. Crow' has filled several offices of trust and honor in Ada township-among them that of town treasurer. In September, I898, he was appointed postmaster of Ada under President McKinley's administration, and has since filled the office to the entire satisfaction of the public and with credit to himself. He is a member of the Congregational church and lives fully up to its teachings. He has practically retired from agricultural pursuits, is now living in corpar ative retirement, and is classed with the substantial and public-spirited citizens, respected and honored by all. EV. JAMES CRUMLEY, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic church of Cascade, Kent county, Mich., was born in Toronto, Canada, September 28, I845, his parents being of sturdy north of Ireland stock. When he was six years of age the family removed to St. Sylvester, Quebec, where the father followed his trade of carpenter. In 1863 young James went thence to the state of Maine and was employed in the lumber woods, and later in saw-mills at Augusta. July 4, I865, he came to Michigan and located at Alpena, where he worked in the mills three years, and thence went to Cheboygan, where he lived eight or nine years, most of which time he was associated with his brother, Thomas J. Crumley in taking contracts for the cutting of pine timber. He then returned to Alpena as foreman, and later went to the north shore, where he was employed in a similar position by a large concern, having under his charge a force of fdrty-five men and teams operating in the lumber woods. Although he held a responsible position, his duties were performed with great satisfaction to his employers. His brother had remained at Cheboygan, and subject rejoined him as foreman of his woodsmen, during the lumbering seasons, while during the summer seasons he worked at building. In 1875-76 he took a course in Goldsmith's commercial college in Detroit, and while a student there decided to prepare himself for the ministry. Having been reared in the Catholic faith, he had always felt a deep interest in its work; accordingly, he entered Assumption college at Sandwich, Ontario, and for two years studied the classics. He next entered the uni AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 631 versity of Notre Dame, Ind., as novitiate in the congregation of the Holy Cross, where three years' close application was given to the classics and to philosophy. He next took the theological course at the seminary of the Sulpician Fathers at Baltimore, Md., from which he graduated in 1882, receiving the minor orders and sub-deaconship from Cardinal Gibbons, then archbishop. August 25, I882, he was ordained deacon in the cathedral, at Grand Rapids, by Bishop Richter, and November i, I882, was ordained priest at the same place. The first mass read by Father Crumley was at Cheboygan in November, 1882, when his brother and many of his old friends, whose interest had been keenly shown, were members of the congregation. He next recited mass at Alpena for a few weeks to fill vacancies, and here also many of his old friends were among his auditors. His first charge began November 29, 1882, as pastor of St. Patrick's church, at Grattan, Mich., where he remained for more than twelve years, working assiduously for the welfare of his congregation and the glory of his church, and in I892 erected the parochial school-house. February 12, I896, he was assigned to the pastorate of St. Mary's at Cascade, which includes the mission of St. Patrick in Bowne township. St. Mary's has a congregation of about fifty families, who are alive to the welfare of the church. The church-edifice is a creditable building for a country town, and cost $6,ooo. Here Father Crumley has done noble work, both spiritual and temporal, for his congregation. His flock has the greatest respect for him, and his relations with the bishop are of a very pleasant and satisfactory nature, so that his life work has produced results that have redounded to a better citizenship, and greater interest in spiritual life. As a citizen, Father Crumley, when a resi dent of Cheboygan, was a democrat in politics, though he does not allow politics to distract his attention from pastoral duty. He is a total abstainer from the use of intoxicating beverages as well as of tobacco, and has ever advocated strict temperance by example as well as precept. As a pastor he has been untiring in his labor for his congregation's welfare, and his pleasing personality, unassuming demeanor, ripe scholarship, and christian character have won for him the sincere respect of hosts of friends, without as well as within the pale of his mother church. EBULON M. CUMMINGS. -In giving a history of the leading citizens of Alpine township, Kent county, this work would be incomplete without mentioning the gentleman whose name heads this sketch and the admirably kept farm of which he is the owner. His earnest and sincere efforts to make life a success are well worthy of the emulation of all, and the interest he takes in all matters, touching upon husbandry, are to be thoroughly commeded. Mr. Cummings was born near Buffalo, N. Y., June 23, 1842, being the fifth child of Zebulon and Charlotte (Sweres) Cummings. His father was a native also of New York, born February 29, I808, and thus could enjoy a birthday but once in every four years. He left his native home and came with his family to Michigan in the year I848, locating near Ionia. After moving a few times he, about sixteen years later, came to Kent county, and located in the village of Lowell, then with a population of about 500 inhabitants. At this place he at first acted as groceryman and later conducted a livery stable. Upon leaving Lowell he settled on a farm in Plainfield township, where he lived for about three years, thence removing to near Saranac and there 632 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS remaining for a similiar length of time. At 'the expiration of this tine, and upon the death of Mrs. Cummings, he made his home with his children until his decease, July I4, 1883. Upon his arrival in Kent county he found affairs not very far advanced, as the land of his purchase was wild and Grand Rapids was a city of only I5,000 inhabitants. The mother of Z. M. Cummings was a native of New York and was born in the year 1814. She came to Michigan with her husband and lived there until her death, which occurred on the Saranac farm, in I871. Zebulon M. Cummings began life for himself when but twenty-one years of age by hiring out as a farm hand, but followed such occupation only for one season. He then went to Grand Rapids, where he became a teamster, hauling goods from and to the city. In a short time he and his brother formed a partnership and engaged in the livery business for a period of four years, at the end of which time he and a gentleman, by the name of Campbell, purchased the Lake house, located three miles east of Grand Rapids, he acting as landlord for about two years, then trading for some property at Sturgis, Mich., where he kept hotel and livery stable for two years. After this he went to Burr Oak, where he engaged in the livery business for one year, thence coming to Grand Rapids, and in I880 locating on his present home in section No. 31, Alpine township. On June 25, I875, he was married to Miss Laura E. Burtch, a native of Greenville, Mich., born in the year I859-October 16. Her father was born near Chatain, Canada, in the year 1828, and came to Michigan about I855, this state serving as his home until the year 'I893, when he removed to Iowa, where he still resides. Her mother is a native of Saginaw, Mich., born April 21, 1838. She now lives with her husband in Iowa. Mrs. Cummings received only a commonschool education, but her home is always kept in the best of order, which shows the highest advancement in the science of housekeeping. She is the parent of but one child, Edward A. Cummings, a young man of twenty years, who still resides at home. Politically, Mr. Cummings is a stanch adherent to the principles of the republican party. Socially, he is held in the highest esteem of his friends, is respected for genuine worth,and although not active members of any church, he and his wife are, nevertheless, liberal donors to all worthy benevolences. OHN I. CUTLER, a greatly respected agriculturist of Gaines township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of New York, was born May 7, 1836, and is the fourth in a family of ten children -two sons and eight daughters —born to John and Christina (Sparr) Cutler, of whom there are only three living, viz: Anna C., widow of Hiram Brandow; John I., the subject of this sketch, and Charles J., a farmer of Lyon township, Allegan county. John Cutler, the father, was born in New York, was of Welsh descent and was reared to the trade of a blacksmith, and in the later years of his life was an agriculturist. He received a limited education. In I853 he came to Gaines township, Kent county, and purchased 312 acres, all new land, with no improvements. The first home that was erected was a log cabin on the gravel road. As his father was sick, John had full charge of the estate. He lived in Kent county till his death, but went to the city later, being a resident some years. He was, as well as his wife, a Methodist; in politics he was a whig and afterwards a republican, and later a prohibitionist, and was a great admirer of Abraham Lincoln. r I RESIDENCE J. I CUTLER I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 003 5 The mother was a native of New York, traced her ancestry to the Mohawk Dutch, and died about 1876. John I. Cutler, of this sketch, was a young man of about seventeen when he became a citizen of Kent county. He received a limited education, as the schools were very scarce in the early day. Mr. Cutler was reared to the life of an agriculturist, and with his two good hands he has helped to clear up almost 6oo acres of land in Kent county, and he also helped clear up forty acres in his native state. He began toil in life at the early age of ten years, and all these years has he been a hard worker. When he came on the farm in Gaines township, it was heavily timbered. He has cradled many acres of grain with the four-fingered cradle at four shillings per acre, and many a day has he cut grass with the scythe. He has used the old ox-team manv a year, and many a time has he driven it to Grand Rapids; and upon Canal street he has seen the mud and mire a foot deep. He can well remember that where the Union depot now stands there were but a few small buildings. Mr. Cutler continued in charge of his father's farm till his majority. Mr. Cutler 'attended one school year in Albion seminary, and while there he was janitor and earned $90. Mr. Cutler wedded Miss Harriet E. Church, March 7, i86i, and to this union have been born five children —two sons and three daughters viz: Mary M., who is a graduate from Ann Arbor university, is a doctor and worked one year for the state. She has charge of the Woman's Foreign Missionary society hospital at Corea, I1,000 miles from her native land. She has been there for six years'. John C., the second born, is a physician and surgeon, and is located at Verona, Wis. He graduated in the class of i899, at the Chicago Northwestern College of Medicine, and stands high in the estimation of the best citizens. He is married. Frank, the third born, is a graduate of the class of 1891, of the Grand Rapids high school, and was also a teacher in Kent county with success. He is associated with his father in the estate. He wedded Miss Myrtie E. Soper, a native of Kent county, and a daughter of Francis B. and Eliza (Allen) Soper; she was educated in the common schools, and also the city schools, and has received instruction in vocal and instrumental music. There were two sisters and one brother in the family. Her parents were natives of New York, and are residents of Paris township, Kent county, Mich. Frank is a prohibitionist in principle. He is connected in the dairy business in Grand Rapids with his father, and is doing a business of $4,000 per year. Nellie Jf., the fourth born, is the wife of Sheriff Woodworth, of the county of Kent. She was educated in the common schools and Ann Arbor, Mich., and has taught school in Kent county. Hattie, the youngest child, is the wife of Wallace Richards, a farmer of Paris township. She was educated in the high school, and was also a successful teacher. She has had classical musical instruction. Mr. and Mrs. Cutler have done all they could to give their children the full benefits of a high and practical education which has fitted them for the higher walks of life. Mr. Cutler was one of the boys in blue who was at the front at the time of the nation's peril. He enlisted in company G, Third Michigan infantry, in August; i862, under Capt. Whitney and Col. Champlin; his regiment was assigned to the army of the Potomac. Some of the leading battles he participated in were: First battle of Fredericksburg, the battles of Chancellorsville, Locust Grove, Mine Run, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, and Cold Harbor. He crossed the James river, where there was a slight action in front of Petersburg, and in the charge was struck with 686 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I a minie ball just below the center of the heart, which would have been fatal to him, but he had turned a little to the left, which saved his life. This was June, I864. At the battle of Chancellorsville the captain of the company was killed just at the side of Mr. Cutler, and Mr. Engels, a member of the company and a comrade of Mr. Cutler, was shot in the leg. Col. Pierce, of Grand Rapids, was hit in the hand. The night before the battle, while on a charge, Mr. Cutler was struck by a ball in the heel. Mr. Cutler served his nation for two years and seven months, and he never was in the hospital, nor ever off duty. He received his honorable discharge at Detroit, Mich., in March, I865. He was a faithful soldier, and served his country well. Mr. Cutler has always supported the republican policy, and the first presidential vote he cast was, for Lincoln, but during the recent years of his life he has been of a strong prohibition principle. He has been selected by the prohibition party to represent them in county and state conventions, and always received the nominations from his party for important positions in the township, and was also nominated for county treasurer by the same party. He takes high ground as to the public schools, and he believes in the best of teachers which can be procured, and in keeping up the best improvements to advance the children to a higher and better education and place in life. He is one of the heavy taxpayers of the township, and a man who has aimed to let nothing impede the- progress of improvement and advancement. Mr. and Mrs. Cutler are ardent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Cutler has aided in the erection of six different churches in the community, which shows that he has been generous. Their church is on Division street, Grand Rapids. The estate of Mr. Cutler comprises 486 acres in Gaines and Byron townships. The beautiful brick mansion is of three stories and basement underthe entire residence, with stone base. The elegant home is finely finished in hard wood, is heated by furnace, and fitted with electric bells and gas. The residence is a model of a beautiful home, built in the Romanesque style of architecture. It was erected in 891, and most of the natural woods were taken from the Cutler estate. Mr. Cutler is a gentleman of large executive ability and business experience, and the family is one of the most highly respected in the township. LEXANDER L. DARROW, one of the most prominent citizens of Rockford and Courtland township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Medina county, Ohio, October I6, 1832, and is the fifth of the six children two sons and four daughters-of whom John and Rhoda (Conant) Darrow were the parents, but of whom three only are now living, viz: John, a farmer of Stockton, Cal.; Alexander L., whose name opens this biographical sketch, and Alvira, wife of Alvin Evans, a farmer of Aurora, S. Dak. John Darrow, the father of this family and a native of New York, was born April 12, 1797, was by trade a stonemason, but later became a farmer. At his majority he located in that part of Ohio then known as the Western Reserve, and which was still infested with Indians. He was better educated than most young men of his day, and was energetic, enterprising and industrious. He was married in Ohio to Miss Conant, a native of that state, born July 4, 1804. Shortly after marriage they came to Michigan when this state was still a territory, locating in Lenawee county, AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 687 as it is now known. He entered land from the government in the town of Woodstock, where he lived until December 31, 1842, when he came to Kent county and settled in Courtland township, thus being one of its earliest pioneers. Indians in those days were still numerous; agricultural implements still rude in make; Grand Rapids was a mere trading post, and not a line of railroad threaded the county. But Mr. Darrow was equal to all the trials, tribulations and hardships of frontier life and, triumphing over all difficulties, wrought out from the wilderness a comfortable home. In politics he was at first a whig, and took an active part in the ( hard cider" campaign of I840, which resulted in the election of William H. Harrison to the presidency and John Tyler to the vice-presidency of the United States. In 1854 he assisted in forming the republican party, to which he adhered until his death, which occurred January I8, I877. His remains were interred in Courtland cemetery, in the midst of many of his pioneer friends. No man in the township was more truly honored and mourned than he. His widow survived until 1894, dying, much respected, in South Dakota, where her remains are buried. Alexander L. Darrow was a lad of ten years when his parents settled in Kent county, and here he received his education in the primitive schools. He was taught the carpenter and joiner's trade, but has preferred agriculture as a vocation. Having no capital, save brain and sinew, entrance upon this pursuit was somewhat difficult, yet he eventually "got there" and very effectually at that, as the sequel will show. The first serious, yet most pleasant, responsibility that he assumed in life's progress was his marriage to Miss Arvilla Shank, November 8, I855. This lady is a native of Portage county, Ohio, and, was born March II, I834, a daughter of George and Harriet (Chaffee) Shank, who came to Courtland township, Kent county, Mich., when she was but ten years of age. George Shank was born in Virginia, near the Potomac river, and died in Kent county, Mich.,November 30, I898. His wife, who was a native of Ohio, died in 1877, when she was about sixty-five years old. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Shank, Rosetta is the wife of George Rounds, a farmer of Courtland township; Arvilla, wife of Mr. Darrow; Cornelia, widow of William Lawrence, and residing in Cadillac, Mich.; Dallas, a fruit grower of Nelson township, Kent county; Aurilla L., widow of Alfred Sliter, who was a carpenter by trade, her residence being now in Chicago, Ill. Mr. Darrow is a strong republican and cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont, the first nominee of his party. He was also a strong advocate for the election of Abraham Lincoln, and for years he has been closely indentified with party work, though he has never himself been desirous of holding an office. With the assistance of his faithful and amiable wife, Mr. Darrow has acquired a handsome home just on the corporate limits of the town of Rockford and is in every way in most comfortable circumstances. So well situated are they, as far as the goods of this world are concerned, that they are enabled to take long and frequent trips to different parts of the United States, for pleasure, improvement and refining influences. They are prominent in the social circles of Rockford and Courtland townships. Their unostentious acts of charity have relieved many a poor person in time of distress. The respect they enjoy has been earned, although it must be acknowledged that, regardless of financial condition, their natural endowments and virtues would make them beloved in any sphere of life in which their lot might be cast. 688 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS - -- ----- ~ RANK W. DAVIE, quite prominent as a business man and postmaster of Plainfield village, Kent county, Mich., was born in Cannon township, in the same county, September 30, 1872, the eldest child of Edward and Rosill (Crissman) Davie. Edward Davie, the father, is a native of Wayne county, N. Y., was born in I850, and when ten years of age was brought to Michigan by his parents, who located at Flushing, Genesee county, and engaged in farming. On attaining his majority, Mr. Davie came to Kent county, and here married Miss Crissman, a native of Plainfield township, born in I851. Later he moved to Oceana county, where he resided thirteen years, when he again came to Kent county and settled on a farm in Plainfield township, where he and wife still reside, and are classed with the most respected of its residents. Frank W. Davie, who received a sound common-school education, was reared to the practical affairs of life on his father's farm, and at the age of twenty-one years began his active business life by renting the homestead, but this he worked two years only, and then hired out one year as a farm hand. He next purchased the ferry-scow, which he still operates back and forth across the Grand river at Plainfield village, and this has proved to be to him a profitable investment. His next step was to rent a grocery store near his ferry landing, and the next was to secure his appointment as postmaster, in which office he has given the utmost satisfaction to all concerned. By close attention to the needs of his patrons he has made his grocery the most popular-in the village, and he may now be termed the leading merchant in this line in the township. The store, of course, now occupies his entire attention, while the ferry is intrusted to the care of hired help. The marriage of Mr. Davie took place December 22, I896, to Miss Edith Xyaite, daughter of Warren W. Waite, of Cannon township. This lady is recognized as one of the most sensible young women of the nighborhood and as one of the best of housekeepers. In his politics, Mr. Davie was formerly a democrat, but for reasons fully satisfactory to himself has become an ardent republican. Although Mr. Davie is not himself a member of any religious denomination, he is yet free in his contributions to all. His wife, however, is a devoted member of the Congregational church at Bostwick lake, and both stand exceedingly high in the esteem of the community in which they live. HARLES E. DAVIS, who for half a century has been a resident of Kent county, was born in Courtland'township on the 2Ist day of February, I850. He is the fourth in a family of nine children, seven of whom are now living, viz: Jane, who has been one of the successful teachers of Kent county and is now the wife of Charles Sears; Charles E.; Rebecca, the wife of John Cowan, a farmer of Plainfield town-ship; Delight, the wife of Fred Carlyle, one of the prosperous agriculturists of the township; Ophelia, who married E. E. Hewitt, and who was also a successful teacher; Lucinda, the wife.of Wm. Whittall, who well represents the farming interests of Courtland; and George, also a farmer of the last named township. The father of Charles E. Davis was born in Cheshire, England, eighteen miles from the great metropolis, London, March I4, I819, and died in Michigan, November 4, 1879. He was reared to the life of a farmer and came with his parents to America when fourteen years of age. They embarked in an old sailing vessel from Liverpool, England, and AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 639 after a voyage of nine weeks dropped anchor in the harbor of New York city. In the state of New York he learned the trade of a carpenter and resided there until twenty-six years of age. At twenty-four years of age he married Eleanor Brown; and in September, 1844, after the birth of their first child, he immigrated to Kent county, Mich., the trip being made via the Erie canal, lakes Erie, Huron and Michigan to Grand Haven, thence up Grand river to Grand Rapids, which upon his arrival was only an Indian post, not larger than Rockford at the present time. There were only three schoolhouses in the township and not a church. He purchased eighty acres of land which is now part of his son's farm, at that time covered with timber, and began to clear off a place on which to erect a small frame house. A carpenter by trade, he built most of the older barns of Courtland. He also followed farming and lumbered some in the early days. He later added eighty acres adjoining, and this is now where Charles E. Davis lives. In politics he was a stanch adherent to democratic principles, and fraternally was a charter member of the Rockford lodge of Masons. His wife, a devout member of the Methodist church, was born in the state of New York in January, I818, and died at Rockford May 23, 1893. The life of Charles E. Davis has been one of toil. He early became engaged at and accustomed to hard work, and fourteen years of his life were spent at logging in the pine forests on Black and Rouge rivers. Until thirty years of age he remained at home to care for his parents, taking great responsibility upon himself and meriting much credit for his filial love and respect for them. He has witnessed the speedy development of the stirring city of Grand Rapids, and has lived to see the primitive log cabins replaced by more commodious buildings. 33 March 14, 1874, Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Orcelia R. Myers, who has become the mother of three children, one of whom, Glenn, is living, and has completed the common schools and has been a student of the Rockford high school. Mrs. Davis was born in Courtland township, Kent county, Mich., March 30, 1852, and is a daughter of William H. and Elizabeth (Dancer) Myers, the full genealogy of which family is given in the biographical sketch of William H. Myers. Mrs: Davis completed her education in the Rockford high school. Her life has been spent in her native township, where she has been a model wife and mother. Whatever Mr. and Mrs. Davis now possess has been acquired, through their industry and frugality. They know that life is real and earnest, after having endured its many trials. In February of 1888 their entire home was destroyed by fire, but through their perseverance they have raised above the ashes their present modern, comfortable, and convenient home on their farm of eighty acres, located about two miles and three-quarters from Rockford and six miles from Cedar Springs. Mr. Davis, in his political views, is a democrat, and his first presidential vote was cast for Horace Greeley. He has been director of his township for six years, and in his fraternal relations is an esteemed member of Rockford lodge, F. & A. M., No. 246. ENNIS GARDNER DAVIS, a leading farmer of Courtland township, Kent county, Mich., is the only child of Daniel S. and Lydia Ann (Straight) Davis, and was born in Steuben county, N. Y., December 19, I844. Daniel S. Davis is a native of Washington county, N. Y., his naitivity being March 12, 1821. He is one of the honored pioneers who, 640 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS have not only seen the progress and advancement of the community, but have borne an active part in the work of development and improvement. For many years he has been prominently identified with the agricultural interest. Great changes have occurred during his residence in the county; wild lands have been transformed into beautiful homes and farms; villages and towns have sprung up; railroads, the telegraph, telephone, and all modern improvements have been introduced; industries and commercial interests have been established. He first located in Jackson, Mich., but, in 1847, came to Kent county and became the owner of eighty acres in Courtland township. In politics he is a stanch democrat and cast his first vote for James K. Polk. He later dropped his ballot for " Tippecanoe and Tyler, too," but ever since has been a firm upholder of the principles and policies of the democratic party. He now lives with his son in easy retirement. Lydia Ann (Straight) Davis, the mother of Dennis Gardner Davis, was born in Steuben county, N. Y., February 7, 1827. She received a common-school education and passed her declining days in Michigan, here died February 17, I895, and her remains are interred in Courtland cemetery. Dennis Gardner Davis became a resident of Kent county, Mich., when twelve years old. He attended the common schools near his home, and by much exertion has secured a good educatian. His career has been one of greet activity and for the greater part one of agriculture. On March 5, i871, he was united in marriage to Miss Alice V. Austin, and one child, Dennis D., has honored this union. In the educational line this young man has done excellently. He has completed the eight grades of the common schools and has been a student in the high school at Sioux City, Iowa. I I I I I i I I MIrs. Davis is one of the three living of six children born to John S. and Emily P. (Dean) Austin, and dates her birth July 29, 1849. She has a brother, Lorimer E. Austin, a resident and agriculturist of Cortland township, and a sister, Alzoa, who is the wife of Hiram H. Seeley, foreman of a lumber company at Sioux City, Iowa. Her father was a native of New York, who was born in I8Io and died in Courtland i888. He was a 'pioneer of Michigan, having come here in i858. The country at that time was in a wild state, and Indians were the principal inhabitants. He and his wife, whom he survived four years, were members of the Methodist church. Dennis G. Davis and his wife began married life almost empty-handed. They went in debt to purchase forty acres, but by economical industry have paid for it and added seventy acres more of the most fertile land in the township, located in section No. 10. Dennis Gardner Davis, in his political views, adheres thoroughly to democratic principles, having cast his presidential vote for Horatio Seymour in I868, At various times he has been selected as delegate to county and district conventions, and has held the office of township treasurer, commissioner and clerk. He is beloved by many people, is a successful farmer, and a man of great decision of character and of the strictest integrity. He is a member of Cedar Springs lodge, No. 213, F. & A. M., and Edgerton tent, K. 0. T. M. Mrs. Davis belongs to Evans hive, L.'O. T. M., and both are identified with Evans grange, Patrons of Husbandry. D SAAC DIXSON DAVIS.-Like many of the early settlers of Kent county, the Davis family were from New York, a state which furnished its full complement of the sturdy yeomen, who, in pioneer AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 641 times, impressed their individuality so indelibly upon the country and institutions of the great northwest. Isaac Dixson Davis was a native of Pulaski, Oswego county, N. Y., born December 27, I818, a son of John S. and Charlotte (Dixson) Davis, the father of New Jersey and the mother of the Empire state. His great-grandfather, Ezekiel Woodruff, held a commission in the American army during the war for independence. John Smith Davis was a son of Capt. Thomas Davis, a prominent civilian in Elizabethtown, N. J., who removed to.'Herkimer county, N. Y., in I792, when JohntS. was an infant. In Pulaski, Oswego county, N. Y., John S. Davis carriedon the mercantile trade for a number of years; but sometime after his marriage, which occurred in Oneida county, N. Y., he decided to try his fortunes in the then new and undeveloped territory of Michigan, as reverses caused by the credit system of those days had overtaken him. Accordingly, in I821, he emigrated to what is now Oakland county, where his death occurred the year following, at the early age of'twenty-nine. His widow, who was left with three children, subsequently returned to her native state, where she died when the subject of, this review was about seven years old. The following are the names of the children: Charles Roland, James Lawrence and Isaac Dixson. The youngest, Henry Niles, died in Michigan two weeks prior to the death of his father. After the mother's death the children were separated, Isaac D. being taken [by his grandfather, Capt. Thomas Davis, of Herkimer county, N. Y., when about eight years old, and accompanied that gentleman's family to Michigan in 1836, when there were less than a dozen white families in what is 'now Paris township, Kent county. Two years prior to the above date his uncle, Ezekiel Davis, made a settlement at Reed's lake, being one of the first pioneers to penetrate the wilds of Paris township, and one year later, I835, was joined by a brother, Luther Davis, who assisted materially in laying the foundation of the future community. Owing to the advanced age of his grandfather, and the death of Luther Davis, which occurred within a few months after settling in the new country, Isaac was early compelled to bear his full share in supporting the family. He worked early and late in the woods and fields, and soon developed into a strong, rugged young man, inured to every hardship incident to pioneer times, and well fitted to the arduous duties which the future had in store for him. He remained on the original farm until after his marriage, which was solemnized on the 29th of December, I842, with Miss Sophia Reed; in I847 he removed to the place where he afterward resided in Paris township, where his death occurred October 14, I899. The place at the time of his taking possession contained but ten acres of cleared land and a diminutive log cabin, the rest being as nature had created it-wild, heavily timbered ahd thickly overrun in places with dense undergrowth. To develop a farm from this wild was an undertaking attended with hardships, both numerous and formidable; but, undaunted by this uninviting prospect, Mr. Davis went to work, and by years of almost unremitting toil and many privations, eventually succeeded in removing the forest growth, and bringing into cultivation I60 acres, upon which in the meantime were erected comfortable buildings and other valuable improvements. All of this represents the work of his own strong arms and determined will, and it is a fact worthy of note that of the few pioneers contemporary with himself he was the last of the "Old Guard" to live in Paris. One other pioneer, Robert Barr, who came about the same time and who has reached the ripe old 642 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS age of ninety years, survives, making his home in the city of Grand Rapids. Few, if any, citizens in Kent county have lived on the same farm continuously for over a half a century, as did Mr. Davis, and certainly none have witnessed more striking chances in the aspect of the country from the early times to the present. In 1840 Mr. Davis was elected constable, and at the first meeting in Paris township, after its organization in 1839, he was a leading spirit, and did much toward shaping the future of this part of the country. He had also filled various other positions of public trust, including those of supervisor and township clerk, and proved himself an efficient servant of the people, discharging every duty with commendable fidelity and an eye single to the common good. Mr. Davis was chiefly instrumental in organizing and maintaining the Paris grange, filling the principal offices of the same, and he took an active part in the county grange, of which he was a regular attendant, and also represented the county of Kent various times in meetings of the state grange. The success of the county Agricultural society is largely due to the active interest he ever manifested therein, and all movements, having for their object the advancement of agriculture, dairying and horticulture, ever found in him a zealous advocate and liberal friend. As already stated, Mr. Davis was married to Miss Sophia Reed. Mrs. Davis was a daughter of the late Lewis Reed, one of the early pioneers of Kent county, after whom Reed's lake took its name, and she proved a suitable companion of a worthy husband. She was born in Herkimer county, N. Y., and came to Michigan in 1834 when but eleven years old, and consequently spent the greater part of her life in the state and county of her adoption. She died December 7, 1863, leaving the following children: Charlotte Adelia, wife of John L. Murray, a prominent lumber dealer of Muskegon, Mich.; Thomas Albert, who served in the Civil war as a member of the First Michigan light artillery, and died in hospital at the early age of eighteen; Mary Julia, widow of Alonzo Barkley, of Paris; Elizabeth, wife of John T. Smith of Allegan county; Lewis Reed, who resides on a farm adjoining the old homestead, and of whom further mention is found elsewhere; Catherine Aurelia, wife of Rev. O. E. Whightman, pastor of the M. E. church at Remus, Mich., and Milton Davis, dealer in agricultural implements in Nebraska City, Nebr. On February 8, I866, Mr. Davis married his second wife, Mrs. Louisa M. Barr (nee Cain), who departed this life March I3, 1899, just seven months before her husband, at the age of seventy-four years. She was a lady of exemplary character, a model wife in assisting her husband by wise counsel, and was loved and respected by a large circle of friends in the community. To her second husband she bore one son, John Loren Davis, who married Martha Whitford, of Paris, and who manages the home farm. Mr. Davis was always a democrat, active in behalf of his party's interests, and for years a zealous and influential worker in many campaigns. In later years, owing to feeble health,. he was not so able to participate in the canvass as in former times, nevertheless he was a wide reader and kept himself fully abreast of the times on all matters of political and public nature. A life-long temperance man, he ever took the keenest interest in the liquor question, and whenever it came before the people always sided with efforts toward its restriction. When it became of prime moment, he identified himself with the party of prohibition, and after 1884 was counted one of the stanchest of those who worked for its control under the banner of that party. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 643 WThile not identified with any church, he was a believer in religion, and, recognizing a moral value in the churches, contributed liberally toward them, and other causes having for their object the moral and spiritual well-being of the community. For some months it was known that the machinery of the body was becoming worn, and realizing the near approach of the dark messenger, he settled his property interests, in accordance with his own views of justice and right, and bore the pain and depression of failing health with the fortitude that ever characterized him. While in his orchard, October 14, I899, picking apples, from trees set by his own hand, in earlier years, the Great Reaper reached out his hand and plucked this, the ripe fruit of humanity. It would be a difficult matter to find a man more thoroughly respected and admired among the citizens of Paris than was Mr. Davis. Scrupulously honorable and just in all his dealings with others, his promise was ever sufficient, and his word as valuable as "coin of the realm." His was indeed a full life, and he needs no sculptured epitaph to perpetuate his memory in a community which he assisted in founding and where he was so widely known and highly esteemed. EWIS R. DAVIS, a thriving farmer and fruit-grower of Paris township, Kent county, Mich., was born June 20, 1852, on the farm adjoining his own eighty-acre place on the north, and which was the homestead of his father, I. Dixson Davis. He was educated in the schools of his district, and farming has been his life-work. January 4, I883, he married Miss Myrtie I. Darling, a native of Paris township and a daughter of Hiram and Louise (Vosburg) Darling, and formerly a teacher for twenty-four months in the district schools of Clinton and Kent counties. This marriage has been crowned with four children, those living being-Mary L., Elsie D., and Myron W. They lost one in infancy. Mr. Davis' place was formerly known as the Lorin Root farm, and for fifty years had been in the Root family, but the present handsome dwelling was erected by Mr. Davis. He devotes his land to general farming, yet gives much of his attention to the cultivation of fruit, which he has exhibited at many horticultural fairs, together with his other products, and in many instances has secured prizes for their excellence. He filled for one year the office of secretary of the Kent county Agricultural society, giving the utmost satisfaction. He cast his first vote for the candidates of the prohibition party, to which he still adheres, and at the conventions of which he is a constant attendant. He is firm in his belief in the right, and eventual triumph of his party and its principles, and works ardently for its success, while free silver doctrines also meet his approbation. He is a member of Paris grange, No. I9, Patrons of Husbandry, in which he takes intense interest and in which he has held every office. He and wife are devoted members of the Paris Baptist church, of which he is the clerk, and he is also a faithful worker in the Sunday-school. Socially they enjoy the respect of all their neighbors and mingle with the best people of Paris township. ILLIAM E. DAVIS, supervisor of Bowne township, was born in Pultney, Steuben county, N. Y., November 26, 1842. He spent his boyhood on the farm until nineteen years of 644 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS age, when he responded to the country's call to quell the great rebellion, enlisting August 26, 1862, in company A, One Hundred and Sixty-first New York infantry. He served in the department of the Gulf underGens. Banks and Canby, and was with his command at the siege of Port Hudson, Baton Rouge, and in other operations on the Mississippi, and also took part in the Red river expedition to Sabine Pass, Tex., returning to New Orleans, thence up the Mississippi river to Columbus and Paducah, Ky., andlater his regiment with others was ordered to Mobile, Ala., to co-operate with Admiral Faragut in his victorious operations against that city. Mr. Davis was detached at brigade headquartersjfor some months as clerk and later was detailed as corporal with a squad of men to care for a large plantation at the breaking of a levee on the Mississippi river. Mr. Davis' military record is fraught with duty bravely and uncomplainingly done, and during his period of service he participated in fifteen battles and skirmishes, through all of which he escaped with no serious injury. He was honorably discharged, October I6, 1865, and immediately thereafter returned to his native state, where for a number of years he filled the position of superintendent of a gravel road, having in charge a section six miles in length. He was thus employed for a period of fifteen years, during which time the road under his immediate control became one of the best highways in the part of the state through which it extended. In I88I Mr. Davis became a resident of Kent county, Mich., since which date he has lived and prospered on his present home in the township of Bowne, where he owns a tract of 120 acres of highly-improved land. The greater part of his farm has been cleared and developed by his own hands, and the results of his well directed energy is attested by the ex pensive improvements by which the place is adorned. He has good buildings, including a large and commodious barn, recently erected, and everything-on the farm bespeaks the presence of a thrifty and progressive agriculturist. In his native state, Mr. Davis served at different times in various, official capacities, and, with the exception of one year, has filled the office of supervisor of Bowne township, by successive re-elections since I89o. His popularity with the citizens of his township, irrespective of party affiliations, is attested by the fact that, with a single exception, he is the only democrat ever elected to official station in the township of Bowne. The republican opposition in this part of the county is unusually formidable, the average majority for many years being in excess of Ioo, yet he has time and again successfully overcome this strength and filled the office with credit to himself and satisfaction to the public in general. Mr. Davis was married September 30, 873, in New York, to Miss Lois Buell, a union blessed with the birth of the following children: Fred, Ed, Sarah, Olive and Will, all of whom are still with their parents. Mr. Davis is a member of Caledonia lodge, No. 387, F. & A. M., and an active worker in Charles Brown post, No. 296, G. A. R. He is a reputable citizen, a courteous and capable public servant and occupies a commendable standing among the representative men of Bowne township. ILLIAM E. DAVIS, a representative farmer of Solon township, with his post-office at Cedar Springs, Kent county, Mich., is a native of Ontario county, N. Y., was born August i6, I847, and is the fourth of the family of four sons and two daughters that resulted from AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 645 the marriage of Alexander D. and Fannie (Lyon) Davis, but of whom three only are still living, viz: George C., a farmer of Solon township; William E., the subject of this sketch, and Elizabeth, wife of Eugene Smith, also a farmer of Solon township. Alexander D. Davis, the father of these children, was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., in 1812, early came to Kent county, Mich., purchased eighty acres of unimproved land, and followed farming the remainder of life, dying at the age of fifty-six years. In politics he was a Jeffersonian democrat, and with his wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Davis, also a native of the state of New York, died when the subject of this sketch was but seven years of age. William E. Davis was reared to farming and stock raising and acquired his education in a common school. He began his business life with a small amount of cash capital only, but his capital of pluck, energy and bodily strength was unusually large. December 7, 1872, he married Miss Fannie Tozer, a native of Putnam county, N. Y., and this union has been blessed with five children, viz: Ida Amy, wife of Elmer Wilson, a farmer of Solon township; William W-allace, still at the home of his parents; Daisy, wife of Frank Covey, of Luther, Lake county, Mich., and the mother of two children-Harriet and Dorothy; Alexander, still under the parental roof, and Jennie Estella, who died at the age of eleven years. But this loss has been partially compensated for by Mr. and Mrs. Davis, who, in the kindness of their hearts, have adopted a little girl, named Dora Annie. Mrs. Fannie (Tozer) Davis was born August 18, I847, and is a daughter of William S. and Sarah J. (Lockwood) Tozer. Her father, a native of Herefordshire, England, was an excellently well-educated gentleman, for some years was a tutor in the city of London, and after coming to the United States taught school in New York and New Jersey. He descended from a very wealthy and influential family in Herefordshire, who were adherents of the Established church, but after coming to America became Baptists. His wife was bore in Westchester county, N. Y., August 6, 1818, and her. father was the proprietor of quite a large estate just across the boundary line in the state of Connecticut. She was reared and died a Presbyterian. Her maternal great-grandfather, John Wallace, a Scotchman, was a soldier in the English army, and whilst aboard a transport declared he would not bear arms against, or for, the colonies, jumped overboard and successfully swam ashore. His action was caused, no doubt, by his fidelity to his oath, as a soldier, to be loyal to his king, and his abhorrence to waging war against a young nation struggling for liberty. To the parents of Mrs. Davis two children only were born-herself and Samuel L.-the latter a farmer of Ontario county, N. Y., with his post-office at Bristol. Mrs. Davis has in her possession a Bible, the gift of her mother, and printed in 1846, but which, although not at all antiquated as an edition of the Holy Scriptures, is a year older than herself and is greatly prized for that reason. Mr. Davis had two brothers, Alonzo and George, who were soldiers in the late Civil war. Alonzo was a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth New York volunteer infantry, was assigned to the army of the Potomac, and was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry, but was exchanged at Chicago in time to rejoin his regiment and take part in the battle of Gettysburg, where he was shot through both legs, and was then honorably discharged; George was a member of the One Hundredth New York volunteers, served in the army of the Tennessee, participated in 646 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS........ several severe actions, and was wounded near the city of Charleston, S. C. Alexander Davis, grandfather /of subject, served in the war of I812, and subject for a long time had in his possession the belt and cartridge box which his grandfather carried through the second struggle for independence. The old patriot was of wonderful physique, and in this respect subject is similarly blessed. The first purchase of land made by Mr. Davis in Solon township was a tract of forty acres in the brush, which was so thick between the little log cabin,,which he erected, and the highway, that one could scarcely see a passerby on the latter. Now, in I900, a beautiful modern farm residence stands on the ground, the brush has given way to fruitful fields and blooming orchards, and substantial barns and other farm-buildings have been erected, the farm inclosed with a neat fence, and all these are the results of Mr. Davis' thrift and industrious toil during the more than the quarter-century that he and wife have resided in the township. In politics Mr. Davis is a republican and cast his first presidential vote for U. S. Grant. He is a stanch supporter of public schools and advocates the employment of the best teachers obtainable, and in all respects is a model citizen, standing, with his estimable wife, very high in the regard of the entire community. RED DE COU, proprietor of the Central hotel at Cedar Springs, Kent county, Mich., is a native of this county, born October 14, I874, and is a son of George W. and Mary A. (Whitney) De Cou, a full record of whom will be found on another page in this volume. He was reared to farming in the northern part of Kent county, and there received a common-school education. The earlier years of his business life were passed in the northwest in railroading, and in extensive travel through that region of the United States. November 14, 1894, Mr. De Cou was united in marriage, in Kent county, with Miss Anna Bills, a native of Indiana, and a daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (Morris) Bills, and this marriage has been crowned by the birth of two children, Lila G., whose presence in the family is like that of a never-varying sunbeam, and Harold S. Mrs. De Cou was but a little girl when brought to Michigan by her parents, who had a family of nine children-two sons and seven daughters. The daughters are still living, and are Clara, wife of H. H. Brown, a prosperous resident of Cannon township, Kent county, and Charity, married to Edward Englewright, a farmer of Portland, Mich.; Flora, wife of Cyrus Clare, a well-to-do resident of Grand Rapids and formerly a miller: Jennie, wife of Earl Perry, a thriving farmer of Algoma township, Kent county; Anna, now Mrs. De Cou; Inez, wife of Clarence Higby, a wellknown agriculturist of Nelson township, Kent county; and Maud, who resides with Mr. and Mrs. De Cou. Mr. and Mrs. Bills were born in Ohio, but now reside in Michigan. Mrs. Fred De Cou has been.a lady of great activity all her life, and, having the necessary experience, makes an excellent superintendent of the affairs of the Central hotel, over which she presides with dignity, ease and grace, and with that genial and happy demeanor which makes every guest feel as if he were in his home. Mr. De Cou took possession of the Central in 1898, and by his affable and studied attention to the wants of his guests, has made his house unusually popular with the traveling public. The rooms of the Central are neatly and comfortably furnished and are kept well warmed in winter and coolly ventilated in summer; the menu, superintended by Mrs. De AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 647 Cou herself, is prepared with the utmost care, the result being that the tables are supplied with every substantial and luxury the market affords, and each manipulated in the cuisine by the same accomplished lady, aided by a competent corps of culinary assistants. Mr. De Cou is a republican in politics and cast his first presidential vote for Maj. McKinley. Fraternally he is a member of the lodge No. 381, I. O. O. F., at Cedar Springs, and socially he and Mrs. De Cou are classed among the most respected residents of Cedar Springs and Nelson township. EORGE W. DE COU, a deceased pioneer of Nelson township, Kent countyMich., was born in Wayne county, N. Y., February 27, 1835, the seventh in a family of eight sons and three daughters born to Charles S. and Anna (Cooper) De Cou, of which children, B. F. De Cou, a prosperous farmer of Nelson township, is the only survivor. Charles S. De Cou was a native of New Jersey, was of remote Huguenot extraction, but in his individual religious sentiments a Quaker. He was liberally educated, was a gentleman of the old school, and his word was considered to be "as good as his bond." When a young man he emigrated from his native state to New York, and thence came to Michigan in I856. In politics he was first a whig, but when that party passed into oblivion he became an advocate of the principles of the democracy. His wife, Anna (Cooper) De Cou, came from an eminent New Jersey family, her father, James B. Cooper, being a commodore in the United States navy. Two of her children fell victims to the war, of the RebellionSamuel being shot through the head at the battle of Gettysburg, and Charles, while on detailed duty in the ambulance corps, received injuries from which he died in hospital at Washington, D. C., his remains being interred in the National cemetery at Arlington Heights, Va. George W. De Cou received a sound ordiinary education when young, but at the age of seventeen years was seiqed with the gold fever so prevalent at the time, and started for California, via Cape Horn, a distance of I2,000 miles, working his passage as a seaman, and there he spent six years in the gold mines. Having met with reasonable success, he returned home via the isthmus of Panama, and a short time afterward, in 1859, came to Kent county, Mich. Here his father presented him with eighty acres of wild land, on which he erected the inevitable log cabin on the site now occupied by a pretty modern residence. October 30, I86o, George \V. DeCou married Miss Mary A. Whitney, and to this union were born three sons' and one daughter, of whom two of the sons are still living. The eldest son, James C., married Martha McDonald, had born to him one daughter, Gracia M., and died in Nelson township at the age of twenty-seven years. His widow is now wife of Henry Whitney, of Nelson township. The second son born to Mr. and Mrs. George W. De Cou is named Elmer S.,and was born July I6, I865. He married Miss Rose Newman, a native of Cayuga county, N. Y., has two children, Merton C. and Clair G., and resides on the old homestead. The third son is Frederick, proprietor of the Central hotel, the leading hostelry at Cedar Springs. The only daughter was named Julia, who died in infancy. In politics George W. DeCou was an ardent republican, and a true friend of the public school system. He was a firm believer in spiritualism, and he and wife were members of the Religio-Philosophical society at Rockford. 648 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS - ---- He was a gentleman of the strictest integrity, was frugal and industrious, and although his purse was somewhat depleted on his settling in Nelson township, he succeeded in redeeming his farm from the wilderness and in making it the handsome home that is now occupied by his widow and son Elmer. He was called from earth March 6, 1882, and his remains were interred in the De Cou cemetery, in Nelson township, were a beautiful white bronze monument marks his last resting place. Mrs. Mary A. (Whitney) De Cou was born November 14, 1839, a daughter of Solomon and Amanda (Martin) Whitney, of Puritan stock and the parents of three children, viz: Mary A., now the widow De Cou; Nancy C., wife of Norman J. Painter, of Elwood, Nebr., and Solomon, who was a brave and gallant soldier of the Twenty-first Michigan volunteer infantry, was wounded at Chickamauga, and died in field hospital two days later. Solomon Whitney, father of Mrs. De Cou, was a native of New York, born November 29, I809, and in early life was a mechanic. He was mostly self-educated, but was possessed of superior mental endowments. In May, 1854, he came to Michigan, when Nelson township was known as North Courtland, preempted I60 acres of pine forest land, and purchased by land warrants I60 additional acres. Not a tree had been felled on the place; Indians and wild animals infested the forest; Grand Rapids was little more than a trading-post. Railroads, churches and schools were unknown and Mr. Whitney was one of the first to organize the home school district. His first habitation in Michigan was built of logs, was I8X20 feet in dimensions, and had a stovepipe thrust through the roof for a chimney. But Mr. Whitney was a man of enterprise and unfaltering industry, and in due course of time succeeded in developing a first-class farm from citizen in August, I886. His grandson, Elmer De Cou, has now in his possession the original warrant for the 160 acres of land mentioned above, which was executed September I, I 8 5, and signed by Millard Fillmore, then president of the United States. The father of Mr. Whitney was a soldier at Detroit when Gen. William Hull surrendered to the British without firing a gun, which dastardly act so mortified the American soldiers that Mr. Whitney, like many others, splintered the stock of his own musket. He, wife and two children were taken prisoners at that time, but later exchanged. Mrs. De Cou received an excellent education when young, and taught two terms in Illinois; also two in Michigan, one of which was the first winter term in her home district, and the other the first school in Jewell district, Solon township. She has been a resident of Kent county for nearly half a century, and has witnessed the many miraculous changes for the better during this long period, and no lady in the region is more highly respected and honored than she. tAj. WILBUR FISK DICKERSON, | a veteran of the late Civil war and DL a highly respected citizen of Ada township, is the gentleman of whose life an epitome is herewith presented. He belongs to an old New York family, and since 1857 has been identified with the industrial interests of Kent county, has been active in every enterprise for the moral and material well-being of his community, and is a gentleman against whose good name no word of suspicion has ever been breathed. The major's father was James L. Dickerson, who was born May 24, I814, married Mary A. Riley, and in I857 became a resident the forest, and died a wealthy and honored Iof the county of Kent, dying in Grand Rapids, AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 649 January 27, 1887. His wife survived him until I889, departing this life on the 27th of October that year. James L. Dickerson was in early life a carpenter and joiner, but after settling in Kent county turned his attention principally to agricultural pursuits, which he carried on in connection with his trade until advanced age compelled him to retire from active labor. He reared a family of eleven children, of whom five are still living, Wilbur F. being the fourth in order of birth. Maj. Dickerson was born in New York city, June 22, 1842, and accompanied his parents to Michigan in I857. Previous to conming west he attended a private seminary in the city of New York, and later continued his studies in Lowell and Hastings, Mich., becoming well versed in the braiches constituting the curriculum of the public schools of the state. While still young he began working at the carpenter's trade in Grand Rapids, and after becoming proficient therein concluded to lay aside his tools and engage in a business which promised more liberal returns, to-wit: merchandizing. For some years he carried on a lucrative business in Grand Rapids as a dealer in coffees, teas and spices, and later purchased a farm in Ada township, where he has since resided. In I86i Mr. Dickerson responded to the country's call for volunteers, enlisting as a musician September 13 of that year in company F, Eighth Michigan infantry, with which he served as a drum-major, with full charge of the music, until mustered out December 31, 1863, when he at once veteranized at Knoxville, Tenn., and remained with his command in all its varied experiences until August 12, i865, when he retired from military service and returned to Grand Rapids. During Maj. Dickerson's periods of service at the front he participated in many skirmishes, forced marches, and not a few of the bloodiest battles of the war, in all of which his conduct was that of which any defender of the nation's honor might feel deservedly proud. Among the thirty-two real engagements may be mentioned Coosa Ferry, Fort Pulaski, Wilmington Island (where twenty-two men of his regiment were killed and over IOO wounded), James Island, Rappahannock, Sulpur Springs, Warrington Juction, Culpeper Court House, Rapidan, second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, the Wilderness, Chancellorsville, Cold Harbor, and other engagements of the bloody Virginia campaign, besides several battles and minor engagements in east Tennessee, including Lennox Station, Campbellville, Knoxville and others. At Cold Harbor, while picking up the disabled, Maj. Dickerson was twice wounded, one ball passing through and badly lacerating his leg. Few veterans of the Civil war can point to a prouder record, and no one conducted himself more bravely than did the major in the many bloody scenes through which he passed. At the call for militia in the Spanish-American war, the major promptly responded, but being twice rejected chose to remain at Island Lake to instruct the bands of each of the five regiments, and so continued for four months. Maj. Dickerson has an official as well as a military record, having since I896 filled the office of justice of the peace for Ada township, a position requiring a high order of intellect and good judgment, both of which he possesses in a marked degree. He has been connected with the Michigan National Guard as drum-major of the Second regiment for twenty-one years, and for disabilities received while in active service is now the recipient of a liberal pension from the government. His services while with his regiment at the front, and his long connection with the National Guard since the war, have been themes of many articles in the public press in Kent 650 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS county and throughout the state, all of which abound in many allusions to his gallantry as a soldier and high standing among his fellowcitizens as a civilian. Maj. Dickerson was married January 31, 1865, to Miss Melissa R. Wells, daughter of William Wells, of Kent county. Four children have been born to this union-three sons and one daughter, namely: Mary C., Charles W., Frank J. and Harold S. Politically the major is a leading republican of the county, is active in the councils of the party, and has been an influential factor in many contests during the last twenty-five years. He is a member of the Masonic order and an active worker in the circles of the Grand Army. The family are Congregationalists, belonging to the church in Grand Rapids. RANK DOUBLEDAY, a thriving and highly-respected farmer of Tyrone township, Kent county, was born in Wakeshma, Mich., July 29, i86i, and is the second of the family of four sons and one daughter born to Hiram M. and Maria (Waugh) Doubleday, of which children three still survive, viz: Hiram, a farmer at Burlington, Calhoun county; Marion, a mechanic at Casnovia, Muskegon county, and married, and Frank, the subject of this sketch. Hiram M. Doubleday was born in New York, December 28, 1830, his father being an Englishman, and was but four years of age when brought to Michigan by his parents, who settled in Branch county, coming all the way from New York by ox team. He received a good education in the common schools, and passed his boyhood on his father's farm, which was a virgin forest, purchased from the government, and where Indians were still numerous. At his majority he was seized with the gold fever, and crossed the plains to California, made a success of the trip, and three years later returned to the states via the isthmus of Panama. For four years he lived in Calhoun county, Mich., then went to Minnesota and engaged in farming in Waseca county for six years; he then returned to Michigan, lived in Ottawa county about ten years, then removed to Calhoun county, where his death took place June 14, 1898. In politics he was a democrat. Mrs. Maria Doubleday, widow of Hiram M., is a native of Branch county, Mich., is now about fifty-five years of age, and resides in Calhoun county with her son Hiram. Frank Doubleday, the subject of this sketch, passed his life, from nine years of age until twenty-two, in Ottawa county, and well knows what hard toil means, as he began to make his livelihood at the age of thirteen years, his first wages being $50 for eight months' work. He continued to work by the month until he attained man's estate, and seven winters of this time were spent in the lumber regions. September I, 1883, Mr. Doubleday married Miss Allie E. Shear, and to this marriage have been born two children, viz: Blanche, who graduated from the Kent City public schools, in I899, and is the youngest person yet to graduate from this school; her record stands as follows: Rhetoric, 96; algebra, 96; botany, 94; physics, 92; history, 87; arithmetic, 95; general average, 931 per cent. September I, 1899, she entered the Union City high school, where she will complete the course. Hazel May, the younger daughter, is in the fifth grade, is very attentive to her studies, and has not missed a day's attendance in two years. Mrs. Alice E. Doubleday was born in Chester township, Ottawa county, Mich., April 7, 867, and is the only daughter of William and Frances (Porter) Shear. She had AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 651 two brothers, one of whom is deceased, and the other, L. G. Shear, is a resident of Ottawa county. William Shear, the father, was born in Toronto, Canada, June 29, I832, and his father, a native of the same country, was a soldier in the war of I812. Mr. Shear came to Michigan when a young man. was educated in the common schools, and was a farmer all his life. He was a republican in politics, passed the greater number of his years in Michigan, and died March 14, I886. His wife was born in New York, December 27, 1843, was educated in the common schools, and is still living in Ottawa county, Mich., where Mrs. Doubleday was reared and also educated in the common schools. When Mr. and Mrs. Doubleday began their married life their capital was very small, but through diligence and economy they have realized a comfortable competence. Most of their married'life has been passed in Kent county, but four for years they lived in the village of Casnovia, where Mr. Doubleday engaged in buying and selling horses. In 1892 he purchased forty acres of land in section No. 31, Tyrone township, resided on it one year. and then purchesed sixty acres of his present homestead, within three-quarters of a mile of the Kent City schools. He now owns 140 acres in Tyrone township, all gained by his own efforts. Scarcely six years ago he owed $2,000, but to-day he is free of all debt, and owns one of the well-improved farms in Tyrone township. This is a record of which Mr. and Mrs. Doubleday may well feel proud, and his success is an example well worthy the emulation of young men now as poor as he was when he began life's career. In politics he is a republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Benjamin Harrison, but he has never frittered away his time in seeking public office, as he found that attention to his own business was more profitable than the vainglorious pursuit of politics. Mr. and Mrs. Doubleday are greatly esteemed on account of their many personal merits and are classed among the best people of Tyrone township. OCKERAY BROTHERS.-This wellknown lumber and produce firm of Rockford, Kent county, Mich., is constituted of George A. and R. Harlow Dockeray, both natives of Orleans county, N.Y. The lumber business was purchased in December, 1894, by the younger brother, George A., and has been conducted with unvarying success until the present time, the integrity of the partners never having been impeached and their energy and thorough knowledge of the business being universally recognized. Of their ancestry mention will be made in full further on. George A. Dockeray, originator of the business conducted by Dockeray Brothers, was born March 9, 8 5 2, in Orleans county, N. Y., and was a child of two years of age when brought to Michigan by his parents, who settled one and a half-miles from Rockford, Kent county. Here George A. was reared, and until twenty-six years old spent his life on his father's farm, assisting in agricultural work, in the meanwhile receiving a practical education in the common schools. In I889 he was employed by C. Ainsworth, a seed and wool dealer at Grand Rapids, and has purchased wool for that gentleman every season since. After three years spent in Mr. Ainsworth's store, Mr. Dockeray came to Rockford in October, 1893, and embarked in the produce business, in partnership with W. I. Towne; but at the end of a vear sold his interest in that trade to Mr. Towne. He purchased in December, 1894, the lumber business of S. Fincham, and being a thorough busines man 652 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS and well conversant with the channels of trade, had exclusive command of the lumber busine'ss in Rockford until January I, 1898, when his brother, R. Harlow Dockeray, joined him in partnership, purchasing one-third interest. In 1895, George A. Dockeray had purchased the produce business of Mr. Towne and incorported it with his present line of trade. The firm handle potatoes, beans and grain, making shipments to Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio and other states, the volume of business in this line alone reaching $30,000 to $35,000 annually. When George A. Dockeray took charge of the lumber yard in 1894 there were about 35,000 feet on hand; at present there are in the yard about 125,000 feet of the best hemlock and white and Norway pine. The firm handle the Michigan product almost exclusively, purchasing from Cadillac and other northern points. Beside lumber, they deal in cedar and pine shingles, lath, drain and sewer tile, lime, cement, hair and brick. The lumber trade alone aggregates from $7,000 to $I0,ooo per annum, a most excellent showing for so short a time. June 28, I899, Mr. Dockeray was united in marriage with Miss Edith C. Paine, a daughter of E. vW. Paine, a prominent fruit grower residing near Rockford. In religion he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics he is an ardent prohibitionist, casting his first presidential vote for John P. St. John, the noted prohibition leader. R. Harlow Dockeray, of the firm of Dockeray Brothers, was born in 1854, also in Orleans county, N. Y., and was reared and educated in Kent county, Mich. In I880 he began life as a sawyer, remained at the business three years, and then worked for Allen & Rykert, proprietors of a planing mill in Rock I ford, until 1887, when he took a position with Watkins & House, proprietors of the Rockford Flouring mills, with whom he remained until 1898, when he became a partner with his brother, George A., bringing to the concern considerable technical experience. In October, I880, Mr. Dockeray was joined in matrimony with Miss Ida Norton, a native of Ithaca, N. Y., and to this union has been born one daughter, Ethel, who is a student in the school at Rockford and has also received instruction in instrumental music. In politics, R. Harlow Dockeray is a stanch republican, casting his first ballot for Rutherford B. Hayes. For two years he was a member of the village council. Robert Dockeray, father of George A. and R. Harlow, was born near Kendal, Westmoreland county, England, August 4, I829. His parents, Robert and Elizabeth Dockeray, came to America with their family in I839, and settled on a farm in Orleans county, N. Y. Robert was married, in 1854, to Lucy A. White, a direct descendant of Thomas Wight, who was one of the early immigrants to Massachusetts, where he settled about 1630. The family of Robert Dockeray came to Kent county, Mich., in I864, and settled on a farm one and one-half miles from Rockford, and in 1888 retired to the village. Robert Dockeray identified himself with the Patrons of Husbandry when that order was first instituted, and became one of its most prominent members, several times filling the highest positions in the county and subordinate granges. During the closing years of his life he assisted his son, George A., in his lumber and produce business, and died, November 8, 1897, one of the most respected citizens of Rockford. His widow is now a resident of Grand Rapids. Beside the members of the above named firm, there are two sisters in the Dockeray family, viz: Ella E., AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 653 a successful teacher in the public schools of Grand Rapids, and Alice D., wife of M. A. Norton, who is in the employ of Dockeray Brothers, and is a resident of Rockford. EWIS DUNN, a respected retired farmer of. Sparta township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of Seneca county, Ohio, was born *June 21, 1836, and is the youngest of the family of three sons and two daughters that graced the marriage of George and Catherine (DeGraw) Dunn, and of whom four are still living, viz: Mrs. Lucy Givins, a widow, residing in Attica, Ohio; Jephtha, a farmer of Richardson county, Nebr., and Lewis, the subject. George Dunn, the father, was born in Steuben county, N. Y., and died in I837. He was a farmer, and all his children were born in the Empire state with the exception of Lewis, the youngest, and when he settled in Ohio bought his land fromr the United States government. His wife was also a native of Steuben county, N. Y., and died in Sparta township, Kent county, Mich., in 1887, a devout member of the Close-Communion Baptist church. Lewis Dunn began the battle of life at a very early age, and when only ten years old was the sole reliance of his widowed mother. At the age of fourteen years he resolved to seek his fortune in the west, and in I85o, with a capital of $io in cash, started, in company with three others, for the wilds of Michigan. They walked as far as Toledo, and came thence by cars and stage to Grand Rapids, the town then being but a trading post. There was but one bridge across the Grand river at that time, and the point where the Tower now stands was known as Grab Corners. He came up the river and crossed in a skiff to the spot on which Sweet's hotel has since been built. There were a few houses on the north 'side of the river and court was held in a little old frame building west of the present bridge site, but there was not a railroad in the county. His first work in Kent county was for a Dr. Squires, in the woods, at $16 per month, and thus it will,be seen that Mr. Dunn began at the bottom of the ladder, at the top of which stands Fortune, to reward the man who successfully makes the ascent. From Kent county Mr. Dunn went north into Newaygo county and there purchased eighty acres of oak openings, but went in debt for the greater part of the cost. This land he retained three years, then sold and returned to Kent county. In February, I860, he married Miss Nancy Hunter, a native of Kent county born November 30, 1864, and in I866 they settled in Sparta township, where Mr. Dunn bought eighty acres of forest land, partly on credit. Their first habitation was a small frame structure, which still stands on the farm. Indians were not infrequently seen passing by the door. Ox-teams were the means of conveyance, and with one of these Mr. Dunn often drove his family to church, and more than once to Grand Rapids for trading purposes. His farm implements were of the primitive character, but he worked hard, cleared off his indebtedness, and was soon able to add twenty acres to his original eighty. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Dunn have been born two children, of whom George W., who finished his education in the Sparta high school, was married to Miss Libbie McCune, February 14, 1889, has two sons and one daughter, and at present has charge of his father's farm on section No. 8; Lancie, the eldest child born to Mr. and Mrs. George W. Dunn, is in the fourth grade at school; Elsie, the second born is in the second grade, and Nuell, the youngest child, is still at home. Mrs. George W. Dunn was born in Ottawa 654 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS county December 12, I869, and was educated in the common schools. In politics, George W. is a democrat. Lewis Dunn, although an almost penniless lad when he came to Kent county, now owns a fine estate of I00 acres and an excellent farm residence, erected in I886, together with substantial barns and out-buildings, supplied with every modern convenience, while his farm implements are of the latest improved manufacture and style. He owes no man a dollar and is now able to pass his declining years in peaceful ease, and is classed with the substantial men of Sparta, a town of 1,200 inhabitants, but which had only about fifteen when he first knew it. In politics, Mr. Dunn is non-partisan in local elections and votes for the man who, in his opinion, is fittest for office. He is a friend of public education, having served on the school board for fifteen years, and his son, George W., is a member of the present board. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn are devout members of the Free Will Baptist church, and no family in the township stands higher iu the public esteem than that of Lewis Dunn, the pioneer. DWIN C. DUFF, an enterprising and progressive young merchant of Ada, Kent county, Mich., is a native of the place and was born March 23, 1869, being the eldest of the three children that blessed the marriage of Patrick and Ellen (Chaffee) Duff, the former of whom was born in Quebec in 1837, and was a wheelwright by trade. Patrick came to Ada about the close of the war and conducted his business here until his death at the age of fifty-two years. The other children are, Olive and Isola, who are still at home with their mother. Edwin C. Duff, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the district schools of his na tive town, passed his minority in farm work and as a laborer on a railroad, and at a very early age began merchandizing on his own account, being but twenty-two years old when he assumed the responsibilities of business. On the 15th day of September, I891, he purchased a stock of goods for $500 and boldly embarked in trade, but the venture proved a fortunate one, for, by close attention to the needs of his patrons and the exercise of an upright method of doing business, his trade now reaches at least $5,ooo annually, his choice and well-selected stock reaches from $i,ooo to $I,500 in value, and his trade extends far out into the country surrounding the village of Ada. Mr. Duff was united in marriage, December 2, I892, with Miss Lillie Bangle, daughter of Samuel and Emily Bangle, and this union has been blessed with three sons-Miles P., Basil J. and Chester B. In politics, Mr. Duff is strongly democratic, but although extremely popular with his party and the public in general, being looked upon as an energetic young man, he has never yet aspired to public office. Fraternally a member of Ada tent, Knights of the Maccabees, being the record keeper of the same, and his social, marital and business relations are of the most pleasant and, indeed, enviable character. B..DUNNING, agriculturist and fine horseman of Tyrone township, is a gentleman that has been known for over a quarter of a century in Kent county as a man of integrity and honor. He is a native of Genesee county, N. Y., and was born on the 26th day of August, 1844, being the only living child of Orren and Hansy Lucretia (Brown) Dunning. His father was also a native of Genesee county, N. Y., where he was a stone and brickmason by vocation. He was a man of thorough AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 655 education and had taught school a number of years in his native state. As to his political affiliations he was an old-line whig,and at the birth of the republican party espoused its principles and became a great admirer of Abraham Lincoln. Religiously he was a strong Baptist, of which church he had at one time been deacon. The mother of C. B. Dunning was a native of the same county and state as her husband, where she was reared and died. She was also a member of the Baptist church and in very high standing. Mr. Dunning of this sketch was educated and reared in his native state until his majority, when he concluded to try his fortune in the west. He came to Van Buren county, Mich., located near Decatur, and there, without any capital, he began work by the month. On the second day of December, I870, he was wedded to Miss Alice Blanchard, a native of Orleans county, N. Y., which union was graced by the birth of one son and a daughter. The elder is a daughter, who is now the wife of L. D. Cummings, an agriculturist, residing in Sparta township. She was reared in the common schools, where she received a good education. She is now the mother of one son and two daughters, all of whom are living, viz: Adele L. B., Lucille and Ray P. Ray P. Dunning is living with his father, assisting on the estate. He has received a good education, having been prepared for entrance into high school, but he ceased attending. He was one of the boys who offered their services in the recent Spanish-American war. While visiting in Dakota he enlisted in troop E, Third regiment of the First cavalry, under the command of Capt. Joseph Binder and Col. Melvin Grigsby. He was mustered into service at Sioux Falls on the I5th day of May, I898, and his regiment was ordered at once to Chickamauga. There he remained from May i9th until September 2, I898; part of the 34 time he was engaged in heavy drill work, and the remaining time he lay sick in bed. At first he was seized with malarial fever, and on his convalescence was stricken with a severe case of typhoid fever, which at times caused his comforters to despair of his life. At the end of this sickness he received an honorable discharge, and returned home to his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Dunning have taken a great educational interest in their children and have given them the benefits and advantages of good schools. Mrs. Dunning was born September 9, I846, a daughter of Almond and Lena (Aldridge) Blanchard. There were three in the family; one son, Augustine Blanchard, is married and is a real-estate and loan agent of Armour, S. D.; and two daughters, Mrs. Dunning, and Ella, the wife of Ellis Olmstead, an agriculturist, residing at Cheater, Ottawa county. Almond Blanchard, the father, was a native of New York, born in I815 and died in I890. He was educated in the common schools of his native state, where he became a mechanic, and later was engaged in agriculture. Both he and his wife, who was a native of New York, and died in I886, were good members of the Free Will Baptist church. Martin Aldridge, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Dunning, was of Welsh extraction, and was a hero of the war of I812. Mrs. Dunning is a self-educated lady. She received her primary education in the common schools and later took an academic course, for which she paid by teaching school, both in her native state and in Michigan. Mr. Dunning and family resided in the little village of Sparta for two years and a half, and in September, 1895, came to Tyrone township, where they purchased ninety acres of land within a mile of the village of Kent City, and are now the owners of a beautiful farm with many improvements, which may be 656 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS --- said to be one of the model estates of the township. Mr. Dunning in his politics is a republican, having cast his initiatory vote for U. S. Grant. He has never aspired to any offie, but has preferred to devote his time to his business interests. He served as a trustee of the Kent City Baptist church, and is at present superintendent of the Sunday-school, which averages about seventy pupils. He has taken a great interest in education, is a friend and supporter of the public schools and in favor of procuring the best instructors. Mr. and Mrs. Dunning are respected members of the Baptist church, conform strictly to its teachings, and have given liberally to every worthy cause. They favor and give aiding hand to such enterprises or works which may elevate the plane of the intellectual and moral good of their community, and have been active and successful people, standing high in both business and religious circles, and are most valuable citizens to their community. * --- ——. --- —------- YRUS A. DURFEY, an energetic and [ a enterprising farmer and stock-raiser of Nelson township, Kent county, ' Mich., is a native of Oswego county, N. Y., was born August 11, I857, the third child in a family of three sons and two daughters born to Milton J. and Sarah M. (Storer) Durfey, and is the only survivor. Milton J. Durfey, also a native of the Empire state, was born September 8, 1830, and passed his early working days on the Erie canal either as driver or steersman, and in I869 came to Cedar Springs, Mich., and purchased i6o acres in section I4, Nelson township. The land was covered with a solid growth of pine, and in March of the same year he struck his first blow into one of these monstrous trees and proclaimed the fact that he had founded his home. His son, Cyrus A., has preserved this particular tree, and when he pulled the stump so marked it and ornamented the latter that it can still be recognized as a memento of pioneer life. The excavation made in extracting this stump is also preserved intact. The first shelter for the family of Mr. Durfey in this forest was originally a little log structure erected by a neighbor for a hog pen, which Mr. Durfey patched up and rendered tolerably habitable for the time being. Oxen were used as beasts of burden and draft, and the subject still h'as in his possession the horns of a favorite yoke of cattle which had been used many years in clearing up the land. An old log house, about a mile from the Durfey home, was the only school-house, and is still standing. The marriage of Milton J. Durfey with Miss Sarah M. Storer resulted in the birth of five children, of whom four died before the parents were called away. Mrs. Sarah M. Durfey was born in New York state November 5, I835. She was a lady of sound judgment, a loving wife and mother, and respected by her neighbors of every class. Mr. Durfey was in politics a democrat, and on several occasions served his fellow-townsmen in official positions from a feeling of public duty, and was greatly esteemed as a wise counselor and admired for his unlimited generosity. His lamented death took place December 28, 1892. He was followed to his grave by his amiable widow June 22, I898, and the remains of both rest side by side in DeCou cemetery, where a fine monument will be soon erected to their memory by their son. Cyrus A. Durfey was educated in the common schools of his native county and was a lad of twelve years when brought to Michigan by his parents. His life has been passed in lumbering, farming and stockraising, and he has done much toward developing the home farm and in redeeming Nelson town AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 657 ship from the wilderness. He has been a hard worker, wise and discreet in the management of his farm, and above all has been strictly honest, thus winning for himself the unbounded confidence of all his neighbors. May 7, 1878, Mr. Durfey was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Brown, and this union has been graced with five children, of whom three are still living, viz: Ethel Irene, who is in the eighth grade in school and has manifested an especial talent for vocal music; Grace Elner is also at school, and Wilber J. is at home. The dceeased were named George, who died at the age of fourteen years and was a fine large boy, bright in all his ways; Fay died at the age of five months. Mrs. Durfey was born in Calhoun county, Mich., February 7, I860, a daughter of P. F. and Adeline (Durfey) Brown, natives of the Empire state, and parents of three sons and four daughters. Mr. Durfey began his married life on the old homestead, which he has increased from i6o acres to a full half-section, has fourr different residences on the estate, and instead of the primitive farming implements of his early days possesses at the present time the most improved modern farming machinery known to the advanced and intelligent agriculturist, and has thoroughly stumped his land. Although primarily a democrat in politics, Mr. Durfey has of late been a strong advocate of temperance principles and renders valuable 'aid to the prohibition party. Mr. and Mrs. Durfey are both warm friends of public education, are generous in their support of the church, and charitable to the extreme toward the poor and suffering. Their happy home, five and one-half miles from Cedar Springs, is the abode of a genuine hospitality and refined culture, and their long residence in the township has made them the cynosures of all newcomers, as well as the recognized head of the old residents who have made the township the home of luxury and the flourishing agricultural district which marks its pre-eminence to-day, and in the creation and development of which they have taken so active a part. [NCOLN A. DYGERT, a prominent and well-to-do farmer of Lowell township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Caledonia township on the 30th of September, 1871, and is a son of Thomas and Mary Jane Dygert. His boyhood was one of hard labor passed on the farm of his parents, where he remained until his majority. On November 29, 1894, Mr. Dygert was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Graham, the second of eight children born to William B. and Sarah (Proctor) Graham. The former, a native of Lancashire, England, was born on the I5th of April, I837. He was engaged at the trade of a carpenter for some fifteen years prior to his settlement upon his present farm in Lowell township, where he now resides in good circumstances. Of late he has been spending the summers at various resorts on account of failing health. Mrs. Dygert's grandfather was a teacher and celebrated mathematician, born in England in I809 and died in March, I883, at the age of seventy-four years. Mrs. Dygert was educated in the common schools and the high school at Lowell, and for several terms was a teacher in Kent county. For some years prior to her grandmother's death, Bertha Graham was, during a greater part of the time, an inmate of the Proctor home, and after the death of her grandmother she became the source of much comfort and consolation to her aged grandfather, who found in her a valuable companion and one who looked after his every want, anticipating each care, and devoting her life for nine years most assiduously to his comfort and happiness. Her hus 658 THIE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS. band ably seconded her efforts to alleviate the afflictions of years that grew upon the old gentleman with his declining age, and nothing was left undone that would mitigate his loneliness or that could add to the pleasure life still held for him. These years of love and devotion were not left unrewarded; but with a heart full of thankfulness and appreciation for her who had sacrificed so much of her young life to comfort him in his declining years, whilst the shadows of the tomb had not yet closed about him, and the intellect was still unobscured by the defirmities of accumulated years, he resolved that she should be suitably rewarded of earthly treasure so that which was most near and dear to his aged heart was conferred upon her that she, too, might pass the summer of life, as well as its autumn, amidst the scenes and surroundings where his own life was spent, and to the beautifying of which he had devoted so many years, to the end that she and her loved companion, who had also grown dear to the old man's heart, might be spared the toil and anxiety his own earlier years had known, and as the approach of age grew upon them they could ever feel that life's duties nobly done had given an eternal reward. The farm is one of the best in Kent county, with first-class buildings and a fine house of large proportions standing in such a way and place as to be rendered a landmark widely known. AMNES EASTERBY, prominent among the successful self-made men of Kent county, is one of the leading farmers and stock raisers of the township of Lowell. Mr. Easterby was born in Yorkshire, England, February I, 1829, and lived in his native country until 1853, at which time he came to the United States, and located about fourteen miles from the city of Detroit, Mich. There he remained until the fall of I855, when he came to Kent county, where for several months he found employment as a common laborer, husbanding his scanty earnings the meantime, for the purpose of investing in land when a favorable opportunity presented itself. With but meager capital he finally made a purchase, going in' debt to the amount of $300, for an eighty-acre tract which forms part of his present beautiful farm in Lowell township. Upon his land, which at the time was an unbroken woodland, he erected a small log cabin consisting of a single room, and then took jobs of chopping wood and clearing land, in order to meet the payments on his home when they became due. When such employment could not be obtained, he worked with might and main on his own place, and in due time the heavy forests fell before his sturdy stroke until a goodly number of acres was fitted for cultivation. In order to procure the furniture for his house, Mr. Easterby worked some months for a firm in Grand Rapids, taking his pay in such articles as were needed to make home comfortable. Energy and industry, backed by a determination to succeed, brought its reward as the years went by. The little clearing gradually became enlarged into a beautiful and well tilled farm, the primitive log cabin was replaced by a more comfortable dwelling of greatly enlarged dimensions, and to the original purchase additions were made from time to time, until now the homestead consists of 280 acres of as fine and highly improved land as can be found within the limits of the entire county. Everything on this place, from the commodious residence, large barns, and out-buildings and fencing, to the careful condition of field, meadow and woodland, bears testimony to the progressiveness and thrift of the owner, and easily places him in the front rank of Lowell's most AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 659 successful agriculturists. In addition to general farming, Mr. Easterby pays considerable attention to the breeding of live stock, especially cattle, of which he has some superior breeds, rearing and marketing a large number each year. Mr. Easterby was married when twenty-two years of age to Miss Ann Proctor, who bore him children as follows: Libbie M. is deceased; Johnnie died in childhood; Joseph resides on a part of the home place; Belle is the wife of Lewis Hastings, of South Dakota; Roxy is the wife of Guy Lewis, of Lowell township; Anna has looked after the interests of the household since her mother's death; James is at home; Agnes, wife of John Kof, of Houston, Tex.; Mason died at the age of fourteen; Earl was accidentally killed when five years old, and Miles is a student in the Grand Rapids Business college. The mother of the children, a most amiable woman of many admirable traits of mind and heart, departed this life December 2, 1887. In politics, Mr. Easterby is a supporter of the republican party. As already stated, he is essentially a self-made man, and, as such, ranks with the most progressive citizens of the county of Kent. The sum total of his earthly possessions on reaching Detroit was $15, and the success with which he has since met, and the large and valuable property he has accumulated, represent his own ardent efforts. He has nobly done his part in the development. of the country, and in his declining years enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him. OHN EDISON (deceased), eldest child of Moses Edison, was born in Nova Scotia, February 5, 80o5, and died in Kent county, Mich., March 28, I889. June 8, 1840, he came across Detroit river from Canada. He and wife were both born in Nova Scotia, but descended from parents who were emigrants from New York after the American Revolution. They had been tories, and their property was confiscated; so they went to Nova Scotia. When the sons were matured they decided to come to the United States; John at that time had three children, and they moved to the present farm. They had, however, started an improvement in 1839 by planting some wheat. John had made shoes in Canada, worked nights, and possessed but limited means. He operated the farm until his death, when he had 120 acres, and all this he had improved. His farm lies west of the present limits of the city, on Bridge street. His family were Elizabeth A., who lived with the mother, and died in February, I898; Eli; Sarah J., unmarried, and living with her mother, and Albert Russel Edison, born on the farm December 27, 1844. Albert R. is now operating the old homestead, has nearly seventeen acres of peaches, and has erected a second residence on the farm. He is a member of all the fruit societies of the state, and is making rapid progress as a fruit grower. Albert R. Edison was married, some twelve years since, to Isabel Pogue of near London, Ontario, Canada. To this marriage have been born three children, as follows: Gladys Susan, A. Sinclair, and Harold Ogden. Albert R. Edison is a member of Grand River lodge, I. 0. O. F., No. 208. OHN H. EDISON, a thrifty and intelligent young farmer and fruit grower of Walker township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of the township, was born December I5, 1870, and is the youngest of five children born to Enos and Mary Isabelle (Bailey) Edison.. Enos Edison, born near Fort Burwell, On 660 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS tario, Canada, June 24, I819, came to Walker township in I839, purchased a farm from the government, and settled in the wilderness on West Bridge street. Grand Rapids at that time contained but 300 inhabitants. Transportation between that village and Kalamazoo was carried on by stage, and Walker township was one vast forest. Mrs. Mary I. Edison was born in New York February 14, I838, came to Kent county, Mich., when seventeen years of age, with her parents, was here married, and died January 3, I899; she bore her husband five children, named as follows: Jennie K., wife of Henry Gormely, who operates the old Edison farm in \alker township;Louisa, Allie and Lewis, deceased, and John H., the subject of this sketch. Enos still lives on his farm where he has resided upwards of fifty-five years. John H. Edison graduated from the high school in I890, and at the age of twenty-three years, began fruit growing on his seventy-fiveacre farm in section No. 2, Walker township, and still follows this vocation, at which he has made a complete success. His farm is part of his father's old homestead, of which he has about twenty-five acres set to fruit. August 5, I89Q, he married Miss Myrtle Norton, a native of Sparta, Kent county, born August i6, I873, and the third child born to John and Sarah (Shaver) Norton. John Norton was born in Grand Rapids in 1844, but was reared to agricultural pursuits, and in I897 retired to Sparta village. His wife was born in Ontario, August I2, I846, came to Michigan with her parents, and here met and was married to Mr. Norton. Mr. and Mrs. Norton are the parents of five children, viz: Herbert, of Clarksville, Mich.; Ettie, with her parents, in Sparta; Myrtle, now Mrs. Edison; Wesley, of Grand Rapids, and Olive with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Edison are the parents of two children-Carl Hadley, and Gretchen Irene. In politics Mr. Edison is a republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Benjamin Harrison. He is a member of the Fruit Growers association, but neither Mr. nor Mrs. Edison is a member of any church organization, yet both lead strictly upright lives, are charitable and ever ready to assist any good cause, and enjoy the sincere respect of all who know them. EORGE L. ELLIS, the well-known stockraiser and farmer of Nelson township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of Ontario county, N. Y., was born November 6, I840, and is the second of the three children that blessed the union of Benjamin A. and Nancy M. (Frost) Ellis. The eldest of these three, Theron W., is a prominent stockraiser and agriculturist in Oakland county, Mich., and in that county also resides the youngest brother, Norman J., of Springfield, whose beautiful farm and buildings are the pride of the township. Norman J. is also one of the best known horse and sheep breeders in the state, IIngomar," well-known throughout the Union as an imported Percheron stallion, being an inmate of his stables, and his shipments of sheep reaching 5,ooo head per annum. Benjamin A. Ellis, also a native of Ontario county, N. Y., was born in I81I, a son of Eleazer Ellis, a hero of the Revolution. He was reared to farming and stockraising in his native state, was well educated, and in 1863 came to Michigan and here passed the remainder of his life, dying March 10, I876. Mrs. Nancy M. Ellis was born in New York state in I818, and died in New York in I86I. George L. Ellis lived in his native state until twenty-three years of age, when he came to Michigan with his father and his family, and resided in Oakland county until 1870, when AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 661 he went to Kansas, located on a homestead in Cloud county and engaged in the rearing of Merino sheep. His flock, numbering 300, was partially registered, and one year his clip averaged eleven and one-half pounds per head and brought twenty-two cents per pound. In 1876 he sold his Kansas farm and returned to Oakland county, Mich., where he resided two years, then went back to Kansas, but soon afterward returned and re-purchased his old homestead and lived upon it until I888, when he came to Kent county, Mich., purchased 240 acres of fine land within two miles of Cedar Springs, and erected the most beautiful modern farm residence in Nelson township. He has made an excellent stock farm, well supplied with suitable barns and outbuildings. April 4, I866, Mr. Ellis wedded Miss Mary B. French, a native of Ontario county, N. Y., and this marriage has been blessed with two children Fred Hamilton and Fleta B. The son is married to Miss Dica Parker, of Cedar Springs, resides on a portion of his father's estate, and is a stockman and farmer. Miss Fleta is a student at the Cedar Springs high school, is very apt at her studies, and has received especial instruction in instrumental rmusic. Mrs. Mary B. Ellis was born January I9, I845, a daughter of Hamilton and Nancy (Pomeroy) French, who had born to them ten children-four sons and six daughters-of whom eight are still living. Two of these eight-Fred and Mrs. Helen Stimson-reside in Kansas; five live in New York; of these five, two sisters, Mrs. Miranda Turner and Mrs. Bertha Simond, are residents of Victor, Ontario county, that state. The father of Mrs. Ellis is a farmer and raiser of fine-wool sheep, and with his wife still resides in Victor, in the Empire state, aged eighty-four and eighty years, respectively. Politically, Mr. Ellis has always been re publican in principle and cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln; but still he is possessed of sentimentsin favor of bimetallism, as advocated by the democratic party of to-day. He and wife are ardent friends of public education, and believe it to be the wisest economy to secure the best teachers at whatever price. As a business man, Mr. Ellis enjoys a spotless reputation. He is a constant buyer and shipper of sheep and cattle, sending the former chiefly to the Buffalo market and the latter to Chicago. As a farmer and fruit grower he has been quite successful and is classed among the best in the township. In 1891 he sold to E. A. Reamer, of Cedar Springs, I,000 bushels of potatoes, mostly "Reeves' Rose," at $i per bushel, which now would be considered a high price. In his orchard he has 250 peach trees, planted three years ago, and in I898 part of them bore fruit. The leading varieties of these are the Early Michigan, Alberta, Bernard, Prolific and Hill's Chili. Mr. Ellis and his family are among the most prominent and respected residents of Nelson township and Kent county, and richly deserve the high esteem in which they are held by all classes. ~~~~~~1~1~1~1~~01~~1" LILIAM FRANCIS ERTELL, M. D., a rising young physician and surgeon of Ada, Kent county, MIich., who has established for himself an enviable reputation for ability, was born in Waterloo, Ontario, August 29, 1872, and is a son of Maurice F. and Susan (LaPlante) Ertell, and of French descent. Maurice F. Ertell, who was born in 1845, came from France when he was sixteen years of age and settled in Canada, where he completed his education and later became a contractor and builder. About 1890 he and wife and family of seven children came to the . 662 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS United States and now reside in Detroit, Mich., where he still conducts the same line of business. William F. Ertell, the subject of this sketch, graduated from the high school of Berlin, Ontario, and at the age of eighteen years was granted a special permit by the principal to teach, it being the custom to grant such permits to pupils who graduate before reaching their majority. Young William Francis followed this vocation for three terms, and then, in 1891, entered the employ of Lapp & Co., hardware merchants of Detroit, and for two years was their bookkeeper, when he resigned to accept a similar position with T. W. Noble, ship chandler of the same city, with whom he remained four years. While thus employed, Mr. Ertell utilized his evenings and other leisure hours in the study of medicine under Dr. W. F. Hamlin, of Detroit, and in the meantime economized his salary until he had sufficient means with which to pay his expenses through the Michigan college of Medicine & Surgery of Detr9it, from which he graduated in I897. He entered upon the active practice of his profession in Detroit, and for one year, competed with the established physicians with flattering success, and then, July 9, 1898, came to Ada, which has afforded him a grand opening. Dr. Ertell was united in marriage, September 29, I896, with Miss Seva Withey, the accomplished daughter of the late Dr. William Withey, of Cass City, Mich., in which city Dr. Withey died in I880, his daughter at that time being but an infant. Dr. Ertell and wife attend the Baptist church; and fraternally he is a member of the I. 0. O. F. In politics he is a stalwart republican. Since his stay in Ada the doctor has met with a success that has exceeded his most sanguine expectations. He has a cosy dwelling in the center of the town, furnished hand somely throughout, and he and wife are here surrounded by a circle of warm-hearted friends, and they enjoy, besides, the esteem of Ada's best citizens. RANK EBER.-On the opposite page is presented a view of the home of Frank Eber, of Alpine township, Kent county. It is a place that attracts the attention and excites the admiration of the traveler, however many other attractive places he may see. Standing upon an eminence where it commands a view of a charming landscape, and itself seen for miles distant, its arrangement and well-kept condition is sure to produce favorable cotnment from the observer. Everything is in suitable proportion, and it needs more than a casual survey to fully appreciate its adaptability to the needs of a large and productive farm. Every building is adapted to its use by an intelligent and practical mind, and while utility has been the first thing sought, the aesthetical has not been neglected. It is a fair sample of what well directed labor can accomplish in a few years; and the engraving is presented as representative of the agricultural conditions of Kent county at the close of the nineteenth century. When compared with conditions within the memory of men still living, the wonder is such transformations have taken place within the space of one generation. Farming may not pay if not conducted upon business principles, but few enterprises yield more satisfactory returns than this when the proper brain power is coupled with muscular strength. The proprietor of this farm, not yet in the meridian of life, stands an example to the youth of the county, and this mention of him is made with the hope that it may be not lacking in value to some of the rising generation. Frank Eber was born in Alpine township I I. 1 i,,, c` 'pgtA m RESIDENCE OF FRANK EBERS. I I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 665 May 21, I856. His parents were Henry and Christine (Warthy) Eber, who emigrated from Germany in 1846. An incident in their early life is presented that will interest and possibly instruct. Henry had, after being in Michigan some months, sent for wife and family. She sold off their property, realizing $ r, Ioo in gold. Her agent, who claimed he also was coming on the same vessel as herself and three children, abandoned them after they were on board and remained on land, keeping all her money. She reached New York, but was there stricken with cholera and died before her husband, who was sent for, could reach her. It was learned later that the treacherous agent' sailed for Philadelphia on a later vessel and died on board ship, and was buried in mid-ocean. Being thus bereft of both wife and means, with three small children to care for, Henry Eber bravely set to work to provide for the family and secure if possible a home in America. These children, all. of whom are still living, are Bernhard, Henry and Elizabeth (now Mrs. Conrad Erhardt, of Alpine). He located a farm in Alpine and soon after was married to the mother of Frank Eber at Grand Rapids. He became a prosperous and respected farmer, dying in comfortable circumstances in 1872. His wife was born in Hanover in I8I5, and came alone to the United States when a young girl. After working out in New York for about ten years, she came to Michigan, and here met her husband, whom she survived twelve years, her death occurring in 1884. Frank Eber was but sixteen years of age when he lost his father, and he and his brother John operated the old homestead, remaining in partnership until I890, when he bought his present farm. This is certainly a valuable place, lying ten miles north of the city of Grand Rapids, in one of the richest sections of the county. It comprises II6 acres, all in a high state of culivation. The fields are tiled where needed, and in every sense it is kept up to a high standard. A basement barn, 40x 76 feet, has recently been erected, which, with other suitable buildings for proper care and shelter of stock and storage of grain, produce and fruit, supplies the owner with every facility for operating his farm to the best advantage. May 23, I888, Mr. Eber married Miss Anna Schindler, also a native of Alpine township, born February 5, 1870, and a daughter of Edward and Anna (Hertlein) Schindler. Edward Schindler was born in Bohemia about the year 182I, came to Michigan in I852, and died on his farm in Alpine township in 1883. His wife, to whom he was married in Grand Rapids, was born in Baden, Germany, in 1826, and her death took place at the homestead in I897. To the marriage of Mr. and 1Mrs. Frank Eber have been born three children-Vernie, Avery and Walter-all still under the parental roof. In politics Mr. Eber is a stanch republican, and cast his first presidential vote for James A. Garfield. Although neither Mr. Eber nor his wife is a member of any religious denomination, both are active workers in doing good, and freely and willingly aid in promoting every project designed for the advancement of the prosperity of the community in which they have passed their lives and where respect is bestowed upon them without reserve. AVID F. ELKERTON, dealer in lumber, ties and timber, and residing at Alaska, Kent county, Mich., was born in Monroe county, N. Y., May 24, 1845, and is a son of Joseph and Angeline Elkerton, and of English descent. The family name was originally Elkington, but was changed to Elkerton by act of parliament, at 666 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS the petition of the great-grandfather of the subject. It is thus a new name, not borne by any other family in this country. When David F. was seven years of age he was brought to Michigan by his parents, who settled in Ross township, Kalamazoo county, where the father, who was a millwright as well as a farmer, erected a saw-mill on Gull creek. Both parents died in Brady, Kalamazoo county. David F., before reaching his sixteenth birthday, left school and enlisted in company A, Thirteenth Michigan voluneer infantry, with which he served fourteen months, in the army of the Tennessee. His regiment marched from Louisville to Nashville, having several skirmishes with the Rebels, and after a march of 380 miles reached Shiloh. The company had t io men when it left Louisville; but April 8, I862, after the battle of Shiloh, only fourteen answered roll-call, although it had not reached the held until the second of the two days' fight. After Shiloh came Corinth, but when within one mile of that town David was declared incapacitated for duty and was sent back to Louisville. He lay there in a hospital from June until September, when he was sent home, reduced to a mere skeleton. He next enlisted January 28, 1863, in the Fourteenth Michigan battery, raised at Kalamazoo. It was sent to Washington and drilled at Camp Barry. It was selected as the first battery to go to Burnside's army, but was later converted into heavy artillery and placed in the forts around Washington. David was soon afterward detailed as hospital steward at Fort Slocum, so that his service was confined to Washington. After three years and six months of active service he received an honorable discharge, June 25, 1865. On his return to Michigan, he became a contractor for timber on the Kalamazoo & South Haven, and also on the West Michigan railroad. He erected the first building at Grand Junction, and at the time of the great fire at Chicago, Ill. (October, I87I), this village was also destroyed, Mr. Elkerton losing everything except his clothing. He then went to Wabash county, Ind., where he engaged in hardwood lumbering and in eighteen months cleared $3,000. In I875 he went to Dowagiac, Mich., cut lumber in his own mills, including a great deal of railroad material. While still retaining in part his interests in Dowagiac, he went to Vincennes, Ind., where he lumbered for two years. He had I,ooo000,000 feet of walnut and whitewood logs in the river, but in January, I881, the river took an unprecedented rise of thirty-eight feet, sweeping everything down stream. This disaster caused Mr. Elkerton to lose $20,000. He had contracted for the sale of his mill and timber, but the mill having been ruined the contract was broken, and he was left with 1,700 acres of timber on his own hands. To cut this he built another mill, but by this time prices had gone so low that he suffered a loss of $3,000oo. Discouraged, but with good credit at Dowagiac, he returned and built a hotel near the Michigan Central depot, investing $4,800 in furniture. He was just at the point of opening it to the public, when a fire broke out in a livery stable near by, reached the hotel-building, and destroyed it and all contents, causing a loss to Mr. Elkerton of $9,000 above the insurance. The citizens of Dowagiac, appreciating his pluck and vim, then raised a purse of $i,ooo and presented it to him,with which, and that he recovered from the insurance, he immediately erected the present Elkerton hotel. The great perservance displayed by him was appreciated by the traveling public and he was liberally patronized. He continued the management of the hotel for five years, proving a most popular host. But he had de AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 667 termined to engage in the lumber trade again, which he did both in southern Indiana and Michigan. In this state his operations extended through Cass, Van Buren, Barry, Calhoun, Ingham, Kent and Ionia counties. He now has his own mills and continues his contracts with the Michigan Central, and the Detroit, Grand Rapids & Western railroads. His lumber interests are now especially concentrated at Elmdale, Ionia county, where his mill was burnt in August, I899, but within a month a new one was ready for operation. He is also a stockholder and director in the Belding Refrigerator company,which does a busiof $50o,oco per annum. In 89go he settled in Alaska, Mich., and bought 540 acres of land on the Thornapple river, including the former William Brown homestead. In I892, Mr. Elkerton entered into the sheep industry with a flock of fifty Shropshires, which were the first of that celebrated breed introduced into the county, and this was the beginning of the raising of that famous breed in Kent. In I895 he started a herd of Durham cattle. In politics Mr. Elkerton is now democratic in predilections (although formerly he had strong republican sympathies), as were.his two brothers, who served, like himself, in the war for the suppression of the Rebellion. But they became tired of the waving of the "bloody shirt across the chasm" by the republicans, and he now keeps out of active politics, refusing to become a candidate for any office, although frequently solicited to do so. Fraternally, Mr. Elkerton has for twenty years been a member of Masonic lodge, No. 10, at Dowagiac. He is also a member of the Valley City Gun club, of Grand Rapids, in which he Has contested with such crack shots as Elliott, Parker, Budd, and others. In February, I89I, Mr. Elkerton married Mrs. Kate Rolfe (nee Cowan), a native of Niagara county, N. Y., who is a refined, cultured lady, quite popular wherever known. The remark may here be hazarded that Mr. Elkerton is the pushing business man of Caledonia township, and the only one to grasp large enterprises. Although he has suffered from disasters that would have crushed the ordinary man, he has never succumbed to misfortune, but seems to have been reinspired,with energy, and has conquered every obstacle that lay between bankruptcy and opulence. He possesses in a large degree those magnetic qualities that draw to him everlasting friends. His integrity in word and deed, and his rectitude of heart and mind, are implicitly relied upon, and vouched for, by these, and not a man, even when he was at the lowest ebb of his business troubles, has ever said that David F. Elkerton once violated a pledge. The home of Mr. Elkerton, on the Thornapple river, some fifteen miles southeast of the city, is a delightful spot, where, in the company of a devoted wife, his happiest hours are passed, and where sociable refinement is found and friends are ever welcome. OSEPH ELLISON, of Tyrone township, is so well known that he needs no introduction to the citizens of northwest Kent county. He is a man of integrity and honor and holds the respect and esteem of all his acquaintances. He was born in Cook county, Ill., on the 8th of Novermber, 1838. He is the second in a family of six sons and four daughters, five of whom are now living, viz: Elvira, the wife of Joseph Nelson, a resident of Chicago; Joseph; Jennie, wife of Harrison Thurston, residing in Chicago and engaged with the Burlington & Quincy railroad for twenty-eight years; Lottie, wife of Fred Vosteen, a resident of Chicago, also, who has been for nearly thirty years connected 668 TIHE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS with John A. Lomax & Co., by whom he was presented with a fine timepiece for his integrity, and Fremont, the youngest living, who is a resident of Dexterville, Wis., where he is engaged in the lumber business. The father, Abner Ellison, was a native of New Hampshire, where he learned the trade of bricklayer, being an agriculturist by occupation. He located in Chicago four years after the founding of that city, and was classed as one of the pioneers of the wonderful and progressive metropolis of the west. He sold out his inheritance in New Hampshire for $I,600 with the view of investing in city property in Chicago, but when he witnessed the wet, muddy surroundings, he became disgusted and went into the country near the site of the present city and purchased a farm ten miles from the county court house. There he plied his trade for a number of years, and Mrs. Ellison has in her possession a brick which Mr. Ellison's father made in those early days.' He died in April of 1884, having been an eye-witness to the growth and development of the city of Chicago. In politics he had been a whig, but adopted the republican platform at the birth of that party. He was religi6usly a member of the Methodist church. His father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and took part in many of the decisive engagements. The mother was a native of Canada and died in her forty-fourth year, when Gen. John C. Fremont was born. Joseph Ellison passed his youth and younger manhood in Cook county and the country bordering the city of Chicago. His education was that acquired from the advantages of the common schools. In Illinois he had devoted his time to agriculture, and on coming to Michigan became engaged principally in lumbering. It was in the spring of 1882 when he came to Tyrone township, Kent county, and purchased I80 acres of land, where for the re mainder of his life he has lived a career of an honored citizen. He has added to his possessions until he has become the owner of 340 acres in Tyrone township and eighty acres in Solon township, and still retains his share of the estate in Cook county, Ill. On the 3d of December, 1885, he was united in marriage to Miss Mattie Lester, a native of Sparta township, Kent county. To this union have been born two sons, Abner in the fifth grade of the common schools and quick and accurate in his school work, and Fred, the younger, called by his parents "the beam and life of the home circle." Mrs. Ellison is a daughter of Henry and Hanna (Huse) Lester, born March 14, 1858. There were two daughters in the family, Mrs. Ellison being the only one living. Her father is a native of Connecticut, and her grandfather was a college educated gentleman and a civil engineer, who laid out the first railroad in Connecticut. The Lesters are descendants from a noteworthy English family. The father is in politics a republican, and in occupation is an agriculturist. His wife was a native of New York and died about I875. Mrs. Ellison is a lady of liberal education, affable in character and disposition, and nobly performs her part as wife and mother. Mr. Ellison has always been a stanch republican, and his first presidential vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln. He has voted for four republican presidents, Lincoln, Grant, Garfield and McKinley.. The public schools have firm friends in Mr. and Mrs. Ellison, and their interest in school work is great, as is shown by their strong desire to have their children educated. Mr. Ellison is a respected member of the Methodist church, but his wife prefers the teaching of the Baptist. They are sprung from worthy families, are well-to-do people, and highly respected and esteemed in their community. A- (XKj- - AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 671 EV. ANTHONY EICKELMANN, pastor of St. Sebastian's church at Byron Center, Kent county, Mich., is a native of the province of Westphalia, Germany, was born January 23, 1873, near Arnsberg, and is the third of the four children-three sons and one daughter-born to Anthony and Theressa (Dories) Eickelmann; but of this family the parents and two children have passed away. The Catholic clergy of the state or nation holds ever a prominent place in the annals of such state, and it is proper that it should have due representation in a volume such as this, and the affable young priest whose name opens this sketch is a fair type of this self-sacrificing and devoted body of ecclesiastics. Father Eickelmann's primary education was had in the public schools of his native province, and in his twelfth year he entered the preparatory school for the higher grades near his place of birth. In I888 he entered the gymnasium at Paderborn, passed six years in taking the full classical and scientific courses, was under rigid discipline; and graduated with the class of I894. From his boyhood days he had a strong inclination to be prepared for the priesthood, and at the age of twenty-one years bade farewell to the Fatherland and embarked at Hamburg on board the famous steamer Furst Bismarck, bound for the city of New York, whence ho came direct to Grand Rapids, in 1894, and thence went to Milwaukee, Wis., and there entered the Provincial seminary of St. Francis de Sales, and pursued the full course of theological and philosophical studies, lasting four years. June 29, 1898, Father Eickelmann was ordained priest at St. Andrew's cathedral, Grand Rapids, by the Right Rev. Henry Joseph Richter, bishop of the diocese. The first clerical work to which Father Eickelmann was assigned was as assistant to the Rev. Father Louis M. Prud'homme, at Cadillac, Mich., where his duties were onerous and laborious, as he had eight missions and stations to administer to, and one of these was sixtyfive miles distant from Cadillac. He labored zealously in his good work, however, until July, I899, winning the esteem of his people and superiors, and was then advanced to his present pastorate of St. Sebastian's as resident priest. St. Sebastian's affords an excellent field for the exercise of Father Eickelmann's zeal and energy, as the people are pious and thrifty, and the finances of the parish in a very satisfactory condition. There is a considerable amount of work marked for Father Eickelmann to perform, but he is young and ad — mirably fitted for it. His congregation comprises 125 families, or 600 souls, and he likewise has under his supervision the parochial school of fifty pupils, to whom he gives daily religious instruction, and everything appears to be in so prosperous a condition that he contemplates the erection, at an early day, of a fine brick church, 40x Ioo feet in dimensions, with an eighty-foot spire, as the present church-edifice is inadequate for the needs of the congregation, being used both as a house of worship and for school purposes. The site, however, is one'of the most commanding in the township, and the new edifice will be an ornament to the village as well as a matter of commendable pride to the congregation. Father Eickelmann is a gentleman of genial disposition and courteous address, is thoroughly educated, and is, moreover, imbued with meek but fervent piety. His private library is well-stocked with works on theology, philosophy, history, and other themes gratifying to the tastes of the ripe scholar, and as he is a linguist, writing and speaking Latin, French, German and English fluently, and reading Greek and Hebrew with facility, his library 672 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS contains many works in these languages, and, besides, he keeps himself well advised in the affairs of the world and the current history of to-day by patronizing the better class of periodicals. His life as a priest opens under very flattering auspices, and he is made of the material which, to quote the words of a titled English dramatist, knows no " such word as fail." OHN TEN BROECK EMMONS. -The history of representative citizens of Kent county would be sadly incomplete should the name that begins this review be omitted. From good old Revolutionary ancestry John T. Emmons is descended, and the family is one in which devotion to every duty of citizenship has ever held a marked characteristic. He is regarded as one of the valued residents of Wyoming township, and stands almost alone as oneof the great army of pioneers who in an early day broke away from home environment in an old and thickly populated state and turned their faces toward the setting sun, and after battling with nature's wild and rugged deformities for many years and enduring hardships from which the stoutest hearted of the present day would retire appalled, saw the great northwest peninsula emerge from the wilderness and become one of the most progressive and enlightened in the commonwealth of states Mr. Emmons was born in Seneca county, N. Y., January 20, 81I7. His father, Andrew Emmons, was a soldier in the war of 1812, distinguished himself for gallantry on a number of bloody fields, and was finally taken prisoner by the British in the battle of Queenstown, Canada. John Emmons, father of Andrew, was a patriot in the war of American independence, and a member of Gen. Sullivan's little army that did sucti valiant service in clearing central and western New York of hostile Indian tribes during the early years of that memorable struggle. He.was with Washington in the celebrated retreat westward to the Delaware river, and participated in the battle of Trenton, where I,000 Hessians were made prisoners and the hopes of a discouraged and downhearted people revived. John Emmons died many years ago in New York, leaving a number of descendants, who still reside there and in many parts of the central and northwestern states. Andrew Emmons was a skillful worker in iron and the possessor of an inventive genius that made him an exceedingly valuable man in the community where he resided. His wife was Sarah Kelly, a member of an old and highly respected family of New York, her people having been among the pinoeers of Seneca county. John Ten Broeck Emmons was reared on the home farm that was located in the beautiful and fertile country lying between those two handsome twin lakes, Seneca and Cayuga. He there grew to manhood in the pursuit of agriculture, his educational advantages being limited to a few months' attendance, each year, at such subscription schools as the country at that tine afforded. In 1840 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Watson, who was born in the Empire state in February, 1817. In the fall of I843 Mr. Emmons made a trip to Michigan, in company with a brother-inlaw, J. R. Retan, with a view to purchasing lands, and the spring following selected a home in what is now Wyoming township, Kent county. Htcre he settled on the eighty acres of land which has ever since been in his possession. The journey to the newcountry would, if properly described, make a most interesting and thrilling chapter, as it was made in the face of difficulties both numerous and formidable Having selected his home site and erected thereon a small log cabin, Mr. Em AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 673 mons, in April, I844, returned to New York, for the purpose of removing his family to the new place of residence in the wilds of Michigan. Settling his affairs at the old home and getting together his few effects, he, in company with one other family of the neighborhood, again turned westward, and after a tiresome journey finally reached his destination in August, 1844. The sum total of Mr. Emrnons' capital on his arrival amounted to but $I6, seven of which he was obliged to expend in redeeming his land, which in the meautime had been sold for taxes. In order to procure the necessities of life for his family Mr. Emmons was compelled to work in the woods for the insignificant sum of seventy-five cents ver day and board himself. But such was his industry, that he was never in want of employment, and from his meager earnings he succeeded, in a few years, in surrounding himself with many of the comforts of life. Much of the land in Michigan at that time was held by speculators; in consequence settlement was slow and neighbors few and far between. Incessant toil was the order of the day; hospitality among the pioneers was unbounded; and notwithstanding the many trials and hardships of the period, Mr. Emmons looks back to the time spent in carving a home out of the wilderness as one of the most enjoyable experiences of his life. Within a few years after his arrival he was a elected justice of the peace for his township, and filled the position by successive re-elections many terms, discharging his official duties in a manner highly creditable to himself and satisfactory to the public in general. He was also called to other positions by his fellow-citizens, among which was that of highway commissioner, and discharged the duties incident thereto for a period of twelve years. He did much in that time toward the internal improvement of the county in the way of bridges, crossings, culverts and gradings,and performed the greater-part of the work requiring skill with his own hands. He was elected supervisor in 869, and could have had positions of greater emolument had he seen fit to accept them. In early life Mr. Emmons was an active worker in the democratic party, but, being dissatisfied with its position on the question of slavery, he withdrew therefrom, and since the organization of the republican party has been one of its zealous adherents. He is active in the councils of his party, has frequently been a delegate to its conventions, but has persistently refused to be a candidate for office except when that distinction has been forced upon him. Mr. Emmons has from early youth been an individual of strong religious convictions. In his native s'ate he early became identified with the Dutch Reformed church, but after coming to Michigan united with the Methodist, of which for a period of over a half-century he has been a class leader, and for fortyfive years a licensed minister of the Gospel. He was chosen class leader first in I846, upon the originial organization of the class at Byron, and his continuance in that capacity speaks more eloquently than words of the high appreciation in which he is held by his brothers and sisters, and the spotless christian character he has ever sustained as an earnest worker in the vineyard of the Master. In his ministerial capacity, Rev. Emmons' labors have been more of a local than a general nature, assisting the regular pastor in special meetings, officiating at weddings and funerals, and in doing much other valuable work, in all of which he has proved himself "A workman that needeth not be ashamed." The prime factor in the organization of many classes, and chief mover in the erection of not a few temples of worship, his religious work has been entirely without ostentation; I 674 'THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS and while displaying forensic abilities of no mean order, it is his daily walk and conversation, kindly counsel and loving ministration to those needing the consolation which only the religion of Jesus Christ affords, that have endeared him to his people-a monument far more enduring than marble shaft or granite obelisk. After treading life's rugged pathway hand in hand and heart to heart, for over a half century, the good wife and companion, a true helpmeet indeed, was called to the better land a few years ago, leaving, besides her husband and family, a large circle of sorrowing friends to mourn her loss. The following are the names of the children born to this most estimable couple, viz:. James W., who was a member of the Twenty-first Michigan infantry in the late Civil war, and died in a military hospital in Tennessee just before the battle of Murfreesboro; Nichol D., present overseer of the Kent county poor farm; Andrew, a merchant of Albion, Mich.; Esther A., a wellknow music teacher, and at this time manager of her father's household; Rev. John H., a minister of the M. E. church at Marengo, Mich. Mr. Emmons is one of the few remaining of the valiant army of pioneers, before whose sturdy strokes the giants of the forest fell, and through whose industry and self-denying efforts Kent county was reclaimed from its primitive condition and elevated to its present advanced state of civilization and enlightenment. All honor to their scattered ranks, for thev were heroes indeed, whose story, though unwritten by the romancer's pen, and unsung to classic music, will ever be fondly recounted by a grateful posterity. Of Mr. Emmons it may trathfully be said that he is indeed one of nature's true noblemen, highly esteemed by all who know him, and possesses in full measure the genuine hospitality characteristic of the old-time country gentleman. Conscious of living a life void of offense to God and man, he is passing his declining years in peace and quietude, calmly awaiting the summons that must sooner or later come to all whose lives are in harmony with the divine' standard"Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joys of the Lord." ICHOL D. -EMMONS.-Honored and respected by all, there is no man in Kent county who occupies a more enviable position in official or social circles than Nichol D. Emmons, not alone by the substantial success he has achieved,but also by reason of the honorable, straightforward business policy he has ever pursued. He possesses energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution; and his fidelity to public trusts, and his excellent management of every interest intrusted to him, have brought to him the high degree of popularity which to-day is his. Possessed of a genial personality, and happy faculty of making and retaining fast friendships, and an intimate acquaintance throughout the county, he has become a successful party leader, and a most efficient and obliging public servant. He has demonstrated the truth of the adage, that success is not the result of genius or birthright, but the outcome of clear judgment, experience and honorable dealing. Mr. Emmons was born in Wyoming township, Kent county, Mich., August 31, I845, and is a son of John T. Emmons, of whom a biographical sketch will be found elsewhere in these pages. The curriculum of the district school first engaged the attention of young Emmons; the training thus received, supplemented by a full high-school course, fitting him, when a young man, for the AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 675 teacher's profession, which he followed in Kent county with gratifying success for a period of ten years. Though the association of the school-room and the work of an educator were most pleasant, he, not wishing to devote his life wholly to educational effort, abandoned the school-room, when about thirty years of age, and took possession of his father's farm, which he managed with success and financial profit until elected to the office he now holds in April, I896. Previous to this date, Mr. Emmons was chosen supervisor of his township, holding this position by successive re-elections for ten years, during which period the new court house at Grand Rapids, also the county house, of which he now has charge, were erected, he serving as chairman of the building committee of the latter structure. The Kent county farm is a model institution of the kind and compares favorably with any like charity in the state. It-contains 146 acres, located some three miles southeast of the city in Paris township and which was purchased in i859. The present building, a twostory brick structure with a capacity of 200 inmates, furnished with all the latest and most approved appliances for the comfort and convenience of the guests, was completed, under the personal supervision of Mr. Emmons, in I893, at a cost to the county of $35,000. The farm, practically self-supporting, is under a high state of cultivation, and upon it is produced almost everything in the nature of cereals, fruits and vegetables needed at the institution, five acres being devoted to gardening; all of which requires, beside the superintendent, the oversight of two men, whose efficiency contributes largely to the self-supporting, prosperous condition of the retreat. Since taking charge of the farm. Mr. Emmons has introduced many valuable reforms, industrial and sanitary, and instead of being 35 what so many such institutions appear, a place of forced incarceration conducted upon prison discipline, this farm is more like a pleasant home to the poor unfortunates who find refuge within its walls. To say that Mr. Emmons has proved the right man for the place is stating mildly what everybody in the county knows; and it is a fact, universally conceded, that the county has never had a more obliging, efficient and painstaking servant to look after this particular branch of its business. Mr. Emmons affiliates with that great political party which accords in its teachings most to his personal views on those great questions of public policy, and of which Lincoln, Garfield, Blaine and McKinley have been the honored prophets, and which he has consistently-supported, since arriving at the age to exercise the election franchise. He has been a delegate to both county and state conventions, and while always taking a lively interest in the party's councils, and working for its success, has never been a strict partisan. He numbers among his warmest friends and most sincere admirers many whose political faith is opposed to his own, and among all with whom he comes in contact he is the same generous, open-hearted friend and genial companion. For a period of five years Mr. Emmons was a leading spirit in the Patrons of Husbandry, at Grandville, and at this time also holds membership in Crescent lodge, No. 222, F. & A. M., and Eureka lodge, No. 2, K. of P., of Grand Rapids On the 3s1t of August, I876, Mr. Emmons entered into the marriage relation with Miss Alice A. Kilburn, daughter of Josiah Kilburn, a prominent citizen of Wyoming township. Mrs. Emmons was born in Pennsylvania and came to Michigan with her parents when nine years of age. At this time she is matron of the county house and, being possessed of charming presence emphasized by an unusual 676 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS good common sense succeeds most admirably with the arduous and multifarious duties of the position. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Emmons-Harry T., aged seventeen, and Homer N., aged fifteen, both students in the Grand Rapids graded schools. OHN ESKILDSEN, one of the bestknown and most respected foreignborn citizens of Spencer township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of Denmark, was born August 29, I847, about fifty Danish miles southwest of the city of Copenhagen, and is a son of Jacob and Sophia Eskildsen, who were the parents of a son and daughter, twins, the latter, named Hannah, being the wife of Nels Christensen, a teacher in Denmark. Jacob Eskildstn, the father, was a native of Copenhagen, was educated in the common schools, and worked for one man as superintendent of a large landed estate from the age pf eighteen years until his death. His wife is still living at the age of seventy-six years. John Eskildsen, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the public schools of his native land, was apprenticed, when fourteen years old, to learn the blacksmith trade and worked as a journeyman till twenty-eight years of age. March 20, I868, he married Miss Mary Christensen, and to this union have been born one son and four daughters; all but one daughter, Rose, are still living. Carolina, wife of Jans Morgaard, a dairyman in Denmark; Toval, who was a student at Ferris Industrial college at Big Rapids, Mich., was a jeweler for eight years, and is now employed by the Manistee & Grand Rapids Railroad company, with his headquarters at Manistee; he married Miss Clara Murpher, who was formerly a teacher in the kindergarten at Mancelona, Mich.; Clara, the youngest survivor of the three, is the wife of Walter Newland, a prosperous young farmer of Spencer township; she completed the full course in the district school, also the graded course at Lisbon, and has a reputation as a musician, having taught music for some time; she has borne her husband two children James and Mina. Mrs. Mary (Christensen) Eskildsen was born January 21, 1847, and is a daughter of Emich and Mary Christensen (deceased), who were the parents of two sons and two daughters, all still living, but Mrs. Eskildsen is the only one who came to America. The father was a farmer by occupation, and both he and wife were devout members of the Lutheran church. In June, 1872, Mr. and Mrs. Eskildsen left Copenhagen for New York, via Havre, France, in which city they lay three days, and after a voyage of eighteen days landed at Castle Garden, N. Y., whence they came directly to Michigan, and first located in Greenville, Montcalm county, with $47. Mr. Eskildsen found employment for a short time on the railroad, but was swindled out of his earnings, and next worked for a year in a saw-mill at Ward Lake, Maple Valley township. He then came to Kent county in the spring of 1874, and May io opened a blacksmith shop in the village of Griswold, and there remained at work six years; he next went to the lumber regions in the northern part of Spencer township, where he conducted his blacksmith shop three years, and in the meanwhile purchased forty acres of forest land in section No. I5, Spencer township, from which not a tree had been felled. When Mr. Eskildsen came to reside on his farm, about 1883, he had to clear up a space on which to erect a frame house, I6x 24 feet, and then went to work to develop his farm, the result being that in the fall of 1893 the little frame shanty was replaced by a modern AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 677. I I. farm residence, equal in beauty and convenience of arrangement to any in the township. The original forty-acre tract has been added to until now Mr. Eskildsen is proprietor of 105 acres in sections Nos. I5 and I6, all under a fine state of cultivation, with the exception of a small portion retained as woodland. After spending three years on the farm and making some changes he went to Luther, where he worked eight years as a smith for a lumber firm. In the meantime he hired the farm cleared. Mr. Eskildsen, since naturalization, has been a democrat in politics, and cast his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland. For the past three years he has been school treasurer of his district, but has little time to spare from his home interests to devote to politics. or office work. Fraternally he is a member of Luther lodge, F. & A. M., and religiously he and wife are devout members of the Lutheran church, in the faith of which their children have also been confirmed. They are warm friends of public education, and have nobly done their part toward educating their own children. When it is remembered that Mr. and Mrs. Eskildsen arrived in America in comparatively indigent circumstances, with no knowledge of the current language of the people with whom they had cast their lot; that they' have, through intelligent industry and management of their affairs, acquired a home that has few equals -in the township in its improvements and appearance; that they have reared their children to become useful members of society, no person will fail to accord to them the credit that is their due, and the respect which they hold, as being among the most useful residents of Spencer township and Kent county, and it may further.be added that to such stock the prosperity'of every new country owes its existence. ILLIAM FARRELL, now of Ada township, Kent county, eldest son of Michael Farrell, was born at Ann Arbor, Mich., February 15, 1840, while his father was employed on the M. C. R. R., but has resided in Kent county since I844. He was educated at Notre Dame university, Ind. He taught school from the age of nineteen years for thirty-two terms in Kent and Ottawa counties, and has filled some township office nearly all his life. He was a leader in the conventions of the democratic party until recent years, when he became a republican, owing to dissatisfaction in the democratic ranks. He is active in agricultural and horticultural soc'eties, and was secretary of the Grand River Valley Pioneer society for ten years. He was agent for the Kent county Mutual Fire Insurance company for years. He has met many pioneers and has recorded the pioneer history of the county, and is secretary of the Pioneer society. Mr. Farrell married, August 16, I876, Miss Mary Bowler, and this union has been blessed with nine children, viz: Charles James, a graduate of the Grand Rapids high school and a teacher for four years in Oakfield; May Ellen, a stenographer in the office of Prosecuting Attorney Rogers; Catherine E., Bernard Joseph, William John, Henry Claude, Thomas Francis, Martha Evelin, and Edward J., all at home. In his church views, Mr. Farrell is very liberal. EUBEN FARNAM, one of the most prominent farmers of Nelson township, Kent county, Mich., and an exsoldier of four years' standing, was born in Summit county, Ohio, September 8, I843, the seventh in a family of eight children -four sons and four daughters-that constituted the family of Charles and Esther (Mc 678 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Farlin) Farnam, of which family two only survive, viz: Atherton H., a shingle manufacturer of Aberdeen, Wash., and Reuben, whose name opens this biography. Charles Farnam was a native of New York state and died in Ohio about 1846, but his widow survived him until after the close of the late Civil war. Reuben Farnam, subject of this sketch, began the battle of life when a mere boy, but succeeded in acquiring a good common-school education, which was supplemented by a short course at the Akron, Ohio, high school. He enlisted October 18, I861, and in November was mustered into company H, Twenty-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry, under Col. Buckley. This regiment rendezvoused at Jefferson, Ashtabula county, Ohio, was assigned to the army in the Shenandoah Valley, Va., and at different times was under the command of Gens. Banks, Pope and McClellan, Mr. Farnam taking part, in all, in forty-three engagements and skirmishes. In the first action in which the Twenty-ninth was engaged-that of Winchester, March 23, I862-the soldier immediately in front of Mr. Farnam was killed and his brains scattered over the latter's body. In the next active battle, that of Port Pepublic, Mr. Farnam suffered the loss of the index finger, and the middle finger-ends of his left hand, which disabled him for six weeks. His next important battle was that of second Bull Run. He then participated at Fredericksburg, Monocacy Creek, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, in the last named sustaining a wound in the left foot, which confined him to hospital for four weeks. After convaleserice he rejoined his regiment near Washington, D. C., whence he was sent to Chattanooga, and then to Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. His next serious engagement was at Dug Gap, where his regiment lost every commissioned officer except Second Lieut. Nash, of company H, and Capt. Myron T. Wright, I of company D, and one-third of the men, and where Mr. Farnam's coat-sleeve was pierced by a minie ball: Notwithstanding their severe loss in this action, the remainder of the undaunted boys of this regiment assembled after night-fall and defiantly sang "Rally Round the Flag, Boys." Later, Mr. Farnam took part at Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Kingston, Marietta and Pine Knob; at the last-named battle the Twenty-ninth Ohio lost one-fourth of its men, and at New Hope church a shell exploded in the midst of a group of its boys, killing seven and throwing gravel and dirt over the subject, but not otherwise injuring him. Private Ira Condon, in this battle, received a gunshot in the thigh and for a long time lay exposed to the hot sun and the bullets of the enemy, but, upon the call of the captain, Mr. Farnam and a comrade bravely volunteered to rescue him and bore him triumphantly to camp, amid a shower of rebel bullets. July 20, I864, occurred the battle of Peach Tree Greek. The Twentieth army corps, to which the Twenty-ninth Ohio was attached, was the first to enter Atlanta, the Twenty-ninth being the second regiment to enter that city. From Atlanta, Mr. Farnam followed Sherman to Savannah, before which his regiment lay eleven days, when the keys of the city, as it were, were surrendered by the mayor to the commander of the Twenty-ninth, the first Federals to enter. From Savannah the army proceeded northward to Raleigh, N. C., but en route participated in the last battle of Sherman's army-Bentonville. Before reaching Raleigh the welcome news of Lee's surrender was received. From Raleigh the army continued on to Washington, passing through Richmond and over the battle field of the Wilderness, upon whichstill lay the bones of hundreds of soldiers who fell in that campaign, but had never been buried. Mr. Farnam, like many others, would have preferred to have re AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 679' ceived marching orders for home rather than to WVashington, to be made a spectacle of after the war was over, but he nevertheless obeyed orders and took part in the grandest review of conquering heroes the world ever beheld. Mr. Farnam served his country in the army for nearly foulr years, having veteranized at Lookout Mountain December IO, I863, and having been discharged at Cleveland, July 22, I865, with the rank of sergeant, to which position he was promoted in September, I864. That the gallantry of the Twenty-ninth was recognized by their antagonists is proven by the fact that, on a recent visit to Akron, a Confederate officer was in the city at the same time and called upon Col. Thomas, of the Thomas Lumber company, and expressed a desire to meet some of the brave boys who fought at Dug Gap, in which battle he himself took part, and expressed the opinion that no braver set of men ever existed than those of the Twenty-ninth Ohio. Mr. Farnam was united in marriage in Medina county, Ohio, December Io, I867, to Miss Mary E. Saunders, and this union has been blessed with two children, Charles A. and Florence. The son, Charles A., was born in Kent county, Mich., September 20, I868, graduated from the Ypsilanti normal school in I890, and from the university of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, in I897, with the degree of A. M.; he married August 3, I898, Miss Luella Creed, a native of St. Joseph county, Mich., who also graduated from the Ypsilanti normal school, was a student at the university at Ann Arbor, and was principal of the& Midland (Mich.) schools for three years-Mr. Farnam being now principal of the academy at Rochester, Wis. Miss Florence Farnam graduated from the Ypsilanti normal school in I896, and taught in a Detroit school until her marriage to Richard S. Lawson, attorney, and now resides in Detroit. Mrs. Mary E. Farnani was born in Medina county, Ohio, September 26, I844, a daughter of Nathan and Emeline (Phillips) Saunders, who have one other child living-Clara, wife of Joseph Brown, a jeweler of Sabetha, Kans. When Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Farnam came to Kent county, Mich., in I868, their cash capital was just nothing; but they went in debt for an eighty-acre tract of land in the woods, and this at a time when no market was near, Sand Lake being unknown and Cedar Springs being a mere hamlet. Their first house here was of logs and is still standing, but through the exercise of their industry and good management they now own 121 acres, improved with a commodious modern dwelling and substantial out-buildings suitable for every requirement, and they owe.no man a dollar. They have given their children excellent educations, and performed every duty pertaining to good and true citizens. In politics Mr. Farnam is a republican and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln for president of the United States while with the army at Atlanta, Ga. He has been chosen by the republicans of Nelson township as their delegate to district and senatorial conventions, and is a great admirer of President McKinley and Hon. William Alden Smith, the present congressman from his district, and fraternally he is a member of Cedar Springs lodge, No. 213, F. & A. M., while he and wife are members of Cedar Springs chapter, No. I78, order of the Eastern Star. Both are also connected with County Line grange, P. of H. ICHAEL FARRELL (deceased), late of Ada township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Ireland, August 26, I8Io, fourteen miles from the birthplace of the Duke of Wellington, and near where Oliver Goldsmith was also born. His parents were landowners, so he had more 680 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS than usual advantages, social and educational. He became a civil engineer and associated with the landed gentry. He came to New York in 1830 on The Lady of the Wave, having been eight weeks on the.ocean. He had some means and engaged in engineering and constructing, and in building docks on Erie canal near Lockport, N. Y. He was married in New York city, in I834, to Mary McCormack, who was also born in Ireland, and with whom he was acquainted in the old Ireland home. In 1835 he lost his property by the great fire-losing his all. He then came to Michigan and started the system of canal and riAer imports, under Gov. Stephen T. Mason, "the boy Governor," in 1836. He came with his wife and daughter to Detroit penniless, got acquainted with Lewis Cass and Col. Berrien, the great men of that day, and secured a position on the Michigan Central railroad as civil engineer and constructor, and was superintendent and contractor to Ypsilanti until June 12, 1837, when he helped unload from a schooner the first engine to come to Michigan, and which arrived from Erie, Pa. He was appointed engineer, and started the first engine in Michigan. The road was pushed and a bet was made between citizens of Ypsilanti and officials, that the road would not reach that place by January i, 1838. The rails were made of wood with strips of iron on top, known as snakeheads. Seven miles from Ypsilanti the iron rapi out, and the engine would slip on the wood, which was covered with ice. But, not to be thwarted, Mr. Farrell hired teams, and December 3I, I837, he hauled the engine with cars into Ypsilanti, thus winning the bet. He helped to build the roads all over the state, and the last job was a bridge over the St. Joe river. In 1842, Mr. 'Farrell met John Ball at Marshall, Mich., then the state land office. He asked the agent to indicate the state land assigned for internal improvement. Farrell was induced by Ball's description to invest his money, and purchased land warrants, then worth forty cents on the dollar. He invested in several thousands of acres in Grattan, Vergennes, Ada and Cannon townships, Kent county. He still possessed 4,000 half dollar silver pieces, new from the banks at Sandusky, Ohio. He loaned this to settlers without any security, to help get land and erect buildingsthey to pay him later in labor. They all lived up to the agreement. His influence brought a great many of his old employees of the Michigan Central road to come in and settle the land, and almost all the Irish families in these four townships came in from 1844 to 1850. He had himself located on his land in I844. In I842 three Irishmen started from Marshall-Farrell, Fingleton and McCormick -to select the land. They went at first to Ottawa county, but the bluffs along the river made it seem undesirable. They then came to Ada, and Mr. Farrell selected sections o0, 12, II and 14, and Mr. Fingleton selected section i of Ada, and section 36 in Cannon township, and Mr. McCormick selected section 2 in Ada township. They went to an old blockhouse kept by a man named Lyon, and there met John Ball, in whose company was Rev. Amos G. Chase, from New York. Ball enquired if he had made a selection. Farrell said he had selected section Io —Jescribing it with its beautiful lake. Mr. Chase was on his way to Illinois to select land, but hearing Farrell's description of section io, his interest was aroused. The three companions started on toward Marshall, where the land office was. Fingleton chided Farrell for saying anything about the description, fearing Chase would like the land, and reach the land office first. Chase did hire a team to drive to Marshall but the three who were riding horseback stopped at a Mr. McNaughton's house and AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 681 heard the team pass in the night. They at once started in pursuit. Yankee Lewis, who also kept a tavern further on, informed them of Chase's passage. Their horses had given out, and Farrell hired Lewis' team, giving $20 in gold, to pursue. At Battle Creek Chase was a half-hour ahead. Farrell got a fast team and reached Marshall but fifteen minutes behind, but found Chase had already secured the land and had purchased land warrants to pay for it. Farrell recounted this incident for years. Chase settled on the land and in after years all were on good terms. Chase was well known all over these counties as a Baptist minister. After settling on 720 acres of land Mr. Farrell made ithis future home and made all the improvements. Mr. Farrell was extremiely charitable and public-spirited. He had no'desire for office, but was the first highway commissioner, and at his own expense laid out all roads in the various townships. In politics he was a democrat and cast his first vote for Jackson in 1832. A kind and just man in and out of the family circle, he never sued nor was su'ed. He was a Catholic of strong convictions, was liberal, and was respected alike by Protestants and Catholics. He was one of the founders of the Catholic church in Grattan in 1844, and assisted largely in its building. He died September 2, I896, and his mortal remains rest in the cemetery at Grattan. He had a family of thirteen children, viz: Hannah, wife of Michael Downs of Ada; William, of whom further mention is made in another sketch; Garrett, on part of the old homestead; Catherine, wife of Daniel Fingleton, of Cannon township; Theresa, wife of Owen Doyle, of Ada; Michael on a part of the old homestead; Margaret, twin of Michael, was married to Bernard Fingleton, and died at thirty years of age; James Charles died at fourteen years of age; Mary Ann, widow of Andrew Whalen, of South Grand Rapids; Ellen, wife of M. D. Shaugnessy, superintendent of the northern division, G. R. & I. R. R.; Eliza, twin of Ellen, is the wife of Patrick Bowler, on part of the old homestead; Julia, first married to John Platte, deceased, and, now the wife of Jacob Steele and living on the old homestead; and one infant that died unnamed. Mr. Farrell was a square-built man, and was a very pleasant and prepossessing appearance, and at his death'had ten children and I 15 grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. ILLIAM W. FENTON, ex-supervisor of Tyrone township, Kent county, was born in Washtenaw county, Mich., December 27, 1845, a son of John and Hannah (Showerman) Fenton, who are parents of five children-one son and four daughters-of whom two only are now living-Willianm W. and Estella. The latter is the wife of Abel Baldwin, of Lawrence county, Tenn., where they have resided twelve years, and have one son and two daughtersthe elder daughter, Zelpha, who was formerly a school-teacher, being now Mrs. Dawes. In politics, Mr. Baldwin is a republican. John Fenton, father of William W., was born in England in December, I819, and when fifteen years old crossed the Atlantic to Canada, whence he came to Michigan. He was a carpenter, joiner and millwright, in politics was a whig, and was called away at the early age of thirty-five years. His widow, who was born in Arcadia, Wayne county, N. Y., May 5, 1824, is a devout member of the Baptist church, retains her mentality intact, and now makes her home with the subject of this sketch. When William W. Fenton was a child he 682 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS -- was brought from Washtenaw county to-Kent county by his parents, who remained here a short time only and then went to Clinton county, subject being then nine years old, and purchased eighty acres of land improved with a log cabin, in which they lived until I865, when they removed to Grass Lake, Jackson county, and there the family resided six years. Mr. Fenton was one of the brave men who went to the front when the nation was in peril. He enlisted December 13, I86I, in company D, Fourteenth Michigan volunteer infantry, under Capt. James J. Jeffery, was assigned to the army of the Tennessee, and was ordered to Pittsburg Landing, but was taken sick, received an honorable discharge, and returned home. As soon as able, he re-enlisted, joining company E, First Michigan light artillery, was assigned to the army of the Cumberland, with which he served-chiefly on gunboats and in garrison duty-until he received his second honorable discharge, July 30, i865. During his second term of service, he was never sick nor a day off duty. WV W. Fenton was united in marriage, at Grand Rapids, December 25, I871, with Miss Clara J. Barber, who was born in Niagara county, N. Y., November 4, 1847, a daughter of Richard and Adeline (Holmes) Barber, and some of her ancestors were heroes of the Revolution. Richard Barber was a native of central New York, was a farmer, and died when about seventy-eight years of age, but his wife is still living in the Empire state, at the age of eighty-five. W. W. Fenton settled on I60 acres of wild land in Tyrone township twenty-three years ago, when the woods were the domain of wild animals, and Kent City and Casnovia of but little consequence, but he succeeded in hewing out from the wildness a comfortable home. In I895.he purchased his present improved farm, on which he has a fine residence and has erected a new barn, 46 x 36 feet, and made many other valuable improvements. In politics Mr. Fenton is a republican, cast his first presidential vote for Gen. Grant, has represented his party in several district, county and legislative conventions, and in 1887 was elected supervisor of Tyrone township, and so satisfactorily did he care for the interests of his townspeople, that he was called upon to fill three additional terms as a member of the county board, and during his incumbency of the office the erection of the Kent county court house was authorized. He is strongly in favor of public education on the highest possible plane. Mr. Fenton is a member of Casnovia lodge, No. 349, I. O. O. F., and Mrs. Fenton of Laurel lodge, No. 65, which comprises nearly fifty members. Socially, Mr. and Mrs. Fenton stand very high, and no family in the township is held in higher regard. ILTON O. FOSTER. —Through his life span of thirty-eight years Milton 0. Foster has been a resident of Kent county, having been born on the paternal homestead where he now lives, in Ada township, on the I3th of April, I86I. His ancestry is traceable back to England, the birthplace of his father, John Foster, who came to the new world in 1842 and two years later became a resident of the township of Ada, purchasing the farm which he has since owned and operated. John Foster married Elizabeth Heaton, who bore him two children, both of whom are living at this time. He is an industrious man, worked hard for many years in bringing his farm to its present advanced stage of cultivation, and is now enjoying the fruits of a wellspent life in the village of Ada, to which he retired from active labor a few years ago. C AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 683 Upon the farm which the father located, the immediate subject of this sketch was reared, and the field and forest constituted his principal training school in youth. It is true he attended the district school of the neighborhood during the winter months, and made good progress in the common branches of study, but through the greater part of the year he followed the plow, gathered the crops, and in many other ways assisted in the development and cultivation of the old homestead. Thus in early life he acquired habits of industry and perseverance that have proved important factors in the success that has waited upon his later years. At the age of eighteen years Mr. Foster began farming on his own account in his native township, and is now the possessor of a good farm two and a half miles from the village of Ada. The well-tilled fields indicate his careful supervision, good buildings, well-kept fences, modern machinery and all other accessories and conveniences of the model farm are there to be found, and the dominant qualities of the successful business man are numbered among the chief characteristics of the proprietor. On the Iith day of January, i88r, Mr. Foster was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Wride, a daughter of Joseph Wride, of England. Mr. Wride removed from his native country to Canada a number of years ago, and thence, in I866, to the town of Cascade, Mich. Mr. and Mrs. Foster have no children of their own, but are raising an adopted child, Pearl Cook Foster, now a young lady of sixteen. She has never known other parents, having been taken by her benefactors when but three days old. Mr. Foster wields a potent influence for the democratic party, of which he is an ardent supporter. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and Maccabees fraternities, also belongs to the Union grange. His influence on the agricultural and political life of his section of the county has.been marked, and he has been accounted one of the representative citizens of his community. Since 1896 he has been a trustee of the Ada school, and he takes an active interest in matters educational. Mrs. Foster and little Pearl are members of the Baptist church. EORGE FINGLETON, a successful B farmer who for nearly fifty years has II lived in Ada township, Kent county, Mich., was born here on the I2th of September, I850. His father was Patrick Fingleton, a very popular man, and a native of Ireland, born in the year i8oo. In 1844 he crossed to America and settled in the state of Michigan. Here he was for twenty-four years engaged in farming, and died in I868, sixtyeight years of age. He was one of the hardworking and successful agriculturists of the the country, and succeeded in acquiring about 450 acres of land. Two hundred and seventy acres of this land was in Ada and 140 in Can non townships, to which he later added about eighty acres. Here he gave his attention to his land until his estate was settled by will at his death. Patrick Fingleton was a member of the Catholic church and a life-long supporter thereof. He was known for his probity of character, no less than for his thrift and success in business. He was a man that made his own way in the world by means of integrity of purpose and of action. The mother of George Fingleton was Bridget Murray, also a native of Ireland, where shd was united in marrriage with Patrick Fingleton and there became the mother of two children. After their removal to America three more children were born to them. In 684 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I886 she died. The members of the family were: Michael, who died when twenty-four years old; William, who at present resides at Grand Rapids; Dan, who lives in Cannon township; Barney, resident of Ada township, and George, the subject of this sketch. George Fingleton was born and reared on the old homestead at Ada. Here he lived and worked until his father's death, when the homestead was assigned to him by will. His farm nowcontains 270 acres, improved and developed by him in many directions. George Fingleton was united in marriage, November 8, 1881, to Miss Bridget Hickey, who was also a native of Ireland. To this union there have been born seven children, of whom five survive and live at home, viz: Pat, William, Mamie, Lena, and Ethel; Leo and Loretta, who were twins, died in early childhood. Mr. Fingleton has now lived on the farm for about fifty years, and has succeeded in establishing for himself an enviable reputation for diligence, industry, integrity and usefulness. RS. C. J. FINNUCAN, successor to the late John DeLange, manufacturer and dealer in harness, saddlery, etc., is a native of Germany and a daughter of H. and Anna (Lemp) Nicoli. The father was a stonemason by trade, which he followed in Germany until his death, in 1878. Mrs. C. J. Finnucan was first married to William O. Kimball, in Algoma township, Kent county, in 887, but that gentleman early passed away. Mrs. Kimball was next married to John DeLange, who was born in Holland, September 28, 1857, was brought to Grand Rapids, Mich., in I860, and there learned his trade of harnessmaker, and about 1879 settled in Sparta, and was here the leading harness and saddle merchant and repairer for fifteen or sixteen years, or until his death, which occurred March 4, I895. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. DeLange was blessed with two children, William L. and William H. January 12, 1898, Mrs. DeLange was united in marriage with her present husband, Cornelius J. Finnucan, who was born in the state of New York, July 4, 1852, a son of Pennsylvania parents. He was reared to farming, but the greater part of his maturer years has been passed with the Chase Nursery company of Kent county, Mich. Mrs. C. J. Finnucan, a most affable and courteous lady, carries a stock in trade valued at $r,200 to $r,5oo, and gives constant employment to one practical harnessmaker. This stock is varied and well assorted, and beside handling all articles pertaining to the trade she manages a fully equipped repair shop, which has proven to be a great convenience to her numerous patrons. Mrs. Finnucan is a devout and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and also a member of the relief corps, and socially is very highly esteemed by the best residents of Sparta. IRAM N. FISK, a highly respected farmer of Solon township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of New York state, and was born in Lenox township, Madison county, February 3, 1841, a son of Hiram and Lucy (Chandler) Fisk, whose only other child, a daughter, was the first born. Hiram Fisk, the father, was born in Erie county, Pa., December I, 1788, and was of English descent. He was reared on his father's farm, and after reaching his majority enlisted in the war of I812, in which, at Sackett's Harbor, his lower jaw and left thigh were badly injured by the explosion of a shell. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 685 While convalescing and walking about on his crutches, he witnessed the explosion of the magazine at Quebec, Canada, and at the expiration of his term of enlistment received an honorable discharge. At one time he was captured by Indians, who, after tramping some. days, met an Englishman and exchanged him for a jug of Santa Cruz rum. In a few months he rejoined his old company. Later, he settled in Madison county, N. Y., rose to some prominence as a whig, but lived long enough to vote for the newly-born republican party. He was a great reader and often predicted the downfall of slavery. He held the office of iustice of the peace for many'years, a,nd died in Madison county in March, i86o, respected by all who knew him. His wife was a native of Madison county and died in I855, at the age of sixty-eight years, a truly christian woman. Hiram N. Fisk was educated in the common schools of his native state, and on beginning his business life did not possess $5 in cash. For a number of years he was a dairyman at Oneida Depot, Madison county, and also dealt in ice. July 3, 1859, he married Miss Roxanna Monroe, a native of Madison county, and this marriage has resulted in the birth of three sons and five daughters, of whom seven are still living, viz: Edwin M., who married Dora Stickles and has a homestead in Brown county, S. Dak., and also a tree claim on the Missouri river in the Blue Blanket valley; Ida is the wife of William Fuller, of Cannon township, Kent county, Mich.; William, who married Miss Mamie Gaul, is farming in Solon township, and is a Woodman; Florence, who for a number of years taught school in Kent and Newaygo counties, and is the wife of Merritt Potter, of Camden, Hillsdale county; Lottie P., who was' also a teacher for several terms in Kent county, is now the wife of Jacob Howard, of Solon township; Lizzie May is a graduate of the Sand Lake and Cedar Springs high schools, and is the wife of Emory Brown, of Solon township, and Hiram 0., who has received a good common-school education, is a natural stockman and is ably assisting on the home farm. All the above-named children were born in New York state save Hiram O., who is a native of Michigan. In -878, Mr. Fisk came from New York to Michigan and for one year lived in Jackson county. In 1879 he located in Solon township, Kent county, purchased eighty acres of forest land in section No. 4, from which the first growth of pine had been removed, and on which stood a second growth. The family remained in Cedar Springs until he had erected a log cabin, I8 x 24 feet, when all came to the wildwood home. He cleared off five acres and put in his first little crop in I879, toiled hard and made all the necessary improvements, but in 1885 met a dire misfortune, as he lost his barn, farming implements and grain by fire. But Mr. Fisk was not daunted. He set bravely to work, replaced his improvements and erected a modern dwelling, and now owns o00 acres of finely cultivated land,situate seven and one-half miles northwest of Cedar Springs, and is introducing and breeding fine blooded stock, more especially Poland China hogs, and stands among the affluent and respected farmers of Solon township. Mrs. Roxanna Fisk was born May 27, 1841, a daughter of Osmus and Hannah (Daniels) Monroe, parents of three sons and three daughters, of whom two only are now living -Mrs. Fisk and her brother Silas, the latter a resident of Jackson county, Mich. The mother died about I877, but the father, who was born in Connecticut and taken to New York when but four years of age and reared a farmer, is still living with his daughter, hale and hearty, at the advanced age of ninety years and, with keen mental faculties and well 686 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS preserved body, enjoys himself in constantly attending to some of the work on the farm or in the garden. In politics Mr. Fisk is a republican, cast his first presidential vote for Lincoln, is an ardent friend of public education, and has been a school director for years. He and his wife are Methodists in belief and their daily life illustrates their high sense of religious duty. RS. MAY FONGER. a greatly respected lady residing in retirement on her homestead four and a half miles from the thriving village of Casnovia, Tyrone township, Kent. county, Mich., is a native of Plainfield township, in the same county, and was born April 25, 1859, the second in a family of three daughters that blessed the marriage of Timothy and Mary (Lamoreaux) Konkle, viz: Lydia, wife of Dwight Clarke, a farmer residing east of the city of Grand Rapids; Mrs. Fonger, the subject of this sketch, and Grace, wife of John Kidder, a shingle sawyer of Ford River, in the upper peninsula of Michigan. Mrs. Fonger was educated in the common and high schools of Cedar Springs, and for some years before her marriage was one of Kent county's favorite school-teachers. Timothy Konkle, father of Mrs. Fonger, was born in Pennsylvania, April I, 1834, and now resides in Solon township, Kent county, Mich. At the age of ten years he was brought to Michigan by his parents, who settled at Mill Creek, Plainfield township, Kent county, when Grand Rapids was but a small town, with no railroad leading to it. He was reared a carpenter, but later adopted agriculture as a vocation, and in I871 settled in Solon township. In politics he is a democrat. Mrs. Mary Konkle, mother of Mrs. Fonger, was born in the state of New York, July 31, 1835, and is still living. Mrs. May Fonger was but ten years of age when her parents settled in Solon township, where she grew to womanhood. July Ir, 1877, she was united in marriage with the late George Fonger, and two sons came to crown this union-James M. and Bert A.-and both are living on the home farm with their mother. George Fonger, her deceased husband, was born in the province of Ontario, Canada, July 31, 1836, where he grew to manhood and was reared to agriculture. When he came to Michigan he first located in Jackson county, whence, about i865, he came to Tyrone township, Kent county. His first purchase here was a tract of eighty acres of forest land, on which no improvements whatever had been made. But he was possessed of wonderful activity, mentally and physically, cleared off his timber and constantly added to his estate until he acquired 210 acres, and these he converted into one of the most excellent farms in the township. In politics Mr. Fonger was intensely republican, and was also an ardent supporter of the public-school system of the state. For some years he was a highway commissioner of Tyrone township, and attended to his duties with conscientious interest. He was, in fact, a devotee of the Golden Rule, which teaches us to "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." The death of this honest man and useful citizen took place October 29, I898, and with him was lost a loving husband, an indulgent father and a true friend to mankind. Mrs. Fonger and her children are among the most respected residents of Tyrone township, and count their friends by the score. Quite recently Mrs. Fonger and her children have caused to be erected a costly monument sacred to the memory of husband and father. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 687 RANKLIN M. FORCE for over a quarter of a century has been a resident of Spencer township, Kent county, Mich., and is well known as a gentleman of integrity. He was born in Washtenaw county, January 10, 1853, and is the eldest of a family of six sons and five daughters born to Francis and Betsey (Christler) Force. Those living beside himself are: Frederick, a farmer in Spencer township, Belle, wife of Charles Chamberlain, farmer of Seattle, Wash.; Ella, wife of John Frowley, a native of Sweden and a farmer in Montcalm county, Mich.; Emma, wife of Reuben Wilson, a mechanic at Big Rapids; John, farmer in Pierson, Montcalm county; Hattie, wife of William Small, a hotel-keeper at Big Rapids, and George, farming at Trufant, Montcalm county. The father of this family was born in New York state, came to Michigan as a boy with his father, Obadiah, and settled near Stockbridge, Ingham county. The house he erected in 1832 is still standing. He later lived in Washtenaw county, where he improved a new farm. In 1873 he settled on the land that is now part of his son's farm. He improved a nice little farm and lived here till his death, July 2, I886. He was a democrat and was most thoroughly convinced the principles of that party were what is necessary to the preservation of republican institutions. The mother, also a native of New York, is now seventy years of age, and resides with her son, in the full possession of her faculties. The families of both parents were noted for longevity, and two of Mr. Force's uncles served in the Revolutionary war and three brothers in the war of I812. Franklin M. Force was reared in Washtenaw county until nearly twenty years of age. He received a sound education in the Manchester graded schools, where he was fitted to teach. He came with the family to Spencer township in March, 1873. Their first home was a little board shanty, and the surrounding country almost a wilderness. Trufant was known only as a stopping place; deer were abundant in Spencer township, and it being a logging country there were I8,ooo,ooo feet of logs in Black creek the spring of his arrival. August 27, 1876, Mr. Force wedded Miss Mary Warnock, which marriage has been graced with three sons and one daughter, the latter dying in infancy. The sons are Willie, still residing with his parents; Vernie and Myron. Mrs. Mary Force was born in Eaton, Lorain county, Ohio, November 4, 1867, and is a daughter of William and Eliza (Frisbee) Warnock, who were the parents of five sons and two daughters, of whom Mrs. Force is the youngest, and of whom she and three brothers are the only survivors. Of these, James was a soldier of the Civil war and is now a prosperous mechanic at Elyria, Ohio; David is a thriving farmer in Walker township, Kent county, Mich., and Willie is prospering in the same line in Spencer township. Mrs. Force was a little girl when brouhgt to Kent county by her parents, and here she has been reared and educated. Her father was of Scotch-Irish extraction, was of benevolent disposition, was devoted in his love for his wife and children and was a sincere Methodist, not in name only but in heart and soul. His life was an open volume to all who knew him, and, honored by all, he departed this life in May, i88I, having survived his wife many years. His remains are interred in the Spencer Mill cemetery, where a beautiful shaft has been erected to his memory by his children. Mr. and Mrs. Force began their matrimonial life without a dollar, but were filled with hope and laudable ambition. They went in debt for a forty-acre tract in section No. i6, Spencer township, where the district school 688 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS house now stands. The land was covered by the primeval forest and brush, and their home was a little board shanty. Here Mrs. Force united her efforts with those of her husband in clearing up the place and in bringing order out of chaos. Two years later, finding the title was defective, they sacrificed what little they had paid on it, and two years of hard labor. They then purchased forty acres in section No. 2I, of which only three acres had been cleared from the dense forest. A little cabin was their dwelling, and many a time, after consuming Mrs. Force's little baking of bread, nothing was left for the next meal. But she was still patient and hopeful, and she said that " the Lord will provide." Mr. Force worked as a day-laborer to earn the means with which to make the payment on the place, and even after all had been met Mrs. Force would go into the field and forest with her husband and help develop their farm. The result of this assiduous toil has been that they now own 145 acres of as finely improved land as can be found in Spencer township, and they have the satisfaction of knowing that the improvements have all been made by themselves. In politics Mr. Force is a democrat and cast his first presidential vote for Samuel J. Tilden. In religion Mr. and Mrs. Force are sincere and devout members of the Disciples' church, who have a nice little society of their own in Spencer township, connected with which there is a Sunday-school, with an attendance of about forty scholars. Of this Mr. Force is the present treasurer, and has been superintendent, assistant superintendent, librarian and teacher-Mrs. Force being the present librarian; she also teaches the small children and has been very successful. Mr. and Mrs. Force have contributed liberally toward building up and supporting this little society. Mrs. Force is likewise president of the Ladies' Aid society. Both Mr. and Mrs. Force are public-spirited, are favorably and warmly inclined toward the public-school system and advocate the employment of the most competent teachers. They stand in the best social circles of the township and are sincerely respected for their personal worth as demonstrated by their useful and industrious life. EORGE H. FORCE, farmer and speculator in general produce and an exa tensive shipper at Lowell, Kent county, Mich., was born in the state of New York December Ii, I851, and is a son of Harvey and Lucinda (Ackles) Force, who were parents of three children. Harvey Force, the father, was also a native of New York, was born on the 4th day of July, 1825, came to Michigan in 1858, and settled in Shiawassee county, where he carried on a farm for a short time. Afterward he removed to Hillsdale, and thence to Newaygo county. His death occurred at the home of his son, George H., in Lowell township March 2, I888. His wife still survives. George H. Force was reared to young manhood in Hillsdale county, and was educated in the common schools. While still a young man he entered a general store, as clerk, in Croton, Newaygo county, and remained for a few years, or until he became familiar with the business, and at the age of twenty-five years embarked in a similar line, on his own account, at Morley, Mecosta county, and in this was unusually prosperous-so much so that, at the end of ten years, by disposing of his stock in trade, he was enabled to purchase a farm in Lowell township (in 1886), since when he has devoted much of his time and attention to farming and speculating in and shipping produce. He has shown great ability as a business man, and in 1894 was made a di AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 689 rector in the Lowell State bank, which position he still retains. Mr. Force was joined in marriage, September 20, I876, with Miss Laura E. Allen, and this union has resulted in the birth of two sons -Harold W., who is being trained by his father in the art of speculation anid is a buyer and shipper at Lowell, and Raymond C., who has completed his studies as a stenographer and ranks high in this profession, and has been connected in this capacity with the King Milling company. In the spring of I899, this young man, remembering the advice of the renowned editor, Horace Greeley, started for the west to seek a fortune for himself and to " grow up with the country."' He was so fortunate as to secure a position with the North American Transportation & Trading company, and is loud in his praises of the state of Washington. In politics, George H. Force is a strong republican; as a business man, he is regarded by the community as one of the keenest in the township, and one whose integrity is implicitly to be relied upon, and whose financial operations are conducted with the strictest justice to all concerned. AMES M. FORD, now one of the most highly respected citizens of Spencer township, was born in Vergennes township, Kent county, Mich., December 27, I868, and is the third born of the family of six children-one son and five daughters-that blessed the marriage of Jacob A. and Cornelia (Jakeway) Ford, and of these children there are five still living, to-wit: May; wife of George Cooper, a farmer of Spencer township; James M., whose name opens this paragraph; Minnie, wife of William Brigham, a farmer of Spencer; Iva, married to George Force, a farmer at Trufant, Montcalm county, and Lida, wife of George Rouse, a millman of Rhinelander, Wis. Jacob A. Ford is a native of Ontario, was born in May, I829, came to Michigan in I837 with his parents, who settled in Lowell, where he was reared a farmer and educated in the district school, and is now living in retirement in Trufant. His father, Ira Ford, was one of the pioneers of Kent county. Jacob A. remained with his parents in Lowell and Grattan townships until he enlisted in company B, Twenty-fifth Michigan infantry, was assigned to the army of the Potomac, took part in some of the most severe battles of the Civil war, including Gettysburg and Antietam, for three years served his country bravely and faithfully, and received an honorable discharge at Detroit. The first land he owned in his own right was I60 acres in Grattan township, but this he sold in 1869, and purchased eighty acres in section No. 1.6, Spencer township, on which there was but little improvement made, but which he converted into a profitable farm. He is a democrat, and is a member of Carleton post, G. A. R., at Trufant, of which he has for some time been the commander. His wife is a native of Herkimer county, N. Y., was born April 13, 1839, and was brought to Michigan when a child. She and husband are devout members of the United Brethern church, and are among the most highly esteemed residents of Trufant. James M. Ford was an infant when his father settled in Spencer township, and here he was educated in the common schools. He has spent a number of years in Kent, Ionia -and Montcalm counties as a lumberman, and has done a great. deal of work in getting out lumber for the John J. Foster Co., and the Renney Refrigerator Co., of Greenville, and cut the last stick of pine timber in Montcalm county. He has also engaged largely in 690 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS agricultural pursuits, and for the past nine years has operated a Nichols-Shepard threshing machine throughout his neighberhood. Mr. Ford was united in marriage July 24, I890, with Miss Elmna M. Lockwood, and to this union have been born four children-three sons and one daughter-of whom the eldest, Jacob H., has been called away; Ray G., Ralph and Ethel M., still brighten the home of their father. Mrs. Elma M. Ford was born in Maple Valley township, Montcalm county, July 8, 1872, and was a daughter of Harvey and Carrie (Powell) Lockwood, but this lovely woman and loving wife was called away from her devoted husband and surviving children November I4, I898, and her remains are interred in Spencer Mills cemetery, where a beautiful column marks her last resting-place. In 1892, Mr. Ford took possession of the home estate by purchasing his father's interest. The old farm residence was destroyed by fire some years ago, but this was replaced by Mr. Ford with a comfortable and substantial dwelling. As he has passed nearly all his life on this farm, he has witnessed all the magical changes that have taken place in Spencer township since his childhood. He can rememrnber the tine when deer gamboled -unmolested in front of the old residence, contiguous to Lincoln lake, which is but eighty rods east of his home; but deer, red men and foriest have long since disappeared. In politics Mr. Ford is a democrat, and cast his first presidental vote for Grover Cleveland. In I 896 and 1897 he served his people as township commissioner. He is a warm advocate of the employment of the best schoolteachers, and fraternally he is a member of Trufant tent, No. 780, K. O. T. M. He is one of the most respected as well as most progressive citizens of Spencer township, and is public spirted to the last degree. OHN FOSTER, retired farmer of Ada township, was born in Yorkshire, England, on the 22d of December, I821, one of six children born to Jeremiah and Mary (Maishall) Foster. His father and mother were also natives of England, where the father was engaged in farming until his death. John Foster remained at home until he reached the age of eighteen years, and received an education in the excellent schools of his native land. When eighteen years of age he crossed the Atlantic and landed in Quebec, later locating in W\yoming county, N. Y., where he remained until I847, engaged as an agriculturist. In the fall of the last-named year he located in Ada county, Kent county, Mich., where he purchased and cleared eighty acres of land. In I864 he enlisted in the Thirteenth Michigan battery, under Captain Du Pont, and, on the following year, at the close of the war, was honorably discharged. He then returned to Ada and resumed farming. He was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Heaton, and this union has been blessed with the birth of two sons, Marshall H. and Milton O., both prosperous farmers of Kent county. Mrs. Foster died on the 3d of May, I891, and her husband married Mrs. Clark Washburn, ~her maiden name having been May Teeple, a native of Cascade township. Mr. Foster in his political predilection adheres to the principles of the republican party and leads a retired life in his beautiful dwelling in Ada township. Both he and his wife are strict members of the Baptist church in Ada and he is one of Ada's highly respected old citizens and one of the first to take up land in that township. The few facts above enumerated in the life of John Foster may prove the fact that success does not lie alone in the great talent, but the * U \ AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 698 I persistent exercise and employment of whatever talent and skill one may possess, and the seizure of good opportunities which present themselves. Mr. Foster at the inception possessing little more than nothing, has by his unceasing toil and perseverance arrived at success, the monuments of his laborious efforts being his beautiful farm home, the ease and retirement in which he in his old age is living and the respect and esteem he enjoys in his community. ARSHALL H. FOSTER, township treasurer of Cascade township, Kent county, Mich., and a thriving farmer, was born in Ada township, across the township line, near the farm on which he now resides, on the 30th day of September, 1852, and is a son of John and Elizabeth Foster, of whom a biography appears on another page. Marshall H. Foster was educated in the district school at Ada, and passed his boyhood years on his father's farm, and filially assisted his father in his agricultural work until twentyone years of age, although his marriage took place December 14, 1872, to Miss Eliza M. Walter, a native of Kinderhook, Ind., and a daughter of John Walter, now of Grand Rapids, Mich. Mr. Foster then rented the homestead for a year, at the end of which time he bought his present farm in Cascade. Of the II6 acres which were included in this purchase, forty acres were under cultivation, and improved with an old log-house. Here he went to housekeeping and worked diligently until he had cleared up the entire tract, and had made two sets of improvements, and then sold one part of the sub-divided tract, improvements included, retaining only forty acres for his own use, which he partly devotes to the cultivation of small fruits. But Mr. Foster 36 I does not confine his industry to his home place alone, as he also rents a tract of Ioo acres, which he cultivates in general or mixed crops. He has, likewise, for twelve years, run a threshing machine, from which labor he has realized quite an income. On his homestead in Cascade township, Mr. Foster has had born to him two sons and two daughters, as follows: Walter J., who is employed on the Agricultural college farm at Lansing; Floyd, who is in the second year of a fout-year course in the Agricultural college, and Belle and Marcia, still at home with their parents. In politics, Mr. Foster has always been stanchly a republican, has been a delegate to various conventions, in which his influence was strongly felt, and has worked hard, from time to time, for the success of his party, and his labors have been duly appreciated by the same. He is now serving his second term as justice of the peace, and in 1899 was elected township treasurer, the duties of which office he has already assumed. Mr. Foster, twenty-six years ago, helped to organize and became a charter member of the Cascade grange, P. of H., and of this grange he filled almost all the offices until he reached that of master, to which he has been twice elected. He is at present master of the county (Pomona) grange, and has also sat in the state grange, of which he is the present gate-keeper, and it may be added that he has never tired in promoting the interests of this beneficent order; he is, beside, a Modern Woodman. Mrs. Foster is also a member of the grange, is one of its lecturers, and puts forth her best efforts to make it an educational and social factor among its members. In their religious connection, Mr. and Mrs. Foster -are devoted members of the Baptist church at Ada, of which Mr. Foster is the clerk, as well as the superintendent of the Sunday-school, f 694 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS - T — - - ---- - - -- having filled the latter position for the past seven years. For twenty-five years he has been active in church work, and in the cause of temperance likewise, as well as in everything that pertains to the elevation of society at large. Mr. and Mrs. Foster hold a high position in the social circles of Cascade township, and as a useful and public-spirited citizen, Mr. Foster is classed among the foremost. RANK L. FULLER, prominent in the monetary affairs of Kent county, Mich., as the founder and proprietor of the Northern Kent bank at Cedar Springs and also of the Farmers & Merchants' bank of Rockford, in the same county, was born in Belding, Ionia county, October I I, I858, and is the only child of Kelly and Henrietta (Pierce) Fuller, the former of whom was born near Buffalo, N. Y., and the latter elsewhere in the same state. The father, residing near Cedar Springs, is an agriculturist by vocation, is a republican in politics, and has been a resident of Michigan for forty-three years, and the mother was brought to the state when a child by her parents, Lyman and Bethana Pierce. Her death occurred about two years since. Frank L. Fuller received a sound English education in the public schools and a full business course of instruction at the Bryant & Stratton Business college in Detroit. At the early age of twelve years he was first employed in keeping two sets of doubly-entry books for a large lumber and shingle company, and established a fine reputation as an expert accountant. He was next appointed railway, route agent for the post-office department on the F. & P. M. R. R. from Ludington to Toledo, and from Detroit to Howard City on the D., G. R. & W. R. R., under Garfield's administration. He was then employed in the First National bank at Greenville, Mich., and from I886 until I888 was half-owner of the Bank of Frankfort, which was conducted under the firm name of Chandler & Fuller. In 1888 he came to Cedar Springs and established the well known Northern Kent bank, and together with his extensive banking business he controls the largest line of insurance in northern Kent county, some of the more prominent companies for which he is agent being the Mutual Life, of New York, with a capital of $254,000,000; the Etna; the German Fire Insurance, of N. Y.; the Commercial Union, of London, England; the American Insurance company, of Newark, N. J., and the Michigan Fire and Marine, of Detroit. The Northern Kent bank does a safe and conservative business, which wins for it the confidence of its patrons and the public in general. During the panicky days of I893, when great banking houses throughout the country were shaken to their foundations, this bank never closed its doors and paid all demands upon it promptly in full. The handsome bank-building in Cedar Springs was erected by Mr. Fuller in I889, and its vault is fitted up with one of the latest improved burglar-proof safes, with timelock, and manufactured in Detroit. The Farmers & Merchants' bank at Rockford, Mich., was established by Mr. Fuller in I895, with Charles H. Peck as cashier. This bank likewise enjoys the confidence of the pub.lic and of Rockford's business men, and the wealthy farmers of the contiguous territory. Mr. Fuller is also largely interested in the breeding of fine horses, and the Fuller stock farm is famous throughout the United States for its super-bred trotting stock. Exhibiting from ten to twenty-four animals at the Michigan state fair at Grand Rapids, he has, with AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 695 two exceptions, carried off all the first honors contested for. His famous stallion I( Failnot," with a record of 2:I61, is a great favorite with breeders of trotting stock, and he has also in service several other stallions of great value. The Fuller stock farm is situated near Cedar Springs, on the Grands Rapids & Indiana and the Toledo, Saginaw & Muskegon railways, 'where visitors are always welcomed on any week-day. Mr. Fuller's courteous demeanor has made him popular with his numerous patrons, who come from far and near to inspect his stock, and he has made sales to parties living in all parts of the Union. In his politics Mr. Fuller is an uncompromising republican, and cast his first presidental vote for Garfield in I880. He is an unwavering friend of temperance, and at the age of fourteen years joined the Good Templars, and although the lodge he first joined went down, he has remained for twenty-five years a stanch Good Templar, and he is always ready to uphold its grand principles. He is very proud of being a Good Templar a quarter of a century, and he attributes a great deal of his success to the teaching received in the Good Templars' lodge and remains faithful to its teaching. The first Good Templar pass-word that he received was (In God we trust." Mr. Fuller is treasurer of Kent District lodge, No. 23, which position he has very faithfully filled; he is also treasurer of the Good Templars' Funeral Benefit association of Michigan. He is the present chief templar of Cedar Springs lodge, No. 328, I. O. G. T., which position he filled at different times for many quarters, and is also the grand treasurer of the Good Templars of the state of Michigan. Mr. Fuller has served as chairman of the committee on waterworks at Cedar Springs, and has the honor of having effected the purchase, at the lowest figure, of one of the best system of waterworks in the state; he is like wise the treasurer of the village school board, and has held this office two years. He is a member of F. & A. M. lodge at Cedar Springs, and was its senior warden and treasurer. In 1878 Mr. Fuller was united in marriage with Miss May A. Freeman, of Coral, Mich., and this union has been favored with eight children, viz: Grace E., Milo L., Gertie, Florence, Frank L., Jr., Mark B., McKinley and Esther. Mrs. Fuller was educated in the common schools, and Mr. Fuller attributes much of his success to her careful management and good advice. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller are devout members of the First Congregational church, of which Mr. Fuller has been the Sabbath-school superintendent a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller have a beautiful home on Maple street, and Mr. Fuller also owns lands in Algoina and Nelson townships. He is a leading citizen of Cedar Springs, and is highly esteemed for his public spirit and business enterprise and progressiveness. EON FULLER, one of the most progressive and successful agriculturists of Spencer township, was born in Courtland, Kent county, Mich., April I, 1855, and is the fifth of ten children —four sons and six daughters —that blessed the marriage of Edward and Dorinda (Vanderwater) Fuller, eight of whom are yet living, viz: Harriet, still at home; Altha, wife of Bert Johnson, of Grand Rapids; Leroy, of Oakfield township; Leon; Anna, married to William Vanderwater, of Big. Rapids; Ira and Sarah, at home, and Nellie, wife of Lee Garlick, of Courtland township. Edward Fuller, father of this family, is a native of New York, came to Kent county, Mich., about 1849, and is a farmer by occupation; with his wife he is still living in Courtland 696 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS township, aged eighty-four and seventy-six years, respectively. Leon Fuller was reared a farmer, received a sound common-school education, and remained on the home farm until he reached his majority. He then began his career on his own account at the bottom of the ladder, but through industry and good management has attained a comfortable position in life. July 3, 1879, Mr. Fuller married, in Courtland township, Miss Maggie Wolf. They have three children: Scott J., Ray and Pearl. Mrs. Maggie Fuller was born in Oakfield, March 29, I86I, and is a daughter of Frederick and Mary (Baur) Wolf, natives of Germany, and the parents of five sons and two daughters, five of whom are still living and residing in Michigan, viz: Lucy, wife of John Hart, of Oakfield, township; John, a farmer of Spencer; Charley and Joseph Wolf. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller, with about $200 capital, began their married life on forty acres of wooded land in section No. 27, Spencer township, made some improvements and four years later sold the farm. He then spent about two years in the lumber woods, cutting, sawing, skidding and running logs, and in the mill. The next purchase was eighty acres of the present homestead, paying $2,000, with $800 indebtedness. About I895, Mr. Fuller purchased forty additional acres, and now he owns as fine a farm of I20 acres as there is in Spencer township. He has ninety acres in cultivation. He plants it mainly in potatoes and wheat, and with these he has been very successful. In the spring of I898 Mr. Fuller erected his beautiful and commodious residence, which is modern in style and consists of twelve rooms, besides halls and attic; it is finished in hard wood and surrounded with tasty verandas. The parlor is finished in white oak and the other rooms in black ash, and the doors throughout are of the new paneled style. A furnace supplies hot air and the furniture is rich and elegant, making the home attractive to the children and a pleasant visiting place to many warm friends, who always find a welcome. In politics Mr. Fuller is a stanch republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Rutherford B. Hayes. He has filled the office of school treasurer for three years, and he and wife favor the employment of the best teachers for their district that can be had for the money devoted to that purpose. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller are members of the Baptist church at Spencer Mills, in which Mrs. Fuller is a teacher in the Sunday-school, and to. the support of which they contribute liberally, as well as to the promotion of all projects for the improvement of the township, or for the good of the general public. They are classed with the best people of Spencer township, and their many merits certainly entitle them to their high standing in the esteem of the community in which they have so long lived. l ENJAMIN L. FULTON, justice of the peace in Caledonia township, Kent county, Mich., and a gallant ex-soldier of the Civil war, was born in, Massillon, Ohio, February I8, i8i8, and is of Irish parentage, his father, William Fulton, having come from the Emerald isle at the early age of seven years. B. L. Fulton, the eldest of a family of ten children, passed the later years of his boyhood in Richland county, Ohio, and at his majority went to'Ashland county, where he lived until February, I856, when he went to California and engaged in mining for six years, and while there served for awhile as justice of the peace, as he had already done in the state of Ohio. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 697 In I862 he returned to the east, and in I863 enlisted in Ashland county, Ohio, in the One Hundred and Ninety-seventh Ohio volunteer infantry and saw service in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania. For gallantry in face of the enemy and meritorious conduct he was promoted from private to sergeant, and at the close of the war was honorably discharged under general orders. In politics Mr. Fulton was a democrat until the breaking out of the war, when the revolt of the people of the south caused him to change his party allegiance, and he became a stanch republican. About 1884 he came to Michigan and settled on his farm near Alaska, Kent county, on the Thornapple river. Here he is serving his twelfth year as justice of the peace in Michigan, making seventeen years' service in that office, and it may well be believed that he thoroughly understands the duties of this responsible office. He is also a member of the Charles Brown post, G. A. R., at Alaska, has been very active and much interested in its welfare, and for six years has been an officer of the order. Mr. Fulton first married Permelia Phelps, who bore him six children, one of whom, Willie B., was well known as a successful teacher in Kent county for five years in the high school of Caledonia, but is now a lumber dealer in Indiana. For his second helpmate Mr. Fulton chose Amine Frisbrie, of Williams county, Ohio, and to this union have been.born two children, viz: Varion P., living in Grand Rapids, and who was a soldier in the Spanish war, and Ora, a teacher and a young lady of more than ordinary natural ability, sweetness of disposition and strength of character, and still making her home with her parents. Mr. Fulton is a gentleman of sound integrity, whose well-rounded life has gained him the esteem of the general public and many warm friends, and his war services have not been passed unrecognized by his country, which has granted him a pension. EROY FULLER, of Oakfield township, Kent county, Mich.-During the pioneer epoch in the history of Michigan, the Fuller family was founded within its borders and its representatives have since figured prominently in promoting its development and substantial improvement. Leroy Fuller was born on the last day of March, 1853, and is fourth in a family of twelve children, born to Edward S. and Dorinda (Vanderwater) Fuller. Educated in the common schools and reared to agricultural pursuits, after a thorough course of preparation he took up veterinary surgery as a profession and has practiced the same in connection with the operation of a large farm for the last seven years. Affable in manner and genial in nature, he has been successful in his chosen calling and has engaged in it with much pleasure as well as profit. On December 25, I877, Mr. Fuller was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Lettie Ziegenfuss. They have two children: Earnest E. and Flossie D. The former is a student in the eighth grade of the common schools. lie is a thorough scholar, has a mechanical turn of mind and aids his father in the operation of the farm. The latter is a sweet-tempered little girl, the pride and joy of the home circle. Mrs. Fuller was born in Oakfield, January 4, I859, and is a daughter of Thomas and Hannah (Fogle) Ziegenfuss. She was liberally educated in Greenville high school and became a teacher in one of the Oakfield schools. Mrs. Fuller is a lady of pleasant address and her manner of entertainment is most pleasing alike to friend and stranger. She also merits com 698 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I mendation as a faithful helpmate to her husband in all the struggles of life. When Leroy Fuller and his wife began their energetic career they had little of this world's goods. He had but forty acres of land, and, though burdened with a debt of about $700, he nevertheless went still deeper in debt; his farm was mortgaged and his home fast slipping from his grasp, his accumulated indebtedness amounting at this time to nearly $i,Ioo. At this critical period in his career he was attacked by severe illness, which also was a cause to the increase of his debt. Upon his recovery he again resumed work, and shortly afterward was able to purchase a fortyacre farm in Courtland township, paying only in part. He then began raising potatoes for a livelihood, and soon sold about $I,200 worth of the product. With this money he paid off his indebtedness and has since been steadily increasing their property until they now own three farms lying in Oakfield and Courtland, amounting to 250 acres, two of which he operates. Each has its inprovements. He has continued to grow potatoes, depending considerably upon that crop, which proves very satisfactory. Mr. Fuller, as has been said, started in life comparatively poor, and now is a land owner and successful in his veterinary profession, with a large and steadily increasing business. He is modern and practical, and is always well informed on the latest scientific principles of the veterinary science. He is a republican in his political views, and while he has never sought the emoluments of public office, he is a stanch adherent to the party principles and is ever informed on the issues of the day. In all business transactions he has manifested scrupulous integrity and gentlemanly demeanor, and by his unassuming and pleasant manner he has gained many friends. By reason of his success, his good character, his just and liberal life, and the esteem which he enjoys, Mr. Fuller might be known without invidious distinction as one of the honored and prominent citizens of Oakfield. He is a liberal donor to all benevolences and enterprises calculated for the public good, and is fraternally an esteemed member of the Greenville lodge, No. 96, F. & A. M. Both he and wife are members of Venus chapter, No. I07, order of the Eastern Star, at Grattan. Mr. Fuller's home is most pleasantly located, with a view of the surrounding country, and being supplied with commodious and imposing barns and other suitable farm accessories to a very desirable country residence. His hospitality is extended to all. HOMAS W. GIBBS.-Among the farmers of Alpine township, Kent county, Mich., who have been successful from a pecuniary standpoint in the conduct of their affairs, and are liberal, generous and high-minded gentlemen, about whom correct living has gathered a large circle of friends and well wishers, may be mentioned the name of this subject. Mr. Gibbs is a native of Ottawa county, Mich., and was born December 8, 1848, being the fifth child of Charles T. and Hannah (Walsh) Gibbs. His father was a native of Connecticnt, born June 19, 8 r5, and first came to Michigan in the year 1837, locating in Lenawee county, and remaining there but a short time, thence removing to Ottawa county, where, with the exception of one year's residence in Alpine township, he lived until his death, September 16, I889. The mother was a native of Ireland and was born December I7, I824. She came 'from Ireland to America with her mother and brothers, and it was in Ottawa county that she first met her husband AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 699 and lived until her death in October, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs were the parents of twelve children, viz: Eleanor, Margaret, and Robert, deceased; Mary, the wife of Franklin Jones, a farmer of Ottawa county; Thomas W.; Joseph, an agriculturist of Ottawa county; Ann M., the wife of Samuel Dell, a millhand of Muskegon; Jeremiah and William C., deceased; James A., a resident of Milwaukee; Emma J., the wife of Bass Dell, a resident of Lenox, Mich.; and Stephen Monroe, deceased. Thomas W. Gibbs left the parental home when twenty-one years of age, rented a farm in Alpine township, worked this for about thirteen years, and then purchased an estate in section No. 6, Alpine township. In I886 he sold his farm in section No. 6, and bought the one now serving as his home in section No. 17, of the same township. It contains seventy acres, devoted to general farming. He also owns and operates another farm of eighty acres, some little distance away. On February 10, I876, Mr. Gibbs was united in marriage to Miss Chloe A. Miller, a native of Cattaraugus county, N. Y., who was born October I9, 1852, being the fourth child of G. W. D. and Lucinda (Brookings) Miller. Mrs. Gibbs has brothers and sisters as follows: Charles H., a resident of Cattaraugus county, N. Y.; Lorinda, deceased; Elvira V., a resident of Cattaraugus county, N. Y.; Clarisi I., deceased; and Clark M., a resident of San Juan county, Colo. Her father was a native of Onondaga county, N. Y., born in the year I81I8, and died 4pril 27, I897. He came from New York to Michigan in 1867, locating in Alpine township, where he remained until death. Her mother was a native of Genesee county, N. Y., born in the year 1818. She came to Michigan with her husband and family and here lived until her decease, which occurred June 20, 1872. republican party and cast his initiatory presidential vote for U. S. Grant. He has served the people of Alpine as highway commissioner, and socially, he is a member of the F. & A. M. lodge at Lisbon, Mich., and of the Alpine grange; and is a liberal donor to all worthy benevolences. Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs have no children. ON. G. CHASE GODWIN, late of Wyoming township, Kent county, Mich., was born April I8, 1840, read law with Judge John T. Holmes and John W. Champlin, was admitted to the bar in 1863, and entered upon a highly successful law practice. He was city recorder four years, several years city attorney, and was prominetly mentioned for congress. He was made United States district attorney by President Cleveland. He filled every place he occupied with honor to himself and satisfaction to all. He was prompt and faithful in all his business relations and obligations; a lawyer of tireless energy and quick action; of ready tact in the trial of cases,. and of remarkable judgment in perceiving the right of clients and in selecting the means by which these rights might be enforced or defended. He was a lawyer pre-eminent as a practitioner, and in the legal forum his masterly knowledge of the great fundamental principles of law, combined with his instant command of an army of ready resources, made him an antagonist to be respected by all. He stood in the front rank of the Kent county bar for twenty-five years, and he successfully handled many of the most important cases that have ever been tried in western Michigan. This brilliant man was called away in the midst of his usefulness at the age of fifty years. His wife was Cornelia, daughter of Nelson Chambers, of Allegan county. Mr. Gibbs, politically, is a supporter of the I 700 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS DWARD CAMPAU, an early pioneer of Caledonia township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Detroit May 9, 1825, a son of Francis E. and Monique (Moran) Campau, and a descendant of Marquis Jacques, an associate with LaMotte Cadillac and others in the founding of Detroit. At the age of five years he was taken to Grosse Pointe, on lake St. Clair, where he remained until his mother's death, in 1838. Soon afterward, Edward came to Grand Rapids to live with his aunt Supernaut, and his uncle, Louis Moran, and here attended school that winter (I838), the only English school he ever attended. In I842, in company with his cousin, Antoine Campau, Edward began trading among the Grand river Indians, and passed some months in this traffic. He then worked as a chore-boy for Canton Smith and wife in a hotel that stood where the Morton house is now located. He next drove stage, at $o0 and $I2 per month, between Grand Rapids and Battle Creek, his first vehicle being.an ordinary open two-horse wagon, but later he secured a more pretentious outfit with spring seats; but it was some years before a covered stage-coach was seen on the road. He continued in this capacity, under William H. Withey, until the opening of the plank road to Kalamazoo, on which he drove the first coach to enter Grand Rapids over this road when but a few miles were completed, by crossing to it from the old road at Cascade to Burton avenue, N. L. Avery being one of the passengers. The first stage was from Grand Rapids to Whitneyville, via Ada, from Whitneyville to Yankee Springs, and to Gull Corner, now Richland, then to Battle Creek; starting from Grand Rapids at 4 A. M. it reached Battle Creek at 9 P. M. He was always temperate, resisted all temptation in companionship, never drank in inclement weather or when exhausted, and so won the entire confidence of his employers, who felt they could trust to him even in the most harzardous circumstances; but his wife dissauded him from accepting a position as driver on the plank road and urged him to purchase a farm, and in compliance with her wishes he bought a tract in section No. II, Caledonia township, in I855, and settled down to agriculture. Mr. Campau was united in marriage at Middleville, Barry county, February 5, 1846, with Miss Phebe, daughter of William and Mary C. (Goodwin) Lewis, natives of Oneida county, N. Y.; she was born in Genesee county, July 12, 1828. This marriage has been blessed with one child, Frank E., now a successful merchant at Alaska, Mich. The parents of Mrs. Phebe Campau came to Michigan in I886, located at Yankee Springs, started the first tavern in the place, and there passed the remainder of their days, and were highly respected, as fully appears in a biographical record of them in the History of Barry county. Mrs. Campau is a lady of an amiable disposition but of strong character and impressive appearance, and of a quick and mature intellect. Among the recollections of her girlhood is that of an Indian court held at Middleville in the fall of I84o —the last held there. A Chippewa had stabbed an Ottawa in or after a quarrel, for which a week later he was placed on trial. Nau-qui-ge-shik (Noonday), the Ottawa chief, sat by a fire, under a bower about I5X20 feet in dimensions, with a fire on each side, where sat the counselors for plaintiff and defendant. Poga-neb-a-no, a tall dark Indian, of great intelligence, appeared for the prosecution, and the equally renowned Paw-paw-me for the defense. The result was that the defendant, the Chippewa, was ordered to compensate the widow of the Ottawa with his pony and a cer : " s I EDWARD CAMFAW. rI AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 703 _ _ tain numberof hisblankets, and after being thus ' cleaned out," he was banished. Soon after the trial, Edward Campau and James Moran, his cousin, and later chief of police at Grand Rapids, visited the scene of the trial, and now endorse this description. The trial had been attended by many Indians of both tribes, who had been gathering for several days, to the alarm of the settlers. At the fiftieth, or golden, anniversary of their wedding, the Whitneyville grange, of which Mr. and Mrs. Campau had been members for twenty-five years, honored the venerable couple with an open reception or sociable to which about 200 of their old friends and neighbors were invited, including a maiden sister of Mrs. Campau, Miss Hattie Lewis, who was present at the marriage ceremony. This was the first entertainment of the kind ever given by the grange, and it took advantage of the occasion to make Mr. and Mrs. Campau a handsome present. Mr. Campau is president of the Thornapple Valley Pioneer society, which was organized in time to secure as members all the early settlers of the Thornapple valley excepting Israel Kent, the first to locate in Caledonia township. Mr. Campau, in selecting his present farm, secured a part of the old trail that entered Grand Rapids. He has kept a few acres in their original condition, and some of the same trees under which he drove stage sixty years ago are still standing. The trail itself is plainly visible where the earth is worn below the surrounding surface. It is the only bit left of the old trail by which all the earliest pioneers came into Grand Rapids. A large body of forest, wet much of the year, and extending from lake Michigan, came to a point at the Thornapple river, and here met the western extremity of a similar forest that broadened out toward the east, and at the meeting of these points is where the trial passed on dry land. It came from Battle Creek along the ridge west as far as Middleville, then on the east side of the Thornapple to the river's intersection with Grand river at Ada, when it turned west into Grand Rapids. On this historical trail Mr. Campau now makes his home, honored by all, far and near, and both he and wife, liberal and hospitable to the core, always kept the latch-string out as a welcome to all comers. OHN GILES.-The gentleman whose name introduces this biographical sketch was identified with the interests of Kent county for over fifty-four years and contributed to its material progress and prosperity to an extent equaled by but few of his contemporaries. One of the successful self-made men of the community in which for so many years he resided, he was a potent factor in its industrial interests, and thus was largely instrumental in promoting the general welfare. Few lives furnish so striking an example of the wise application of sound principles and safe conservatism as does his. The story of his success, while extending over a long period of time, is short and simple, containing no exciting chapters, but in it lies one of the valuable secrets of the great prosperity which it records, and his private and business life were characterized by interest and incentive, no matter how lacking in dramatic action -the record of an honorable life, consistent with itself and its possibilities in every particular. In tracing the history of John Giles, the biographer's investigations led him back through many years to one of the old ancestral estates of Ireland and to a study of one of the aristocratic families of that beautiful 704 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Emerald isle. The name has been well known for generations in county Waterford, where numerous representatives still reside, and local annals of that part of Ireland abound in frequent reference to the manner in which the Giles figured among the landed gentry. The father of the subject, Richard Giles, born in county Waterford, was once a large and prosperous farmer in the land of his nativity and a gentleman of many admirable traits of mind and heart. Leaving the old country many years ago, Richard Giles came to the United States, and, after careful investigation, concluded to make his future home in Michigan. He became a resident of the county of Kent in the year 1830, purchasing a large tract of land in what is now Grattan township, upon which he made many improvements, his farm soon becoming one of the most highly cultivated and valuable places in this section of the state. His original purchase, consisting of 320 acres, was the home of a generous and open-handed hospitality, which Mr. Giles knew well how to dispense, and here he lived in the midst of plenty, passing his declining years in the quietude which only those who have long and successfully contended with the world know how to appreciate. The death of this excellent man occurred in the year I877. His wife, whose maiden name was Anna Layne, bore him nine children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the second in order of birth. John Giles was born on the home farm in Kent county, October 6, I837, and grew to manhood amid the beautiful rural scenes of his native township, attending first the common schools and later completing his literary education in Grahd Rapids college, graduating from that institution with high honors. After remaining with his parents until reaching manhood's estate, he embarked in business for himself in Lowell, and for some time thereafter was actively identified with the commer cial interests of the town. In the spring of 1862 he became proprietor of a grocery store, but after following the same for a limited period disposed of his stock on account of failing health and went to Detroit, where later he purchased an interest in one of the largest grocery houses in the city, becoming a member of the well-known firm of McCarty, Rooney & Giles, which did an extensive wholesale business. He continued identified with the above firm for several years, completely regaining his health in the meantime, but finally in the spring of I880, sold out his interest and again located in Lowell in the grocery trade, establishing a large wholesale and retail establishment, with a stock ranging from $Io,ooo to $15,000, besides operating branch stores in various places, all of which returned him large and satisfactory profits. As a business man Mr. Giles possessed abilities of a very high order, and his reputation in commercial circles was always above the faintest tinge of reproach. His well-merited success was such as few attain, and much of the town's prosperity is directly traceable to the great interest he ever manifested in the moral and material advancement of the community. Financially, Mr. Giles was much more than ordinarily successful, seldom having met with reverses, and at the time of his death was owner of a business representing a capital in excess of $30,000, besides valuable property, real and personal, in Lowell and various parts of Kent county. Mr. Giles was reared in the Catholic faith, and never, throughout his long and busy life, was he ever known to swerve in his allegiance to the Holy Mother church. No sooner had he located in Lowell than he began inaugurating a movement for the establishment of a church in the town, and to him more than to any other individual is the present flourishing congregation indebted for its existence and continued prosperity. He contributed liber AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 705 -- ally of his means, and that not a few times, for the consummation of this cherished desire of his heart, and the success of the church in Lowell was always to him a source of intense satisfaction, and the good work it has been the means of accomplishing will stand an enduring monument to his piety and unselfish devotion. To the poor and needy the hand of this public-spirited man was ever open; no deserving applicant for assistance was ever turned unaided from his door, and his charity was never appealed to in vain by those unfortunates whom he knew to be worthy. Mr. Giles was married November 24, I86o, to Miss Maria Hefferan, daughter of Patrick and Mary (Grogan) Hefferan, the father a native of Ireland and the mother of Michigan. Patrick Hefferan was a farmer and a most esteemed citizen of Barry county, where his death occurred in the year 1850. The following are the names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Giles: George R., who assists his mother in managing the present business in Lowell, besides being identified with the produce trade of the town; Anna C., wife of E. J. Killean, a well-known business man of Grand Rapids; Frank J., connected with the mercantile house in Lowell; Helena M., known as Sister Cecelia, of the Dominican Catholic order of New York, at this time filling the position of teacher of the piano forte in Bay City; Maude A., chief stenographer in charge of the counting-room of the Grand Rapids Cycle company; Angela, who occupies a similar position with the same company in a branch office at Cleveland, Ohio; Bertha, a young lady in her teens, still under the parental roof, and Madge, who is now attending school. By reference to the foregoing mention of the family, it will readily be seen that the parents have wisely spared no reasonable pains in giving all their children the advantages of the best education obtainable. All of the daughters possess a high order of musical talent and excel as musicians. Like the father, the wife and children are devout members of the Catholic church, and have contributed much to the cause of religion in the local congregation and elsewhere. The influence set the family by the godly parents has not been without good effect, and the upright lives of the children thus far have been a credit to themselves and an honor to the household in which they were reared. Reference has already been made to,Mr. Giles' success as a business man, but it may be well in this connection to call attention to the fact that quite a number of the most substantial improvements in Lowell, in the way of business blocks and other buildings, are the product of his interest in the material progress of the place. Among these may be noted a block on the south side of the town erected early in the 'sixties, and the brick business building on the corner of Main and Broadway street, besides a fine brick residence and other buildings of various kinds, erected at a cost of over $7,000. A democrat in politics, Mr. Giles never sought nor desired the honors or emoluments of office, preferring to vote his time and energies to his many business interests. The foregoing story sets forth briefly, step by step, how a fine character was molded and the foundation laid for a career of great usefulness by one of Kent county's prosperous and representative citizens. By reason of the high esteem in which he was held in his community and the strict conformity to the ethics of business and social life, the name of Mr. Giles is enrolled among those who have won the honor and respect of their fellow-men. On the 8th day of July, I890, Mr. Giles was summoned from the scenes of the earth life, and his death was felt as a great bereavement, not only by 706 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS his family and immediate friends, but by the entire community as well. The duties of life well and faithfully performed, "May his soul rest in peace." YSANDER T. BECKWITH, a highly respected farmer residing on section No. 22, Grand Rapids township, Kent county, Mich., with his postoffice box No. 266, Grand Rapids, was born in Guilford, Chenango county, N. Y., July 31, 1830. His parents, Peter and Sylvina (Griswold) Beckwith, were both natives of New York. The parents of Peter Beckwith were Daniel and Lucy (Perkins) Beckwith, natives of Connecticut, and both lived to reach a great age, she dying in her ninety-sixth year. Peter and wife lived for a time in the city of Rochester, N. Y., also in Pennsylvania, and in 1845 came to Michigan and located in Grand Rapids, where the father worked at his trade of carpenter for three years. In 1848 he settled on a farm still owned by the family in Grand Rapids township, deep in the woods, it being heavily timbered beach and maple land. He had but few neighbors-only three or fourno road except an Indian trail, and that is what they took to reach the village. On that farm of eighty acres the father died in his ninety-first year; his wife died in her seventyninth year. They were the parents of four children, viz: Lysander T., the subject of this sketch; William, a real-estate dealer in Grand Rapids, with his office over the Giant clothing store; Cynthia, unmarried, and living at the old homestead; Henry, who was killed in the battle of Bull Run, aged about nineteen years. Lysander T. Beckwith remained on the home farm until it was well cleared up, and until he had reached his twenty-fifth year. He cleared up a forty-acre tract, and then in the spring of 1865 came to his present farm. It had but sixty acres cleared, but comprised 130 acres, and he still owns the original forty acres where he first started. On coming here Mr. Beckwith was very poor and had to work his way along. He received $48 for clearing a five-acre tract, one-half of which was brush. When it was ready to put into wheat, this tract was on the farm that he now owns. He helped cut out all the roads through the heavy timber. He saw all the varieties of pioneer life and endured many hardships. Although not noted for hunting, he has killed hundreds of deer. Mr. Beckwith filled several of the township offices, such as justice of the peace and township treasurer three terms. A democrat early in life, he has been a republican since the organization of that party, except that he was a greenbacker for a time. Although not active in politics in late years, he was formerly found in conventions, county, district and state. Mr. Beckwith married, at the age of twentyseven years, Julia A. Camburn, of Lenawee county, but she died May 14, I897, after they had happily lived together almost forty years. Mrs. Beckwith was one of sixteen children among which were one set of triplets, all girls, now living, aged sixty-nine; two pair of twins, one pair living, aged seventy-five years. Lysander T. Beckwith's family comprised four children,viz: Mary Jane, housekeeper for the wife of Thomas Bamber, who works the farm; Cynthia Sylvania, wife of Ernest Stevenson, in Grand Rapids; Julia Ann, wife of Eaton Gibbs, also of Grand Rapids, and Henry P., a member of the Grand Rapids fire department. 1 --- —--— 1 --- —----- ETER GOOZEN, deceased, was one of the most respected and prominent pioneers of Solon township, Kent county, Mich., and here passed fortytwo years of his long and useful life. He was ci)I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 709 born in Middeleburg, near the city of Rotterdam, Holland, February 26, I824, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Zeeveldt) Goozen, the former of whom was a landlord and merchant. They were the parents of two sons and six daughters, and both died in their native Holland, in the faith of the Lutheran church, universally respected in the community in which they had passed all their days. Peter Goozen bade farewell to his native land at the age of eighteen years, and after a tempestuous voyage of forty days, during a portion of which the passengers were confined in their cabins, his vessel arrived in the city of New York. From that port Mr. Goozen went to West Rush, Monroe county, N. Y., where he found work on a farm, but being ignorant of the prevailing language received only $3 per mouth for his services the first year. Mr. Goozen married at West Rush, October 13, 1854, Miss Jane Amelia Hawkins, a native of Kingston, Canada, and in I856 came to Michigan, located first in Marshall, Calhoun county, where he remained a few months only, and then came to Kent county and settled in what is now Solon township the same year. Here he purchased I20 acres of government land at $1.25 per acre, the deed to which was executed March I o, 1857, was signed by James Buchanan, president of the United States, and is now in the possession of Miss Ida Goozen, Peter's daughter. Solon township at that time had not been organized, and its territory was known as North Algoma. It was a virgin forest, and Cedar Springs consisted of a small store and a hostelry, the latter kept by Nick Shaw. The first habitation that sheltered Mr. and Mrs. Goozen on their wildwood farm was a log cabin, roofed with " shakes," which roof Mr. Goozen, who had had no experience in building, made so steep, that the settlers jocosely termed it the " lightning splitter." The fireplace in this cabin was of enormous dimensions, but logs were cheap, and the size of the fireplace saved considerable wood-chopping. From this cabin Mr. Goozen assisted in blazing the way to Cedar Springs, and later this blazed path became a highway. Mrs. Goozen had remained in Marshall until the cabin had been erected, and when she arrived neither doors nor windows had been attached to its apertures, and this lack was substituted by quilts and blankets. Indians frequently passed by this cabin, and deer, bears and other wild animals abounded on the premises, and at night often came and sniffed at the kitchen door. Mr. Goozen's agricultural implements in the early days, were of the primitive kind then in use, but he lived to introduce the most approved modern farming machinery, to erect a comfortable dwelling and to acquire a competency. Mr. Goozen was pre-eminently a publicspirited gentleman, and was largely instru mental in establishing the first school district in his neighborhood. In politics he was an ardent democrat, as to national affairs, but as to local offices he voted for the candidates he deemed the most competent to fill them. For himself, he never sought, nor would accept, public office. For a number of years just prior to his death he suffered from a chronic affliction, against which he bore up with heroic fortitude, but which ended in his demise on January 29, I899. He was a man of the soundest integrity, of unparalleled industry and open-handed charity. His loss was universally mourned as a kind friend, a devoted husband and father, and as one whose course through life offered an example well worthy of emulation by the rising generation, as he left behind a reputation unmarred by a single.blemish. Mrs. Jane Amelia Goozen, of American extraction, was reared chiefly in Coburg, Canada, and is a daughter of Robert Hawkins, a hero of the war of the American Revolution, 710 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS -- and who received, in part compensation for his services, a soldier's grant of land. She bore her husband two sons and four daughters all born in Kent county, Mich., and of these six, there are three still living, viz: Cora A., who was a teacher for a number of years in Kent county, and is now the wife of John Melanie, a dairyman of Cadillac; Ida I., who was educated in the common-schools and graduated from the Northern Business college in the class of I890, with a grade of ninetysix per, cent., and for a number of years was a successful school-teacher in Newaygo and Kent counties; she is a member of Harmony chapter, order of the Eastern Star, at Sparta, and now resides on the old homestead with her mother, for whose declining days she is the comfort and solace; Wallace W., foreman for the large lumber firm of Friant & Fuller, of Manistique, Mich., is married to Miss Lillian Collinen. Mrs. Jane Amelia Goozen is greatly beloved by the people of her neighborhood and recognized as one of the brave women who endured all the hardships of pioneer life and faithfully aided her deceased husband in developing the beautiful farm on which she now resides-not, probably, in wielding the ax and turning the furrows, but by her close and assiduous care of the home and its surroundings, thus leaving Mr. Goozen free to devote his time and attention to the management of the estate. OHN E. GOUL, the most prominent business man of Sand Lake, Nelson township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of Summit county, Ohio, and was born January 23, 1857, the eldest of three children that constituted the family of John and Catherine (Keyes) Goul, and of these three one,son, Charles A., is a farmer of Allegan county, Mich.; one is deceased, and John E. is virtually the head of the family, as far as seniority of years is concerned, both parents being deceased. John Goul, the father of the subject, was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, in I826, and was a cooper by trade. He came to America at the age of twenty-one years and lived in Ohio until I858, and was there engaged in farming until his coming to Michigan in the year last mentioned. In Trowbridge, Allegan county, he purchased a farm, and on this he passed away in 1883, a member of the Lutheran church, and greatly respected as a man and a citizen. Politically he was strongly democratic, but was never an office seeker. His wife was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, was born in I824 and died in 1887, also in the faith of the Lutheran church. John E. Goul was a mere babe when brought to Michigan by his parents, and until sixteen years of age attended school in Allegan county, although much of his present advanced knowledge was gained through self inculcation. His business life was begun, at the age of nineteen, in the manufacture of lumber and shingles at Sand Lake at a time when twenty-five lumber and shingle mills were operated at or near that place, but later had some experience in conducting a general store-carrying a stock of dry goods, groceries and the various other commodities usually suited to country trade. In January,, 1876, he commenced mercantile business in Sand Lake, and this, but not altogether exclusively, has been his home. In I88I, he erected a shingle and lumber plant in Ensley township, Newaygo county, which he controlled until 1882, but did not relinquish his business interests in Sand Lake. In I889 he erected in this town his present mill for the manufacture of lumber and shingles. He handled the product of other mills as well as his own, and from 1875 to 1880 AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 711 I assisted materially in clearing up this section. In the spring of I891 he manifested another degree of enterprise by forming a partnership with James H. Brayman in the grain and feed business and the erection of a grain elevator at the cost of $2,500. From this elevator grain and feed are shipped north and to points in the extreme east, and although the firm commenced with handling ten or eleven cars per annum only, it now handles at least Ioo cars. This elevator is the best on the G. R. & I. R. R., north of the city of Grand Rapids, and the fair and square dealinig of Mr. Goul and his partner have gained for it the extensive volume of trade it is now favored with. Beside owning their elevator, Messrs. Goul & Brayman are the possessors of sixty-five acres of land just north across the boundary line between Kent and Montcalm counties, and this land is made subservient to the interests of the firm. Mr. Goul was united in marriage, October 20, I880, with Miss Georgia Crabbe, a native of Jennings county, Ind., born November 28, I86i, and a daughter of George W. and Anna L. (Weeks) Crabbe, residents of Sand Lake, the result of this marriage being one sonGeorge E. Thay also reared two girls, Lena and Iva Cullom, who remained in the family from childhood to maturity. As a democrat, Mr. Goul cast his first presidential vote for Winfield Scott Hancock in I880, and since then has been favored by his party by election to various official positions. For nine years he has served as a member of the town council of Sand Lake, and for seventeen consecutive years he has been connected with the public school board. He has also served two terms consecutively as supervisor of Nelson township (although the township gives about 200 majority for the republicans as a rule), and was chairman of that body one year. At the memorable deadlock in October, i 1899, regarding the apportionment of enumertion between city and country, Mr. Goul led the fight, and after twenty days won a victory by securing a less percentage to the township. In 1898 he was nominated for representative from the third legislative district in the state assembly, and made a very close run. Several times he has represented his party in county and state conventions, and it would be only a waste of words to further demonstrate the popularity which his genial disposition and unswerving integrity have won for him. Fraternally, he is a member of Cedar Springs lodge, F. & A. M., and but few persons in Sand Lake stand higher in the esteem of the public than John E. Goul. ASON GRAHAM. —The record of Jason Graham is that of a man who has by his own unaided efforts worked his way upward to a position of affluence. His life has been one of industry and.perseverance, and the systematic and honorable business methods which he has followed, have won him the support and confidence of many. He not only occupies a leading position among the agriculturists of Spencer township, where he makes his home, but is also prominent in political and social circles. He was born in Genesee county, N. Y., October 14, 1837, and is the third child in a family of five sons and four daughters born to Frederick and Christina (Pifer) Graham, the following of whom are still living: Jonas, a landscape gardener of Cincinnati, Ohio; Sarah A., wife of Stephen Irish, an old soldier of Spencer township; Jason; Catherine, wife of George Raub, a veteran of Greenville, Mich.; Myra, wife of James Newland, of Spencer, and Huldah, wife of Lou Moore, an agriculturist of Oakfield 712 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS township. The father, born in Pennsylvania, was educuted in the common schools and was reared a farmer. In 1872 he came to Spencer where he lived a long and active life beloved and esteemed by all. He in his politics adhered closely to the principles of the republican party, and died on October 22, I894, at the ripe old age of eighty-eight years. The mother, 'a lady characterized by an uncommon activity and cheerfulness, was also a native of Pennsylvania, and died on the 6th of February, I894, at the age of eighty-nine years, having retained her youthful activity almost to the last. The education of the subject, which was somewhat meager, was acquired through his own means. He remained with and took care of his parents until after his marriage, showing that his duty to parents was entirely fulfilled. He began working out early, and his first wages were $3 per month, which he gave to his parents. During the Civil war he responded to his country's call for volunteers and enlisted at Elmira in company G, one Hundred and Fortieth New York Zouaves. His regiment was assigned to the army of the Potomac and participated in some of the bloodiest contests of the war. He took part in one engagement when only seventeen of the entire company left the battle ground. His scene of action was in Virginia, the battle field of the war. For four months he was confined in the hospital with typhoid fever. After his illness he was detailed to bury the dead of the Fifth corps at the field hospital. He was a faithful soldier and experienced all the terrors of the war. He received his honorable discharge at New York city, and returned to his home to engage in the peaceful vocations of life. On the i6th of October, I864, in Cattaraugus county, he wedded Miss Melissa Cline, who was born and reared in New York. She has borne three sons and three daughters, viz: Cora, wife of Art Abbey, a farmer of Montcalm; Fred, educated in the common schools and residing with his parents; George, a farmer of Nelson township; Carrie, wife of John Addis, an agriculturist of Oakfield; Christina, wife of Warren StrQupe, a lumberman of Cadillac, and Frank, at home. Mr. Graham was a citizen of Kent county as early as I86I, and returned to the same after the war in I866. Here he invested all his money, amounting to about $ioo, in his father's farm. He was compelled to hard toil to earn subsistence, and his first purchase was forty acres of land near Lincoln lake, only six of which were cleared. He soon afterward sold this and bought eighty acres, which is his present estate. His first dwelling was a primitive log hut, and the farm was unimproved, but is now cleared and under a good state of cultivation. The work of clearing wild land is necessarily slow and laborious, but Mr. Graham prosecuted his labors with zeal and diligence, and bounteous harvests afterward rewarded him. His new and comfortable home now presents a wonderful contrast to the primitive forest which he settled iln. He did all in his power to promote the agricultural interests of the community, and 'to stimulate ambition and progressiveness among the farmers, and his own energetic example inspired many others. He was an entirely self-made man, and the success he achieved was attributed to his own well-directed efforts. He was very industrious, and his prompt execution of any task that devolved upon him was one of the secrets of his prosperity. Politically he is a stanch republican, and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. In addition it might be said that he is an honest, upright citizen in all its meaning, as well as a veteran of the Civil war who holds the respect of all who know him. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 718 L --- UGUSTINE GODWIN, of Wyoming township, Kent county, Mich., hails from the far-away Pine Tree state; and is a creditable representative of one of the leading New England families that found homes in Kent county during the pioneer period of its history. He was born in Gardiner, Maine, July 21, I831, a son of William R. and Caroline (Harlow) Godwin, who came to Kent county, Mich., in 1833, the parents of William R. with their family following in 1834, and settling in Grandville. Shortly after locating a farm in the new country William R. Godwin suffered the loss of nearly all of his earthly effects by fire, which destroyed, among other things, a stock of general merchandise, which he brought with him for the purpose of opening a trading post. This unfortunate occurrence served effectually to change the plans of the pioneer settler, as he soon afterward purchased land from the government, to which he moved, about I835, and' began clearing a farm in what is now Wyoming township, about two miles south of Grand Rapids. He prospered as an agriculturist, made many substantial improvements upon his purchase, and at the time of his heath, in 186I, was in possession of a comfortable competence, including a beautiful farm of I20 acres, besides other properties of various kinds. For a number of years he was proprietor of the Godwin house on the old plank road leading from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, a favorite resort of the traveling public in pioneer times, and also assisted in the construction of that highway as a contractor. He continued to accommodate such travelers as saw fit to patronize his house as long as he lived, and earned the reputation of a most popular and genial host. His name was widely and favorably known throughout a large area of territory traversed by tourists and others. He enjoyed the distinction of 37 having been the first person elected to the office of supervisor in Wyoming township, the record of the election bearing the date of I848; up to that time it had been included in Byron township. Politically he was an old-line democrat, active in the councils of his party and a leading spirit in all public enterprises. He did much to advance the material well being of the community he had assisted in founding, and to him as much as to any other man is due the prosperity which this section of the country has since attained. The family of William R. and Caroline Godwin consisted of eleven children who reached the years of maturity, namely: William Henry, who went to Kansas in an early day, and served there and in various other parts of the west as United States surveyor; Emeline, wife of William Dunham, of Grand Rapids; Delia, who became the wife of D. C. Blackburn, of the same city; Francis, who died when twenty-five years of age in Missouri; Gilman Chase, of whom a brief biography is given elsewhere; Orland, one of Kent county's public men, served two terms as county clerk, being the incumbent of that office at the time of his death, which occurred when he was forty-two years old; Charlotte married Arthur Meigs, a lumberman at Jacksonville, Fla.; Eldridge,who died at the age thirty; Lennie Caroline, who died at fourteen; Ida, who now resides in Grand Rapids, and Augustine, the immediate subject of this review, who was second in the order of birth. The best title one can establish to the high esteem of an intelligent community is a long and honorable residence therein. Such a title clearly belongs to Augustine Godwin, who for a period of over sixty-five years has been an honored citizen of Kent county, and one of the architects of its fortunes. He grew to manhood amid the stirring scenes of the early time; and, when of proper age, became his father's assistant on the farm, where he learned those ~f 714 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS lessons of manly, sturdy independence, which fitted him well to discharge the duties of a long and useful life. His early education was obtained in one of the primitive log school houses common in the western country many years ago, and when a young man he spent a season in the employ of the government as chainman, sectionizing the public land of Michigan, and also assisted in laying the base line for over 600 miles, setting up markers each half mile between the states of Kansas and Nebraska. He next joined a company of gold seekers and went to Pike's Peak, where he remained with varied changes of fourtunes for one year, but was mainly in a surveying party for the government. After spending some years in the above service, in various parts of the country, Mr. Godwin concluded to settle down to the more quiet and satisfactory pursuit of agriculture, though he has continued through life to do work as a surveyor; accordingly he returned to the old homestead in Kent county, which was a part of the original government entry, and here he has ever since resided, honored and respected by all with whom he has come in contact. He has ever been a potent factor in the community, looking well to its interests, and rearing his children to be useful members of society. A democrat in politics, he has for many years been active in the support of his party's principles, attending conventions and taking part in campaigns; notwithstanding which, he numbers among his warmest friends many whose political faith is antagonistic to his own. He has served a number of terms as township supervisor, always acquitting himself, in that capacity, with credit, and is frequently consulted by neighbors relative to matters of legal and business interests, being considered a wise and safe counselor in such aff airs. On the 4th of May, I869, Mr. Godwin and Miss Lucy Cornelia Tousey, of Livingston county, N. Y., a teacher of some years' experience, were united in the holy bonds of wedlock, a union blessed with the birth of two children: Edith Gertrude, a teacher in the Jefferson avenue school, Grand Rapids, and Grace Tousey, who is still under the parental roof. These daughters are exceptionally intelligent young ladies, both being graduates of the Grand Rapids high school. OSEPH GRAHAM.-The subject of this sketch is no longer numbered with the living. After a long and useful life, during which he nobly did his part in making the world wiser and better, he fearlessly responded to the summons which must soon or late come to all of earth's children. Mr. Graham was a native of England, born in Lincolnshire on the 20oth day of July, I828. He entered into the marriage relation December 27, 1852, with Miss Mary Robinson, who was also born in Lincolnshire, October 24, I 824. The April following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Graham came to the United States and located first in Wayne county, Mich., where for ten years he worked at his trade of shoe-making. In I855, in partnership with his brother, he purchased I6o acres of land in the townshipof Lowell, Kent county, and immediately went to work to make a home by erecting a small log cabin, which answered the purpose of shelter until a more comfortable structure could be built. In connection with the labor necessary to clear and fit the land for cultivation he worked at his trade, and later with his brother engaged in the boot and shoe business in the town of Lowell. He was thus engaged for about fifteen years, living the meanwhile on the farm, the whole of which he AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 715.. afterwards purchased. He improved the place greatly, erected a substantial residence, and in time became one of the most prosperous business men and successful agriculturists of the township. Mr. Graham was a gentleman of strong powers of mind, and he always took an active interest in public matters, especially those having a direct bearing upon the internal improvement of the township and county. For a period of eight years he filled the office of justice of the peace, and was also called to the important office of drainage commissioner, the duties of which he discharged in a highly satisfactory manner. He gave loyal and unswerving support to the democratic party, and was ever ready to express well formed opinions relative to questions of public policy. Reared in the Church of England, he never affiliated with any religious body after coming to this country. Liberal in all the term implies, he never intruded his opinions upon others,but was never known to shrink from a controversy, in which the tenets of any religious faith was the subject of discussion. As a neighbor, no one was more popular, and he endeared himself to a large circle of friends by always exemplifying the principle of the Golden Rule in his daily walk and conversation. For many years she was a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, and at the time of his death was probably the oldest member of the craft in Lowell. Mr. Graham died as he lived, an honest, upright man, possessing in full measure the confidence and respect of his fellow-citizens, and his death, which occurred on the 27th of May, 1890, was not only a sad bereavement to his immediate family but a great loss to the community as well. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Graham consisted of the following children: Thomas Robert; William Henry; Frances Catherine, wife of David Wilson; Sarah Ellen, wife of Stephen Wallace; Joseph J., and Mary A., who died in infancy. Besides the above there is an adopted daughter, Effie May, taken into the family at the age of fourteen and now the wife of Joseph Easterby. OSEPH JOHN SIGEL GRAHAM, son of Joseph Graham, deceased, and one of the representative agriculturists and stock raisers of Kent county, was born on the farm where he still lives, September 30, 1862. Reared amid the scenes of farm life, he early learned the lessons of industry and thrift which have conduced to his financial success, and in the public schools he obtained a practical education. He. voluntarily chose the noble vocation of a tiller of the soil, and in its prosecution he has met with success most encouraging, having been for a number of years classed with the most intelligent and progressive men of the township of Lowell. As a farmer he believes in the dignity of honest labor, and as a citizen keeps fully abreast of the times in all matters having for their object the moral and material advancement of the community. In connection with general farming Mr. Graham is largely interested in breeding and raising fine stock, making a specialty of cattle, of which he has a large and valuable herd of the noted Galloway breed. Mr. Graham was happily married July I8, 1885, to Miss Lillie Murphy, daughter of William H. Murphy. She is a native of Shreveport, La., was born December 26, I869, and was educated in the Montcalm convent at New Orleans, and is the mother of the following children: Stella E., Joseph William, Stanly Proctor, Ernest Giles, Earl Sigel, William Murphy and Fannie Irene. 716 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Mr. Graham has operated the old family homestead ever since his sixteenth year. Like his father, he is a democrat, but by no means an aggressive politician. In every relation of life he reflects the virtues of a sterling ancestry, and few men of the township are more widely and favorably known. OBERT W. GRAHAM.-The enterprising town of Lowell has had its full quota of successful business men, prominent among whom was the gentleman named above as the subject proper of this biographical sketch. Mr. Graham was a native son of England and dated his birth from the 20th day of July, 1828. He passed his youthful years amid the delightful scenes of his native isle, and being early deprived of his parents, both dying while he was still an infant, was reared by a friend of the family, one William Proctor, who gave his young protege a good common-school education and afterward apprenticed him to learn the mason's trade. At the age of twenty-one years young Graham bade farewell to England, and like thousands of other young men turned his face towards the hospitable shores of the new world, thinking to better his condition in a land that teemed with so many opportunities which his native land did not contain. He landed in New York city.in i85o, came to Michigan, and located not far from the Detroit, where for some time he worked at his chosen calling. In 1854 he selected Lowell as his future home, and for some time thereafter followed agricultural pursuits, but purchased one year later I60 acres of valuable land within a short distance of the town limits. This farm represented the carefully hoarded earnings of a number of years' faithful labor, and the improvements he put thereon I soon made it one of the finest homesteads in the community. Up to the year 1862 Mr. Graham carried on farming as his principal business, working in the meantime at his trade in Grand Rapids and elsewhere, acquired as the years went by a comfortable competence and became one of the well-to-do men of the county. In I863 he embarked in the mercantile business in Lowell, engaged in the boot and shoe trade with a Mr. White under the firm name of White & Graham; the partnership thus constituted continued until the close of the late Civil war. Owing to the illness of his associate, who eventually retired from the business, the firn name was changed to that of Graham & Graham, a brother of the subject purchasing an interest and continuing identified therewith for several years. In the year I869 Mr. Graham built the Graham' block on Main street, at an outlay of $6,ooo, did the mason work with his own hands, and exercised personal supervision over the entire structure. Later he built an addition to the block at a cost of about $3,000, and in many other ways contributed to the material prosperity of the town, beside earning the title of its leading business man in the line of mercantile trade. Finding it somewhat difficult to give personal attention to his large business interests and at the same time look properly after his landed estate, Mr. Graham finally disposed of his original I6o-acre tract and purchased eighty acres adjoining the corporate limits of Lowell, which, like the former, he greatly improved, enhancing its value considerably thereby. No sooner had Mr. Graham become a resident of Lowell than he at once began taking an active interest in the town's welfare, and in due time he was elected a member of the council, in which body he was largely instrumental in bringing about much valuable municipal legis AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 717 I lation. He served in this capacity two terms, was twice elected to the office of justice of the peace, and for a period of twenty-three years was a director of the school board of Lowell. Mr. Graham was twice married the first time on the I8th of September, I863, to Miss Emma Post, daughter of Joseph C. Post, of Kansas City, the issue of which union was three children, viz: Herbert E., Myrtis and Ernst R.; the last named is at this time one of the best-known architects of the northwest, with an office in the city of Chicago. He was assistant architect during the construction of the World's Fair buildings, having had personal charge of the main building, and is now one of the firm of D. H. Burnham, of Chicago, who are among the most skillful architects in the United States. Mrs. Graham departed this life September IS, 1873, and on the 20th of September following Mr. Graham entered into the marriage relation with Mrs. Elizabeth Shaw, widow of the late E. P. Shaw a union blessed with the birth of one child, Frank A. Graham. Mr. Graham was reared in the Episcopal faith and was always a friend of the religious and moral as well as the material upbuilding of the community. Politically he was for many years a firm believer in the principles of what was formerly the greenback party, but later voted the democratic ticket in national and state contests, and was independent in matters purely local. Fraternally he was a Mason. Mrs. Graham, a woman of most exemplary life, is a member of the Congregational church and an active worker in the various societies of the local congregation to which she belongs. As already stated, Mr. Graham was one of the substantial men of Lowell, always interested in everything pertaining to its welfare, its progress and upbuilding, and was widely known as a public-spirited and loyal citizen of his adopted country. By reason of his wellspent life he furnished many examples of industry, fidelity and integrity that could with profit be imitated by the coming generation. August 7, I899, this good man departed this life, and his remains were interred in the Lowell cemetery. LINT GREEN, a progressive young farmer of Grattan, Kent county, Mich., is a native of the town and was born December I6, 1862, the fifth of the six children that blessed the marriage of Henry and.Mary A. (Demorest) Green and of these six there are four still living, viz: Henry Wright in the monument trade in Grand Rapids, and the father of two children-one daughter being cashier at Maybury's department store in that city; Ada is the wife of Frank Bowman, treasurer of Oakfield township, and whose biography may be found on another page; Clint, whose name opens this paragraph; and Gertie, who graduated from the Lowell high school and is now the wife of George Stevens, at Towner, N. Dak. Henry Green, the father, was born in Williamstown, Berkshire county, Mass., March I, 1820, was eight years of age when his father, Jacob, died, and he then went to live with his grandfather, Henry Green, at Williamstown. At the age of fourteen years he was taken to Genesee county, N. Y., by this relative, but soon afterward came alone to Michigan to join his brother Hosea, who lived near Ann Arbor. Hosea at once sent Henry back to bring his mother and three younger children to this state, but the responsibility of caring for these fell upon himself. He was full of activity and energy and when seventeen years old had purchased forty acres of wild oak openings in Livingston county, with no dwelling; but he erected a cabin and cleared up the 718 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS -- land for the mother and children, and left them in fair circumstances, to seek more profitable employment. He had but a limited education and no capital save a woodman's ax and a good supply of Yankee firmness of character. He finally engaged himself to a miller for four years, learned that trade and next worked as a farm-hand for a considerable length of time. In 1843 Mr. Green came on foot I00 miles from Livingston county to Grattan township, Kent county, and purchased I6o acres of government land in section No. I3; he then returned to Livingston county, and in 1844 came back to Grattan township to remain. April 28, 1846, he married Miss Mary A. Demorest, who was born February 28, I828, in Prattsburg, Steuben county, N. Y., a daughter of Samuel and Ann (Clark) Demorest, who had a family of eight children-four sons and four daughters-and of these there are seven still living. Samuel Demorest was born in Montgomery county, N. Y., January I, 1796. He was reared a mechanic and farmer, was well educated, served in the war of 1812, and died in Missouri, March I9, I869. The name Demorest is of French origin, and the Madame Demorest, of silver medal contest fame, was a sister of Mrs. Green's grandmother. The Demorests are distantly related to Aneke Jans, whose heirs claim the land on which Trinity church stands, in New York city, as well as a vast amount of other property in the downtown portion of that commercial metropolis. Aneke Jans was a daughter of King Webber, who was a grandson of King William III, of England. Mrs. Green can trace her line of descent back to 1599. In I838, one year after Michigan was admitted as a state into the Union, and when Mrs. Green was but ten years of age, her parents came to Michigan with her children, and in 1844 became residents of Ionia county. Mr. and Mrs. Green began their married life in section No. 13, Grattan township, with scarcely any capital, and their home was in the first frame house erected in that township, in the fall of I845. The city of Grand Rapids was then little better than a trading post, had not a brick building, not a pavement nor a sidewalk; Monroe and Canal streets, and the ground where the grand Union depot now stands were sinks of mud, and not a bridge,crossed Grand river, and often the village was swarmed with Indians, who came to collect their annuities from the government agent. Deer, bears and wolves were frequently seen on Mr. Green's premises, and the first meeting for the organization of the township was held at the home of Converse Close, about two miles west of the homestead, and was attended by seven persons. Neither school nor church existed within the township limits, yet, notwithstanding this crude state of affairs,-pioneer life was not unpleasant. Mr. Green was kind-hearted and benevolent, was a life-long member of the Baptist church, and aided in erecting three different church edifices in Kent county. He held the implicit confidence of his fellow-citizens, and in acknowledgment of his worth, his name was placed as a director of the Kent County Mutual Insurance company, and so impartial was he in his surveys and adjustments, he was kept in office nineteen years. He died, beloved by all who knew him, October 3, 1897. Mrs. Mary A. Green, who yet survives, is a lady of remarkable clearness of understanding, is a member of the Baptist church, near the northeast corner of the township, and makes her home with her son Clint. Her father was the original owner of the land on which Greenville now stands, and Mrs. Green was the first young white woman to cross Wabasis creek. Clint Green was reared to agricultural pur AND KEN CONY UP TO DAE:719: AND KCENT COUNTY, UP TTO DATE. 719 suits, received a common-school education, and has had charge of the homestead since his majority; of this estate he has purchased the interest of the other heirs in I44 acres, and has in his possession the original deed executed to his father, dated June I, 1843, under the administration of James Knox Polk. The farm has a clay-loam soil, adapted to the cultivation of all esculents usually grown in the Michigan southern peninsula. Mr. Green married Miss Lucy A. Lawrence, December 2, 1885, and two children have come to bless their union-Lawrence H., a bright lad in the fourth grade at school, and Nelson C., who has just started in. Mrs. Lucy A. Green was born September 6, I866, in Fentonville, Mich., and is a daughter of A. H. and Lucy (Kile) Lawrence, She was reared chiefly in Oakfield township, was educated in the common schools, is a member of the grange at Grattan Center, and has been a worthy helpmate to her husband. Mr. Green is a republican, cast his first vote for Benjamin Harrison, and is a director of the public schools; he is also a member of the Grattan grange and his wife is a member of the Baptist church and interested in its Sunday-school work. They are classed among the best residents of the township, socially and morally. OHN GRISWOLD, of Spencer township, whose name is a household word in Kent county, Mich., is a leading merchant of Harvard, Kent county, although his rural home is in Spencer township. He was born in the state of New York, April 13, I857, and is the seventh of the eight children-five sons and three daughters-that constituted the family of Jabez and Eliza (Edgar) Griswold, five of whom still survive. In the biography of Scott Griswold, register of deeds for Kent county at Grand Rapids, will be found a full record of the Griswold family, to which the attention of the reader is respectfully invited. Mr. Griswold, the subject of this sketch, was reared in his native state until twelve years of age, but the major part of his education was acquired in the public schools of Kent county, Mich., his parents having come to Spencer township in I869. This being a lumber country, and the father operating a saw-mill, young John was employed in this business until twenty years old, when he married, July 4, i877, Miss Millie Johnson, to which union have been born three sons and six daughters, of whom the following named seven still survive: Grace; Ed and Edna (twins); Lee, Ethel, Gladys and Edith. Mrs. Millie Griswold was born in Pennsylvania, July 26, 1856, is a daughter of Charles and Emiline (Inman) Johnson, and was about twelve years of age when brought to Michigan by her parents, who are now deceased. She is rearing her family most carefully, and has all during her happy wedded life been a worthy and cheerful helpmate to her husband. John Griswold, like his father, who is still living at the age of eighty-two years, has done much toward developing Spencer township. In i882 he purchased eighty acres of stump land in section No. 30, and steadily devoted himself to clearing and cultivating it until 1890, when he entered into a partnership with his brothers, Edgar and Alonzo, in general merchandizing at Harvard. They carry a $3,000 stock of dry-goods, boots, shoes, groceries, and all the miscellaneous articles that usually constitute the stock of a first-class country store, and this stock is chiefly supplied from Grand Rapids, and is consequently fresh and undeteriorated, and the annual business amounts to from $15,000 to $20,000. They 720 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS also ship potatoes each season, buying many thousands of bushels each year. Mr. Griswold, in politics, prefers to vote fdr the republicans in national affairs, but in local matters votes for worthy candidates rather than for machine nominees. He cast his first presidential vote for the lamented Garfield, and is generally selected as a delegate to the party conventions. He has been a school director for thirteen years and has ever advocated the employment of the best teachers the school funds would justify. Fraternally he is a member of Cedar Springs lodge, No. 213, F. & A. M., and of Evans tent, No. 785, K. O. T. M. The Griswold family is one of the most respected in Kent county, and Mr. Griswold is himself especially esteemed for his many personal good qualities by the community in which he has lived since boyhood, and of which he is a pioneer. OBERT HARDY, deceased, was one of the most respected farmers of Ionia county, Mich., and a director in.the State bank at Lowell, Kent county, was born in Scotland September 15, 1835, was well educated in the comm6n schools of his native country, and when seventeen years of age came to the United States with his mother and sister, his father having died. Mr. Hardy landed in New York, but very shortly afterward went to Canada, where, in order to make a livelihood for his mother, sister and himself, he first worked in a saw-mill, and continued in this employment seven years. By this time he had accumulated a little money, and rented a farm near Burford, province of Ontario, and conducted it with marked success until the fall of 1863. In the year last named Mr. Hardy came to Michigan, located in the village of Campbell, I Ionia county, purchased a small farm and cultivated it two years, then sold, and bought another farm of Ioo acres in the same county. This place he improved with a handsome dwelling and substantial out-buildings, and cultivated it until the latter part of 890, when he rented it and retired to Lowell, to pass his declining years in peace and comfort. August 25, I888, Mr. Hardy delivered a most able address before the union harvest picnic held at Morrison's lake, Ionia county, and this speech was published in pamphlet form, as it was one of the ablest efforts ever made in that locality. The length of this address precludes its reproduction here, but it immortalized Mr. Hardy. He was an extraordinarily good business man, shrewd, calculating and strictly honest, and became a director in the Lowell State bank, in which he was a stockholder, and was a director at the time of his death. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity at Saranac, was a democrat in politics, and died July 22, i897, in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he had long been a faithful member. Mr. Hardy was united in the bonds of matrimony, April 2, 1862, with Miss Euphemia Russell, daughter of David M. and Betsey (Tale) Russell, natives of Scotland, and this union was blessed with four children, of whom two only survive-George E. andJennie. The deceased were named David R. and Lizzie T., the former of whom died December 29, 1893, and the latter, August 8, 1898. The surviving son, George E., is married to Miss Mary Jackson, and the surviving daughter,Jennie, is the wife of Clarence C. Taff. Mrs. Euphemia Hardy, who still lives to mourn the loss of her husband and two children, conducted with excellent discrimination the farm in Ionia county until quite recently, when she disposed of it by sale; she resides in a cozy little dwelling in Lowell, where she is ~ ~~" K, ~> 4~4Wtv ~ N i 'I I z r i _-i-i:-J j:::::;:::;: ".;6- Mr:s~ k~-:::~a~jn:::: a ~~~i~~~il::;i- '""d 0C AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 723 I passing her declining years in comfort, honored and beloved by a large circle of sincere friends and surviving children. ERRITT C. GRISWOLD, cashier of the Lowell State bank, Lowell, I Kent county, Mich., is a native of Guilford, New Haven county, Conn., was born February 23, 1859, and is the eldest of four children that graced the union of Thomas and Sophia F. (Bishop) Griswold, the remaining three being Allen B., Mary B. and Harry F. Thomas Griswold was born in Guilford, May o1, 1832, and descends from ante-Revolutionary ancestors. The Griswold family is of English origin, three brothers of the name having come to America with the first Puritan colony. Thomas was educated in the common schools of his native town, and by profession was a sailor and commander of vessels in the coasting trade. His wife, also of colonial Puritan descent, was born in Guilford, Conn., May 13, I835. Her father was likewise in early life a follower of the sea and traded with the West India islands. The names of both the Griswolds and Bishops figured conspicuously in the early history of Connecticut, and the names are still conspicuous in many parts of the Union. Merritt C. Griswold attended the common schools of his native town of Guilford until fourteen years of age, then bade his parents farewell and shipped on board a merchantman bound for Porto Rico, and continued in the West India and South American trade about six years. He then came to Michigan and entered the employ of the Griswold Lumber Co., with which he acquired by practical experience a thorough knowledge of the lumber business from the stump to market. He later engaged in the lumber, hardware, and implement business at Middleville, Barry county, Mich., continuing these lines for several years, and until he sold out to accept a position as cashier in the banking house of Bowne & Combs, at Middleville, in which position he remained until October I, I888, when he resigned this position in order to open a banking office for Bowne, Combs.& Striker, at Lowell, of which he was the cashier and manager until February, I89r, when they became incorporated, under the general banking laws of the state, under the present title of the Lowell State bank, they being the first bank in Kent county, outside of the city of Grand Rapids, to incorporate under the state banking law, Mr. Griswold continuing as cashier the same as before. He operted a field of operations in Lowell which he has continued to broaden, and the result is most flattering to his business ability. His record as a financier shows him to be strictly conservative in his methods, leading to the indubitable success of his bank and other business enterprises. In politics Mr. Griswold is a republican and cast his first presidential vote for James A. Garfield. Fraternally he is a member of Lowell lodge, No. 90, F. & A. M., and Hooker chapter, No. 73, R. A. M., both of Lowell; of De Molai commandery, No. 5, K. T., of Grand Rapids; of Saladin temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.,of the same city, and of Cyclamen chapter, No. 94, 0. E. S., of Lowell. Mr. Griswold is happily united in marriage with Miss Jennie A. Combs, daughter of Russell E. and Mary (Lynch) Combs. Mrs. Griswold, before marriage, was cashier of the banking house of Bowne & Combs, and is a lady well fitted for her high social position. She is a past grand matron of the order of the Eastern Star in the state of Michigan, and is a member of the board of control of the Michigan Masonic home at Grand Rapids. 724 7ITHE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS In all his business transactions Mr. Griswold has been strictly upright and bears-a name that has never been impeached. His enterprise and energy in carrying out his various undertakings have invariably been crowned with gratifying success, and he now stands in the front rank of the business men and financiers of western Michigan. HE LOWELL STATE BANK was incorporated under the laws of the state of Michigan in February, I89I, with a capital stock of $25,000, succeeding the banking house of Bowne, Combs & Striker, it being the first bank in Kent county (outside the city of Grand Rapids) to incorporate under the general banking laws of the state. Under the provisions of its charter from the state, it conducts both commercial and savings departments. Its present officers are: Francis King, president; Charles McCarty, vice-president; M. C. Griswold, cashier. Its board of directors are: Francis King, Charles McCarty, Frank T. King, George W. Parker, C. Bergin, George H. Force, E. L. Bennett and M. C. Griswold. The bank is one of the strong financial institutions of Kent county, and enjoys the confidence of the community. YRES M. GROSVENOR, one of the best known gentlemen and respected agriculturists of Nelson township, Kent county, and an ex-soldier of the Civil war, is a native of Jackson county, Mich., was born July 3, 842, and is the eldest of the four children that have blessed the marriage of George W. and Caroline (Dumbleton) Grosvenor, the other three being Mary. J., wife of T. I. Phelps, the popular landlord of the Hotel Phelps, at Greenville, Montcalm county, Mich.; Maria A., wife of Anson Gallup, a farner of Wahpeton, N. Dak., and Harriet Z., wife of Benjamin Lansing, a farmer of Jackson county, Mich. George W. Grosvenor was born in Massachusetts, was of English descent, and was reared to agriculturial pursuits; he came to Jackson county with his wife, who was also a native of Massachusetts, and here he died November 26, 1852, a member of the Presbyterian church and in politics a whig. Mrs. Grosvenor died December 30, I855, a member of the same church. Ayres M. Grosvenor was reared to manhood in Jackson county, was educated in a common school, was inured to the hardships of a farmer's life, and at the early age of nineteen years bravely volunteered his services in defense of the integrity of the Union. September 24, I861, at Jackson, Mich., he enlisted for three years, or during the war, in company H, First Michigan engineers and mechanics, under Capt. Marcus Grant, with Col. W. P. Ennis as commander of the regiment. This regiment was assigned to the army of the Cumberland and was at once sent to Louisville, Ky. Mr. Grosvenor first took part in the terrific battle of Perryville, Ky., in which a minie ball entered the left side of his neck, between the vertebrae and oesophagus, and came out on the opposite side, tearing clear through the neck and making a frightful hole. It had been previously agreed between him and his comrades that, should any one of them fall in battle, the others were to care for the remains and send them home for interment. The supposedly dead body of Mr. Grosvenor, on this occasion and in compliance with this agreement, was borne from the field by George W. Green and Ezra Stearns, comrades, and laid with a row of corpses beside an old building, but when the time came for their burial AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 725 the comrades were surprised, and agreeably so, by hearing a voice call "water, water." The voice was that of Mr. Grosvenor. He was immediately conveyed to the field hospital and thence to the hospital at Louisville, where he was confined for three months, and after convalescence was assigned to hospital duty, his recovery being one of the most miraculous on record. Deafness, however, was a permanent result of his injury, and this is still too painfully apparent. At the termination of his assigned duty he rejoined his regiment at Murfreesboro, Tenn., and was detailed for work on stockades, bridges, etc., at Atlanta, Ga., and received an honorable discharge October 3I, I864. He was a true soldier and endured the hardships and rigors of army life with courage and fortitude, and while in the service never sought a furlough. On returning to his home, Mr. Grosvenor resumed his vocation of farming, and December 27, i866, wedded Miss Lydia Brower, a native of Jackson county and born November IO, 1842, a daughter of Henry and Margaret (Hooker) Brower,~also natives of the Wolverine state. Henry Brower, who was a carpenter by trade, is now deceased, but his wife is still among the living. To the happy marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Grosvenor have been born six children in the following order: George WV., who received a sound education in the public schools of Sand Lake, Mich., but is now a farmer of Fairmount, N. Dak., and wedded to Miss Mary Nelson, of that town; Rose, now the wife of D. S. Seaman, a merchant of Greenville, Mich., is a lady of fine education and of excellent business qualifications; Albert G. was educated in the Sand Lake common schools and the Cedar Springs high school, married Miss Hattie Perry, and also resides in Greenville; Henry B. graduated, or received his diplona, from the Sand Lake school in the class of I893, and is now assisting on the home farm in Nelson township; Homer M. is a student in Greenville high school and will graduate with the class of I9oo, and Ralph A. attends the Sand Lake graded school, being a member of the class of I903. When Mr. and Mrs. Grosvenor came to Kent county, in I878, they were poor in this world's goods, and for two years resided on rented land. Their first purchase was eighty acres of unimproved land in Nelson township, section No. 9. They had a poor little span of horses and a wagon with no box, or body, but a board, stretched from axle to axle, served as a seat on which the children rode in a row. They had sufficient money with which to buy a plow and a few necessaries of life, and a commendable ambition and willing hearts and hands, and by laboring in accord and with a mutual object in view, they have won for themselves a farm of 200 acres of as fine land as is to be found in Nelson township, all cleared and under a fine state of cultivation, and improved with a handsome, cozy residence and substantial farm buildings-all free from debt. Industry, and frugality have been the keys which, in the hands of Mr. and Mrs. Grosvenor, have opened the doors to prosperity and wealth. In politics Mr. Grosvenor is an ardent republican and cast his first presidential vote for Adraham Lincoln in I 864. His sons who have reached their majority are also warm supporters of the same party. Mr. Grosvenor is an admirer of Michigan's illustrious statesman, Hon. William Alden Smith, and is a strong advocate of all measures that tend to elevate the standard of the community, morally and intellectually, and this is evidenced by the fact that he has given his children as high class an education as was in his power. He is a member of Jewell post, No. 62, G. A. R., at Cedar Springs, and he and family are classed with the best citizens of Nelson township. 726 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS ESLEY F. HESSLER, the popular druggist of Rockford, is a native of Kent county, was born in 1867, and has'been reared and educated in this county. At the age of fourteen he entered the drug store of W. H. Hessler, his brother, remaining two years a salesman. Here he acquired a practical knowledge of pharmacy. But wishing to master the entire secrets of the profession and have a 'standing second to none, he at the age of eighteen years matriculated in the National Institute of Pharmacy in Chicago, graduating from that well known institution in 1887. HIe then accepted a position in the wholesale and retail drug house of Prindle & Co., at Grand Rapids, remaining until February, I888. He then returned to Rockford, and bought his brother's drug store. A year later he and his brother, Henry C., formed a partnership to engage in the hardware business, under the style of the Rockford Hardware company, although he still conducted his drug store. The hardware firm existed until 1890, when Mr. Hessler retired from the firm, being sole proprietor of the drug store, and is to-day the leading druggist outside of Grand Rapids, in Kent county. April 8, I896, Mr. Hessler, like other merchants in Rockford, suffered the dire misfortune of heavy loss by a disastrous fire, which laid in ashes the heart of the town. Nothing daunted by this calamity, Phoenix-like he rose from the ashes, and soon erected the present handsome block. It is of pressed brick and compares favorably with those found in towns of much greater population. This beautiful block is 71 x 84 feet and two stories high, with French plate-glass windows, was erected in 1896-97, at a cost of $12,000. It is built after the most approved plans, modern in construction, and convenience. It comprises three commodious stores, several desirable offices, and the Hessler opera hall. Its location is on the most valuable and desirable corner commanding the two principal business streets of the town. The building is finished in hard wood, is covered with a tar and gravel roof, and the entire block is heated by three Howard hot-air furnaces, is lighted by electricity, and the sanitary arrangement is first class. The Hessler block, is fact, is the pride of the town. The beautiful opera house in the superb entertainment hall on account of its perfect acoustic properties. Its dimensions are 70x 71 feet with a I4-foot ceiling, and seating capacity of 825. The proscenium and stage are placed at such a height and angle as to give to the audience an excellent view of the stage productions. The stage proper is fitted up with five sets of scenes, which were designed and painted by the celebrated scenic artists, Messrs. Sosman & Landis,who are the leaders in the profession in the United States. This beautiful hall is also utilized as a ball and reception room, the floor being of polished hard -maple, and all other arrangements in accordance. No sooner was the block finished, than Mr. Hessler stocked the corner store with a complete and well selected line of pure drugs, paints, oils, etc., a full and complete line of proprietary medicines and all fancy articles which make up a first-class drug store. His prescription department is filled to repletion with the purest drugs and remedies used by the medical profession. In connection with his drug store, Mr. Hessler has a well-equipped oculist department with facilities for testing and fitting. He has placed in his establishment one of the best A. D. Puffer soda fountains, fully equipped; and besides, he carries the most popular grades of cigars and tobacco. His clerks are affable and genial gentlemen, and are always ready to wait upon the patrons. Mr. Hessler is largely interested in other real estate, besides the tt rI 0 AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 729 I Hessler block, and is one of the pushing business men of the village. May Io, 1892, Mr. Hessler wedded Miss Emma Stegman, a native of Kent county, and to this marriage has been born one daughter Pauline. Mrs. Hessler was reared in Kent county and educated in its public schools. Politically Mr. Hessler is a republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Benjamin Harrison; is president of the board of education and has been for six years; is also president of the village, and was chairman of the committee which put in the water works in 1896. He has also been school inspector of Algoma township three terms. He has ever identified himself with the social life of the village, and his popularity is shown somewhat by his associates selecting him to fill the positions of greatest honor. He is the worshipful master of Rockford lodge, No. 246? F. & A. M., and is king of Lovell Moore Chapter, No. 88, of Royal Arch Masons. He is a member of DeWitt Clinton consistory, S. P. R. S., at Grand Rapids. Both he and wife are members of Rockford chapter, order of the Eastern Star. No more popular, genial or social gentleman is found in Kent county. HRISTIAN C. HACHMUTH, a prosperous farmer of Walker township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Alsace, France bruary 21, 1841, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Klein) Hachmuth, natives of Bavaria. Henry Hachmuth was born in Allenbaum, February 6, I809. In 1845 he came to the United States with his family and landed in Baltimore, Md., where he remained a year, following his trade of glassblower, and established a reputation for making, the heaviest glass ever produced up to that time. He next went to Windsor, N. J., where he resided nine months, and then went to Montreal, Canada, where he lived until 1852, when he came to Michigan and located at Marshall, Calhoun county, remained there two years, and then came to the wilds of Kent county, being among the early settlers, and made his home in Alpine and Walker townships until his death. The now thrifty city of Grand Rapids then contained but-two brick buildings, and Walker township was what might be called a howling wilderness, but he lived to witness a great change take place, both in town and country, assisted in clearing up much of the latter, and passed away in March, I885. His wife was a native of the same place with himself, and died February Io, I875, aged sixty-seven years, three months and nine days. Christian C. Hachmuth began life on his own account when about twenty-one years of age by purchasing a farm in section No. 36, Alpine township, from that time forward, has that time forward has made agriculture his life occupation, and has made but one change of location, his present home being in section No. I, Walker township, which is the homestead of his father. Mr. Hachmuth married, March 24, 1867, Miss Ida C. Seyfarth, a native of Saxony, born November I9, 1836, and a daughter of Barnhardt and Martha (Gauch) Seyfarth. Mrs. Hachmuth came to this country in company with an elder sister when young, her parents having died in their native country. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Hachmuth has been. blessed with six children, born in the following order: Amanda M., at home; Henry C., a business college graduate and inventor and manufacturer of the Michigan fruit. ladder; Edward A., who died on his eighth birthday; George B., a graduate from a commercial college and now at home; Earnest William, a student at Ferris institute, and Frank A. 780 - THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS In politics Mr. Hachmuth is a supporter of the sixteen-to-one silver party, and he has served his fellow-citizens as member of.the board of review. Fraternally he is a member of Mill Creek lodge, I. O. O. F., and religiously was reared in the German Lutheran church, but latterly leans towards the spiritualistic idea. Mr. Hackmuth has proven himself to be a worthy citizen, who has led a life of sobriety, industry and frugality since his residence in the United States, and Walker township's residents may well feel gratified at his presence in their midst. He is withal generous and public-spirited, disposed at all times to aid his church or any project designed for the advancement of the interests of his township. His integrity has never been impeached, and he and family are most highly esteemed by all who know them. N\T. HALLACK, editor and proprietor of the Sparta Sentinel, of Kent county, Mich., was born in Wyoming county, N. Y., October 28, 1844, and is the second in a family of eight children — five sons and three daughters —born to William and Eliza (Spaulding) Hallack. His paternal ancestors came from England shortly after the sailing of the Mayflower, and settled about forty miles from Boston, Mass., at a point which afterward was known as Hallack's Neck. William Hallack, father of J. W. Hallack, subject of this sketch, was a native of New York, born in I815, and his father and grandfather were respectively heroes of the war of I812 and the war of the Revolution. Mrs. Eliza Hallack, mother of the subject, was of Scotch descent. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. William Hallack five still survive, and these are J. W., himself, who is now the eldest of the Jiving members of the family; Charles, a merchant, at Quincy, Branch county, Mich., and married; Frank, a farmer of Oceana county, Mich.; George, in the same county, with his post-office at Shelby,'and Alvira S. is the wife of a Mr. Adams, also a resident of Oceana county and a fruitgrower at Shelby. J. W. Hallack spent his childhood on his father's farm in Wyoming county, N. Y., and was educated primarily in the common schools. When not quite twenty years of age he came to Michigan and for a short time lived in Lapeer county, but, the Civil war being then under full sway, and he, being imbued with the patriotic ardor that had inspired his ancestors, enlisted January 4, 1864, at Almont, Lapeer county, in company E, Eighth Michigan cavalry, under Capt. Abbey and Col. Mix, as a recruit, and joined his regiment at Mount Sterling, Ky., as it was returning from the siege of Knoxville, Tenn. He was principally engaged at first in skirmishing, but participated in the campaign for the capture of Atlanta, and in the famous Stoneman raid, in which his regiment was literally cut to pieces. He had many narrow escapes with his life. On one occasion a scouting party ran into a Confederate ambush and was ordered to dismount, and just as Mr. Hallack swung himself from his horse, several bullets struck his saddle. July 4, 1864, while on the skirmish line at the right of Atlanta, Ga., a shell struck the ground at the side of Mr. Hallack, entirely lifting him off his feet and filling his eyes, nose and clothing completely with dirt and dust. He took part in the entire siege of Atlanta, and passed through without a wound, but became so reduced that he was forced to enter the hospital for temporary rest. Soon after the raid against Hood had closed, and while the Eighth cavalry was lying at Pulaski, Tenn., the joyful tidings reached AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 731 it that Lee had surrendered. The news was received with great joy, but to counteract this exultation and satisfaction, there almost immediately followed the shocking intelligence of the assassination of President Lincoln. After peace had been declared, the regiment was divided into squads and passed the summer in running down bushwhackers. It was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn., September 22, 1865, and honorably discharged at Jackson, Mich., October 6, I865. Mr. Hallack then visited his home in New York, and in I866 returned to Lapeer county, Mich., but a short time afterward entered the college at Hillsdale, Mich., where he studied five years in the literary and scientific courses. In the meantime his father had been called away, and leaving his collegiate course unfinished, Mr. Hallack went to Oceana county to locate a farm for the family, as the responsibility of the care of the family now mainly rested with him. He remained in Oceana county one year, in the ministry of the Free Will Baptist church, and in the spring of 1872 came to Sparta township, resumed his ministerial labors, and for four years had charges at Sparta and Lisbon, following which he entered upon his career as journalist, practically establishing the Sparta Sentinel. The material cost about $50, as the press was a wooden affair, made in the village of Sparta, and the type was about on a par with the press. For nearly a quarter of a century Mr. Hallack conducted the journal under such disadvantageous circumstances, but he was tenacious of purpose and had the ability to make the paper popular. He now has a Campbell oscillator press and a Gordon job press, with a IOx 15-inch platen, full fonts of newspaper and job type, and the Sentinel has assumed a metropolitan appearance, being a six-column quarto, with a weekly circulation of 800; in conjunction with the Sentinel, Mr. Hallack publishes the Casnovia News, in Muskegon county, with a circulation of 500, and as his rates for subscription and job work are quite reasonable, he has made a complete success in this line. Mr. Hallack was united in matrimony with Miss Isabella A. Martindale, at Sparta, in 1873. This lady is a native of Kent county, was born in 1855, was educated in the common schools, for one year also attended Hillsdale college, later taught school, chiefly in Kent county, and is a member of most of the ladies' clubs in Sparta. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hallack have been born five children, in the following order: Charles M., Hattie E., William M., Jasper W. and Joy Belle. Of these, Charles M. graduated from the Sparta high school, and was also a student in the State Agricultural college, at Lansing. He was one of the brave boys to enlist for the Spanish war in the Thirty-third Michigan volunteer infantry, was present at the siege of Santiago, and his was the only regiment which. lost men in this engagement. He wedded Miss Louisa J. Brown, and now has a half interest in the Sentinel, presented to him by his father. Hattie E. graduated from the Sparta high school, taught in Kentand Antrim counties, and is now married to Charles Norton, of Sparta; William M. graduated from the Sparta high school with the class of I897, and is now a student in the Agricultural college at Lansing. Jasper W. is in the tenth grade in the Sparta schools, and Joy Belle is in the seventh grade. In politics, J. W. Hallack is a stanch republican, and while "in the ranks " cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He has been selected as delegate to various county and state conventions. Education receives a hearty endorsement from Mr. Hallack; he has served six years on the school board; has been a member of the village council six or eight years, and as a writer is fear I 782 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS less and trenchant in his handling of the issues of the day. In his fraternal relations, Mr. Hallack is a member of Sparta lodge, No. 278, I. 0. 0. F., in which he has occupied all the chairs, and he is also a member of Bonner post, No. 306, G. A. R., at Casnovia, but formerly, when a member of the Sparta post, was commander at two different times. He and his wife are consistent members of the Free Will Baptist church in Sparta, of which he is a trustee, and has charge of the building fund. They are among the most highly respected residents of Sparta, and Mr. Hallack's long and arduous labors in the township and village have placed him in the foremost ranks of its citizens. EORGE HANNA, a prosperous and e greatly respected farmer of Solon township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of county Antrim, Ireland, was born near the -city of Belfast, the famous linen manufacturing city of the Emerald isle, July 12, I856, and is the elder of the two children that blessed the marriage of James and Jane (Reid) Hanna, the younger child being Margaret A., wife of Alexander Wilson, of Ontario, Canada. James Hanna was born in county Antrim July 4, I824, was reared to agriculture, and his first wife, a native of the same county, was born about 1836,, but died when George, their son, was but seventeen months old. The father next married Miss Catherine Hanna, who blessed him with with four sons and three daughters, and died in Belfast in I885, after which date he came to the United States and now makes his home with the subject of this sketch. George Hanna left his native isle at the age of eighteen years and came, via Liverpool, to the United States, landing in New York, whence he at once went to Hamilton, Canada, to join an uncle, Peter, who resided about twenty-four miles from the city of that name, and there began work on a farm. He was the possessor then of about $5 but he worked steadily for four years, saved his earnings, and in I879 came to Michigan, rented land in Kalamazoo county, on which he lived for two years, and whilst there married, March 26, 1879, Miss Mary Grant, a native of New York, by whom he. was blessed with three children, viz: James R., who has completed the eighth grade in the public school and has decided to become a farmer; Otis, now in the eighth school-grade, and Fred, who died January 6, 1897, at the age of thirteen years. Mrs. Mary Hanna was called away January 12, t89I, and for his second helpmate Mr. Hanna chose Miss Nellie Grant, of Barry county, niece of the former wife, whom he married April I I, I895. When but sixteen years of age she, soon after her aunt's death, had come into the family as housekeeper and had the care of the house and children constantly up to her marriage. This union has been graced with one daughter, Margaret, aged thirteen months. Mrs. Nellie Hanna was born in Barry county July I7, 1875, a daughter of Elijah and Mary (Derby) Grant, natives of New York state and Michigan, respectively. Mr. Hanna came from Kalamazoo to Kent county in November, I88o, and' purchased I20 acres of:aw land, from which, however, the pine had been cleared, and for this land he went in debt. His first habitation on this farm was a little log cabin, which is still standing, but in I891 he erected his present comfortable modern dwelling, and all the other improvements-barns and other outbuildings, fences, etc.-are of his own construction, indicative of his persevering industry, capable management and persistent thrift. To-day his farm is entirely free from AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 788 debt, and he stands among the most prosperous and independent agriculturists of Solon township and Kent county. In politics Mr. Hanna is a republican and cast his first presidential vote for James A. Garfield. Although he has never permitted his name to be used as a candidate for any political office, he has represented his party in several district and county conventions, and is at present a delegate to the county convention for the nomination of a candidate for supreme court judge. In religion he is a Presbyterian, while his wife is a Methodist, and both are classed among the most respected residents of the township. Their handsome residence stands six miles northwest of Cedar Springs, and is the abode of domestic happiness and a liberal hospitality. HARLES HARRIS, farmer and lumber dealer, of Bowne township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Yarmouth, England, June 15, I85o, a son of William J. and Ann Harris. The family came to the United States in I85 and spent the five succeeding years in New York, coming thence to Barry county, Mich., where the father, William J., carried on agricultural pursuits until I863. In April of that year he came to Kent county and purchased eighty acres of land in Cascade township, to which he made additions from time to time until he became the possessor of a highly improved and well appointed farm of I50 acres. Subsequently he disposed of this place and removed to the village of Alto where he is now living a retired life. The subject of this review remained with his parents until twenty years of age, when he began life for himself as an agriculturist, spending his winters in the pineries, by means:of which labor he added considerably to his 38 income. Later, in partnership with his brother, J, S. Harris, he operated for several years a machine for the removal of stumps, his field of labor being confined principally to the township of Cascade, and. the enterprise returning him fair financial profit. Mr. Harris' next move was the renting of a farm in the township of Bowne, and subsequently he purchased forty acres of land, which he afterward sold for a good figure and invested in an eighty-acre tract, one-half mile south of the town of Alto. He still owns and farms the latter place and has made thereon some very substantial improvements, including a good barn and handsome residence, supplied with many modern conveniences. About the year I882 Mr. Harris engaged in the lumber business on his farm and has since carried on the same in connection with agriculture with encouraging success. Two years after embarking in this enterprise he. leased ground of the railroad company and erected thereon the necessary buildings, and at this time carries a large stock of lumber, building material of all kinds, and farm machinery, his brother being associated with him in the business which is large and continually on the increase. The various enterprises in which Mr. Harris has engaged have proved judicious investments and his financial returns have been commensurate with the energy and thrift displayed in the several business ventures. He displays ability of no mean order, and as a business man is widely and favorably known throughout Kent and neighboring counties. Mr. Harris is a leader of the local democracy of his township, and at this time is serving as chairman of the central committee. His counsels have much weight with his political associates and he has contributed greatly to his party's success in local, state and national contests. Fraternally he is a member of the I. O. O. F., belonging to Alto lodge, 734 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS No. 425, in which at this time he holds the position of noble grand. Mr. Harris was married at the age of twenty-five to Miss Matilda Clark, who has borne him children as follows: William David, a graduate of the Grand Rapids high school and at the present time bookkeeper in his father's office; Grover, in the ninth grade of the public schools; Clara; Arthur died when five years old; Ruth and Perry. All the living ones are at home. D-HARLES E. HART, a prosperous gardener of Walker township, Kent county, was born in Barry county, Mich., March 30, 1862, and is the fourth child born to Austin and Elizabeth (Stratton) Hart. Austin Hart was born in Stillwater, Saratoga county, N. Y., in 1834, came to Michigan in 1857, and settled in Barry county. His wife is also a native of Saratoga county, N. Y., was born in 1835, and came to Michigan with her husband. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Austin Hart have been born six children, in the following order: Ella, who is the wife of Clarence Ovitt, of Middleville, Mich.; Frank, of Barry county; Thomas, of Ottawa county; Charles E., the subject of this sketch; Lillian, wife of Alva Hart, of Minnesota, and Ola, deceased. Charles E. Hart began life for himself when about twenty-one years of age by taking a contract for erecting a railroad fence at Grand Rapids, and this calling he continued to follow about eight years with the M. C. and G. R. & I. roads. He then purchased a tract of land in section No. 12, Walker township, began gardening on quite an extensive scale, and in this line he has made a decided success. He has twenty acres, 'situated just north of the city limits. February 5, I884, Charles E. Hart married Miss Anna Hufford, who was born in Ohio November 27, 1862, the youngest of three children that blessed the marriage of Silas and Esther (Miller) Hufford. Her parents came from Ohio to Michigan in I866, and first located in St. Joseph county, where they remained a short time only, then came to Kent county, and settled where Mr. Hart now lives. Here the mother died in i897, but the father is still living and in good health. Their three children were named as follows: Clara, deceased; Mary, wife of Noah Shoemaker, of St. Joseph county, Mich., and Anna, now Mrs. Charles E. Hart. Mr. and Mrs. Hart are the happy parents of two children-Freddie and Ida. In politics Mr. Hart is a supporter of the prohibition party. Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Hart are' active members of the Second street Methodist Episcopal church at Grand Rapids, and socially they stand very high in Walker township circles. * --- —--------------- ORRIS HAAS, wholesale and retail butcher, of Sparta, Kent county, Mich., is a native of Ohio, was born March 26, I859, and is ason of Robert and Catherine (Dayhoff) Haas, natives of Germany, to whose marriage four children were born. Robert Haas was a farmer by vocation, and on coming.to America followed his calling a few years in Ohio, and then came to Michigan and purchased a farm'in Ottawa county in 1859, and there passed the remainder of his life, dying in 1874, a respected citizen. His wife still survives. Morriss Haas worked on the home farm until he reached his majority, and then learned butchering, which he has continued to follow up to the present time. He does a business AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 735 of $10,000 or over, per annum, beginning in Sparta in 1886, and holding almost a monopoly of.the trade. October 13, I883, he was united in marriage with Miss Hester James, a daughter of David James, of Ohio, and although no children have blessed this union, Mr. and Mrs. Haas are rearing and properly educating Benny, a little son of Mrs. Mang, a sister of Mrs. Haas. This lady is a pious member of the Baptist church, while Mr. Hass is a Mason and an Odd Fellow..In politics he is a strong republican, is potent in the local councils of his party, but has never sought office as a reward for his devotion to its interests. As a business man he stands conspicuously among the most substantial in Sparta, and his honesty or integrity has never yet been questioned. He own's a pleasant and comfortable dwelling in the village, which he purchased the year of his arrival here, and its doors ever open to a throng of warm-hearted friends, who are always welcomed with genuine hospitality. RS. ALICE F. HAWKINS, a highly respected lady now residing in Solon township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of England, and was born in Mayfield, Sussex county, May 14, 1849, the eldest of the three children of Robert Denzel and Elizabeth (Herschell) Brown, of whom Mrs. Hawkins and Helen, a sister, alone survive, a brother having died when young. Miss Helen Brown has visited America, but is now living in Maidstone, Kent county, England, where she is teaching music, having been educated under private tutors and being an accomplished lady. Robert Denzel Brown, who was also a native of Sussex county, England, was born about I8II and died in I893. He was a gentleman of finished education, was a member of the Pharmaceutical association of Great Britian, made several trips to America, but always retained his home in England, and there died in the faith of the Established church. His wife, likewise a native of Mayfield, Sussex county, was born in I814, but was called away when Mrs. Hawkins was yet a child. Mayfield rests its historical interest upon the fact that it was the country home of Sir Thomas Gresham and was once honored by a visitation from Queen Elizabeth. Mrs. Hawkins was united in marriage, May I9, I870, in St. Peter's church, London, with Henry Hawkins, M. D., a native of Gloucestershire. In the spring of 1875, Dr. Henry Hawkins brought his family to America, sailing from Liverpool to New York. He soon after located at Detroit, Mich. He was a successful physician, surgeon and druggist, and at once established a remunerative practice in that city. In the conduct of the drug store he was ably assisted by his wife, who had been especially well tutored by her father in pharmacy, and who is to-day one of the registered pharmacists of the state of Michigan. Dr. Hawkins was not only a scientific and expert physician, but a dignified and honorable gentleman. In the full vigor of manhood and while still in active practice, he was called away by death on the 9th day of March, I890. On the I2th, his body was cremated according to his own request. He had been an earnest advocate of that disposition of the dead. He was honored by his brother professionals, bore a fine reputation as a citizen, was a devoted husband and an affectionate father. At the death of her husband, Mrs. Hawkins assumed charge of the entire estate and came to Solon township, where she lives in dignified retirement. Alice May Hawkins, the eldest child born to doctor and Mrs. Hawkins, has been edu 736 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS cated in English and German. She has taught school very successfully in Kent county. She is now deputy under Col. Sellers, postmaster at Cedar Springs; she and her mother are members of the order of the Eastern Star, and in religion both adhere to the Episcopal faith. Henry Robert Hawkins was born in England, educated in the English and German languages, and operates the home farm. His wife was Miss Myrtle E. Welton. In politics he is a republican, and fraternally is a member of Cedar Springs lodge, No. 213, F. & A. M., also of lodge No. 38I, I. O. O. F., of the same place, and he and wife are likewise members of the Eastern Star, of Cedar Springs; Iden Stewart, the second son, is also an assistant in the Cedar Springs post-office. OHN ANDREW HART, who since 1870 has been an honorable citizen of Kent county, and a well-known gentleman of Oakfield township, was born in Orleans, Ionia county, February I, 1855. He is the eldest in a family of four children born to Isaac and Samantha (Collins) Hart, all of whom are living, two, Will and Lib (Mrs. William Zellers), being residents of Montcalm county; Alice Cora, the fourth, is a widow, and resides at Durand. Isaac Hart was a native of Calhoun county, Mich., and did service in the Civil war. He was a member of the Sixth Michigan cavalry under Capt. James Kidd, and his regiment was assigned to the army of the Cumberland. Almost at the inception of his soldier career he was captured by the enemy and taken to Andersonville prison, where he suffered the horrors and torture of prison life for eleven months and nineteen days, when he died. The mother, now wife of Dwight Diefunderf, is living in Greenville, at the age of sixty-five years. John Andrew Hart's educational advantages were meager, his life having been one of constant toil. When but nine years old he began to work out to assist his mother, his father being in the army, and his ability and opportunities to earn a living being extremely limited. His mother was again married when John A. was seventeen, and he then began work for himself in lumber mills, etc., and so continued up to manhood. On December 9, I873, Mr. Hart was united in marriage to Miss Lucy WVolf, and two children, a son and a daughter, have blessed this union, namely: Earnie, who has received a good common-school education, and who is now working with his father, and Maggie, who is a professional nurse. Mrs. Hart was born on the farm where she now resides, April 4, 1854, and her full family record may be found in the life of Leon Fuller, of Spencer township. She received a common-school education and has proven herself a true and faithful wife to her husband in every emergency that has confronted them. When they started on life's highway together they possessed no cash capital, but what was better had the will and determination to do, and with confidence in each other entered upon their duties with faithful hearts and willing hands. Securing work in a shingle-mill, Mr. Hart was soon forced, on account of sicknesss, to abandon the job. In the following spring he began farming as a renter, and, had it not been for his great energy and perseverance, success would have never come to him. His first purchase was forty acres of land in Spencer township, where he lived in a little log cabin for six years, or until I891, when he bought eighty acres in Oakfield township, which is part of their present property, the homestead lying six miles west of Greenville and formerly the home of Mrs. Hart's father and family, and settled by him some AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. forty years ago. Frederick Wolf was Mrs. Hart's father, was one of the pioneer German citizens and was an honorable, high-minded man. His death occurred April 27, I8gr, as the result of an injury received a few days previous while hitching a span of spirited horses to a wagon. Sometime thereafter John A. Hart purchased the Wolf homestead and has converted it into a highly productive and remunerative property. To-day Mr. Hart is the owner of 14O acres of land, including the homestead where they live, with some of the best improvements in the township. The spring of I899 he erected one of the finest and most commodious barns in the county, with dimensions 40 x 50 x I6, with gravel roof, and stone basement nine feet deep. It is all conveniently arranged with suitable stalls for horses and cattle and ample storage capacity for potatoes, or other products. The building is well ventilated and in every respect is a model of convenience. The residence is also comfortable and convenient, and the entire estate stands free from debt or mortgage, standing as a monument to the determination, industry and economy of a most worthy couple. Politically, Mr. Hart is a republican and cast his initiatory presidential vote for Rutherford B. Hayes. Officially he is district school treasurer, and has been such for three years. In his fraternal relations he is identified with the Oakfield arbor, No. 345, Ancient Order of Gleaners. Mrs. Hart is a member of the Baptist church. IDNEY W. HASKIN, proprietor for two years of a combined grocery, bakery and meat market in the village of Ada, was born at Elkhart, Indiana, July 30, I846. He is a son of Sydney and Lenora (Mott) Haskin, who were the parents of five children. The father was by calling a farmer, first in Vermont, for he was a native of that state, whence he moved to Indiana, settling about six miles from Goshen and finally locating in Cass county, Mich., in the year 1847, where for many, years he was engaged in farming. At present he is residing at Niles, Mich. Sydney 'W. Haskin was reared on the farm in Cass county. He secured his educational discipline in the common schools of his native state, and also prepared himself for the practical duties of life by devoting his attention for some time to work at the trade of carpenter, with which he had become familiar when quite young. In I865, being then eighteen years of age, he enlisted in the Fiftieth Michigan volunteers,, which regiment was assigned to Sherman's command, and took part in the last actions of the war. At the close of the Civil war he was honorably discharged. During his career in the army he was injured in the stomach, from which wound he has ever been greatly impaired. Soon after the war he took up the trade of carpenter and builder, in which, together with farming, he has been engaged for many years. In his business he has been one of the foremost, and has contracted for the erection of many of the best buildings about Ada, where he has resided for fourteen years. On May 26, I867, Sydney W. Haskin was united in marriage to Martha F. Whiteman. To this marriage there have been born ten children, of whom eight survive. These are Nellie, wife of Joseph Lester, of Ada; Kit, wife of Albert Quay, of Ada; Mamie; Fred, who is a teacher in Kent county; Mabel, Altie, Georgie, and Vernie. The two that have died are Belle and Ella May. Fraternally Mr. Haskin is a Mason, and also a member of Ada lodge, No. 480, I. O. O. F. In these fraternities he is in good 788 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS standing and is considered a useful brother, as he is endowed with good judgment and business qualifications. As a business man he stands in the front rank and is high in the esteem of his friends. Politically he is an uncompromising adherent to the principles of the republican party. The religious association of Mr. Haskin and family is with the M. E. church, in which he is sincerly respected by each and every member. Mr. Haskin has had a commendable and industrious career, and is deserving of success and esteem. DWIN HAYWARD, the well-known young and enterprising agriculturist and miller, of Tyrone township, Kent county, is a son of Edwin and Alice (Johnson) Hayward, is a native of Muskegon county, Mich., was born July i, 1873, and is the eldest of a family of seven children, four of whom are living, viz: Mr. Hayward, of this biography; Clara, wife of John Amundson, a merchant and resident of Beloit, Wis.; Benie, an agriculturist residing in Muskegon county, and Hunter, who lives with his mother just across the road from where the subject of this sketch resides. The father, a very prominent and successful man in his day, was born in New York in I8I9 and died on the 2nd of September, 1895. He was educated in the common schools of his native state and spent most of his life as a lumberman in Michigan, to which state he came in i860, a poor man. His energy and industry, nevertheless, gained for him quite a recompense. He died on the old homestead, which he had made by his own toil. Politically he was a follower at first of the greenback party, and later in life became a democrat, in the support of which party he was very ardent. He died in the high esteem and re spect of all who knew him. The mother is a native of Michigan and is still living at the age of forty-five years. Edward Hayward, subject of this sketch, was reared in Muskegon county to agricultural pursuits, although he was by nature a mechanic. He was educated in the graded schools of Casnovia, and lived with his parents until his majority, when he commenced life with the capital he had accumulated by working his father's farm on shares. On the 5th day of June, 1895, he was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Orlop, and to this union two sons have been born: Gerald, aged three years, and Harold. Mrs. Hayward was born in Ada township, Kent county, Mich., March 27, 1872. She received her education also in the Casnovia graded schools. She was reared in Kent county and her parents are still living at Casnovia. Politically, Mr. Hayward is a free-silver democrat, and strongly endorses that policy, having cast his first presidential vote for the distinguished and brilliant young statesman, William Jennings Bryan. Mr. and Mrs. Hayward are educated people and are interested in education. They live honest and upright lives and "do as they would be done by." In I896 Mr. Hayward established the present farm and home on sections No. 30 and 3I. At this date, he, having an interest in the estate, bought out the remaining heirs and now is the owner of I20 acres of good land, ninety acres of which is tillable soil. In 1897 he built his milling plant, which is in operation the entire year. All classes of feed and corn are ground, beside the manufacture of crates and boxes for peaches and potatoes, etc. He has recently erected one of the most beautiful and attractive residences in Tyrone township. It is a two-story building, built after a modern style of architecture. - AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 789 Both stories are magnificently and artistically finished and provided with modern improvements. Both the residence and milling plant have been erected by Mr. Hayward, and furthermore are free from mortgage or debt. They stand to manifest the industry, perseverance and success of Mr. Hayward, the enterprising and highly esteemed citizen of Tyrone township. OHN HEADLEY.-Among the substantial citizens who became identified with the industrial interests of Kent county in the early 'sixties, and with the passing years aided in the development and improvement of the township of Ada, is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this biographical review. He is one of the four children born to Chalion and Elizabeth (Davenport) Headley, both natives of New Jersey. Chalion Headley was a skilled worker in iron. He followed the vocation of blacksmith for a number of years, accumulating in the meantime considerable wealth, which he judiciously invested in real estate, principally farm lands. He died in the year 1854 in Yates county, N. Y. John Headley was born in Sussex county, N. J., October 6, I822, and received a limited education in the early schools of Steuben county, N. Y., where he grew to manhood. About the beginning of the late Civil war he came to Michigan, settling first in Cascade township, and two years later removing to Ada township, where he engaged in farming and lumbering, and where he has since resided. He brought with him but limited means, which he later invested in lands, and was soon engaged in agriculture on quite an extensive scale in Ada township. During the war he became interested in lumbering for some years. He would buy timber, cut it off, and send it to the Muskegon mills. He 'continued as a contractor, cutting for others for upwards of twenty years. Some years his business assumed large proportionsas much as I2,000,000 feet per annum-and he has cut in all not much short of o00,000,ooo feet. He was one of the best-known lumbermen, and while able to attend personally to the business invariably met with financial success. In January, I896, Mr. Headley was appointed superintendent of the county poor, with an office and residence at Grand Rapids, and for a period of three years discharged his official duties to the entire satisfaction of the public. Returning to Ada at the expiration of his official term, Mr. Headley has since resided where he now lives and has borne his full share in the development of the country, materially and otherwise. He has filled the office of supervisor seven terms, a fact which attests his popularity with the people, and frequently he has been requested to accept other positions, all of which he has declined. Public spirited in the true sense of the term, Mr. Headley is entirely without ostentation, and is always foremost in support of any movement calculated to prove of public benefit, but has never aspired to leadership in matters political. He is a strong republicanin fact, a "wheel horse" of the party in Ada township, and much of its success in many campaigns is largely due to his wise counsel and active management. Mr. Headley stands high in Masonry, having taken a number of degrees, including that of Sir Knight, and for over thirty years has been identified with the order. Mr. Headley has been twice married-the first time to Miss Jane Hull, daughter of Nathaniel Hull, of New York, a union which resulted in the birth of eight children, namely: Hiram (deceased), George, Malvina D., Frank, 740 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS. Fred (also deceased), Moses and Mary, the last two being twins. Mrs. Headley died June ii, I879. The second marriage was solemnized September 20, I890, with Mrs. Marion Frazier, widow of the late Ira G. Frazier, who died in the year I88o. She was formerly Miss Marion Buttrick, daughter of Charles B. Buttrick, of New York and later of Michigan, the family removing to this state in I837 and settling in Ada township, where she was born. By her former husband Mrs. Headley is the mother of two children-Ira Grant Frazier and Charles Nelson Frazier-but the latter marriage is without issue. As already stated, Mr. Headleyis3 one of the prosperous men of Ada township, and throughout a long and useful life has been true to every duty of citizenship and foremost in every laudable enterprise. He has followed the peaceful pursuit of agriculture and the raising of live stock, and his well-directed efforts have yielded him satisfactory financial returns. As a friend, no man can be truer; as a neighbor, there never was a better, and as a citizen he deserves to be denominated an honest and straightforward gentlemen of the old school.,i EORGE HEMSLEY, one of the most respected citizens of Tyrone township, Kent county, Mich., was born near the town of Maidstone, Kent county, England, January 30, I841, and is the only living child, and the second, in order of birth, of the family of three sons and one daughter that crowned the marriage of William and Sophia (Bridger) Hemsley; the parents are now deceased, the mother having died in England. In the fall of I849, William Hemsley and his young son, George, sailed from London (about thirty-six miles distant from Maidstone), and after a not unpleasant voyage landed in New York city, although the boy was seasick the greater part of the trip. The father settled near the city of Ithaca, N. Y., where he passed the remainder of his life as a horticulturist, and died a member of the Episcopal church. George Hemsley, at the early age of fifteen years, undertook the task of earning a living for himself, and started in, as a farm laborer, in Steuben county, N. Y., at the meager pay of $8 per month, and the next year worked at the same rate, thus beginning at the foot of the hill, at the summit of which stands the temple of Fortune. His education was of the common-school type, and most of his knowledge has been acquired through self-tuition and keen observation of men and events. Mr. Hemsley lived in New York state until the winter of I864-65, when he aided in stretching the line of telegraph from Chicago, Ill., to St. Louis, on the C. & A. R. R., and in the latter year came to Tyrone township, Kent county, Mich., and worked in the sawmills at Casnovia for almost three years. In I868 he purchased eighty acres of woodland in section No. 32. He cleared ten acres of this tract and then sold, buying I20 acres in section No. 31, of which sixty acres were cleared off, and here erected a cabin in anticipation of going to housekeeping. October I8, 1869, Mr. Hemsley married Miss Lucinda Aikin at Ithaca, N. Y., and to this union have been born two children, both boys, but only one of whom is now livingGeorge Earl, who in I897, graduated from the Kent City public schools and in September, 1898, entered the Ferris Industrial school at Big Rapids, and is now a member of the F. & A. M. lodge at Sparta. Mrs. Lucinda Hemsley was born November 14, I844, the youngest of the seven children in the fanily I _ __ AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 741 of John and Deborah Ann (Hunt) Aikin, but of whom four only now survive, viz: Delilah, widow of Isaac Creamer, of Dryden, N. Y.; Joseph, a farmer of Ithaca, N.-Y., and married; Elizabeth, wife of' Philip R. Snyder, also of Dryden, and Mrs. Hemsley. John Aikin, grandfather of Mrs. Lucinda Hemsley, and a weaver of fine linen, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, married Elizabeth Jewel, July 22, I808, and died December 5, 1821. His son John, the father of Mrs. Hemsley, was born in New York September 22, 1809, received a collegiate education, and was qualified for the practice of medicine and surgery, but preferred the following of agriculture. In politics he was a Jeffersonian democrat. His wife was born in central New York April I9, i8i6, and died May I8, I877, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. When Mr. and Mrs. Hernsley began housekeeping Kent City was not known, and Casnovia contained only two stores, one tavern and a blacksmith shop, and the nearest church was seven miles distant from their cabin. They were $3,500 in debt, but they have paid off this large sum and have, beside, erected a brick residence and improved the farm with substantial farm-buildings, and so cultivated it that it is now unexcelled in appearance and intrinsic value by any farm of its dimensions in the township, and is entirely free from indebtedness. In politics Mr. Hemsley is a democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for George B. McClellan. He has himself been frequently called upon to represent his fellowtownsmen in district and county conventions, has three times been elected a member of the board of supervisors, and has also filled the office of township treasurer. He is a warm advocate of the public-school system, and believes in employing the best instructors. Fraternally he is a member of Lisbon lodge, No. 229, F. & A. M., and of Kent chapter, No. Io6, at Sparta. Mr. and Mrs. Hemsley are members of the Baptist church at Kent City, to the support of which they freely contribute, and have been instrumental financially in aiding the erection of other churches in the northwest portion of Kent county. Their handsome brick residence, erected in I882, is situated one and a quarter miles northwest of Kent City and one and three-quarter miles southeast of Casnovia, and is the abode of a genuine hospitality, which is freely extended to the numerous sincere friends who have gathered around them within the thirty-four years of their residence in Tyrone township, as well as to the occasional wayfarer, and no family in the county enjoys a larger share of the esteem of the citizens than does that of Mr. and Mrs. Hemsley. ICHARD E. HEFFRON, engaged in business on one of the principal corners in Lowell village, Kent county, Mich., is a native of Kent county, and is a son of James and Katherine (Gicles) Heffron, parents of twelve children, of whom ten still survive, as one died in infancy, unnamed, and one, Georgia, died at the age of eleven years.. The father followed the vocation of farming in his native state of Michigan for many years, and still manages his farm in a general way, but has withdrawn from active labor. Richard E. Heffron was born July 31, I868, was educated in the common schools and reared on his father's farm, on which he made his home until twenty-two years of age, when he entered the employ of Hawkins & Co., wholesale grocers, in Grand Rapids, served one year, and was then employed in the city fire department, with which he re 742 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS mained about one year. In I896 he opened his present business place in Lowell, and his affable address and accommodating disposition have secured him a liberal patronage. Mr. Heffron was united in marriage April I8, 1893, to Miss Catherine Malone, a daughter of Michael and Mary N. (Roe) Malone, of Grattan township, Kent county, and this mar-. riage has been blessed with one child, Emmett, born January 20, I894. The family are strict members of St. Mary's church, at Lowell, to the support of which they liberally contribute. In politics Mr. Heffron is an ardent democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland, but takes no very active part in politics as a general rule, although he is very popular and is one of the rising young business men of the village. Mrs. Heffron was born in Grattan township, Kent county, and she and husband were confirmed by Bishop Richter in St. Patrick's parish. Mrs. Heffron was educated in the public schools of Grattan, and at the Ferris Industrial institute at-Big Rapids, and later was a successful teacher in Kent county. Her parents, Michael and Mary N. (Roe) Malone, had a family of three sons and daughters, of whom four are still living-two in Washington, and two in Michigan. The father, now deceased, was a member of St. Patrick's parish, and aided in the erection of its beautiful church edifice. OHN G. HESSLER, an energetic and prosperous farmer as well as ex-supervisor of Grattan township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, December 28, I854, being the second of eight children born to Gottlieb and Barbara (Zimmerman) Hessler, of whom, besides the subject, the following still survive: Henry C., the well known hardware merchant I I I at Rockford; Wesley F., the popular druggist and president of the town council at the same place; George, a prosperous farmer located in Courtland township; Dr; Wm. Hessler, also of Rockford and a graduate of the Detroit Medical college; and Mary, the wife of Byron Smith, a resident of Courtland township. The Hessler parents came from Wittenberg, Germany, about 1848, and in I862 came from Ohio to Kent county, Mich., where they purchased a tract of land in Courtland township, and in Rockford occurred the death of the father in I894. He was a man very successful in life, held the highest regard of his fellow-citizens, and at his death was independently wealthy. Mother Hessler now resides with her daughter in Courtland at the age of seventy-four years. John G. Hessler was a lad of eight years when he became a resident of Kent county, near Lappenville, now known as Rockford. Here he was reared to manhood, and under some disadvantages received a practical education. Until twenty years of age he remained under the parental roof, and at his majority had the sum of $15o, which was to serve as the foundation of his life's work. His life has been one of industry and energy, devoted for the greatest part to agricultural pursuits. He married Miss Emma J. Baldwin, of Courtland township, on April 12, 1877, and two children have blessed this union-William H. F., and Lillian Maude. The former completed the tenth grade of the common schools at Grattan, and is now a student of the Ferris institute at Big Rapids. The latter was also graduated from the Grattan schools and has taken instruction in instrumenral music. Fraternally, she is a member of the Grattan grange and of the Bachelor Girls' club, an organization instituted in I898, with the object of advancing young ladies educationally and socially. Mrs. Hessler was born in Ontario county, AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 743 N. Y., September 21, 1857, and is a daughter of William and Susan (Rose) Baldwin, pioneers of Courtland township. Mr. Baldwin died October I, 1899, having survived his wife three years. Mrs. Hessler came with her parents to Kent county when ten years old, and was here educated. Mr. Hessler is one of the men who began life with comparatively nothing. For some time he rented farms in Courtland and Cannon, and later, in I885, went $1,600 in debt to purchase his present farm, his wife owning half of it. He now owns I40 acres in sections 22 and 23, of Grattan township, unburdened by debt or mortgage. The farm is well known as the late residence of Asa W. Slayton, who improved it from the wilderness. Mr. Hessler in politics is a true republican, and has been prominent in his township as an official. In I891 he was elected treasurer and re-elected in I892. Three years later he was made supervisor, and subsequently re-elected, filling the office'with honor and credit both to himself and township. Fraternally, he is a member of the following orders: Ancient Order of Gleaners, No. 173, at Grattan, the Grattan grange, and the "Good Fellowship club," at Grattan. In addition to farming, he handles fruit, wool, etc., and has about twenty-five acres of fruit on the farm. He enjoys an annual outing with gun and companions to the hunting grounds of the state, and never misses a game of base-ball. YLVESTER P. HICKS, of Lowell, is an ex-soldier of the great Rebellion, and a successful member of the Kent county bar. His parents were John H. and Jane (Winegar) Hicks, both natives of New York. They came to Michigan a number of years ago, locating on a farm near Rome, where the mother died November 30, 1879, and the father in March, I881. Sylvester P. Hicks was born and reared on a farm, attended the common schools at intervals during his minority, and for a period of nine years followed educational work, the greater part of the time as principal of the schools of Lowell. While engaged in teaching he devoted his leisure hours to a careful study of the law and also employed his vacations in adding to his legal knowledge under the direction of capable instructors. At the breaking out of the late Civil war, Mr. Hicks proffered his services to the country, enlisting in April, 186I, in company I, Second Michigan infantry, in which he served until August of the year following, when he re-enlisted in company L, Fifth Michigan volunteers. He served with the latter until honorably discharged, by reason of disability, April 22, 1863, and in August, 1864, entered the United States navy, in which he continued till the close of the war. Mr. Hicks' military and naval record was marked by service well and faithfully performed, and in all his varied experience in upholding the honor of the government his conduct was that of a patriot who offered himself a sacrifice upon the altar of duty. Mr. Hicks began the active practice of the legal profession at Lowell in I877, and since that date his business has continued to increase until he now has a large and satisfactory clientele. In addition to general practice in the courts, he is largely interested in real estate, insurance and loans, his transactions in these lines bringing him in contact with business men throughout Kent and adjoining counties, and returning a liberal income. Professionally Mr. Hicks has met with well deserved success, and socially few citizens of Lowell stand as high in public esteem. He is a local leader of the republican party, to the success of which he has in many ways contrib 744 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS uted; and any enterprise for advancing the welfare of his community is sure to enlist his interest and hearty support. He is a member of lodge No. 90, F. & A. M., Hooker chapter, No. 73, R. A. M., and De Molai commandery, No. 5, at Grand Rapids; he is also a Forester, beside being an active worker in Joseph Wilson post, No. 87, G. A. R., at Lowell. Mr. Hicks is married but has no children; his wife was formerly Miss Emma Dwight, daughter of Samuel Dwight, of Massachusetts. OHN HILL, late deputy postmaster at the Michigan Soldiers' home and an ex-soldier, whose war history is well worthy of preservation, was born in Geneseo, Livingston county, N. Y., August 13, 1843, and is a son of Joseph and Sophia Hill, natives of France. The father, a sailor, followed the ocean many years, and died in Grand Rapids, at the ripe age of ninety-four years; the mother died when the subject was a child, but the father never remarried. The family is now composed of the subject and three sisters, all the latter having been married to soldiers, and named Emily Carson, Susan Gummer (whose husband was a lieutenant) and Mary J. Warner-the last two being widows. John Hill, the subject of this sketch, came to Michigan when he was but thirteen years old, and his father came with his family some few years later. John was well educated in the common-schools and spent his early years on a farm. At the outbreak of the Civil war, in I86I, he offered his services to the government, but being a minor and his family being loth to part with him, was refused admission into the army. A year later, however, he was accepted as a member of company I, Fifth Michigan cavalry, and was assigned to the army of the Potomac. He was under Custer as brigade commander, and Kilpatrick as commander of the corps, and took part in the battle of Gettysburg-the first really large fight in which his regiment was engaged, but not the last. In the spring of 1864, a body of 500 men was selected to go on a perilous raid in the rear of the Rebel army, and instructed to burn Richmond, if possible. Mr. Hill was a member of this body, which was under the command of Col. Dahlgren, a nephew of the commodore of the same name. He was a fearless leader and well fitted to command an expedition of this character. The men were equally fearless and daring. The had several severe engagements on a forced march, covering more than a hundred miles through the enemy's country, and three days after leaving Germania Ford, on the Rapidan river, they were surrounded by a large force of Rebel cavalry at Kings and Queens Court House, Va., and of the original 500 but sixty-four remained to be captured, and of these Mr. Hill was one. Some few escaped capture, but of these few the majority had been either killed or wounded, during the preceding three days' terrible warfare. They had done incalculable damage to the enemy's cause by cutting off communication, destroying bridges, burning mills, etc. The gallant leader, Dahlgren, was killed, and his body horribly mutilated by the enraged victors. The sixty-four captured men were taken to Richmond, where they were informed that they would not be cnnsidered as prisoners of war, but as pirates or robbers. They were drawn up in line, jeered at and abused by citizens as well as soldiers, and hourly expected to be either shot or hanged. However, information had reached Federal headquarters of their plight, and the Confederates were warned that retaliation would be made, man for man, of Rebel prisoners in the hands of the Union forces, if these sixty-four men were AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 745 executed. The Confederate authorities heeded this warning, and so held their captives as prisoners of war. For nearly ten months, Mr. Hill suffered in Libby prison, the Pemberton building, and on Belle Isle, and when liberated his weight had been reduced from I80 pounds to ninety. The prisoners were infected with small-pox and were vaccinated with vitiated virus, which produced blood-poisoning, from which Mr. Hill has ever since suffered, and for this reason has been granted a pension. Mr. Hill was eventually paroled as being among those incapacitated for further active service, and of 500 men who were exchanged at the same time, I50 died on the way to the transport, which was to convey them to Annapolis, and on reaching that city they were placed in "paroled camp" until the spring of I865. Mr. Hill was then assigned to duty in the invalid corps, but objected, and was finally returned to his regiment, with which he served in the closing campaign of the war, and was with Sheridan at the battles of Five Forks, Dinwiddie court house, and Appamattox, and was honorably discharged at Fort Leavenworth, Kans., June 23, I865. On returning to Allegan, Mich., where he had enlisted, Mr. Hill engaged in farming, in I868, and followed the vocation ten years. He next was employed as a salesman of sewing machines and musical instruments at Fremont, Mich., for eleven years, and then took up his residence in Grand Rapids to enter the employ of Huntley Russell, late postmaster at the Soldiers' home. Mr. Hill now lives retired at Plainfield village. Mr. Hill has been twice married. He first wedded in 1872, Margaret McMickin, with whom he passed twenty years of happy married, life. She died in Petoskey, Mich., leaving one child, Joseph Burton, who is in the employ of C. C. Comstock, of Grand Rapids. The second marriage of Mr. Hill took place in I897 to Mrs. Catherine Blake, who was born in Victor, N. Y., and who came to Michigan eleven years since. Mr. Hill is a member of the G. A. R., and I. 0. O. F., and also of the Order of Chosen Friends. In politics he has been a life-long republican. He is greatly respected for his many personal merits, and no one who knows of his military record can fail to honor him. OWLAND S. HILL.-A native of the county in which he now resides and a son of a family whose history was identified with the state in days of earlier and simple style of living, is possessed of a fine farm in Alpine township, where he is known as a prominent agriculturist. He was born June 24, 1864, and was the first child of James and Mary Ann (Snowden) Hill. James Hill was a native of England, born on the 2Ist day of August, 1835, and when a boy of sixteen years went with a brother John to Canada. He was a mason by trade, and with his brother, John Hill, worked at the trade in Grand Rapids. About 1863 he settled on his present farm, having married the daughter of the then owner, whom he met when he plastered the new house, which is the present residence. Here he cleared up a farm from the wilds of the country and here resided until the year I895, at which date he removed to the city of Grand Rapids and is now residing at 153 Scribner St. The mother was a native of Brooklyn, N. Y., born November 29, I839, and came to Michigan with her parents, James and Ann (Pratt) Snowden, who located in Alpine township in 1842, and cleared up the farm. They both died here at sixtyfour and seventy-two, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Hill are the parents of three 746 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS - children: -Rowland S., Annie E., the wife of Pearly C. Brown, and Carrie May, who died at eighteen. Rowland S. Hill, the subject, has spent all of his life on the homestead, with the exception of the time consumed in making a tour of the west, which occurred when he was quite young. On May 9, I895, he married Miss Carrie Denison, a daughter of William H. and Mary (Ganoe) Denison, both natives of Kent county and born in the years I848 and 185I, respectively. He and his stepmother reside in Sparta. Her mother died in I894. Politically, Mr. Hill is a supporter of the democratic party, and socially he and wife are members of the Alpine grange. Mrs. Hill is very devout in her connection with the Baptist church. The farm now consists of I60 acres, about thirty acres in fruit. W HOMPSON HILL, of Plainfield township, Kent county, is a native of England, born in Lincolnshire, July 13, I823. His ancestors from remote generations were honest English yeomen, and with the exception of himself but few of his immediate family have ever visited American soil. The father of the subject of this sketch was Thomas Hill, who lived and died in Lincolnshire; and the mother, whose maiden name was Susan Thompson, also spent her life on her native heath, and now rests beside her companion in the old ancestral buryingground. At the age of thirteen, Thompson Hill left the paternal roof and began life's struggle for himself as a farm laborer, and was thus employed until his twenty-eighth year, when, thinking to better his condition in a country which held out more encouragements to a young man than did Britain, he started for the United States, and landed in New York I after an uneventful voyage of twenty-six days' duration. From that city Mr. Hill proceeded to Syracuse where he was variously employed for four years, and at the end of that time started farther west. After considerable roaming he finally reached Kent county, Mich., I855, and being pleased with the country in Gaines township, wisely concluded to make it his future home. He purchased a tract of woodland, and with nothing but an ax and his good right arm, backed by a well-formed determination to succeed, he immediately began felling the giant timber and clearing away the dense undergrowth, and within a comparatively short time had a few acres fitted for cultivation and a log dwelling erected. In March, 1874, he came to his present farm in Plainfield township, upon which he has ever since resided. The original dwelling long ago gave place to a more comfortable and commodious modern structure. He has about sixty acres in cultivation, about one-half devoted to peaches and plums. The farm lies in the heart of the choicest fruit region of Kent county, seven miles northeast of the city of Grand Rapids. On April 3, I859, Mr. Hill and Miss Elizabeth Oppeneer became husband and wife, a union resulting in the birth of eight children, all of whom have reached years of maturity and are now fighting life's battle for themselves: J. Frederick; Fanny Maria; Mary Cordelia; Phebe Adelaide, Peter V., James Ruben, Nina Susannah and Orpha Maude. ~ They lost one son, Oscar, in his third year. Mrs.. Hill is a native of Holland but was brought to the United States in early childhood, hence by long residence and habit is thoroughly Americanized. " She has been in the true sense of the term a helpmeet to her husband," sharing his joys and sorrows, encouraging him with kind words and wise counsel and now in life's decline is to enjoying with him the fruits of their long years of labor and the rest which AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 747 comes to those who have so faithfully borne their part in the long and arduous struggle. For many years Mr. Hill has been an active participant in the Patrons of Husbandry and is now a member of Peach Grove grange. In politics he is a democrat of the most orthodox type, but never permits his partisan zeal to becloud his judgment in the matter of local candidates, always supporting the man whom he considers best fitted for office. He keeps fully abreast of the times on all questions of political or public nature, and has well formed and decided opinions pertaining thereto, which he does not hesitate.to express, when occasions demand expression. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hill are religious in the larger sense of exemplifying their by daily lives the Golden Rule, but neither is identified with any church. They stand ever ready with influence and material support to further any good work, religious or otherwise, and none in the community have lived more upright and blamelese lives than have this good old couple. Possessed of ample means to render his declining years comfortable and retaining to a marked degree his faculties, mental and physical, Mr. Hill bids fair to reach a green old age, and makes the future as he has the past redound to the best interest of the community and his fellow man. ARTIN N. HINE, ex-postmaster of Lowell, Kent county, Mich., and one of its brightest business men, is a native of Delaware county, N. Y., was born November 15, I829, and a son of Demas and Sallie (Noble) Hine, who were the parents of three children. Demas Hine, father of subject, was born in Connecticut in August, 804, and was reared a farmer, and later became a physician of some eminence, and died April 25, 1872, while in practice at the town of Cannon, Kent county, Mich., where he had resided since I845. His wife, also a native of Connecticut, was born August I5, I802, and died August 28, 889. Martin N. Hine received as good an education as the common schools of his early days afforded, and assisted on the home farm until the departure of his parents for the west. He learned the carpenter's trade in New York at the age of eighteen years, and then joined his father in Michigan in I847, and here continued working at his trade-chiefly erecting buildings-for three years. In 1852 went to California, worked two years, and in 1855 settled in Lowell, followed house building until the summer of I86r, and in the fall of the same year embarked in the drug business, but sold out in I866. His next venture was in the dry-goods trade, which he conducted until appointed, in I87I, as receiver for a nursery firm which had gone into bankruptcy. While thus officiating he also served as assistant cashier of the Lowell National bank, of which he finally became the president, but this moneyed institution closed its business in 1888. He then became secretary of the Lowell Furniture company, which position he efficiently filled until I890, in the fall of which year he went to Washington territory, where he filled the position of secretary of the Aberdeen Electric Light company and assistant cashier of the Aberdeen bank. In the latter part of I892 he returned to Lowell, was appointed cashier and general bookkeeper of the Sault de Ste Marie mill, and ably filled that double position until the fall of I894, when he was appointed as a democrat to the position of postmaster of Lowell, the duties of which office he assumed January I, 1895. Mr. Hine was first united in marriage, in I855, with Miss Lucy J. Tilden, and to this union were born three children-George T., 748 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I- ---— Frank W. and Nellie J. Mrs. Lucy J. (Tilden) Hine passed away August I8, I88I, and February 28, I883, Mr. Hine married Miss Rozetta A. Coleman, but this marriage has not been blessed with issue. Mrs. Hine, a most estimable lady, is a devout member of the Congregational church, while Mr. Hine is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Good Templars. Mr. Hine, it will readily be perceived, has been one of the most progressive and energetic of men, and the many positions of trust, responsibility, honor and emolument he has filled clearly indicate that he is a gentleman of phenomenal ability. LFRED S. HIN MAN, a highly esteemed pioneer of Sparta township, Kent county, Mich., has been a citizen or land-owner here since I853. He was born in Lebanon, Madison county, N. Y., June 24, I826, the third in a family of five sons and two daughters, born to Noble D. and Prisilla (Smith) Hinman, of whom the six still surviving are named Zebulon M., who is a retired farmer of Sparta; Charles, an agriculturist of Ionia county; Alfred S., the subject of this sketch; Columbus, of Sparta; Celina, wife of Jason Bradford, vice-president of the Sparta State bank; and Celestia, wife of Edwin Bradford, of Sparta. The Hinman family is quite an old one in this country, three brothers of the name having come from England in the colonial days and having later taken an active part in the war for independence. Noble D. Hinman, father ot the subject of this memoir, was a native of the Mohawk valley, N. Y., was born about 1798, was reared to farming and followed this calling for many years in his native state, but finally sold his property and came to Kent county, Mich., and purchased a farm north of the village of Sparta. In politics he was at first an ardent whig, but on the formation of the republican party he became one of its firmest adherents. He was greatly honored for his personal merits and as a pioneer, and died in Sparta township in 1872. His wife was a native of Massachusetts, and was reared in the faith of the Baptist church. Alfred S. Hinman was reared to farming in his native state, and his services were devoted to his parents until he reached his majority, but before arriving at man's estate he was for some time allowed a certain pittance per month, which he carefully hoarded in order to purchase his "freedom" suit. When he began life on his own account, however, he had no capital save his willing hands, and his first wages were but $7 per month, so that it will be seen that his success in life is the result of his personal industry and good management. Mr. Hinman was first married, in the state of New York, to Miss Martha Watros, also a native of the Empire state, and this union was favored with three sons and four daughters, of whom four are still living, viz: Alice, wife of Frank Miller, a blacksmith by trade, but a farmer by occupation, and a resident of Sparta; Eugene, a barber by trade, married, and a resident of Grand Rapids; Mary, also in Grand Rapids, and Ora, of the same city, married to William Drew, a mechanic. Mr. Hinman, after marriage, worked nine years on a farm in New York, and then came to Kent county, and here his first wife died June 27, 1871, aged forty years, four months and two days. March 28, I872, Mr. Hinman took Tor his second wife Miss Christine Moline, who was born October I8, 1830, in Jonkopping, province of Smolen, Sweden, and was educated in her native land by private tutors. She was baptized AI' TTXTxTVT TD T TR T h A '7A7 '~A' A 'Tn1 ' Tr'T'T" f tkiN LJ D.rl'l I J. U IN I 1., U J I. 1. I l II~L. i ~U and confirmed, at the age of fourteen years, in the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church, and came to America in October, I865, coming directly to Sparta via Grand Rapids. One child has blessed this second marriage-Herson A., born July 27, I874. He was educated in the common schools, is a young man of the strictest integrity, and the mainstay of his parents in their declining years. In politics he is a republican, and cast his first presidential vote for McKinley. When Mr. Hinman settled on his I20-acre farm in Sparta township, not an acre had been cleared of its heavy timber; there was not a railroad in the county, and when he reached Grand Rapids he came by coach from Battle Creek. Hundreds of Indians prowled around. He has seen teams mired in Canal street, Grand Rapids, almost beyond extrication, and as many as ten to twenty deer in a drove on his own farm. Sparta, now with a population of 1,200, then had four or five inhabitants only, and Jonathan E. Nash and Rodney E. Hastings owned all the land on which the present town stands. Township meeting was held about one mile west of this hamlet, which was then known as Nashville. Kent City and Casnovia had not, at that time, been dreamed of, and the settlers in Sparta township were compelled to go to Grand Rapids for their groceries, dry goods, etc., and chiefly by ox teams, and many a trip of this nature has been made by Mr. Hinman. In his earlier manhood Mr. Hinman was a whig in politics and cast his first presidential vote for Zachary Taylor, but when the republican party was formed, chiefly from the ranks of the expiring whig organization, he cast his franchise with the new candidate for popular favor. He is a warm friend of public education, and he and wife have contributed financially in aiding the erection of four schoolbuildings and four churches since their mar39 riage, and have thus done their share toward the educational and religious advancement of Sparta township. The Hinman farm lies four miles from the village of Sparta, and is now solely under the management of Herson Hinman, but the credit is due to Alfred S. Hinman for having cleared it from the wilderness and of having converted it into one of the handsomest, most fertile and profitable farms in the county. Here Mr. and Mrs. Hinman are passing their declining years in peace and comfort, honored by the community and classed with the leading citizens of both county and township. EBULON M. HINMAN, a highly respected retired farmer of Sparta township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Lebanon, Madison county, N. Y., January 12, 1822, and is a son of Noble and Prisilla (Smith) Hinman, natives of New York and Massachusetts, respectively, and of English descent. Mr. Hinman was reared to farming in his native state, and when but little past his majority came to Michigan and in 1846 purchased 320 acres of forest land in sections Nos. 4 and 9, Sparta township, his present place of residence, but of which he now retains twentyfive acres only. On this wild tract not a tree had been felled, and he first cleared a space on which to erect a temporary cabin of logs, I6 x 24 feet in size, in which he lived one winter and summer, and then built a more substantial log house, I8 x 24 feet. His existence in those days was passed in veritable pioneer style, accompanied by hard labor and makeshifts innumerable to secure the comforts of life, but still his life was not an unhappy one, notwithstanding its hardships. But constant work was necessary, and he was compelled to hew a passage through the forest 750 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS in order to reach his nearest neighbor, and to find a way to reach Grand Rapids, his nearest market or trading post. Game, however, was plentiful, and nature offered many a feast which to-day would be esteemed as a luxury. In due course of time Mr. Hinman succeeded in clearing away the forest and replacing it with fruitful fields, and his rude log cabin has given place to a modern dwelling. He has witnessed during his useful life in this country changes that would rival a story in the Arabian Nights' Entertainments, and in these wonderful changes he has been a potent factor. Of his large farm he retains, as has been stated, twenty-five acres, but he also owns three acres in the corporation of Sparta, Mich. The remainder of his property he has munificently bestowed upon his daughter or devised to various charities most benevolently. August 22, 1848, Mr. Hinman married, in Madison county, N. Y., Miss Martha Hotchkiss, a native of said county and born in 1826. To this union were born two children-Jennie, now the wife of A. B. Cheney, of Sparta, and an infant that died unnamed. Mrs. Martha Hinman was reared in the Congregational faith, but in 1850 joined the Alpine and Sparta church. A sincere Christian and a noble woman, she passed away February 25, I899, and her moral remains, escorted by a large number of mourning friends, were interred at the edge of the town, within I00 rods of the old homestead. Owing to this sad bereavement, Mr. Hinman will in the future make his home with his daughter, Mrs. Cheney. Mr. Hinman is a deacon in the Free Will Baptist church, and lives strictly in accordance with its tenets and teachings. For years he has been a Mason and has ever lived in the square, keeping in mind the All-Seeing Eye. In politics he is a prohibitionist, and has served his fellow-townsmen as highway com missioner, and was one of the first councilmen of Sparta, but has never sought office for the sake of honor or emolument. And now, after a long and useful life, he retires to the quietude of private life to enjoy in peace the fruits of his early labor and husbandry. ALLEN HODGES, D. D. S.-The profession of dentistry has an able representative in Lowell in the person of Dr. E. Allen Hodges, who, although comparatively a beginner, has within a few months succeeded in firmly establishing himself in the estimation of the. people by reason of the high grade of his professional services. The doctor is a son of Job A. and Justina (Hoag) Hodges, the father a well-known business man of Grand Rapids, where at this time he holds the position of president of the ValleyCity Desk company. Dr. Hodges was born in Grand Rapids, in November, 1875, and in the public schools of that city received a good English education. While still young, he decided to prepare himself for the profession of dentistry, and in due time he entered the Dental college of Indiana, at Indianapolis, from which he was graduated with high honors, April 12, I898. For several months after receiving his diploma the doctor practiced in Grand Rapids, looking in the meantime for a favorable opening elsewhere, which fortunately presented itself in Lowell, where he removed in February, I899. Securing a good office, and fitting it handsomely throughout, the doctor announced himself a, candidate for public favor professionally, and, as already stated, success soon waited upon him with a reasonably liberal patronage. The doctor believes in the dignity of his calling and spares no efforts in keeping in touch with the latest and most advanced thought pertaining to the pro . I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 751 fession. He possesses the delicate touch so essential to success in the practice, and, together with the skill displayed in the purely mechanical department, will no doubt soon place himself in the front rank of the profession. He has before him a promising future, and distinction, as well as financial success, is sure to reward him for service skillfully and conscientiously rendered. Dr. Hodges is a wide-awake, aggressive young man, a republican in politics, and while interested in all that benefits his town and community, is not a place-seeker, preferring to give his time and attention to prosecuting his profession. EORGE PETER HOGADONE, a farmer, born on section No. i5, Walker township, Kent Co., Mich., had his nativity in the house he still occupies, December 6, 1850, and is a son of George Peter and Sarah (Thompson) Hogadone, the former a son of John and Rena (Couchman) Hogadone, both natives of Schoharie county, N. Y. George Peter, the father, died Decetnber 26, I852, the father of two children-the subject of this sketch and Serena, a posthumous child, born April i, 1853, but who died in young girlhood. George P., the father, purchased the subject's farm from the government in 1844, and made all the original improvements, including the present dwelling and barns. His wife was the widow of William Edison, who owned the farm adjoining his own, which is divided between George P., the subject, and Chester Covell. After the death of Mr. Hagadone she remained on the farm until her marriage to Philip N. Covell, of whom mention is made in the sketch of Chester F. Covell. George P. Hogadone, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in the Covell family, was educated in the country schools, and at the age of twenty-one years was placed in possession of the original Hogadone farm, which he has ever since cultivated and lived upon. October 8, 1872, he married Miss Isabel Graham, a sister of Hon. Robert D. Graham, whose sketch will also be found on another page. She was educated in country and city schools, and was a -teacher of Kent county for some time. To this marriage have been born six children, in the following order: Bertha, married to Bert Sliter, a druggist in Grand Rapids; May, who died in infancy; Anna, wife of Ted Weskey; Margaret, wife of Dr. Alfred Switzer, both of Grand Rapids; Bessie, a high school student, and Elwood, both at home. Mr. Hogadone is very domestic in his habits, and has never been away from his farm more than a week at any one time. Half the place is devoted to general farming, and about fifteen acres to fruit, mainly peaches, and the farm contains I20 acres of as fine land as there is in Walker township. In politics he has always voted with the republican party, and has been a delegate to conventions and served in several township offices. Both he and his wife are members of Har-. mony grange, both being identified with its work, Mrs. Hogadone being local lecturer for some years, her efforts being to arouse greater interest in those great questions that have bearing upon the interests of human life. She is a member of the Unitarian church in Grand Rapids, and is a close student and reader of the 'master minds who have shaped the thoughts of thinking men. Both her husband and herself have ever been active in the school, he having been a director for fourteen years, being succeeded by Mrs. Hogadone, who is now serving her fourth year, and has tried to advance the educational interests of the community. 752 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS ---- OSEPH HOLBEN, ex-supervisor of Tyrone township, Kent county, Mich., and an ex-soldier of the Union army in the war of the Rebellion, was born in Stark county, Ohio, August I9, 1843, a son of Daniel and Catherine (Lautzenheiser) Holben and the ninth of their family of seven sons and five daughters, of whom seven still survive, viz: Lydia, wife of Jacob Heximer, a merchant of Stark county, Ohio; Jacob, a farmer of Tyrone township; Solomon, carpenter and farmer of Elkhart, Ind.; Joseph; Benjamin, who served in the Civil war, and now a resident of Kent city; William, a farmer of Hillsdale county; Catherine, wife of David Gibson, a farmer of Stark county, Ohio. Daniel Holben, the father, was born in Lehigh county, Pa., December 29, 1804, settled in Ohio in his young days, and in Stark county received from his mother a gift of forty acres of land as a reward for his kindness to her in her old age. His death took place about the year 1887. Joseph Holben was reared a farmer, but, before he reached his majority, enlisted at Lewisville, Ohio, August 22, 1862, in company I, One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio vol-. unteer infantry, under Capt. McConnell and Col. Luce; was assigned to the army of the Tennessee, served with Gen. Thomas and others for two years and ten months, when he received an honorable discharge, and so faithfully had he performed his duties, and so true had he been to all the trusts reposed in him, that he was awarded the following letter of recommendation, which speaks for itself: Headquarters Department of the Ohio, Inspector-General's Department, Cincinnati, Ohio. April 27, I864. To WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify that the subscriber has known private Joseph Holben, One Hundred ard Fifteenth Ohio volunteer infantry, for the past ten months. He has been on duty in this city as orderly or messenger for the late Col. Henry VanRensselaer, assistant inspecting-general, U. S. A., and it gives me pleasure to testify, of my personal knowledge, to the faithful manner in which he has always performed his duty. He is a person of good moral character and correct habits, honest in all his dealings, and a man to be trusted in any position he may be called to fill. Respectfully, CHARLES A. GOULD, Capt. and Act. Asst. Adj.-Gen. U. S. Vols., Dept. of the Ohio. On his return to Ohio Mr. Holben engaged in various persuits, and May 30, I867, married Miss Lydia Speelman, to which union were born seven children, four still living, as follows: Ettie, wife of Elmer E. Field, a native of Kent county, Mich., and to them has been born one son, Cyrus W.; Charles A., a farmer of Tyrone township, who married Miss Jane Fonger, and has three children, Jessie, Fern and Ada Grace Wealthy; Alma A., who is wife of Leonard Coalter, and has had four children, three of whom are living-Frank, Clyde and Elsie May; Clara E., still at home with her parents, and attending school and is in the sixth grade. Mrs. Holben was born in Stark county, Ohio, December 2, 1844, a daughter of Conrad and Susan (Brown) Speelman, parents of five children, beside Mrs. Holben, viz: Valentine and Henry, of Stark county, Ohio; Catherine; Saunders, of Caldwell county, Mo., and Mary Ann, wife of Ezra Packer, of Montana. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, was reared a farmer, and was still young when he settled in Ohio, and both he and wife are now deceased. Mr. Holben came to Michigan in 1875, and has here risen to prominence as a republican. He cast his first presidential vote for Lincoln, and has been selected by his fellow republicans to represent them in several dis AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 753 I trict and county conventions, and has also been elected to every office of any importance in the township, and in I892 was elected for the first time as township supervisor, during which term the court house at Grand Rapids was finished. Since then he has been twice elected to the same office. As a member of the county board of supervisors, he served on several important comittees, including that on claims of which he was chairman, and during his third and last term was chairman of the committee on roads and bridges. He has also served two terms as township treasurer, and one term as highway commissioner. He also favors the selection of the best teachers possible in the public schools and in holding the latter up to the highest standard. When Mr. Holben began life in Tyrone township, he purchased eighty acres of land, the greater part of which was unimproved and in the brush, the timber having been cut off, but he was very industrious and enterprising, converted the brush land into a rich farm, and added to it until he became the possessor of 300 acres, and has been able to present his children who reside near him with a farm each. In, his society relations Mr. Holben is a member of Casnovia lodge, No. 349, I.0. O. F., and Mrs. Holbenis a member of Laurel lodge, No. 65. Both are also members of the Maccabees-he of tent No. 554, at Casnovia, and she of Casnovia hive, No. 330. In social circles Mr. Holben and his family are quite prominent, and tileir high standing is due to their personal merits and not to the mere possession of wealth. ARTIN A. HOLCOMB, whose biography is herewith presented, is one of the great army of patriots to whom the country is indebted for their heroic defense of the national Union in the dark days of the Rebellion. He is also one of the few survivors of the romantic exodus to the California gold fields in I850; and since 1854 has been an honored citizen of Kent county, Mich., in the development of which he has borne no inconsiderable part. Mr. Holcomb is a native of Ohio, born on the 27th day of January, 1826, in Portage county, a son of Garvin and Candace (DeLong) Holcomb, of Connecticut and Vermont, respectively. He remained under the parental roof until his eighteenth year, at which time he began learning the trade of wagon-making, becoming proficient in the same after a three years' apprenticeship. During that period of service he received by way of remuneration the sum of $130, from which he was obliged to clothe himself, and of what was left he laid by a small sum as a nucleus for future capital, After learning his trade, he worked for some time as a journeyman in Ravenna, Ohio, from which place in the spring of 1850 he started to California, making the journey to that distant part of the continent via the isthmus of Panama and going into the mines of Calaveras county. He continued his search for gold with fair success until I854, in the fall of which year he returned 'east and located in Kent county, Mich., purchasing I6o acres of land in the township of Bowne, for which he paid the sum of $5 per acre. His land was covered with a dense growth of timber, beech and maple predominating, to remove which and fit the soil for cultivation was a task requiring many years of hard labor. Addressing himself to the task before him, Mr. Holcomb at once began his attack on the forest monarchs, and, with such help as he could hire, an eighty-acre tract was within a few years cleared and prepared for tillage. In the meantime he erected his first dwelling, a small frame structure, i6x 20 feet in dimensions, and in this he and his family lived until a larger and much more comfortable residence was built in I869. 754 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS When the war cloud gathered over the country and the stability of the government was threatened by the formidable hosts of secession, Mr. Holcomb nobly responded to the call for volunteers. He enlisted, in I862, in company I, Twenty-sixth Michigan infantry, with which he shared the fortunes and vicissitudes of war in many noted campaigns and on numerous fields, until honorably discharged in the winter of 1865. Mr. Holcomb's service was mainly confined to the Virginia campaigns, and his command also aided in quelling the New York draft riots in 1864. He participated in the Mine Run campaign, and during part of 1864 was in Hancock's corps, army of the Potomac, and saw bloody service at Spottsylvania Court House, the Wilderness, and many other battles which made history during that dark and trying period. At the battle of the Wilderness he was with the right in "the bloody angle," where more men fell in the same length of time. than in any other engagement of the war, and it was here that he performed an act of bravery that should place his name upon the scroll of honor. In the heat of the conflict, single-handed and alone, he effected the capture of a battery by killing the lead horse, thus checking the advance of the guns and holding the driver at the point of a bayonet until assistance arrived. The men who manned the guns soon,surrendered, and in a few minutes thereafter Mr. Holcomb received a shot in the right leg below the knee, disabling him and necessitating his retention in the hospitals at Washington, and York., Pa., for some months. When sufficiently recovered he returned to Detroit, where, September II, I865, he received his discharge. From that city he made his way home on crutches, and from the effects of the wound received in the bloody fight he has always been a sufferer, and no doubt will continue to be until his final discharge at the end of life's conflict. For this and other disabilities Mr. Holcomb is the recipient of a liberal pension from the government, but no financial consideration can ever compensate him for the strength and vigor which were so nobly sacrificed upon the altar of duty. X Since the war Mr. Holcomb has given his attention to agricultural pursuits and stock raising, in both of which he has met with success and financial profit. He was united in marriage, February 7, I849, to Miss Philancia Patchin, of Geauga county, Ohio, who died after a happy married life of thirty years' duration. Mrs. Holcomb did well her part in building and maintaining a home for her loved ones, and during her husband's absence in the army managed the farm and looked after the interest of the family with zeal and ability most commendable. The following are the names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Holcomb. George Brooks died at the age of eighteen; David D., who farms the home place; Emily C., wife of William K. Morgan, of Lowell; and. Candace C., wife of George H. Tucker, of St. Joseph county, Mich. From I864 to I896, Mr. Holcomb was an ardent supporter of the republican party, but in the latter year voted for Bryan and free silver. He was the republican candidate for the legislature in I884, but went down in the universal overthrow of the party that year, although he made a gallant fight and more than carried the strength of his party. He is an intelligent student of political questions and has the courage of his convictions, denouncing party measures which he considers inimical to the public good. In early life Mr. Holcomb was a great hunter and displayed remarkable skill in handling a rifle. Many deer fell before his unerring aim when the country was new, and he stil :: AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 755 takes much pleasure with the gun and rod, by means of which he passes many pleasant hours. Mr. Holcomb is a member of post No. 339, G. A. R., at Freeport, Mich., and stands high in Masonry, belonging to Lowell lodge, Hooker chapter, No. 73, and Ionia commandery, No. I 1. He has attended two triennial conclaves at Washington, D. C;, and he also accompanied his commandery to the conclave held in Chicago. He is the only Sir Knight in the town of Bowne, and distance alone prevents him attending every meeting of his commandery. Mr. Holcomb has contributed liberally of his means to the cause of religion, assisting in the erection of a number of houses of worship, and for several years he was a leading spirit in the Farmers' alliance movement. In no sense has he been a place seeker, although frequently solicited by his fellow-citizens to accept official positions. With the exception of his candidacy for the general assembly referred so and four terms as township treasurer, he has steadily refused the honors and emoluments of office, preferring to devote his time and attention to his farm and home, where he finds his greatest and most satisfying pleasure. He is a worthy representative of a worthy ancestry, a patriot, an intelligent man of affairs, and a gentleman of the old school, and it is with pleasure that this notice is accorded a place in these pages devoted to Kent county's representative citizens. |iM ILLIAM O. HOLMES, the present supervisor of Tyrone township, Kent county, Mich., and a respected farmer, was born in Luzerne county, Pa., May 26, I86r, the second in a family of four sons and one daughter born to Albert N. and Julia (Dorsheimer) Holmes, four of which children are still living, viz: William 0., the subject; Edith, wife of Jason Per ham, druggist of Kent City; Frank, a practical pharmaceutist, of Sparta, and Andy Van, of Kent county. Albert N. Holmes was a native of Allegany, N. Y., was reared a farmer and was liberally educated. About 1865 he came to Michigan and settled on the farm now occupied by his son, William O., where he passed away, January I, 1884, in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he was a democrat, and of strong temperance proclivities, and was universally respected. Mrs. Julia Holmes is a native of Luzerne county, Pa., is now about sixty-eight years of age, is also a Methodist, and is passing her declining years with her son, William 0., the subject of this sketch. William O. Holmes has passed all his life, from the age of four years, on his farm in Tyrone township, and is a practical agriculturist. His education was acquired in the common schools, and this has been augmented by careful and constant reading. He began life on his own account at his majority, with no capital, and has made a success of it. He was first married, April 24, 1887, to Miss Flora Ada Averill, a native of Muskegon county, Mich., and this union was crowned with one daughter, Mollie, in the seventh grade Kent City schools. Mrs. Holmes was born November 23, I865, and died October 28, I890, and Mr. Holmes chose for his second helpmate Miss Anna Carlson, a native of Sweden, who came to America when eleven years old, whom he married January 24, I894, and who has borne him two children Ada and Edith. In politics Mr. Holmes is a democrat in his predilections, but is not I" offensively partisan" as he confines his party acts and vote to local matters. His sound sense and popularity led to his being elected as supervisor of Tyrone township in 1896, and his faithfulness to the interests of the town and county led to his re 756 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS - _-_-_ __ _ ---- * election in 1898 and re-election in I899 -three terms. In the board of supervisors he has advocated public improvements in a general way, such as steel bridges, better roads, etc., and through his influence the highways of the township have already been put in fair condition. He is in favor of the best schools each district can afford and the employment of the best teachers available. Fraternally, he is a member of Casnovia lodge, No. 349, I. O. O. F., and his wife is a member of the Baptist church, and they are endeavoring to rear the children "(in the way they should go." The home of Mr. Holmes is situated within a mile and a half of Kent City, and is kept in excellent condition, and he and family are classed with the best residents of the township. ILLIAM SEXTON HOLMES, one At of the most substantial farmers and well known citizens of Ada township, was born in Canada on the I4th day of October, 1847. His father, John Holmes, was born in England in the year I809. His mother, Martha E. (Sexton) Holmes, was also a native of England, both descended from worthy English families, and became the parents of ten children. In 1836 they crossed the Atlantic and settled in Canada. There John Holmes, the father, became a farmer and was engaged in that vocation until his death, which occurred in 1867. The mother still resides in Canada. WXilliam Sexton Holmes was reared on his father's farm and secured his education in the common schools. In early life he'learned the carpenter trade, and for some years following was a successful bridge contractor. In I872 he located in Ada township, Kent county, Mich., where for a number of years he carried on an extensive business as a contracting carpenter and also as a buyer and shipper of timber, and of late years has followed farming in connection with his other business. On the 2Ist of December, I874, Mr. Holmes was united in matrimony to Miss Henrietta Orlop, a daughter of Jacob Orlop, a native of Albany, N. Y. This happy union was blessed by the birth of four children-Frederick J., Clara B., William S. and Jarvis E. By careful thrift and continued industry he has prospered and is now well to do. Mr. Holmes is a very popular man. He has been commissioner of highways for two terms, and for five years was a member of the Ada school board. In politics he is ever an adherent to the principles of the democratic party. Personally he is genial and companionable, and because kindly disposed toward all, he holds the respect of the community in general. The esteem in which he is held in the community is inspired not alone by his material success, but by his upright character and life and record as a good citizen. * --- —— a --- —------- ATTHEW HUNTER, a prominent agriculturist residing on section lNo. 20, of Lowell township, was born at Cottonworth, ten miles east of York, England, March 8, I82I. His father, Robert, died at the age of ninety-nine, lacking two months. He had come to Lowell, where he was well known while residing here, but returned to Canada, where he died. At the age of seven, Matthew Hunter came with his parents to America, and his seventh birthday occurred on the ocean in an old sailing vessel bound from Hull to Quebec, making the voyage in five weeks, at that time a fast trip. His parents located near Geneva, N. Y., and in three years removed to Wayne county, where they remained until young Matthew reached his nineteenth year; thence I I (/C t WaCcu^ I/ae6 a I I MRS. MATHEW HUNTER. I I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 761 they went to Ontario, Canada, thirty miles east of Toronto, on the lake, where he lived for six years, and was at home until twentyfour years old, devoting his time and giving his earnings to his father. About one year later he embarked in the saw-mill business and stayed for seven years, two years for one firm, and five for another, being paid by the thousand feet. He saved his money and bought a new farm in Ontario, which one year later (I856) he sold and came to Kent county, Mich., and located on his present farm, then wild land with but little clearing, and no fencing except around twenty acres. He paid $12 per acre, has lived on the place for fortythree years, and it now comprises I04 acres. He has a fine two-story brick house, erected in I885, and one of the best in Kent county, with many suitable improvements, all in good condition. Formerly he was a general farmer, but he is at present devoting a large part of his attention to fruit growing; he now has forty acres of peaches, three acres of plums, and also pears and quinces, and the industry has given very satisfactory results. He has been a successful grower of wheat, but owing to declining prices has let it give place to fruit culture. In early days he grew fine peaches and supplied the State Horticultural society, held at South Haven, receiving $4 per bushel, for two years. Mr. Hunter has been a member of the State Horticultural society for years, and his wife of Lowell Horticultural District society. He has been considered authority on fruit, and his reports are found on the state books. He served as justice of the peace in the township, but refused further office. He was formerly a republican but is now a freesilver man, and is thoroughly in touch with the Bryan and Chicago platform. He was united in marriage at Whitby, Ontario, October 6, 1846, to Miss Mary Farmer, born at Coburg, Ontario, March 7, I 1829. They celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary, with the wife's mother, then a woman eighty-five years old, and the first of five generations present at the celebration. A photo was taken of that group, which consisted of Mrs. Hunter's mother, daughter, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, and greatgreat-grandson. The family of Mr. Hunter consisted of the following children: Robert C. Hunter, a farmer and fruit grower, residing at Colton, Oregon, forty miles south of Portland; William Grant Hunter, an agriculturist of Lowell township; Sarah Alice, wife of Charles Gibson, of Kalamazoo; James Peter, who died at two years of age; Ida Caroline, who died December 26, 1890, at Cincinnati, Ohio, and was the wife of Eugene Sprague; John Emerson Hunter, M. D., of Lake City, Mich., and a twin brother of one who died in infancy; Willard M., who operates the home farm; Walter A., twin of Willard, and who died at nineteen years of age, February 23, 1884, having been killed near Buena Vista by a load of shingles falling upon him, which he had been hauling; and Ulysses, a farmer of Bowne township. Willard M. Hunter is of the firm of M. Hunter & Son, and operates the farm very successfully. His wife, Mrs. Edna (Cahoon) Hunter, is the mother of four children, viz: Kittie, Arthur, Ida and Werner. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter have been members of the Baptist church for forty-two years. He is a Mason at Lowell, lodge No. 90, Lowell chapter, No. 73, and also a member of the Cyclamen chapter, O. E. S., No. 94, also at Lowell. Mr. Hunter has often delivered addresses or read prepared papers before horticultural societies, local and state, showing that he is not an uneducated man. Mrs. Hunter is a lady of intelligence, and still showing, at the end of her seventy years, many traces of a rare youthful beauty. 762 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS ILAS D. HORTON, one of the oldest living pioneers of Kent county, Mich., was born near Middletown, Orange county, N. Y., October 4, i828, and is a son of Warren and Harriet (Derby) Horton, who were the parents of five children, of whom three are still living, viz: Silas D., of this sketch; Catherine E., the widow of Aaron Aber, of Paris township, and Daniel, a hardware merchant of Greenville, Mich. The father, Warren Horton, was born in Orange county in 18or, and died on his farm, near Watkins Lake, in 1862. In I849, Silas D. Horton came to Michigan and purchased 320 acres of land in section No. 7, Oakfield township, Kent county, covered with heavy oak timber. The surrounding country swarmed with Indians, who camped occasionally on Mr. Horton's premises, and wild animals were not infrequently seen prowling around the house in the daytime, and their howls were always heard at night. There was not a church in the township; and the settlers held their religious meetings in a log school-house at White Swan, the only one in the township. Grand Rapids was a mere trading post, and Cedar Springs, Sand Lake and Greenville were unknown. January I, I856, Mr. Horton married Miss Phoebe Rowley, and to this union have been born six children, viz: Willis, who married Miss Lida Moore; and is a farmer of Oakfield township; Ella, wife of Eugene Wellman, whose sketch is given in full on another page; Edwin W., who has charge of the old homestead, and is married to Emma Slawson, a native of Kent county, and has a little daughter, Ruth; Mary, wife of Edgar Griswold, a merchant of Howard; Bert, married to Minnie Hotch, and farming in Spencer township, and Jennie, wife of Marion Miles, a farmer living near Grand Ledge, Mich. Mrs. Phoebe Horton was born in Steuben county, N. Y., February 25, 1833, and died in Oakfield township, July I9, 1874, and her remains lie interred in the Horton cemetery, where a beautiful monument has been reared to her memory. When Mr. and Mrs. Horton began their married life they had scarcely any capital, but mutually worked to secure a home worth having, the result being the elegant Horton estate of to day. In I868 the present family mansion was erected, which, with its environments, is the pride of the neighborhood. Although Mr. Horton denominates himself a Jacksonian democrat, he cast his first presidential vote for the whig candidate, Zachary Taylor, in 1848. He has never, however, had any ambition for holding public office. Fraternally he is a member of Greenville lodge, No. 86, F. & A. M., where he has affiliated thirty-five years. He has been liberal in his contributions to religious bodies, and has aided materially in the erection and support of the churches in his township. This hardy pioneer is now living in peace and comfort, beloved by his children and honored by the entire population of Oakfield township. ILMOT B. HOUGH, for forty years a well-known resident of Spencer, Mich., is a native of Herkimer county, N. Y., born on the i6th of November, I850, and the third in a family of three sons and four daughters born to Fayette and Harriet (Johnson) Hough, of whom four are living, viz: Josephine, wife of Arthur Conner, engaged in the oil business and residing in Belding, Mich.; Wilmot B.; Guilford, a resident of Pontiac, Mich., in the employ of D. M. Ferry, the seed man; Ida, wife of Hugh Good, feed and general produce dealer, of Sioux City, Iowa. AND KENT COUNTY, UIP TO DATE. 768 Mr. Hough's grandfather, John Johnson, on the maternal side, was a participant in the Mexican war. His father was a mechanic by trade, but was engaged for some time at Ilion, N. Y., as a gunsmith in the employ of the great Remington Gun company. In the year I86o he came to Michigan. Indians were still numerous, and the greater part of the county was covered with solid forests. Upon his arrival he bought I6o acres of such land, and at once began clearing it. One of the first improvements was a little hut, which Mr. Hough says "was just large enough to 'creep into," serving him for a temporary home. He was one of the earliest pioneers of the township, and has been an eye-witness of the rapid development of the county and city of Grand Rapids. In his political affiliations he was a republican, having been before the birth of that party a whig. He served as township clerk and justice of the peace. He and his wife were respected members of the Baptist church, and passed off the stage of earthly living in Spencer township, Mr. Hough at the age of seventy, and she at fifty-nine years of age. Wilmot B. Hough was but a lad of nine years when he came with his parents to Kent county. He was educated in the common schools and the high school at Windsor, Vt., where his father worked in gunshops. He remained with his parents until he reached the age of twenty-three years, when he began life with a capital of $200. On January 9, I876, he wedded Miss Clara Otterbacher, a native of Spencer township, who bore him five sons and two daughters, viz: Gertrude, educated at the Ferris institute at Big Rapids, now wife of Lewis Williams, of Belding; Clyde, Ray, Stanley, Clare, Wilmay and Dewey. Mrs. Hough was a daughter of John and Rachel (Stryker) Otterbacher, and was born on the 4th of April, I86I. She received, such an education as she was able to secure in the common schools and has proved herself a fond mother and a valuable and affectionate companion to her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Hough settled down on the farm in I877 and are now owners of I40 acres of land, about Ioo in cultivation devoted to general farming. Politically, Mr. Hough is non-partisan, and in local elections casts his vote for the individual regardless of the party. His first presidential ballot was for Gen. U. S. Grant. Officially he has served as treasurer of his township in I89I and '92, and was elected in I899 to the office of township clerk. He has been officially connected with the public schools for eight or ten years, and has worked for the best teachers and schools. Socially he is a member of Cedar Springs lodge, No. 213, F. & A. M., and of Evans tent, No. 784, K. O. T. M., and Evans grange. Mrs. Hough is also a member of Evans hive, L. O. T. M., and both have done their part in church work and benevolences. From the few events above we may conclude that they were persevering toilers. Ax was quickly followed by plow in the early development of our subject's farm, and soon bounteous harvests rewarded his labors. Industry and thrift have characterized his entire life and have brought to him a well merited success. Such in brief is the history of one who has long been an honored citizen of Kent county and who now receives the respect and veneration which should crown an honorable life. * --- —------------— s HARLES C. HOUSE, farmer and stock raiser, is a native of Plainfield township, Kent county, Mich., was born on the farm where he now lives on the Ioth day of May, I8.57. His parents, Conrad and Mary Jane (Ireland) House, are 764 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I both natives of the state of New York, the former born in 1824 and the latter in the year I830. Conrad House came to Kent county in 1855, locating in the township of Plainfield, where for some years he worked at the carpenter's trade, and later purchased a farm in sections 5 and 6 and engaged in the pursuit of agriculture, which he followed for twenty years, then lived retired at Belmont until his death on the 23d of November, I896. His widow is still living at Belmont, being at this time one of the oldest residents of Plainfield. Charles C. House is the third child born to the above parents, the others being Alonzo C., a farmer of Plainfield, and Linnie May, wife of Harry Cranmer. Charles C. was reared upon the home farm, his early years were spent in attending the district school and assisting his father, and he laid broad and well the foundation upon which his success in after life was built. When twenty-two years old he assumed the management of the paternal homestead, and later obtained a deed to the same from his father and is now the possessor of one of the best farms in his section of the country. The place consists of 140 acres, the greater part of which is under a successful state of cultivation, with modern buildings and other improvements, bespeaking the presence of a man of advanced ideas, thoroughly familiar with every detail of successful tillage. Mr. House believes in the dignity of farm labor, keeps well posted concerning all matters pertaining thereto, and few have met with as encouraging success as he in general farming and stock raising. On the I4th day of March, 1880, Mr. House and Miss Tena Ecklesdafer were made husband and wife, which union has resulted in the birth of four children, two of whom are living, Eva May and Orin B. The father of Mrs. House, Earnest Ecklesdafer was, as the name indicates, a native of Germany, where his birth occurred about the year 1830. He left the fatherland when a small boy, spent the years of his youth and early manhood in various parts' of the United States, and about I866 became a resident of Plainfield township, Kent county, Mich., where he still lives, his present home being in section 22. His wife was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1837 and is also living at this time. Of the seven children four are living: Tena, Emma, Eva, and Frank, who operates the homestead. Ever since attaining his majority, Mr. House has been an earnest supporter of the republican party, casting his first presidential vote for James A. Garfield. Officially he has served the people of Plainfield as township treasurer, holding the position during the years 1894 and 1895, and discharging its duties faithfully and well. Fraternally he is a memnber of the I. O. 0. F. and the K. O. T. M., belonging to the lodges which meet at Mill Creek. Neither Mr. House nor his estimable wife subscribes to any religious creed, but are friends of the church and ever ready to extend a helping hand to all its benevolent undertakings for the moral and spiritual advancement of the community. The home-life of Mr. House is agreeable in the full sense of the term, and, his standing in the neighborhood where all his life has been passed is that of an intelligent high-minded and progressive citizen. His friends are legion and the biographical history of Plainfield township would be incomplete without this brief record of his life and work. EV. SAMUEL BLANCHER SMITH, D. D., of Grand Rapids township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Lockport, N. Y., May 27, 1825. His parents, Rev. Daniel Smith and Sene (Blancher) Smith, were natives of eastern Y-~ ~S~7~~ AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 767 New York, and the latter was an elder in the society 'of Friends. In I826 they settled at Adrian, Lenawee county, Mich. He had been a minister of the society of Friends at Lockport, N. Y., and organized a similar society at Adrian-the first in Michigan. He was widely known in Michigan as a minister of that society, but later, in I843, he became a Wesleyan Methodist, and so continued as a minister, till his death, at the age of sixty-one years. He was also an active and prominent anti-slavery worker. Rev. S. B. Smith passed his boyhood in Adrian, Mich., was educated in the Raisin institute, ordained in Wayne county, and at twenty-one years of age began to preach. For two years, from I846, he rode circuit by horseback, organized many churches, and held great revival meetings, especially at Walker, Cannon and Grattan. His first work was in the Grand Rapids circuit of the Wesleyan Methodist conference, with Which he remained for sixteen years, residing at Grand Rapids and Saline, later at Plymouth, Kalamazoo, Detroit and Coldwater. He was agent for the college of the church at Leoni, and traveled in Michigan and Indiana for the purpose of raising funds. Later, after his term as agent had expired, the college was changed to Adrian. He was a member of the board of trustees, before and after its removal, for several years. He then removed to Ohio and worked for the same thurch at Troy, in that State. After twenty years in that church he joined the Cincinnati conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, taking his congregation at Troy, Ohio, with him, and remained one year longer its pastor. From I867 he had been connected with the Methodist Episcopal church at Franklin, Lockland, Springfield, Harrison, Charleston and Cincinnati. He was presiding elder of the Ripley district four years, from I88I to I885, and subsequently minister at Amelia, Boston and Georgetown. On closing his evangelical work he became a supernumerary in I892, owing to his wife's ill health, but still remains with the Cincinnati conference. He was thus forty-six years in the active ministerial work, and he has not missed a session of the conference for fiftytwo years. While actively engaged he preached every Sunday, and sonletimes three times on Sunday. He built several churches, and the Twin Valley (Ohio) college conferred the degree of D. D. upon him for his grand church work and influence. He is one of the original abolitionists and was secretary of the first anti-slavery society in Michigan. In I892 Rev. S. B. Smith returned to Grand Rapids, and in I898 settled on his farm, which he had bought in I85o, and on which he had lived four years while on the circuit here. Except one, he has the largest apple orchard in Michigan, having set out forty acres in apples in I852, and has grown as high as 0,oo000 bushels of apples per annum. He has also twelve acres of peaches, and a great variety of other fruits. He is vice-president of the Grand Rapids Fruit Growers' association, and is also president of the Grand River Valley Horticultural society. The former is devoted to looking after a market for fruit, and has brought in many buyers. It also has influenced railroad rates, and in many ways otherwise helped the fruit growers. He now has IIO acres in the hotne farm and forty acres near the city. Mr. Smith married, in I849, Miss Laura J. Bibbins, daughter of Rev. Samuel Bibbins, of Plymouth, Wayne county, but a native of New York. She died July 24, I893, after fortyfour years of happy wedded life. She had been an effective help in all his church work, as, having no children, she was usually with him and was widely known and beloved. She was .768 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS blessed with culture and natural talents, partly displayed in creditable art work. Mr. Smith served as temporary chairman of the convention at Jackson, in 1854, that organized the republican party, that being the the first convention the party ever had. A temperance man all his life, he was secretary of the first Washingtonian society near him, and has been active in all temperance movements since, having been in his later years identified with the prohibition party. Mr. Smith has many characteristics of the old-time circuit rider, toned down by modern pastoral work. Of unusual physique and with strong features, refined by study and by rubbing against the myriad shades of human nature, he is a genial, whole-souled gentleman, broadened through his early efforts in church work and experience. NDREW W. (JACK) HOWARD.For one-half a century has Andrew W. Howard been a citizen of Kent county, and an eye witness of the wonderful development of the county and the city of Grand Rapids. During the progress of the country he has been recognized, not only as a just, upright citizen, but numbered among the valiant heroes of Michigan, who went to the front with his service for the preservation of his country's honor in her peril. Mr. Howard is a native of the city of Detroit, having been born at that place on the I2th of November, I844. He was the second in a family of two sons and five daughters born to Robert and Rebecca (Whitten) Howard, three of whom are living at the present, viz: Lucy, widow of Muritt Stocking, a resident of Grattan; Andrew W., and Mary, wife of Wheeler Pond, an agriculturist, residing in Oakfield. The father was born in Lincolnshire, England, October IO, I8I5, and is now living at Grattan at the ripe old age of eighty-four years. He emigrated to America when a young man of seventeen, and landed in New York, his objective point. He was a selfeducated man, having acquired his training through physical, as well as mental exertions. At his arrival in Michigan the state had just received admission to the union. The mother was a native of the same locality in England as the father, and died in Grattan May 15, I896. Andrew W. Howard has also seen Grand Rapids at an early day when it was a new hamlet and teams were wont to mire down on Canal and Monroe streets, in the present city of 98,000 inhabitants. There were at that time no railroads in Kent county and the time of the building of the Detroit & Grand Haven is clear in his memory. He can well remember when the inhabitants were accustomed to ferry Grand river at Plainfield. He has often seen the west part of the town where the union depot now stands and the present site of the principal hotels when they were veritable bogs. Mr. Howard was but a lad when he came to Kent county with his father, and these remarkable changes have occurred during his residence there. His father bought a piece of unimproved land in Cannon, which presented the aspect of a wilderness. He afterward sold this farm and repurchased it and secured land in Grattan township where he has since made his home. Mr. Howard of this memoir was educated in the common schools and his trade has been that of a miller. He operated the "Grattan Flouring Mills" for fifteen years, and also had charge of the Belding mill for one year and a half after his marriage, but on account of his failing health was compelled to resort to an agricultural life. During the Civil war Mr. Howard enlisted AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 769 t at Grattan in company D, First Michigan engineers and mechanics, December I9, 1863. His regiment was assigned to the army of the Cumberland and the work consisted of making bridges, tearing up railroad tracks and the erection of fortifications, etc. He was in the famous " SHerman's March to the Sea" and was under fire at the battle of Bentonville, N. C. During his career in the army he was never in the hospital or guard house, never off duty or home on a furlough, but served his ull time as a true soldier and received his honorable discharge at Nashville, Tenn., September 22, 1865. He was present at the grand review at Washington, D. C., the greatest military pageant the United States has known in all her history. On the i6th of February, I876, he was united in marriage to Miss Alice M. Unger, who bore him five sons and five daughters, eight of whom are living, viz: Roy, at present a member of the Masonic fraternity of Cedar Springs lodge, and a young man, who having completed the full course prescribed in the common school, has a remarkable and retentive memory, exemplary habits, and a liking for good educational books, such as works on history or mathematics; Lottie, who received a thorough education in the public schools and is at present the wife of William Sipple, Jr., an agriculturist of Nelson; Lucy, in the seventh grade at school; Frank E. and Anzie in school, and Harold, Helen and Claude, the happiness of home. Mrs. Howard was born in Oakfield township, Kent county, Mich., August 14, I857, and was educated in the common school of that place. She was the daughter of Christian and Ann (Sowers) Unger, the parents of thirteen children, five of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Howard began life together in Grattan, where he was a miller. In 1889 they located in their present home which he had purchased two years previous. He is a man who has experienced toil and hardship, being $I,ooo in debt at the start and now the owner of a beautiful estate with valuable improvements and no mortgage nor debt. They have just completed the erection of a comfortable two-story frame residence of eighteen rooms and attic. Politically Mr. Howard is a democrat but cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln while in the service. He has been chosen as delegate oftentimes to conventions to represent the citizens of his township. Officially, he was elected in 1883 treasurer of Grattan township and re-elected to fill the same office. Subsequently he was again called upon by his people to take the place of custodian of the funds of his township and was again re-elected, showing his popularity and the full confidence and trust his people place in him. Almost since the very inception of his residence in Spencer township he has been on the school board and manifests a high interest in education. As an executor of his office, he, as the people know, has been superlative. In all business matters Mr. Howard is discriminating, sagacious and diligent, and his careful management and industry have unlocked for him the portals of success and brought out some of its rich treasures. He and his wife live in enjoyment, for both have many sincere friends who entertain for them the highest regard. ANIEL F. HOWARD, a much respected agriculturist of Grattan township, was born in Vergennes township, Kent county, Mich., February 28, I859, and is the third of the eleven children-seven sons and four daughters-that graced the union of Daniel and Kate (Costello) Howard, and of these eleven six still survive, 770 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS the eldest of whom is Daniel F.; John is a farmer of Bowne township; Kate resides in Vergennes township with her mother; James also lives on the old homestead; William and Thomas are also farmers in Vergennes township. All these children were confirmed in the Catholic church by Bishop Borgess. Daniel Howard, the father of this family, was born in county Cork, Ireland, in 1822, was educated in his native country, and in 1840 embarked on a sailing-vessel at Liverpool for New York, where he arrived seven weeks later after a somewhat tempestuous voyage, and from that city came direct to Detroit, Mich., and found employment on the Michigan Central railroad as a contractor. Some years later he purchased o00 acres of wild land in section No. 5, Vergennes township, Kent county, where the Indians were still freely roaming around. As the village of Lowell had not then been founded, his trading and milling point was Kalamazoo, which he reached with a two-wheeled cart. He was foremost among the founders of St. Patrick's parish, in which he aided in erecting the first Catholic church building. He was a democrat in politics, was an industrious man and a model citizen, and died, well-to-do and highly respected, in 1874. His wife is also a native of county Cork, was born about I829, was fifteen years of age when she came to America, and is still living on the homestead, respected for her many excellencies, of character by all who know her. Daniel F. Howard was reared to farming on his birthplace, was educated in the district schools, and remained on the homestead until about nineteen years of age. He began working out at $13 per month, and when he had reached his majority had saved $200. He next spent about eleven years as a lumberman in Clare, hecosta and Roscommon counties. February I2, I889, Mr. Howard married Miss Mattie Byrne, of a very prominent family in Grattan township, whose genealogy will be found in the biographies of Mrs. Mary A. Byrne and Mrs. M. A. Lessiter, elsewhere in this volume. The marriage service was solemnized by Father James Crumley, former pastor of St. Patrick's parish, and the union has been blessed with six children, five of whom are still living, viz: Louis M., who has attended St. Patrick's parochial schools under the charge of the Sisters of Mercy; Muriel E., a school girl in the parochial schools; Melvin W., in same schools; Ethel Mary and Thomas D.; an infant, John Earle, has but recently been called away. Mrs. Mattie Howard was born April 14, I868, in Grattan township, and is a daughter of John and Mary A. (Weeks) Byrne. She was confirmed at the age of fourteen years by Bishop Borgess, was educated in the comnon and union schools of Grattan, and also for one year attended St. Mary's academy at Windsor, Canada. She is now a member of the Altar society of her church, is a genial lady, and has been a wise counselor to her husband in his business transactions and an able assistant in conducting his affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Howard began their married life on eighty-five acres of their present farm, and went in debt for the place to the extent of nearly $5,000. To-day they own i85 acres of good land, well cultivated, and a comfortable dwelling, all the result of their own industry and perseverance. This was known as Talbot homestead, one of the first settled in Grattan township. In politics, Mr. Howard is a democrat and cast his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland, but has never sought an office for himself, as he has preferred to devote his time and attention to his private affairs. He and wife are devout members of St. Patrick's parish, and contribute liberally toward its sup IV; FARMER FAMILY-FIVE GENERATIONS. See Page 761. .11 AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. port. They stand very high in the esteem of the people of the township and certainly deserve the great respect which is paid them. WEN J. HOWARD, the popular and vigilant supervisor of Vergennes township, the place of his nativity, was born March 11, 1857, and is the fifth of a family of six children-two sons and four daughters-born to Timothy and Mary (Driscoll) Howard, four of which children still survive, viz: Johanna, widow of John Walsh, late of Lowell, Mich., and has one daughter, Mamie Frances, who graduated in music from the Ursuline convent, at Windsor, Canada, and is now a teacher of music; Margaret, wife of Owen W. McGee, of Vergennes township and foreman of Mitchell Bros.'lumber mill at Cadillac; Mary, wife of Richard Bergin, formerly a teacher now a farmer in Vergennes township, and Owen J., the subject of this sketch. Timothy Howard was born in county Cork, Ireland, about 18I9, and when nineteen years old came to America, landing at St. John's, N. B., after a tedious voyage of four months, and not a pound in his pocket. He had, however, an abundance of energy, and worked through Canada, New York and Ohio, on the canals, and arrived in southern Michigan just when the Southern Michigan railroad was being constructed, found work on the same, secured a railroad land warrant, and entered eighty acres in section No. 8, Vergennestownship, then a wilderness of hardwood, and here he erected his log cabin. He then married Miss Driscoll at St. Patrick's church, Detroit, and later became one of the founders of St. Patrick's parish in Kent county, and assisted in the erection of four Catholic churches in this parish, being a devout believer in the faith. He was very industrious, and in the summers worked his farm, and 40 during the winters found work elsewhere, going as far as the Welland canal, 340 miles away. He was thrifty, and ere his death, which occurred July 2, i86r, had acquired I60 acres, all in Vergennes township. In politics he was a democrat. Mrs. Mary (Driscoll) Howard was also a native of county Cork, Ireland, was born in 1825, and at the age of eleven years sailed from Baltimore harbor (the same port her husband had sailed from) with her brother, and landed at- St. John's, N. B. She, also, was a devout Catholic and a lady of many christian virtues, and died December 9, I887. Her remains lie interred beside those of her husband in St. Patrick's cemetery, where a monument stands, sacred to their memory. Owen J. Howard has been reared to agricultural pursuits and educated in the common schools, and has also applied himself to the study of matters of practical use. He remained with his mother until her'death, caring for her filially, and February 1, I890, married Miss Jennie E. Bergin, which union has been blessed with five children, viz: Eugene Aloysius, who is in the fourth grade of the parochial school, under the charge of the Sisters of Mercy. Albert and Emmett, also at school, and Frank and Genevieve, both too young for school attendance. Mr. Howard was confirmed at the age of ten years by Bishop LeFevre, and Mrs. Howard at fourteen, by Bishop Richter. Mrs. Jennie E. Howard was born in Lowell, Mich., March 10, I869, and is the eldest of the eleven children- five sons and six daughters-born to John S. and Mary (McGee) Bergin, and seven of these children still survive, namely: Frank, a married farmer of Vergennes township; Eva, at home in Lowell; Mamie, who will graduate at Lowell in the class of I9oo; Carl, Izene and Raymond, all at home. 774 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS John S. Bergin was born in Livingston county, Mich., received a sound education at Detroit, and has passed his years up to date as a farmer and merchant; in religion he is Catholic, and in politics democratic. His wife is also a native of Michigan, and the two still reside in Lowell. Mrs. Howard was primarily educated in the common schools, then attended St. Joseph's seminary at Notre Dame, Ind., in 1884, and St. Mary's academy at Windsor, Canada, in i886 and I887. Her studies were confined to the English branches, oil painting and painting in water-colors. She is a lady of that sunny nature which makes the home circle heavenly. Mr. and Mrs. Howard began their married life on the Howard homestead in 1890, on which, in 1882, was erected an imposing brick residence, which is one of the most stable and commanding in the township. Mr. Howard is a sound democrat, cast his first presidential vote for Winfield Scott Hancock in I880, and has always aimed to promote the success-of his party in what he considers to be the best policy for the benefit of the masses. He has been prominent in local politics, and in 1892 was elected treasurer of Vergennes township, filled the office most satisfactorily, and was re-elected in 1893. In I894 he was elected justice of the peace, held the office until 1898, and was then elected supervisor of the township, gave the utmost satisfaction in the performance of his duties, and was re-elected in I899, being the present incumbent. He has always held the full confidence of;the people and of his party, and by the latter has been frequently sent as delegate to its county and state conventions. He has also filled other positions of honor and trust, and is at present the administrator of a large estate in his township. Mr. Howard and wife are devout Catholics, and liberally contribute to the support of their church. Mr. Howard has been successful in life and has added to the old homestead until he now owns 240 acres in Vergennes township. His farm is of a clay-loam soil, adapted to the growth of all the cereals, fruits and edible vegetables, peculiar to the climate of southern Michigan. He and wife socially occupy a high standing and are greatly esteemed for their many excellent traits of personal character. EYMOUR AND BARTON D. HUNTING, of Rockford, Algoma township, Kent county, Mich., are natives of Courtland village and fill prominent stations in the community in which they now live. They are sons of Isaac and'Sarah A. (Shotwell) Hunting, early settlers of Courtland township and the parents of nine children, five sons and four daughters-of whom five are still living, viz: Seymour, of this sketch; David, a contractor, of Courtland township; Albert I., a graduate of the Rockford high school, and at present a machinist at Grand Rapids; Barton, of whom further mention will shortly be made, and Lura A., also a graduate from the Rockford high school and for a number of years a successful teacher in Kent county. Isaac Hunting, the father of this family, was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., April 25, 1837, was thoroughly educated, and for some years in his earlier manhood was a school teacher. He was married in his native county. In 1855 he came from New York direct to Courtland township, Kent county, Mich., the county being then but in the incipiency of its settlement, and here engaged in farming. He was one of those brave men who offered their services and their lives to their country in its hour of need, and enlisted March 6, I865, in company F, Seventh Michigan cav AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 775 airy, and was elected corporal. In October, 1865, however, he was transferred to company B, First Michigan veteran cavalry, and was assigned to duty in the far west, where contests with the Indians were frequent and arduous, and where the rigors of the climate and the severity of the service shattered his once vigorous health and strength and eventually caused his death. He was honorably discharged March io, I866, when he returned to Courtland and resumed the peaceful pursuits of civil life. Politically, he was an ardent supporter of the'greenback party and of the policy of Peter Cooper, the New York philanthropist. For several years he served his fellow townsmen as supervisor and also as treasurer, and was the recipient of their fullest confidence. He was likewise a warm supporter of the public school system and indefatigable in strengthening and promoting it. His lamented death took place April 28, 1879, and this was hastened, as already hinted, by the hardships he endured while in the army. His widow, also a native of New York, born March 9, I839, received an excellent education in girlhood, was for some years a teacher before her marriage, and is now living on the old homestead in Courtland township. Seymour Hunting, alluded to in the opening paragraph of this article, and now prominent among the business men of Rockford and Kent county, was born April 29, I863, and began his business life, as a grocer, in May, I891, in association with F. O. Kelsey, with whom he remained until May, I893, when he bought out that gentleman, and has since done business on his sole account, his trade being second to none in Rockford. He carries a full line of staple or standard groceries, which he purchases largely at Grand Rapids, and which are consequently always fresh and reliable. He also deals in the products of the locality, and during the fall of I898 shipped 2,500 barrels of apples south and west, and his shipments of peaches and plums were proportionately large. His grocery stock invoices fully $3,000, and the volume of his combined trade reaches about $23,000 per annum. Mr. Hunting was joined in matrimony, March 2I, I889, with Miss Effie A. Jenne, daughter of Newton E. and Mary (Hedger) Jenne, one of the prominent families of Courtland township, and two children have come to bless this union, viz: Grace R., a bright little miss now six years old, and Clyde N. In politics Mr. Hunting is democratic on national questions, but in local matters he supports the candidate best qualified, in his opinion, to perform the duties of the office to be filled. He cast his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland in I884, and has himself filled the office of village treasurer, and has served on the village board for the past five years. He is a warm friend of public education and believes in employing competent teachers, even though they have to be paid a higher salary than that paid to mediocre pedagogues. Fraternally, he is a member of Rockford lodge, No. 246, F. & A. M., and also a member of Sons of Veterans post, No. I6. His business success has been secured by fair and square treatment of his patrons, and his business name stands without a blemish. He and wife move in the best social circles of the village, and they enjoy to the full the respect of their neighbors and the citizens in general. Barton D. Hunting, younger brother of Seymour Hunting, was born March I9, 1873, and received a sound public-school training. His life has been passed in agricultural pursuits and in merchandizing. The year 1892 and a part of 1893 he passed in Oakes, N. Dak., as a salesman, and in the fall of 1893 he became interested in the jewelry trade. In October, I897, he entered his brother's store 776 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS in Rockford, Mich., as a salesman, but is at present traveling in the west. In politics Mr. Hunting is independent and votes for the man of his choice, regardless of party dictates, but is of Democratic proclivities and cast his first presidential vote for William Jennings Bryan in I896. He is a member of Sons of Veterans post, No. I6, at Rockford, and is chancellor of Arbutus lodge, No. 48, Court of Honor, of the same village, and is altogether a highly esteemed young gentleman. He has shown his filial love by making strenuous, as well as successful, efforts to secure for his mother a pension, which was clearly her due, on account of the comparatively early death of her husband, which was the result, beyond cavil, of his exposure while in the service of his country, and in these efforts, as in the general affairs of life, he has shown consummate executive ability. He was two years ago wedded to Miss Pearl Sipples, of Courtland. EWIS GEORGE HUTCHINGS, a prosperous and well-known young farmer of Plainfield township, Kent county, Mich., is the second son of Robert M. and Mary A. (Gross) Hutchings, and was born October 20, I866. He was reared on the old homestead, of which more may be read in the sketch of Willis Hutchings, and 'remained with his parents until about twenty years of age, when, November i, I886, he married Miss Almeda M. Long and began the battle of life in earnest. He first hired out to a neighbor for six months and then took his wife to Minneapolis, Minn., where he secured a situation as barn boss at a saw-mill. Two years later he returned to his old home in Plainfield, remained one year, and then rented a farm in Algoma township, which he cultivated three years; he next moved to an adjoining farm on the south, which he also cultivated for three years, and then went to Newaygo county, to act as overseer of a I,ooo-acre farm in Ashland township. Four years later, or in the spring of I898, he purchased the old homestead of Ioo acres in Plainfield township, and this he makes his present hore. Mrs. Almeda M. Hutchings was born in the village of Sparta, Kent county, Mich., March o0, 1863, and is a daughter of Jacob and Margaret Fansler Long, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania. She has blessed her husband with three children, Mazie, Bernice and Melbourne. Mrs. Hutchings is a most amiable lady and is noted everywhere for her qualifications as a housekeeper. Mr. and Mrs. Hutchings are not members of any church organization, but incline toward the doctrines of the Baptists; yet they are liberal in their contributions toward the support of church and school. In politics Mr. Hutchings upholds the democratic party, having cast his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland in i888. He is an intelligent, hard-working man, thrifty as well as enterprising, and well deserves the high esteem in which he is held by his neighbors. APT. STEPHEN K. IRISH, of Spencer township, Kent county, Mich., farmer, ex-sailor and exsoldier, was born in Lorain county, Ohio, June 5, 1835, the fourth in a family of eight sons and one daughter, born to Nathan and Almira (Powers) Irish, of which family two only are now living-our subject and a brother, Andrew J., who still resides in Lorain county, and who is also a veteran of the war. The youngest brother, Edgar Harrison Irish, was killed in the battle of the Wilderness. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 777 C. J. Irish, another brother, also served in the same war. Nathan Irish was a native of Vermont, born in 800o and died at the age of sixty-six years. lie was a millwright by trade, but for eight years was a sailor on the great lakes, and was a man of more than ordinary ingenuity, activity and bravery. Giles Irish, grandfather of Stephen K., was a hero of the Revolutionary war and of the war of 1812, and was present when Commodore McDonough won his famous battle on lake Champlain. Nathan Irish lived at Piattsburg, N. Y., until after his marriage and then removed to Lorain county, Ohio. For many years he was a captain on the lakes, and imbued his sons with a love for seamanship. In politics he was first a whig, but at the birth of the republican party voted for John C. Fremont. His wife, also a native of Vermont, was born in 1805 and died at the age of forty-five. She was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, was possessed of many womanly graces, and beloved by all who knew her. Stephen K. Irish attended the common schools till the age of thirteen years. His father was owner and master of a lake vessel, and as a boy Stephen went with him for about four years. He then went as a sailor and followed the lakes for about twenty years. He was wheelman on the Granite State, of the Northern Transportation line from Ogdensburg, N. Y., to Chicago, Ill., for two seasons, was mate for about three years, and for about fifteen years was captain, and well known among lake men as:'Capt. Curly." About the year 1875 the vessel he was then in sank off Erie, Pa., and though all the crew were saved, two of the life-saving corps were lost in coming to their rescue. When the Civil war broke out he was master of the E. K. Kane, but he and nine other sailors offered their services to the government. Capt. Irish enlisted at Elyria in company I, Eighth Ohio volunteer infantry, andtook part in thirty-six actions. Among -the first severe ones was that.of Chancellorsville. In this battle the Eighth Ohio lost 300 men, and Mr. Irish was very badly wounded in his left leg by a fragment of shell, and still suffers, more or less, from the injury. Mr. Irish also took part at Antietam, and at Gettysburg the captain of the company was killed, and Edgar Irish, who was in the company, bore the body from the field. Mr. Irish likewise fought in the second battle of Bull Run; at Bristol Station his cap was shot from his head; at the battle of the Wilderness his brother was killed and his own hand was shattered. In this battle 52,000 men of the Second army corps entered the fight and on the second day (May 6) there were but 20,000 left to answer roll-call. Capt. Irish, after being honorably discharged from the army, with a most creditable military record, returned to his home and first married, in I860, Miss Hattie Hoag, and to this union were born two childrenEdgar B., a carpenter of Oakfield township, and Lottie M., wife of Watson Little, of Norvalk, Ohio. She graduated from a ladies' seminary, near Ohio City, and has gained a fine reputation as an elocutionist. Mrs. Hattie Irish died in Ohio in I878, and Mr. Irish next married Mrs. Sarah A. (Graham) Hewitt, who was reared and educated in New York. In 1867, when Mr. Irish first came to Kent county, he purchased land in Nelson township, but ten years later bought forty acres in Spencer township. He has a beautiful summer resort on the southwest and south shores of Lincoln lake, which is frequented by the residents of Grand Rapids, Rockford, Cedar Springs, and more distant places. He has nine first-class rowboats, and keeps on THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS hand everything necessary for the use of lovers of piscatorial sport. In politics Mr. Irish is a republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Lincoln. Fraternally he is a charter member of Trufant post, No. 327, G. A. R. He is honored of his neighbors, and is popular with all his fellow-citizens, as he is a generous, free-hearted man, and withal kind and jovial, having all the characteristics of one who has long been associated with messmates and comrades, on water and on land. EWTON E. JENNE, of Courtland township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of Genesee county, N. Y., and is the eldest of the six children born to Lansing K. and Submit (Ashley) Jenne, his birth having taken place April 2, 1842, and of this family all are still living, with the exception of Mrs. Submit Jenne, who died in Illinois in I889. Lansing K. Jenne, now seventy-eight years of age, has devoted his life almost altogether to farming and stock breeding in his native state of New York, in Michigan, and in Illinois, and is now residing in Keithsburg, in the latter state. When he first settled in Kent county, Mich., the city of Grand Rapids claimed a population of 7,500 only, but twenty-five years later, when he left Michigan for Illinois, the population of the Valley city had reached four times that number. Newton E. Jenne was but twelve years of age when he came to Michigan with his parents. He received a fair public-school education, and he has passed all his life as a farmer, with the exception of two years, when he was part owner of the flouring mills at Rockford. Although he began his business life with scarcely any capital, he has, through good management, industry and judicious expenditure of his earnings, secured a competency. Mr. Jenne has been twice married; first, with Miss Mary Hedger, who bore him two children, viz: Effie, wife of Seymour Hunting, whose biography appears elsewhere, and Fred N., a farmer of Courtland township. His second wife was Miss Emma L. Hedger, a sister of the former. Mr. Jenne purchased his present farm of eighty acres in Courtland township in I867. On this property he has erected all necessary farm buildings, and, in fact, has redeemed the place from what was then, comparatively, a waste or wilderness, and converted it into one of the most profitable farms of its size in the township. In politics Mr. Jenne is a republican and cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. In his fraternal relations he is a member of Rockford lodge, No. 246, F. & A. M., and also of Edgerton tent, No. 684, K. 0. T. M. Socially, his standing, and that of his family, is of the best. BRAM H. JOHNSON, of Oakfield township, Kent county, Mich., for over fifty years has been a citizen here, and has witnessed its wonderful development, including that of the beautiful city of Grand Rapids. He is a native of Schoharie, N. Y., was born on the i8th of December, 1837, the second son in a family of seven children born to Sabin and Phoebe (Wilsey) Johnson. Of five living, A. H. Johnson, is the eldest; William is a ranchman near Couer d' Alene, Idaho; Nelson was a soldier in the army of the Potomac, and is now engaged in agriculture in Cannon township, Kent county, Mich.; Marcus and Martin, twins, the former a farmer in Cannon AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 779 township, and the latter a mechanic living in Grand Rapids. The father was a native of New York, and died at the age of forty-nine in Courtland township, Kent county, Mich., where he had been a blacksmith and wagonmaker. He was a son of Joseph Johnson, who was a native of the Green Mountain state. Sabin Johnson came to this state via the Erie canal, lakes Erie, Huron and Michigan to Grand Haven. In that early day the county was almost an entire wilderness. Cedar Springs, Rockford, Sand Lake and the towns of northern Kent were not known. He first took up eighty acres of government land in section 22, upon which he erected a little board hut, which was his first habitation. There were no highways, school houses nor churches in the entire township, which then contained but fifteen families. Mr. Johnson was an old-time whig, but at the birth of the republican party espoused its principles. Endowed with keen perceptive powers and sound judgment, he had prophesied the Civil war some twenty years before its outbreak. Religiously he and wife were members of the M. E. church. His wife was a native of Berne, N. Y., and died at Rockford, Mich., at the age of sixty-six years. Abram H. Johnson received such an education as could be secured in the pioneer schools, and still has a keen recollection of the old Elementary spelling book and English reader. Until twenty-one years of age he remained at home with his mother, where much responsibility rested upon his shoulders. Much of the time after fourteen years of age he worked out, his wages going to the support of the family. He was one of the brave men who went to the front when the country was' imperiled, having enlisted in company A, of the Sixth Michigan cavalry, at Grand Rapids, on the I4th of August, 1862. His regiment was assigned to the army of the Potomac, in what was called the Michigan brigade, under Gen. Custer. He took an active part in many of the severe battles, among which was Gettysburg. At Falling Waters the regiment lost heavily, Capt. Weber, of company B, being numbered among the slain. Among the remaining battles in which he took part were those of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor and Petersburg. He was with Gen. Sheridan on his famous raid up the Shenandoah valley when he devastated that beautiful country, which was the great source of supplies to the Confederate army. He engaged in the battle of Cedar Creek and Winchester, and was stationed at Five Forks, Va., when the joyful news reached the regiment that Gen. Lee had surrendered. His regiment participated in the great military review at Washington, after which it was ordered west, where, at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., he was honorably discharged on the 2Ist of June, I865. Mr. Johnson was married on the 6th of December, I862, while waiting orders to go to the front, in Courtland township, to Fanny Bennett. They had one daughter, Jennie, who was educated in the common schools, and was an excellent young lady of charming manner, the pride and dependence of her parents, and a grace to any community. She died September 26, 1893, and her remains are interred in Oakfield cemetery. A handsome nonument will be erected to her memory, to mark her last resting place. Beloved by all who knew her the community has keenly mourned her loss, which has been to each friend a personal bereavement. Mrs. Johnson was born in Warrensburg, N. Y., October 23, I836, a daughter of Harmon and Aviss (Dean) Bennett, and was a maid of fourteen years when she accompanied her parents to Kent county, Mich., where she attended the common schools. Both she and 780 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS - her husband can well remember when Grand Rapids was but a village, and a team would often mire on Canal street, near where Sweet's hotel now stands. At that time the sites of the Morton and Livingston hotels were covered with small and insignificant buildings. Bear and deer were commonplace, and were often seen and killed by the settlers. Mr. Johnson has been a strong supporter of the'republican party, and cast his first presidential-vote for Abraham Lincoln. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are much interested in education and have advocated improvement in methods and instructors. They are church members of high standing, endeavoring to know and follow the mind of the Master. Socially Mr. Johnson is a member of the L. C. Hart post, No. 247, G. A. R., at Harvard. In every relation of life his character has stood the test, and the regard of his fellowmen has been won by years of upright living, coupled with excellent personal attributes. HARLES PARISH, one of the most respected and thrifty farmers of Tyrone township, Kent- county, Mich., was born near Markland, an estate in Ycrkshire, England, December i, I85I, the third in a family of three sons and one daughter, born to Joseph and Jane (Cash) Parish, of whom Charles and a sister, Mrs. Geo. K. Playter, are now living. Joseph Parish, father of subject, was born in Lincolnshire, England, September 2, i8I I, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. He was educated in the common schools, and for many years was an overseer of an estate in his native land. May I2, I853, he and family sailed from Liverpool in a sailing-vessel, bound for New York, had a very stormy passage, and Mr. Parish also had the misfortune of losing all his wearing apparel by theft. From New I York the family came to Michigan and located in Manchester, Washtenaw county, where Mrs. Joseph Parish died at the age of about. thirty-two years, and Mr. Parish returned to England, and March I9, I857, married Miss Julia Moore, a native of Lincolnshire, with whom he returned to Michigan. To this union have been born four children, viz: William, a lumberman at Oconto, Wis.; Mary B., widow of John Holmes, formerly a pharmacist at Sparta; Leonard J., farmer and farrier at Kent City, and Frederick S., a farmer and lumberman, and living with his mother in Kent City also. Mr. Parish, the father, died December 31, I893, a member of the Church of England, in politics a democrat, and socially a highly respected gentleman. His widow has a comfortable home of her own in Kent City and is surrounded by a large circle of warm friends, and in the enjoyment of the society of those of her children who reside here. Charles Parish, the worthy subject, was an infant of eighteen months when his parents reached Washtenaw county, and he was there reared until fifteen years old, when his father purchased land in Jackson county. There young Charles went to work for a farmer, at $15 per month, and thus aided his father in paying off a mortgage of $Ioo on the new farm. His school advantages had been somewhat meager, but he was a youth of close observation and learned the practical lessons of life with ease and without the especial use of books. He continued to make his home with his father until past his majority and was always an able assistant to him. Mr. Parish married, October I3, I875, Miss Marian J. Van Driest, but to this union no children have been born. In their kindness of heart, however, they have adopted as their own a little boy and a little girl, the eldest of whom, George, is now in the fifth r AQg26 (- -?9 " "I'll ,it AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE., 785 grade of the Kent City schools, is diligent in his studies, and is a bright, obedient lad; the younger, Gretchen, is just starting for school, has been as a sunbeam in the cozy and comfortable home of her benefactors and has musical talent, vocal and instrumental. Mr. and Mrs. Parish will do what they can to properly educate their wards. Mrs. Marian J. Parish was born in Sheboygan county, Wis., December 6, 1855, and is a daughter of Peter and Mary Ann (Dearlove) Van Driest, who were the parents of two sons and four daughters, of whom two only are now living-Mrs. Parish and Martha P., the wife of Henry Benton, a merchant of Wayne county, N. Y. Peter Van Driest, father of Mrs. Parish, was born in West Chapelle, Holland, March 4, 1821, is a cooper by trade and is still living in the enjoyment of all his faculties. His wife was born in Cliff, England, July 24, 1827, and they were married at Rochester, N. Y., August 20, 1846. In October, 1875, Mr. and Mrs. Parish came to Kent City with only thirteen cents in their possession, the clothes on their backs and something more in their trunks, but no furniture. Mr. Parish found work by the day in the Grand Rapids Stove works in the village, labored diligently two years, and was then able to purchase forty acres of land within a half-mile of Kent City, of which twelve acres only had been cleared, and for this land he traded, as part payment, one acre and a small house he had previously owned in Kent City, gained through his industry. On the newly-purchased farm there was a little log cabin, and into this Mr. and Mrs. Parish moved in I881, having spent the previousfour years in Kent and Wexford counties, in which Mr. Parish worked two years each, as did also his faithful wife,, in order to earn the money necessary to release the mortgage resting on his forty-acre farm. He found his place cov ered with stumps, many of which he rooted himself, yet had to pay for the extirpation of 1,900 others. From that time until this he has continued to make improvements, as is well attested by his excellent fruit orchards, cribs, outbuildings, fences, well, and beautiful modern residence erected in I893. This dwelling is two stories high, contains ten rooms, three closets and halls,. a well-arranged basement and cellars, and the upper stories are beautifully finished in hardwood, while all the surroundings of the Parish mansion indicate taste, good management and thrift. Besides the homestead of forty acres, Mr. and Mrs. Parish own a fine farming tract of forty acres in section No. 33, and notwithstanding the fact that they began life in Kent county, in I875, with a capital of only thirteen cents, they are now in most comfortable circumstances and entirely free from debt. In politics Mr. Parish is a democrat and cast his first presidential vote in 1876 for Samuel J. Tilden; fraternally, he is a member of lodge No. 361, I. O. O. F., at Kent City. He and wife attend the Baptist church and are liberal in their contributions to church purposes generally, and are classed with the most worthy residents of Tyrone township. m HARLES F. JOHNSON, a greatly respected farmer of Sparta township, Kent county, Mich., was born in the province of Smoland, Sweden, about twenty-eight miles from the city of Jonkoping, the capital of the province, December 12, 1846, and is the youngest of a family of six children born to John and Christine (Johannos) Peterson. (In explanation of this incongruity, it may be here stated that, half a century ago, surnames were hardly ever used among the Scandinavian peasantry, the suffix I "son " being attached, in the case of a male 786 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS child, to the christian name of the father, and the suffix 4"dotter," in the case of a femnale; thus, a son of Peter is called Peterson, a son of John is called Johnson, and so on. In the present instance it will be perceived, the subject is a son of John, and the father of subject was a son of Peter.) Of the six children alluded to in the foregoing paragraph, five are still living, viz: Claus P., a married farmer, of Sparta township; Hannah, wife of Charles Lindquist, a mechanic, still in the province of Smoland; Fredrika, married to John Lind, a farmer of Tyrone township, Kent county, Mich.; John A., a mechanic in Grand Rapids, and married, and Charles F.,the subject of this sketch. John Peterson, father of subject, was born in Smoland province, September I3, I802, and his wife in March, 1804. They were respectable farming people, and died, respectively, December I3, I87I, and in I884, members of the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church, and their remains now rest in peace in their native province. Charles F. Johnson was reared to farming and was educated in his native land, and until attaining his majority devoted his time and whatever money he earned to the use of his parents. He was a studious as well as a hardworking youth, and added greatly to his schooling by reading and other self-instruction until he became what may be called liberally educated. In I869, in company with his brother Claus and the latter's family, he sailed from Gottenburg to Liverpool, England, via Newcastle, and from Liverpool to New York, the trip across the Atlantic lasting fourteen days, a storm having been encountered when the steamer was eight days out and a sailor washed overboard. The steamer reached her berth at her wharf in New York about May I2, and from New York Mr. Johnson came directly to Kent county, Mich., via Chicago, Ill. Mr. Johnson first found employment here at farm labor, at $I2 per month, worked for eight winters in the lumber region of Kent and Newaygo counties, saved his earning, and thus prepared himself for the responsibilities of married life. April 7, I877, Mr. Johnson wedded, at Grand Rapids, Miss Sophia Fag, who has borne him five children, viz: Anna E., who passed the eighth grade in the district school in June, I893, and is now a professional dressmaker; Ellen R., who has also passed the eighth grade and is now studying music; Mabel A., who completed the course of the commonschool in June, i898; Frederick A., in the sixth grade at school and particularly apt in mathematics; Hilda D., being the youngest, is of course the pet of the household. Mrs. Johnson, also a native of Smoland province, Sweden, was born October 28, 1852, and is the only-living child of the family of three sons and one daughter, born to Nels and Elizabeth (Peterson) Fag. Her parents died in their native land, the father in I869, when just preparing to emigrate to America. Mr. Johnson's first purchase of land was a tract of forty acres, for which he went in debt, as many others in his station in life did in those days, the owners of the land well knowing that the thrift and industry of the purchasers would enhance the value of the property and yield a better price in case of foreclosure. But Mr. Johnson was diligent, intelligent, and well understood agriculture, and soon paid up his indebtedness, and also paid for the many substantial improvements he has made upon the place, and is now independent of the world. In politics Mr. Johnson is a strong republican and is equally strong as an advocate of temperance. He has been connected with the school board for twelve years, and, encouraged by his amiable wife, has advocated the em I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 787 ployment of the best teachers the board can afford to compensate. The family are members of the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church, and are never behind-hand in contributing to its support. They are classed among the most respectable residents of Sparta township, where for thirty years Mr. Johnson has made his home, and has done his full share in redeeming it from a wilderness, comparatively, and converting it into the blooming orchard land and grain field that it now is. UGUST A. JOHNSON, senior member of the firm of C. A. Johnson & Co., the well-known mercantile house of Sparta, Kent county, Mich., shippers of produce to the extent of $90,000 to $Ioo,ooo per annum, was born in Sweden December 4, 1863, and is a son of Gustave and Johanna (Anderson) Johnson, who had a family of seven children. Gustave Johnson, the father, brought his family to the United States about I868, and immediately settled in Sparta township, Kent county, Mich., and engaged in farming. August A. Johnson received a practical commonschool education, and until 1889 was engaged in agricultural pursuits; then he entered mercantile life in Sparta, and is doing the heaviest trade of any merchant in Sparta, if not in Kent county. October 7, 1897, August A. Johnson married Miss Christine Bauman, a daughter of Andrew and Mary (Kemp) Bauman, of Ohio, and one daughter, Lucille, has graced this union. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are consistent members of the Lutheran church, and socially hold a very high position. In politics Mr. Johnson is a republican and is exceedingly popular with his party, which he has served two years as township treasurer, and as village trustee, of which office he is the present incumbent. He has also acted as president of the Young Men's Republican club, and fraternally is a Knight of Pythias, of Unity lodge, No. I34. Mr. Johnson is a director in the Sparta State bank, and beside the Sparta mercantile house, which is the heaviest fruit-shipping firm in the county, the firm conduct a branch concern in the village of Kent, that being run under the style of A. H. Saur & Co. C. A. Johnson, co-partner with August A. Johnson, was born in Sweden, March I5, I865, and is a son of Claus P. and Mary (Larson) Johnson, who have had born to them a family of six children, of whom four are still living. The father was reared a farmer and followed his vocation in Sweden until I869, when he came to America and at once settled in Sparta township, Kent county, Mich. C. A. Johnson was united in marriage, June 3, 1893, with Miss Esther Paterson, of Grand Rapids. He and wife are members of the Lutheran church, and mingle with the best social circles of Sparta and vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have two childrenLowell L. and Paul E. Mrs. Johnson was reared and educated in the county of Kent in the Swedish and English languages. DGAR R. JOHNSON, one of the best informed residents of Cascade township, Kent county, Mich., and an ex-teacher of merit and reputation, was born in Windham, near Catskill, Greene county, N. Y., December 29, 1832, and is a son of Jonathan and Thankful (Wolcott) Johnson. When Edgar R. Johnson was but two years of age, the family moved from New York to Ohio, and in the village of Fitchville, Huron county, that state, Edgar R. passed his early boyhood. He was educated in a graded school. At the age of nineteen years he taught school 788 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS -- one term, and then clerked for a year. He had an uncle, Jefferson Johnson, who lived in Cascade township, Kent county, Mich.,and in 1852 the family were induced to come hither, and here located temporarily on a tract of land in the wilderness; but in I855 removed to the farm now occupied by the subject which was heavily timbered and comprised eighty acres. As Jonathan Johnson was a tailor by trade and sickly beside, the land was paid for by his son, the subject, who passed his summers in clearing up the place, but found it pretty hard work, as he was more of a student than a woodman or farmer. On this place the mother died at the age of sixty-one years and the father at seventy-three. For sixteen winters after settling here, Edgar R. Johnson taught school, chiefly in Cascade and Ada. He had advanced scholars and taught algebra, astronomy and Latin, had large classes, sometimes having an attendance of fifty, and many of the pupils were older than himself,.and he achieved a fine reputation as a teacher. In his earlier days as teacher he received $18 per month of twenty-six days, and " boarded round," but in the later days received $40, and from his earnings in this vocation he paid principally for the home farm. He has not made a failure at farming, although he does not claim to be an up-to-date agriculturist, as he passed the greater part of his earlier days in study, the original intention being to prepare himself for the medical profession, but circumstances intervened to prevent his carrying out this design. That he has been somewhat successful as a general farmer, however, is shown by the fact that he now owns eighty acres of the homestead. In politics Mr. Johnson is a republican, and for years has filled township offices of more or less importance. Of these, for about.twenty years he was supervisor, a longer time than any other person has served in that office in the township. As a member of the board of review, his services have been invaluable in caring for the interests of his people, and in every office he has filled he has had an eye to administering the affairs of the township effectuallv but economically. He has acted as delegate for his party in various county, district and state conventions, and has always taken an active part in bringing about republican success. May 21, 186i, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage with Miss Marion Holt, a native of Herkimer county, N. Y., and a daughter of Henry and Mary (DeWitt) Holt, who came to Cascade when the daughter was but eleven years of age. Here both passed away, aged ninety-three and seventy-six, respectively. He had been active in township matters, a republican, but not a politician. They were among the founders of the Baptist church at Ada and he was a deacon there for upwards of forty years. Mrs. Johnson was also a school teacher for several years in Kent county, and still owns a part of the Holt homestead. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson no children have been born, but they have taken a child, Robert D. Fox, who came into the family when he was five years of age, and whom they have reared with all the affection and care they could possibly have bestowed upon-him if he had been their own. Robert, on reaching man'sestate, married Miss Ada Wing, who gave birth to one child, Beulah Joy Fox, and who four weeks later passed away. Beulah is now two years old, and is the pet and joy of the household, her father still making his home with Mr. Johnson and operating the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Church of Christ at Cascade, in which he is elder. He had also served as superintendent of the Sunday school, both having been workers therein for years. He is strictly a temperate man, has made his way in life through I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 789 his own intelligent management, and to-day stands among the most respected and substantial residents of Cascade township. RANK M. JOHNSON, editor and proprietor of the Lowell Ledger, published at Lowell, Kent county, Mich., has been a resident of the village since I893, and now is among its foremost citizens. Mr. Johnson is a native of Lapeer county, Mich., was born December 8, I86o, and is the fourth of a family of six children that graced the marriage of James S. and Mary L. (Parmlee) Johnson. Of these six-four boys and two girls-all reside in Michigan, with the exception.of one son, Lee D., who is a merchant in Boston Mass. A daughter, Alice, is the wife of Maj. E. H. Browne, a graduate of West Point, and now of the Fourth United States infantry, who was in the Cuban war and is now in active service at Manila. James S. Johnson, the father, was born in Vermont about 1827, and is now living in Almont, Mich. His maternal ancestor in America, Gregory Stone, came from England, in 1636, in the good ship Increase. James S. was left an orphan at an early age, but has successfully grappled with the affairs of life. In i849 he caught the gold fever and crossed the plains to California, and on returning to the "states" settled in Lapeer county, Mich., engaged in lumbering and as a dealer in realestate. For a time he was associated with his son, Frank M., in the publication of the Almont Herald. He possesses one of the best private libraries in Lapeer county, and is a frequent contributor to the press, liberality in religious belief and higher criticism being his favorite themes. Mrs. Mary L. Johnson was also a native of Vermont, was born about 1829, and died in I895. Her father, Danfiath Parmlee, I I was a major in the Vermont militia, and her uncle Oliver Parmlee was killed while assisting in defense of New Orleans in I8I4. Frank M. Johnson acquired his preliminary education in the common schools, advanced to the Almont high school, graduated with the class of I880, and also attended the Flint high school. His taste for journalism early developed itself and his earlier lessons were begun in the office of the Flint Democrat as a typo. His first publication was the Almont Herald (in conjunction with his father), in which he was engaged two years. He then went to Mayville, Tuscola county, Mich., where he established the Mayville Monitor, which he conducted as a non-partisan journal for six years. He then went to Bismarck, N. Dak., where he was employed in the Republican office on state work for some time, then returned to Michigan, and for about two years was employed by the Michigan Artisan Publishing company in Grand Rapids, then came to Lowell and founded the Ledger. This is a neatly-printed six-column quarto sheet, is independent in politics, and is devoted entirely to the interests of the town and surrounding country. There had been two previous attempts made to establish the second journal at Lowell, but they were short lived. It was left for Mr. Johnson to accomplish this, and he has done it phenomenally. The Ledger office is one of the best equipped in the county, having a Campbell cylinder press capable of printing,000o copies per hour and a Champion job press, both run by electric power, and a Reliance paper cutter, the job type is modern in face and embraces fonts of all the desirable styles, and thus Mr. Johnson is prepared to execute work promptly, cheaply, and with metropolitan elegance. By a careful supervision of the columns of the Ledger and the use of a trenchant pen Mr. 790 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Johnson has run up his subscription list to I,000-an unusually large one for a rural journal. To the marriage of Mr. Johnson with Miss lMyrtie Dickerson have been born seven children, four surviving, viz: Ola Minion; now in the ninth grade of the Lowell school, with an inclination for elocution; Jamie, in the fifth grade; Rob Roy in the fourth, and Ruth. Mrs. Johnson was born in Almont, Mich., was a classmate with her husband and graduated in the same class with him, and secured a teacher's certificate. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania, but is now deceased, while her mother still survives. In politics Mr. Johnson is a democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for S. Grover Cleveland. Fraternally he is a Freemason and Maccabee, and socially he and family stand very high in the esteem of the residents of Lowell. HARLES M. EDISON, a successful fruit grower of Walker township, Kent county, Mich., is the owner of a fine farm of eighty acres, about forty of which are devoted to fruit, set out with 3,000 peach trees, 700 plum trees, 200 cherry trees and five acres of raspberries. Mr. Edison was reared on this farm, where he was born October 30, I856. His parents were J. Russell Edison and Martha (Burritt) Edison, the father born in Canada and the mother in New York, but married in I850 in Walker township, Kent county, Mich. The father came to Kent county in 1842 in company with his parents, Moses and Jane (Saxton) Edison, and settled on the farm where his grandson, Lafe Edison, now lives, one and a half miles west of the city, on Bridge street. Moses died a few years after coming, and his wife died at the age of eighty-six years. J. Russell Edison resided here for sixteen years and married, in I850, Martha Burritt, daughter of Henry Burritt, who came to Grand Rapids about I845. Mr. Burritt had settled earlier at Cannonsburg, coming from New York about 1840. His father was a blacksmith in the city, at Crescent avenue and Kent street, and the old residence still stands just north of No. 4 Engine house, and is still owned -by the family. He died about the time of the war. Both J. Russell and wife are still living on the far~m where he settled forty-nine years ago. He has improved all this place, which adjoins the old homestead. Both are well preserved, and in I9go00 will celebrate their golden wedding. Their family consists of two children-Marv, wife of Myron Livingston, of Plainfield, and Charles M., the subject of this sketch. J. Russell Edison has never been a politician, though he has held some township offices, as a matter of public duty and to oblige the republican party, of which he is a member. Charles M. Edison was educated in both county and city schools, also took a course in a business college, and before coming of age took charge of the farm, where he now has fine herds of Jersey cattle, while his dwelling is one of the finest in the township. Mr. Edison has attended all his party conventions, county, district and state, and has been especially active in the state conventions. He is now deputy oil inspector, and has been for the past two years, having been appointed by Gov. Pingree. His district covers Kent and Newaygo counties, and Lake Odessa, in Ionia county. He inspects all oil before unloaded from the cars into the tanks. Mr. Edison was married November 30, I886, to Carrie B. Fox, of Strikerville. N. Y., and they have had born to them one son, Russell L. Edison, born November 24, I897. Mr. Edison is a Mason in York lodge, No. 410, and is one of the substantial, progressive men and AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 791 useful and honored citizens of the township and county, treading closely in the footsteps of his revered father. Enos Edison was born at Port Burwell, Ont., June 21, I819, and is a son of Moses and Jane (Saxton) Edison. When Enos Edison settled on his present farm on the Alpine road, one mile north of the present city limits, it was wild land, oak openings, and had no house. He cleared up forty acres and erected some buildings. He spent some years off the place employed in farm work in Canada, Wisconsin and Michigan, till he was married in Walker township June I9, I859, to Miss Mary Isabel Baily, formerly of New York and daughter of William L. and Susan Baily. She came to Grand Rapids at fifteen or sixteen years of age and died January 4, I899, in her sixty-first year. He then settled permanently on his farm and for forty years has devoted himself wholly to the farm, has it practically all improved, and has an orchard of about 5,ooo fruit trees on the place. Of his family of five children two are living, and three died in early childhood; those living are Jennie K., wife of Henry Gormley, residing 'on the old homestead, and her children are, William, Winnifred and Albert. John H. Edison lives on part of the homestead. His wife was Miss Myrtle Norton, and the children are named: Carl, Hadley and Edison. Mr. Edison is in religion a Methodist. He has donated land for building a Wesleyan church and has contributed to its building and its support. His social standing is with the best, and he is held in universal respect. OHN JOHNSON, one of the most respected foreign-born agriculturists of Sparta township, Kent county, Mich., was born near the city of January 13, I843, and is the second in a family of nine children —four sons and five daughters —born to John and Anna H. (Carlson) Johnson, of which nine six are still living, viz: Charles J., the eldest, a resident of Sparta, who was reared to farming in Sweden, but who is a natural mechanic and has worked at carpentering and blacksmithing, and is associated with his brother John; he is a republican in politics, and in religion is a member of the Swedish Lutheran church. John, the subject of this sketch, will be spoken of in full below. Hannah is the wife of Charles Lindberg, a gunsmith of Grand Rapids. Fredericka is married to John Newberg, a watchmaker by trade, but who conducts a fruit orchard, and has been in one place for twenty-five years, having commenced work for Edward Dykeman and being the successor of R. D. Carstens. Anna Marie is the wife of Charles Nordberg, who for many years was a sailor on the Atlantic ocean and other seas, is now sailing the great lakes and was on Lake Michigan at the time the Alpena went down, and now makes his home in Walker township, Kent county. Martin G. was born November To, 1859, in the province of Smoland, Sweden; he is 'an artist in oil portraits and landscapes, having studied three years in the Art Institute in Chicago, in which city and in Marquette he has executed some fine work, and at present has his studio in his brother's house in Sparta. He is educated in the Swedish and English tongues, in politics is a republican, and in religion an Evangelical Lutheran. John Johnson, the father, was born in Smoland December 9, I802, left his native land in I865 to join his children in America, purchased eighty acres of unimproved land in Sparta township, and erected a log house for his first home in the American woods. He was a sincere Christian and aided in the erec JOinkipping, province of Smoland, Sweden, 792 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS tion of the Lutheran church in Sparta —the oldest in Michigan, and died in this faith in September, I888, one of the most respected pioneers in the county. His wife was born in the same province with himself December 5, 18I8, and died a true christian April 27, I897, in Sparta township. John Johnson, the subject of this sketch, was twenty years of age when he came to America. He had been liberally educated, was possessed of an inventive brain, and at the early age of fifteen years had begun to construct pipes for use in organs. He dutifully gave all his earnings to his parents until he attained the age of twenty years, when he left the port of Gottenberg, Sweden, for Hamburg, Germany, October i, I863, and at the latter city embarked on the " Hammonia" for New York, and reached this port after a somewhat tempestuous voyage of twenty-one days, during which the vessel had her bulwarks staved in. He reached Grand Rapids November I, I863, whence he came to Sparta township, and, being poor, availed himself of an opportunity to work as a farm hand at $I6 per month. With a brother, he soon afterward made a contract to purchase an eighty-acre tract of unimproved land, for which they paid $Ioo down on account; but for a couple of years Mr. Johnson continued to work as a farm laborer, and later engaged in carpenter work, and in Sparta township, Mr. Johnson has since passed his life, with what success will be made apparent. July 22, I883, Mr. Johnson married Miss Emma C. Beiglumb, and this union has been blessed with five children, in the following order: Agnes R., who is in the sixth grade in the common school, has taken lessons in music, and exhibits an especial talent for this art; Alvid S. is in the fourth grade; Signe M. is in the third grade; Charles 0. and Martin R. are not yet of school age. Mrs. Emma C. Johnson was born in the same province with her husband April 26, I86r, was confirmed and educated in her native land, and came to America in June, 1883. Her mother is yet living in Sweden, but her father is deceased. She has one daughter in Grand Rapids, one brother and one sister in Marquette, while another brother and a sister still remain in Europe. She is a loving and faithful wife and mother, doing all in her power to forward her husband's interests and to rear her children to industrious and virtuous habits. In politics Mr. Johnson is a republican and cast his first presidential vote for Ulysses S. Grant. For six years he has been connected with the public schools of his district having served among other capacities as chairman of the building committee when the present school building was erected in i889, this school-edifice being one of the most beautiful in the county, and being a credit to the township as well as to its builders. Being a fine mechanic, Mr. Johnson erected the organ in the Swedish church in Sparta township in I88i. He is, in fact, a pillar of this church and congregation, as he has been a deacon for twenty-seven years, the organist for twenty-six, and superintendent of the Sabbath school for eighteen years this being the most prosperous Sabbath-school in the county. He has done most of the carpenter work on the present church building, and has always contributed largely toward the support of the society in finances; he has been delegate to the synods or conferences of'the Swedish Lutheran church on five different occasions, at Princeton, Rockford and Chicago, has been the pastor's strongest support in many times of need, and has often officiated in his stead when duty has called the reverend gentleman elsewhere. Mr. Johnson and family are among the most respected AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 793 Swedish residents of Sparta, and are classed among the substantial and useful citizens of Kent county. Andrew E. Johnson (deceased), brother of John Johnson, whose biography is given in full above, was a resident of Sparta, was honored by all who knew him, and was recognized as an honorable, useful and stable citizen. He was born in Smoland province, Sweden, March 27, 1849, the fifth of his parents' family, was educated in his native land and also at Swensberg's Business college in Grand Rapids, where h'e took a full course. He was engaged in handling agricultural implements in all the territory contiguous to Sparta and was well known for his exemplary habits and upright dealing. He also was engaged largely in agricultural pursuits and was a successful and well-to-do farmer. In March, 1879, he married Ida Johnson, who was born near the city of Jilnki)ping, Sweden, and to this marriage were born six children, viz: Ann A., who has completed the eighth grade in school work and has been trained in music; Ada V., who has finished her schooling, and was employed as bookkeeperin the general store of A. H. Saur & Co., Kent City; Clara F., in the sixth grade at school and a classmate of Agnes Johnson, her cousin; David M. is in the fourth grade, Carroll E. in the third, and Augusta M. in the first grade. In I896 Mr. Johnson established a general store in Gooding, Mich., and by fair dealing and courteous treatment of his patrons built up a large and profitable trade that promised much for the future, but he was seized with an illness that resulted in his untimely and lamented death May I9, I899, he being a devoted member of the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church at Sparta and in politics a republican. He was very popular with all classes and his funeral was very largely attended, the ceremonies being held at the 41 church of which he was a member, Rev. J. A. Nozlin officiating, and no less than 127 carriages accompanying the remains to their last resting place in the cemetery east of Lisbon. He was a kind and loving husband and father and a warm friend and a good and useful citizen, and the family, as well as the community, suffered a loss that can never be restored. ILLIAM S. JOHNSON is one of the best-known fruit growers in Cannon township, Kent county, which is said to be the center of the coming fruit region of the southern peninsula, and, being contiguous to Grand Rapids, commands fine advantages as a shipping point. He is an extensive grower of apples, peaches, pears and plums, as well as some varieties of the small fruits, and began this industry in 1889. His farm is located on section 30, and his postoffice address is Chauncey, Mich. His apple orchard comprises about I5o trees of the following varieties: Baldwin, Northern Spy, Ben Davis, Rhode Island Greening and Tolman Sweet. In I896 he marketed 1,500 bushels, and in I898 about 1,200 bushels. The soil of his fruit farm is a clay loam. A great deal of his fruit he markets in the orchard, and the remainder in Grand Rapids. In I890 he planted his first peach trees, I,000 in number, of the following varieties: Hill's Chili, Barnard, Cheer's Choice, Early Michigan, Foster, Wheatland, and Orange Yellow. In I893 he marketed this planting. In 1894 he planted 1,700 more, many of the same choice varieties as the former planting, and the Hill's Chili bore in 1898. He is a practical fruit man, and believes in "spraying." Some of the 1,700 trees of the last planting are the Albertas, Gold Drop, Yellow St. John, Hale, Smock, Kalamazoo and Crosby. These varieties are said to be 794 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS the best in flavor and keeping qualities, and the best marketable peach. His peach orchard numbers 2,700 trees. Besides apples and peaches, Mr. Johnson has planted about 250 plum trees. In 1890 he set out o00 of the Lombard, Bradshaw and Genii. In I894 he set out oo00 more, all of the blue variety, and in I896 he planted fifty more. In I898 he marketed 200 bushels from his young orchard. In 1894 he set out 224 pear trees of the following varieties: Bartlett, Kiefer and Garber, which promise to yield a good crop in 1899. In 1893 Mr. Johnson set out 240 grape vines, and in 1894, 260 more of the Concord, Niagara and Brighton varieties, which are great producers. He marketed, in 1898, 300 pounds. He has about 500 currant bushes of the red variety, and in 1897-98 he sold about 50 cases. Of cherries he has fifty trees, and in 1897 sold twenty bushels. The highest price he ever received for apples was in 1898, and the lowest in 1897. Mr. Johnson resides seven miles southeast of Rockford and twelve miles from Grand Rapids; the roads leading to his home are of sand and gravel, which afford easy transportation, and his estate comprises 200 acres. Mr. Johnson is a native of old England, born in 1830, and was sixteen years of age when he crossed the Atlantic alone, landed in New York, and the Empire state was his home until 1854, when he came to Kent county, Mich. Here his life has been spent as a farmer and fruit grower. He wedded Miss Mary E. 'Gordon, a native of Michigan, October 6, I855, and has been blessed with five children, viz: Herbert O., a fruit grower in Kent county; Freeman, also of Kent county, and a blacksmith and farmer; Sarah, wife of John Cramer, a farmer of Cannon township; Edith, wife of Charles Miller, a resident of Cannon township, who was a student at Ypsilanti, Mich., and Drake university, of Des Moines, and teacher by profession; William A., with his parents and aiding materially in the management of his father's'affairs. Mrs. Johnson was born at Grandville, Kent county, May 25, 1836, and is possibly the oldest person living who was born in Kent county. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Free Will Baptist church, and have given liberally of their means for the advancement of their congregation. They are classed amongst the best citizens of Kent county, and are highly respected for their integrity and many excellent qualities as neighbors and citizens. B. JOHNSON, the very competent extownship treasurer of Tyrone township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of Finland, Russia, was born February 17, 1854, and is the seventh in a family of nine children born to John and Louisa (Madison) Johnson, and is now the only survivor of the family. The father, who was a surveyor and farmer, died at the age of sixty-two years, in I877, and the mother died wh!n fifty-six, in 1862, and both were members of the Lutheran church. Our subject was about sixteen years old when his father sold the home farm and settled in that part of Finland where the Swedish language. prevailed, and was there educated by private tutors (as the father had been), and became master of both the Swedish and Finn languages. In July, 1874, J. B. Johnson came to America via Hull and Liverpool, England, was two weeks in crossing the Atlantic ocean, Au Sable, Mich., being his objective destination; but, on landing at Bay City, went to work in the plaster mines, being in debt for five dollars advanced him by his father as a part of the money needed to bring him to the United States. He did not,. however, remain long in AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 795 east Michigan, as he passed his first winter in the United States in Muskegon county, Mich., about two and a half miles west of his present farm, in Kent county, and until 1885 was employed as a lumberman, and then purchased fifty acres of the farm he now occupies in Tyrone township. December 25, 1879, Mr. Johnson married Miss Sophia C. Nelson, a native of Vestegolland, Sweden, to which union the following named children have been born: Carrie Matilda, who was a graduate of the Casnovia high school; John Edward, who has passed the eighth grade in the district school; Emma Louisa, in the sixth grade; Arthur Leroy, Ethel Irene and Gladys C. Carrie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, was a bright and promising girl, who had finished the eighth grade of the public schools, and was ready to enter upon a higher plane of education, but was taken ill suddenly in June, 1899, and departed this life June 26, beloved by all who knew her. She was a dutiful and loving daughter, and her place in the family circle, as well as in the community, will be hard to fill. Mrs. Johnson was born September 3, 1858, a daughter of Nicholas and Louise (Kjellender) Nelson, who were the parents of four children, viz: Matilda, still in Sweden, but who visited her relations in America in I898; Elizabeth, wife of Andrew Anderson, a farmer of Tyrone township; Frank, also a farmer of the same township, and Mrs. Johnson, who is the youngest. The father came alone to America in I868, located on a farm at Croton, Newaygo county, Mich., and about two years later brought over his wife and children. He died at his home in I888, and his widow is now a resident of Tyrone township, Kent county, being, as was her husband, a member of the Lutheran church. In politics, Mr. Johnson is a stanch republican and cast his first presidential vote for Rutherford B. Hayes. He is the present treasurer of Tyrone township, has filled the office twice, having been first elected in 1897, and is also the present moderator of his district, No. 5, he and wife being consistent members of the Lutheran church. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are interested in fruit culture, and have 2,300 peach trees, seventy-five plum trees, and five acres set in apples. In I896 they erected their present dwelling, one of the finest in the township. It is elegantly finished in hard wood, and is heated by a hot-air furnace throughout. This beautiful home is situated two and one-half miles northwest of Kent City and about a mile and a half east and north of Casnovia. This is the reward of the industry and good management of Mr. Johnson, who has been willingly and ably assisted by his excellent wife, and although he came to America a poor man, he now stands among the solid and respected citizens of his adopted country. l LOF JOHNSON, a thriving farmer in section No. 25, Cascade township, Kent county, Mich., and an ex-business man, is a native of Sweden, was born May I6, I855, and came to America in I871, landing in New York November 25. His father, Abram Johnson, had come over two years previously, and Olof joined him at Middleville, Mich. The father had been at the head of a distillery in Sweden, but on coming to Kent county bought a farm in Bowne township, on which he resided until just before his death at the home of his son, Martin Johnson, in Caledonia, Mich., about two years ago, at the age of seventy-four years. Olof Johnson remained with his father until he had reached his majority, his earnings all being utilized to partly pay for the home farm. 796 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS He first worked at lumbering, and then spent a year and a half as solicitor for the Commonwealth Life Insurance company of Grand Rapids, and traveled through much of the state, chiefly among the lumber camps, and at times took as many as I40 applications for insurance in one day, for which he received a commission of $3. 5oeach, and of course saved a good sum of money. At twenty-eight years of age, May 12, I883, Mr. Johnson married, in Grand Rapids, Miss Ida Larson, also a native of Sweden, who came to.the United States when twentytwo years old. He then rented a farm in Lowell township for five years, after leaving which he for two years conducted the Central hotel near the Union depot at Grand Rapids. In 1893 he bought his present farm of I Io acres, then known as the Jonathan Thomas farm —and a fine body of land it is. November I7, I894, Mr. Johnson lost his house by fire, but the insurance company refused to pay the amount of the policy $i, 500. Mr. Johnson brought suit in the circuit court and won the case, when the company carried it to the supreme court, where judgment of the court below was confirnmed and Mr. Johnson was awarded over $,800oo-but it had cost him a year and a half of litigation and expenses amounting to over $400. The point argued was, that the assessment made by the secretary of the company was not in accordance with the policy, which provided that assessments were to be made by the board of directors, whereas, in this case, they were made by the secretary himself, without an order from the 'board, and therefore the policy became void; but both courts took a different view of the matter, rendered judgment accordingly, and the case is now a precedent. It required a man of just such nerve and determination as Mr. Johnson's to carry such a case through against such odds. He has since erected a handsome and commodious dwelling and made other improvements on his farm, making it one of the finest in the township. He is engaged in general farming and also breeds Jersey cattle, and is one of the most progressive farmers of Cascade. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born two children: Emma Olive and Arthur W\illiam. The family are members of the Lutheran church, in Grand Rapids, and in politics Mr. Johnson is a republican, and he and family are greatly esteemed by all their neighbors. URUM H. JOLES, a highly respected agriculturist of Spencer township, Kent county, Mich., and a valiant exsoldier of the Civil war, is a native of Pennsylvania, was born December 8, I830, and is the second of nine children seven sons and two daughters —that graced the marriage of James and Nancy (Vaughn) Joles. Those living are Hurum H.; Almira, of Alaska, Mich., and widow of Fayette McIntyre, who was a soldier of the Civil war; Alfred and Albert (twins), of whom the former was in the service during the war of the Rebellion and is now a farmer in Kent county, and the latter a farmer in Mecosta county; Julia A., the youngest of the survivors, is the wife of Edward Willis, also an ex-soldier, who was terribly wounded in the head while in the service and is now living retired at Bliss, Emmet county, Mich. James Joles was also a native of Pennsylvania, was born about 1789, and died in Kent county, Mich., at the age of eighty-six years. He had one brother, Harvey, who served in the war of I812. James was reared a farmer and shoemaker, was quite liberally educated, and for a number of years was a teacher in his native state. He went to Canada, later returned to the Keystone state, and in I833 came AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 797 to Michigan, then having a wife and three children. Here he pre-empted I6o acres in Monroe county, on which he erected a log cabin. After clearing twenty acres he sold and bought I60 acres of govern nent land a few miles from Lansing in Ingham county. Six years later he settled in Orleans township, Ionia county, where he purchased three tracts of state land. In 1852 he purchased eighty acres near Whitneyville, Caledonia township, Kent county. He was then proprietor of a hotel in Ohio for a number of years, then returned to Caledonia and purchased a fortyacre farm, on which he passed the remainder of his life. In politics he was first a whig and then a republican. His wife, likewise a native of the Keystone state, was of German extraction, and died in Kent county, when about sixty-six years of age. Hurum H. Joles was barely three years of age when brought to Michigan by his parents. He was practically educated by his father, who,it will be remembered,had been a schoolteacher. Although of strong mechanical tendencies he was reared to agricultural pursuits, and until he had attained his majority assisted his father on the new farms. June 30, 1852, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Collins, a native of New York, to which union was born a daughter, who died in infancy. To fill the void thus created in their hearts and household, and prompted by a truly kind and humane impulse, Mr. and Mrs.Joles adopted a little girl, Adafy Olmstead, whom they tenderly reared and educated. She is now the wife of Edward Whitford, a carpenter and joiner at Belding, and is the mother of two children-Ethel May and Florence. Mrs. Sarah Joles was born December I0, I883, and is a daughter of Moses and Abigail (Meeks) Collins, who were the parents of five children, four of whom grew to maturity. Her father was born in New York, January i8, I805, was a farmer, and died in Ionia county, Mich., March I2, I851. She was about three years of age when brought by her pioneer father to Michigan, and here she was reared to womanhood, Indian children having been her early playmates. At Otisco, Ionia county, August 12, I862, Hurum Joles enlisted in company B, Twentyfifth Michigan volunteer infantry. The regiment was assigned to the army of the Tennessee under Gen. Burnside; and during his service Mr. Joles took part in twenty-one actions. His first fight was at Tebb's Bend, on Green river, Ky.; the next was at Strawberry Plains, where his haversack was shot away; he took part at Mossy Creek, Loudon, and so on through the campaign from Tennessee to Atlanta, Ga., in the spring of 1864. He was in the battles of Rocky Face Ridge, Dalton and' Resaca, and at the latter sustained a grazed wound in the right knee by a bullet and was struck over the head with a clubbed musket and still carries the scar. He had been detailed to the engineer battalion of the Twenty-third corps, under Capt. Poe, and ordered to the front to assist in building bridges, sinking rifle pits, and was thus in most exposed positions; Altoona Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Pine Mountain, Culp's Farm, Chattahoochie, Rough's Ferry and Decatur all found him ever in action, and when the gallant Gen. McPherson fell, Mr. Joles was was only about sixteen rods distant, and helped to bear his body from the field. Many other battles occurred in which Mr. Joles took part, faithfully and bravely, doing his work until July 29, 1864, when he was seized with typhoid fever and laid up in the hospital until the following November. On recovering he joined in the march to the sea and with his regiment was at Salisbury, N. C., when the news of Lee's surrender came to hand. Mr. Joles participated in the grand review 798 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS at Washington, D. C., in May, I865, and was honorably discharged June 24. The Twentyfifth Michigan went out Io6o strong, and, when mustered out, twenty-seven officers and 351 privates answered the roll call. On returning home, near Belding, Ionia county, Mr. Joles resumed his calling of farmer and continued to prosper. In 1882, he and wife visited California, expecting to locate, but returned to Michigan, via San Francisco and Portland, Ore. The same year, Mr. Joles purchased his present homestead of forty acres in section 27, Spencer township, and now has as pretty a little farm as there is in the county. In politics Mr. Joles is a republican, although he cast his first presidential vote for Franklin Pierce. He is a sincere Christian, and still has in his possession the little Bible that he carried all through his war service. He and wife enjoy the respect of the entire community, as their course through life has been such as not only to deserve friends, but to likewise be friends to all. DWARD H. JONES. —Success to some seems an elusive thing, but a failure usually results from a lack of some of the elements which may be acquired by all, —perseverance, energy, industry and resolute purpose. An analysis of the life records of the successful men shows that these qualities have been essential to their prosperity; and such is the case with Edward H. Jones, a leading and successful official and citizen of Oakfield, Mich. He was born in the Wolverine state April I2, 1847, the third of three sons and two daughters born to Thomas and Sarah Ann (Potter) Jones. Those living are William R., a liveryman and veterinary surgeon,of Edmore, Mich.; Abigail, widow of John S. Watson, of Oakfield township; Edward H.; Lorana, wife of Malachi File, an agriculturist of Montcalm county, and Loren, who remained on the homestead where he died in January, 1872. Thomas Jones was born near the city of Hereford, England, May 4, I8IO. His education was secured in the national schools, and he served a six-year apprenticeship to a cabinet-maker, becoming a skillful mechanic. Upon attaining his majority, he in 1831 came to America, and after a hazardous voyage of sixty-three days, landed in the city of New York almost penniless. He plied his trade at Toledo, Ohio, and Schenectady, N. Y., until 1840, when at the latter place he wedded Miss S. A. Potter; they then lived in Jackson county, Mich., until I849, when he located on one-quarter of section No. 21, of Oakfield township, and there resided until his death, March, I879. He added till the homestead contained 240 acres, and it was among the best of the time. Mr. Jones was numbered among the honorable pioneers of the township, his residence there of nearly fifty years entitling him to that distinction. He saw there raw plains and unbroken forests, Indian wigwams and wild beasts; the homes of the white settlers were log cabins, indicating that only the first steps toward civilization had been taken. Living thus on the frontier, he bore his part in the work of development from the earliest days, and was a prominent factor in bringing about the transformation which has made this one of the leading counties of the state, with its highly cultivated farms, thriving towns and villages, its school-houses, churches and all evidences that show the mark of progress and of culture. Mr. Jones in his political views was at first a whig, but later at the birth of the republican party he endorsed its policy. He was an official in the Baptist church, of which both he and his wife were esteemed members. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 799 His wife was born in the state of New York on the 29th of July, 1822, and died in Oakfield in February, 1822. The remains of both are interred in the Oakfield cemetery, where a beautiful stone marks their last resting place. Edward H. Jones was a lad of only two years when he became a resident of Oakfield township, so, for almost half a century, he has been a citizen of Kent county, and has witnessed all the changes in the development and progress of the same. His educational advantages were those afforded by the common schools, which at that time were very meager. He remained with his parents until his majority, with the exception of his service in the army. He enlisted in September, I864, in company B, Third regiment, Michigan volunteer infantry, at Grand Rapids, under Capt. Seth M. Moon, Col. Moses B. Houghton,and Lieut.Col. John Atkinson. The regiment was assigned to the army of the Cumberland andordered immediately to Nashville, Tenn., thence to Decatur, Ala., to check the operations of Gen. Hood. The work of the cornpany was mainly that of picket and garrison duty; however, they were in active engagements at Decatur and Murphysborough. The news of the confederate surrender was received at Jonesborough, Tenn., with great exultation and rejoicing. In June they were sent to Matagorda bay, Tex., where they were retained in looking after the interests of the government for eleven months. Texas still being under martial law, a force of troops was considered necessary. He was mustered out at Victoria, Tex., May 25, I866, was honorably discharged at Detroit on June I5th of the same year. A miller by trade, Mr. Jones became the proprietor of the Oakfield flour and grist mill, which he has operated successfully for nineteen years. He was first married on the 26th day of June, I868, to Miss Elizabeth Williams. Of their three children two survive, Addie M. and Thomas D. The former was for many terms a successful teacher in Oakfield, Mich., and in South Dakota. She is at present a copyist in the register of deeds office at Grand Rapids. The latter supplemented a common school education by a course at Rockford, Mich. He also is a miller, operating the flour and grist mill at Cannonsburg. Mrs. Jones was born in New York July 3r, 1852, and died on the 28th day of July, I88r, in Michigan. Mr. Jones next married, on April 14, 1884; Mrs. Almira (Unger) Davis. They have two daughters, Mabel R. and Myrtie E. In his political affiliations Mr. Jones is an uncompromising republican, and cast his first vote for Gen. U. S. Grant. He heartily endorses the policy and firmly supports the principles of his party, and is often seen in its councils, where he has shown a firmness and tenacity that more fully proves the soundness of his republican ideas. As an official he has been trustworthy, and is said by his friends to be a large hearted, good-natured gentleman, true to his friends and benevolent to all. He was township clerk for thirteen years and supervisor for four consecutive years from i888. Upon the resignation of his uncle, M. A. Potter, in I891 he was appointed to the same position, and elected in 1893, '94 and '95, indicating the well merited respect and esteem of his constituents. The court-house was begun during his service on the board of supervisors. He was justice of the peace for six years, and has been officially connected with the public schools of Oakfield for the long period of twenty-three years. In I898 he erected his beautiful cozy residence, an abode of good cheer and welcome hospitality to all. He and wife were prominent 800 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS in the erection of the Union Chapel, where Sunday-school and preaching by any denomination is held. Fraternally, Mr. Jones is an esteemed member of Greenville lodge, No. 96, F. & A. M., and L. C. Hart post, No. 247, G. A. R., at Howard. Both are members of Venus chapter, Order of Eastern Star, at Grattan. Known as upright and honorable in his life, he has won the warm regard of all favored with his acquaintance. OSEPH T. JONES, proprietor of the livery, board and feed stable of Lowell, is the eldest in a family of six children born to Rev. Ira B. and Louisa (Harris) Jones, natives respectively of Canada and the state of Michigan. The elder Jones was reared and educated in the land of his nativity, and for many years has been an earnest minister of the gospel in various parts of Canada and the United States. Joseph T. Jones, for whom this sketch is prepared, first saw the light in Brantford, province of Ontario, Canada, on the 17th of August, 1854, and received his educational training in the country schools of his native county, growing to manhood's estate on a farm. From early manhood until within a comparatively recent date, Mr. Jones followed the old and honorable calling of tilling the soil, and belongs to that large and industrious class of yeomen who gain their principal education by keeping in close touch with nature and by practical contact with the world. In 1898 he located in Lowell and engaged in the livery and feed business, which he has since conducted, meeting with encouraging success in the venture, and making for himself a reputation for fair dealing of which any man might feel well satisfied. He receives a liberal share of the patronage in his line and maintains a well-appointed establishment, keeping on hand ten head of fine roadsters and vehicles of the latest and most approved pattern. He is well known to the traveling public, and his courtesy in consulting the wishes of his many patrons, and his close attention to business, bespeak for him a prosperous future. Mr. Jones and Miss Sarah A., daughter of Nathan Blair, were united in the holy bonds of wedlock June 7, 1882, the issue of which union is one child, Earl D. Jones. In his political views Mr. Jones is a firm believer in the republican party, but is not a partisan. ALEM H. STEWART.-The philosophy of success in life is an interesting study, and affords a lesson from which others can profit. The occupation which Mr. Stewart has followed successfully, and which has been known and honored since the world began, is that of farming, and his 113 acres of land in Oakfield township, Kent county, Mich., is tilled in such an admirable manner that it yields an income that has placed him, though still a young man, in the ranks of the financially substantial citizens of Kent county. Mr. Stewart, familiarly known as the ' Model Farmer," is a native of Oakfield township, and dates his nativity to March 29, I866. He was the only child of Joel and Maria (Van Vranken) Stewart. His father was born in the state of New York and died May 8, I866, when Salem was in infancy. By trade lie was a mechanic, but also to some extent engaged in the occupation of a tiller of the soil. His father was a native of the.land of thistles and heather, so Mr. Stewart has the blood of the canny Scot in his veins. His mother descends from one of the old Mohawk - '* X*. " ' N ' '0 ii~ j!': a e X'.. RESIDENCE OF SALEM STEWART. I I I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 808 Dutch families; in fact, she was born in the Mohawk valley October IO, I821. She was reared and educated in her native state. Three brothers-Joel, Jess and David Stewart-were among the earliest settlers of Oakfield township, and they lived in the first frame house erected within its borders. Their mother was the first white woman to die in the town. After reaching maturity, Joel returned, it seems, to New YoTk to secure his wife, who came to her western home in 1864. However, their happiness was not of long duration, as she suffered the loss of her husband but two years later. She remained on the farm, and gave her whole thought to the education and training of her son. She survived to see him take an honorable position among his fellows and passed from earthly scenes at the old homestead April 2, I888. She was a woman of great strength of character and business ability, to which a wide circle of warm friends give hearty attestation. The youth of Salem Stewart was quite similar to that of most country lads. The homestead was rented for some years, so that he often worked for other farmers. He received such education as was offered in the White Swan school-the best school in the townand at the age of twenty assumed control of the property left him by his father. Prosperity crowned his efforts and he added more land till the farm, now containing I 3 acres located in the finest section of Oakfield, is one of the most desirable properties in the northeast part of the county. Its careful management and thrifty condition have gained for it the epithet of the "Model Farm." It commands the attention of every passer-by, because of the neatness and care in which it is kept, the careful painted buildings and cleanly appearance of the premises. He is now engaged in general farming and stock raising, and has provided the estate with convenient buildings for I his stock, and farming implements and fine cellars for the reception of vegetables, etc. A fine view of this farm is found on another page. On June 7, I888, Mr. Stewart married Miss Georgie E. Cowan and two children bless this union, Clarence L. and Lloyd G. Mrs. Stewart was born in Grattan township, Kent county, September 6, I864, and is a daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Elkins) Cowan, who were the parents of three children, of whom besides Mrs. Stewart there is but one living, namely, Ella, the wife of James Richards, a farmer of Plainfield township. Mrs. Stewart was educated at Rockford, Mich. Her parents came from New York at an early date and figured among the pioneers of Kent county. In politics Mr. Stewart is a democrat and officially has been connected with the public schools for some three years. Both he and his estimable wife are attendants at and supporters of the Methodist church. ILLIAM JONES.-The social, political and business history of this section is filled with the deeds and doings of self-made men, and no man in Grattan is more deserving the appellation than Mr. Jones, for he marked out his own career in youth and has steadily followed it up to the present, his prosperity being attributable to his earnest and persistent endeavor, as well as to the fact that he alwavs consistently tried to do as he would be done by. He is the owner of a well-improved farnl of 124 acres, and the admirable manner in which it is kept and the fine state of cultivation in which it now is, has been brought about by the efforts of Mr. Jones and the result has been very satisfactory. Mr. Jones was born in the township of Ada, Kent county, Mich., on the 7th of Sep 804 8ITHE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS - - - - - -- -- - - -- -- tember, 1846, and is the second in a family of seven children born to tames and Margaret (McCormick) Jones,viz: Ann, the wife of Patrick Corrigan, an agriculturist of Grattan township; William; Michael, a farmer of Ada; Richard, a resident of Vergennes township; James, engaged in agriculture on the old homestead; and May, the youngest, who resides with her mother on the homestead. James Jones, the father of William, was a native of county Donegal, Ireland, born in I814 and died September 8, I898. Until twenty-one years of age he remained in his native land, where he received a limited education. At the above age he embarked at Belfast, and after a seven weeks' voyage landed at Montreal, Canada, whence he came almost the entire distance on foot, to Detroit, Mich., and for some time worked on old Fort Dearborn at that place, so conspicuous in the history of the Indian wars. He was also employed for a time at Kalamazoo, where he was married, and in April, 1845, came to Ada township, Kent county. Here he purchased i60 acres of wild land, built a log cabin and began the life of a farmer. He is classed as a pioneer of that section, has seen the primitive farm implements replaced by modern conveniences, bear and deer grow extinct, the wonderful developments of Kent county and the progress of the now flourishing city of Grand Rapids. Characterized by that independent spirit, that enterprise, push, industry and determination necessary to a successful career in any business, he came to Kent county, a poor man, and ere his death was the owner of 41o acres of land. He and his wife were devout Catholics and identified with the organization of St. Patrick's parish in Grattan, always contributing liberally toward the support of their religious organization. He was a democrat of the invincible variety. His residence in Kent county covered more than half a century and he died, a friend to every one he knew. The mother of the subject was born in county Westmeath, Ireland, and dates her nativity to the year 18 19. She resides now on the old homestead, living the life of a true Catholic, and though much enfeebled by age attends mass regularly. William Jones has passed his entire life as a citizen of Kent county. He received a somewhat meager education in the district schools of his section and was early inured to hard toil, working up from a common laborer to be foreman of a lumber camp, where about twenty men were employed. Until the age of twenty-one he remained with his parents, to whom he gave his aid and wages, and at that age. with less than $25 for a capital, began life for himself, which he has made a decided success in all respects. On May 28, 1873, Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Byrne, to whom seven children were born, two of whom are livingClaire and William E. The former was educated in the public schools and then entered the Academy of the Sacred Heart, conducted by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, and located near Ft. Wayne, Ind. There she took a course in literature and music. She was confirmed by Bishop Richter at the age of twelve, and is a member of the sodality and the Sacred Heart societies. William E. also attended the common schools, was confirmed in I896 by the same bishop, and is associated with his father in operating the farm. Three children died in infancy, and two, Annie and Margaret, died at five and two years, respectively, of diphtheria. Mrs. Jones was born in Grattan township, on the 2ISt of July, 1857, and was a daughter of William and Ann.(Moran) Byrne. She received a good education and became a successful teacher for several terms in the Grattan AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 805 schools. A consistent Catholic, as to religion, she was confirmed at the age of thirteen. A woman of more than ordinary education, characterized by a kind and genial nature, she died on September 20, I885, mourned by a a large circle of friends. Mr. Jones, in his political views is a stanch democrat and cast his first presidential vote for Horatio Seymour. In the official roll, he served as township treasurer and was re-elected to that office three times subsequently. He also served as highway commissioner, and at present is a member of the board of review. A devout Catholic, as to religious views, he has ever been faithful to his belief and ever a consistent member of St. Patrick's parish. ASHINGTON JUDSON, of Byron township, Kent county, Mich., and a native of the county, was born December 14, I844, only seven years after Michigan was admitted as a state of the Union, and since childhood has witnessed innumerable changes that have wrought from the wilderness a land of elevated civilization and transformed-the desert into one great region of advanced cultivation. He is the fourth of six children-three' sons and three daughters —born to Edla and Nancy (Harman) Judson, and of these children there are four still living, viz: Caroline, widow of Rufus Dibble and a resident of Trowbridge township, Allegan county; Emeline, wife of Luther Clark, who was a soldier in the Civil war, and is now a farmer at Jamestown, Ottawa county; Washington, the subject of this sketch, and Lewis, a married farmer of Byron township. The father of these children was born near Cleveland, Ohio, about i809, was reared to agricultural pursuits, was educated in the common schools, and supplemented that education by devoting his spare moments to self-instruction. He was a very industriousyouth and began his business life as a poor boy in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, and in early manhood walked from his native county to Michigan. He reached Grand Rapids when it was an insignificant hamlet, with but one log house, there worked for a Mr. Chubb on a farm for one year, and then, in I836, located eighty acres of wild government land in section No. 8, Byron township. His son, Washington, the subject of this sketch, still has in his possession the original deed to this tract, executed November 2, I837, and signed by the then president of the United States, Martin Van Buren. The land was purely virgin, as not a stick of timber had ever been cut from it, and the first habitation occupied here by Mr. Judson was a primitive log cabin, usual in those days, but he afterward developed a good farm from the forests with comfortable improvements. Among the other only settlers in 1836 were Nathan, Jerry and William Boynton, brothers, and John Harman and Harman Kellogg. In politics Mr. Judson was a democrat, but his farm occupied his attention rather than office-holding, and his devotion to his own interests met with its reward. He was a warm friend of the public-school system, and religiously was a member of the Disciples' church, in the faith of which he passed away October 22, 1873. His wife, who traced her ancestry to the Puritans, was also a native of Ohio, and died May 25, 1856, at her home in Byron, also in the faith of the Disciples' church. Washington Judson well remembers the old log cabin built by his father, and in which he was reared to manhood. There was but one schoolhouse in Byron township, and not a church, during his boyhood days, and at his birth there were not more than thirty families here. Byron Center was a quagmire, and where the Union depot now stands in Grand 806 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Rapids was a swamp, not worth more than $I per acre. But that spot is now a great network of railroads running in all directions, carrying thousands of people each week and conveying millions of dollars' worth of the resources of Kent county to the uttermost parts of the civilized world. Washington can remember when he was first permitted to go with his father, with the ox-team, to the then Indian trading-post-which is now a city of nearly Ioo,ooo inhabitants. Canal and Monroe streets, of that city, known by the pioneers as Grabb's corners and now the chief thoroughfares, were unpaved and filled with mud, with scarcely a brick building on either street, and not one of the great factories of to day was even dreamed of, nor was Campau square even given a thought. A little knoll, east of the site of the present Union depot, known as Whisky hill, has disappeared as if by magic; not a railroad existed in the place, but Indians lounged around in great numbers, to collect their annuities from the government agent. Mr. Judson, in his early farming days, used the old-fashioned four-fingered cradle and scythe in cutting grain, and the first threshing he ever did was with the primitive flail, the next was by tramping out the grain on the barn-floor with horses, in truly pioneer style. Mr. Judson received his education in the little frame school-house, known as No. 2. The first log school-house No. I, in the township of Byron, had a row of windows in one end, and the seats were slabs, with pegs for legs; No. 2 was the pride of the township, yet its methods were primitive, and the birchen rod and dunce-block were among its appliances. Someof the early pioneer amusements consisted of taffy-pulling,apple parings, log rollings, etc., and concluded with a dance, such as the Virginia reel, fisher's hornpipe, and so on. Mr. Judson began laboring out at the age of fourteen years, at $7 per month,'and his earnings he promptly turned over to his father, but at his majority had saved about $200. He became an expert shingle packer and spent about seven years in the shingle and lumber mills of Ottawa county. He was always industrious and active, and willing at all times to undertake any work that would net him an honest dollar. March 17, 1875,, Mr. Judson wedded Miss Mary McKenney, and to this union have been born five children-two sons and three daughters-of whom four are still living, viz: Rose, who has completed the eighth grade in the public schools. with a per centage of ninety; she has received instruction in music, and is also a member of the Rebekahs, Leah lodge, No. 17[, at Byron Center and holds the office of vice-grand at the present time; Viola has passed the eight grade, has received instruction in music, and is now the wife of Henry Sadler, of Georgetown, Ottawa county; Mabel has passed through the same course of instruction, and Homer, now in the eighth grade, also assists his father on the home farm. Mrs. Mary Judson was born in Canada, August I6, I85o, and died in Kent county, Michigan, July 31, I883. She was a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Jane (Norris) McKenney, and was a little girl when brought to Michigan by her parents, of whom a sketch is given in full on another page. She was a model wife and mother, and although her married life was of short duration-but eight years-had always been her husband's faithful counselor and helpmate, and her departure was a sad loss to her husband and children, as well as to her neighbors, with whom she was a universal favorite. Mr. and Mrs. Judson began their matrimonial life on the Judson homestead, which Mr. Judson had purchased with his own earnings. All the improvements hereon he has himself made and has now a most excellent AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 807 farm, with a clay-loam soil, adapted to such fruit, grain and vegetables as are usual to the latitude. On the melancholy occasion of the death of Mrs. Judson, at a regular meeting of Halcyon lodge, No. 244, I. O. O. F., held on Saturday, August II, 1883, the following resolutions were adopted and presented to Brother Washington Judson: WHEREAS, Our Merciful Father in his infinite wisdom has seen fit to afflict you by taking from you your dearly beloved wife, Mary Judson, we would draw near to you with words of sympathy, and yet we know that no words can make amends for the great loss you have sustained; we deeply realize that expressions of condolence wholly fail to restore the loved and lost one, yet we hope that the heart-felt sympathy of sincere friends will not be deemed intrusions on your grief. Therefore, be it Resolved, That the brothers of this lodge tender their heart-felt sympathy in this your hour of affliction. You have lost a true wife and your children a devoted mother; no higher eulogy can be pronounced on any-woman. We would ease your sorrow, and yet we know not how; we can only acknowledge that the affliction is God's will. Truly, the great central sun of your household has gone down, and we most truly and deeply sympathize with you in your affliction. Let us hope, however, that in the golden summer of another life, children, mother and father will meet again in a sweet reunion where partings are no more. Though the days are dark now, spring will come again; thus we trust pleasant days will come for you and yours. Commending you to, Him who does all things well, we remain yours in Friendship, Love and Truth. S. A. PELTON, Rec. Sec. In politics Mr. Judson is democratic in sentiment, although he cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He has held the office of township commissioner three different times, having been the first to be elected to that position, after the law was changed for one man to hold the office instead of three. He has always been a friend of public education, and for twelve years was a school official, and has always had the full confidence of his party and the public at large. Fraternally, he is a member of Halcyon lodge, No. 244, I. O. O. F., at Byron Center, and passed all the chairs, and also has acted as delegate to the grand lodge. Mr. Judson has been very public-spirited and liberal in promoting the advancement of Byron township, and has aided financially in the erection of four different churches in his immediate neighborhood, and the needy are never turned away empty-handed from his door. He and family are ranked with the better class of citizens of the township, and their personal merits have won for them the esteem of the entire community. RANKLIN B. KELLOGG, one of the most highly respected agriculturists of Nelson township, has been a resident of Kent county, Mich., since I869, and is classed among the pioneers. He was born in Lorain county, Ohio, July 7, 1847, the eldest of the two sons and one daughter born to Francis N. and Jerusha Ann (Cleveland) Kellogg, and of these, Mr. Kellogg and his sister, Mrs. Sophia E. Prentice, the latter a resident of Milwaukee, Wis., are the sole survivors. Francis N. Kellogg, also a native of Lorain county, Ohio, was born December 22, 1822, was reared a farmer, also learned blacksmithing and wagonmaking, and about 1854 came tb Kent county, Mich., worked here at his trade for some years, finally went north and engaged in the jewelry business until his death, which occurred by drowning, November 17, I873. He was a gentleman of unpretentious deportment, but gained many warm 808 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS friends, was a true Christian and a member of the Free Will Baptist church, and in politics was a republican. Mrs. Jerusha Ann Kellogg was born in Ohio August 13, I820, was of English descent, and died September29, 1854, a sincere Christian. Franklin B. Kellogg, at the age of seven years, was, with his sister, sent to Jefferson county, N. Y., a motherless boy, to be cared for by a good and kind old aunt-Mrs. Marinda Brainard. With this good lady he remained until he had reached his majority, and under her Christian teachings were established the principles of honor, integrity and religion, which still embellish his character, and under her kind guidance was taught to read only the best of literature. In October, I869, Mr. Kellogg came to Kent county, Mich., with no capital save a few dollars, a willing disposition, industrious habits and a pair of strong arms. What cash he had he invested in an eightyacre tract in the vicinity of Cedar Springs, but this tract was almost covered with a dense growth of heavy timber, which, in course of time, he succeeded in clearing away. There was upon the place, however, a small log hut, which answered as a shelter until it caught fire while Mr. Kellogg was at work one day, and was destroyed. But he was not daunted, rebuilt and continued clearing, until to-day he owns the choicest eighty-acre tract in Nelson township. October 8, I874, Mr. Kellogg was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Viola Hill, a native of Lorain county, Ohio, where she was reared until her twelfth year, when her parents emigrated to Juneau county, Wis. Her father is a native of New York state, is a farmer, and at the age of seventy-two years he and wife are still living at Elroy, Wis., while of his family of twelve children, six only now survive. Mrs. Kellogg is a most excellent lady, and has been a true helpmate to her husband in developing the home in Nelson township. Their present dwelling, which commands a splendid view, is located a mile from Cedar Springs, and is modern in construction and tasteful in appearance. In 1897 Mr. Kellogg erected one of the most substantial and elegant barns in the township, 50x36 feet, with sixteen-foot corner-posts, and capable of housing all his stock and implements, together with at least fifty tons of hay. In politics Mr. Kellogg is a stanch prohibitionist, and is very ardent in his advocacy of the cause of temperance. He and wife are devout members of the Baptist church at Cedar Springs and contribute liberally toward its support. They are active in Sunday-school work, and Mr. Kellogg has aided officially and financially in organizing the Fairchilds Sunday school, two and one-half miles north of Cedar Springs. He and wife are numbered among the most respected people of Nelson township, and their long residence here, added to their lives of truth and usefulness, fully entitles them to the high esteem in which they are held by their friends and neighbors. D OSEPH E. KENNEDY, general hardware merchant at Caledonia, Kent county, Mich., and manufacturer of Kennedy's Automatic Acetylene Gas machine, which he put on the market in I897, under his own patents, was born in Mifflin county, Pa., April I I, I864, a son of James and Elizabeth Kennedy, and was three years of age when his parents came to Gaines township, Kent county, Mich., and settled on a farm in the wilderness, with a log shanty as their first habitation. He remained with his parents until nineteen years old, and then made a trip through Missouri, Kansas, and other states. In February, I886, he began AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 809 - ~ -- ---— I the hardware trade in Grand Rapids, built his present store in Caledonia the same year, and moved to it in November, I886. He now does a business reaching $65,000 per annum in this line. He has the record of having made the largest delivery of binders and mowers, 153, ever made in one day by any dealer. Mr. Kennedy is also largely interested in agriculture, is secretary of the Caledonia Sheep Breeders' association, and is most active in the operations of the latter. He owns the old homestead in Gaines township and also two farms in northern Michigan, as well as property in Grand Rapids; he built the large brick block, with its public hall, in Caledonia village, besides many residences. Mr. Kennedy is a democrat in politics and has served as township treasurer of Caledonia; in I898 he was candidate for sheriff of the county and ran ahead of his ticket 2,700 votes, but was defeated in the general landslide of that year. He has also been a delegate to county and state conventions, but does not consider himself to be tied to any party in case of corrupt or fraudulent practices. Fraternally, Mr. Kennedy is a member of R. C. Hathaway lodge, No. 387, F. & A. M., at Caledonia, of which he has been the worshipful master, and of which he is a charter member; he is also a member of the Knights of the Maccabees. Mr. Kennedy was united in marriage November I9, 1893, to Miss Nellie Clemens, of Gaines township, and a daughter of Noah Clemens, and this marriage has been blessed with three children, born in the following order: Harry, Ruth and Nora. James Kennedy, father of Joseph E., was born in county Antrim, Ireland, was of ScotchIrish parentage, and was reared a carpenter; he worked in Glasgow, Scotland, and in Pennsylvania, and died March I, I874, aged seventy-four years. His widow makes her home with her children, of whom seven survive — four sons and three daughters. Joseph E. Kennedy is probably the most progressive business man in Caledonia, and has made money in every line in which he has been engaged. He is popular socially, fraternally and politically, and has the qualities of head and heart that make this popularity permanent. His acetylene gas machine is a wonderfully economic apparatus, is sold all over the United States, and should be found in every household. OHN KELLOGG, a prominent business man of Lowell,and a worthy representative of one of Michigan's first settlers, was born in Kent county September 24, I86o. His father, Titus Kellogg, descended from ancestors who settled in New York many years ago, left that state, of which he was a native, in I844, immigrated to Kent county, Mich., and located in Ada, a short distance from the town of Lowell, where he was largely instrumental in clearing up and developing the county. The elder Kellogg has been throughout life an honest tiller of the soil, hardy, industrious, and a man of most exemplary character in the community where he resides. His present home is in Vergennes township, but he is widely and favorably known beyond the limits of his own neighborhood. John Kellogg, of this review, is one of a family of three children, of whom two beside himself are living at this time. The mother's maiden nanme was Mary Gray. In his early youth he enjoyed but limited educational privileges, attending during the winter seasons the common country schools and spending the rest of the year attending to the many laborious duties of farm life. The habits of indus 810 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS try thus fostered and vigorous physical health acquired by a life of activity, in close touch with nature, served well as a foundation for a subsequent career of success and usefulness. He spent the years of minority under the parental roof-tree and began life for himself as an agriculturist in Vergennes township, but thinking to better his condition at some other vocation, abandoned the farm after two years, and engaged in his present business in the town of Lowell in the year 1890. He began at first to handle fruit on a limited scale, but by strict attention to business and superior tact in managing, soon succeeded in greatly enlarging the capacity of his plant, and within a few years found himself at the head of one of the largest and most successful enterprises of the kind in Kent county. He erected his present plant, which has a capacity of 20,000 bushels of dried apples, or seventy-five barrels per day, during the busy season, besides consuming 50,ooo barrels of apples in the manufacture of cider, and shipping from sixty to seventy barrels of cider per day, together with twenty to twentyfive cars of green and evaporated fruit during each summer and fall. The already extensive business is constantly assuming larger proportions, and the reputation as a successful tradesman which Mr. Kellogg has earned is much more than local, as he is widely and favorably known in business circles of Michigan and other states. His start in his present enterprise was with but a limited amount of capital and no real practical experience, except the aid of a partner, whose interest he purchased within a short time after embarking in the business. At the present time he is contemplating enlarging his plant about half its present capacity, in order to meet the increasing demands for his products, and from the outlook now, he bids fair to obtain the leading rank in the business in the county of Kent. Mr. Kellogg is happily married and the father of one child, an interesting boy, Paul Kellogg, whose birth occurred on the 24th day of September, I897. His wife, whose maiden name was Dell Sayles, daughter of Millard Sayles, is a fit companion for her enterprising husband, coming from one of the best families of Michigan and possessing many estimable traits of mind and heart. Mr. Kellogg has always manifested much more than passing interest in political affairs, wielding an influence for the republican party, of which he has been an ardent supporter ever since attaining his majority. WVhile never aspiring to official honors or seeking in any way public preferment, he is nevertheless public-spirited in all the term implies, and every enterprise having for its object the good of the community finds in him a liberal and enthusiastic supporter. The foregoing is a brief outline of the life of one of Lowell's progressive, self-made men, young in years but old in the principles of true manhood, and it is with pleasure that this epitome is accorded a place among the notices of prominent citizens of Kent county. ELSON KELLEY.-Nothing is truer than that good management, fair dealing and application to business will result in profit to the parties interested. Failure rarely ever comes unless as the sequence of negligence, rash speculation, or dishonesty. If the field of business be large and ripe for the harvest, active workers are, as a rule, rewarded with success. This is true in the case of Nelson Kelley, who has pursued the vocation of husbandry since he attained the age of twenty-one years, and the intelligence and ability shown by him as a progressive tiller of the soil and a stock-raiser, AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 811 I coupled with the interest he has taken in the advancement of measures for the good of Kent county, caused him long since to be classed among the leading citizens of his section. All that he has achieved or gained has principally come as the result of his own efforts, and he deserves much credit for the determined way in which he faced and overcame difficulties. Mr. Kelley is a native of Michigan, was born in Gaines township, Kent county, in which he still resides, on October 15, I849, and is the third in a family of four sons and a daughter born to Charles and Emeline (Clark) Kelley, four of which children are now living, viz: Adeline, the wife of Freeman Brewer, a manufacturer and a resident of the city of Grand Rapids; Frank, engaged in the vocation of farming, and living with his brother Nelson; Nelson, the subject of this sketch, and Fred, deputy sheriff of Kent county, with residence at Grand Rapids. Charles Kelley was born in Vermont in 1812, and died in I870. His parents removed to New York when he was a small boy, and resided in that state until he had attained his majority. He received a common-school education, and after arriving at the age of twenty-one years located in southern Michigan ere the state was admitted to the union. There for many years he, with much success, pursued agriculture; there his brother in 1839 located, and there the father some years before had settled. Charles Kelley was one of the first settlers of his section and the deed for his tract of land is still in the possession of the Kelley family, bearing the date of execution, May i, 1839, and the signature of President Martin Van Buren. At the time of his location in Gaines township, which name he was instrumental in adopting, there were only three families in it, whose representatives were Alexander Clark, Orson Cook and Alexander Bouck; Grand Rapids was only a trading post with 42 some three stores. Canal street, the largest thoroughfare of to-day, was then a swamp or mud-hole, not to be traversed by team or wagon. For about forty years Charles Kelley was a resident of Kent county, where he lived in his little log cabin enjoying the frequent visits of the red men who passed his dwelling in groups of twenty-five or thirty, on their way to Grand Rapids, and oft engaging in the chase and slaughter of the deer, which, during his early residence in the section, was a prominent constituent of food. Politically, he was a whig at first, and later became a republican. In the official line he served as supervisor of his township during the war of the Rebellion, executed the duties of such station with credit to himself and township, and secured for himself the high esteem and respect of his fellowcitizens. The mother of Nelson Kelley is a native of New York, born in Seneca county in 1824, and now, at the age of three-quarters of a century, lives with her son Nelson, who, with filial effort, endeavors to alleviate the afflictions of accumulated years. Nelson Kelley was reared in Kent county, of which he has been a citizen for half a century and wherein for as many years he has followed the vocation of agriculture and stock raising.' Educated in the common schools of Michigan, he, at twenty-one years of age, took charge of the old homestead, which is now in his possession. On October 26, I87I, he was united in marriage to Miss Martha Rosenkrans, and one child has been born to bless the union-Herbert by name —who was educated in the common schools, and who has a future of promise as a business man. Mrs. Kelley was born in Kent county on June r, I85I, being a daughter of Magee and Sarah (Knapp) Rosenkrans, the parents of ten children, five of whom now live, viz: Julia, the widow of William Webster, who resided in South Dakota; Jephtha, a carpenter and joiner 812 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I by trade and a resident of Olewein, Iowa; Mary, the widow of Benjamin Gilden, who lived at Grand Rapids; Ella, wife of Jonathan Worley, mechanic of Grand Rapids, and Mrs. Kelley. Her father, a native of New Jersey and of the Mohawk Dutch parentage, came to Michigan at an early date. He was born in I806 and died in Gaines township, Kent county, at the age of eighty-five years. A pioneer of Kent county, he there learned the trade of carpenter, and for a number of years engaged in that vocation; his later days were spent as an agriculturist. He was a prominent politician of his day and very stanch in the support of the republican party. Mrs. Kelley's three brothers were participants in the Rebellion, Samuel having died from the effect of hardships undergone in the war. Her mother was a native of New York state and died at the age of seventy-two years; she was very devout in her connection with the Baptist society. Mr. Kelley, in his political predilections, is a firm republican, his first presidential vote having been cast for Ulysses S. Grant. He was selected by his people as delegate to county and senatorial conventions. Officially he held the office of township treasurer for four years, and was elected supervisor of his township, which important office he held for eleven terms, during which he discharged the duties of his station most faithfully, and won the high confidence and esteem of his people. Mr. Kelley, by his noteworthy influence, has done much to advance the educational facilities of his section by acting as an advocate of the most competent instructors. The worth of the Kelley family is practically demonstrated by the large and beautifully kept tract of land in their possession. Mr. Kelley's estate, together with what his brother owns, comprises 200 acres of the finest land tilled by people far advanced in the science of agriculture. The benevolence and charity of Mr. Kelley are also worthy of notice. In the support of all good religious causes and enterprises he has ever been an important factor, has been deeply interested in the welfare and advancement of his section, and in all the relations of life has been found true and faithful to the trust reposed in' him and the obligation resting upon him. * —" --- —------------ RED B. BANKS, musician and director of the Grand Opera orchestra, was born in the city of Grand Rapids on the 24th day of August, 1871. He received his educational training in the city schools, graduated from the high school and entered upon a course of instruction in violin music under Prof. Lawson, one of the talented violinists of Grand Rapids. He remained with that gentleman one year and then became a student of Prof. Wilber Force, under whose careful instruction he continued for six years, making rapid progress in both theory and practice, during that period, and a part of the time playing in the Grand Opera orchestra. Upon the retirement of Prof. Force, in I896, Mr. Banks became leader of the orchestra, a position for which his talents well fitted him to fill, and which he has since retained to the satisfaction of every member of that superb organization. During the last three seasons, Mr. Banks has played 'first cornet in the Wurzburg band at the Pavilion, Reed's lake, a popular summer resort under the management of the Consolidated Street Railway company of Grand Rapids. On several occasions, during the last few years, he has appeared in the Schubert club of this city in their concerts, playing the violin, and he has also been importuned at different times to join traveling troupes touring the county, all of which he has seen fit to decline. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 813 Mr. Banks comes of a musical family, his father, William H. Banks, a cabinetmaker of this city, being a musician of note, as are all members of his family. In I89I William H. Banks organized a band composed entirely of members of his own family, and played the season at Harbor's Point, a well-known summer resort on Little Traverse Bay, Lake Michigan. In the band the father played the cornet; his wife, Mrs. Inez Banks, the tuba; Jean M., Norman M. and Alice, played alto horns; Elizabeth, B flat cornet; Roy W., baritone, and William H. Banks, Jr., the drum. This organization, unique in its make-up, attracted much attention, and where it gave a concert had large and appreciative audiences. Norman M., Alice and William H. Banks, Jr., still live in Grand Rapids with their parents and are leaders in the musical circles of the city. While all are musicians of a high order, Fred B. is the one member of the family whose fame has brought him into prominent notice of the leading musical men and women of the state. As a citizen Mr. Banks is also popular, occupying a prominent place in the social as well as the musical world. He was married November 5, I895, at Paw Paw, Mich., to Miss Frances E. Thomas, the accomplished daughter of Frank C. Thomas, of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Banks reside at No. I04 " Hermitage," and their home in a favorite resort of the musical people of the city. I ARSHALL H. LAMOREE, D.D. S., of the firm of M. H. Lamoree & Co., the well-known dental firm of No. 65 Monroe street, Grand Rapids, Mich., is. a native of Mexico, Oswego county, N. Y., was born August 27, 1865, and is a son of John J. and Elizabeth (Hadley) Lamoree, also natives of the Empire state. The father practiced law in the city of Oswego, N. Y., most of the active years of his business life, although for eighth or ten years after the close of the Civil war he was employed in the United States secret service. He is still a resident of Oswego, having re-married, as the mother of Dr. Lamoree, the subject of this sketch, died when the latter was but four years of age. The doctor is the only son of the family still living, and has but one sister, Miss Elizabeth, a teacher in New York city. Dr. Lamoree received a collegiate education at Oswego, but had begun the study of dentistry in boyhood. After graduating at Oswego, N. Y., he attended the Philadelphia (Pa.) Dental college, from which he was graduated in I887, and immediately came to Michigan. For a few months he -practiced in Jackson, and then for two years at Oswego, this state, and in I890 settled in Grand Rapids. Here he practiced alone until I894, when his patronage had so increased that a division of labor became necessary, and in that year he formed his present partnership with Dr. J.W. Beard, also a practical dentist, and up to date they have together done the leading strictly dental business of the city of Grand Rapids and its environs. The marriage of Dr. Lamoree took place in Otsego, Mich., in March, 1890, to Miss Lena Strutz, a native of Germany, but who came to America in childhood. The marriage has been crowned by the birth of one daughter, Mildred, now six years of age, and a bright sunbeam ever gleaming about the house. The doctor and wife attend the Congregational church, and are nowise niggardly in their contributions toward its support; in their social relations their station is of the most pleasant character. The doctor is, like thousands of other genial souls, a member of the B. P. 0. E., and also a K. O. T. M., and a member of the Grand Fraternity, while politically he is a stanch republican. 814 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS APT. PATRICK KELLY, a gallant ex-soldier of the late Civil war and now a highly respected farmer of Grand Rapids township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Clonmel, county Tipperary, Ireland, March I5, 1843, is a son of Philip and Bridget (Slattery) Kelly, and is a splendid specimen of physical perfection, standing six feet two inches in height, and weighing 230 pounds. In I850 the family came to the United States and located on a farm in Livingston county, Mich., where they resided until 1856, when they removed to Grand Rapids, where the parents died, each over seventy years of age. Patrick Kelly learned the carpenter's trade in Grand Rapids, and worked at this calling until September 13, I86I, when he enlisted in the Fourteenth Michigan infantry and was at once appointed first color-bearer. Before the war had closed 2,100 men were enrolled in this regiment, and among other achievements it captured seven regimental flags, three artillery flags, one cavalry flag and 2,700 prisoners, and took part in forty-six engagements, being with Gen. Thomas at the time of Johnston's surrender. The Fourteenth reached the front soon after the battle of Shiloh, and took part in the siege of Corinth, and in June, I862, Colorbearer Kelly was commissioned second lieutenant. In May, I863, he was promoted to first lieutenant at Franklin, Tenn., for meritorious conduct and bravery before the enemy in each instance. In I864 the regiment veteranized, and after a brief furlough Lieut. Kelly entered the Atlanta campaign. At Jonesboro the regiment captured eight guns and 400 prisoners, including two generals and thirty-two regimental officers. In North Carolina, in February, I865, Lieut. Kelly was promoted to the captaincy, although he had practically commanded his company since June, 1862, and led it in all its engagements, and had the full confidence of Col. Misner. At Averysboro, N. C., one of the latest battles of the war, Capt. Kelly had his skull fractured by a musket ball while leading a charge, but up to this time had never been absent from his company. After the close of the war, Capt. Kelly returned to Grand Rapids and purchased his present farm, which comprises I60 acres and is devoted principally to fruit growing. The captain was married in Grand Rapids in January, 1852, to Miss Bridget Cluen, but this lady was called away July 1, I896. The marriage was blessed with ten children, of whom eight are still living, and of these, Philip J. aids his father in growing his fortysix acres of peaches and fourteen of plums. Capt. Kelly has acted with the republican party since 1864, and has been intrusted with several offices, being very popular with the voters. He has served as commissioner, justice of the peace, and for three years as deputy oil inspector; in I890 he was enumerator of the census, and has been appointed to fill the same office for the census of I900. He has a wide acquaintance with public men, and with them is as popular as he is in his immediate community. In every sphere in which he has moved in life he has fully done his duty, from which he was never known to shrink under any circumstances. OHN KINNEY, postmaster and general merchant at Kinney, on the G. R. & I. R. R., seven miles northwest of Grand Rapids, in Walker township, and also a farmer, was born on the same farm where he now lives and on which Kinney station stands, November 30, 1854. His parents, Patrick and Catherine (Farrell) Kinney, were both natives of Ireland, he of Kilkenny, and she of Westmeath. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 815 Patrick Kinney came to the United States the first of the family, and worked on the Erie canal in New York state; then came to Michigan, took up government land in Barry county, and next came to Grand Rapids. He labored on the old Sweet's mill, and secured his first land in I844-eighty acres-then in a wild state. He erected a log shanty later, and lived here four or five years. He worked out for others, and thus helped improve several farms. He also improved quite a nice home farm, which he and his brother, Richard, *operated together. Patrick Kinney married, about I850, Catherine Farrell, who was a widow on coming to America in company with her brother, Michael Farrell, and was the mother of two children, one surviving. She died December 2, I899, in her ninety-fourth year. Patrick Kinney died December 22, I882, at the age of eighty years. To their marriage there were born three children, viz: Ellen, a Sister of the Holy,Cross, known as Sister Alphonso, of Notre Dame, Ind.; Catherine, who died a child of fourteen years, and John. Of the two children of Mrs. Kinney by her first marriage, the son went away and has not been heard from of late; the daughter, Ann, married Daniel McGrain and died at about fifty years of age. Richard Kinney, brother of Patrick Kinney, died at about seventyyears of age, and his family live in Grand Rapids. John.Kinney, the subject, passed his boyhood on the farm, and took possession of it on becoming of age, still operates it, and has added to it until it now contains I8o acres. Kinney station, on his land, is named in his honor. He started his store in I887, and has had an excellent line of trade, as he is one of the most accommodating men in the county. The farm is devoted to dairying and to horse-breeding, the horses being of the Percheron. breed, and many of his fine animals have taken premiums at the county and state fairs. He has recently erected a new residence on his farm. In politics Mr. Kinney is a democrat. He was township treasurer in i885-86, was elected supervisor in I887, and held that office for eight successive years. During that time there were several actions against the township for damages — being the first of such cases in the state-and these he carried through the courts to a decision in his favor in the supreme court; two other such suits were brought, and he carried both to a final settlement. He served on the board at the building of the new court house and county farm house-the latter costing $35,000. He has frequently been a delegate to conventions of the democratic party for the county, district and state, has served on the county committee, and is a member of that committee at present. Mr. Kinney was married February 5, I894, to Miss Rose Downs, daughter of Michael and Hannah (Farrell) Downs, of Ada, township, where she was born July 4, I874, and this marriage has been blessed with two children, Mary and Ellen. All the family were reared in the Catholic church, and Mr. Kinney and wife are members of St. James parish at Grand Rapids. Mr. Kinney enjoys all the sports, has played base ball, etc., and is one of the most popular residents of his township, as well as one of the most respected. EORGE B. KRAFT, a leading farmer in section No. 5, of Caledonia town-, ship, Kent county, Mich., was born in Waterloo county, Ontario, Canada, July 26, I848, was educated in a common school, which he attended in the winter seasons only, and was reared on the -home farm until twenty years of age; he then made a visit . '/ 816 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS --- to Pennsylvania, there met his second cousin, Miss Mary Jane Kunkel, a native of Union county, and November 15, I868, was united with her in marriage. John Kraft, grandfather of George B., was born in Anspach, Prussian Germany, August 14, 177I, came to America in I806, landed in Philadelphia, Pa., whence he went to Lancaster county, in the same state, and later emigrated to Waterloo county, Canada West, where he was married February 7, I808, and where his death took place in I844. His wife, whose maiden name was Magdalena Bechtel, was born February 19, 1789, in Lancaster county, Pa., and after marriage went to Canada West, where she died, in Waterloo county (now in Ontario), November 17. I866. Her ancestors were natives of Switzerland, and were among the first settlers in Pennsylvania, but the date of their coming is unknown. George Kraft, father of George B. Kraft, was born in Waterloo county, Ontario, February i6, I809, was a son of John Kraft, and was married in Ontario to Esther Bingamon, who was born in Montgomery county, Pa., September 30, i8io. John Bingamon, father of Mrs. George Kraft, was born in Pennsylvania, March I5, 1783, his grandfather having come from near Geneva, Switzerland; in I730. John Bingamon married in Pennsylvania, in I805, Hannah Bergay, and in 1825 also emigrated to.Waterloo county, Canada, with a large party of others. Hannah Bergay's ancestors were natives of Saxony, Germany, came to Pennsylvania in 1717, and there lived until their emigration to Canada West. In the spring of 1869, George B. Kraft came to Michigan and purchased his present farm of I60 acres in Caledonia township, of which farm fifty acres had been cleared and improved with a log house and barn; the remainder was a forest of birch and maple, and this he at once proceeded to clear off, and now has ninety acres under a high state of cultivation. His farming is general in its character, but he has 1,300 peach trees on his place, together with fruit trees of other varieties in lesser numbers, grows, hay to a considerable extent, and keeps about ten cows, dairying being quite a feature among his industries, and the farm being well adapted to stock growing. He has a beautiful little lake, covering about fifteen acres, on his premises, and this is strictly private property, not having been recognized by government surveyors. In politics, Mr. Kraft was originally a republican, but the strong advocacy of that party of a high tariff led to his becoming a democrat in I884, with which he has ever since worked strenuously. He has taken active part in many of the conventions of the latter, and is very popular in its ranks as well as with its leaders. He has been its nominee for the state legislature, but, his district being strongly republican, he failed of election, although he gave his opponent a very close call, and would probably have triumphed, if he had personally entered upon the campaign. He favors free-silver coinage, according to William Jennings Bryan's policy or doctrine, and has strong hope of its ultimate adoption. Religiously, Mr. Kraft was reared a Mennonite. But his ideas are somewhat advanced, and he takes exception to that part of its doctrines or teachings which excludes its members from taking an active part in civil government, although it permits its members to vote at elections; and he holds that it is the duty of every citizen to identify himself to some extent with politics and exert himself in promoting such affairs as will lead to a higher civilization. In the church proper there is some dissension on this point and perhaps other matters, and Mr. Kraft has united with the liberal or advanced branch, but, as yet, this AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 817 has not erected a house of worship. The fundamental religious principles are, however, fully maintained by both bodies. Mr. Kraft holds the belief that if there were more true followers of Christ (not more church members) in legislative and congressional halls, the people would not have to contend with combinations, trusts and bribery, and corruption, as at present; and therefore thinks it wrong for any church to debar its members from holding public office. For a long time Mr. Kraft was connected with Sunday-schools as teacher, but for the past two years, owing to the illness of his wife, has not been able to attend to these duties. He was also a member of the Patrons of Husbandry and was active in the interests of the farmer and laboring man as long as the order had an existence in his locality, his opinion being that the farmer and laboring man constitute the backbone of any country-not gold and silver. To the marriage of Mr. Kraft have been born twelve children, of whom eight still survive, viz: Emma May, wife of John Studt, of Caledonia; Milton, who began teaching at the age of twenty-one years, still follows the vocation in Kent county and makes his home with his parents; Mary Ellen, wife of Lewis Herman; Lydia, who was also a teacher for some time, still retains her home with her parents, and is an exceptionally bright young lady; Allen, a school boy; Cleveland, Irving and Jennie are still at home. Of the deceased, Esther died when two months old, Aaron at eight years, George Garfield at six years, and one in infancy, unnamed. In I886, Mr. Kraft's parents came from Ontario and located in Caledonia township where they passed the remainder of their days, the father dying at the age of eightynine years, and the mother at eighty-four. The farm of Mr. Kraft is very productive, and the golden tribute of his abundant harvests i I fully compensates him for the labor bestowed upon their production. As a citizen, he is among the most highly respected in the township, and as an agriculturist he stands at the head of all engaged in the calling for a circuit of many miles. EORGE LABARGE is a worthy, intell ligent and enterprising citizen of the village of Ada, with the business interests of which he is conspicuously identified, and he is also one of the representative farmers of the township of Ada. His father, Francis LaBarge, was one of the many substantial men whom the Empire state furnished to Michigan, and the mother, whose maiden name was Caroline Tyler, was also a native of New York. Francis LaBarge in early manhood went to Canada, where he learned the carpenter's trade, about 1842 located in Grand Rapids, Mich., where he followed his chosen vocation until his death in 1883. George LaBarge, a member of a family of four children, was born in the city of Grand Rapids, August 8, I845. He attended the public schools at intervals during his minority, spent the greater part of his youth and early manhood on a farm, and at the age of twenty-two years engaged in business for himself as a grocer in Grand Rapids, an enterprise which proved more than ordinarily successful, and in which he continued until I898, when he purchased a farm in Ada township which he has since superintended. In the meantime Mr. LaBarge opened a general grocery house in the town of Ada, and is at present engaged in the mercantile trade in connection with his agricultural interests, both of which have proved satisfactory undertakings, yielding him a liberal income. Mr. LaBarge carries a well assorted stock of general merchandise, pays considerable attention 818 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS to buying and shipping produce of all kinds, and by close attention to business, and losing no endeavor to please his customers, he has built up a large and lucrative business which is continually on the increase. His farm is also well cared for, and it is no compliment to class him with the wide-awake and prosperous agriculturists of his township. Mr. LaBarge is happily married and the father of three bright children, namely: Nellie R., Georgia A. and Carrie N. His wife, to whom he was united in the bonds of wedlock November I, 1872, was Miss Margaret Leinsetter, a lady of sterling worth, possessing many noble qualities of mind and heart. Mr. LaBarge is a republican in politics, belongs to the Odd Fellows fraternity, and is a liberal contributor to the Baptist church, to which his wife belongs. He is a gentleman of substantial worth and occupies a high place in the estimation of his fellow citizens of Ada and elsewhere. Recognizing the fact that industry is the key which unlocks the portals of success, he has found the reward of earnest labor, and the prosperity he has earned is well merited. He is recognized as a progressive public-spirited citizen, true to every duty devolving upon him, and his record, since becoming a citizen of Ada, is without blemish. HAUNCY PATTERSON, an old pioneer of Cascade township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Seneca county, N. Y., April 21, 1823, and of his parentage an account will be found in the sketch of Miner Patterson, of Paris township, printed on another page of this volume. Chauncy Patterson came to Michigan in 1828 with his parents, who first located in Washtenaw county, where his father, Robert, brother, Jacob, to Kent county, the latter having purchased land in 1835, where the East Paris school-house now stands. Chauncy soon went to Grand Rapids, where he met A. H. Wansey, of South Division street, with whom he lived two years, being permitted to attend school during parts of two winters. He then, at sixteen years of age, returned to his brother's and assisted his brother Miner to erect the latter's house. He then hired out, at $14 per month, to a man named Vanderpool, who lived near the present fair grounds. He proved to be about the meanest man in Kent county, for when Chauncy had faithfully worked six months his pay was withheld, and was recovered only by a lawsuit. At the age of eighteen years he purchased forty acres of land in Cascade township, in the same section in which his present farm is situated. While he lived with Mr. Wansey that gentleman gave him a calf, and Chauncy bought another to replace one given him by his mother, which calf had died. When these had become two-year-old steers he traded them, adding $o1 in cash, for the forty acres alluded to. The next year he added another forty-acre tract, of which eight had been cleared. He made his home with his mother and brother Miner, but continued to work out, and, as he could, worked on his own place. His work for others was the only kind to be had-that of clearing off land-and at this he and Miner worked almost constantly. He became expert with the ax, and at one time cut six acres in twenty-one and a half days, which was considered to be quite a feat. He built a log house, 20 x 26 feet, of hewn timber, and it was then considered to be about the best in the neighborhood. Chauncy Patterson was married, on Christmas day, 1845, to Miss Sarah Dickson, daughter of Daniel and Nancy Dickson, who came died in 1831. In 1836 he accompanied his I from Canada to Kent county, Mich., when she I~ MRS. CHAUNCEY PATTERSON. CHAUJNCEY PATTERSON. IL I rI 40l AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 821 I was eleven years of age, and settled where I. Dickson Davis recently lived, at Bowne Station. This was the event of the season, and everybody was invited, there being no one left out in the cold to charivari the young couple. Mr. Patterson, with his bride, in April moved into his own house. He continued to add to his own possessions; for the equity in the fortyacre tract he now lives upon he traded a horse and a cutter, chopping twenty-one acres of timber to pay off the mortgage. He added another forty-acre tract adjoining, for which he traded his ox-team and ten bushels of wheat, agreeing to pay, in addition, $60 in cash, when he would raise that amount. The team was unhitched from the plow, although it was the first day's plowing for corn, and with the wheat was turned over to the seller. For the $60 he gave his simple word; and when his crop of wheat was sold that word was redeemed. Another yoke of oxen was now necessary; and as he had $25 left in halfdollar pieces, he sought a man who had two teams, of which he bought one, paying fifty coins, and exchanging a cow. It took the better part of a day to find the oxen, which were running loose in the, woods. With this team and a horse he continued his farming. From the forest he eventually developed one of the best farms in the township. In I86I he paid $1,500 for eighty acres, sixty of which were improved with good barns, etc. He once owned about 400 acres; but some of this was given to his children as they became of age. When not sharing with them his own land he bought for them farms elsewhere; one, however, receiving a good portion of the home farm as his share. Mr. Patterson has been a hard-working man, but he has worked intelligently. He was successful in raising cattle, making single sales to the value. of $800 or $900. He also grew large quantities of wheat, for which he has re I ceived as high as $3 per bushel. He sold one load of wool for $1,135-the largest income from one load of produce ever taken from the village of Cascade. Mr. Patterson is a republican in politics, but cast his first presidential vote for Henry Clay, the whig candidate, in 1844. As a republican, he has attended the conventions of his party and worked for its success; but still has had little time to attend to public affairs, though he has served for many years as a school director. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Patterson are six in number, and named, in order of birth, as follows: John M., of Grand Rapids; William H., of Cascade township; Chauncy Irving, farming near his father's home; George Martin, also of Cascade township; Ida May, wife of Fred R. Shear, and Nellie M., wife of William Eardly, who operates the home farm. In his early days, Mr. Patterson had a neighbor named William DeGolia, and with him Mr. Patterson became associated for four years in handling stock. DeGolia was a great trader, and instilled much of this science of trading into Mr., Patterson, and this tuition served the latter a good purpose for many a time later in life. A warm place still exists in Mr. Patterson's heart in memory of Mr. DeGolia, who was, indeed, a man of many sterling qualities. t The first dollar earned by Mr. Patterson was when, as a boy of thirteen years, he rode a horse for a neighbor in plowing corn among the stumps. His pay was a dollar bill, which he held so tightly in his hand that it was wet through with perspiration when he arrived home. "The boy was father to the man," as the poet Wordsworth expresses it, as not a, dollar has since passed through his hands that has been uselessly expended. A little, wiry man, but possessing indomitable will and perseverance, few men have done more to pro 822 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS mote the civilization and to improve the town than Chauncy Patterson. Of late years he and his wife have lived more at ease and have traveled somewhat, visiting the Pacific coast and other sections. Their present residence was recently built and is fitted with many conveniences not dreamed of when he first settled on the farm. After giving each child a farm, he and wife have ample left to carry them to the end, which will be mourned by all, it is true, but their memory will live, cherished and beloved, as long as Cascade township shall endure. RANKLIN W. LACEY, blacksmith, and one of the most successful mechanics of Ada, was born at Rockford (then called Lappenville), Kent county, Mich., May 30, I858. His father, John I. Lacey, was a native of New York state, where he learned and followed the blacksmith's trade, later locating his place of business at Rockford, Mich., in I86o. Here for nearly thirty years he worked as a blacksmith and general repairer until his death, which occurred in Kent county, in the year I889. The mother of Franklin W. Lacey was Katie (Gray) Lacey. She was a native of Germany and became the mother of five children. The greater part of her life was spent with her husband and family in Michigan, where she survived her husband two years, dying in the year I89r. Franklin W. Lacey was sent to the common schools, where he acquired a liberal education. As a preparation for his life work he learned the trade of a blacksmith. He was engaged in this vocation one year in Pine Lake and a year at Cedar Springs, and for a period of seven years was associated with Edward R. Joyce at Cannon, and finally located in Ada township in the year I890. Mr. Lacey is himself probably one of the most expert mechanics of Kent county. The superior workmanship and thorough reliability of his products have given his business a marked impetus from its very inception in Ada. At present he has an income of about $, 500 per annum. His character is one which commands the respect and esteem of all with whom he has dealings, and he is known as one of the alert and progressive business men of the village, and as one whose success is the reward of welldirected efforts and unflagging perseverance. He has just completed a good substantial blacksmith shop, and has a very comfortable residence adjoining the same, surrounded by large grounds. He was first united in marriage to Miss Minnie Thomas, to which union two children were born Lou and Nina. He was married to his present wife November 9, I89o, Miss Nettie Wheeler becoming the bride. Fraternally, Franklin W. Lacey is a member of the Maccabees; politically, he is a stanch adherent to the principles of democracy. OHN M. KRAFT, for many years well known as an upright and industrious agriculturist of Sparta township, Kent county, was born in Ottawa county, Mich., July 28, r86I, and is the third in order of birth of the ten children-six sons and four daughters, resulting from the marriage of Conrad and Elizabeth (Ritz) Kraft, and of these ten there are eight still living, viz: Katie, wife of John Schwartz, a farmer of Chester township, Ottawa county; John M., the subject of this sketch; Henry, a married man and a farmer of Alpine township, Kent county; Lena, wife of Henry Schwartz, of Chester township, Ottawa county; Lizzie, wife of Menne Schafer, of Hopkins township, AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 8 -23 Allegan county; Martin, married and living on the old homestead, Ottawa county; Conrad, a merchant at Gooding Station, Mich., and a married man, and Amelia, with her parents on the homestead. These children were all educated in the Lisbon (Ottawa county) high school. Conrad Kraft was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, in October, I 834, and when of age sailed from Bremen, landed in New York, and thence came as far west as Ohio, where he tarried for two years, in Butler county, and from there came to Ottawa county, 'Mich. He was a poor man at the time, but by hard work and close attention to farming, has gained a comfortable competence, and now owns i8o acres of well-tilled land, free of debt. He and wife are members of the German Evangelical Lutheran church, and Mr. Kraft has liberally aided, in the way of financial contributions, in the erection of two church edifices for the use of this religious society, chiefly in I898, to the new brick church building, which was constructed in his town at a cost of $v i,ooo. He was one of the trustees of this church, and his son, John M., of this sketch, was a member of the building committee. In politics Mr. Kraft is a stanch democrat. Mrs. Elizabeth Kraft is also a native of Hesse-Cassel, was born May i, i833, and embarked for America the same time her husband set sail for this country, and here they were married. John M. Kraft was reared a stock breeder and fruit grower, and his attention in horticulture was especially directed toward peaches, apples and plums. He was confirmed in the Lutheran church at the age of thirteen years, and was graduated from the Lisbon (Ottawa county) high school. Until he attained his majority he gave all his services and earnings to his parents and then began his business life minus capital, with the exception of that which was found in his willing mind, strong arms, industrious habits and skill in his calling. April I4, i887, Mr. Kraft wedded Miss Minnie R. Wagner, the ceremony being celebrated in the German Evangelical Lutheran church, at Lisbon, by the Rev. 0. H. Schmidt, and his marriage has been blessed with five children, viz: Augusta L., now in the fifth grade of the German school, and bright in her studies, Clara L., in the fourth grade; Roland C.; Earnie, who died April 22, i899, when nearly two years old, and Matilda E. Mrs. Minnie R. Kraft was born in Chester township, Ottawa county, Mich., October 2, i869, and is a daughter of Peter and Augusta (Witt) Wagner, the only other child of her parents being Mary L., wife of John Schneider, a prosperous farmer of Alpine township. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Wagner were born in Germany, and now reside in Conklin village, Ottawa county. Both were reared to farm life, and in the faith of the Lutheran church, and have liberally contributed to the erection of the church-edifices already alluded to. When Mr. and Mrs. John Kraft began their married life, they rented land for a year, and then went in debt for eighty acres on section No. i6, Sparta township, but they worked mutually together, he on the farm and she in the household; they cleared off their indebtedness and made it one of the best cultivated farms of its dimensions in the township of Sparta. This excellent farm, however, Mr. Kraft rented earlyin i900, joined his brother, Conrad J., embarked in general merchandise and produce dealing in Gooding, and took up his residence in that village. In politics Mr. Kraft has been a democrat ever since he has been entitled to a vote. His first presidential vote was cast for Grover Cleveland, and he has not yet seen occasion to change his party affiliations, and officially is 824 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS serving as a school director, favoring the employment of the best teachers the school funds will afford. Mr. and Mrs. Kraft are devout members of the German Lutheran church at Lisbon, and are free in their contributions toward its support. They are respected for their good citizenship, their kindly feelings and their many excellent traits of character, and they are rearing their children in such a manner as to qualify them to become good and useful members of society. AMES LADNER.-A lifetime of hard, earnest endeavor in pursuing the occupation of the husbandman, coupled with the strictest integrity, honesty of purpose and liberality in all directions, has resulted in placing Mr. Ladner among the truly respected and honored citizens of Grattan township, Kent county, Mich. Mr. Ladner was born at Land's End, Cornwell, England, on the 20th of June, 1845, and is the fifth in a family of ten children born to James and Jane E. (Chirgwim) Ladner. Six of the family, all natives of England, are now living, viz: William, an agriculturist residing at Big Rapids, Mich.; Herbert, of like occupation and a resident of the same place; Eliza, widow of William T. Madden, of Evart, Mich.; Francis, engaged in farming in Cannon township, Kent county; James; and Thomas, a resident of Oklahoma. James Ladner, Sr., a carpenter by trade, was born in Cornwell, England. He was well educated, industrious, and in every respect a man of much' worth. In the year i85I he concluded to come to America, and accordingly embarked from Liverpool, whence, after eight weeks' voyage, he landed at New York city and immediately came to Cannon township, Kent county, Mich., when this country i I was yet practically wild. Indians were then numerous and there were no systematic roads or highways. He died at the age of seventy years, a democrat politically and religiously an Episcopalian, but with Methodist church connections in later years. The mother was born in Cornwell, England, and died in Kent county, Mich., in 1877. James Ladner, in connection with his brother, engaged as a lumberman and contractor, and at one time had 300 men in their employ. In the contracting business he was engaged for twenty-one winters, and being careful and economical he saved his money until he became one of the independent men of the day. On April 17, 1877, Mr. Ladner wedded Miss Maggie J. Roe, to which union a son and daughter have been born, viz: Clayton J. and Lida May. The former completed the course prescribed in the grammar schools and became a student of Ferris institute at Big Rapids, Mich. Here he took a business course, with the intention that his should be a commercial life. The latter died at the age of three years and six months. Mrs. Ladner is a native of Livingston county, Mich., born June I1, 1842, being a daughter of Patrick and Catharine (McCabe) Roe. Her parents were natives of Ireland, the father being one of the first settlers of Livingston county, Mich., coming four years before the state was admitted to the Union. He was a devout member of St. Patrick's Catholic church, and died at the age of ninetyone years. The mother, now aged eightytwo, and of remarkable mental and physical preservation, makes her home with her daughter,Mrs. Ladner. She is also a devout Catholic. Mr. and Mrs. Ladner began married life on a ioo-acre estate, which then presented a very uncouth and ill-improved appearance, being an old, worn-out farm and one of the earliest AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 825 -- settled in Grattan township. The owner has since erected'an attractive modern home and enhanced the value of the property in other ways, now owning in all 180 acres of fine land. Though never having aspired to official station, Mr. Ladner is, nevertheless, a stanch supporter of the republican party. For some years he has been prominently identified with the schooling interests of his district. Socially he is a member of Grattan lodge, No. I96, F. & A. M., and also of the Maccabees tent, No. 398, at Lowell, Mich. OHN ADRIAN VERKERKE, a wellknown lawyer and official of Grand Rapids, was born in the Netherlands, June 30, 1857, a son of John F. and Wilhelmina (Vant-Laf) Verkerke, of French and German extraction. John F. Verkerke brought his family to America in I866, and August 24th of that year settled in Grand Rapids, where the father engaged in gardening until his death, January Io, 1897, his wife following him to the grave February 8, of the same year. Of the twenty children born to these parents, John A., whose name opens this article, is the only one now living in America. The parents were Protestants in religion, and in politics the father was a republican. John Adrian Verkerke was nine years of age when brought by his parents to Grand Rapids, and here he received his education, graduating from the high school at the age of seventeen years. He then entered the Dygert Bros' printing house as an apprentice, and nine years later resigned as their foreman, and began traveling as salesman for the Valley City Engraving & Printing Company, and this occupied his time for two years. For the following two years he was a partner in 'the firm known as Verkerke, Taylor & Hinsdill, printers, and then sold out. January I, I893, he became deputy county clerk, and has creditably filled the position ever since. In 1893, also, he was elected alderman from the Eleventh ward of Grand Rapids, and still holds his seat. In I893 he became an ardent student of the law, pursuing his studies at his office and at home, and in I896 was admitted to the bar by Judge Adsit. December 28, I876, Mr. Verkerke was joined in wedlock, in Grand Rapids, with Miss Mamie VanBrack, who was born in this city June 6, i860, a daughter of Adolph and Celia (Rutgers) VanBrack, and this union has been blessed with six children, viz: Frederick J., Cana J., Chester A., William H., Laverne E. and Irene P. Mr. and Mrs. Verkerke are members of the Reformed church, and Mr. Verkerke is a Mason, a Knight of Pythias, a Forrester and a Modern Woodman. In politics he is a republican. The family stands high in the esteem of the public in general, as well as select social circles, resides in its elegant home at No. I07I Oakdale avenue, and Mr. Verkerke owns, beside, an addition to the city at the east end, known as Verkerke's addition. ILLIAM. LAMBERTSON, one of the honored ex-soldiers of the Civil war and a highly respected resident of Spencer township, Kent county, as well as a representative farmer, is a native of Oakland county, Mich., was born April I6, 1847, and is the tenth of a family of eleven children-seven sons and four daughters-that graced the marriage of Jacob and Betsey (Cramer) Lambertson, and of these children, four of the sons are living in Kent county, viz: Theron, a veteran and farmer of Spencer township; Archibald, a three-year 826 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS veteran, also in Spencer township; William, the subject of this sketch, and Charles, a farmer of Grattan township. Jacob Lambertson was born in New Jersey, was reared a farmer, and was married in his native state, and then for a number of years resided in the state of New York, whence he came to Michigan, and first located in Oakland county, but several years later, in I855, removed to Spencer township, Kent county, where he purchased 200 acres of land —Ioo acres from the government, the deed for which is still in possession of the family. When he came here the country throughout Spencer township was a complete wilderness, and Indians roamed at will, as well as deer, many of the latter being killed on the uncleared farm. In politics Jacob Lambertson was a whig, but on the expiration of that party became a democrat, and died in I885, on his farm in Spencer township, at the good old age of eighty-three years. His wife, also a native of New Jersey, died in Spencer township at the age of about sixty years. William Lambertson was about eight years of age when he came with his parents to Spencer township. As he had to toil hard, his opportunities for attending school were limited, but he availed himself of the few that did exist. Until seventeen years old he assisted on the home place, and then, at Grand Rapids, in February, I864, enlisted in company F, Twenty-first Michigan volunteer infantry, under Capt. Croll, and was ordered to Chattanooga, Tenn., to enter the command under Gen. Thomas. He was assigned to the engineers and mechanics' corps, and his first duty was rendered in assisting in the construction of bridges across the Tennessee river at Chattanooga. Thence he was sent to Lookout Mountain, where his company was employed on picket duty about six months. His next service was rendered in the pursuit of the rebel Gens. Hood and Forrest through Alabama, which service lasted about two weeks, and here Mr. Lambertson experienced the greatest hardships and privations known to the soldier's life, the hard marching being extremely fatiguing and wearing on the system. On returning from this raid, the Twentyfirst Michigan started with Sherman on the march through Georgia to the Atlantic ocean, but on reaching Dalton, Mr. Lambertson was found to be ill with typhoid fever and was left behind to recuperate. After six weeks' confinement in the barracks, he was sent with the convalescent to Bridgeport, Ala., and remained there about four months in the spring of 1865, and until the welcome news came of the surrender of Gen. R. E. Lee. Then came orders for the troops to concentrate at Washington, D. C., and thither they were hurried to. take part in the grand review by the victorious Union generals and magnates of the nation. Mr. Lambertson, after the grand review, was transferred from the Twenty-first to the Fourteenth Michigan volunteer infantry and sent to Louisville, Ky., the design being to send the troops to Texas to fight the Indians, although their term of enlistment had expired; but orders came to disband the troops, and Mr. Lambertson received an honorable discharge July I8, I865. He had served faithfully and well, was never arrested nor placed in the guard house, and had endured the hardships of a soldier's life with patience and fortitude. After all his suffering he is now allowed a pension of $6 per month, whereas it should be double that amount or more. Mr. Larnbertson has been twice married. To his first union, in I866, with Miss Ellen Hunter, was born one child, Ella, who is now the wife of Cyrus Wallington, a farmer of Montcalm county, Mich. Mrs. L4mbertson was AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 827 called to the Beyond in I873, and Mr. Lambertson next wedded, March 15, I879, Jennie Laverty, who was born in Ada township, Kent county, Mich., May 26, 1842, the fifth in a family of three sons and five daughters, born to Henry and Permelia(Lindsey) Laverty. Of these children six are still living-four in Kent county. William Henry is a farmer of Cline, Beaver county, Okla. T., and Harvey Edmund is a resident of Salina, Kans. The father, Henry Laverty, was a native of New Jersey, and died at the age of eightysix years in Spencer township, Kent county, Mich. He had resided some years in New York, and on coming to Michigan first lived in Jackson county, whence he removed to Grattan, then to Ada township, Kent county. In politics he was a republican, and in religion he and wife were devout Methodists. Mrs. Permelia Laverty was also a native of New Jersey, and passed away in April, I862, at the age of fiftytwo years. Mrs. Jerinie Lambertson was a child of five years when her parents located in Grattan township. She received a sound public-school education, and became one of the most successful teachers in Ionia, Kent and Montcalm counties, teaching about twenty-five terms, winter and summer, consecutively, two terms being in her home district after her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Lambertson are Seventh Day Adventists in their religious faith, being members of the Trufant church, in the northern part of Spencer township. They have both been teachers in the Sabbath-school, and have contributed liberally of their means to the support of the school and church. It was in the spring of I879]that Mr. and Mrs. Lambertson came *toreside in Spencer township, and here they have since been greatly respected as upright, Christian residents. In the fall of 1894 they erected their comfortable farm residence. Mrs. Lambertson's.father was the owner of this property, but she, during her noble career as a school teacher, contributed greatly toward its improvement, as well as to the care of her venerable father in his declining years; and Mr. Lambertson has'found in her a truly valuable and willing helpmate. In politics Mr. Lambertson was originally a democrat and cast his first presidential vote for Horatio Seymour, but latterly he has supported the republican policy, and he and wife are earnest advocates of the cause of temperance. They are classed among the better citizens, are ardent friends of the public schools, and desire to have the township attended by the best and most competent teachers that the school fund will justify employing. AMES F. LAMOREAUX, a wellknown, popular, and prosperous farmer, dairyman, and raiser of live stock in Plainfield township, Kent county, Mich., is native here, and was born January 8, I86o, the eldest child of Florance A. and Louise E. (Patton) Lamoreaux. The second child born to these parents was named Frederick A., but is now deceased; the third, George P., is a resident of Walker township; the fourth is Sarah Eliza, wife of Thomas Hice, also of Walker township; the fifth, Hudson, is deceased, and William, the sixth, is a farmer, and Walker township is also his home. Florance A. Lamoreaux, the father of the above family, was born in the state of New York in February, 1832, and was brought by his parents, Andrew and Emma Lamoreaux, to Michigan in 1846. When he began work on his own account he simply acted as a laborer in the lumber trade, but it was not long before he was promoted to the position of general foreman. Some years later he purchased a farm in Walker township, Kent county, 828 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS which is still his home. His wife is likewise a native of New York, was born in 1839, and when young was brought to Michigan by her parents, Lyman and Sarah Patton. She was a teacher for years, from the time she was sixteen years old. James F. Lamoreaux started his business life as an employee of Mrs. H. Savage, widow of Hunter Savage, of Spring Lake, Ottawa county, with whom he remained for two years. He next formed a partnership with his brother, Frederick, in the dairy business, which partnership lasted about four years, when James purchased his brother's interest in the business and the farm of ninety acres. He keeps about twenty Jersey and Durham cows, devoting the farm largely to producing milk. He has lately planted some 1,300 peach trees on a part of the farm that is adapted to fruit. June 13, i888, Mr. Lamoreaux married Miss Lizzie G. Neal, a native of Grand Rapids, born February 22, I867, and the only child of Lucius Judson and Rachel A. (Powers) Neal. Lucius J. Neal, a well-known mechanic, was born in Tecumseh, Lenawee county, Mich., in 1839, came to Kent county about 1854, and now resides with Mr. and Mrs. Lamoreaux. Mrs. Rachel A. Neal was born in Grand Rapids about I841, and died October 8, I869, her remains being interred in the Fulton street cemetery. Mr. Neal was a veteran of the war of the Rebellion, as he enlisted in May, I86I, in company B, Third Michigan volunteer infantry, took part in many severe battles, such as those of Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Glendale, Malvern Hill, Spottsylvania and Gettysburg, and numerous others, and after four and one-half years of glorious service was honorably discharged in November, I865. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Lamoreaux has been graced by the birth of two children, James Neal and Hazel Louise. In politics Mr. Lamoreaux is a democrat and cast his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland. He has served his party in conventions and was once its candidate for town treasurer. In his societary relations.he is a member of Progressive lodge, No. 450, I. 0. O. F., and of Mill Creek tent, No. 745, K. O. T. M., and was a charter member in each..;ENRY LAMPMAN, a prominent agriculturist residing in section No. 25, Lowell township, was born in Bath, N. Y., July 1, I84I, and came to Grand Rapids when a boy eight years of age. His parents, Richard and Emiline H. (Chase) Lampman, were both from the above named state. The father, a harness and saddle maker by trade, settled in Ada township, four miles north of Ada, where he located upon a new farm in I849, with an old log cabin as his first home. Here he lived until he was able to erect a frame house and then sold the property, removing to New York, where he became captain of a steamboat on the Hudson river. At that time young Henry Lampman was twelve years old and lived with his uncle, L. F. Chase, until he enlisted at the age of nineteen in company D, First engineers, under Col. Innes, September 23, I86I, with which he served four years in the army of the Cumberland. He was with Sherman on his march to Savannah, and then returned to Nashville, Tenn., where he was discharged September 30, 1865. During part of his service he was detailed as quartermaster sergeant, and for some time was engaged in the construction of bridges, pontoons, forts, etc. He had a great deal of night work to do and was always in advance of the army, except during engagements, when he fought in the ranks. Some of the principal actions in which he I. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 829 took part were Mill Spring, Lavergne or Stone River, siege of Corinth and Mission Ridge (where he was located one year). At Brown's Ferry, where he was laying a pontoon bridge, a shell passed so close to his head that he felt the concussion. When Lee surrendered Mr. Lampman's corps had reached Raleigh, N. C., and when the news of President Lincoln's assassination came to hand it was again on the march. His regiment was the first to enter Washington, D. C., on the second day of the grand review, in which he took part. He served his country faithfully for four years, was never in a hospital or guard house, nor was he ever taken prisoner. After the war Mr. Lampman worked for his uncle, and bought his present tract of land in I866, paying $850 for sixty-six acres, all of which was wild land. In procuring this he went $400 in debt and built a good log house. January 3, I869, Mr. Lampman was united in marriage to Miss Kate Beardsley who was born January 29, 1845, in Albany, N. Y., and took her at once to his new home in the woods, which, by additions made since that time, now contains ninety acres, of which sixty-five are in a good state of cultivation. At times he was compelled to work for his neighbors to earn a livelihood and to secure teams for use upon his farm, for it was four years before he was able.to procure a team of his own, and then went $Io5 in debt for a team of oxen. He then worked upon another farm to get money enough to begin the operation of his own. Mr. Lampman is now engaged in general farming and is a breeder of fine Durham cattle. In his political predilections he may, in local politics, be classed as a non-partisan. Mrs. Lampman is a daughter of Leonard and Gertrude (Lamphar) Beardsley, of New York. Her father died when she was a child and at three years of age she was brought to.43 Grand Rapids, where her mother married H. T. Judson and later moved to Cannonsburg, where Mrs. Lampman resided until her marriage. She attended high school at Grand Rapids and taught for two terms in Kent county. Mr. Lampman has one of the finest and best appointed country residences in Kent county, with a well-arranged barn and other good improvements. His is a model farm and is the reward of his diligence, industry and perseverance. His family consists of Carrie E., wife of Bert Hartwell of Cannonsburg; Gertrude I., who completed the eighth grade with an average of ninety-four per cent, and Clara Loretta, both of whom are living at home with their parents. Miss Lora is in the ninth grade of Lowell high school and is also taking instrumental music lessons. Mr. Lampman and family are members of the Methodist church at South Lowell, of which he is.recording steward and they have helped erect three churches. Fraternally he is identified with the Lowell lodge of Masons, No. 90, and stands high in the esteem of his friends for his many excellencies of character, and his worth is widely recognized. IL'LIAM H. LANDIS, M. D., one of the most successful practitioners of medicine and a skillful surgeon of Kent City, Mich., is a native of Shelby county, Ohio, was born February 23, 1858, and is the eldest of the family of six sons and four daughters born to John and Ellen (Dye) Landis, of which children there are nine still living-six yet with their parents, viz: Alice A., Benjamin F., Robert F., Harry A., John H., and Mary E. Of these, Robert F. graduated in I898 from the Woodland (Mich.) high school, and the others have passed through the common schools. George 880 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS W. Landis, the next in order of birth to the doctor, is a graduate of the state normal school at Ada, Ohio, is married, and is a pharmacist at Ann Arbor, Mich. Flora is the wife of Frederick Walcott, overseer of the felt boot works, at Hastings, Mich. John Landis, the father, was born near Dayton, Ohio, January 21, 1834, and is a farmer by vocation. In March, I864, he enlisted in company E, of the One Hundred and Forty-seventh Indiana volunteer infantry, at Portland, Ind., served in the army of the Potomac until the close of the struggle, and was honorably discharged at Harper's Ferry, Va. In politics he is a warm republican and voted for Lincoln, Grant, Garfield, Harrison and McKinley. Fraternally, he is a royal arch Mason, and is also a member of the Blue lodge, No. 304, at Woodland, Mich. His wife is a native of Miami county, Ohio, was born September 20, 1836, was educated in the common schools, and is a lady of most pleasant address. Dr. William H. Landis was but three years of age when his parents removed from Ohio to Portland, Ind., where they resided until I884. He was educated in the common and high sc'hools of that city, and then for a year and a half read medicine and surgery under Dr. C. S. Arthur, an ex-surgeon of the Civil war. September 6, 1882, he entered Starling Medical college at Columbus, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1885, in a class of thirty-six members. In 1885, also, he began practice in Woodland, Mich., and there continued until 1888, when he went to Chicago and practiced on the West side about six months,' and then located in Como, Ind., and while there had the misfortune of losing his drug store and many of his surgical instruments in a conflagration. In 1891 Dr. Landis came to Michigan and located at Clarksville, Ionia county, where he i year he returned to Chicago and took a post graduate course at the West side Clinical school, and April 25, 1898, settled in Kent City, Mich. Here he has met with a success commensurate with his skill and professional knowledge, his practice extending into Solon, Algoma, Sparta and Alpine townships, as well as into Newaygo aud Muskegon counties. Dr. Landis married, October 19, i886, Miss Sadie Wray, a native of Clarion county, Pa., born August 17, I858, and a daughter of J. L. and S. C. (Corbett) Wray, whose family of one son and three daughters all reside in Chicago, with the exception of Mrs. Landis, who was educated chiefly in the ladies' seminary at Delaware, O. To the marriage of Dr. and Mrs. Landis have been born two sons and one daughter, of whom one son has been called away. The daughter, Mary Bell, is in the fourth grade of the Kent City schools, and has developed quite a talent for music, and the surviving son, Charles W., is in the third grade. In politics Dr. Landis is a republican, and while a resident of Montgomery county, 0., cast his first presidential vote for the lamented Garfield, and he also represented his party there in the county convention. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic lodge, No. 395, at Lake Odessa; of Kent chapter, No. Io6, R. A. M., at Sparta; of Harmony lodge, No. 146, I. O. O. F.,at Freeport, and of the K. O. T. M., No. 612, at Clarksville, and is past commander of this tent. In Kent City he is physician of Tyron'e tent, No. 361, and he is also the local examining physician for the following well-known life insurance companies: The New York Life, the Massachusetts Mutual, the New York Mutual and the Knights Templar Indemnity of Chicago. The doctor has been a member of the American Medical association, keeps himself well supplied with standard medical journals and is always practiced until August 25, I897. The same I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 831 abreast of the progress made in his profession. His office and laboratory are equipped with everything needful to the practice of surgery and medicine. He is affable in his demeanor and cheerful in the sick-room, and he and wife are in high favor with the best social circles of Kent City. AMUEL LANGDON, prominent as a farmer of Paris township, Kent county, Mich., and president of the Kent county Mutual Fire Insurance company, was born in Wethersfield, Wyoming county, N. Y., January 22, 1832, and is a son of Benjamin F. and Dorothy (Charles) Langdon, both of whonr where natives of Maine, but reared in New York state, where they were married. Paul Langdon, grandfather of Samuel, was educated in Harvard university, of which his father was president, and the same who, history relates, offered up prayer for the success of the American troops just before the battle of Bunker Hill, although he was himself of English descent. Paul Langdon graduated before he was eighteen years of age, and took part in the battle alluded to above. He was later in the ordnance department of the continental army, throughout the Revolutionary war. After peace had been declared, Paul went to Maine and established the Fryeburg academy - so intimately associated with Daniel \Webster's early career. He afterward settled in New York, where he taught private school, for, though he lacked in knowledge of the practical affairs of the world, he was renowned as a scholar. Benjamin F. Langdon died in 1848, and at the age of sixteen years Samuel took charge of the home farm,and managed it until of age. He had attended private and country schools, but continued his studies at home after parting with his instructors. At the age of eighteen he began to teach, taught each winter for five terms, and then, in 1853, decided to come to Michigan. On reaching this state he settled on 120 acres of openings in Kalamazoo county, which he mainly cleared himself. He also taught five or six winters; but in the meantime, two years after his arrival, married, October 20, I855, Miss Emily Wood, in New York, to which state he had returned for that purpose. In October, I866, after eleven years of married life, his wife.was called away, leaving two children, viz: William H., who is a farmerat Hubbardston, Ionia county, and Minnie J., wife of C. H. Munshaw, of Paris. In 1871, Mr. Langdon secured his present farm of I50 acres, near Bowne station, it being then known as the Windsor farm. It is well improved and mainly devoted to general farming, though fifteen acres are devoted to an apple orchard of considerable value. The same year he married Miss Amanda Tallman, a resident of Michigan, who died ten years later, without issue. -February 8, I888, he married Mrs. Minnie M. Cole,widow of Marion Cole. She was born in Canada, bore the maiden name of Munshaw, was of German descent, and has borne Mr. Langdon one child, Anna D., now nine years of age. When that great organization, which had for its object the betterment of the conditions surrounding the farmers of America, the Patrons of Husbandry, came into existence, its basic principles were of so broad and noble a character that the best minds of the country were attracted to it. Mr. Langdon, who had long recognized the importance of closer relation among the agricultural masses, at once became an important factor in the growth and organization of the order. He and a few other wide-awake men organized the Paris grange, No. I9, the first in Kent county, and was honored by his fellows with the position of ~ 832 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS' master. He, taking no half-hearted interest in the new movement, assisted in establishing other similarbodies in the county, culminating in the Pomona (or county) grange, in which he was a leading spirit. His ability and worth were soon recognized and he was chosen a member of the executive committee of the state grange, where his coadjutors were among the ablest men of the state. Much was done to improve the conditions of the farmer, not only to benefit him financally, but also to emphasize the importance of the grange as a social center. While filling that responsible position he continued to advocate by pen or in public address the advantages of the order, until he saw it assume a most important position,its influence being now keenly felt in almost every hamlet, and, it might be said, at almost every fireside throughout the WVolver'ine state. In i88I, he was made president of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance company, of Kent county, and his management of its affairs has been so characterized by sound judgment and splendid executive ability that he has since been repeatedly re-elected, still serving, after nearly twenty years of constant devotion to its interests. Much has been done for Kent county farmers by this organization, which has existed most successfully for thirty-four years, despite the prophecies of many who have antagonized it and its objects. It now shows risks on its books of nearly five millions of dollars on farm property exclusively. It has been conducted on an economical basis, its average expense of management being about $2 per thousand insurance. Mr. Langdon was a democrat in his earlier years, but his study of economic questions resulted in his joining with the greenback forces. He was elected supervisor, by a union of various elements, for three consecutive years. Ever a temperance man, when the prohibition party assumed an important place and influence, he was identified actively with it; only, however, when the great question of financial legislation became paramount, to join the freesilver forces, having taken that ground years before as the only logical conclusion possible from the history of financial legislation. When spiritualism took a strong hold on thinking minds nearly fifty years ago, Mr. Langdon espoused the cause, as it met and conformed to his own ideas of progressiveness. Its teachings have only emphasized the reasonable views he had already held on human life, and he soon found they acdorded to every phase of human existence. There is progression in everything; and this idea applied to everyday affairs, led him into the work of public life and other subjects already mentioned. He is not, however, a member of any religious organization. He has always been public spirited and useful as a citizen, and has freely contributed of his means toward the promotion of all projects designed for the public good. ICHOLAS LARSEN, one of the most respected of the foreign-born citizens of Spencer township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of Denmark, was born February 28, I848, within one-half mile of the town of Hjoring, in Jutland, and is the ninth of the fourteen children four sons and ten daughters-of whom four only have come to the United States —Mr. Larsen; his sister, Wilhelmina, who is the widow of Mr. Christensen, late of Lilley Junction, Newaygo county, Mich.; Mary Christina, of Utah, and Martin D., who settled in Kansas and died two years ago. The father of Nicholas Larsen was born in I8oi and by calling was a farmer, was well educated, and was a soldier in the Danish army, serving as a cavalryman, and was AND KENT COUNTY. UP TO DATE. 833 wounded in the shoulder while in the service. He died November 14, 1864, a member of the Lutheran church; his wife was born in I806, and died in that faith in September, I864. Nicholas Larsen received a good education in the common schools of his native land, which he attended until nearly twelve years of age, and then began to work out for small. wages. At the proper age, he entered the Danish army, in which he more than once enlisted, and at the age of twenty-five years started for America to lay the foundation of his future fortune. At Copenhagen he took steamer for Hull, England, where he took the railroad for Liverpool, and thence came by steamer to New York, having been detained at Liverpool nine and one-half days; he was also nine and a half days crossing the ocean, and from New York he came direct to Michigan. On reaching Greenville, Montcalm county, he had one Danish penny in his pocket, but no knowledge of the English language. He was willing and anxious to work, and his first labor was done on the farm of the widow Griffiths, at Fair Plains, for $i6 per month. He was next employed in the same class of work at different points, and in timber regions, in mills, and at Trufant village, and, finally came to Spencer township, Kent county, worked on the forty-acre tract adjoining his present homestead; he also worked in the lumber camps for a Mr. Rasmussen for four and a half years, and saved some money. Mr. Larsen was now prepared to take to himself a life-companion, and on October 31, 1878, at Greenville, he married Miss Helena Patre Andreasen, and to this union have been born two children, viz: Christena Marie, who was a student in the high school at Greenville in the winter of I898-99, and is also a member of the Lutheran church; Chris. Julius, the second born child, is in the sixth grade in the district school, is very industrious in his school work, and has also been confirmed in the Lutheran church. Mrs. Helena P. Larsen was born in North Sleswick, Denmark, September I6, 1845. She was well educated in her native land, where her parents died, and at the age of twentyseven years came to the United States, via steamer from Hamburg, was eighteen days crossing the ocean, and May 4, 1872, reached Buffalo, N. Y., and in 1877 reached Greenville, Mich. She has one brother, Jacob Andreasen, who has been a traveler over almost the whole world, and was in Alaska when she last heard from him. A sister, Kate, widow of T. Firthing, resides in Chicago, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Larsen first purchased for $700 eighty-eight acres in Spencer township, and their first home was a little frame shanty. They now own I27 acres of fine land; all the improvements on the place have been made by Mr. Larsen himself, and it is now one of the best farms in northeast Kent. He has had a valuable assistant in his industrious wife, and his children have also willingly and ably aided him. Great credit is due Mr. and Mrs. Larsen for their energy and industrious and economical habits, and the rapid progress they have made in the race of life and the acquisition of a handsome and comfortable home. In politics Mr. Larsen is a republican, and cast his first presidential vote for R. B.. Hayes. Both Mr. and Mrs. Larsen are ardent friends of the public-school system, with which Mr. Larsen was connected in days gone by, and their religious devotions are offered at the Lutheran church in Montcalm county, two and a half miles from their home, of which they are members, and to the support of which they liberally contribute, as well as to the Sunday-school. Fraternally Mr. Larsen is a member of the Danish Brothers' society at Greenville. Mr. and Mrs. Larsen are among the best 834 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS and most respected Danish residents of Spencer township, and bear the highest possible reputation for integrity, Mr. Larsen's word being held "as good as his bond." Through his integrity and his industry he has risen from the obscurity of a poor Dane, with one penny in his pocket on his arrival in Michigan in I873, to the position of one of the most substantial and independent American citizens of his county in I899. AMES R. LARAWAY, deceased, once one of the most prominent of the residents of Cascade township, Kent county, was born in Salem, Washtenaw county, Mich., June 23, 1837, a son of Hiram and Mary (Teeple) Laraway, and died in Cascade township March i6, 1896. James R. Laraway was an infant when brought to Kent county by his parents, who settled on the farm on which he was reared and on which he passed almost his entire life. Lewis Cook, the first settler in Cascade township, came in 1836, and Hiram Laraway, his brother-in-law, having also married a Miss Teeple, immediately followed, but did not remain long, as he was dismayed by the prospects occasioned by the panic of 1837, and returned to eastern Michigan, but in 1839 or 1840 started back to Cascade, but lost his way in the woods of Ada township and was frozen to death. He left a widow with three sons and one daughter, viz: Lydia, who was married to Peter Lawyer, lived in Grand Rapids, and died in middle age; William, a stone-cutter, died in Grand Rapids at the age of fifty; John H., a mason by trade and who has remained a bachelor, resides in Cascade, and James R. is the deceased subject of this sketch. The mother of these children was fatally injured by a fall from a cherry-tree on the homestead, her death occurring in 1869. The three deceased children died of paralysis. James R. Laraway early assumed the care of his mother and the homestead, as his elder brother early left his home in order to learn a trade, James filially caring for his mother until her sad end. His first suit of clothes, and his first pair of boots, were bought with money earned by working out, but after that his time was devoted to the care of the home place. This at first, comprised forty acres, but he handled it so successfully that it was increased to I80. He cleared off most of the place with his own hands, set out a large peach orchard, which proved to be very profitable, and was an active member of the grange, of which his wife, son and daughter also are members. He was also an ardent supporter of the church of Christ at Cascade. Mr. Laraway married, October 8, I863, Miss Sallie A. Patterson, daughter of. James and Nancy (Davis) Patterson. Her old home was opposite that of her uncle, Miner Patterson, in Paris township, where her parents lived until her mother's death. Her father died in Cascade with his eldest son, Robert, at the age of eighty-five years, one month and one day prior to the death of her husband. A brother of Mrs. Laraway, Robert Patterson, was the old landlord of the Cascade hotel and recently died at her home, she having cared for him nearly two years. The other relatives of Mrs. Laraway are two sisters, viz: Rachel Jane, wife of Hiram Starkweather, of Lenawee county, and Josephine, married to Robert Carleton, of Grand Rapids. To Mr. and Mrs. Laraway were born two children- Odessie, wife of Everell Austin, of Lenawee county, and J. Clyde, a lad of sixteen years, at home. Mrs, Laraway has conducted the farm since her husband's death, mainly by hired help. The place is a handsome one, with a fine natural fish pond on it', AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 885 and the dwelling, erected by Mr. Laraway, is neat and substantial. Here Mrs. Larawav is respected by all who know her. Mr. Laraway was a republican, but never sought office. He was strictly temperate and had the faculty of making warm friends, who, with the family, sincerely mourn his loss. B USTIN LAUBACH, a well-to-do young farmer of Plainfield township, Kent county, is a native of Wright township, Ottawa county, Mich., was born July 28, I869, and is a son of Benjamin and Mary (Bishop) Laubach, whose children were born in the following order: Austin; Benjamin; Grace, a teacher in the Sibley street school in Grand Rapids, and Myrtie, wife of Benjamin Jones, a farmer of Plainfield township. Benjamin Laubach, the respected father of the above-named children, was born in Pennsylvania, October 8, 1823, came to Michigan about the year I856, and located on a farm in Wright township, as mentioned above, wrought out a comfortable home from the primitive wilderness and lived thereon until I887, when he removed to Grand Rapids. Later he purchased the present home of Austin Laubach, where he resided a few years. He has since lived retired. His wife, a most intellectual woman, was born in Ohio, June 29, 1837, and although she received but a common-school education, was able to teach school several years before her marriage. Austin Laubach began his business life at the early age of twenty-three years by going to California. He was employed there as a bookkeeper two years, when, his health failing, he returned to Michigan. March 14, I895, Mr. Laubach entered into a happy matrimonial alliance with Miss Becca Waddell, who was born in Plainfield township June 24, 1875, and who is the eldest child of George and Susan (Miller) Waddell, a most respected family of Plainfield township. This marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Laubach has been blessed by the birth of two children, Carroll and Eleanor. He received the farm from his father in I896 and has since devoted his attention to its operation. It contains eightytwo acres, largely devoted to growing fruits. Politically Mr. Laubach is a republican and cast his first presidential vote for Benjamin Harrison. He was chosen town clerk soon after attaining his majority, resigning to go west. He was again elected in I896, and has been thrice re-elected, now filling the position. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic lodge at Rockford, and although he and wife are not members of any religious organization they are liberal in the use of their money in.promoting any and every moral work that comes under their notice. As residents of Plainfield township they are most highly respected, and for their personal merits none stand more favorably in the public esteem. 'ALVIN THOMPSON, deceased, was born in the state of New York, but t in early manhood came to Michigan. He married, soon afterward, Miss Drusiila White, also a native of New York state, but this lady died about I86. His second wife, who still resides in Grand Rapids, was Mrs. Jane Harbaugh, and whose maiden name was Bush. He was a pioneer settler of Courtland, his son, John, now residing on what was his homestead for so many years. He knew the vicissitudes and hardship of frontier life, but with close application to his own affairs, coupled with judicious management, he accumulated a handsome competence. He made a valuable farm of 240 acres, and was considered one of 836 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I the most substantial men of the community. He held it due his children that some assistance be given them when it was most needed, so did not wait till the close of life, but dealt liberally with each, at a time he could enter into the enjoyment of their beneficence. Politically he adhered to the old-time Jeffersonian democracy, and while not obnoxious to others in his views, held tenaciously to what he deemed the best position on questions of public policy. Calvin Thompson passed away in March, 1876, and from the Rockford Register, of April I9, the following obituary notice is extracted: The deceased was an old and highly esteemed resident of Kent county, and his death is deeply lamented by a large circle of relatives and friends. He was one of fourteen children, eight sons and six daughters, half of whom are dead, three brothers and three sisters being with him in the upper life. His earthly career was marked by many vicissitudes. Six times, previous to his own, the hearse has borne from his door the remains of some dear one; thus a wife and five children were laid side by side in the space of ten years. He leaves a wife, two sons and one daughter to mourn his departure. The funeral services were held at the M. E. church in Oakfield, and the address was delivered by Mrs. M. J. Kutz, from his last words, "Here I go, over the river." He was well read in not only political and historical, but in general literature. He early recognized the great benefits to the farmers in the principles of the Patrons of Husbandry, and entered heartily into the cause. He took a most active part in the organization and conduct of the grange, and -even at his death was serving as master of White Swan grange. The beautiful ceremony of the order was observed at the burial, which was conducted by the grange. The services were solemn and beautiful, and very suggestive of the deep respect felt for the, departed brother. Death heeds not usefulness or worth, but takes from our midst the brightest and best. OHN THOMPSON, of whom a portrait is given opposite, is one of the most progressive agriculturists of Courtland township, is a native of Kent county, was born April i8, 1847, and is the eldest of six children-five sons and one daughter-born to Calvin and Drusilla (WNhite) Thompson. He was reared on the farm where he now resides, received a common-school education, and has been a stock-raiser and farmer all his mature years. Mr. Thompson was united in the bonds of matrimony March 6; I873, with Miss Anna Goss, a native of Kent county, and to this marriage has been born one child only-Warren-who was educated in the district school and at the Ferris Industrial college of Big Rapids. The bent of this young man's mind is toward agriculture, and he is now a valuable assistant to his father. Mrs. Thompson was born in Cannon, Kent county, April 2, I855, a daughter of Darius and Sophia (Blackstone) Goss. Her father was born in Vermont, and her mother in Massachusetts. They were married in the state of New York, and shortly afterward came to Kent county, Mich., where the father passed away, April 30, I880, and where the mother is still living, a remarkably well-preserved old lady of eighty-five years. Of the seven brothers and sisters of Mrs. Thompson, five are still living, viz: John, for many years a popular teacher in this county, and who is now engaged in mining and dairy farming at Longmont, Colo. His wife is Ellen Olcott, a former pupil of his at Grattan; Orren L. resides near Grand Rapids, is a farmer, and married to Mary M. Miller; Percy D., who married Lillie Crystal, is a miner and I JOHN THOMPSON. g-* " I;RPI:Y:-::,~r ri I - i_:-:i ~R _::I ~ RESIDENCE OF JOHN THOMPSON. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 841 I farmer at Loveland, Colo.; Benson O. is a farmer of Courtland township, Kent county, Mich.; Lorany is the wife of Edgar Weller, a farmer of Cannon township, Kent county. The two deceased sisters were Ellen L., who was the wife of Sears Johnson, and Emma J., who was married to Dwight Weekes-both of Cannon township. Mr. Thompson was the owner of eighty acres only at the time of his marriage. The homestead now contains 300 acres, and he has a second farm of eighty acres in the neighborhood. He has just erected one of the most beautiful modern residences in the county, built on the colonial style of architecture. The lower story is finished in quarter-sawed white oak. The entire building is warmed by a hotair furnace, and illuminated with the popular acetylene light. This fine dwelling, erected at a cost exceeding $3,000, commands a capital view of the surrounding country. His barns -and out-buildings are all built on the same liberal scale with the residence. A viewof the premises may be seen on another page of this work, and its owner is justly entitled to feel due pride in them. Mr. Thompson is a democrat, and in I868 cast his first presidential vote for Horatio Seymour. He sees in democratic principles the elements of perpetuity of our liberal institutions; while departure from them endangers the republic. He is an ardent friend of the public schools and served as district treasurer for over twenty years-a fact strongly indicative of his interest in the system. In their religious worship Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, while not communicants, are attendants and liberal supporters of the various congregations of the neighborhood. They are also members of the Columbian club, a social body organized in 1893 for the purpose of promoting friendly intercourse, good feeling and intellectual improvement among its mem bers. The Thompson family are among the most respected people in the county and deserve the high esteem in which they are held. RYN LEENTVAAR (deceased), late proprietor of Meadow Brook farm of Grand Rapids township, Kent county, Mich., was born September 5, I832, in the village of Rysoord, in the south part of the Netherlands, Europe, and came to America in I879. He had married, at twenty-six years of age, Miss Marie Visser. He began to farm at once, ran a dairy, grew flax and prepared same for spinning. On coming to the United States Mr. Leentvaar had considerable means, and started by renting part of the Comstock farm, on which he engaged in the dairy line and supplied milk to the.city. He then bought athirty-five-acre farm, and later, in I888, bought the old Gilbert farm on the Plainfield road, four miles from the city hall of Grand Rapids. This is a farm of 170 acres, for which he paid $o, ooo. It is widely known as Meadow Brook farm, where are kept thirty-five to forty cows. He gave the matter his personal attention as long as he lived. His death occurred suddenly April 3, 1898, of heart disease, and was entirely unexpected. He had lived over forty-one years with his wife, who survives him. He first became a citizen of Kent county, and was from the start a democrat till the last campaign, when he stood by the gold standard. He was a member of the Holland Unitarian church, Grand Rapids, of which he was a trustee. He had become attached to American institutions, was a lover of good horses and racing, and he made the breeding of fast horses one of the leading features of his farm. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Leentvaar were named in order of birth as follows: Josie, wife of William Timmers, dairyman, of 842 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS - --- -- Grand Rapids; Marie, wife of D. Fanderstell,on a dairy farm near ReidsLake; John and Peter, operating the old farm; Jennie, wife of N. G. Van Kuelen, stockholder in and bookkeeper for Dennis Bros.' Knitting factory, and Cora, at home. The Leentvaar farm is one of the fine farms in the township and is properly handled by the sons. Mr. Leentvaar was one of the best known Holland citizens that ever lived in Kent county, and was a man of many sterling qualities. Quick to see and ready to appreciate American institutions, he inculcated the idea of a free government into the children, who have not been slow to imbibe the lessons taught by their venerated father. OYAL H. LEMP, one of the most prosperous and enterprising young farmers of Algoma township, Kent county, Mich., was born here October I, 1875, the younger of the two children that blessed the union of Adam and Ruth E. (Straight), Lemp his brother Charles having a I20-acre farm in the vicinity. Adam Lemp was born in Germany May 5, 1837, came to Michigan in 1857, and purchased a tract of land in section No. 17, Algoma township, at that time a wilderness, devoid of any sign of civilization, but before many years had passed he had cleared away the timber and had as handsome a farm as was to be found in the township.. Here he passed the remainder of his life, and died September 22, 1898, an honored and wealthy citizen. Mrs. Adam Lemp was born in Ohio July I, I837, and is now making her home with her son, Royal H. Royal H. Lemp began making his own living at the age of sixteen years, by hiring out as a farm hand, and thus led an independent life until the death of his father, when he became heir to his present homestead, consisting of eighty acres, sixty-five being in cultivation. January 20, I895, he married Miss Ellen Schiedel, daughter of Samuel and Barbara (Adam) Schiedel, and born in Algoma township December 7, 1878. Samuel Schiedel was born in Canada about the year 1849, and, although the record of the date of his coming to Kent county has been lost, it has generally been fixed at I860. He is still living on his farm in Algoma township, but his wife, who was born in Germany, died here in 1887, her remains being laid to rest in the Myers cemetery in Sparta township, where a fine monument has been erected to her memory. Royal H. Lemp, in politics, is an earnest republican and cast his first presidential vote for Maj. McKinley, the present incumbent of the office. He is a member of the Algoma grange, and although neither he nor his wife is a church member, both are among the foremost in performing beneficial deeds and stand very high in the esteem of their neighbors. L RS. MARGARET A. LESSITER.This worthy woman has been a resident of Kent county, Mich., for fifty-four years and now, at the age of fifty-nine years, is still in the enjoyment of good health, is very intelligent, and retains her mental faculties to a remarkable degree. She is possessed of more than ordinary executive ability, and has ever been interested in the welfare of her section and noted for her kindness of heart and many noble impulses. A representative of one of the most prominent families of Grattan and Oakfield townships, she is a native of Sylvan township, Washtenaw county, Mich., having been born on the 5th of May, 1840. The family consisted of eleven children, four sons and seven AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 813 - daughters, of whom seven are survivors, viz: Ambrose A., the eldest, a traveling salesman for the Kalamazoo Celery company, and a resident of Grand Rapids; Alphonso R., a resident of Louisiana, where he is engaged as a mechanic; John I., one of the prosperous agriculturists of Grattan, Kent county, Mich.; Mary A., widow of John Byrne, whose biography is presented elsewhere in this volume; Mrs. Lessiter; Henrietta, wife of Peter McCauley, a farmer of Oakfield township; and Celestia, who married Horace Jakeway, a prominent agriculturist, whose home is at Lake View, Mich. The father of Mrs. Lessiter, John P. Weeks, sprang from English ancestry and was born in New York state, November 7, 1807. Until his majority he remained in his native state, where he received both a common and a college education. He was a relative of Ethan Allen, of historic fame, and spent a number of years in the former's state. In 1827 he came to the state of Michigan when it was an unbroken wilderness, the trip being made by stage and by foot. In Washtenaw county red-men were numerous and the story of bloody scalping parties colored the tales of the early travelers. During several years prior to his marriage he taught school, and after the union removed upon a little farm of eighty acres, located near Chelsea, Mich. In June, 1845, Mr. Weeks came to Grattan, which was then a part of Vergennes township and was known as Flat River county. Here he took up 320 acres of government land, under the administration of President Polk, and there resided until his death. In politics Mr. Weeks was first a whig and a strong abolitionist, but later, at the birth of the re,publican party, he espoused its principles. His religious choice was the faith of the society of Friends, of which he was a member, as was his wife, Phebe Young (Beakes) I Weeks. He died a highly esteemed gentleman and worthy citizen. The mother was a native of Mamakating, N. Y., was born February I8, 1818, and died at the age of eighty years, in Oakfield township. A beautiful bronze monument marks the last resting place of herself and her husband in the Mesen cemetery in Grattan. Graved on the stone sacred to their memory is the following beautiful and appropriate verse, an extract from Gray's Elegy: Perhaps in this neglected spot is laid Some heart once pregnant with celestial fire, Hands that the rod of empire might have swayed, Or waked to ecstacy the living lyre. Mrs. Lessiter was a girl of five years when she became a resident of Kent county, where she was reared and passed her married life. She came when the county was new and educational facilities were very meager. Accordingly, a greater part of her training was received from her father. In addition to this she for some time attended the village school at Smyrna, Ionia county. On the 27th of October, 186o, the subject was united in marriage to Henry Lessiter, and they reared a family of children who are among the most honored citizens of Grattan and Oakfield townships. The four survivors of the original family of five are: John Albertus, one of the prosperous agriculturists of Oakfield township; Earnest Elwood, a young enterprising merchant of Grattan; Minnie A., the wife of George Whitten, a scion of one of the old pioneer families of Grattan, and William J., who is living upon the old homestead with his mother and is engaged in stock raising and general farming. He was born on the farm where he now lives, December 5, I874. In politics he is a stanch democrat and is one of the well-thought-of young men in the township of Grattan. Henry Lessiter was a native of Wiltshire, 844 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS England, born in October, 1830, and died September 4, I892. When ten years of age he came with his parents to America, embarking at Liverpool and ending his journey in Oakland county, Mich. Here he began on the lowest round of the ladder of life, by working for wages as a day laborer. They built a little three-roomed frame house on their heavily mortgaged farm, which, ere the husband's death, had been cleared of the debt and increased to I60 acres. Mr. Lessiter was always a firm democrat politically, and took prominent part in all rallys and political celebrations, being very skilled as a musician, and was leader of the brass bands of the time. In social relations he was a charter member of the Grattan grange, as is also his wife. In his native England he was of the Episcopalian faith, but later in life was identified with the Baptist church. He was a man who enjoyed the esteem of all who knew him as an honorable and intelligent citizen. Mrs. Lessiter is now living on her beautiful estate, one of the most valuable, homelike and comfortable in the township. She is a contributor to the home papers and has been for thirty-five years. Her writings are sparkling and bright, and are given a prominent place in the page. A devout member of the Baptist church, and having been the same for twentyseven years, she is a liberal donor to all worthy causes. Honorable in all her connections, friendly and genial in her social relations, she is at all times a courteous, estimable woman, whom to know is to respect. John Albertus Lessiter, son of the lady whose biography appears above, has shown intelligence and ability as a progressive tiller of the soil, and the interest he has taken in the advancement of measures for the good of his section have caused him to be classed among the leading citizens of his township. Mr. Lessiter was born at the old homestead in Grattan township, Kent county, Mich: His education was secured in the union schools in Grattan, and he remained with his parents until twenty-six years of age, within that time teaching three terms of school. On April 12, I888,'Mr. Lessiter was united in marriage to Miss Kate A. Richardson, and one little daughter has blessed this.union,- namely, Bernice Laura, the joy of the home. Mrs. J. A. Lessiter is a native of Greene county, Ill., born August 9, I865, and is a daughter of John A. and Jane S. (Silkward) Richardson. She was third in a family of four children, of whom three are now living, viz: Olive A., the wife of Jason Scott, an agriculturist of Grattan; Mrs. Lessiter, and John E., a salesman of Detroit. Her father is a native of New York state, born in May, I831. His life has been that of a merchant. He received a common-school education and came at an early day with his parents to Michigan, where his father conducted the first shoe-shop in Hastings. About twenty years of Mr. Richardson's life was passed in the state of Illinois. In politics he was a true democrat. His wife was born in Louisville,. Ky., and is now living in Grattan aged sixty-six years. Mrs. Lessiter spent ten years of her life in Illinois and there began her primary education. In 1875 her home was transferred to Kent county, Mich., where she completed the eight grades in the common schools and spent one year in the high school at Belding. She became a successful educational trainer in Courtland and Grattan townships, and is characterized by that sympathizing, genial and serene nature which brightens up a home. A member of the Ladies' Aid society of the Baptist church, she is also identified with the Grattan grange and is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, No. I07, at Grattan AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 845 -— Center, of which she was secretary for six years. Mr. Lessiter and his wife began married life on a little mortgaged farm of eighty acres, and now own a beautiful farm of 230 acres, a reward of their intense energy. The estate is furthermore improved with a fine house, barn, and other outbuildings. Mr. Lessiter is a firm supporter of democratic principles and dropped his initiatory presidential vote for Grover Cleveland. He was for four years connected with his home schools, serving in the capacity of an inspector. Fraternally he is identified with the following social organizations: Grattan lodge, F. & A. M., No. 196; the R. A. M., No. 79; the Grattan grange, and the Foresters, No. 196, at Grattan Center. Earnest E. Lessiter, brother to the lasttreated subject, and a young and enterprising merchant of Grattan Center, was born on the old homestead on the 4th of December, I868. In the union schools at Grattan Center he received his primary education, and in addition to this took a course in the West Michigan Business college at Grand Rapids, with the class of 1890. In January, I891, Mr. Lessiter went into the mercantile business at Grattan by purchasing a half interest with M. Byrne in a store of general merchandise, drugs and sundries. A little afterwards he bought Mr. Byrne's interest and continued until I894, when he consolidated with George Whitten, and for three years the "Grattan Mercantile company" was widely known. At the end of that time he bought out his partner's share and has since controlled the entire business. In June, I898, he erected a commodious building for his business, with large French plate glass front, and now carries a full stock of dry goods, shoes, rubber goods, drugs, oils, and staple groceries. On December 20, I893, Mr. Lessiter mar ried Miss Kitty J. Huntley, to whom one daughter was born, by name Ketty Lynette. Mrs. Lessiter was a native of Michigan, born in 1875, and educated in the schools of Petoskey. She was a daughter of Adelbert C. and Lucena (Close) Huntley, and was deeply mourned at her call from this life on May I7, 1895, eighteen months after her marriage. Mr. Lessiter is very firm in his support of the democratic party. He was elected to the office of township clerk in 1892 and re-elected in I893. In I896 and 1897 he held the station of school inspector of the Grattan schools, and in 1897 and I898 served as township treasurer, all of which testify to the confidence and esteem in which he is held by his people. During the administration of President Cleveland, he was appointed postmaster of Grattan. Socially, Mr. Lessiter is connected with the following fraternities: Grattan Masonic lodge, No. I96, of which he is senior deacon; the Fortuna K. of P. lodge at Belding, Mich.; the Foresters, No. 986, at Grattan; the Ancient Order of Gleaners and the Order of the Eastern Star at Grattan. Mr. Lessiter is an enterprising merchant, and holds a high place among his fellows. He has always been deeply interested in the welfare and advancement of his county, and in all the relations of life has been found true and faithful to the trust reposed in him and the obligations resting upon him. His early life has been well spent, and he commands the regard of men, by reason of his sterling qualities of mind and heart. ORAN LEWIS, a highly-respected and thrifty farmer in section No. 13, Cascade township, Kent county, Mich., and one of its pioneers, was born in LaCove, Lower Canada, on Lake Champlain, ana not far from Montreal, December 15, 846 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS 1822, and is a son of Samuel and Lucy (Loomer) Lewis, the former of whom was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., and the latter in Vermont. The Lewis family is of Welsh descent, and is connected with one of the signers of that famous document, the Declaration of American Independence. As a boy, Loran Lewis worked on the home farm and in the lumber woods, and after reaching maturity built a steam saw-mill in Essex county, Ontario, which he operated until he lost $12,000 by fire, when he rebuilt, but sold the second mill, and in 1857 came to Cascade, Mich., and secured a farm. In I86I, he purchased his present tract of land, which then comprised 130 acres of heavy timber which he burned off, and so realized nothing from the lumber; but he has wrought out a fine farm, 120 acres of which are improved. For a time, Mr. Lewis operated a small mill at Whitneyville, but to his farm he has given his chief attention. He was the first to introduce Jersey cattle into his neighborhood, has been a very successful breeder of the same, and has made butter making a specialty. The marriage of Mr. Lewis took place at Dundas, Ontario, Canada, December 13, I843, to Miss Elzada Smith, who, after fifty-three years of happy married life, died in July, 1896, the mother of the following children: Joseph, of Bowne township; James, of Cascade, who operates twenty acres as a nursery; Merritt, of Washington, D. C.; Emma, wife of Oren Ford, of Lowell; Phebe, wife of Charles Peet, of Bowne; George, a farmer, butcher and cattle dealer, of Lowell; Lucy, wife of James Taylor, of Grand Rapids; Frances, wife of William Cooper, of the same city; Mary E., who died at the age of two years; Loran, a mechanic in Lowell, and Ezra, who died when sixteen years old. The third born of the above named children, Merritt, lost a legin the battle of Gettysburg and came home deaf; for twenty years he was a clerk in the land office at Lansing, and has been for the past seven years a clerk in the pension office at Washington, D. C. In politics Mr. Lewis is independent, and votes for the candidate he thinks to be best qualified to fill the office sought. As a citizen and pioneer he is universally respected, and his life has been such as to render him deserving of the high respect in which he is held. OHN D. LEWIS, M. D., the oldest practicing physician and surgeon in Ada township, Kent county, Mich., was born in the state of New York, November 24, I846, and is a son of Martin and Mary (Durksick) Lewis, who were the parents of seven children. The father, also a native of the Empire state, was a millwright by trade and is now deceased. Dr. John D. Lewis received his primary education in the common schools, later attended the Whitestone seminary, where he was prepared for college, and then entered the university of Oswego, N. Y., from the medical department of which he graduated in 1871; in the meantime he read medicine constantly under Dr. James Churchville, of Utica, and in 1882 supplemented his medical education by taking two courses in the Bellevue Hospital college of New York city. In 1884 Dr. Lewis located in the southern part of Michigan, where he followed his profession two years, and then, in the winter of 1886, settled permanently in Ada township, with headquarters in the village of Ada, and now stands at the head of his profession, being, as has been said, the oldest and most experienced physician and surgeon in the township, and well known in the townships adjacent, to which he is frequently called to exer AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 847 cise his acknowledged skill in relieving and curing the afflicted. Dr. Lewis was joined in matrimony, in his native state, in December, 1864, with Miss Clara Mason, a daughter of A. HI. Mason, and this marriage has been blessed with nine children-four sons and five daughters. Beside the high regard in which Dr. Lewis is held as a professional man, both he and wife are held in the highest esteem for their many personal merits, and their long residence in the township has placed them and their family at the head of the social community. EORGE A. LINK, editor and publisher K of the Cedar Springs Democrat, is a native of Solon township, Kent county, Mich., was born November 8, 1870, and is the younger of the two sons of Alonzo and Abigail (Hutchins) Link, the elder son being now deceased. Alonzo Link, the father, was born in the city of Philadelphia, Pa., October 24, 1833, and emigrated to Brantford, Canada, in 1852. He received a liberal education and in early manhood was a ship carpenter, but the major portion of his life was passed in lumbering. He came to Kent county, Mich., in I866, located near Cedar Springs, was employed in the lumber trade until I870, and then associated himself with Newton & Gaze in sawmillipg. In 1872 the plant was destroyed by fire, and thereby Mr. Link lost $500. It was immediately rebuilt, however, to be again destroyed in I873. In 1879 he formed a partnership with James Johnson, under the firm name of Johnson & Link, and prospered until 1884, when the town of Cedar Springs was almost utterly consumed by a conflagration. He then passed three years in Carlton county, Minn., with Clark & Scudder, lumber dealers, then returned to Michigan, and for three years was engaged in the manufacture of shingles in Howard City, Montcalm county. Notwithstanding his heavy misfortunes through fire, he was, on the whole, quite successful as a business man. In politics Alonzo Link was a democrat, and fraternally was for twenty years a member of lodge No. 213, F. & A. M., at Cedar Springs. He was liberal in his financial aid to all religious organizations, but his proclivities were toward the Congregational church. He died universally respected February 4, 1895, leaving to his son the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. Mrs. Abigail Link was born in London, England, April I8, I843, and was but eleven years of age when brought to America by her parents, who located in New York state. She was educated in the common schools, but has greatly improved her mind by extensive reading and is one of the most respected residents of Cedar Springs, where she makes her home with the subject of this sketch, and attends the Congregational church. George A. Link was educated at the Cedar Springs high school. He is associated in the publication of the Democrat with J. E. Goul, chairman of the board of supervisors of Kent county. The journal was founded in October, I890, is a six-column quarto, is a fine specimen of typography, has a weekly circulation of 800oo, is one of the best-edited papers in Kent county, and in politics is independent. Attached to the newspaper office is a complete job department, from which is turned out work equal, in many respects, to that of some of the best metropolitan offices devoted especially to job work. February 3, I891, Mr. Link was united in marriage with Miss Flora E. Rasco, a native of Kent county, born September i6, 1869, well educated, and for several years a successful school-teacher and now a valued assistant 848 'THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS to her husband in -journalism. To this happy marriage have been born three children-Hugh F., Muriel F., and Dorrice A. Mr. and Mrs. Link are consistent members of the Congregational church in Cedar Springs and stand very prominently in the leading social circles of the town. In politics Mr. Link is a sterling democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland. Fraternally, he is a member of tent No. 476, K. O. T. M., of Cedar Springs. [LLIAM LIVINGSTON, the oldest living white man that permanently settled in Plainfield township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Kingston (Ontario), Canada, March I6, 18I6, the third son in a family of eleven children, of whom Silas and Elizabeth (Truesdell) Li vingston were the parents, and of whom four still survive. Silas Livingston, father of subject, was born in 1779 at Livingston Manor, Sullivan county, N. Y., the ancestral home of the family prior to the Revolutionary war and long afterward. After changing his places of residence several times, he came to Michigan in 1834 and located in Oakland county, but three years later came to Kent county and settled on section No. 23, Plainfield township. Here he resided a number of years, and then made his home with a sister, a short distance south, where he died in November, I863 —the last immediate member of that illustrious family whose name was immortalized as one of those attached to the Declaration of Independence-Philip Livingston, his uncle. Mrs. Elizabeth (Truesdell) Livingston was a native of Connecticut, was born about 178I, and died in Wayne county, Mich., about I850. Both Mr. and Mrs. Livingston were in early life members of the Methodist church, but in her later years Mrs. Livingston affiliated with the Mormons. William Livingston, the subject proper of this biography, was reared to farming, and this has been his occupation nearly all his life. In 1835, however, he engaged in the lumber business in Plainfield, supplying square timber for bridges and buildings, and in 1839 purchased the farm of eighty acres on which he still resides. Of this farm, twenty acres were open prairie land and sixty in heavy timber, but all is now clear and highly cultivated. In those days the inhabitants of this section of the country were the red men as a rule, and the white man an exception. May I3, I838, Mr. Livingston was united in marriage, on the farm where he has since resided, with Miss Margaret Miller, daughter of George Miller, and this union resulted in the birth of ten children, four of whom are still living, viz: John, bookkeeper for a Chicago wholesale house; George, who was a soldier, and soon after the war went to California and was at Fort Wrangle, Alaska, when last heard from; Fred is a salesman in a Grand Rapids rubber house, and Myron, the youngest, operates the old homestead. His wife is Mary Edison, daughter of Russell Edison, a resident of Walker township. In politics Mr. Livingston is a rigid republican and has been ever since the organization of the party, but prior to that time he had been a whig and cast his first presidential vote for William Henry Harrison. He has filled nearly all the offices in the township, and has ever been faithful to the party and earnest in the discharge of all the trusts that have been placed upon him. Fraternally he became an Odd Fellow upwards of fifty years ago. He is honored as the oldest settler of Plainfield, but not for that alone, as his personal merits have won for him the esteem of all, and in this esteem Mrs. Livingston also AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 849 has a large share. He is the only survivor of sixteen men who met in April, 1838, in a log house, near his present home, and organized Plainfield township, then embracing what are now Cannon and Algoma townships. - RSON E. LOCKE, a substantial farmer as well as successful financier of Kent county, with his home in section No. I7, Wyoming township, was born in Newburg, Ohio, November I5, 1834, and is a son of William N. and Abigail (WNithey) Locke, who came to Michigan in the fall of I845, and made their home with a daughter in Alpine township, until the following spring, and then settled in Paris township, and were among its earliest pioneers. Mrs. Abigail Locke, who was born and reared in Vermont, was inured to the life of a rugged country and lived to be eighty years of age on the Paris township homestead. His wife died, aged eighty-four years, while living with a daughter in Allegan county. Of the nine children born to these parents, two only are now living-Sarah, wife of Alfred Brainard, and Orson E., the subject of this sketch. Orson E. Locke was about twelve years of age when his parents settled in the wilderness of Paris township, and here he was reared to all the hardships of pioneer life. In those days there were no roads, no settlements, no schools, but Indians were numerous and game of all kinds abounded. At the age of fifteen he went to Grand Haven, where he was enmployed in skidding logs, and at the age of twenty had the misfortune to break a leg. While this was in process of healing he seized the opportunity to secure something of an education, his previous knowledge having been acquired from his observation of men and events, and from the dictates of his naturally good common sense. 44 March I, 1859, Mr. Locke married Miss Lovinia Gray, a native of the state of New York, and who' accompanied her parents, James and Rebecca, to Kent county at the age of twenty. They settled on the present homestead, where they lived until his death. Mrs. Gray, living with her children, in her ninetieth year, is a woman well preserved and of a cheerful disposition. To this marriage have been born three children, namely: Clarence E., of Grandville, who married Miss Emma Coats, and has four children-Lovinia, Fay, Florence and Orson; Fred H., who is assistant manager of the Stafford Furniture company of Muskegon, and Eliza, who is a professional bookkeeper. In politics Mr. Locke was formerly a whig, but is now a republican, and takes an active interest in the management of local affairs. Although not desirous of public office, he is a factor with his party, who invariably seek his advice in matters of moment and give good heed to his advice. Although Mrs. Locke is a devout member of the Episcopal church, Mr. Locke holds himself aloof from all societies, religious and otherwise, feeling that he is strong enough to stand alone and does not need, like many others, to be bolstered up. Mr. Locke's farm contains fifty-three acres, lies close to the village of Grandville, and is one of the best improved in the township. The place formerly belonged to his father-inlaw, but at his death in July, 1879, Mr. Locke thought it wise to buy it, he having had the management of it for some time previously and well knowing its value. But this is not the only property that Mr. Locke owns, as he has several farms in different parts of the county besides other valuable real-estate, notwithstanding the fact that he began life in somewhat different circumstances. He has made nearly all he has by his enduring industry, sound judgment and executive ability, 850 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS - -~ — I and beside the respect that is paid him for the possession of these admirable traits and that which ever attends the man of wealth, he is admired for the patriotic pride he takes in the growth and prosperity of the county of Kent, in which he has passed so many years of his useful life. Among other important positions, he for six years has served as superintendent of the Grandville gravel road, which passes close to his home. D. LOCKWOOD, one of the most respected farmers of Nelson township, Kent county, Mich., has had his home here since i.886 and is recognized as one of the most progressive agriculturists of the township. He was born in Monroe county, N. Y., about twelve miles from the city of Rochester, November 28, 1832, and is the eldest of the family of four sons and two daughters born to Daniel M. and Eunice (Lord) Lockwood, of whom Mr. Lockwood, the subject of this sketch, and his youngest brother, William McK., are now living, the latter being a resident of Oakland county, on the parental homestead near Clyde, Mich., and engaged in agricultural pursuits. Daniel M. Lockwood was born in Rensselaer county, near the city of Troy, N. Y., was a farmer, and after several migrations settled in Oakland county, Mich., in 1835, coming via Detroit and leading his only cow behind the covered wagon that contained his family, in true pioneer style. On his arrival he entered I,ooo acres of government land in Highland and Rose townships, and made his home in the then wild country, among the Indians and a few white settlers, until his death at the age of fortyseven years. He and wife were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was a class-leader, and in the early days his house was made a welcome home to all the itinerant preachers of his faith. Fraternally he was a Freemason until a certain Morgan attempted to make a disclosure of the secrets of that order. His grandfather was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, and was owner of a large tract of land on Long Island, N. Y., and also on Manhattan Island,'in the city of New York proper, and his heirs still claim an interest in the property on which Trinity church now stands. Mrs. Eunice Lockwood was born in the Quaker settlement near Saratoga Springs, N. Y., and died February IO, I867, at the age of about sixty-six years, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. M. D. Lockwood, the subject of this memoir, was but three years of age when he was brought to Michigan by his parents. He was reared in Oakland county to agricultural pursuits until he reached his majority, when he engaged in partnership with his brother, T. W. Lockwood, in the hardware business at Holly, Mich., but at the end of ten years purchased his brother's interest and continued ten years longer in trade on his sole account, after which he retired from mercantile life. Mr. Lockwood has been twice married, and by his first wife, Adelia, he became the father of two children, viz: Edsell D., who was educated in the Holly public schools, is married, is the father of two sons and one daughter, and is doing a prosperous tinsmith and hardware business at Ortonville, Mich.; he is a republican in politics, and he and wife are members of the Free WVill Baptist church; Myron A., the second born, who was also educated in the Holly schools, is now a farmer of Spencer township, Kent county, is married and has one daughter. After eleven years of happy matrimony Mrs. Adelia Lockwood was summoned to a still happier home, and in due course of time AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 851 Mr. Lockwood married Lucina, a sister of his first wife, who has blessed him with one son and one daughter, of whom the elder, Perry M., a carpenter by trade, makes his home with his parents, and the younger, May Blanche, received her education in the Holly high school, and has been a successful teacher in Kent county. Mrs. Lucina Lockwood was born in Rensselaer county, N. Y., July Io, 1845, but early came to Michigan and was educated in Oakland county. In the fall of I886 Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood came from Oakland to Kent county and settled in section No. 12, Nelson township, their farm of I60 acres being then but little improved, but since that time they have converted it into one of the most productive and most profitable agricultural tracts in the township. Although the old log cabin which was their first habitation on this farm still stands, their present dwelling, erected in I891, has but few equals in neatness and beauty in the neighborhood, being surrounded with flowers and neatly-trimmed shrubbery. The substantial barns and other farm buildings, although a year older than the dwelling, are still fresh and neat in appearance. The parents of the two ladies whom Mr. Lockvood married, were Alonzo and Mary (Hanchet) Lockwood, who had a family of four sons and five daughters, seven of whom are still living. Of these survivors Ella is the wife of George French, a locomotive engineer at Saginaw; James, a married man, is a farmer at Watertown, Clinton county, Mich. The others still reside in Oakland county. The father of Mrs. Lockwood was born in Rensselaer county, N. Y., August 9, I8i8, and is still living in Highland, Oakland county, Mich., stout and strong for a man of his years, having been reared as a stone and brickmason as well as an agriculturist. Both he and wife are devout members of the Baptist church, in which he has been a deacon for many years, and to which they contribute liberally. His wife was born in Connecticut, July I, I820, and is still active and lively for a lady of her years, her progenitors having been noted for longevity. Perry M. Lockwood, the elder child born to the second marriage of M. D. Lockwood, has traveled extensively throughout the Pacific and the southern part of the United States, and through his natural habit of observing things closely has acquired a great deal of knowledge that he would not otherwise been master of. Although born with a tendency toward mechanism and endowed with ingenuity, he has made medicine a subject of study, and by attending one course of lectures on that science could now win a diploma that would entitle him to the privilege of practicing. M. D. Lockwood cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont at the birth of the republican party, and to that party he still adheres. While a resident of Clinton county, where he once resided for eleven years, he served one term as justice of the peace. In religion he and wife are devout Methodists, and hold membership in the M. E. church at Sand Lake, in the Sunday-school of which Miss Blanche is a teacher. The family stand among the foremost of Nelson township's citizens and enjoy the respect of all.. HARLES H. LOOMIS, postmaster of.Sparta, Mich., and a well-known and popular hardware merchant, is a native of Vermont, was born April 25, I853, and is the only child of Henry and Anna M. (Blair) Loomis, also natives of the Green Mountain state, but who, soon after marriage, settled in Michigan, where the father became an extensive dealer in lumber, which occupation he followed until his death, THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS -- which occurred in December, I863. The mother still survives. Charles H. Loomis received a sound common-school education which well qualfied him for the active duties of life, and his first business venture was in the drug trade, which he began in Sparta in 1875, and in which he prosperously continued until 1884, when he sold out his stock of drugs and chemicals and in r885 embarked in the hardware trade, in which he has met with marked success and which he still continues to prosper, as he is not only affable and accommodating to his patrons, but also keeps on hand a stock suited to the requirements of all, including heavy builders' and shelf hardware, and a thousand and one trifling, yet essential articles in constant demand by even the ordinary housekeeper, and valued at $6,000 or $8,000. In July, 1897, Mr. Loomis was appointed postmaster of Sparta, vice A. Betterly, removed. In this office he has given every satisfaction to the public, as well as to the postoffice department, as he is as equally polite and obliging in his administration of this public office as he is in the conducting of his private or mercantile business; In July, 1876, Mr. Loomis was joined in matrimony, at Johnson, Vt., with Miss Mary Heath, daughter of M. O. Heath, a native of Vermont, but of late a resident of Michigan. Mrs. Mary Loomis was born in Johnson, Vt., July I7, 1857, and is now the happy mother of three boys, viz: Henry M., Clarence B. and C. Alden. The family attend the Baptist church, to the support of which they freely contribute, and to the precepts of which they strictly adhere. In politics Mr. Loomis has ever been an ardent republican ever since he became entitled to exercise his franchise, and in local politics has wielded quite a potent influence. Fraternally he is a Mason, Knight of Pythias and a Forester, and socially with Mrs. Loomis mingles with the best families of his township. He owns a pretty home in Sparta, where a hearty welcome is ever extended to his many warm friends.,-EORGE EADY.-Prominent among the representative business firms of i the village of Rockford, Mich., may be found that of William C. Lovelace and George Eady, of Lovelace & Eady, the record of which is herewith presented. Mr. Eady, the senior member, was a native of Long Melford, Suffolk county, England, and was born May I8, I86I, being the third child of Walter and Hannah (Chatters) Eady. His parents are both natives of England and are still living in their native land. George Eady began life for himself when but fifteen years of age by leaving the parental roof and taking up his abode with a lawyer, where he resided for a period of three years. He then departed for London, and after a few years' residence at that place set sail for America, landing at Boston, Mass., in the year 1878. Not satisfied with Boston, he remained but a short time, at the end of which he removed to Salem, Mass., remaining a period of six years, thence going to Manchester, Mass. After living there for six years and perceiving his ill health, he decided to leave the seashore, and after considerable roaming, making his residence here and there, he finally located at Rockford, Mich., in the spring of I899. Here he purchased the interest of Mr. Keeney, of the firm of Lovelace & Keeney, produce dealers, and is now engaged in such work. The new firm is enjoying a good business in its line, i. e., buying and selling the farmers' produce, dealing in farming implements, and gives employment to a number of hands during the greater part of the year. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DAT:X:E. 8 ANJD KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 853 On Lynn, native I861. January 12, 1890, he was married at Mass., to Miss Elizabeth Balster, a of Frome, England, born in the year This union was graced with but one son, who is yet in infancy. Mr. Eady is a supporter of the republican party. Neither he nor his wife is an active member of any church, but are ever ready to assist in a good cause. William C. Lovelace, the junior member of the firm of Lovelace & Eady, is a native of Newaygo, Mich., and was born October 3r, 1867, being the first child born to Henry D. and Lydia (Brown) Lovelace. His fatherwas a native of Illinois and was born in the year I839. He came to Michigan in the year 1865 and first located in Ottawa county, where he remained for a period of three years, at the end of which he left for California, where he lived for about two years, and again came to Michigan and lived at his old Ottawa home for about ten years. He the.n left for Tennessee, and having spent two years there returned to Michigan and located at Rockford, his present home. His mother was a native of Canada and was born in the year I849. She came to Michigan with her parents and here she first met her husband. W. C. Lovelace began life for himself when twenty-two years of age by entering into the produce business, the occupation in which he is now engaged. His many years of experience has afforded him a good knowledge of the business and he is now in a position where he is doing well financially. On January 12, I892, he was married to Miss Bertha C. June, a native of Rockford, Mich,, born in the year 1874, and a second child of Hanford and Minnie (Dunbar) June. Her father was a native of New York and was born in the year I837. He came to Rockford about the year 1859 and lived here until his death in I887. Her mother was a native of Grand Rapids and was born in the year I85. After her husband's death she again married, and now bears the name of Mrs. Thomas Ivinson. Mr. and Mrs. Lovelace are the parents of three children, Hanford, Marguerite and Hollis, all young and residing at home. In his political views, Mr. Lovelace is a supporter of the republican party. Socially, he is a member of the I. 0. O. F. lodge at Rockford, and officially is a member of the Rockford common council. XNIEL C. LYLE, late of Cedar Springs and one of the successful and influential attorneys of Kent county, was born on Prince Edwards Island, February 23, 1843, and died at his residence in November, I898. His parents were Danieland Elizabeth Lyle, the former being English by birth, while the latter was a native of Prince Edwards Island. Daniel lost his mother when but seven years old, and while but yet a small boy he accompanied his father to the United States. In 866 he located in Van Buren county and worked as a farm hand, using his earnings to attend school at Decatur. He was for a time in Ann Arbor schools, teaching, however, during the winter of 1868-9. He became a student in the law office of -Judge Lawtin at Paw Paw in October, i870, and completed the law course in the law department of the state university, from which he was graduated in the class of 1872. Soon after he was admitted to practice in the supreme court, and in the United States court. He began his practice at Cedar Springs and his personality was of such an affable nature that he soon had a large clientage. Entering keenly into the spirit of the new community, he was soon foremost in almost every enterprise that was intended, financial or social, 854 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS to advance its growth and civilization. Great industries, such as are incident to extensive lumbering operations, were then and for years thereafter in full operation. Many important questions on land titles and mill interests had to be solved and ample scope was thus afforded to test the ability of the rising attorney. He entered heartily into the investigation of points involved, and no labor or thought was spared to untangle the many legal perplexities arising. He, being careful and methodical in life and profession, soon acquired a reputation for exactness that was the envy of many older attorneys. An incident is told illustrative of this: An attorney asked the court to dismiss a case through irregularity of the papers. The judge asked who prepared them. "D. C. Lyle," was the answer. ( They are all right," he rejoined; "During the years he has practiced before this court, I never knew any irregularity in any of his papers." By dint of perseverance, tact, and a quick appreciation of the better side of men's lives, he won a justified confidence that he repaid with the service of rectitude and honorable advocacy. His counsel was to avoid litigation. rather than to encourage it. He took deep interest in local improvements and pinned his faith to Cedar Springs. He was often solicited to remove to the larger city, to whose bar he would have been an ornament, but he ever refused, preferring to remain among the citizens who, to a man, felt pride in his well earned reputation. His efforts secured the T. S. & M. R. R. and made arrangements for right of way for many miles in either direction. He was the attorney for that road and attended to its business. He was instrumental in the organization of the Cedar Springs Union Fair association, and was a stockholder and director for years. He also made liberal investments in the town, and had much faith in its future. Weighing every legal proposition with judgment, he was safe in counsel, and was held in the highest esteem by others of his profession, as well as with all with whom he came in contact. He never forgot the aspirations of his own youth, and ever had a ready sympathy and helpful mind for the younger generations, who had risen within the sphere of his influence. Mr. Lyle wedded Miss Emeretta I. Corey November 5, 1874. Two children graced this union-Roy C. and Ernest C. (deceased.) Mr. Lyle's home life was ideal, and friends found there a sympathy and geniality that was an inspiration. In his home and personal life he cultivated a refinement and generous hospitality. His life offers many lessons to the youth of the community. OY C. LYLE, though one of the youngest of Cedar Spring's business men, has already won a respect and confidence that accords him a prominence unusual in one of his years. He is the only surviving son and child of the late respected and highly honored Daniel C. Lyle and wife, a biography of whom is found elsewhere in this work. He was born in the village where he now resides the 25th of September, I875. He was principally educated in the home schools, completing the highschool Latin course in the "Columbian" class of 1893. This was immediately succeeded by a few months' experience as an employee of the World's Fair at Chicago. Here his wide acquaintance with conspicuous men began, and the experience proved quite beneficial to him. He next took a business course in McLachlin's Business college at Grand Rapids. His natural ability and aptness had already drawn attention, and he was tendered a position as floor messenger in the AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 855 state legislature during the session of 1895. The friendship already existing between him and Hon. William Alden Smith had been cemented, that gentleman taking him to Washington as clerk during the winter session of congress, 1895-96. He was again appointed to a position at the regular and special sessions of the Thirty-ninth Michigan legislature, and so ably fulfilled all the duties that he became a favorite with many of the legislators. At the close of the special session of I898 Senator Lawrence introduced a resolution commendatory of his efficiency and faithfulness. His life-long desire, as it was that of his parents, was for him to have the advantage of a full course in the State university. He had prepared himself for admission, when his plans were overthrown by the premature death of his father. He was compelled to assume charge of his father's affairs, and he was thus required to take up the serious burdens of life. without the advantage of that classical preparation for which he had so fondly hoped. However, his mentality was of such caliber that he set himself to such study and self-cultivation as would at least partially compensate for the want of collegiate training. He is a student by inclination, and there is hardly a branch of belles-lettres, history or science into which he has not delved. His library is stocked with standard authors of all departments of knowledge, the sciences probably being most fully represented. His father had designed him to follow in his own footsteps in the legal profession, and gave him considerable training in the technicalities of the law. He is found to be an invaluable adjunct to the firm of Stuart & Barker, of Grand Rapids, who continue the existing practice of his father, and, in fact, he has charge of the general business of the office at 'Cedar Springs. In addition to his office work and the conduct of the Lyle estate and other business enterprises, his services have been given somewhat to literary work as correspondent for several of the leading newspapers of the state. Being thrown so much in the companionship of public men, his mind was naturally drawn to the political history of our country, as well as to politicians themselves. His interest in this direction has grown with years, and we find him now one of the most active young republicans of Kent county. He is a member of the Lincoln club, and also of the Young Men's Republican club at Grand Rapids, Mich. He has already been heard during active campaigns, and with his being familiar with public men, political measures and platforms, coupled with the necessary general intelligence in party leaders, it is not out of the bounds of reason to predict a future for him in which his friends may feel proud. He is a member of both the Masonic, Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of America fraternities, as well as other societies, not only fraternal, but of a general social and literary character. He is one who by every citizen of Cedar Springs is deemed worthy of commendation, and whose assistance and co-operation is sought to insure the success of any local function. EREMIAH LYNCH, prominent *s a lawyer, farmer and fruit grower, was born on section 31, Walker township, Kent county, Mich., October 23, 1853, and here he still resides. His parents, Patrick and Ellen (Sullivan) Lynch, were natives of county Cork, Ireland, were there married, and came to the United States in I830, first locating in 'Coeymans, Albany county, N. Y., where the father operated a stone quarry nine years, and then brought his family 856 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS... to Michigan, in 1842, and purchased from the government the farm now occupied by his son, Jeremiah, the subject of this sketch. Of this tract he improved I20 acres, doing nearly all the work himself, and here he passed away December 23, I882, at the age of seventyseven years, his wife dying December I6, 1898, in her eighty-eighth year. The family comprised nine children-three sons and six daughters-but one of each sex died young, and John, at the age of twenty-five years, was killed at the battle of Water Mill Spring, Ga., April 2, I862, while serving in McCook's division, as a member of the Second Michigan cavalry. Jeremiah passed his boyhood on the home farm, attending the neighboring school in the meanwhile. He then studied law in the office of Burlingame & Rogers, at Grand Rapids, and was admitted to the bar in 1884, before Judge Montgomery. He practiced for a time in the city, and then went to Ironwood, in the upper peninsula of Michigan, giving exclusive attention to the law while there. After his father's death he returned and took charge of the farm, abandoning office work in order to concentrate his attention upon his farm interests. However his love for professional work was pronounced, and he again returned to Ironwood in I888, where he at once secured a handsome and lucrative practice. He was there married July 17 of that year to Miss Ellen Kinney, of Fond du Lac,Wis. Her conpanionship was, however, deprived him, as she died April 15, I890, yielding her own young life soon after giving birth to a daughter, who was but twenty-three days old at her mother's death. This sad event destroying his home, he again relinquished practice and returned to the farm, where he placed his infant child in charge of his venerable mother, while he resumed the management of the farm. The little girl was devotedly attached to its grand mother, whose every exertion henceforth ' seemed to be for the interest of the child; and at her own death knew she left behind a youthful mind well fitted by nature and training to be a fit successor to its own sainted mother. Although Mr. Lynch keeps up his study of the higher branches of the law, and continues to skillfully handle complicated cases in court, he has made his profession subordinate to his interests in horticulture. He is now growing thirty acres in fruit, chiefly peaches, and has the reputation of marketing the finest yet seen in Grand Rapids. He has studied the subject of fruit culture from a scientific standpoint, and his deductions have been borne out by the resulting facts-in spite of theories held by many old practical growers. Beside the law, Mr. Lynch has given much time' to the study of political economy, as well as controversial politics, and is frequently found in the councils of the democratic party, of which he is an influential member. He has never aspired to political honors, although he has filled the office of township clerk as a matter of public duty. Although the science of horticulture has gained in him a valuable acquisition, the legal profession has lost in a measure an able and accomplished brother of the fraternity, through his attention to the former. His devotion to the profession was marked by a clear insight into not only the fundamental principles of law, but also into the nicer intricacies of knotty legal questions. Possessed of a natural oratory cultivated with care, and with a mastery of language handled with effective rhetoric, his appearance before the court or jury ever attracted many admirers, and won for him numberless compliments. He acts in all things from matured conviction, and in consequence has won the respect and confidence of everybody wherever he has had his abode. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 857 B ORGAN LYON.-For nearly seventy years the Lyon family have been identified with the state of MichI _ igan, and over a half century of that period the name appears in connection with the local history of Kent county. They came from rugged New England ancestry, and the traits of high character there fostered were transplanted to this western country, where numerous descendants still live and prosper. Morgan Lyon, late a prominent citizen of Lowell, and one of the representative business men of Kent county, was born in Norwich, Chenango county, N. Y., in October, 8 I0. He grew to maturity amid the rural scenes of his native state, and received a liberal education, thus early fitting himself to discharge faithfully and intelligently the duties of a long and well spent life. About the year 1835, Mr. Lyon, in the vigor of young manhood, decided to try his fortunes in what was then known as the Far West, Michigan, and emigrated to the county of Livingston, where he purchased a large tract of land and engaged quite extensively in the pursuit of agriculture. Subsequently, about 1837, he chose Vergennes township as his home, became in time the proprietor of a large estate and one of the most prosperous farmers of Kent county. His identification with agricultural interests continued many years, and, in addition to large holdings in various parts of the county, he also succeeded in accumulating valuable real estate in Lowell, upon which have been made some of the best improvements in the town, including among others a large and handsome business block, now used for stores and offices. Mr. Lyon possessed business acumen of a high order, and his judgment was seldom if ever at fault in any of the various enterprises in which he was engaged. Extremely careful in his methods, he seldom found himself in error, and his neighbors and friends learned to I rely upon his judgment and be governed by his advice in matters of business requiring wise counsel. His large property was acquired not by speculation, but by judicious application and well directed industry, and the material result of his well spent life represented at the time of his death an estate variously estimated at from $50,000 to $65,000. Mr. Lyon's first marriage was solemnized with Miss Mary Purple, daughter of Isham Purple, who bore him three children, namely: Matilda, James A. and Emily. Some time after the death of his first wife, Mr. Lyon married her sister, Louisa Purple, by whom he had one child, Mary, wife of Omer Adams. Mrs. Lyon's family were all New England people, natives of the state of Connecticut. Mr. Lyon was a straight-out democrat in his political belief and contributed much to the success of his party, having for many years been a potent factor in its councils in Kent county. He was a liberal contributor to all public and private enterprises for the good of his town and county, and enterprising in every sense in which the term implies. This excellent citizen was called from the scenes of the earthly life April I, I893, leaving, beside the large estate already referred to, a priceless heritage in the way of reputation, to which his descendants point with great satisfaction. He was a Mason of high degree, a believer in religion, and his daily walk and conversation were those of the intelligent and high-minded gentleman of the old school. Omer Adams, son-in-law of Mr. Lyon, is one of the leading citizens of Lowell and an extensive agriculturist. He early learned the mason's trade, at which he worked for a number of years, and still follows that vocation occasionally in connection with his farming interests. He was married to Miss Lyon, in February, 1871, and is the father of one child, 858 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS - ------- Cora L., wife of John F. Crum, a well known engineer, living in Lowell. It is proper, in this connection, to state that few, if any, in Kent county, are as widely known in musical circles as Mr. Adams. He possesses talent of a very high order and has earned an enviable reputation as a musician. RANK McARTHUR, one of the most enterprising and progressive agriculturists of Grattan township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of Cuyahoga county, Ohio, was born January 5, 1846, and is the eldest of the eight children that graced the marriage of Giles and Harriet E. (Newcomb) McArthur, of whom further mention will be made at the close of this sketch. Frank McArthur was but four years of age when brought to Michigan by his parents, and here he has been reared to manhood. His school education was somewhat limited, but his self-instruction has aided in acquiring the practical education which has carried him so successfully through life. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-five years old, giving them his entire time and labor. On his twenty-first birthday, his father presented him with $1oo, which was the capital with which he began his business life. January i6, 1871, Mr. McArthur married Miss Sarah Jane Howard, and this union was blessed with four children, viz: Effie, who was educated in the common schools, was herself a successful teacher in Kent county, is now the wife of Peter Elkins, an engineer at Mill Creek, Mich., and is the mother of two daughters; Howard G.; Ray and Vera. Mrs. Sarah Jane McArthur was born in Cannon township, September 20, 1848, and for over a quarter of a century shared the joys and sorrows of life with her husband; she was his faithful helpmate and counselor, and when called from earth, July 5, 1898, the loss was a bitter one to the father and children. Her remains lie interred in the Grattan cemetery, and a beautiful marble stone marks her last restingplace. Mr. and Mrs. McArthur began their married life as renters in Oakfield township, and there, also, they made their first purchase of land-a tract of eighty acres-for which they went in debt $2,200, with ten per cent interest per annum; but within ten years they cleared off the entire obligation, sold their farm, and purchased 103 acres in section No. 3, Grattan township, later adding forty acres. In politics Mr. McArthur has always been a democrat, cast his first presidential vote for Horatio Seymour, and in national matters has supported the principles of his party ever since. In 1893 he was elected supervisor of Grattan, and was re-elected in I894. He is a warm friend of the public schools and believes it to be sound policy to employ the best instructors, consistent with the amount of money the public is willing to pay them. Fraternally, Mr. McArthur is a member of lodge No. 196, F. & A. M., at Grattan Center, and has been a member of the fraternity since he was twenty-one years of age. As a citizen, Mr. McArthur is prominent and respected, and he has done his full share in promoting the prosperity of Grattan township. Giles McArthur, father of Frank McArthur, and a pioneer of Oakfield township, was born in Portage county, Ohio, January 26, 1821, the seventh of the five sons and six daughters that constituted the family of Rial and Almira (Sprague) McArthur, and of these he is the only survivor. The family is of Scotch origin, and the founders in this country were three brothers-Peter, John and Alexander-who early landed in New York and thence went to Canada, and from them descend the McArthurs of the northern and northwestern states. Rial AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 859 - McArthur was born in Vermont in 1789, and died about I877. He received a collegiate education and was a surveyor and civil engineer. He was conspicuous in the military history of Ohio, and was employed by the government as a surveyor of roads and the boundaries of the Western Reserve. In I812 he raised a company of soldiers in Portage and Summit counties, of which he was elected captain, and fought under Gen. W. H. Harrison at the mouth of the Maumee river, and rose from the rank of captain to that of colonel. He was a Freemason, and was the founder, by proxy, of the second Masonic lodge in Michigan under Gen. Lewis Cass. In religion he was first an Episcopalian, but died a Universalist, and his remains were interred near Akron. His wife was a native of Massachusetts, and her death took place in Summit county, Ohio; her remains rest beside those of her husband, and a monument of fine workmanship marks the spot. Giles McArthur lived in Portage county until thirteen years old, then in Cuyahoga county until nineteen. He remained with his parents until of age, and February 5, 1844, married Miss Harriet E. Newcomb. He then came to Michigan with his brother, Eric, and first bought forty acres of land in what is now Oakfield township, at sixty-seven cents per acre. Giles then returned to Ohio for his bride, whom he brought to the wilderness. Their first home was a neat log cabin, one of the best in the township; they improved their land, resided on it four years, then sold and bought I20 acres in section No. 32, and their first home here was also a log cabin. Indians were numerous, but friendly. The implements used on the farm were rude, of schools and churches there were none, still their pioneer life was happy. The deed to this farm is dated May I, 185I, and is signed by Millard Fillmore, then president of the United States. I I I To this marriage of Mr. and Mrs. McArthur have been born eight children, of whom six are still living, viz: Frank, of Grattan township; Jane, widow of Nelson Rich, of Grand Rapids; Rial V., superintendent of the Masonic home, Grand Rapids; Emma, wife of William Spicer, a commission merchant at Belding, Mich.; Julia, married to Dr. M. H. Pasco, Grand Rapids; and Lewis E., in charge of his father's farm. He is a member of Grattan lodge, No. I96, F. & A. M., of which he was the worshipful master four years. In politics he is a democrat and cast his first presidential vote for Stephen Grover Cleveland. Miss Harriet E. Newcomb was born in Leroy, Genesee county, N. Y., December I, 1824, and has now been married fifty-four years, in all of which she has ably and faithfully aided her husband in the toils and cares of pioneer life, as well as shared with him the joys and comforts of their mutually earned competence. Mr. McArthur is a democrat in politics and cast his first presidential vote for Franklin Pierce, but has never sought office for himself., Mr. and Mrs. McArthur are benevolent in impulse, are gracious to rich and poor alike, and are universally honored for their many good deeds and venerated because of the many years they have devoted to the transformation of the wilderness into the abode of an exalted and cultivated population. O. McCUTCHEON, D. D. S., of Sparta, Kent county, Mich., is a native of New York, was born July 28, I858, and is a son of James and Sarah A. (Sincot) McCutcheon, whose family consisted of three children. The father was a farmer in his native state of New York and on coming to Michigan continued to follow his calling in Newaygo county until his death, 860,THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS which occurred January I, 1887, the mother having died in August, four years previously. Dr. McCutcheon was reared a farmer, and was educated primarily in the common schools of his native state. His professional education was acquired through a three-year course at the Indianapolis Dental college, and on receiving his diploma in March, I890, he settled in Sparta, Mich., where his professional work has been of so satisfactory a character that he has since remained here. He thoroughly understands the details of his art, is an expert as an extractor of decayed and aching teeth, is an adept at crown and bridge work, the crucial test of the true dentist's skill, and has won for himself a reputation that any odontologist might well be proud of. Dr. McCutcheon was joined in marriage to Miss Anna Cook, a daughter of Smith Cook, and this marriage has been blessed with four children, named, in order of birth, as follows: Olney J., Leon C., Vera and Oswall K. Mrs. McCutcheon and her children attend the Baptist church, and live fully up to its creed. The doctor, in his politics, is a stanch democrat, but has never been an office seeker. Fraternally he is a member of the K. O. T. M., and socially he stands as high in the esteem of the residents of Sparta as he does as dentist before the general public. REMONT THOMPSON is one of the most progressive farmers of Courtland township, and represents one of its pioneer families. As the history of a county or state is best told in a record of the lives of its more prominent citizens, a full biography of this family is herewith given. Almon Thompson, father of Fremont Thompson, was born in Chenango county, N. Y., in I817, and was reared a carpenter and joiner. In 1836 he came to Michigan and located in what is now Jackson county, the state not being admitted to the Union until January, 1837, Andrew Jackson being then president of the United States. In 1844 he came to Kent county, and after working at his trade for some time, purchased a tract of I60 acres of unimproved land in section No. 36, in Courtland township, where he passed the remainder of his life. Indians in those days were numerous in this township, and with these Mr. Thompson did considerable trading. There were no roads, and the ox-cart, with its body raised four or five feet from the ground, threaded its way through the virgin forest in conveying the family to church. Six or seven yoke of oxen, hauling an enormous plow, were used for breaking the soil, the farming implements were of a primitive pattern, and many a day was passed by Mr. Thompson in swinging the old-fashioned four-fingered cradle, from early morn until after sunset, in cutting the ripened grain. But he was a man of energy and industry, and consequently prospered. His first habitation here was a small frame, in which only one-half of the floor was laid, and it was minus window-sashes and door, ingress and egress being had through unprotected apertures, which later were properly fitted up. In politics Almon Thompson was a democrat, and took an active part against "' Tippecanoe and Tyler, too," in the famous " hard cider" campaign of 1840, in which campaign however, the whigs triumphed and seated William Henry Harrison in the presidential chair. To the marriage of Almon Thompson and Miss Sarah Davis were born two sons and one daughter, viz: Augusta, now the wife of Jacob Weaver, a brick-mason and contractor, of Belding, Mich.; Fremont, whose name opens this biographical notice, and Arista A., who resides in Rockford, Mich. Mrs. Sarah (Davis) Thompson was born in Madison county, N. Y., in 1822, was liberally educated and i I I 4 :::: 0:0:;::::::d i:::S::0300::00::0:0 0::::0: S::::- -:: -::::::::: I I; l IL Au RESIDENCE OF FREMONT THOMPSON. Ir aI ~~I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 865 taught the first school opened in Oakfield township. She was called away November I9, I89I, and was followed to the grave by her husband, who died in Belding June 5, 1893. The remains of both now rest side by side in White Swan cemetery, where a beautiful monument, sacred to their memory, has been reared by their children. Mr. Thompson was greatly respected throughout life, was always moral and devoutly religious, his life having been one that youth may safely pattern after. Fremont Thompson, the subject proper of this memoir, was born in Kent county, Mich., October 6, I850, and remained under the parental roof until after reaching his majority. He was first united in marriage to Miss Addie Davis, and to this union was born one child, Edna, who was educated in the public schools and is now an inmate of her. father's home. Mrs. Addie Thompson passed away in I88i, and for his second helpmate Mr. Thompson selected Miss Emma Thompson, a native of Delaware county, Iowa, and this union has been blessed with two sons and three daughters, viz: Ray B., Roma, Hazel, Hattie and Maurice F. Mrs. Emma Thompson was born April 25, 1856, and is a daughter of Albert and Margaret (Darrah) Thompson, who were the parents of eight children-all daughters. Albert Thompson, a native of Chenango county, N.Y., settled in Iowa in 1846, and there his death occurred June 25, I89I, at the age of sixty-eight years. He was a firm friend of all public educational projects, and was himself a school-teacher for many years. His widow was born in Sussex county, N. J., in 1828, is now seventy years old, and is still enjoying fairly good health. Of the eight daughters born to these parents all became teachers —an unusual occurrenceand but one of the eight has passed into the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Mrs. Emma Thompson graduated from the high school at Manchester, Delaware county, Iowa, and was for several years one of the most successful teachers in her native county. Fremont Thompson is a solid democrat and cast his first presidential vote for Horace Greeley in 1872. He has been elected by his party, with whom his is very popular, to the office of township treasurer, and in I896 was elected justice of the peace, having filled his first office to the full satisfaction of the public and now performing the functions of the second with equally happy results. When Mr. Thompson began the activities of life on his own account he was the possessor of but 120 acres of land, but now owns 230 acres, all in Courtland township, and this fact is a commendable evidence of his good management, energy and progressiveness. In I893 he erected a fine two-story dwelling, 62 x 26 feet, at a cost of about $3,500. This elegant home is finished in hard wood on both floors-the better rooms with red oak and the entire building is heated by a furnace located in the basement. The family is held in the highest esteem by their neighbors, and their home is the abode of good will, cheerfulness and unlimited hospitality. EORGE R. McARTHUR. The stranger driving south from the thriving village of Harvard through Oakfield township, passes through.a well improved and fertile section of the town; and if at all observant is impressed with the excellent condition of the farms, most of which are furnished with buildings and other improvements of a high grade, indicative of thrift and enterprise. None of these show the intelligent conduct to a greater extent than that of which the gentleman whose life we are now considering is the proprietor. This f66 TIHE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS fine farm, lying in section I8, indicates in its every appointment a business management and oversight which if applied to other lines of enterprise would surely result in merited success. George R. McArthur was born in Otisco, Ionia county, April 14, I86I, and is the youngest of the three children of Eric and Eunice (Ring) McArthur, of whom the eldest is Mrs.,James Snyder, whose husband's biography will be found in full on another page; Ida V., the second, is the wife of Calvin P. Snyder, who is also personally treated in this volume, and George R. Eric McArthur was born near Cleveland, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, about 1813. Throughout life he was a farmer and died in Otisco about 1863; he was of Scotch extraction, of great strength of character and a member of the Baptist church. His wife was also a native of Ohio and died in Courtland in I876, holding to the same faith. When George R. McArthur was but three years of age his mother, who had become the wife of Jacob Snyder, brought her family to her husband's home in Courtland, where James Snyder, her stepson, now lives. Here his boyhood was passed, receiving a rudimentary training in the common schools and in his youth he became familiar with ordinary farm duties. He remained with his stepfather, Jacob Snyder, until after his mother's death, when he was about seventeen years of age, from which time until attaining his majority he worked for others..Mr. McArthur married Miss Libbie E. Moore, March 14, I883, and to this union one child, Clare L., was born February 25, I890. He was a bright little boy, gave- promise of possessing rare intelligence, and filled the measure of his parents' happiness, but was called away September 24, I893. field, November 27, 1862, and is a daughter of William Lewis and Margaret (Smith) Moore, who were the parents of four children: Geo. S., a mechanic of Grand Rapids; Delmer H., who has been a school-teacher, and is now manager of the Greenville Implement company; Libbie E., now Mrs. McArthur, and Lida M., wife of Willis Horton, a farmer of Oakfield, and a descendant of the pioneer of that name. William Lewis Moore, father of Mrs. McArthur, was born in Tompkins county, N. Y., February 25. 1826. He is a pioneer of Kent county, having been here since the days of the Indians. He is still living in Oakfield township. When he came here he brought almost all he possessed in a goods box, among other things being an old table, which Mrs. McArthur yet retains as an heirloom. Mr. Moore is very prominent in his township, as may well be imagined, as he is one of those who have redeemed it from the wilderness, and throughout a long residence has become a friend of almost every one in the town. His wife was also a native of New York, born August 5, I835, and died March 19, i886. Their daughter, Mrs. McArthur, was well educated in the common schools,.and was granted a teacher's certificate. Mr. and Mrs. McArthur began their wedded life on the Snyder farm, Courtland township, working it on the "share" system. In January, 1884, they purchased their present farm of eighty acres in section 18, of Oakfield, assuming an indebtedness of $1,400. Their first home was part of a little log cabin, which stood on the site of their modern farm residence. This was erected in I895, and is a beautiful structure, two stories in height, finished in red oak, and is an ornament to the neighborhood, as well as the abode of hospitality. The interior shows the tasteful care of the true housekeeper, and Mrs. Libbie E. McArthur was born in Oak its surroundings indicate the attention of a AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 867 --- -- careful and thrifty proprietor. The land is a sandy loam, suited to the cultivation of potatoes, beans, wheat and the other cereals grown in this vicinity and is utilized to the production of large crops of each. In national politics, Mr. McArthur is a democrat, but in local matters votes for the men best fitted, in his opinion, to fill the necessary offices. Both he and wife are ardent friends of public education and favor the employment of the most competent teachers. Fraternally he is a member of Oakfield tent, No. 890, K. O. T. M. They freely contribute to the promotion of all projects designed for the public gocd, and are among the most public-spirited, and respected residents of Oakfield township. ILLIAM J. McCARTHY.-The callK1~ in of the farmer has been known and honored from the earliest ages, and as a usual thing, men of honorable and humane impulses, as well as those of energy, thrift and honesty, have been "patrons of husbandry." In William J. McCarthy these attributes are pronounced, and he is now in independent circumstances. Mr. McCarthy, of Grattan township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of the county and state in which he now lives, and was born July 12, I860. He is the youngest of ten children born to Dennis and Ellen(Fitzgerald) McCarthy, of whom there are six survivors, viz: Margaret, the wife of Patrick Duley, an agriculturist of Barry county, Mich.; Charles, a railroad conductor, residing in New Caney, Texas; Dennis, a resident of Grand Rapids; Catherine, wife of Patrick Walsh, a merchant of East Jordan, Mich.; Ellen, the wife of Peter J. Hawley, of Hastings, Fla., and William J., the subject of this sketch. Dennis McCarthy was a native of Cork, Ireland, and was born on the 29th of November, I818. In his youth he was hungry for intellectual food, and his father, desiring to thoroughly educate him,, sent him to the famous Trinity college, Dublin, from which he graduated in the classics at sixteen years of age. Having passed his boyhood upon the seaside, there was early developed in him a desire to visit some foreign land, to sail far across the sea to the free land of America, and there seek a home and lay the foundation for his future existence. Accordingly, at the age of twenty-two, accompanied by his mother and two elder brothers, William and John, he embarked at Liverpool, England, and after seven weeks on the Atlantic landed at New York harbor. From there they went to Canada, and thence to Ohio, where the boys engaged to work on the old Miami canal, extending from Cleveland to the Ohio river. They also assisted in laying the first railroad in the state of Michigan, running from Jackson to Detroit. Being a man of intelligence, Dennis McCarthy became an excellent surveyor, and at the time of the admission of Michigan to the union as a state he became desirous of establishing here his future home. In I843 he was sent by a prominent man from Marshall to Grand Rapids to select 520 acres of land, part of which afterward became his own estate, the remainder being the property of his brothers. He then Went to Washtenaw county, there was married in April, I844, and returned ' to become a citizen of Grattan. William McCarthy has now in his possession the old deed for his father's estate, bearing date of July 21, 1843, and it is considered by the owner an excellent souvenir of the old pioneer days. At the time Mr. McCarthy established his home in Grattan township the country was a wilderness, there being not a sign of improve 868 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS ment. Mr. McCarthy lived in a log cabin and the Indians oftentimes passed his door. He deserves much credit for aiding in the transformation of the wild forest into blooming fields and fine dwellings. Skillful in the use of tools, he became a fine carpenter and a blacksmith, known far and wide for the excellent products of his shop on his farm. Mr. McCarthy was the first settler in his section, having come before Grattan township received its name. Being a highly educated man, he was sought by all for advice, and people came to him for all classes of legal instruments. Politically he was a stanch adherer to democratic principles, and held all the prominent offices in his township. In religion he was a devout Catholic, and, together with his brother, was a prime factor in locating and building St. Patrick's church. Mr. McCarthy died February 18, I89I, at the old homestead, and his funeral cortege was one of the longest ever witnessed in the parish. The funeral oration was delivered by Rev. Father James Crumley, the resident priest. The mother of William McCarthy, of this biography, is now living at the old age of eighty-one years, having been born in Ireland, in September, I8I8. She has been a consistent Catholic all her life and makes her home with her son William, on the farm where she has lived for fifty-six years, and where she was the first permanent lady settler. William J. McCarthy was reared to agricultural pursuits on the farm of his father in Grattan. He was confirmed at the age of nine years by Bishop Borgess. His education was begun in the district schools and finished by a course of a year and a half in the commercial college at Hastings. He claims, however, that most of his practical educational training was received from James Cox, a district teacher and now a resident of Grand Rapids. On January I8, i894, Mr. McCarthy was united in marriage to Miss Anna Hefferan, who has borne him two children, Mary Veronica and Eileen Monica. Mrs. McCarthy was born in Cannon; was educated in the common schools and also the Catholic Ladies' seminary at Monroe, Mich. She then became a teacher and taught in the Parnell, Talbot (Cannonsburg Union), Chase and Knapp schools. For a year she kept books for Herpolsheimer at Grand Rapids, and also for Giles & Co., at Lowell. Mrs. McCarthy displays talent in pencil sketching and is also skillful in the use of crayon and oil paints. She was confirmed by Bishop Borgess at the age of twelve years, and has ever been a devout Catholic. William J. McCarthy is a firm believer in democratic principles, having cast his first presidential vote for Cleveland, but, having devoted his whole attention to agriculture he has not had time to hold office. Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy stand high in religious circles and contribute liberally to the support of the church, while socially they mingle with the best people of the township, by whom they are very highly esteemed. OHN McCARTHY, well-known as a pioneer and successful agriculturist of Vergennes township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of Cloyne parish, county Cork, Ireland, was born March 27, "I836, and is the eldest of a family of seven children-three sons and four daughtersborn to Charles and Mary (Barry) McCarthy, and of these children four are residents of the United States, viz: Eliza, wife of Thomas Trainor, a farmer at Mendota, Ill.; Maggie, wife of John Callahan, an employee of the Michigan Central railroad company at Mason, Ingham county, Mich., and James, a farmer in Bowne township, Kent county. Charles Mc AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 869 Carthy and wife both died in Ireland, in the faith of the Catholic church. John McCarthy, about 1854, embarked on the three-masted sailing-ship West Point, at Liverpool, and after a voyage of seven weeks and three days landed in New York, in company with 9oo other passengers. He had two shillings, English money, in his pocket, and from New York went to Middletown, Conn., where he hired out as a farm hand, at $I2 per month. From Connecticut he came to Kent county, Mich., where his cousin, Dennis McCarthy, was located, having borrowed $10 from an uncle to aid in paying fare, etc. Here he began work as a farm hand during the summer, and in the winter worked in the lumber regions; he also passed two winters on the Mississippi river, working on the levees one winter in cutting cordwood on island No. 98. The winter of i860-6I he spent in St. Louis, Mo., when the excitement preceding the outbreak of the Civil war ran very high; he was employed there as a watchman for a short time, and then went up the Tennessee river on a steamboat,, as far as Florence, Ala., and then returned to Michigan and resumed work as a farm hand, and it will thus be seen that Mr. McCarthy knows what hard knocks mean. November 27, 1862, Mr. McCarthy married Miss Bridget Doyle, in St. Patrick's church, Rev. Father Reives officiating. This marriage has been blessed with eight children, viz: Mary, now the wife of Edgar Byrne, an employee in a freight office at Chicago. Mrs. Byrne was confirmed by Bishop Borgess, graduated from the Lowell' high school, and for nine years was a teacher in Kent county. Charles, the second child, was also confirmed by Bishop Borgess, was educated in the common schools, is a mechanic by instinct, is married, and now resides in Dry Run, Ark., being employed as engineer in a large lumber plant; Michael is a progressive young farmer of Ada 45 I I township, married Miss Anna Lally, and both he and wife were confirmed by Bishop Borgess; Anne was confirmed by Bishop Richter, at thirteen, was educated in the common schools, is a member of asodality of St. Patrick's parish, has a taste for music, and is still with her parents; John was confirmed by Bishop Richter when twelve years old, is a young man of exemplary habits, and is still at home; Thomas is now in his fifth year of study, preparing for the priesthood at St. Gregory college, Cincinnati, Ohio; he had passed two years at the college of the Assumption at Sandwich, Canada, and one year at McLaughlin's Commercial college at Grand Rapids; James has finished the comnion-school course, has studied three years in the parochial school and aspires to a higher education; Laura is the youngest, is a lovely girl, has finisheI her public-school course and has attended St. Patrick's parochial school, is a member of the sodality, has a taste for music, and she, James and Thomas were confirmed by Bishop Richter. When Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy began life together they lived one year on the Doyle homestead, and then moved to a seventy-eightacre tract in Vergennes township. This farm was badly run down, and they went in debt $1,000 beside. Since then, they have added to the place until they now own 200 acres, and when they bought their last eighty-acre tract, again went in debt, and this time for $3,000. Besides erecting a pretty country residence and commodious out-buildings, all of which are a credit to the township, Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy to-day stand free from indebtedness-a rare example to the younger population of what industry, good sense and strict integrity can do. Mrs. McCarthy has always been a wise counselor to her husband and a willing assistant. She was born in Vergennes township, October 8, 1842, a daughter of Michael and Mary (Lester) Doyle. 870 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS - II 1 1-11I She was confirmed by Bishop LeFevre, at the age of twelve years, in the first church erected in St. Patrick's parish. Michael Doyle was born in county Carlow, Ireland, about 1804. He came to America in;a sailing-vessel, landing in Quebec after a 'voyage of five weeks, and there spent three years as a raftsman on the St. Lawrence river; thence he went to Connecticut and worked in a slate quarry, and was there married. He then came to Michigan, lived in Washtenaw county a year, and then came to Vergennes township and purchased forty acres of wild land; his first habitation was a little log cabin, and Mrs. McCarthy can well remember when Indians would pass the cabin door. There were no highways, but deer could be seen roaming everywhere, and Mr. McCarthy also remembers similar scenes of his infancy. Mr. Doyle died on this farm in 1869. The father of Mrs. McCarthy was among the first settlers of this region and aided in the building of three,different churches. He was a devout Catholic in religion, and in politics was a democrat. His wife was born in Thurles, county Tipperary, Ireland, about I815, and when eighteen years old sailed for America; she was seven weeks crossing the Atlantic, and thought she might never see land again. There are three members of the Doyle family now living, viz: Mrs. McCarthy, wife of the subject of this sketch; Ellen, who attended a business college in Grand Rapids one year, is now the wife of William Gentleman, a wholesale grocer of Omaha, Neb., and is the mother of one son and three daughters, and Thomas, general manager of the large lumber plant at Dry Run, Ark., is married, and is the father of three sons and two daughters. In politics Mr. McCarthy is a democrat and cast his first presidential vote for George Brinton McClellan. Mrs. McCarthy is a member of the Altar society of St. Patrick's. She and husband have aided in building four churches, are always liberal in their contributions to church funds, and socially stand with the best people of Vergennes township. EORGE W. McCONNELL, of Sparta, and for half a century a resident of Kent county, Mich., and therefore classed among its pioneers, is a native of Warren, Trumbull county, Ohio, and is the eldest of the six children two sons and four daughters-born to Thomas H. and Elizabeth S. (Spangenberg) McConnell, but of this family of six there are three only now living, viz: George W., the subject of this memoir; Sarah S., wife of Frank La Preze, a farmer of Tyrone towQship; and Daniel W., married, and an ex-soldier of the Civil war. Thomas H. McConnell, the father, was born near Philadelphia, Pa., in I815, and was reared a mechanic, but had not quite reached his majority when he removed to Trumbull county, Ohio, and there married, August i6, 1842. In the spring of 1846 he went by team to Cleveland, Ohio, there took a vessel for Detroit, Mich., thence by stage reached Battle Creek, and next Grand Rapids, where there were a grist-mill and a few little stores, but no bridge; neither was there a railroad in the state; but it will be remembered that the Wolverine state had been admitted to the Union only nine years previously. He then hired an ox-team from Clark Brown, an early pioneer, to convey him to Alpine township, Kent county, where he rented a house, but the next year came with his father-in-law to Sparta township, erected a log house with shake roof, puncheon floor and stick and mud chimney, and here they lived about a year, when Mr. McConnell built for himself a little cabin on an eighty-acre tract of forest land that he had purchased for $75, which sum was AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 871:.. equivalent to $Ioo in state scrip. This cabin, like their former one, was of logs, with the usual stick and clay chimney, and the cooking was done on the primitive hearth. Deer and other wild animals were bften' seen roaming over the farm among the trees, and frequently came almost to their doorwav. The ox-team was the only beast of burden or draft animal for either road or field. The year 1846 also saw the organization of Sparta township. There were more offices to be filled, however, than there were competent men to fill them, and in some cases one man held two official positions. The site of Sparta village was then in the wilderness, the mail was brought from Grand Rapids on foot through the woods, and Tyrone township was then known as Town No. 10. To-day Sparta is a thriving village of 1,200 inhabitants. Mr. McConnell worked diligently at clearing off his farm and in bringing it under cultivation until 1862, when he enlisted in the Tenth Michigan cavalry, was assigned to the army of the Tennessee, and while in the service of his country died of fever at Knoxville, Tenn. In politics he was an old-line whig, and well remembers the "Tippecanoe and Tyler, Too," and William H. Harrison and "Old Hickory" (Jackson) campaigns. He was often a delegate to party conventions. His wife was born in Weston, Pa., in 1817, and died in I866, a member of the Methodist church. George W. McConnell was born July 15, I843, and was but three years of age when brought by his parents to Michigan. His education was chiefly self-acquired, and he gave his services to his parents until he had attained his twentieth year, at the close of which he presented them with $5o of his hard-earned savings-about all he had. He then began the battle of life with hardly any cash capital; but he was physically strong and possessed of determination to make life a success. He passed the winters of his earlier working years as a lumberman, until about thirty-two years old, when he married, June 15, I875, Miss Sarah E. Longcore, and to this union has been born one child, Mary E., who is now in the eighth grade of the public school, and has a taste for music. Mrs. McConnell was born November 26, 1843, in Alleghany county, N. Y., a daughter of Richard and Naomi (Downing) Longcore, agricultural people and the parents of three sons and seven daughters, of whom one son and four daughters still survive. Mrs. McConnell is a lady of excellent education, and for twenty-eight terms was a school teacher in her native county, and in Newaygo, Kent and Montcalm counties, Mich., and proved to be a model wife and mother. In I880 Mr. McConnell purchased his present farn of I60 acres in No. 8, Sparta township, where he has made all the visible improvements-and, no doubt, all the invisible improvements-remodeling the residence, the barns and other out-buildings, and making it one of the most productive and profitable farms of the county. In politics Mr. McConnell is a free-silver democrat and an admirer of William Jennings Bryan, the standard-bearer of the party. Mrs. McConnell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Sparta, and both have liberally contributed to its support. Mr. and Mrs. McConnell are warm friends of the public school system, and both strongly advocate the advisability of the establishment of a high school in the township, for obvious reasonschiefly that the resident tax-payers, bf which he is one of the largest, may have the benefit of their children being transferred from the common to the high school at the lowest cost, and thus at the same time pay for the services of the best teachers at the best salaries. Mr. and Mrs. McConnell are among the . 872 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS most respected residents of Sparta township, and his life of half a century here, without a blemish upon his name, well entitles him to the esteem in which he is universally held. ALTER C. McCRATH, supervisor of Grand Rapids township, was born on his present farm April 30, I85I, and is the youngest of the six children born to James and Ellen (Wood) McCrath, natives of Scotland. James McCrath was born in February, I808, came to the United States in early manhood, and died on the present homestead October I0, 1897. His wife was born near Glasgow, in February, I818, and came to America at the age of fourteen years, her parents having died in Scotland during her early childhood. She was reared in Detroit by a family named Davidson, who brought her to America, and was married in that city to Mr. McCrath, November 19, 1836. Mr. McCrath was a stonecutter and stonemason, and after coming to America worked in Massachusetts and Detroit, Mich., and in 1836 came to Grand Rapids with a party of other masons to lay the foundation for the Sweet grist mill, the first erected in the city and which stood on the present site of Berkey & Gay's furniture factory. He worked here that summer and then returned to Detroit, married, and moved to Lapeer county, where -he resided until 1842, then returned to Grand Rapids and resided in the city until 1850, and then settled on the farm now occupied by his son, Walter C., three mniles east of Division street, on East Bridge street, and comprising Ioo acres. He did not engage in practical farming himself, but-hired the work done and continued to follow his trade for twenty years, and helped build St. Mark's Episcopal church, the old Bridge and Ottawa streets, and other stone buildings. In politics Mr. McCrath was a republican,. and for some years served as highway com — missioner. In religion he was first a Congregationalist, but in his latter years united with the Reformed church; fraternally he- was a Freemason, having joined the order in Scotland, and was a charter member of Grand River lodge, No. 34, and at his death was the last surviving charter member. He retained his faculties intact until his last breath, and died an honored man. He preceded his wife to the grave some months, her death occurring May 7, I899. Six children are left to mourn their departure, viz: John V.; Elizabeth J., wife of Charles Stewart, of Grand Rapids; Lyman J. and Charles F., of Paris township; Lewis T., in Grand Rapids, and Walter C., the subject of this sketch. Walter C. McCrath lived on the home farm until seventeen years of age, when he passed one year in Atlanta, Ga., then clerked one year in a grocery in Grand Rapids, and in 1875 took charge of the home farm. December 30, 1874, he married Miss Ella, a daughter of James and Louisa (Kemp) Ewing, and born near the present home. Her parents were natives of New York, and in I836 came to Michigan, lived a year near Flint,and in I837 came to Kent county, where Mr. Ewing had purchased land. He began clearing, but soon found that he was working on another man's premises, and had to do the work over again on his own, when it had been fully identified. Here he lost his wife at the age of forty-one years. He then married Mrs. Alice \Velfare, whose maiden name was Moss, and who now lives in Grand Rapids, Mr. Ewing having died in 1876, at the age of sixty-three years, on the farm which still remains in the family. To Mr. and Mrs. McCrath have been born five Dutch Reformed church at the corner of I I children, viz: Maude F., Lyman J. (who It AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 873 died when three years old), G. Frederick, Chester A. and Charles E. The McCrath farm now comprises 125 acres, and also a part of the old Ewing estate. Mr. McCrath is a stanch republican, has filled all the minor township offices in a most able manner, and is now serving his third term as a member of the board of supervisors. Fraternally he has been a member of Grand River lodge, F. & A. M., for twenty-five years, and is also a member of the Fruit Growers' association. Socially he and family occupy a high position and enjoy the esteem of all their neighbors. HARLES McCARTY, the most extensive dealer in groceries and general produce in Lowell, Kent county, Mich., was born in Canada, May 19, 1846, and is a son of John and Sarah (Vandecarr) McCarty, the former of whom was a native of Rochester, N. Y., was a farmer, and from New York went to near Brantford, Canada, where he reside'd several years, and in 1849 came to Michigan, settled in Keene township, Ionia county, and there was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in October, 888. Charles McCarty, the subject proper of this sketch, was but three years old when brought to Michigan by his parents, with whom he remained, assisting on the home farm until fourteen years old. His education was of the most meager description, as far as schools are concerned, and his present rich store of knowledge is self-acquired through his contact with the world. His first business experience was under his brother, N. L., a merchant at Lowell, Mich., whom he served as a general utility boy and clerk, at $8 per month, until seventeen years old, when he enlisted in the First Michigan engineers and mechanics, under Col. Ennis, of Grand Rapids, and served valiantlyand faithfully until the close of the Civil war, and during his service was under Gen. Sherman in his famous march to the sea and in all the fierce engagements that took place between Atlanta, Ga., and the surrender of Johnston, and later took part in the grand review at Washington, D. C., in May, I865. On his return from the war to Kent county he worked as a farm hand one year, and was otherwise employed until I869, when he reentered the employ of his brother, and at the end of twelve years was able to purchase a half-interest in the business. Four weeks later, his brother died, and he purchased the remaining half for $2,400, his reputation havL ing become so good that he was able to raise that amount on his own paper. His business prospered, and he promptly discharged his obligation. In the meantime, however, John Young, of Grand Rapids, had become a partner, but this partnership lasted six months only, as Mr. McCarty bought Mr. Young's share in the business for $2,800. March 27, 1899, Mr. McCarty opened his store in Lowell, under the firm-name of Charles McCarty & Co., his partners being Charles H. Alexander and Frank Taylor, who had respectively been in Mr. McCarty's employ as clerks eighteen and sixteen years. They carry a stock of groceries, for retail purposes, valued at $5,000 to $7,000, and produce valued at $3,500, and are the heaviest mercantile firm in Lowell; Mr. McCarty is also extensively engaged in farming, owns,80oo acres of land, and his total transactions reach a value of $!oo,ooo annually. He is likewise a director in the Lowell State bank, and is vice-president and director in the King Milling company, who operate two mills in Lowell. His credit in the banks both at Grand Rapids and Lowell is unlimited, and as a business 874 8T4HE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS --— I man his name has never been impeached or his integrity in any way questioned. In connection with his extensive grocery, he uses three distinct warehouses, which are constantly packed with wool, beans, potatoes and every variety of country produce, he being one of the largest buyers in the county of Kent and one of the heaviest shippers, particularly of potatoes and fruit. At the age of twenty-three years Mr. McCarty married Miss Alice Sayles, daughter of Chapin and Eliza (Gardner) Sayles, of Canada, who were parents of fifteen children, five of whom are physicians. Mr. and Mrs. McCarty have seven children born in the following order: William E., Bertha A., Bessie M., Leon J., Deane C., Paul S. and Charles H. The family attend the Baptist church, and Mr. McCarty is a member of the F. & A. M. lodge, No. go; Hooker chapter, No. 73; R. A. M.; and the Mystic Shrine. He is likewise an Odd Fellow, and a member of Joseph Wilson post, No. 87, G. A. R. He is a stanch republican in politics and cast his first presidential vote for Ulysses S. Grant. Socially Mr. and Mrs. McCarty stand very high with their neighbors and the elite of Lowell, and are as highly esteemed for their many merits as individuals as is Mr. McCarty for his enterprise and progressiveness as a man of business. NDREW McDONALD, a well-known and respected citizen of Spencer township, Kent county, Mich., and a meritorious ex-soldier of the Civil war, was born in New York Tuly 22, 1840, the second of the six children of Andrew and Ann (Moore) McDonald, viz: James, a farmer of Freeport, Barry county, Mich.; Andrew, the subject of this sketch; Eliza, wife of John Powers, a blacksmith and wagonmaker of Big Rapids; John, a farmer of Portland, Ore.; Peter, also a farmer of Portland, and Mary, wife of Edward Devine, of Grand Rapids. Andrew McDonald, the father, was born in county Meath, Ireland, and at the age of twenty years came across the ocean in a sailing vessel, and found work on a farm now within the limits of the city of New York' He married in that city, where two of his children were born, and in I842 came to Kent county, Mich. Mr. McDonald purchased eighty acres in Vergennes township for $30, but later sold twenty acres for $40. Like all the early pioneers, he underwent many hardships, but he lived to the ripe old age of eighty-two years. His first little home in Vergennes township was closed with a door of boards nailed together, with no hinges, and one morning some Indians came to the place for something tO eat. Their dog knocked down the crude door and injured young Andrew, an indication that it provided but a slight protection against an invader or even the weather. Mr. and Mrs. McDonald were devout Catholics, and in that faith the father died in Vergennes township and the mother in Montcalm county, Mich., their remains being interred in the Catholic cemetery in Grattan township, Kent county. Andrew McDonald, the subject of this sketch, was but eighteen months old when his parents settled in Kent county, and his school attendance covered a space of three months only. His services were required on the pioneer farm, on which he remained until his enlistment, August 9, I862, at Lowell, in company B, Twenty-first Michigan volunteer infantry, under Lieut. Fox, rendezvoused at Camp Sigel, at Ionia, and was placed under Capt. James Kavanaugh and Col. Stevens. Thence the regiment was sent to Nashville, Tenn., where Col. William B. McCreary, of Flint, Mich., was placed in command, and the AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 875 t regiment assigned to the army of the Cumberland. Mr. McDonald was first employed in detail work, in which his assiduity gained for him the high esteem of his superiors. The first battle in which Mr. McDonald participated was that of Chickamauga. At three o'clock, Sunday morning, September 20, 1863, the army, including company B, met at Widow Glenn's house and at sunrise formed into line of battle, while he and twenty-four members of company B were sent through wheat and cornfields to act as skirmishers. At ten o'clock the rebels came upon them in force and they were compelled to fall back, while the bullets fell fast and thick, to Widow Glenn's house, and for two hours supported six pieces of artillery, on the way thither. The fight lasted until one o'clock in the afternoon, many of the artillerists and their horses were killed and they nearly lost their battery. This was a Rebel victory, although it is termed a draw in history. The Federals here lost I6,ooo men. -In order to reach the scene of action, the Twenty-first Michigan, sixty miles away, was ordered to be in readiness at buglecall, the men were awakened by a touch on the shoulder, and underwent forced marches all that day, all next day and night, all next. day till four o'clock in the afternoon, and reached the field in an almost famished condition, to open up the battle, and this is a specimen of some of the hardships that Mr. McDonald had to encounter as a soldier. For nearly a year Mr. McDonald was engaged in building hospitals, pontoon bridges, and a bridge across the Tennessee river, and in the latter part of September, I864, the troops were ordered to concentrate at Atlanta, Ga. The city was fired November 15, I864, and on the i6th the army started on its march for Savannah. On this march of 200 miles the boys suffered a great deal, hunger not being the least, to stay the pangs of which they at times picked the meat from the heads of dead cattle. The siege of Savannah was another ordeal of fire, and a piece of shell struck Mr. McDonald's shoe, and came very near tearing it from his foot. The siege lasted from December ii until December 22, I864, when a great many of the Rebels came over and gave themselves up, and others mlade their way across the Savannah river and escaped into the interior, leaving twenty-seven spiked cannon behind. The Federals then occupied the city until January 20, I865, and the next move was toward Sister's Ferry, where they were swamped on account of the heavy rains, were forced to unload their wagons and to carry their material through water waist deep; the empty wagons were then backed. On March I9, I865, came the terrific battle of Bentonville, N. C., the last of the war, 'with 12,000 Federals against 40,000 Confederates and the former, of course, met with disaster. Mr. McDonald had for some time been a member of the pioneer corps and was engaged in the heavy labor of repairing roads, bridges, etc., and was with 'the boys near Raleigh, N. C., when the joyful tidings was received of Lee's surrender. The army, under Gen. Sherman, continued its march on to Washington, D. C., and took part in the grand review. Mr. McDonald later visited the president's house, saw Secretary Seward and other noted personages, and received an honorable discharge June 8, 1865. He had served as a brave and faithful soldier all through his enlistment, was at home on furlough only once, and had never been in the guard-house or even reprimanded. For five years after his return home he worked at various occupations. June 13, I870, Mr. McDonald married Miss Catherine Roddy, in Grand Rapids, and seven children have blessed this union, viz: Mary; 876 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Elsie; Miles, a motorman in Grand Rapids; John, a student at St. Francis college, at Milwaukee, Wis.; Luella is a Sister of Mercy at Big Rapids and is known as Sister M. Gerard; Laura and Maggie. When Mr. McDonald commenced his married life in Grand Rapids he had but one dollar, which he had earned digging potatoes, and he and wife remained in the city one year; thence they removed to Sand Lake, in I871, and kept boarders in the lumber regions, having purchased a small lot on which they erected a modest shanty. Mr. McDonald continued to labor at various kinds of work and at teaming in the woods until I877, when he purchased forty acres in section 6, Spencer township, with Jno improvement whatever. Their first home was a little board shanty, and for the land they even went in debt, and all the present improvements, including their comfortable modern dwelling, is the result of their own industry and frugality. Mrs. McDonald was born in county Mayo, Ireland, in September, I843, a daughter of Peter and Mary (Muldoon) Roddy, who had a family of two sons and six daughters. Mrs. McDonald was educated in the common schools of county MvIayo, and at the age of twenty years came to America, and two of her sisters are also in the United States. In politics Mr. McDonald is a democrat and cast his first vote for George B. McClellan, while in the army. In I889 he was elected highway commissioner; in I894 he was appointed postmaster of Cloud by President Cleveland. Mr. McDonald is a member of the M. H. Whitney post, No. 50, G. A. R., at Sand Lake, a membership which his gallant army service and honorable discharge from the service entitle him. In religion Mr. and Mrs. McDonald and family are devout Catholics, and are members of St. Clair parish, Mont calm county, under the pastorate of Rev. Father Whelan, to the support of which they most freely contribute. They are classed among the most diligent and useful residents of Spencer township, and are certainly well deserving of the high esteem in which they are universally held. LBERT E. WILSON, one of the most prominent agriculturists of Alpine township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of Hinkley township, Medina county, Ohio, was born January I7, I847, a son of John Cleveland and Julia Ann (Marquette) Wilson, and is the eldest of their family of eight children. J. Cleveland Wilson, the father, was born in the state of New York in I8I I, early emigrated to Ohio, where he resided until November, 865, when he came to Kent county, Mich., and located on a farm in section No. I9, Alpine township, on which he lived eighteen years, and then remoyed to section No. 34, where he passed the remainder of his life, dying in I897, one of the most highly respected citizens of the township. His wife, also a native of New York, was born in I823, but never came to Michigan. Albert E. Wilson passed his early days on the Ohio homestead, aiding his father in his agricultural pursuits until seventeen years of age, when, fired by the military aidor of the times, he enlisted in defense of his countrv's flag in battery A, First Ohio light artillery. His first service was with Gen. Sherman in the Atlanta campaign, from which he was transferred to the command of Gen. George H. Thomas, and with him went to look after the Rebel general, Hood. From Huntsville, Ala., they had a retreating fight toward Nashville, Tenn., where took place one of the I 4, ALBERT E. WILSON. II r0 4I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 879 severest battles of the campaign, battery A taking an active and conspicuous part. The command was so reduced that it was left at Nashville, where it remained until the following July. The battery was originally composed of six guns but through constant hard fighting the number was reduced to four, and many men and horses were lost, and Mr. Wilson was himself wounded in the hand, but not seriously, at the battle of Spring Hill. At Nashville in July, therefore, he was honorably discharged, and returned to his father, who in the meantime had come to Michigan. Leaving his father's farm in I87I, Albert E. Wilson made a prospective tour through the western states, and after traveling quite extensively finally located in Chicago, where he found employment as a civil engineer, a profession in which he had become quite proficient several years before. For some time he was in the employ of a railroad company, locating the road between the towns of Newaygo and White Cloud, Mich., and subsequently accepted a position as salesman in a boot and shoe house in Grand Rapids, continuing in the latter capacity for a period of eight years. Becoming dissatisfied with indoor life and the necessarily slow returns of a clerkship, Mr. Wilson concluded to abandon the same, accordingly purchased a farm in section No. I9, Alpine township, and engaged in the more satisfactory aud remunerative calling of agriculture. He lived on his original purchase about nineteen years, but disposed of the place at the end of that time, when he secured the old homestead by inheritance, and this has since been his home. Mr. Wilson's 46o-acre farm is a model place, highly cultivated and containing many valuable inprovements, including a handsome dwelling, supplied with all the modern appliances of convenience and comfort. On the place he has 3,000 trees, peaches and apples, and keeps twelve to fifteen men constantly employed. On September 30, 1873, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Helen Augusta Wright, of Alpine township, where her birth occurred in the month of March, 1848, on the farm where she now resides. She is the eldest of five children born to Solomon and Jane Elizabeth (Cooper) Wright, natives of New York. Solomon Wright was born in Wayne county, N. Y., in the year I818, came to Michigan in 1839, and selected a farm in section No. 32, of what is now Alpine township, Kent county, purchased what is now Mr. Wilson's home, and improved the place with the present commodious dwelling, which is one of the best in the township, and finally retired to Paris, Mich., where his death took place in I884. His wife was born in the county of St. Lawrence, N. Y., in I820, came to Michigan with her parents, and now lives with her daughter, Mrs. Wilson, on the old homestead, where so many years of her married life were passed. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are the parents of five children, whose names are as follows: Clare E.; John Lyman; William Howard; Ira E. and Shirley, all of whom, with the exception of William H., are still at home. Politically Mr. Wilson.is a member of the republican party; he cast his first vote for Ulysses S. Grant and has never faltered in his allegiance to the political faith which he believes to be for the best interest of the country. He and wife are active members of the AlpineWalker Congregational church, which stands on land donated from his farm. They are foremost in every good work, and to them is the congregation with which they are identified largely indebted for much of its prosperity. From early life Mr. Wilson has been largely dependent upon his own resources, and that he has attained an active and honorable position in life is due to his unfaltering fidelity and 880 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS his promptness in meeting every obligation, together with the well directed industry which has marked his career from early childhood. He has many admirable qualities which commend him to the regard of all, and the community has many citizens who are proud to claim him as a friend. EVI McDONALD, the popular livery man of Cedar Springs, Mich., so well known to the traveling public as well as the residents of the northern part of Kent county, is a native of Plimpton township, province of Ontario, Canada, and was born July 22, 1856, the eldest in a family of four sons and two daughters that constitute the offspring of Alexander and Mary Jane (Cook) McDonald-the other five being Alexander, of Cedar Springs; Martha, widow of James DeCou, of the same village; James, an agriculturist of Sand Lake, Mich.; Bert, produce dealer, also of Sand Lake, and Minnie, employed in the silk works at Belding. Alexander McDonald, the father, now a resident of Cedar Springs, was born near Dunnville, Canada, July 3, 1837, and is a son of one of the pioneers of the present New Dominion, whose father, in turn, was a native of the Highlands of Scotland. Alexander began his business career at the early age of ten years, at the annual compensation of $25, as a farmer's lad, with the additional privilege of attending school three months each year. From farming he drifted into lumbering, and so eked out his life in Canada until I866, when he came to Kent county, Mich., and purchased an eighty-acre tract of forest land in Nelson township, which he has increased to 120 acres, converting the wilderness into a productive and profitable farm and improving this with all necessary buildings for farm purposes. But in 896 all his improvements were destroyed by fire, yet, nowise disheartened, he has replaced them all, and now enjoys an income therefrom in peace and comfort, and makes his home in Cedar Springs, in close proximity to his children. His estimable wife, however, was called from his companionship in I887, and bitter, indeed, was the loss. Levi McDonald, the subject proper of this biographical notice, reached Kent county, Mich.,at the age of ten years, and until eighteen years old passed his life in farming and lumbering. He chopped wood, when marriage was prospective, in order to raise the funds necessary to purchase a cook-stove, and October 6, I876, wedded Miss Sarah A. Barrett, who has borne him two children-Lena G., who graduated from the Cedar Springs high school in 1898, and is now a student in the Muskegon Business college, where she will graduate the present year-I899; Elvin, the second born, is a student in the eighth grade at the Cedar Springs school, and will graduate with the class of 1903. His inclinations trend toward business life. Mrs. Sarah A. McDonald is a native of Kent county, Mich., was born October 6, 1859, and is a daughter of Smith M. and Mercy M. (Briggs) Barrett, both now deceased. Mr. McDonald first engaged in the livery business about 1873, in partnership with David Walker, at Sand Lake, and this copartnership was maintained ten years. He then devoted three years to farming, after which he came to Cedar Springs and reengaged in the livery business. His barns contain an excellent line of rigs, comprising two carriages, six single rigs, one two-seat pleasure cutter, four single-seat cutters, several trucks, and ten as fine driving horses as may be found in Kent county. In politics Mr. McDonald is a republican and cast his first presidental vote for Rutherford B. Hayes, and he has himself served as AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 881 constable twelve or fourteen vears, still holding that position, and is now a member of the town council. In his fraternal associations, he is a member of Sand Lake lodge, No. 249, I. O. O. F., and in his business relations has been so affable and square in his transactions as to win the esteem of all who have deallings with him and socially he and family are honored by all who know them. RS. ELIZABETH J. McKENNEY, one of the most prominent ladies of Byron township, Kent county, Mich., and well known as one of the early settlers, is possessed of remarkable activity for a lady of her advanced years, she having been born 130 miles east of Windsor, Canada, April I, 1825, and this mental and physical activity is due, in a great measure, to her amiable disposition and equable temper. Mrs. McKenney is the eldest of seven children-four sons and three daughters-that resulted from the marriage of Ebenezer and Sarah (McKenney) Norris, and of these children there are four yet living, besides Mrs. McKenney, namely: Nancy Maria, wife of James White, of Oakland, Cal.; Ann Eliza, married to David Irwin, a farmer of Byron township; Judson, engaged in the same calling in the same township, and Lorenzo, a farmer in Clay county. Ebenezer Norris, the father of the above-named children, was born and reared in the state of New Jersey, served in the war of I812, and died when his daughter, Elizabeth J., was quite.young; his wife, Sarah, was a native of New York, and it was not until after marriage that they located in Canada. Mrs. Elizabeth J. McKenney was reared and educated in Canada, and on reaching the years of womanhood and discretion was pleased to accept as her husband Samuel McKenney, to whom she was married November 13, I847, and to whom she bore six children-three sons and three daughters-but of these there are now only two living-Judson and Junius. Of these two a life-sketch of Judson is given in full in the closing paragraph of this sketch, and Junius is a prosperous farmer of Byron township; and prosperous because he is industrious and enterprising. Samuel McKenney, the deceased husband of the lady whose name opens this biographical notice, was born in Monroe county, N. Y., November 30, i816, and died February 27, 1876. In the early years of his life he was a salesman, but later became an agriculturist. In the fall of I854, he and wife came to Byron township and bought eighty acres of partially improved land,on which there was a little frame shanty that served them as a habitation for the time being. There were no roads, save trails tramped out by Indians in their passage from their villages or camps to their trading posts, such as even the present city of Grand Rapids then was, and these red men of the forest frequently passed by the door of the McKenney dwelling. There were about fifteen acres of the farm cleared out from the woods, but eventually Mr. McKenney transformed the the whole place into a profitable farm, although he had only the primitive agricultural implements of that early day to work with. On this place Mr. McKenney erected the first barn ever put up in Byron township, and also grew the first apples. There were two schools in that vicinity, but not a church; the village of Byron Center had not then been dreamed of, and the first postoffice was named Buck Creek. Mr. McKenney added to his land through.his industry and skill as an agriculturist, and eventually possessed 300 acres of good farming land. Having through these virtues earned a competence, he yielded to his natural impulse and tendency toward charity, and will :882 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS ingly aided all enterprises that had the welfare -of the community in view. In politics he was.a democrat, and held the full confidence of the voters in his neighborhood who held the same political views, and by them was elected collector of taxes-a position he held for eighteen years-and his accurate accounting for the money collected resulted in his election as treasurer of the township. In religion he was a sincere Methodist and was a trustee of the church of which he was a member. So devoted was he to his faith, that he aided financially in the erection of the two churches in Byron Center, and in the death of the excellent Christian the community lost a member who can never be replaced by an equal. Mrs. McKenney's dwelling is the most beautiful in the township, and on the old homestead she is passing her declining years in peace and comfort, surrounded by many warm friends and her children and grandchildren. She is wonderfully well preserved for a lady of her years, and her kind and genial disposition makes her beloved by all her neighbors, who delight in her conversation and enjoy her pleasant companionship. Judson McKenney, to whom allusion has been made in a foregoing paragraph, was born near Windsor, Canada, May 15, I853, and is a son of the late Samuel McKenney and his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth J. McKenney, of whom a life-sketch is given in full above. He was educated in the common schools and has been reared to agricultural pursuits and stock raising, and has passed his life since infancy in Byron township, Kent county, Mich. February 2, 1885, he married Miss Clara S. Gould, who was born in Hillsdale county, Mich., March 23, 1863, a daughter of Nelson and Sarah (Haven) Gould, who were parents of four sons and five daughters-all residents of Michigan, with the exception of three, viz: George, a landlord at Eyota, Minn.; Endress, / who is married and resides in La Crosse, Wis., and Emmet, a mechanic at Chicago, Ill. Mrs. Clara S. McKenney has been a resident of Kent county since a child and was here educated in the common schools. Judson McKenney is a democrat and cast his first presidential vote for Samuel J. Tilden in 1876. He has represented his party in county conventions, and has served two consecutive terms as township treasurer-indicative of the confidence reposed in him by his fellowcitizens. Mr. and Mrs. McKenney are both ardent friends of the public schools, and Mr. McKenney, although a heavy tax-payer, but with no children to educate, was largely instrumental in causing the erection of the tasty brick school-house in district No. I, which speaks well for his generosity toward the cause of the education of the masses. Fraternally, Mr. McKenney is a member of Halcyon lodge, No. 244, I. O. O. F., and has passed all the chairs, and Mrs. McKenney of Rebekah lodge, No. I 7, of which she has been an officer. They have aided liberally toward the erection of both churches of Byron Center -the Methodist Episcopal and Adventist-and have contributed to all other benevolences worthy of their consideration. Their farm comprises 120 acres.of clay-loam soil, adapted to the cultivation of all the products peculiar to the southern peninsula of Michigan. They are kind and benevolent in disposition, and have adopted as their own a little girl, Hattie Wolfe, who was born in Ottawa county, and whose parents were called away when she was but four years of age. She has been reared with tender care, has received a good practical education, including instruction on the organ and piano, and she is herself a teacher of these instruments. She fully appreciates the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. McKenney and her pleasant home, and does all in her power to reciprocate their affection and love. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 883 HiUNIUS McKENNEY, a prosperous farmer of Byron Center, Kent county, Mich., is the second son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Norris) McKenney, and was born in Belmont, Canada, May 21, I854. He was but a child when brought to Michigan by his parents, and here he was educated in the common schools and reared to farming. October 31, 1876, Junius McKenney married Miss Dora E. Brudi, the result of this union being five sons and four daughters, of whom the following named still survive: Ernest, who graduated in the class of I897 from the Byron Center public schools, and has a tendency for railroading; Stanley, who graduated in I9o0; Valma, now in the eighth grade and taking lessons in music; Ora E., in the seventh grade; Hazel, in the same; Vera, in the sixth, and Duane, in the third grade. Mrs. Dora E. McKenney was born in Kent county March I, I859, and is a daughter of John and Mary (Feiling) Brudi, who were the parents of one son and five daughters, of whom four daughters are yet living. Mr. Brudi was born in Germany, came to America when a young man, was shipwrecked off the coast of Rhode Island, but happily reached shore in safety. He was poor, but very industrious, and was a natural-born mathematician. On reaching Byron township he was able to purchase a tract of land in the wilderness, and was classed among the pioneers. His first dwelling here was of the old-fashioned style, but this he remodeled and repaired; he cleared up his land, cultivated it thoroughly, and prospered. In politics he was a democrat. In religion he was a Lutheran, and in this faith he died in I882, honored by all who knew him. him. His wife, who was also a native of Germany, is still living. Mrs. McKenney was educated in the cornmon schools, passed through the entire cur riculum and secured a certificate qualifying her as a teacher. She has been a valuable helpmate to her husband, and is most highly respected wherever she is known. In politics Mr. McKenney is a democrat, with strong temperance proclivities. His first presidential vote was cast for Samuel J. Tilden, but he has never been an office-seeker. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Byron Center, about three-quarters of a mile west of which village they have their cozy residence and wellimproved farm, the latter giving every indication of thrift and care. They rank with the better class of the residents of Byron township and enjoy the esteem of all. ETER McLEAN is one of the oldest residents of the township of Ada and' few people of Kent county are aswidely and favorably known as he. He is descended from sterling Scotch ancestry, and although in his eighty-fourth year is still hale and hearty, possessing in a marked degree his faculties, physical and mental, and bids fair to reach the advanced age of his father, who departed this life after rounding out eighty-six years. Mr. McLean's family for many generations was characterized by remarkable longevity, a number of his ancestors, including his grandmother, having been centenarians. Daniel-McLean, who was born in Argylshire in 1777, grew to manhood on his native heath and then came to the United States about I800, locating in what is now Livingston county, N. Y., then the county of Genesee, where he lived the life of a tiller of the soil until his death in 1863. His wife, whose family name was Elizabeth McGregor, bore him eight children, among whom was the subject of this sketch, whose birth. occurred in the, 884 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS county of Genesee, N. Y., on the IIth day of December, 1815. Peter McLean, of this sketch, received a good education in the schools of Caledonia, N. Y., and for a period of eighteen years followed the profession of teaching. In 1839 he removed to Jackson, Mich., where he continued to teach and where he made his home until 1843, at which date he became a resident of Kent county, and continued to teach for four winters. He took up a tract of government land in Ada township, of which he was one of the first permanent 'settlers. This land was at the time just as nature made it, covered with a dense forest growth, the greater part of which was il due time removed and the soil fitted for cultivation by the strong arms of Mr. McLean, who worked early and late in order to prepare a comfortable home for himself and his posterity. He added to the original purchase from time to time, and as the years went by succeeded in accumulating a large landed estate, which increased steadily in value until finally it became one of the wealthiest and most prosperous farms of the county. He followed agricultural pursuits until advancing age compelled him to cease active labor, and since I882 has been living a life of retirement, enjoying the fruits of his many years of industry and thrift, and the rest of which only those who have battled long and successfully with the world know how to appreciate. Mr. McLean was united in marriage in Jackson county, December 19, 1839, to Miss Margaret Holcomb, of New York, a union blessed with the birth of four children: Daniel W., who was a soldier in the Civil war, died in I896, aged fifty-eight years; Edgar B. died when thirteen years old; Eliza and Nancy M., both married. The mother of this family died December 25, 1884, after nearly sixty years of married life. Mr. McLean has served as a member of the board of supervisors, is a representative democrat of the old school, and, regardless of political affiliation, is highly respected and honored by all who know him, which of course means the entire population of his own and adjacent townships. Inheriting the strong physique and admirable mental and moral traits of his rugged ancestry, having lived a temperate life in which have been exemplified the principle of the Golden Rule, and possessing in full measure the love and confidence of hosts of neighbors and friends, it is the hope and prayer of all that he may yet be allotted many years in which to complete his journey to the silent land. RANKLIN McNITT, for almost half a century, has been a resident of Kent county, Mich., and the changes he has witnessed during these five decades have been marvelous in the extreme. He was born in Niagara county, N. Y., August 9, I827, the thirteenth in a family of sixteen children-nine sons and seven daughters-that once completed the family of Benjamin and Rebecca (Rice) McNitt, but of whom one only is now living, Franklin. Benjamin McNitt was born in Sullivan county, N. Y., December 19, I78I (eighteen years before the death of George Washington), and was a son of a native of Scotland, who fought in the colonial war with the French and Indians. Benjamin was a hero of the war of 1812, and politically was a great admirer of Andrew Jackson. He accumulated considerable property and died in Cayuga county, N. Y., December 21, I851, a member of the Presbyterian church, and his wife, who was born in Cayuga county in 1789, died in that county in 1843. Franklin McNitt passed the first twenty AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 885 five years of his life in his native state and then lived a few years in Ohio, where he married, September 19, 1852, Miss Martha Smith, a native of Sandusky county. This marriage has been graced with eight children, born in the following order: Alice F., who graduated at the age of fifteen years and at that young age began teaching; she is now the wife of J. R. Harrison, a merchant of Lisbon, Mich., and is the mother of two sons and one daughter. Henry A. McNitt, the second child of Franklin and wife, was educated in the Lisbon graded schools, for some time taught school himself in Tyrone township, Kent county, and Casnovia township, and also in the state of Nebraska, where he married Miss Addie Pontzius, and is now the father of four children; he now resides in Trent, Muskegon county, Mich., and by occupation is an agriculturist. Clara J. is the third child born to Franklin; she was educated in the Lisbon high school, also in Muskegon, Kent and Ottawa counties, and now resides in Northville, Wayne county, widow of William P. Sessions and the mother of two children. Edith L., the fourth child of Franklin McNitt and wife, is the wife of George S. Chubb, also an agriculturist, who makes his home in Grand Rapids to avail himself of the educational advantages there afforded to his two daughters, Agnes and Lynne, who will graduate from the high school in the class of 1899, Mrs. Chubb having also been a teacher in Ottawa county. M. Seward, the fifth child, was educated in the Lisbon high school and also at the Grand Rapids Commercial college; he was for a number of years a merchant of Byron Center, where he now owns a large evaporator and is also engaged in agricultural pursuits; he married Miss Flora Bacon, who has borne him two children, Roland and Reginald DeKovan; Dora M., the sixth child, who graduated from the Lisbon high school, has taught successfully in Kent, Newaygo and Muskegon counties, and is now teaching in Ottawa county. Eva L., the seventh in order of birth, is the wife of Prof. C. C. Freeman, who has for eight years past been principal of the Lake Odessa schools; she was 'graduated from the Lisbon high school in the class of 1887, and for several years was a teacher in Kent county. Verner E., now at home in charge of the farm, graduated from the Lisbon high school in the class of 1891, with a percentage of ninety-five in the entire curriculum, including arithmetic, grammar, geography, bookkeeping, physical geography, elementary algebra, physiology, United States history, science of arithmetic, civil government, plane geometry, general history, rhetoric, and also English history —the latter not in the course proper. He was given a teacher's certificate, but has preferred to adhere to agriculture. Mrs. Martha McNitt was born September 12, I830, and is a daughter of David and Hannah (Ames) Smith, the former a native of New York and the latter of Vermont, and of their family of ten children, three sons and Mrs. McNitt still survive; of these Reason is a farmer of Sandusky county, Ohio; Harrison is a farmer of DeKalb county, Ill., and Charley I. is a millwright of Toledo, Ohio. October I, I855, Mr. and Mrs. McNitt came to Michigan and purchased I60 acres of timber land in Wright township, Ottawa county, where ten acres were cleared and twenty acres in slashes. They remained there five years, when Mr. McNitt traded his place for I60 acres of timbered land in Boone township, where he lived in a log cabin two and a half years; he then sold and purchased in Sparta township, Kent county, II0 acres, thirty only of which were cleared. He has lived in a log cabin in this township, has seen deer and bear in abundance, and Indians passing in large numbers to and from the trading post of Grand Rapids, 886 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS which village of 6,ooo he has seen grow to a city of over 98,ooo population. There were then no railroads in the county, and Mr. and Mrs. McNitt came here by stage-coach from Kalamazoo. He has seen Canal street in the city when it was a perfect mud-hole. Great honor is due to these worthy pioneers, who left their comfortable homes in the east to come to the wilds of Michigan to carve out beautiful and prosperous homes and fit the country for the abode of civilized man. Lisbon, in Ottawa county, now an old town and great business center, with three schools, sawmills, good stores and four stages per day through from Sparta, was nothing at that time; the highway in front of Mr. McNitt's was and is the state road and a great thoroughfare for freight and traffic, was then used by a few travelers, and he has seen Sparta township develop from a wilderness into one of the finest townships in the county, and in bringing about this desirable condition of affairs he has done his full share, both in Lisbon and Sparta, having been the originator of the new cemetery at Lisbon and the founder of the Lisbon graded schools. 'Mr. McNitt cast his first presidential vote for Martin VanBuren, and he also voted for Lincoln and Garfield, and was one of the brave men that Michigan sent to the front during the Civil war. He enlisted in company E, Fifteenth Michigan volunteer infantry, at Grand Rapids, served under Gen. William T. Sherman, and was at Hart's Island, Long Island sound, with his company, when the joyful tidings came to hand that Gen. Robert E. Lee had surrendered. He also took part in the grand review at Washington, D. C., and was honorably discharged August 15, I865. Mr. McNitt has led a religious and upright life and materially aided in the erection of the Baptist church at Lisbon. He, wife and family, are amongst the better class of resi I dents of Sparta township and stand on a very high plane in social circles, enjoying the unfeigned esteem of the entire population. D. McQUEEN, veterinary surgeon and proprietor of a feed and livery stable in Lowell, was born in Port Dover, Ontario, on the 28th of June, 1863. He is a son of Alexander and Margery (Sidway) McQueen, the parents of three sons and four daughters. The father was born in Port Dover, June 15, I839. He began life as an agriculturist, and is now the proprietor of a hotel and livery barn. He is the parent of seven children, two of whom are dead-Elizabeth and Susan-and five living, viz: Alexander D., Bruce D., Libbie, Essie, and E. D. McQueen. E. D. McQueen was reared at Port Dover, Ontario. He attended the Port Dover high school and graduated from both the Chatham Business college and the Ontario Veterinary college in I888. He at once began the practice of his present profession at Lowell, Mich., on the I3th of September, I888, where he has followed his profession ever since. He was married on the ist of October, I890, to Miss Mattie M. Perrin, daughter of William P. Perrin, and two little sons have been born to this union: Edmon Perrin and Bruce Alexander. In March, I893, Dr. McQueen purchased a livery and feed stable, to which he has since devoted a part of his attention. He is now the owner of one of the best livery stables in the city, and has a large and prosperous business. In politics Dr. McQueen is a democrat, and stands prominently in favor of his party, but so far has never sought official positions, preferring to devote his attention to his business interests. Mrs. McQueen is a respected member of W AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 887 the Congregational church and a devout Christian. Socially the family are highly esteemed, and Dr. McQueen bears a first-class reputation as an industrious, temperate and upright gentleman, and because of his skill in his profession, and tact in business, he stands eminent among men and enjoys the esteem of a large circle of warm-hearted friends and the cordial respect of his neighbors. Fraternally he is a member of the F. & A. M. lodge, No. 90, also the Knights of the Loyal Guards, at Lowell, Mich. UTHER KNOWLTON MADISON, formerly a resident of Kent county for half a century, dying November II, I896, though never specially prominent in public life, had probably as wide a circle of friends as any man who lived in the town of Grattan, of which he was a pioneer. He was born April I6, 1824, at the oldfashioned New Hampshire village of Hill. Merrimac county, lying a few miles north of Concord, and on the Pemigewasset river, which flows from the never-failing springs of the White mountains. His parents were Luther K. and Rebecca (Holt) Madison, both of whom represented ancient New England fam'ilies, who have not been lacking in the production of men somewhat eminent in the history of our nation. Col. Luther K: Madison, as he was known from connection with the militia organizations of both his native and his adopted states, was a man of large capacity and popularity. The records of his old home repeatedly mention him as filling those various local offices such as selectman or representative to the general court and shows him to have stood in highest esteem among his fellows. When the subject of this sketch was yet an infant in arms, he was brought across 46 I the Green mountains by his parents, who established themselves at the then growing young city of Rochester, N. Y. The first directory of that city, published in 1828, gives Col. Madison as a hotel proprietor and dealer in produce. The Erie canal had just been completed that far, and he became identified with its traffic, then assuming immense proportions. The completion of the canal to Buffalo afforded easy access to the west. The tide of emigration being then to Michigan, he in I830 joined the flood and for a time was in business in Detroit, soon, however, settling at Utica, Macomb county,where for many years he conducted a popular hostelry. He remained at Utica until toward the close of life, when both he and wife joined their sons in Grattan, where he died September 15, I860, in his sixty-eighth year, having survived his companion, who preceded him on the 8th of June, I856. They were laid to rest in a spot selected by themselves, overlooking the beautiful lake that bordered their son's farm; but when that home passed into other hands their bodies were transferred to the cemetery at Grattan, several of their descendants having since been laid beside them. Their children were Rebecca, Mary Eleanor, Custus, Brooks W. B., Luther K., and Elizabeth, the latter being the only survivor at the close of the century. Luther K. Madison was married August 3 1, 1845, to Lydia Wickwire, and in 1846 accompanied his brother Brooks to Grattan, securing land of the government that is embraced in the old homestead; now owned by his son, Cass B. His first habitation was the usual small log house,with mud and stick chimney, homemade in its every appointment, even to its doors, or shelves on pegs for the accommodation of the household ware. He would often shoot deer without leaving his own dooryard; thus, with the forest affording abundant game 888 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS - and honey, the lakes supplying fish in profusion, there were many comforts, and what would now be considered luxuries, to offset the many disadvantages of pioneer life. In a few years he had cleared a valuable farm and erected the house still standing near the village. His business was almost wholly confined to agriculture, though the bent of mind was more to commercial pursuits. His latter years, after the death of his companion, July 22, 1882, were largely passed at his village home, though he made several trips into Dakota, where some of his children lived. Always a democrat, he was outspoken in expression of opinion and cared little who was cut by his biting sarcasm. He was grand master of invective, and woe betide the unfortunate one who aroused his aversion. He was equally strong in his likes or dislikes; was an ardent friend or defiant enemy. There was little that was soft or pliable in his nature, but much of the rugged, sturdy character of the Pilgrim ancestry. However, he was at his best when, in company with congenial spirits, the hours would pass in jest or repartee,in which he was an adept, or possibly a game of "Old Sledge" would afford the means of a tightening of the bonds of friendship. In early life he had often taken part in. private theatricals, and his portrayal of Falstaffian character never failed to please. The writer of this memoir recalls the first dramatic presentation he ever saw, its principal scenes being indelibly impressed upon memory's tablets mainly through his admirable rendition of the principal part. He knew Shakespeare as few, even of professedly well read readers, know him; and in every emergency of life was ready with an apt quotation that seemed to come to him without an effort of memory. His own thoughts often sought expression in rhyme that in many instances breathed true poetic spirit. His was a spirit I I toil but aspired to a closer touch with nature in her tenderer moods. He recognized the hand of the Great Maker of all in every blade of grass or waving bough; but was not tied to man-made creed in his religion, which was as broad as time'and as deep as eternity. His rougher aspect was not all on the outside, for he never forgave an injury or forgot a wrong; but the better side showed a heart as tender as a baby's and a sympathy not trammeled by conventionality. But once in a generation does a single community have such a man, who was cast in a distinct mold. He was far from perfect; but the better far outweighed the worser nature. It took years to know him, and often his friends who thought they knew him best were farthest from a true conception of his character. Though destiny had shaped for him a limited course and his aspirations were circumscribed, so that he filled but a humble sphere, his influence survives him and the world is better by his having lived. DWARD O. MAINS, attorney and counselor at law, at Lowell, Kent county, Mich., is one of a family of eight children born to J. and Mary (Ball) Mains, and dates his birth from the 1th day of January, 1868. The father, a native of New York, and a farmer by occupation, was born on Grand Isle in the year 1838, and with his wife is still living. Edward O. Mains was reared to manhood on his father's farm in Calhoun county, Mich., and in common with the majority of country boys received his educational training in such schools as the country afforded. While still young he manifested a strong desire for the law and determined to devote not be tied to earth by the drudgery of daily i AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 889 I his life to the profession. At the age of twenty-two he entered the office of Mains & Mains, Albion, Mich., where he made rapid progress in his legal studies, and in due time was admitted to the Calhoun county bar by Judge Clemens C. Smith. Edward 0. Mains began the practice of his profession at Albion, where he maintained an office for a period of six months, and then located in Lowell, where his energy and well-known legal attainments have gained for him the favorable notice of the public and a patronage professionally and financially encouraging. Mr. Mains is the possessor of a large, valuable and remarkably well assorted law library, and, suffice it to say, he spends much time in persuing his many volumes and adding to his store of legal learning. He is a careful student, well-grounded in the profession, and possesses the ability to apply skillfully legal principles to cases in which he is retained as counsel. His practice embraces a wide range of. business in the courts of Kent county, and he is considered a safe and judicious counselor, numbering among his clients some of the best people of the city and comniunity in which he lives. Mr. Mains has for years been a careful student of political questions, and prior to the campaign of i896 acted in harmony with the republican party. After an intelligent and exhausting investigation of the financial question which formed the political issue of that year, his views underwent a radical change, and while not in harmony with every plank of the democratic platform, he is inclined to accept the free coinage of silver, as the logical way in which our monetary problem may be satisfactorily solved. Mr. Mains was united in marriage November 9, 1887, to Miss Bell C. Curtis, of Jonia, Mich., daughter of Sheldon R. Curtis,-a union blessed with the birth of three children, viz: I B. MALCOLM, M. D., is a well-known physician and surgeon of Kent county, who for a period of thirty years has successfully practiced his profession in the city of Lowell. He is one of a family of seven children born to James H. and Elvira (Fairchild) Malcolm-the father a native of Scotland and the mother of Canada. James H. Malcolm was taken to Canada by his parents when three years of age, grew to manhood there, and for a number of years was one of the leading lawyers of the dominion of Canada. He also acquired some distinction in the military service of the war of 1837, during the progress of which he took part in several campaigns and participated in a number of the most hotly contested battles. He died in Canada in the year I869; his wife preceded him to the grave, departing this life in 1847. Dr. I. B. Malcolm was born in Canada, and in the common schools acquired his elementary education. Before attaining his majority he taught several terms of school, and in I864 entered the Eclectic Medical college, of Philadelphia, where he pursued his professional studies for a period of three years, graduating in the fall of I867. The year following his graduation Dr. Malcolm spent at his old home, practicing and studying, and in 1869 he located in Lowell, where he has since remained, his pronounced ability and the close attention which he has given to his business having, in the meantime, enabled him to build up a very large and lucrative practice. The doctor is a close student of his profession, and his progressive spirit prompts him to keep in close touch with the advancement which is being continually made by the representatives of medical science. Neglect of patients can never be charged to his account, and in the performance of each day's duties Curtis E~., Grace L. and Oral. I he finds inspiration and strength for the labors 890 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS..... _ of the next. These sterling qualities of the successful physician have not only brought him a large practice, but have won him the confidence and commendation of the profession, and he holds marked prestige among the medical fraternity, not only of Lowell but of other populous centers of Kent county. The doctor is a politician of influence in Lowell, a leader of the democratic party, but in no sense an aspirant for the honors or emoluments of office. He has a beautiful and comfortable home, presided over by his wife, whose maiden name was Abbie Odell, daughter of Orlando J. Odell, of New York, but for some years a citizen of the county of Kent. Dr. and Mrs. Malcolm have been blessed with two children, both daughters, Belle and Freda. [SS RAE MALCOLM.-In civilization the greatest prosperity is attained by adaptation to the environments necessitated by the increasing density of population and taking advantage of opportunities which in former years did not present themselves to the young man or woman now standing on the threshold of life, with the great world beckoning them to participation in its affairs. In previous years woman at best was considered as man's helpmate, a little inferior to the liege lord in the domestic economy, with all avenues to usefulness in the learned professions and the majority of ordinary vocations closed against her. With the dawn of a new era a change mighty and well nigh universal has been ushered in, and now all avenues in secular and religious life have been thrown wide open to her, with the word " welcome" on every threshold. She has not been slow to seize the opportunities thus presented, and to-day she is found represented in nearly all of the learned professions, besides occupying positions in the commercial and industrial world which for ages man alone was deemed competent to fill. The thriving town of Lowell, keeping pace with cities and villages of the great west, has its full complement of intelligent and refined ladies occupying positions of trust and profit, and others managing enterprises, the success and prosperity of which depend altogether upon their sagacity and executive ability. Among these may be enumerated the young lady whose name introduces this biographical sketch, who for some time has been proprietress and personal manager of the Lowell Art studio, one of the successful business enterprises of the town. Miss Rae Malcolm is one of the ten children born to James and Elizabeth (Stephens) Malcolm, the father a native of Canada, born on the 23rd day of August, I828. James Malcolm in his youth learned the carpenter and millwright trades, both of which he followed for a number of years in his native country, but later, on becoming a resident of Michigan, turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and was one of the prosperous farmers of Kent county. Elizabeth Malcolm, a woman of many virtues and most exemplary life, after rearing well her large family, and doing nobly her part in promoting the interests of her husband, was called away by death on the 4th August, 1888. Rae Malcolm was born and reared in the county of Ottawa, attended the public schools, and, while still young in years, determined to prepare herself for life's conflict and not to be dependent upon any one's bounty for maintenance. Accordingly, she began the study of photography in all its branches in the wellknown art studio of 0. A. Gillett, of Grand Rapids, where, by close application and determination to succeed, she made substantial progress and soon earned the distinction of being one of the most skillful and competent op AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 891 erators in that city. Possessing natural abilities as an artist and thoroughly in love with the profession, Miss Malcolm was not long in coming to the front, and immediately after completing a full apprenticeship of nearly six years, opened her present studio in Lowell in 1897. Since locating here she has obtained a liberal share of patronage in her line, and by reason of turning out first-class work is rapidly growing in public favor as an artist of exceptional ability. Her work is her own best recommendation, and there is every reason to bespeak for her a future of great promise. October I8, I899, Miss Rae Malcolm was united in marriage with Thomas A. Murphy, a merchant of Lowell and a native of Kent county. He received his business education at Swensberg's Business college, in Grand Rapids, and was reared in the faith of the Catholic church, to the faith of which he is a firm adherent. Mrs. Murphy will continue the practice of her art, and will still be found by her many patrons at her neat and tasty studio, and will still hold her enviable position in the social circles of Lowell, where she has so many warm and influential friends. HARLES M. MANN, a well-known stock-raiser and agriculturist of Courtland township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of New York city, although he was reared to manhood in Ontario county, N. Y. He was born April 24, 1839, and is the only child of Martin J. and Diadama (Cronk) Mann. His father was born in Connecticut about 1799 and was a wagonmaker by trade. His life was spent mainly in New York,where his death took place in I84I. His wife was born in New York in I807, and she survived her husband for upwards of thirty years, dying in 1870. Charles M. Mann lived in Ontario county, N. Y., until the spring of I868, when he came to Michigan, and purchased eighty acres of land in Courtland township, Kent county. Prior to his coming he had married, September 17, I86t, Miss Adaline Hand, who was born January I, 1845. She is the daughter of Richard and Elzina (Lusk) Hand, who were the parents of three children: Lucy, now the wife of Charles Brooks, a farmer of Monroe county, N. Y.; Elzina, and Jennie, wife of George Morgan, a farmer of the town of Cannon, Kent county, Mich. Mrs. Mann is a lady of liberal education, having attended besides the common schools, the Pennfield (N. Y.) seminary and having taught in the Empire state for some time previous to her marriage. Her father, who was a native of New York, was a fruit grower by vocation and in politics a republican. He died in I850, at the age of forty-eight years. Her mother died in Kent county, Mich., in February, I896, but her remains lie interred beside those of her husband, in the state of New York. Of the four children born to Mr. Mann and wife two only are now living, viz: Evelyn, now at home, and Martin, who assists his father in the conduct of the home farm. When Mr. Mann began life in Courtland township he had, as has been stated, but eighty acres of land; his farm now contains I60 acres, excellently improved with fine residence and barns, all indicating thrift and prosperity; He has been successful as a breeder of Merino sheep, having begun this special industry in i885 with one ram and three ewes. His flock now numbers 120, of which ten rams and fifty ewes are registered. He has thoroughly informed himself on sheep breeding by experience and observation and by reading the standard authorities on the subject. He has for years been a subscriber to these reputable journals, the Chicago American Sheep Breeder 892 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS -- I -.. and Grower, and the Michigan Farmer, the result showing in the excellence and fine qualities of his flocks. He is much interested, in fruit growing, and in his orchard are about 2,000 peach trees, embracing the following choice varieties: Gold Drop, Crosby and Alberta; also about 450 bearing plum trees. In politics Mr. Mann is a republican and cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in I860. He has twice served the township as supervisor, leaving the office with a reputation as a safe man to attend to the public business. He and wife are members of the Rockford grange, Patrons of Husbandry, believing that the practice of the noble principles of the order would redound to the betterment of all. No residents of Courtland are held in more respect than they, hosts of warm personal friends attesting to the many excellencies of head and heart that distinguish them. RANK J. MASON, one of the enterprising and thorough-going farmers of Courtland township, owns and occupies 240 acres of good land. As the representative of a prominent and highly respected family and as a man who, aside from family relations, stands high in his locality, it is fitting that personal mention be made of him in this compendium. Frank J. Mason was born in Grattan, Mich., July 9, I850, being the eldest in a family of five children born to Salsbury and Phebe (Cusser) Mason, four of whom are yet living in Kent county, viz: FrankJ.; Glenn, a bookkeeper in Grand Rapids; Ella, living at home, and Eva, the wife of O. E. Belding, secretary of building & loan association at Grand Rapids. Salsbury Mason was a 'native of New York, born in I820 and died in I88r. From his boyhood his energies were devoted to agricultual pursuits. He first located in Grattan township, Kent county, Mich., purchasing from the state 120 acres of land, and became prosperous and influential. He removed to Wyoming township in i866, there residing the remainder of his days. Politically, in his earlier life a whig, he adopted republican principles at the rise of that party. Wherever known he was respected, and was a benefactor to his community, engaging with vigor in all that tended to the betterment of human life. He served as supervisor and treasurer, and was ever a friend of the public schools. The mother is also a native of New York, born on the Ioth of May, I830, and reared and educated in her native state. She now resides in Wyoming township and possesses a remarkably well preserved mentality and physique for a woman of nearly seventy years. Mr. Mason, of this review, until his majority, like most boys devoted his time and labor to the family advantage. He is the possessor of a fair education, which he acquired in the common school of his native county. He,has since endeavored to further his education by the selection and reading of the best literature. On November 3, 1874, his wedding to Miss Lizzie Knight was celebrated Mrs. Mason was born in Greenville, Montcalm county, Mich., March 25, 1857, and is the youngest in a family of three children born to Benjamin and Sobrina (Rossman) Knight. She was reared in Montcalm county until five years of age, when she was taken to Oakland county, and was educated in the schools at Rochester. Her father was a native of Maine, and died while still engaged in his life's vocation of a farmer in Oakland county, Mich. Her mother was born, reared, and educated in New York. She has a brother, Payne, who is an agri AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 893 ----— ~I culturist of Owosso, Mich., and who has spent many years as a teacher and merchant; and a sister, Mary, now widow of Benjamin Rice. Mr. and Mrs. Mason began at the lowest round of the ladder of life, as renters on the farm of Judge Burlingame in Wyoming township, which they leased for three years, and then bought I60 acres in section 13, of Courtland township, of partly improved land. They went in debt to the amount of $i,8oo, but by their ecpnomy and industry have not only paid for this tract, but have added eighty acres more, all free from mortgage or debt. Mr. Mason, in his politics, is a soundmoney republican and cast his first vote for Ulysses S. Grant. Officially he was elected township treasurer in 1892 and re-elected in I893. In I898 he was elected justice of the peace and is the present occupant of that office. Fraternally he is a member of Rockford lodge, No. 246, F. & A. M., and of the Maccabees, Evans tent, No. 785. Mrs. Mason is an esteemed member of Edgerton hive, No. 576, L. O. T. M., and both are influential in Venus chapter, 0. E. S., at Grattan. Mr. Mason has done much in the development of his township and is a man of sterling worth, honorable and upright in all his dealings, and he has, during his almost half a century of life in Kent county, won a host of friends. Of three children born to them two survive —Earl and Maud V. HRISTIAN J. MANN, a pioneer agriculturist of Sparta township, Kent county, Mich., and a valiant exsoldier of the Civil war, was born ten miles east of Buffalo, in Erie county, N. Y., August 12, I834, and is the youngest of three sons and one daughter that constitute the family of Jacob and Elizabeth R. Mann-one of the children being now deceased and the survivors being Elizabeth, still residing on the homestead in Erie county and the widow of Jacob Young; Jacob F., postmaster at Lisbon, Mich., and a merchant of that town, and Christian J., our subject. Jacob Mann, the father, was a native of Germany, as was also his wife, and came to the United States about I833, and settled on a farm in Erie county, N. Y., where the father died when subject was one year old and the mother when he was eleven. Christian J. Mann being thus left an orphan at a tender age, obtained his education chiefly through his own 'exertions and in the same manner made his living. Until I857 he remained in his native county and state and then came to Kent county, Mich., reaching Grand Rapids by stage. Canal and Monroe streets, in the then trading post, were in quite an undeveloped condition, mud continually stalled loaded and unloaded teams, and not a railroad was in or near the city, although Indians were numerous. From Grand Rapids, Mr. Mann went to Lisbon, in Ottawa county, prepaying his fare by stage or lumber wagon, but he had frequently to alight to help the driver to pry the vehicle out of the mud. Arriving at his destination, he engaged in farming until the outbreak of the war, when he responded to President Lincoln's call for 75,000 men and enlisted in Michigan, in August, i86i, in company K, First New York Lincoln cavalry, the regiment being independent and composed of men from Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York, and consolidated after going to the front under the title given above. The regiment went from Grand Rapids to Washington, D. C., was assigned to the army of the Potomac and transferred to Alexandria for drill. The first active duty of Mr. Mann, was in skirmishing near Bull Run, with Gen. Phil. Kearney, in advance of the army. He later 894 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS took part in the battle of Falling Waters, Ninevah and Gettysburg, and in the last named was on the right flank, but he escaped the bullets in this, the greatest of all the battles. After the battle of Cedar Creek, at Winchester, he was present when Gen. Phil. Sheridan made his famous ride and rally and won the victory. The cavalry were kept constantly at work and constantly under fire, and Mr. Mann, with it, took part in the long raid after Hunter through the Shenandoah valley down to Lynchburg; he was also with Sheridan when he devastated the same beautiful valley, and with Custer during his gallant charges through the same vicinage. When Mr. Mann's term of enlistment had expired he veteranized for the remainder of the war and served in all four years, lacking four weeks. He suffered, of course, many hardships, but never flinched from duty and endured the fatigue of numberless long and forced marches, the pangs of hunger from short rations, exposures to the inclemencies of heat and cold and rain and snow, but bore all with the fortitude of the true soldier. He had but one short furlough home (at the time of his reenlistment),and was never in the guard-house. Once he was accidentally injured at Wilmington, Del., by a piece of iron from a train hitting on his head and breast, and in this instance it was a miracle that he escaped instant death. He was with his regiment at Fair Oaks, Va., when the news of Gen. Lee's surrender came to hand and the joyful tidings of peace proclaimed. He was present at Washington, D. C., in time to see President Lincoln before that good man was martyred, and also took part in the grand review of the victorious troops in that city. He was honorably discharged on Hart's Island, Long Island sound, N. Y., in July, 1865, and at once returned to his home in Michigan. Prior to his enlistment Mr. Mann had pur chased forty acres of land in section No. 30, Sparta township, Kent county, and had done some clearing, but while in the service he traded the tract for his present eighty-acre home in section I8, and here he settled. December 31, I868, he married Miss Susan H. Betterly, a native of Huron county, Ohio,,born June 17, 1844, and a daughter of Lewis and Diana (Purdy) Betterly, and to this marriage was born. one child, Lewis Betterly Mann, who died July 7, 1886, aged two months. The father of Mrs. Mann was born in Erie county, Pa., and died about I886 in Kent county, Mich., and her mother, who was born in Huron county, Ohio, March 3, 1822, is still living on the homestead in Alpine township, Kent county, Mich. Of her four sons and four daughters, seven are still living, viz: Adelbert, a mechanic of Grand Rapids; Mrs. Mann; Albert, a married farmer, of Sparta village; William, a barber, of Byron, Shiawassee county; Sadie, wife of Philip Faulk, a salesman, of Grand Rapids; Ransom, who died November 13, I899, resided during life on the homestead with his mother; and Rosa, a pianist of great merit, and the wife of William Borst, of Grand Rapids. Mrs. Mann was but ten years of age when brought to the primeval home in Kent county. There was no clearing on the farm, deer and wolves abounded at times, and friendly Indians not unfrequently passed the cabin door on their way to and from their trading posts; but schools soon came into existence, and Mrs. Mann eventually succeeded in securing an education. When Mr. and Mrs. Mann started housekeeping their dwelling was a primitive log cabin, but for many years Mrs. Mann made this home cheerful, neat and happy, until, by thrift'and industry, they were able to develop their farm, render it profitable, and accumulate the means with which to erect their pres AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 895 ent pretty and comfortable residence. The early ox-team and its lumbering wagon have given place to stylish equipages and modern vehicles, and visits to their neighbors and to church are made with ease and comfort. Their present dwelling is of modern construction and architecture, is two stories in height, contains thirteen rooms, all below finished in butternut, walnut and ash, and a good cemented and stone-floored cellar under the whole. Mrs. Mann was the architect of this handsome edifice, and with her own butter and milk money has furnished it elegantly from cellar to attic. Mrs. Mann is a phenornenon of industry and economy, and as a needlewoman and worker in hair, crochet and tambour work has no equal in the county. One hair wreath alone of her production in I886 was so exquisite that it has held the admiration of all beholders until the present day, and she has frequently been solicited to place it on public exhibition, and this is but one sample of her extraordinary taste and skill in what may properly be designated fine art. Mrs. Mann also has a nephew, A. Weston, an artist of Grand Rapids, who has presented her with many specimens of his artistic skill, which are displayed with equal artistic taste appropriately about the mansion, and altogether render it the most pleasant and esthetical visiting place for miles round about. In politics Mr. Mann is a stanch republican. He cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont, and all republican candidates ever since, including Lincoln, Grant, Garfield and McKinley. He is one of the most upright of men, and not one of his friends or neighbors would refuse to accept his word as being "as good as his bond." The handsome homestead is situated within half a mile of the depot at Gooding, is four miles 'from Sparta and seven miles from Kent City, is the abode of a generous hospitality, and although he and his amiable wife began life in a log cabin, they own as fine a mansion as can be found in Sparta township, and owe no man a cent. Their social standing is with the best people in the land, and the high esteem in which they are universally held is the merited reward of their many personal excellencies. UFUS WILBUR MARTIN, deceased, at one time considered to be the best farmer in Cascade township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Somerset, Niagara county, N. Y., August 25, I833, and passed his boyhood in that village. When a lad of nine years he lost his father, and at the age of fourteen or fifteen came with his mother and family to Cascade township where his sister, Sarah E., wife of John R. Stewart, was then living. The Martin family at that time consisted of the mother, Charlotte F., Marion and Rufus W., and the mother bought the farm adjacent to the Stewart homestead. Marion, the youngest brother, died at the age of twenty-one years, and this bereavement placed upon Rufus WV. the care of the farm and family until the marriage of his sister, Charlotte, to Peter Yocum, of Grand Rapids. Mrs. Martin has also passed away, dying at what is now the John R. Stewart homestead when sixty-one years old. Young Rufus W. set himself manfully'to work at'clearing up and improving the new homestead, and succeeded so well that he married, November 2I, I855, Miss Caroline M. Coger, who was born in Jackson county, Mich., June 30, 1837, a daughter of Charles and Mary Coger, who were natives of Connecticut, whence they moved to Oneida county, N. Y., and from there camne to Jackson county, Mich., in 1835, and thence to Kent county in I848, and here died at the home of:1 896 ITHE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS their daughter, Caroline, aged eighty-four and eighty-one years, respectively. Two of their sons, Jabez D. and Henry A., are still living in Cascade township, the latter being a blacksmith in the village. Mr. Martin cleared and improved 120 acres of the homestead, erected substantial buildings and made it one of the best farms in the township. Six acres of the place, however, have since been disposed of. In politics he was a republican, but never had a desire for public office. He was a keen sportsman, and welcomed the season when he could enjoy an extended trip after game in northern Michigan, and even at this day his barn is ornamented with a pair of immense deer antlers, placed there by his neighbors in commemoration of his prowess. There were no children born to Mr. Martin, and death took place March 28, I883, the result of an attack of measles, but his memory is still cherished by many warm, life-long friends. His widow is now the wife of John R. Stewart, and resides on the home farm. HEODORE W. MARTINDALE, a young and progressive farmer of Alpine township, is a native of Kirtland, Lake county, Ohio, and was born November 13, I863, the second and last child born to Theodore F. and Cheerful (Call) Martindale. He had a sister, Harriet Lovina, who was the wife of Dr. W. A. Studley, but is now deceased, at the age of thirty-five years. His father was a native of Kirtland, Ohio, and was born in the year 1828. In I869 he came to Michigan and located on a farm in section No. 34, Alpine township, Kent county, and made this his home until about I888, when he removed to Grand Rapids, where he lived until his death, May I8, 1895. The mother was a native of the same town and state, and was born in the year I833. She came to Michigan with her husband, and now resides in Grand Rapids. The subject of this memoir began life for himself, it may be said, when he was married, as, prior to that time, he had made his home with his parents, part of the time operating the homestead. On December 20, I888, he was married to Miss Jennie M. Manly. Mrs. Martindale was a native of Alpine township, and was born on the 3d of October, I866, the third child born to Edmund and Maria (Werdon) Manly. She taught school several successive terms in Walker township prior to her marriage. Her father, a native of New York, was born August 6, I838. His boyhood and early business life were passed in Ohio. He came to Michigan in 1864, and located in Alpine township with his family, farmed for some time, and finally made his permanent home in Walker township, where he is now engaged in fruit culture. He has ever taken an active part in public matters, has held various official positions, and for many years was a director in the old Kent Mutual Insurance company. The mother of Mrs. Martindale was born in Peru, Huron county, Ohio, on the i8th of August, 1840. To Mr. and Mrs. Martindale have been born six children, viz: Theodore' Manly, Helen Lovina, Lester Edmund, Kate Lucile, and John Dwight. They lost one child, Frances Cleinentine, in infancy. Politically Mr. Martindale may be termed a non-partisan in his local politics, but in national elections he casts a republican ballot. Both parents are members of the Alpine and Walker Congregational church. They have a very pleasant home, two and a half miles north of the city; it comprises eighty acres, thirty of which are devoted to the culture of fruitapples, peaches, pears, etc.-and here they enjoy many happy hours in the entertainment of their numerous friends. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 897 EV. JOHN H. MAYNARD, the venerated and eloquent pastor of the Free Will Baptist church at Sparta, Kent county, Mich., was born in Seneca county, N. Y., November 29, 1830, and is a son of Rezin and Mary (Andrews) Maynard, whose marriage was blessed with eight children. Rezin Maynard, a native of Maryland, was born in I790, was a planter, but after reaching the age of forty-five years lived in comparative retirement, although he never relinquished the superintendency of his plantation until his death, in I86i. His beloved wife was born in Saratoga, N. Y., in i80i, but was laid to her everlasting rest in Maryland in 183I. Rev. John H. Maynard was reared on his father's plantation, but in the meanwhile received an excellent education, which enabled him to teach school, from time to time, for fourteen to fifteen years, in conjunction with agricultural pursuits. 'In his early manhood he united with the Free Will Baptist church, and, filled with piety and gifted with remarkable powers of oratory, he was soon selected a preacher and began his evangelical work in Hillsdale county, Mich., in 1853, where for eleven years he most satisfactorily filled the pulpit and brought many souls to salvation. The next eleven years he did as effectual good gospel work in Lenawee county, an'd thence came to Sparta, arriving in January, 1875, and almost immediately assumed his present pastorate. He began his work here by attending to the temporal affairs of his congregation. He remodeled and rearranged the church edifice at a cost of $3,500 to $4,000, beautifying it in every respect and increasing its seating capacity. He then began his clerical work in the pulpit, and his labor in this is so well known that comment here is unnecessary. The Baptist church is a handsome frame, and is decorated interiorally in an effectively yet modest manner, and the premises are worth about $5,000. The congregation numbers about 300, and over these the reverend pastor holds a sway that results from his piety and eloquence that is irresistible, and a profound knowledge of the doctrines of the Baptist faith as it has descended from St. John the Baptist. The Rev. Mr. Maynard was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony at Tyre, on the 2 (st day of April, 1850, to Miss Mary A. Williams, daughter of E. Williams, a native of the state of New York. This happy marriage has been blessed with three children, viz: Rezin, a clergyman at Denver, Colo.; Kate N., wife of H. A. Welsh; Mary, married to Nelson Hickson, who was formerly a farmer, but is now connected with the street railway company of Grand Rapids. Fraternally, the Rev. Maynard is an Odd Fellow and a Good Templar, and in politics a strong and earnest prohibitionist. His genial manners, amiable disposition and sincere piety and devotedness to the cause of Christ, have won for him the love of all who know him. BER MOFFIT.-The name of this gentleman is found in the list made up of the trusted employees of the Lowell & Hastings Railroad company. He was born in Kent county, Mich., April 30, i856, received his education in the public schools, grew to manhood on his father's farm, with the rugged duties of which he early became familiar and which did him good service in the strong physical constitution and independence of mind he acquired by years of contact with nature, and early began the struggle with the world with little capital save a wellformed plan to succeed. In the year 1885 he entered the employ of the Lowell & Hastings 898 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS railroad as fireman and has continued in that capacity to the present time, though now in the line of promotion by reason of services faithfully and ably performed. Mr. Moffit entered into the marriage reiation November I8, I895, with Miss Cassie Klingensmith, daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Clemmons), Klingensmith, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, and at this time prosperous residents of the county of Kent. In his wife Mr. Moffit found a true helpmeet, indeed, as she has nobly done her part by contributing largely to the support and maintenance of the household, being at the head of Lowell's well-known and highly appreciated business enterprise, to-wit: The Lowell Photographic studio. She was reared in the state of Ohio, received a good education, and, having early manifested a decided taste for art, turned it to practical advantage in I890 by establishing, in connection with her husband, the studio above mentioned. Mrs. Moffit was a teacher in Michigan for five years. Since Mr. Moffit's connection with the railroad Mrs. Moffit has given her personal attention to the studio, and it is praise well merited to state that she has made the enterprise very successful, her work comparing favorably with that of studios in cities much larger than Lowell. Mrs. Moffit possesses the true artistic instinct and enters into her work with an enthusiasm which cannot fall short of great success. This studio is supplied with all modern appliances of the photographer's art, is artistically arranged throughout, and with the assistance of two helpers, work of a very high order is turned out-work which has won high praise from those competent to criticize productions of the kind. Mrs. Moffit spares no reasonable pains to please her many patrons, and with characteristic energy continues to make further improvements in harmony with her careful study of the profession. Mr. and Mrs. Moffit have been financially successful in their respective business ventures, having accumulated- a handsome property in the central part of the town on the main street, having a cozy home over the studio. Her business alone represents annually about $r,8oo, and from the present outlook bids fair to increase largely in volume as the years go by. Politically Mr. Moffit is a strong adherent of the republican party, and fraternally an active worker in the F. & A. M. lodge of Lowell, also a member of Hooker chapter, No. 90. Mrs. Moffit is a member of Cyclemen chapter of Eastern Star, No. 94, at Lowell. She is "Ruth " of the Star. HARLES S. MEDLER, a veteran of the Civil war and now a prosperous farmer of Spencer township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Grand Rapids township, March 22, 1841, the seventh of a family of five boys and six girls, born to Samuel F. and Rebecca E. (Stanley) Medler, of which children there are six still living, viz: James G., postmaster at Trufant, an ex-soldier of the Civil war; Esther C., a resident of Ada township and widow of Peter Benson, who was also a soldier of the Civil war; Hannah M., wife of N. Hughey, a farmer in Nelson township; Marinda M., the wife of D. B. Stout, a prominent citizen of Nelson township, of whom a biography in full is presented elsewhere in this work; Charles S., the subject of this sketch, and William, superintendent of the West Superior Lumber company, at West Superior, Wis. Samuel F. Medler, father of this family, was born in Briar Island, Nova Scotia, in 1803, was a ship-carpenter by trade, but passed his life chiefly on the great lakes as a sailor until AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 899 1840, when he came to Michigan and settled in Paris township, Kent county. He was first a whig in politics, but always an abolitionist and finally became a republican and a warm supporter of Abraham Lincoln and his policy. A member of the Methodist Episcopal church, he died in Nelson township, December 28, I891. His wife, who was born in Canada March 3, i808, organized the first Sunday-school in Grand Rapids,where she also operated the second millinery store. She died in the same faith as her husband, August 20, I 892, greatly respected for her many Christian graces. Charles S. Medler was a child of six years when, with his parents, he became a resident of Grand Rapids, at that time a hamlet of four stores only and an old yellow warehouse. The territory roundabout the site of the present union depot was then a desolate marsh, and at Canal and Monroe streets, then known as Grabb's corners, teams mired, and Mr. Medler has seen his father's cow mire at the corner of Division and Monroe streets about ten rods from where the elegant and sumptuous Morton house now stands. Mr. Medler lived in Grand Rapids until sixteen years old, but the only work he had done up to that age, worthy of notice, was as cabin-boy on the stern-wheel steamer Pontiac, which vessel was built at Grand Rapids and ran to Grand Haven; he was also for a time a salesman for Smith & Watterman. In the fall of 1857, the father removed his family to Nelson township, then known as town No. io, where he purchased forty acres of unimproved swamp land. Their first habitation there was a squatter's log cabin, and their agricultural implements were what would now be designated as primitive - such as the wooden-toothed harrow, or drag, the scythe and cradle, as well as the ox-team. Charles S. has himself made shingles by hand, and when, at his majority, he left his parents to enter the army, there were no churches in the township and only two log school-houses. Mr. Miedler enlisted October 12, 1862, at Grand Rapids, in company H, Twenty-first Michigan volunteer infantry, and served under Capts. Chase and Charles E. Belknap in fiftytwo battles of the fifty-four in which his regiment took part, attaining the rank of sergeant. His regiment first rendezvoused at Ionia, was ordered thence to Covington, Ky., where it joined Gen. Sheridan, the brigade commander. The first battle of importance in which Mr. Medler participated was that of Perrysville, Ky., cwhere he supported a battery; the next was at Stone River, Tenn., where he was severely wounded in the right side with a heavy buckshot, and in the left calf with a minie ball, but was not quite disabled; in the afternoon he was taken prisoner, but the next Saturday night he was recaptured by federals. His wounds kept him in the hospital forawhile and his next great battle was that of Chickamauga, where he was in the ranks in the morning, but in the afternoon was placed on detail duty to guard the extreme right of the Federal army under command of Gen. Sheridan. The next battle was at Brown's Ferry, where the regiment was again detailed to build a pontoon bridge across the Tennessee river, just below Lookout Point, and was under fire the entire time until the work was completed. After these battles the Twenty-first was detailed to erect hospitals, etc., and while engaged in this work he was given command of company H, made up of men from -various states enroute to the front, and led the company into the battle of Peach Tree Creek, which was fought immediately afterward. Next, on the march of Sherman to the sea, was the siege for ten days of Savannah, Ga. Here the boys of company H saw hard times for want of rations, as all they had to 900 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS eat was what rice they could pick up, and one pound of beef to each man per diem. Between Rapid and Broad rivers, Mr. Medler and a small company-thirty men in all-were de-, tailed to go five miles ahead, to guard a ford. Here the squad, under Capt. Belknap, erected a small fortification, in which they remained over night. One Rebel regiment approached and demanded a surrender, but the little captain replied, " I'm not built that way." Next there appeared five regiments of Confederates, the commander of whom again demanded a surrender; but Capt. Belknap answered, 4 Come and take us." The enemy was possibly under the impression that there was a large force of Federals ambushed in the vicinity, as he went away, leaving the small squad of Unionists unmolested. This was one of the occasions when Mr. Medler felt as though his hair might "stand on end." During the siege of Savannah Mr. Medler's blouse sleeve was torn to shreds by a piece of shell. At Sister's Ferry, near the city, the irregating canal gates were flung open, and for a few days the regiment and others were hemmed in by water. Then came the long and forced marched through the Carolinas and Virginia toward Washington, during which the battle of Bentonville, the last of the war, took place. Mr. Medler was in the grand review at Washington, which was the greatest military pageant ever witnessed in America; and was honorably discharged June 8, 1865, after a continuous service of over three years in the defense of his nation's flag. On returning to Kent county, Mr. Medler was united in marriage, March I, I866, with Miss Lavina M. Nicholson, and this union has been graced with three sons and two daughters, of whom the following four are still living: Clarence H., who is a foreman in the Raney Refrigerator company's works at Greenville; Luella E., wife of Fred D. Steele, a farmer of Spencer township; Frank F., farming in Spencer township, and 0. T., residing at home. Mrs. Lavina M. Medler was born in Courtland township, Kent county, Mich., September I7, I846, and was educated in the common schools. Her parents were pioneers of Kent county, at a time they had to go as far as Grand Rapids to have their grist ground. In I878, Mr. and Mrs. Medler settled on their present farm of forty acres in Spencer, their place then being in a wilderness of pines, but which they have since cleared and improved and converted into one of the best farms of its dimensions in the township. In politics Mr. Medler is a republican, and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. Officially, he was connected with the school board nine years, and has always favored having the best schools that the funds of the township can afford. He has served as township commissioner, and has represented his party in conventions. Socially, he is a 'member of Carleton post, No.327, G. A. R., at Trufant, and for six years was its commander from its organization. He and wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and no family in Spencer township is more highly respected. Mr. Medler is especially esteemed as a gentleman of the strictest integrity, and his fellow-townsmen honor him with their implicit confidence. UGH A. MONTGOMERY, the very competent and efficient supervisor of Algoma township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of Northumberland Ocounty, province of Ontario, dominion of Canada, was born July 24, 1854, the third of nine children that blessed the marriage of James and Fannie (O'Harra) Montgomery. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 901 Of these nine children five were boys and four girls, only four of whom are now living, viz: Hugh A., whose name opens this paragraph; Joseph R., M. D., who graduated from Ypsilanti college, Mich., and from the medical department of the Michigan university at Ann Arbor, and has now been in practice at Grand Rapids for seven years; John B., who was educated primarily at Rockford, then attended at Ypsilanti, became superintendent of schools at Champion, in the upper'peninsula of Michigan, then was school commissioner in Marquette county, and resigned that position to accept the superintendency of the State Industrial school at Cold water, which office he still holds; and Henry, a prosperous farmer of Algoma township. James Montgomery, a native of Ireland, was of Scotch ancestry and was born about 1822. He was reared to farming, and after marriage emigrated to Canada with his bride when he was about twenty-two years of age. His first home in this country was in Monroe county, N. Y., whence he came, in December, I863, to Kent county, Mich., where, in Algoma township, he passed the remainder of his life in farming, and died in April, I887, a member of the Church of Christ, his wife having previously died in the same faith. Hugh A. Montgomery was a mere lad when brought to Kent county by his parents, and he was here educated to a limited extent in the common schools, but is chiefly self-instructed. He was reared an agriculturist, but was without capital, and for some years worked out by the month, and eventually purchased forty acres of unimproved land. Hugh Montgomery has been twice married-first, in Alpine township, to Miss Effie Cummings, who died about three years later, which union resulted in the birth of one child-Forrest D., who married Belle Myers, and lives in Algoma. They have one child, Retta. He then took to himself a helpmate in the person 'of Miss Hattie E. Hoose, whom he married January 24, 1883, the result of this union being four children, viz: Clifford E., Willis R., James M. and Lila A.-the eldest three attending school. Miss Hattie E. Hoose was born in Kent county March 10, 1864, was educated in the district school, and became one of Kent county's favorite teachers. Her father, Madison A. Hoose, was a native of eastern New York, was born in 1842, and was reared a farmer, chiefly in Kent county, Mich., as he came here when a boy with his mother, then a widow. At the beginning of the late Civil war he enlisted, in Grand Rapids, in company H, Fourth Michigan cavalry, gallantly served his country for four years, and Mrs. Montgomery has now in her possession a silver fork and spoon which he had secured at the capture of Jeff Davis at Evansville, Ga., May io, i865. He had married Miss Lydia Miller, a native of Washtenaw county, Mich., and to this union were born two children-Mrs. Montgomery and Addison J., who died in his twenty-first year. Mr. Hoose was called from earth in I886. He was a member of the Church of Christ, but Mrs. Hoose still survives at the age of fifty-seven, and resides in Alpine township, a member of the same church. As already stated, Mr. Montgomery owned forty acres of unimproved land at his first marriage, and for this wild tract he paid $I,ooo. But he and wife have worked harmoniously together, with one object in view, and the result is that they now own 120 acres of as fine land as there is in Algoma township, all well improved, with 1,600 peach trees, the result of their mutual industry and frugality. In politics Mr. Montgomery is a stalwart. republican. He cast his first presidential vote for Rutherford B. Hayes in I876, and has always been very popular with his party. For four years-from i885 to 1889-he served as 902 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS treasurer of the school board of his township, and for the past six years has been township supervisor. He is a stanch friend of public education, is a member of the board of directors, believes in securing the best teachers available, and has also been several times selected to represent his township in county conventions. He is a member of Sparta lodge, No. 334, F. & A. M., also of Kent chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and he and wife are members of Harmony chapter No. 34, Order of the Eastern Star. They are also members of the Church of Christ at Ballard's, Sparta township, and have done all in their power to build up the church. He was instrumental in organizing the local Sunday-school, and of this he was superintendent for several years. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery is situated three and a half miles southeast of Sparta and seven miles from Rockford. It is the abode of a cheerful hospitality, where their numerous friends are always sure of a hearty welcome. HARLES B. MOON, deceased, was a son of the old Empire state, was born in Ontario county August 23, 1828, and died November 30, I894. He was reared mostly in his native state until 1834, when he came with his parents to Wayne county, Mich., when Michigan was yet a territory. He afterwards returned to his native state and apprenticed himself to a carriagemaker to learn this useful trade, having first received a liberal common-school education. At about this time the war clouds bedimmed the southern horizon, and he offered.his services, and, if need be. his life, in defense of the Union, and enlisted in company G, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth New York volunteer infantry, which was assigned to the army of the Potomac as the flower of the Union army. He served but a short time, and on account of feeble health, incurred by exposure, he was honorably discharged. Mr. Moon first came to Nelson township, Kent county, Mich., when it was an unbroken wilderness, and purchased 200 acres of land, which was heavily timbered. His first habitation was a frame house just south of where the present beautiful homestead residence now stands. Wild animals, such as deer and bear, were seen ofttimes upon his premises. Mr. Moon was a gentleman of rare tact and business qualifications, and soon laid the foundation for the fortune which he bequeathed to his survivors. He was known far and wide throughout northern Michigan as the "prince of the lumbermen," and he had at least four mills at different times for the manufacture of lumber, shingles and lath. He more than once met with dire misfortune by fire, but immediately rebuilt each time, and found himself to be better able for handling his growing business, which he actively operated for twelve years. He was also engaged in the mercantile business on or near the shore of Pine lake successfully for years ere his death. He was known as a gentleman of strict integrity and honor, and always had the name of being a liberal man in aiding public enterprises. At one time he had as many as 1,300 acres of land in Nelson and Courtland townships. In his political opinions he was a stanch republican. He was a known -friend of the public-school system, which is the bulwark of the state and nation. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity at Cedar Springs and was also a member of De Molai commandery, No. 5, Knights Templar, at Grand Rapids. For nearly thirty years he was a prominent member of the Methodist church. He was a friend to the poor and needy, who never went empty-handed from his door. He died beloved and honored by all who knew him. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 903 Mr. Moon wedded Miss Sarah A. Cole, a native of New Jersey, who- was born April 4, 1835, and a daughter of William and Elizabeth (DeCou) Cole. She is now the wife ot Rev. T. T. George, a Methodist clergyman, and resides on the old Moon homestead. To this marriage were born two daughters-Flora E., who is the wife of Jesse C. Van Liew, one of the well-known agriculturists of Nelson township and a scion of one of the pioneer families. Mrs. Van Liew was educated in the common schools, and was a student at Cedar Springs high school, and was one of Kent county's successful teachers, ere she had wedded. Genevieve, the younger daughter, was also a teacher; she graduated at Cedar Springs high school, was a student at Albion college, and was the preceptress at Cedar Springs for seven years; she is the wife of William Russell, a fruit-grower at Hart, Mich. Mr. and Mrs. Van Liew have had born to them three sons, viz: Charles Leroy, who is now in the eighth grade in the common schools, and his trend of thought runs to the mechanical field; Verne is also in the eighth grade; Harold L., the youngest, is also in school. Mr. and Mrs. Van Liew are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Pine Lake, and Mr. Van Liew has been superintendent of the Sunday-school for' four years, and Mrs. Van Liew has charge of the bible class. They are classed amongst the better class of citizens of Nelson township, and enjoy the undisguised esteem of all who know them. [LLIAM T. MOORMAN, one of the old-time and most highly respected agriculturists of Byron township, Kent county, was born in Washtenaw county, Mich., September I8, I840, and is the fourth in a family of three sons and five daughters born to William and Orpha 47 (Sisson) Moorman, of which children seven are still living, viz: Rensselaer, a farmer of Wyoming township and married; Laura, wife of Rensselaer Stidd, of Ingham county; Ann Eliza, widow of Elias Oakley, and residing in Montcalm county; George, a married farmer, residing in Jamestown, Ottawa county; Henrietta, wife of Daniel McDuffee, also a resident of Jamestown; Abigail, widow of Henry Lever, and living in Fremont, Mich., and William T., the subject of this sketch. William Moorman, the father, was born on the Isle of Wight in I812, was a carpenter and joiner, having learned the trade in this country, as he came here with his parents when he was twelve years of age, and here, also, he was educated in the common schools of New York, where the family had landed from a sailing vessel. When Mr. Moorman reached his majority he came to the then territory of Michigan, in 1833, and settled on the farm in Washtenaw county, which later became the property of his son, William T. In this howling wilderness Mr. Moorman was obliged to relinquish his trade as carpenter and devote himself entirely to farming, subsequently coming to Byron township, Kent county, and was one of those pioneers who succeeded in hewing out a home from the forest and in making " the desert bloom as the rose." In politics he was a whig, and in religion made the Bible his guide, and died an honored man in I875. His wife was a native of Massachusetts, was born about 1817 and died about I88o, a disciple of the Christian church. William T. Moorman remained in Washtenaw county, aiding his father in clearing up the wilderness, until he was about thirteen years of age, when the family came to Byron township, and here purchased i60 acres of unimproved land, and here renewed his labor as a backwoodsman and atman. The forest covered the land on which Byron Center now 904 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS stands, and young William T., in coming from \Vashtenaw county, drove over the spot with two yokes of oxen. The first habitation of the family was a rude log cabin, around which Indians roamed at will, and deer gamboled in the wantonness of their unmolested liberty. There were only three school-houses in the entire township, and in Grand Rapids, on his trips to that city with his ox-team, he would frequently mire to the hubs of his wagonwheels in what is now one of the principal thoroughfares of the Valley city-Canal street, and on which at that time there was not a brick building. Mr. Moorman has been twice marriedhis first marriage having taken place July 4, I860, to Miss Sarah Tibbetts, to which union were born three sons and three daughters, of whom four are still living, viz: William, a farmer of Byron township, married to Catherine Mulholland, and the father of two daughters; Burton, married to Elma Hanson, who has borne him four daughters, and he also a farmer of Byron township; Lizzie is the wife of John Snider, a dealer in live stock in Jamestown, and is the mother of one son and three daughters, and Linda is the wife of Ross Avery, a merchant of the city of York, and has one daughter. Of the two deceased children, Leslie married Maud Avery, and died August 21, 1894, and Chloe was married to Charles Rau, and died May 30, 1892. Mrs. Sarah Moorman was born in Ohio in 1837, and died in Byron township, Kent county, Mich.,in 1894, after a married life of thirtyfour years. September I, 1897, Mr. Moorman chose for his second helpmate Mrs. Louisa Hintz, a native of New York, born in 1843, and a lady of many womanly graces. Mr. Moorman took charge of the homestead in I870, and all the better improvements have been made by him. It comprises 120 acres, and is one of the best farms in the township, made.so by his judicious management. The soil is a clay-loam, and well adapted to the growth of fruits and vegetables usual to the latitude, and has all been cleared from a forest, through which there was not even a pathway when the elder Mr. Moorman settled upon it, and is situated twelve and onehalf miles from the city limits of Grand Rapids. In I862 Mr. Moorman enlisted at Grand Rapids in company H, Fourth Michigan cavary, under Capt. A. Beal and Col. Minte; the regiment was assigned to the army of the Cumberland, and reached Louisville just as Buell had been driven back by the rebel Bragg. Mr. Moorman took part in all the skirmishes and actions in which his regiment was engaged, including Stone river, where two horses were killed in front of him. He was next placed on detached duty as trainmaster, in charge of twenty-five wagons, and the scene of his service was in Tennessee and Georgia up to the capture of Atlanta; then back to Nashville and on a raid to Eastport, Miss.; then on another raid through Georgia. They had been on a long raid when the intelligence of the assassination of President Lincoln reached them, and almost simultaneously came the news of the surrender of Gen. R. E. Lee. The Fourth Michigan cavalry had the good fortune of capturing Jeff. Davis at Evansville, Ga., May o0, I865, Col. Ben. Pritchard, of Allegan, being its colonel at that time. Mr. Moorman was honorably discharged at Nashville, Tenn., July 4, 1865, having served bravely and faithfully for nearly three years. In his politics, Mr. Moorman is a democrat in national matters, but locally he is nonpartisan. His first presidential vote was cast for Horatio Seymour in I868, but individually he has never felt any desire for office, yet has served as highway commissioner two terms and as justice of the peace three years. He AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 905 advocates the employment of the best instructors in the common schools, and, being a taxpayer himself, is sincere in his wish to secure teachers who are competent. Fraternally, Mr. Moorman is a member of Crescent lodge, No. 322, F. & A. M., at Grandville, and is also a member of Whitcomb post, No. 302, G. A. R., at Byron Center, of which he was at one time commander, and the membership of which at present numbers about forty. Mr. and Mrs. Moorman have aided financially in the erection of the United Brethren church at Maple Hill and have freely exercised other benevolences. They are prominent among the agriculturists of the township, are classed as pioneers, stand very high socially, and are esteemed greatly for their many good qualities throughout the entire township and the greater part of the county. OHN MORAN. -Those who have attained eminence in politics or statecraft, in military circles, and to some extent in the field of letters and art, have been treated of in general history, but it has little to do with those toilers of the land upon whom the real prosperity and progress of the nation rest. It is left to biography to perpetuate the record of those law-abiding citizens who are ever true to their country, their neighbors and themselves, and who in the active affairs of this work-a-day world find time to stand loyally by friend and native land and at the same time care for their families and private interests. To this class belongs John Moran,one of the most enterprising and industrious agriculturists residing in Spencer township. He is an honored pioneer of this locality, and, having been identified with its interests for more than forty years, and has, therefore, witnessed the many changes which have transformed it from a wild region into fine farms and comfortable homes, with here and there a thriving town in which the various industrial and commercial interests are represented. He belongs to that class of energetic and industrious men to whom are due the progress and improvement of the west and his finely cultivated farm indicates in a measure the industrious and useful life he has led. Mr. Moran was born near the town of Elphin, in Rosconimon county, Ireland, in August, 1839, and is the eldest of three children born to John and Bridget (Hangley) Moran, of whom James is an agriculturist of Spencer township, and Thomas, formerly a lumberman and now a farmer of British Columbia. His parents were born and reared in the above-named county in Ireland, and the father was educated in the schools of his native land, where for some time he lived the life of a farmer. In the year of the famine, 1847, Mr. Moran and family, determined to better their fortunes, bade adieu to their native land in April and came to America, concluding that it offered better inducements to a poor man. They departed in a sailing vessel from Sligo, on the west coast of Ireland, bound for St.. John, New Brunswick. After they were on the sea three days a terrible storm arose and drove them back to the northwest coast of England. Not disheartened at this, they again started for America. It was a long voyage, fever broke out on board, and many of the crew and passengers found watery graves. After landing, the father took sick, but after recovery Went to Boston, Mass. From Boston he and family went to Albany, N. Y., where they remained for a year or two, thence moved to Cleveland, Ohio, and in the year I855 came to Spencer township, Kent county, Mich., - 906 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS where they purchased, at $1.25 per acre, eighty acres of heavily timbered land and built their first dwelling place, a rude log hut. He was one of the earliest pioneers, and at the time of his arrival there were only ten families in the township. The father and mother of John Moran were devout Catholics, in which faith he died in the year 1877 and she in I856. John Moran, whose name heads this review, was a lad of eight summers when he came to America and well remembers the terrible voyage across the Atlantic. He was about sixteen years of age when his parents came to Kent county. He was reared upon the farm, and the sports of boyhood, together with the duties of' the field, occupied his attention through the years of his childhood and youth. He attended the district schools, but remained meantime with his parents until his majority, When he plunged into the duties of life "without a copper." He has known what the toil and hard knocks of life are, and whatever he has accumulated has been by strict and laborious attention to business, as he was reared to the life of a farmer, and began working out at the same for the insignificant wages of $I2 per month. On the 14th day of November, I86o, Mr. Moran was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Mooney, who has borne him the following named children: Thomas F., a horseman of Cinnabar, 'Mont.; Mary, wife of Jeremiah Collins, an agriculturist residing in Spencer township, Kent county, Mich.; James married Mary Frank, of Oakfield township; Henry is wedded to Miss Ella Cody and is a resident of Spencer township; Maggie J. and George A. Mr. Moran and his estimable wife first rented land in Grattan township, then came to their present estate of 200 acres in 1865. The place was then a wilderness covered with heavy timber which gave them an income, but mean I while they made their home in a log cabin. His farm of to-day is under a high state of cultivation and improved with modern accessories and conveniences. The felds are well tilled and yield to the owner a golden tribute in return for the care he bestows upon them, while good buildings supply ample shelter for grain and stock. He is an industrious man, keeps fully abreast of the advance of the times, and his business methods are strictly honorable, commending him to the confidence of all with whom he is brought in contact. Clear set in the memory of John Moran is the primitive town of Grand Rapids. At that time the principal thoroughfares were little roads or lanes and only one or two brick buildings were located on Canal street; when he came to the county there was not a railroad in it, and Mr. Moran aided in building the first one through the city of Grand Rapids. Deer had been seen on his premises, and the ox-team was a most prominent factor in the development of the farm for many years. Mr. Moran has always been active in politics and adheres strongly to the principles of the democratic party, his first presidentialvote having been cast for Gen. Geo. B. McClellan. Officially Mr. Moran has held all the highest offices in his township. The public schools find in him a firm supporter, and at present he is a director of the board, as he has been for six years. Mr. Moran, wife and family are members of St. Margaret's Catholic church of Howard, of which he is a trustee. AVID FRANKLIN MORRIS (deceased) who was well known in Courtland township, Kent county, Mich., for his integrity and high moral character, was born in Seneca county, Ohio, March 9, I843, a son of James and Mary Mor AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 907 ris, who were both called away when the subject of this memoir was but a child. David F. Morris, at the age of twelve years, removed from his native county to Lucas county, where he received a practical common-school education, which was supplemented by self-instruction on all possible occasions, although, owing to the fact that he was compelled to fight the battle of life unaided, his opportunities for study were somewhat circumscribed. But he was very energetic, and grew to manhood as well informed as most of the young men of his age and equally as well prepared to buffet the billows of adversity and to endure the fatigues incident to a successful business career. He became a practical sawyer, and in the fall of I871 came to Michigan and made a purchase of twenty acres of heavily timbered land in Courtland township, Kent county, erecting a shingle and lumber mill; and here, also, began his heavy tribulations, as his mill was three times burned to the ground. But his determined will was equal to the disasters, and three times the mill was rebuilt, each time surpassing its predecessor. The mill was a blessing to the community, and won for its owner the soubriquet of the "Benefactor of North Courtland Township;" from the fact that the section was a wilderness of pine and other timber, and Mr. Morris was able to give many persons employment; and many of the settlers found it profitable to clear off their property and dispose of the timber at the mill, and thus open their fields to cultivation, the result being that now many grain fields and fruit orchards exist where the forest then stood. January I, 1872, Mr. Morris was joined in wedlock with Miss Sarah Redmond, a native of the state of New York, born October 9, 1852, and this union was blessed with three sons and two daughters, of whom one son and two daughters still survive, viz: Gladys E., who completed her eighth grade in the public school, won her diploma at the age of fifteen, and is now one of the successful young teachers of Kent county; Ray F. and Bernice D. Mr. Morris, as has been shown, began life a poor-boy, and on coming to Courtland township had so far realized from his industry a limited capital only, but with the aid of his amiable and faithful helpmate a change for the better was soon made, and at his death, which occurred November I6, 1898, he was a man of more than moderate wealth. He increased his twenty acres to 6oo, and in 1882 -83 erected one of the most elegantly-finished residences in the township, at a cost of $12,000. This lovely home was ever the abode of a generous hospitality, and the neighbor, and the way-worn traveler as well, found at its portals a hearty welcome. Although a democrat in his predilections, he was in local politics quite independent, and his well-matured judgment guided him in casting his vote for the candidate best fitted to fill official position. Public education found in him a warm advocate, and for years he served as director of the home school. In religious matters he was extremely liberal, and he and his estimable wife were ever generous with their means in aiding the erection of churches and in promoting all works of moral progress; in fact, he almost completed the erection of a church-edifice with his own funds. Fraternally he was a member of the order of Maccabees. During the quarter of a century he and his wife lived together in Courtland township, no couple ever enjoyed in a more marked degree the l6ve and esteem of their fellow-townsmen. In his death Mrs. Morris lost a tender and devoted husband, the children an indulgent and affectionate father, and the community a true friend and benefactor. His life was rich in good exam 908 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS '. I pie, well worthy of the emulation of those who wish to rise from oblivion to the conspicuous height attained by him through true merit. Mrs. Morris still resides on the old homestead, surrounded by her surviving children and a host of warm-hearted friends, who honor her with unfeigned affection. She is a lady of a more than ordinary sympathetic nature, is of a tender and affectionate disposition, and of unbounded generosity. The greater part of her life has been passed in Kent county, where her name, like that of her husband, will be cherished for many long years yet to come. OHN W. MURPHY, a popular and genial business man of Lowell, Kent county, and the only man in his line in the city, with his place on Main street, on the east side of the river, is a native of Michigan, was born in September, I870, and is a son of John and Margaret (McGrath) Murphy, natives of Ireland and the parents of eight children, six of whom are yet living. John Murphy is a wagonmaker by trade, which trade he learned in his native land, and came to America in the early part of I870, but is now retired from active life, and he and wife are making their home with their son, John W., the subject of this sketch. John W. Murphy attended the public schools a short time in boyhood, but at the age of seven years began work as a factory boy, at which he continued for fourteen years. Being a shrewd and willing lad, and a good financier for a young man, he accumulated sufficient money to start in his present business, and now does a trade reaching from $8,coo to $o, coo per annum, having been remarkably successful. His place is finely equipped and is modern in every respect, and his genial disposition has won for him hosts of patrons. He is a member of St. Mary's church, and his father and mother, like himself, are devout Catholics. AMES E. MURPHY.-The stranger passing through the township of Paris, Kent county, Mich., is impressed with many handsome homes, and well cultivated and productive farms. None of these impress him as being the abode of intelligence and indicate management by well-trained minds to a greater extent than does that of James E. Murphy, situated some six miles southeast of the city of Grand Rapids, in a most fertile region and in a community where many thrifty farmers are located. Furnished with a new and handsome residence and commodious barn, about which everything is kept in excellent condition, this farm bespeaks supervision by a man of taste, ability and judgment. James E. Murphy, one of the most enterprising young farmers of Paris township, was born in the township May 7, I869, a son of Patrick John and Margaret (Flynn) Murphy, natives of Ireland. Patrick John Murphy, deceased, was born in county Mayo, Ireland, in October, 1822, and at the age of nineteen years came to the United States. He was a stone mason and worked at his trade in New York city, at Cleveland, and Paynesviile, Ohio. At the latter place, early in the 'fifties, he married Miss Flynn, who was born in county Cavan, Ireland, but came to America when a young girl; she was a hotel employee at the date of her marriage, and proved a most excellent helpmate to her husband. She is now living on the Paris homestead. Their eight children AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 909 ---- -- were: John, who died in childhood; Annie, who also died young; Mary and Martha, now Sisters of Charity in the convent at Cincinnati, Ohio; Maggie, a Sister of Charity at Sidney, Ohio; Nellie, wife of John Myler, and living on part of the old homestead; James E. and Richard, now conducting the old farm. The family are all members of the congregation of St. Andrew's Catholic cathedral, at Grand Rapids. In 1862 the parents of this family came from Paynesville, Ohio, and settled on a tract of eighty acres in Paris township, five miles southeast of Grand Rapids, but at that time in a wild condition. While Patrick J. set to work to clear off and improve this place, he did not relinquish his trade, but left the oversight of the farm to his wife, while he, being an expert as a mason, worked at building cellar-walls and similar work throughout the township, receiving as much as $5.00 per day for his services. 'Finally he devoted his entire attention to the farm, which he increased from eighty to 240 acres, 16o of which he cleared off and otherwise improved, and here passed the remainder of his life, dying December 12, 1893, a devout Catholic and honored citizen. James E. Murphy received a fair districtschool education, and at the death of his father, being the elder of the two surviving sons, took charge of the home place. This he managed until his marriage, November 24, I896, to Miss Gertrude Kelly, daughter of James E. and Ellen (Flood) Kelly, and a native of Paris township, where she and her husband were reared together from childhood. Mr. Murphy then settled on his present farm of eighty acres, which is now one of the best improved in the township. He has about twenty-five acres set in fruit trees, all in a flourishing condition, and of which sixteen acres are devoted to peaches and the remain der to apples, plums, cherries, etc. He also breeds Shropshire sheep and Poland-China and Berkshire swine, in which he has attained a reputation. He is one of the most enterprising and thriving farmers of the neighborhood, his farm with its excellent buildings and necessary accessories bespeaking management by a man of brains and ability. He is identified with the horticultural societies, and is not slow in availing himself of the experience of older members. In politics he is, as was his father, 'a sound democrat, and while not an aspirant for public preferment, is pronounced in his views, having ever a reason based on history and experience for the faith that is in him. James Kelly, father of Mrs. Gertrude Murphy, was born in county Tipperary, Ireland, March 15, 1840, a son of Philip and Bridget (Slattery) Kelly, who, about 1848, came to America with their three sonsTimothy, Patrick and James. For a time they lived in Livingston county, N. Y., and in I856 came to Michigan, locating in Grand Rapids. The parents died at an advanced age, and Timothy was nearly sixty years old when he was taken to the spirit land. Patrick who still lives on his farm, seven miles east of the city, was a captain in the Fourteenth Michigan infantry during the Civil war, and a more extended reference of him is found elsewhere. James, the father of Mrs. Murphy, worked for William T. Powers in a mill at.Grand Rapids for five or six years, was strictly temperate, saved his earnings and bought I00 acres of heavily-timbered land in Paris township, at $32 per acre, and paid for it. This land he cleaned up thoroughly and he has not now a stump left on it; he also owns two other farms, one of which, containing seventy-three acres, is 'on the Cascade gravel road in Grand Rapids township, but adjoining his home farm in Paris, and for this he paid $5 I. 50 per acre 910 THE CITY.OF GRAND RAPIDS and now has it highly improved; his other farm, of forty acres, is on the same road and is four miles nearer the city, and formerly was a part of his wife's parents' estate. All three of these farms Mr. Kelly successfully cultivates. Mr. Kelly married, in Grand Rapids, Miss Helen Flood, a daughter of Dennis and Rosanna Flood, and born in Pittsburg, Pa., whence she came to Grand Rapids when twelve years old. To Mr. and Mrs. Kelley have been born six children, viz: William and Joseph, both on the home farm; Anna, who was married to John E. Powers, a nephew of William T. Powers, and a resident of Grand Rapids township; Nellie, a teacher of music and the fine arts, and still at home; Gertrude, now Mrs. Murphy, and Rose, under the parental roof. The family are all members of St. Andrew's congregation at Grand Rapids and freely contribute to its maintenance. Mrs. Kelly is one of the best of business managers and has been a valuable helpmate to her husband in this respect. For years in early life, they had a rugged path to tread, but they soon made the way smooth, as they worked together and had the welfare of the family at heart, and the children are all a credit to the devotedness of the parents. ILLIAM H. MYERS, JR., a native-born citizen of Kent county, Mich., represents a pioneer family and was born March 26, I859, the sixth of the nine children that constituted the family of William H. and Elizabeth (Dancer) Myers, and of whom eight are still living, viz: Sarah A., wife of John Myers, a carpenter of Rockford, Mich.; Mary, whose husband, J. B. Clark, is a general merchant of St. Ignace, Mich., and also treasurer of that city; Orcelia,, wife of Charles Davis, a farmer of Courtland township; John J., in Nevada; William H.; Fred W., a resident of Rossland, British America, where he has been prospecting for years; Maggie, wife of L. D. Rathburn, a farmer of Ionia county; Lizzie, married to J. A. Covey, and living in Phoenix, Ariz. William H. Myers, Sr., the father of this family, was born in Arklow, county Wicklow, Ireland, June 4, I8i8, and when less than a year and a half old was brought to America by his parents, Matthew and Sarah Myers, who landed at St. John, N. B., and three months later moved to Philadelphia, but soon after settled in Cold Spring, on the Hudson river, N. Y. In I83o he accompanied his parents to Michigan-Freedom, Washtenaw county, being selected as their home. When in his fifteenth year, he received his parents' consent to go out into the world and satisfy his craving for adventure. Accordingly, he secured a boy's berth on a lake Michigan vessel, on which he spent three seasons. In 1837 he visited the upper Mississippi river country on a steamer conveying supplies to Forts Crawford and Snelling. He next went south to New Orleans and shipped on a'voyage to Cuba. In I840 he was steersman on the Gen. Scott on lake Erie. Back again to New Orleans, he went on the Alabama, conveying recruits to Gen. Taylor, then fighting the Seminoles in Florida. Later he visited Maracaibo, Venezuela, Rio Janeiro, and Montevideo, South America, and the Falkland islands. He made many subsequent voyages until I845, having spent about thirteen years on the water and having many interesting and exciting experiences. In 1847, tireing of that life, he came to Courtland township, Kent county, where he entered I60 acres of unimproved land at the government price of $I.25 per acre. His first habitation was of logs; AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 911 his agricultural implements were of the most primitive make; his household furniture was equally rude; his first meal in his new home was eaten from a board, each end of which rested on an empty barrel. Game was plentiful, and Indians were by no means lacking, and even the subject of this sketch can recall to memory Indians, bears, and deer, that abounded in the woods when he was a child. Grand Rapids, some twenty miles away, was the nearest point for trading, and roads were little better than serpentine ox-team tracks. But Mr. Myers, aided by his children as they grew in years and strength, and by the gradual introduction of improved farming implements, succeeded in developing from the wilderness a first-class farm. In I863 he came to the present farm, which was his father's, and where his father died in I865, aged eightysix years. He has for some years past lived in comfortable retirement. In politics he has always been a democrat. No man has ever been so honored by the Courtland people ag he. From the earliest days his ability and fitness were recognized, and almost regardlessof political views he received the franchises of his townsmen, who repeatedly selected him to fill positions of the greatest responsibility and honor. He sat on the board of supervisors for nineteen years, never quailing at most trying junctures to stand and act for the best interests of all. During the most critical period of our history, national as well as local, the people knew that in him they had a safe representative-one whose action would ever uphold the integrity of the country. Now, in his eightysecond year, having survived almost every one of his associates of earlier days, with mind and body in full possession of their faculties, his fund of reminiscences, touching pioneer life as well as his earlier experience as a seaman, afford a fund of information and-pleasant entertainment to the listener. He is in religion an Episcopalian, and fraternally a member of lodge No. 34, F. & A. M., Grand Rapids. His wife was born in Oxfordshire, England, in I825, and died in Kent county, Mich., February 26, I895, her remains being interred in Courtland cemetery. William H. Myers, Jr., the subject proper of this sketch, like most farmers' lads, was primarily educated in the district school, and the education there received was supplemented by attendance at Swensberg Business college at Grand Rapids. His first business employment was as salesman for C. F. Sears, general merchant at Rockford, with whom he remained five years, since which time his attention has mostly been devoted to farming and stockraising. October 4, I883, he married Miss Della Pierson, a native of Ontario county, N. Y., and this union has resulted in the birth of two children, one of whom, however, has passed away, but Zella, the survivor, is the delight and solace of her parents. Mrs. Myers is a daughter of John and Agnes (Poland) Pierson, of English and Scottish birth respectively, but of whom the former is now deceased; the latter makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Myers. Mr. Myers adheres to democratic principles and cast his first presidential vote for Winfield Scott Hancock in I88o. He has been the delegate of his party to county, district, and state conventions at various times, with no small credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He was elected township treasurer in I897, and is now serving a second term. He is, moreover, a warm friend of the public schools, has been a member of the school board for many years, and is its treasurer. I Fraternally, he is a member of Rockford lodge, No. 246, F. & A. M., and also of the Court of Honor at Rockford. His estate, four and one-half miles from Rockford, com 912 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I^ prises 290 acres of fertile land, in the township of Courtland. No better managed or better improved farm can be found in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Myers stand deservedly high in the esteem of the community, and the general usefulness and public spirit of Mr. Myers has met with universal approbation, his friends not being confined to one party or belief. ON. EDWARD P. NASH, representative in the last legislature from the Third district of Kent county, was born in Livingston county, N. Y., February 27, I846, the third of the six children-four sons and two daughters-that blessed the marriage of Anson and Esther (Deuel) Nash, of whom three, beside the gentleman whose name opens this paragraph, are still living. Anson Nash, was born in Connecticut, of English extraction, and was reared a farmer. From Connecticut he removed to New York, whence he came to Michigan in 1856 and located in Oakland county, but died in the village of Rockford, Kent county, January 25, I884. He located in Grattan, in 1879 on the present home of his son. He had been fairly well educated, and while a resident of New York was a well-known teacher. In politics he was first a whig, but at the birth of the republican party espoused its policy, and was a great admirer of Abraham Lincoln. Although prominent and popular with his fellowcitizens, he never sought the " bubble reputation " as a public man. His wife was a native of Saratoga county, N. Y., and a devout member of the Congregational church. Edward P. Nash was but twelve years of age when he came to Michigan with his parents. He was educated, primarily, in New York, then attended the district schools in Oakland county, Mich., and later the high school at Rochester, and the union school at Utica, Macomb county. He has taught school both in Oakland and Kent counties, although, fundamentally, he is an agriculturist. He remained with his parents until he had reached his majority, and at that time had about $200 with which to begin life on his own account. January 17, 1882, Mr. Nash wedded Miss Maria Purdy, who has borne him three children, viz: Claude L., Earl P. and John E. Mrs. Nash is a daughter of James Lawrence and Charlotte (Randel) Purdy. The former died October 7, I898, on his farm, where he had settled when a young man, over forty years ago. He was born in St. Lawrence county, N. Y., and was brought to Michigan by his parents, Gilbert and Maria (Griffin) Purdy, who settled in Grattan township, Kent county, on the state road. Charlotte Randel was born in Ohio, a daughter of Aden and Elmina (Rennells) Randel. When Charlotte was eight years of age, her father having passed away, her mother was married to William B. Ward, and the family came to Kent county, Mich. Mrs. Charlotte Purdy still resides on the homestead in Grattan township with her son, Charles S. Purdy. Another son, Ira S. Purdy, resides in Otisco, Ionia county. Mrs. Maria Nash was born in Grattan, educated in the Union schools and has ever been one of the popular ladies of the community. When Mr. and Mrs. Nash began their married life, they purchased the Nash homestead, incurring a debt of $2,000, but this debt has been liquidated and the farm so improved that it compares favorably with any other in the township-an example of industry and good management worthy imitation by the rising generation. It comprises I20 acres, located on the state road between Grattan and Belding. Mr. Nash has ever been a republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Ulysses S. 1 AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 918 Grant, and has voted for each republican candidate for the presidency ever since. At various times he has been delegate to republican county, senatorial and district conventions, always having the fullest confidence of his party. The public-school system is warmly endorsed by Mr. Nash, as he has been officially connected with school conduct for twelve or fourteen years. In the fall of I898, he was nominated by the republicans of the third district of Kent county as representative to the legislature. The democratic opposition, in the person of J. E. Goul, chairman of the Kent county board of supervisors, made it an interesting race, but he swept the polls by a majority of 848-a strong evidence of his popularity with the public at large. While in the legislature, he was made a member of the committee on schools for the deaf, through the action of which the law was passed permitting each district in the state, having three or more deaf pupils, to draw $I50 per pupil and to establish a school, and educate the afflicted ones at home. He also served on the committee on agriculture and horticulture, and on the special committee on the Detroit house of correction, and the special committee on considering the extra compensation of employees of the house of representatives. Hon. E. P. Nash is always at his post of duty, is alert at. all times, and the people of north Kent recognize the fact that they have placed the "right man in the right place," and feel that they have made no mistake in the selection. Mr. and Mrs. Nash are members of Grattan grange, No. 170, of which he was master two years, and she has been elected lecturer and to other responsible positions. They have always been liberal with their means toward aiding benevolences worthy of consideration, and are deservedly ranked among the best residents of Grattan township. I AMES R. NEAL, an old resident of Walker township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of Rochester, N. Y., was born January 25, 1834, and is the eldest of the five children that constituted the family of John Demster and Philandia (Messenger) Neal, the other four having been named Flavius; Josephus, who was killed in the Civil war; Lucius J., a resident of Mill Creek, Mich., and John, who died from Civil war injuries. John Demster Neal was also a native of Rochester, N. Y., born in I813, and came to Michigan about 1838. For a short time he lived at Brownsville, Lenawee county, and then near Adrian, in the same county, where he died in I844. His wife was born near Rochester, N. Y., in 1814, and died in Michigan in I86o. James R. Neal was but in his eleventh year when he lost his father, and he then went to live with an uncle, with whom he resided about three years, and then hired out as a farm hand, followed the calling nearly five years, and then found employment in a sawmill for a year or two. In 1852 he came to Walker township, Kent county, continued at farm labor until he had earned sufficient funds to purchase his present farm, and in September, 1862, answered his country's call by enlisting in company B, Sixth Michigan cavalry. On going to the front, he took part in many important battles, among which were those of Gettysburg, Falling Waters, Richmond, Wilderness, Cold Harbor and Front Royal, (being wounded by a musket ball at the lastnamed place), and served with great bravery and credit until his honorable discharge, June 16, 1865, when he returned to his Michigan homestead. July 4, 1859, Mr. Neal married Miss Heroin Stewart, the second child born to John and Samantha (Randall) Stewart, the former 914 9THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS --- of whom was born in Canada July 4, 1817, and the latter in New York state in the same year; they came to Kent county in 1846, and still reside on their homestead in Walker township. Mrs. Neal, however, was born in Hillsdale, Mich., March. 20, 1838, and has, for her brother and sisters, Margaret, wife of Charles Rosegrant, of Ottawa county; Sylvester J., a farmer of Walker township, Kent county, and Celestia, wife of George Hooker, of Grand Rapids. Mr. and Mrs. Neal have an adopted daughter, Lizzie Grace, wife of James Lamoroux, who has two childrenJames Neal and Hazel Louisa. In politics Mr. Neal is a republican and cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont. Fraternally, in former years, he was a Knight Templar, a Chosen Friend and a Granger, but now, being happily retired to private life, takes no part in these societies. In past years, also, he was a member of'the Methodist Episcopal church, and his wife of the Baptist, but now affiliate with neither, although they both lead sincerely christian lives. ARMAN NASH, dealer in farm implements, buggies, harness, etc., is one of the enterprising business men of Lowell, and a gentleman of high standing in the social circles of the town. Like many residents of this part of Michigan, Mr. Nash belongs to the sturdy class of New Yorkers who have stamped their individuality so indelibly upon the institutions of the great west. The father of the subject of this mention was Ira Nash, of New York, who married in that state Judy A. Fero, and by her had six children. Ira Nash was by occupation a mechanic, but later in life followed the pursuit of agriculture for a livelihood. He became a resident of Michigan in I845, locating in the township of Vergennes, where he made his home until in i866, when he became a resident of Lowell, and there resided until his death, in 1887. Harman Nash was born in Steuben county, N. Y., October 24, I835. He was brought to Michigan by his parents when ten years of age and received the greater part of his literary education in the common schools of his adopted state, attending the same quite regularly until early manhood. His first practical experience was obtained on the paternal acres, where he acquired a strong and rugged physical constitution, and he afterward began the battle of life upon his own responsibility as an agriculturist, following that honorable and useful calling with varied success until I865. For a period of one year he was clerk in a drug house with.C. B. Hine..Following this, Mr. Nash became associated with William Boyce in the manufacture of axes and machine fixtures, which business he followed until I879, meeting with flattering success the meanwhile. His partner dying the above year, Mr. Nash continued the business alone, engaging in his present business in the spring of I886, on the same spot of ground occupied by the former factory and shops. From the beginning, Mr. Nash's present business has furnished a series of continued successes, representing a good volume of business. It is needless in this brief review to enumerate the many excellent traits of character possessed by the subject, or mention in detail the superior methods by which his large and constantly increasing success has been attained. His life in Lowell is an open book, known and read by the citizens; suffice it to observe that few citizens of the place possess in as full degree the confidence of the people, or stand higher in their esteem. In politics a democrat of the orthodox AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 915 stamp, Mr. Nash has nevertheless refrained from seeking official positions, preferring to give his entire time and attention to his business enterprise. Notwithstanding his desire to remain a party worker merely, Mr. Nash has been elected a justice of the peace and member of the town board of Lowell, both positions having'been thrust upon him by an appreciative public. He discharged the duties of both offices faithfully and well, and it is not flattery to state that he could have much more important public trusts did he see fit to accept them at the hands of his fellow-citizens. Mr. Nash is a member of F. & A. M. lodge, No. 90, and Hooker chapter, No. 73, at Lowell, and of De Molai commandery, No. 5, at Grand Rapids, and in lodge and chapter has served as secretary alternately for about fifteen years. Mr. Nash's pleasant home in Lowell is presided over by his devoted wife, whose maiden name was Hannah E. Van Deusen. She is the daughter of Alfred Van Deusen, a native of Canada, and was married to Mr. Nash February 6, 1858. HOMAS NANNINGA, who is living in retirement on Burton avenue, just over the line of South Grand Rapids, in Wyoming township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Zandt, Groningen,. Netherlands, January 20, I835. From the age of ten years he has been self-dependent, and at fourteen began to work out for farmers, receiving only about $35 'per year for this work. He served one year in the army, although he was subject to five years of such service. In I858 Mr. Nanninga married Mrs. Anta Ploeg, and in I864 brought his wife and four children to America. HIe located in Chicago, Ill., where he worked as a laborer four years; then, learning the plasterer's trade, he soon be came a contractor, and had just fairly started in this line when the great fire of 1871 occurred. The re-building of the city was to him the road to fortune. He then employed five or six men to aid him in his work, paying them not less than $5 per day, and rapidly advanced to a position of ease and independence. He invested in real estate, improved it, and the general growth of the city enhanced materially the value of his own property. In I880 he came to Grand Rapids and invested in twenty acres of land in the south part of the city, two years later coming here to reside, and to engage in building operations. He has continued to invest in real estate, on which he has erected several houses, and by shrewd management has added to his bank account until he stands to-day a living example of what brains and brawn will accomplish. Mr. Nanninga is a republican in national politics, but in local affairs works for the men best suited to local administration. He is active in everything pertaining to Wyoming township, where he wields a wide influence among the many citizens of his own nationality, and has at different times succeeded in placing a democrat in office, especially when the republican incumbent had failed to carry out his previous promises, or to properly represent the people. The wife of Mr. Nanninga was a widow when he married her and the mother of two children —Tantje Ploeg and Betje Ploeg. Two children have been born to Mr.' and Mrs. Nanninga, named Nancoe and John. They have all been reared as one family by Mrs. Nanninga, and all are settled in life and live in Chicago. Nancoe is employed in the Pullman shops and John is engaged in the fuel business. Mr. Nanninga is a quick-witted, levelheaded gentleman, with warm sensibilities. In referring to the struggles of his boyhood, on one occasion his eyes filled with tears, as they also 916 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS did when speaking of the distress to thousands by the disastrous Chicago fire. In replying to a friend in the old country, who had inquired as to the opportunities offered in the United States for speculation, he said: "'Of every twenty men embarked in speculation in America, two become millionaires, two become reasonably rich, eight commit suicide, and the other eight are in the insane asylum. You will find just as sharp men here as in the old country, and the man who expects to come here and show the Americans how to get rich is liable to get plucked himself." Mr. Nanninga is possessed of keen business foresight, sells when others wants to buy, and never clings to undesirable property with the hope that at some time it will become desirable. His income now is a handsome one, and has been secured through his own efforts. He is thoroughly Americanized, and no man in Wyoming township is held in higher esteem than Thomas Nanninga. OHN FRANK NELSON, a well-known and prosperous farmer of Tyrone township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Sweden, near the city of Svaninsgordon, July I8, I856, the third of the five children born to Nicholas and Louisa (Kjellender) Nelson, and of whom three beside himself are still living, viz: Edward, Matilda and Elizabeth-the former two still in Sweden and the last-named being the wife of Andrew Anderson, of Tyrone township. Nicholas Nelson, the father, came to America about I867 and settled at Croton, Mich., and four years later sent for his wife, his son, John Frank, and two daughters, who set sail from Gottenberg in I871 and joined their father at Croton. The father then brought his family to Tyrone township, Kent county, and here purchased a tract of unimproved land, on which he passed the remainder of his life, dying August I3, I888, a member of the Lutheran church. His wife was born in Kallegorden, Sweden, January 2, I833, and is now residing in Tyrone township near her children. John Frank Nelson was fifteen years of age when he landed in America. He had attended the schools of his native land, and on coming here entered a district school. Until about twenty years of age he assisted his father on the home place, and then began the battle of life for himself, but with no capital save a robust constitution and a determination to conquer, and for ten winters worked in the lumber regions in saw-mills. August I, I886, he married Miss Johanna Christina Rydell, and this marriage has been blessed with three sons and one daughter, of whom one son is deceased, the survivors being Elin Exzilla, the eldest, who is attending school in the seventh grade, John Edwin and Emil Leroy. Mrs. Nelson was born June I9, I86o, and is a daughter of John August and Rebecca (Johnson) Rydell, of Sweden, and of their eleven children, seven are still living, viz: Matilda F. and Gustave, both in Sweden; Ida M., wife of Frank Wegall, a farmer of Muskegon county, Mich.; Emma F., Charles L. and Ernest, in Sweden, and Mrs. Nelson. The father of this family was born in I829, and with his wife is still living in his native land, the latter having been born in November, I838, and both are members of the Lutheran church. When Mr. and Mrs. Nelson settled in Tyrone township in 1892 he owned a farm of thirty acres, and a little log cabin was their first habitation. The land had been cleared of its timber, but the stumps were still standing, so they well know what hard work is. They have added fifteen acres to this tract, AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 917 I and in I897 erected their present handsome dwelling, which is finished in hard wood and heated by air furnaces. The out-buildings are substantial and furnished with every convenience, and this comfortable home is the result of industry and economy, aided by sound judgment in management. In politics Mr. Nelson is a republican, and cast his first presidential vote for R. B. Hayes. He and wife are members of the Lutheran church, to the support of which they are very liberal contributors, and socially they move in the best circles of the township. ARINUS NIELSON, treasurer of Spencer township, Kent county, l Mich., was born in the province of Vensyssel, near the city of Hjoring, about I50 miles northeast of Copenhagen, Denmark, July I8, 1855, and is the fourth in the family of five sons and two daughters born to Niels and Maria (Petersen) Poulsen, of which children five are still living, viz: Christian P., a blacksmith by trade and a farmer by occupation in his native land; Marinus, the subject of this sketch; Eliza, wife of Marinus Janson, also a farmer of Denmark; Stine, wife of Christian Christensen, a merchant; and Sineus, a mason, both still in the old country. Niels, the father, was born in I821, and his wife in 1817; both are members of the Lutheran church, and February I6, 1899, celebrated their golden wedding in Vensyssel province, where they still reside. When seventeen years old, Marinus Nielson had decided to make America his home, and in the spring of 1873 bade farewell to his parents and steamed out of the city of Copenhagen for New York via Hamburg and England, and after a voyage of twenty days' dura tion arrived safely in port. From New York he at once made his way to Racine, Wis., and thence, shortly afterward, came to Grand Rapids. He was willing to do any kind of work as a laborer, on streets or railroads, but found employment as a lumberman, at which he adhered for over ten years, the greater part of the time as lumber inspector, an important postion. In I885 Mr. Nielson came to Spencer township and for two years or over was employed as a lumber inspector, in the mills at Bass Lake. In 1887 he secured 227 acres, from which the timber had been cleared off, but otherwise it was unimproved. This land he sold at different times, retaining eighty acres only for a homestead. This tract he has thoroughly improved, and it now gives every indication of thrift, the result of his industry, although he had but little capital when he made his purchase, and had to go in debt for a considerable portion of it, but his industry has made it one of the best farms of its dimensions in the township, and Mr. Nielson is clear of debt, a fact that gives evidence of his indefatigability. Mr. Nielson married, May 9, 1877, Miss Jorgine Jensen, who was born October 28, I852, near the city of Hjoring, Denmark, was educated and confirmed in her native land, and was about twenty-one years of age when she came to America. To this happy marriage have been born nine children, viz: Paul Walter, who assists his father 'on the homestead; Marie, Ann, Victor, Louise, Robert, Sineus, Oscar Sophus and Harvey. In politics Mr. Nielson is a democrat and has served as director of the public schools for six years; in 1893 he was elected towhship treasurer, and was again elected in 1899. He is highly esteemed as a gentleman of integrity and honor, and he and family are devout members of the Lutheran church in Montcalm 918 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS township, Montcalm county, Mich., one mile from their residence. They are in favor of the best schools and the best teachers that can be had, and are classed among the most progressive residents of Spencer township. AMES NEWLAND, a well-known farmer and fruit grower of Spencer township, Kent county, Mich., and an ex-soldier of the Civil war, was born in Cattaraugus county, N. Y., March 23, I842, and the eldest of a family of six sons and two daughters born to Daniel and Aurilla (Cooper) Newland. These children are now living in Spencer township, with the exception of subject's twin brother, Andrew, a car penter and joiner by trade and who resides at Grand Rapids, Minn. Daniel Newland, the father, was born in Ireland in 1822; when fifteen years of age he embarked on a sailing vessel at Liverpool, England, and after a voyage of six weeks arrived in New York. He worked in the neighborhood of the city for some time, and thence went to Quebec, Canada, where he resided for a few years, then returned to New York state and worked on the Erie canal at Troy. He was married in Cattaraugus county, and in I874 brought his family to Michigan, located in Spencer township, Kent county, and here died in 1877, a devout Catholic. He was a democrat in his political faith, and was always a hard-working, honest, man, respected by all who knew him. His widow, now seventyeight years of age, lives with her son Thomas in Spencer township, and is still in good health and the full enjoyment of her mental faculties. James Newland remained in his native state until twenty-three years of age. He has worked at farming and lumbering all his life, and has spent seventeen winters in the lumber regions of Montcalm and Kent counties, Mich. Mr. Newland enlisted at Hinsdale, Cattaraugus county, N. Y., August. 7, I864, in company H, Fifteenth New York engineers, under Capt. Andrew Manger, and his regiment was assigned to the army of the Potomac, being sent at once to City Point, within seven miles of Petersburg, Va., for instruction in drill. He was next engaged in erecting fortifications two miles above City Point to protect the hospitals and the base of supplies located at this place. The regiment was then sent to the front of Petersburg, to take a place in a division of the army made vacant by the calling of the troops to another point, and were for a long time under continuous fire from the enemy's heavy artillery. The regiment was next sent back to a place just above City Point to erect pontoon bridges behind the breastworks, to throw across the Appomattox river. It was next sent to Bermuda Hundred, to fill vacancies and erect breastworks, and while there was under fire from the Rebel sharp-shooters. While thus employed, Mr. Newland and a comrade, Franklin Graham, were sitting one day on the logs at the top of the fortifications, when the sharp-shooters got their range, possibly a mile away, and a minie ball from the enemy struck just between Mr. Newland and his comrade, and they quickly decided to withdraw from so conspicuous a point. They were soon sent to the left of Petersburg, to take positions at Yellow Tavern and Port Davis, where an engagement with the Rebels was expected to take place. The order was given to prepare for action, guns were loaded and bayonets fixed and the men ordered to the breastworks and into line; the colonel gave the order: ' Men, wait until you see the third button on the uniform ere you fire." The boys lay in readiness for four hours, but with AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 919 out the sight of a Rebel. They were then ordered back thirty rods, to prepare a breakfast of coffee, hardtack and fat bacon. Although the Confederate infantry did not put in an appearance, a constant cannonading was kept up. They were then ordered to lay a pontoon bridge over the Appomattox river for Sheridan's cavalry, after which they were placed on reserve picket duty on the Weldon railroad, where they remained until March 29, I865. Mr. Newland was oh picket duty at midnight when the bombardment of Petersburg and Richmond was opened, and he will never forget the booming sound of the cannon that then greeted his ear. The regiment then joined the main army near Amelia C. H. On Sunday, April 5, I865, at Apporattox, when all were in line and the roll had been repeatedly called, the orderly came up and read the joyful news that the Rebel chief, Robert E. Lee, had surrendered his entire force to Gen. U. S. Grant. The forces were then all ordered to Washington, D. C., to participate in the grand review, and were then mustered out of the service. He had performed his duty to his country bravely and faithfully, and had never been reprimanded by a superior. He first returned to his New York home, then in August, I865, came to Michigan, and worked in a saw-mill in Montcalm county until I869, when he became a resident of Spencer township. On July 4, I867, Mr. Newland was united in marriage with Miss Almira Graham, and this union has been graced with three sons, viz: Walter J., who married Miss Clara Eskeldsen, and has two children-Mina and Jimmie; Edwin D. married Miss Alma Call, and has one child —Gladys-and is also a farmer of Spencer township; Benjamin F. is still with his father. Mr. and Mrs. Newland have given their children good common-school edu their parents. Mrs. Almira Newland was born in Cattaraugus county, N. Y., March 9, I845, and is a daughter of Frederick and Christina (Pifer) Graham. She was educated in the common schools and was a young lady of nineteen years when she came to Kent county, Mich., and she has, indeed, proven to be a valuable helpmate to her husband. Mr. Newland purchased his present farm of eighty acres in I88I, and erected his pleasant home dwelling with his own hands. When they began their married life, Mr. and Mrs. Newland had no capital save industry and.willing dispositions, but they now have a fine eighty-acre farm in a first-class state of cultivation. Plum, peach, and apple orchards are important features of this business. In politics Mr. Newland is non-partisan, and votes only for the best men, and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He was elected a justice of the peace in 1897 and still fills the office, was school treasurer for three years, and both he and wife advocate the employment of the best school-teachers for their district. She is a member of the Baptist church at Spencer Mills, and of the Ladies' Aid society. He is a member of Carleton post, No. 327, G. A. R., and is the present senior vice-commander. The family stand very high in the esteem of the community, and so live as to be fully deserving of this standing.. EV. JOHN A. NORLIN, pastor of the 9 Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church in Sparta township, Kent county, Mich.-the oldest church of the denomination in the state-is a native of the province of Vestergotland, Sweden, and was born December I I 1856, about eight Swedish miles from the city of Gottenburg, and is the cations, and these children are an honor to I third in a family of ten children-eight sons 48 9'20 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS and two daughters-of whom four sons and two daughters are still living. The parents, Peter and Anna (Johnson) Norlin, were born in the same province in 1825 and 1829, respectively, and are now residents of Sparta, Mich. Of their surviving sons, Frank is assistant to the general ticket agent of the Chicage Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad at Chicago; Charles is, and has been for several years, foreman of an extensive lumber-mill at Meridian, Miss; John, a fine mechanic, is engaged in railroading and is a resident of St. Paul, Minn., and of the Rev. John A. further mention will be made later on. Both parents are also devout members of the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church. Rev. John A. Norlin was primarily educated in the public schools of his native land, came to America in I870, went direct to St. Paul,Minn.,and in I874 entered the Augustana Swedish Evangelical college and Theological seminary at Paxton, Ill., but on account of illness, remained there one year only. In 1875 the college was transferred to Rock Island, Ill., when Mr. Norlin re-entered the institution and remained two years, but was again compelled to relinquish his studies for a time. When he resumed them, he took a select course in the college, graduated from the semniary in 1886, was ordained in July of the same year at Minneapolis, and was at once appointed to the charge of the congregation in Sparta township, Kent county, Mich., over which he presided four years, and then received a call to Campello, Plymouth county, Mass., twenty miles from Boston. While officiating there for the five years from I890 until I895, he organized a new church society, erected a church edifice at North Easton; and another at Brockton, and performed much other good and faithful church work. While thus successfully advancing the cause of the church in Massachusetts, Rev. Norlin was not forgotten by his earlier congregation at Sparta, Mich., who had approvingly maintained a watch over his career, and accordingly sent him a unanimous call to return, which call he accepted and resumed charge of his old parishioners in July, I895, and here he still is, enjoying the love and esteem of all. The congregation numbers 200 communicants,the Sunday school has about the same number of attendants, is one of the largest and most flourishing in the county, and is under the excellent superintendency of A. H. Saur, the general merchant of Kent City. From I868 to I890, Rev. Mr. Norlin had charge of the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church at Grand Rapids, and during this period preached two sermons each Sabbath-one in the morning in the parish proper, and one at Grand Rapids in the afternoon, riding a distance of nineteen miles each Sunday, and during all this time missed but one service. Rev. John A. Norlin was joined in matrimony December Ii, I890, with Miss Huldah Victoria Wennerstrom, and four children have blessed this union-Edith, Esther, Ruth and Carl. Mrs. Norlin was born, reared and educated in Grand Rapids, is a lady of many accomplishments, and was organist at the Grand Rapids Swedish Lutheran church when Rev. Norlin was in charge. When Rev. Norlin's health failed in I88I, he made a trip across the ocean, starting in May, for recuperative purposes as well as for pleasure. He visited his native and several other provinces in Sweden, the island of Gotland and the city of Stockholm-the Paris of the Scandanavian peninsula —and was much improved in health. Mr. Norlin has a splendid library of over 400 volumes of standard works on theology, science, philosophy, history and belles lettres, the perusal of which makes the ripe scholar. He is, indeed, an up-to-date divine, and a I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE, 921 spirit of love, harmony and charity pervades the whole parish, and he. and wife enjoy the unfeigned affection of the entire community. OHN H. NORTON.-For almost four decades has John H. Norton been a representative agriculturist, and a prominent and well-respected citizen of Kent county, Mich. The aforesaid' is a native of Roscommon county, Ireland, having been born in June, I832, and is a son of John and Anna Maria Norton. He was one of a family of six children, two of whom are residents of Oakfield township, viz: Mr. Norton, of this sketch, and his brother, Edward. A sister, Kate, is the wife of John Kinney, a prosperous agriculturist, who resides in Newaygo county. John Norton, Sr., the father of the subject, was by calling a farmer, and lived and died in his native Ireland. The mother was also born in Ireland and departed this life in Grattan township, Kent county, Mich., in the year 1872. In 1852 John H. Norton came to America, having embarked at Dublin for Liverpool, thence across the Atlantic, landing at New York city. From the last named place, he came to the city of Baltimore, where he spent four years as a teamster, thence removing to Grand Rapids, Mich., which was then a small trading post, and that same year, r856, came to Oakfield township. He began his career in Michigan with a capital of $2, and soon after, with a small capital which he had accumulated by hiring out to work for $I6 per month, at pioneer farm labor, purchased forty acres of government land, paying $i.25 per acre. Mr. Norton was united in marriage at Smyrna, to Miss Delia Tully, a native of Ireland, and began married life on his little farm of forty acres. Mrs. Norton received such an education as could be acquired from the advantages of the common schools, and has proven herself deserving of some commendation as a faithful companion to her husband in his life's work. Mr. Norton in his chosen occupation has been very successful, having, by his unflagging industry and perseverance, added to his original estate until now he is the owner of a fine farm of 200 acres, 12o being in cultivation. His tinme has been exclusively devoted to improving his farm, which was covered with heavy timber. He cut the first stick on the place, and the original log house is still standing. Politically, he casts his vote, regardless of party, for the candidate whom he deems most efficient and fitted for the office. Mr. and Mrs. Norton are devout members of the St. Mlargaret church, at Harvard, he having been identified for over forty years with St. Patrick's parish, in Grattan township, and has been a liberal contributor to that institution. ARON NORTON. —Favorable opportunities in men's lives arise, which, if taken advantage of, will take them far along the road toward the consummation of their ideals, and, too, there are those who have a strange intuition of that time and avail themselves of it. But never does this mysterious aid come to those without ambition and fixed purpose. Determined effort invites success. Included in the circle of men who have fought the battle of life successfully is Aaron Norton, a citizen, miller and official of Grattan township, Kent county, Mich. Mr. Norton is a native of Franklin county, Vt., and was born November I5, I836, the only child of Joseph and Experience (Norton) Norton. His father 922 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS was a native of Vermont, and the greater part of his life was devoted to agricultural pursuits. In the year 1854 he emigrated to Ohio, settling in Ashtabula county, where he died. The mother was also a native of Vermont and died in Clinton county, Mich., at the age of fiftysix years. In Vermont Aaron Norton was reared and learned how to operate a farm; he also received a limited education there, and at the early age of eleven years was introduced to hard work, his first wages being $6 per month. When sixteen years of age he went to Ohio and learned the trade of a carpenter. In that state, also, he worked as head-sawyer in a mill at $20 per month. At nineteen years of age he went to Black River Falls and the LaCrosse country of Wisconsin, where for two years he was engaged as a carpenter; thence he went to Erie county, Pa., where in 1859 he was united in marriage to Miss Eunice E. DuBois, a native of Vermont. To this union were born four children, three of whom are living, viz: Lincoln O., an agriculturist of Hecla, Brown county, S. Dak.; Guy C., who was educated in a business college at Grand Rapids and is now a miller of Alton, Vergennes township, Kent county, Mich., and J. D., also engaged in the milling occupation, but residing with his father in Grattan. At his country's call Mr. Norton enlisted at Jamestown, N. Y., in the Seventh company, New York sharpshooters, in September, 1862. There were three companies combined and called the First battalion of New York sharpshooters, which was soon after sent to Suffolk, Va., where it was besieged for twentytwo.days by Gen. Longstreet. Mr. Norton took part in the battles of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Spottsylvania and other of the battles of Grant's famous campaign. IDuring his career in the army he was stricken with typhoid fever, causing eight weeks' confinement in the hospital. He was likewise in the hospital at Washington, D. C., from a wound in the foot, when the news of Gen. Lee's surrender came to him. He received his discharge on June I8, I865, after a service of two years and ten months. After the war Mr. Norton came to Spencer township, Kent county, Mich., and bought an eighty-acre farm in section No. 7, and afterward a same-sized farm in section No. 8, to which he subsequently added forty acres. Until 1878 he was a resident of this township, passing his life as a lumberman, farmer and carpenter. During his residence in the above township he was elected to the office of township clerk for a term of five years and collector of taxes for one year. At the last-named date, or the termination of his residence in Spencer township, he traded his farm of I6o acres for the milling plant at Grattan. On May 27, I891, Mr. Norton was united in marriage to Miss Emma E. Stanton, and one little daughter, Ruth L., has blessed this union. Mrs. Norton was born in Tioga county; N. Y., December 5, 1853, and is a daughter of Charles C. and Catherine (Johnson) Stant'on, the parents of four sons and a daughter, three of the sons being residents of Kent county and the fourth, Roy, resides in Burlington, Pa. Mrs. Norton took a high-school course at Cedar Springs and taught in the county for two years. Mr. Norton's repute as a business man and also one of integrity is well established. In his political views he is a democrat, but cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. In the spring of 1879 he was elected supervisor of Grattan township, and was successively elected for the next five years. He was appointed justice of the peace, and after an interim was reappointed, and is now serving his second.term. Mr. Norton has also served his people as an official on the school board. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 923 He is now township clerk, having been elected in 1898, and is also a notary public, in which capacity he has served for some twelve years, the first to appoint him being Gov. Alger. Fraternally, Mr. Norton is a member and treasurer of Grattan lodge, No. 196, F. & A. M., of which for five years he was worshipful master, and for the same length of time secretary. Both he and wife are members of Venus chapter, Order of the Eastern Star,of which he at present is marshal, and has served as treasurer. Mrs. Norton is a devout member of the Methodist church at Grattan and a teacher in the Sunday-school.! [ERNARD MICHAEL O'BRIEN, a native-born farmer of Walker township, Kent county, Mich., and living on section No. 32, was born on this farm June 15,, I854, and is a son of Stephen and Jane (Payton) O'Brien, the former of whom was a native of county Lowth, Ireland. Stephen O'Brien came to the -United States in 1835, accompanied by his brother Bernard, spent one year in New York, then came to Michigan and lived one year at St. Joseph, and in 1837 located on eighty acres of land in sections 28, 29 and 32, in Walker township. For some years the brothers worked together as partners, or until Stephen married. Meantime the parents, Patrick and Elizabeth O'Brien, came from Ireland to Michigan, but the mother died soon after arrival, aged seventy-eight; the father improved one of the tracts mentioned, and cultivated it until his death. He passed the latter years of his life with his son, but looked after his own farm. He was a well preserved man and often walked to the city, even when a team stood ready to convey him. He was in his ninety-first year at the time of his death. His family consisted of six children, viz: Mary, married to Richard Carroll, of Ottawa county; Stephen; Bernard; Ann, married to Thomas Kinney; Bridget, married to Anthony Rusche, of Grand Rapids; Elizabeth, married to David Pettit, of Cascade township; and Patrick, who owned a fine farm in Ottawa county, and died at seventy-six. All the above are now deceased, but the widow of Bernard is now a resident of Grand Rapids. Stephen O'Brien married Jane Payton in February, 1845. She was born in county Roscommon, Ireland, and came to America a young woman; four years prior to marriage she came from Canada to Grand Rapids with the Williams family, by whom she was employed as a domestic. Mr. O'Brien had a farm of 240 acres, which was heavily timbered with oak, beech, maple and black walnut, yet he succeeded in having it all cleared and devoted it to general farming. But he lost his all in 1873, including his farm. He lost his wife March 19, 1879, and his own death took place April 13, 1894. There were born to his marriage thirteen children, of whom six only reached maturity, viz: Mary Jane, wife of C. G. Pulcher, of No. 78 Clinton street, Grand Rapids; Theresa, wife of P. V. Mehen, telegraph operator, and residing at No. 94 Charles street, same city; Bernard M., the subject of this sketch; Andrew, on the grandfather's old place, on which the first improvements were made; Patrick H. and Thomas F., of the firm of O'Brien Bros., funeral directors in Grand Rapids. Bernard M. O'Brien attended the Grand Rapids high school, and after 1873, when the farm was lost, he and his brother Andrew succeeded in buying part of it back, later added 120 acres, and finally all the old farm became theirs, with forty acres besides. They continued as partners for six years, raised large 924 THIE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS crops of wheat and were quite successful. On dissolving, Bernard secured the 240 acres that constituted the old farm. Beside conducting general farming, he has forty-five acres of peach trees, numbering 8,ooo, and in I898 sold 7,000 bushels of that fruit; he has, beside, five acres in cherries, four in pears, four in apples and four in plums, all fine varieties. Another feature of his business is the production of milk for the wholesale trade. In I895 his dwelling on which he had just expended $1,000 in remodeling, was destroyed by fire. This he has replaced with a modern house, costing upwards of $2,000. Mr. O'Brien is a member of the Grand Rapids Fruit Growers' association, and as a democrat he has filled the offices of township treasurer and highway commissioner. He is often found in the party's conventions and takes an active interest in the success of the party at the polls. June 30, I885, Mr. O'Brien married Miss Bessie Dalton, daughter of Peter Dalton, of Muskegon county, Mich.. and this marriage has been blessed with nine children, viz: Margaret E., C. Bernardine, Elizabeth G., Joseph (died an infant), Mary Louise, James Dalton, Josephine, Anna Jeannette and John Clancy. The family are devout members of St. James Catholic church in Grand Rapids,,to the support of which the parents are most liberal contributors. James Dalton, grandfather of Mtrs. O'Brien, was born in county Roscommon, Ireland, and in 1834 settled at St. Joseph, Mich., and soon after built a saw-mill at the mouth of Sand creek on Grand river, which was one of the first in that region of the country, and here he did a very extensive business, cutting off a large tract of pine land. He subsequently removed to Chicago, Ill., and established a lumber yard, but his sons continued the lumbering and mill business Bt various points in Michigan and supplied the Chicago yard with their output. Peter Dalton conducted a saw-mill on White lake at the time the greatest business in this line was being done at that point. He was widely known as a lumberman, and followed the calling until his death, which occurred in I876, when he was but forty-six years of age. He married Miss Maria Lanford, who lived at White River, and dield in 1872. Their daughter was reared at Montague, and educated in the district schools and the State university, and taught school up to the date of her marriage. The only survivor of the Dalton family is Miss Catherine Dalton, who always remained with her father till his death, and later with Peter, whose wife died early. She is at present making her home with relatives in Grand Rapids and at Montague, Muskegon county. Mr. O'Brien is classed among the wideawake and progressive men of Walker township, and no family in the neighborhood is held in higher esteem than his. DW\ARD W. PAINE, ex-patriot of the Civil war and one of the most respected citizens of Algona township, Kent county, Mich., was born in South Hadley, Mass., October 23, 1839, and is remotely of Scotch descent. He is the second of a family of six children (all boys) born to Daniel and Sophronia (Warner) Paine, and of these six there are four still living, viz: Edward W., of this sketch; Anson, a merchant of Rosemond, Ill.; Elijah C., an extensive fruit-grower, also of Rosermond, and Cornelius D., who resides in Oak Park, Ill., but who has his real estate office in Chicago. Stephen Paine, who came from Norfolk, England, in 1638, to Hingham, Plymouth AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 925 I colony, in the Diligentia, he died in I679. He was the founder of the Rehoboth branch of the family in America. His son was Samuel, who settled in Woodstock, Conn., in 1708, and died in I735. Capt. Daniel was next in order, and his son, Daniel, born in I736, at Mailborn, Mass., died in I777. Daniel, born at West Woodstock, in 1766, married Mary Chandler, and died in 1830. Capt. Daniel, father of Edward W. Paine, was his son. At seventeen years of age he served as a substitute for an uncle at New London at the time it was threatened by the British in I814. He was largely self-educated, but attained distinction as an accurate mathematician, being remembered by his pupils as a profound reasoneron all abstruse subjects. After marriage he resided largely at South Hadley, where he filled many important offices, as selectman, justice of the peace, captain of militia; etc. He had a hopeful, good nature, his life being full of sunshine and joy. He had a strong, uncompromising will, and took a position in opposition to slavery. Many times he helped negroes to escape to Canada. Capt. Daniel Paine was born in Woodstock, Conn., July 17, I797. He started out at twenty-one with but a few shillings, but with determination to become a teacher. He was a man of considerable culture, and for a number of years was an educator in his native state and in Massachusetts. He assisted in laying the foundation of the Amherst college building, in which he later was a teacher. He was a captain of the Connecticut militia when a young man, and was present at New London. during the war in I814. He was a gentleman of the old school, cool in judgment, strong in will, and of the utmost candor. He lived in South Hadley, Mass., until fifty years old, when he removed to Amherst, and thence, in I86o, to Illinois. In politics he was a whig until that party was disrupted, and, being a pronounced abolitionist, he naturally drifted into the republican ranks when that party took tangible shape and form. Twice he represented his district in the Massachusetts state legislature. He was a member of the Congregational church at Rosemond, III., and died in that faith December 20, 1882. Mrs. Sophronia Paine was born in Amherst, Mass., December 4, I8io, was a school-teacher before marrriage, and died in Illinois, January2, I870. Daniel Paine, paternal grandfather of subject, was born in Woodstock, Conn., in 1766, and married Miss Mary Chandler. He was a relative of Gen. Paine, the Revolutionary hero, was a member of the historic minute men, and died August 21, 1830. Edward W. Paine, the subject of this memoir, passed his life in Massachusetts until he reached his majority, receiving, in the meanwhile, a solid common-school education. In I86o he accompanied his parents to Illinois; they passed the first year at Pana, Christian county, and the next year purchased eighty acres of land in Rosemond township, same county. July 24, '1862, he enlisted at Taylorville, Christian county, in company A, One Hundred and Fifteenth Illinois volunteer infantry, and after rendezvousing at Camp Butler, the regiment was assigned to the army of the Cumberland. It was ordered, first, to Richmond, Ky., via Cincinnati, Ohio, and Covington, Ky., and the following spring entered upon the Tennessee campaign, in which the rebel general, Van Dorn, was driven to within sight of Columbia, in that state. Mr. Paine also took part in the severe battles of Franklin, Triune and Shelbyville, and was later severely wounded in each leg on Snodgrass Hill, during the battle of Chickamauga. These wounds, the first received while charging a battery, the second but a few minutes later, disabled him for life, and he was honorably discharged June 7, 1864. On his return to Illi 926 T'IlE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS nois he engaged in buying grain at Pana, Assumption, and other points, for Henry B. Childs, and later took a course of instruction in Bryant & Stratton's Business college in Chicago. In the spring of I866 Mr. Paine came to Kent county, Mich., as a partner of H. B. Childs. They built the paper-mill. He had charge of the books and remained a partner till the first mill was burned, and a second erected in 1870. From that time until I878 he was farming and engaged in the lumber trade at Rosemond, Ill. He then returned to Michigan, as bookkeeper for H. B. Childs & Son for fifteen years, meantime securing his farm, to which for the past six years he has devoted his entire attention. Here he married, July 24, I866, Miss Adaline S. Childs, daughter of Henry B. Childs, whose biography appears on another page of this volume. This marriage has been blessed with three children, viz: Frank M., who was educated in the State Agricultural college, married Miss Eleanor Rutter, a native of England, and is now a florist at Traverse City; Guy L., who graduated from the Rockford high school in 189r, and now assists his father in farming and fruit culture; and Edith C., who also graduated from the same institution, in 1895, and is now the wife of George A. Dockeray, of Rockford. In politics Mr. Paine is a sound-money republican and cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in I860. He is a stanch friend of the public schools and believes that the education of the masses is the salvation of the nation. Fraternally, he is a member of Webber post, G. A. R., at Rockford, and he and wife are consistent members of the Congregational church. Mr. Paine operates eighty acres of fine land adjoining the village of Rockford, which he chiefly devotes to the cultivation of fruit. He became interested in this industry in 1883, and now has 6,ooo trees, all bearing. Among his peaches may be found the Triumph, St. John, Early Crawford, Early Michigan, and Alberta; among 950 plum trees, all bearing, may be found the Lombard, Reine, Claude, and Guil and Bradshaw; he also has 750 pear trees, of the varieties Bartlett, Anjou, and Kiefer. Mr. and Mrs. Paine are highly respected by their neighbors, and they are kindly, upright, hospitable and useful members of the community, well deserving of the esteem in which they are so universally held. I jERIAH G. PARKS, the "pioneer of pioneers " of Spencer township, Kent ljJ county, Mich., was born in Steuben county, N. Y., August 28, 1826, and is the elder of the two children a son and a daughter-that resulted to the union of Robert and Mary (Ogden) Parks, the daughter being now the widow of Wheaton L. Hewitt, of Rockford, Mich. Robert Parks, father of our subject, was a native of Vermont, but was a child when taken from his native state to New York by his parents. His father was a hero of the Revolutionary war, taking part in many battles, and several times had the honor of seeing George Washington. Robert was reared a farmer and died in New York state before the recollection of Beriah, and his wife, a native of the Empire state, married again, and died in Kent county, Mich., where her latter years were passed, at the age of seventy-three years, in the faith of the Baptist church. Beriah G. Parks was about six years of age when his parents removed to Livingston county, N. Y., where he was reared to farming. He was but twelve years of age when he began the battle of life on his own account, and his first wages were but $5 per month, AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 927 but received, however, twenty-five cents only from his first month's earnings, as his employer absconded. He later worked in a halfbushel factory, and at the age of twenty-one years had the misfortune to lose, with a circular saw, the greater portion of his right hand, the result being, what little cash he had saved was expended in its treatment. It was to him a disheartening state of affairs, as he was poor; but he possessed a strong will, and bravely set to. work to recover lost ground, as soon as his wound had healed. July 4, 1848, Mr. Parks wedded Miss Mary A. Skutt, and two sons and two daughters have resulted from this marriage, of whom further mention will be made. Mr. and Mrs. Parks came to Michigan and located in Jackson county in the fall of I848, being then $50 in debt. Mr. Parks, with his crippled hand to hinder him, began work at a compensation of $9. 50 per month-the hardest summer's work he had ever done. Afterward, he found more remunerative employment, paid off his indebtedness of $50, and for eight years worked in Jackson county, splitting rails, grubbing stumps, and doing as much labor as any other man could do, having designed a plan for strapping his crippled hand to the cradle when called upon to assist in mowing. At one time he saw a chance of getting a start for the better by purchasing a yoke of oxen for $80-a bargain-but he possessed $60 only. At the exorbitant rate of 20 per cent interest, he succeeded in borrowing $20 from a certain Judge Crouch, purchased the oxen, and finally disposed of them for $Ioo, and paid off the borrowed money. In 1856, Mr. Parks came to Spencertownship (then known as North Oakfield), Kent county, and entered I20 acres of land, all heavily timbered, with beech and maple, at $1.25 per acre, but he had $Ioo only of his own, and borrowed the balance; in 1858 Mr. and Mrs. Parks took up their permanent residence on this place, their cabin being of logs. Indians were numerous in the vicinity, deer abounded, and the farm was indeed in a wilderness. There was not a school, nor a church, in the township, and settlers six and ten miles away were regarded as neighbors. Mr. Parks, however, aided by his faithful wife, soon made the place habitable, and indeed, comfortable and pleasant, and ere his sons were old enough to be of any material assistance, had cleared up eighty acres. In the meanwhile he worked out occasionally, taking jobs cutting trees, making crossways and such other work as he could get in order to pay for a team and other necessities. His nearest market and mill were at Rockford, then known as Lappenville, and there he had his milling done. Of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Parks, two have passed away, and of the survivors, a sketch of the eldest, Mrs. John Plumb, is given on another page of this work. The second child, Elton H., was born November 14, 1863, was married in July, I885, to Miss Carrie E. Pangborn, of Berrien county, Mich., is the father of two children-Lloyd E. and Lola M.,-and now operates the old homestead. Mrs. Carrie E. Parks was born March I2, 1863, graduated from the high school at Cedar Springs, and was a successful teacher in Kent and Newaygo counties for severalyears. She is a member of the Ladies' Aid society, and is an intellectual and accomplished lady. Mr. Parks is a member of the Evans tent, Knights of the Maccabees; is a democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for Cleveland. Mr. Parks, the subject of this sketch, now owns 260 acres of land in a body, and the homestead is one of the best in the neighborhood, and here, after fifty-one years of married life, he and his amiable wife are passing 928 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I their declining years in peace and contentment. Mr. Parks has always held the confidence and esteem of his neighbors. He has ever been an ardent democrat, and for eleven years was the treasurer of Spencer township, and for several years was highway commissioner, and for a long time has been connected with the public schools. Mrs. Parks is a member of the Congregational church and of the Ladies' Aid society, and no family in Spencer township holds a higher place in the esteem of the public than that of Beriah G. Parks. ETH C. PARTRIDGE. - Prominent among the agriculturists of Kent county, and a well known citizen of Grattan township for almost twenty years, is Seth C. Partridge, a resident of White Swan, Oakfield township, and a native of Fulton county, N. Y., born August I9, 1854. He is the eldest of three children born to Arnold and Lillis (Cook) Partridge, all of whom are living, viz: Herbert, now engaged in agriculture near Saratoga Springs, N. Y.; Abbie, the wife of Herbert Scott, residing in Minneapolis, Minn.; and Seth C. Arnold Partridge was born in Saratoga county, N. Y., February 22, 1830. His education, only elementary, was obtained in the common schools of his native county. A harness-maker by trade, he was also engaged in agriculture and spent his life in the lastnamed state, where he died on the 6th of March, 1874. In his political views he was a democrat, as were seven out of the eight brothers in the family. He was very stanch in his political belief and took an active part in the affairs of his county and township. Socially he was a Freemason. The mother of S. C. Partridge was also from Saratoga county, N. Y., datingher nativity, July, I833. She was associated with the Episcopal church and died there on October 8, I895. The early life of Seth C. Partridge was spent on the farm of his father, where he untilhis majority was engaged in assisting on the farm. On August 24, 1875, Mr. Partridge married Miss EmmaE. Williams in Hope, Hamilton county, N. Y., and three sons and two daughters have been born to this union, viz: Burton A., who, having completed the course in the common schools, is now a student of the Ferris institute at Big Rapids, Mich.; Ward I., Georgia A., Clyde S., and Alta L. Mrs. Partridge was born August 3r, 1854, and is one of the two children of Isaac and Susan (Brundige) Williams. Her brother, Charles A. Williams, is an agriculturist residing on the old homestead in Hamilton county, N. Y. Her father was born on May 30, 1823, and died at Hope, N. Y., June i6, I899. He was a lumberman in the Adirondack mountains and there laid the foundation of his wealth, being very successful throughout life. Her mother, a very devoted Baptist, was also a native of Hamilton county, and was born August 7, I833, and departed this life on March 22. 1891. Mr. Partridge spent the first five years of his married life in New York state, coming to Grattan, Mich., in the year I880. Here Mr. Partridge worked out as farm hand,and in I884 rented the Nelson Holmes estate, this being one of the best farms in that vicinity. During the year 898 he raised 0, 000 bushels of corn, wheat, potatoes and beans. In the spring of 1899 he purchased the well-known Neil Stuart farm, comprising 170 acres, lying on the west side of Wabasis lake. The success of Mr. Partridge-for he is acknowledged successful by all-is only attributed to his unflagging industry and perseverance, his economy and business principles. His future is bright, for P AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 929 his land is the best, adapted to the culture of all fruits, vegetables and grains. His improvements are modern and good and the location is one of the busiest centers of North Kent. Seth C. Partridge has always adhered to democratic principles, having cast his presidential vote for Hon. Samuel J. Tilden, the democratic candidate in 1876. Socially, he is a member of Grattan lodge, No. 171, F. & A. M. S. PARKS, the popular and efficient agent of the C. & W. M. Railroad company, and postmaster at Kent City, Tyrone township, Kent county, Mich., as well as editor of the Kent City Times, was born in Madison county, Ind., September 7, 1854, the fifth of the seven children-three sons and four daughtersborn to Daniel S. and Elizabeth (Cahill) Parks. Of these children, three are still living -Oliver C., being city editor of the Republican, of Ironwood, Mich.; Benjamin is residing with his parents in Eau Claire, Wis., and the subject is the third of the survivors. Daniel S. Parks, father of subject, was born on the banks of the Juniata river, in Huntindgon county, Pa., March i8, I818, and is still hale and hearty at the age of eightyone years. He is liberally educated, has been a school-teacher, and always prominent in every community in which he has lived. In 1839 he located in Anderson, Ind., and for some time was there engaged in mercantile pursuits, later became a farmer, and was invariably successful in his undertakings. In politics he was first a whig, but naturally dropped into the ranks of the republican party when the one was merged into the other. In 1873 he removed with his family to Eau Claire, Wis., and with his wife, who was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, in 1826, is passing his declining years in ease, honored by all who know him. C. S. Parks, whose name opens this memoir, lived in his native state until 1873, received the usual preparatory education in the common schools, and in 1869 graduated from the Simpson academy at Chariton, Iowa. He then visited Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado, remaiend at the west three years, then passed a year at Eau Clair, Wis., and then came to Michigan, with the intention of entering the university at Ann Arbor, but changed his mind and became a traveling salesman for the wellknown piano manufacturing firm of Holmes & Thayer for one year. In I883 he became bookkeeper for Sands & Maxwell, at Eden, Mich., but shortly afterward lost his right arm by accident —which, of course, ended his career as a book-keeper. After recovering from this accident he started for Detroit to enter a law school, but at Shelby met a friend, who was the agent of the C. & W. M. R. R. company, and through him learned telegraphy, manipulating the instrument with his left hand. He also learned left-hand penmanship, became thoroughly acquainted with railroad bookkeeping,- and was finally given entire charge of the office affairs of the company at that station. As a reward for his assiduity, he was appointed by the company to his present responsible position at Kent City, in 1887, and here, also, he has maintained his reputation for capability and untiring attention to the interests of the company. November 12, I885, Mr. Parks wedded Miss Louisa Wakefield, who was born near the city of LaFayette, Ind., April I2, I86I, and this marriage has been blessed with one child, Nita Belle. In politics Mr. Parks is an ardent republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Rutherford B. Hayes. He was a delegate to the convention which nominated Hon. Will 980 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS iam Alden Smith for his present honorable position, and also served as delegate to all the various conventions held by his party since he has been a resident of Kent county. In I888 he was appointed postmaster of Kent City. He has twice been elected treasurer of Tyrone township, having been first elected in 1893. In I895 he established the Kent City Times, one of the best country newspapers in Kent county. Mr. and Mrs. Parks have recently visited the Pacific slope, and at another time Florida, thus traveling over many states of the Union, he having crossed Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, California, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, New York, Alabama, Georgia and Florida. Mr. Parks is an able writer and has compiled a most interesting description -of his travels and has published same in pamphlet form. Fraternally, Mr. Parks is a member of Kent City lodge, No. 378, I. O. O. F., has passed all the chairs, and is now a member of Horeb encampment, No. 12, at Casnovia, and Gurney canton, No. 12, at Hart, Mich. He and wife are members of the Baptist church, and for four years Mr. Parks was superintendent of its Sunday-school. Mr. and Mrs. Parks, are among the elite of Kent City's society, are honored wherever they appear, and through their personal merits have won the unfeigned respect of the entire community. AMES H. PARMETER, supervisor of Courtland township, Kent county, Mich., was born'here June 22, 1858, the only son of Jacob E. and Cynthia (Hewitt) Parmeter, pioneers from the state of New York. Jacob E. Parmeter was reared a tiller of the soil and was still a young man when he came to Michigan. He first located in Jackson county, then came to Kent county, and in the spring of 1865 moved to Grand Traverse county, where his death took place September 4, I867. His wife, who was chiefly reared in Michigan, was beyond doubt a native of New York, and died in Courtland township, Kent county, Mich., January 20, I871. James H. Parmeter was reared to farming and was educated in the common schools; but he was laudably ambitious of acquiring a better class of knowledge than they afforded and devoted all his available time to assiduous study and self-instruction, thus eventually acquiring a more than ordinary stock of solid information. He was a lad of but twelve years of age when thrown upon his own resources, when he sought and found employment as a farm hand, with compensation.at the rate of $6. 50 per month. He was energetic, active and industrious, and as he grew in size and strength his wages were correspondingly increased. When in his twenty-fourth year, feeling keenly the need of a helpmate, he was united in marriage, January I, I882, with Miss Iza Whittall. Three children grace this union, named, in order of birth, Claude E., Elwin G. and Hazel A. Mrs. Parmeter Was born in Kent county, January 31, 1860, a daughter of Thomas and Ann Whittall, natives of England, but pioneers of Kent county, Mich., coming in I856, where they have lived upwards of thirty-six years. She is a lady of pleasing address, is open in hospitality, and is ever ready to aid the poor or distressed. She has been an invaluable counselor and assistant to her husband, who, at the time of their marriage, had not yet acquired an acre of land, and his capital was most limited indeed. They worked in harmony, having one mutual object in view-the securing of at least a comfortable home. By AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 981....... practice of industry and frugality, they now own, without incumbrance, Ioo acres of as fine land as may be found in Courtland township. This life of industry and frugality, but never of privation, is worthy of emulation by the younger population of Kent county, and is' a sample of what may be done by those who have the will to do. In politics, Mr. Parmeter is a stanch republican. He cast his first presidential vote for the lamented James A. Garfield, in I88o, and has voted with the party ever since. He has filled his present office of supervisor to the entire satisfaction of the people. He is also a member of the board of school directors, his interest in the cause of public education being unusually deep and sincere. He and wife are members of Courtland grange, No. 563, Patrons of Husbandry, which is in a very flourishing condition, and they are classed among the most respectable and useful residents of Courtland township. EORGE L. PATTEN, an enterprising young farmer, and one who plays an active part in helping to sustain Kent county's reputation, was born in Alpine township, Kent county, June 7, i86,0 being the only son born to George and Lydia E. (Denton) Patten. His father was a native of New York, and was born in the year 809. He came first to Michigan in 1852 and located in Alpine township, Kent county, which he made his home until the second year of the Civil war, when he enlisted in the Sixth Michigan cavalry, and met his death in the battle of Falling Waters. Upon his arrival in Michigan he found the place unsettled, and a livelihood seemed impossible. On his farm, at the inception, there was cleared only a large enough space to erect a rude hut. In a few years he had it well under cultivation, and at the time of his death owned one of Alpine's best farms. His wife had died six months before her husband of typhoid fever. George.L. Patten being an orphan at three years of age, lived five years on the place where he was born, with his grandmother, or till about eight years old, when they both lived with her daughter, Mrs. David Hilton, of Walker. Mrs. Hilton was the guardian of George L., and he resided there till of age, when he took charge of the farm. His farm contains eighty acres, in section No. 35, Alpine township, and is devoted to dairying and fruit growing. He has the memoranda book carried by his father which was shot through by the bullet which killed him. It shows him to have been first sergeant, and gives names of pickets. On October 23, 1883, he was married to Miss Jessie Coon, but the happiness of the union was soon marred by the death of Mrs. Patten October 8, I892, leaving him with four children-Lydia Louise, George Gaylord, Maurice Lyman and David. Subsequently, April 24, I894, he was remarried, this time to Miss Ida Chapman, a native of New York, born on the 27th day of February, 1873, being the second child of Charles and Mary A. (Johnson) Chapman. Her father was a native of Massachusetts and was born July 15, 1841. Her mother was born in Connecticut August 7, I850. Mr. Patten, in politics, is a supporter of the sixteen to one platform. He is a respected member of the Odd Fellow and K. O. T. M. lodges at Mill Creek, Mrs. Patten is also a member of the West Michigan hive, L. O. T. M., of the same place. Although Mr. and Mrs. Patten are not members of any church, nevertheless they are ever ready and willing to give their assistance to any good cause or 982 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS benevolence. It may be added that the gentleman whose name heads this memoir is known as an honorable, upright man, reliable in business, faithful in the discharge of his duties of citizenship, and his well spent life is in many respects worthy of emulation. He is entirely free from ostentation, is kindly and genial in manner, and has the friendship of many who esteem his genuine personal worth. I INER PATTERSON, a retired farmer of Paris township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Wayne, Steuben county, N. Y., June 9, I819, and is a son of Robert and Rachel (DeLong) Patterson, also natives of the state of New York, and who for some time resided in Seneca county, where the subject of this sketch was reared until nine years of age. In I828, the family came to Michigan and located in Washtenaw county, eight miles north of Ypsilanti, wherethey resided until 1837, when they came to Kent county. The father, however, who had been a soldier in the war of 1812, and was at Buffalo, N. Y., at the time of its burning, died in Washtenaw county, at the comparatively early age of forty-four years. The family comprised ten children, nine of whom came to Kent county with the mother. Four only of these remained with the mother, of whom Miner was the eldest, and James and Jacob, who were married, settled near her in Paris township, but now both are deceased. Mrs. Patterson, who was among the earliest to settle in her part of Paris township, had forty acres of wild land, but both she and Miner, then eighteen years of age, lived out two years, she keeping house for a gentleman in the neighborhood and he working at clearing up land. At the close of the two years, Mrs. Patterson and her son, Miner, built a small log house on the farm, four acres of which Miner had cleared of timber, and this cabin stood very close to the spot on which the present modern house was later erected. Miner then worked out another year, and when he settled down to work on the home place had a good yoke of oxen, which were two-year-old steers the fanily brought with them Wvhen they first came; but one of these died, and Miner had again to work out to earn enough money to buy another. Mrs. Patterson was also very industrious and likewise frequently worked out for others. She did her own spinning, and wove all the cloth used in the family. When Miner Patterson came to Paris township he had $2 in cash, a good ax, a gun and the two steers. He cleared off his land himself, worked for his brothers and two brothers-inlaw, constantly added to his possessions until he owned at one time 350 acres in one body, and personally cleared off the trees from it all. He was an expert with the ax, chopped a great deal for others, and at the age of twenty years had no equal. Mr. Patterson has lived on his present farm sixty years, built his present house in I856, and here his mother died in 1864, aged seventy-seven years. She was a wonderful woman, and was always sought for by her neighbors in cases of childbirth, in which she acted as doctor, midwife and nurse. Mr. Patterson has grown grain mainly, has kept about 200 sheep, and also a number of cows, his mother having been a famous butter maker, in which art his wife also excells. Mr. Patterson was married July 4, I848, to Miss Sally Ann Spaulding, daughter of Orleans and Sally (VanDyke) Spaulding, who came from Seneca county, N. Y., in 1831, settled in Wayne county, Mich; came to Kent county, Mich., in I836, and settled in Paris township in 1837. Mrs. Patterson was born in Seneca county, N. Y., July 4, 1826; her AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 933 mother died in Wayne county, Mich., and her father in Paris, Mich., at the age of eightyfour years. Timothy Spaulding, grandfather of Orleans, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and was probably with Gen. Sullivan in his expedition against the Indians in central New York, as he settled in Seneca county as soon as the war was over. Samuel Jackson Spaulding and Miner P. Spau!ding, brothers of Mrs. Patterson, served in the Civil war; brother S. J. Spaulding now resides in Plainfield, Mich. July 4, I898, Mr. and Mrs. Patterson celebrated their golden wedding, which was an occasion of great rejoicing and enjoyment. Sluman S. Bailey, who as a justice of the peace had married them and had attended the twenty-fifth anniversary party, on this occasion made a neat little speech on pioneer life, and among others were present some who had attended the wedding fifty years previously, viz: S. S. Bailey and wife; Miss Mary Starbuck, then a young lady and now Mrs. Gilbert Bailey; Chancey Patterson and wife; John Patterson and wife-the latter a cousin of Mrs. Patterson, and present at the time of the marriage; Miss Martha Spaulding; Mary Jane Spaulding, a sister, now Mrs. John Cook; DeWitt Spaulding; Ransom and Samuel J. Spaulding, brothers. This wedding anniversary was also Mrs. Sally Ann Patterson's seventy-second birthday. The wedding itself was one of the great events of the place fifty years ago, and many guests were present. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Patterson were named Warren A., a farmer in Cascade township; John J., who lives on a farm adjoining the homestead; Sarah Ellen, wife of 0. Vanderbilt, also on an adjoining farm; Delia May, who was married to George N. June, died at the age of twenty-eight years, and left two children, one of whom died a few weeks later; Miner L., who manages the home I I farm, is married to Sarah E. McKersey and has one child, Ruby, aged three years. He is also a member of the Masonic lodge at Ada. Mr. Patterson has been a deacon in the East Paris Congregational church for thirty years. In politics he is a stanch republican, but cast his first presidential vote with the whig party, in 1840, for William H. Harrison, and has never missed voting at a national election since that date,but he takes no special interest in local politics. In his walk through life he has always been strictly honorable and upright and has never had. a law suit carried to an issue, and no name in the county of Kent is more respected than that of Miner Patterson. OBERT B. PATTERSON. To him who, in the love of nature, as exhibited in the myriad-mind of the youth of a community, sees the need of suitable directing hands, and fitting himself; takes up the work for the love of it, all students of social and economic subjects bow with respect. Such a man is he to whom attention is now briefly directed. With only meager advantages himself for education, but with the same indomitable will that has characterized numerous members of the family, he early determined upon securing the best training obtainable under his restrictions. At seventeen he passed examination and secured a certificate to teach. However, he remained at home, assisting his father upon the farm for two years longer, when he began to teach. He followed this most honorable vocation nearly sixteen years, becoming one of the most popular educators, whose services were in constant demand. He was very successful in this profession, and many of his pupils are now filling responsible positions, for which 934 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS they were eminently fitted through his timely and substantial advice and instruction. With full realization of the responsibility of the right teacher, his aim has been to arouse new and higher aspiration in the youths who have sat in his classes, to draw out the best that was in them, and to fit them for nobler lives. Several of his former pupils pursued advanced courses in the higher institutions, and many now give much credit to him in leading them into the pleasant paths of peace and satisfaction incident to lives spent along the intellectual lines he pointed out. He kept the practical every-day side of life uppermost; and while he recognized the value of the greatest ethical culture, knows now that he has assisted young men and women to a better understanding of and ability to solve the practical questions so constantly pressing in this complicated existence. He has little sympathy in or love for many so-called advantages of the newer education, with its numerous fads and isms, but holds that the duty of the state is to better fit the youth to better fight life's every-day battles. His voice is heard in the various educational. associations in advocacy of a higher civilization, better school facilities, and more thoroughly equipped teachers, who understand something of human life and the philosophy underlying correct teaching. Mr. Patterson is also a teacher of vocal music, has a rich, superb voice, and his services are much sought on public occasions, where vocal music is in demand. Robert 1E. Patterson was born in Paris township, Kent county, Mich., August I 5, 1863, and is a son of John and Martha Ann (Spaulding) Patterson, of whom full mention will be made later on. February i8, i886, Mr. Patterson married Miss Nettie Wilbur, a daughter of Hiram H. and Mary (Heintzelman) Wilbur, who was born on Thornapple river, in Cascade town ship, January IO, i864. She likewise was a teacher for some time prior to her marriage. This union has been blessed with one son, Robert Wilbur, who is now nine years of age. Mr. Patterson owns two tracts of land, of forty acres each, and also operates forty acres of his father's farm. He breeds Percheron horses and Jersey cows, and has made several very satisfactory exhibitions of his stock at state fairs. As a republican, he has been quite active in the affairs of Cascade, acceptably filling several township offices. He has frequently been a delegate to republican county, district and state conventions. Widely read on all matters pertaining to the history of political parties, and public polity, and possessed of a vigorous command of the language, he is no mean antagonist in the debate of those questions affecting the general prosperity of the nation. John Patterson, father of Robert B., and a resident of Paris township, was born in Steuben county, N. Y., April 25, i827, and is a son of Robert and Rachel (DeLong) Patterson, who came with their family to Michigan in i828, and of whom further details may be read in the biography of Miner Patterson, on another page. John Patterson remained with his mother and brother Miner until his marriage, at the age of twenty-six, to Martha Ann Spaulding, daughter of Benjamin and Eliza (Quackenbush) Spaulding, who came to Kent county, Mich., in i844, and settled in Paris township, on the town line of Cascade, which land is now a part of the farm of J. J. Patterson. Some years later the parents removed to Cascade township, where the mother passed the remainder of her days, and later the father returned to the home of his son John, where his death took place at the age of sixty-two years. March 2, i854, Mr. Patterson settled on his present farm, which comprised eighty AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 935 I acres, for which he paid $2.50 per acre. It was covered with hardwood timber, such as beech and maple, and of this he had cleared off five or six acres, and had erected a log house in the clearing. He started with only one yoke of oxen, but they were the best in the country. He now has eighty acres of as well-improved a farm as can be found in the township. His family consists of four children, viz: Charles E.,M. D., proprietor of the Patterson Sanitarium in Grand Rapids; Albert J., M. D., of the same city; Robert B., mentioned in full above; Alice, the wife of Dr. Austin Pressey, who conducts the Fairmount Home, also a retreat for invalids at Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Patterson is a member of the Christian church at Cascade, as was also his wife; in politics he has ever been an ardent republican. Misfortune, however, in its course had not overlooked this amiable couple; but mingling with the comforts and pleasures of a wellspent life had laid a heavy hand upon them. For a year or more Mr. Patterson was afflicted with total blindness, caused by cataracts, but an operation has partially restored the sight of one eye; he was not, however, confined to his room or bed through his affliction, and was carefully carried over the worst part of his trouble by his amiable wife, who was in all respects a remarkably brilliant lady. Late in the fall of I899 Mrs. Martha A. Patterson, the mother of this family, passed to the unseen world, hers being the first death to break the happiness of the family circle. A Grand Rapids paper, in noting the passing of this Kent county pioneer, wrote as follows: Mrs. Martha A. Patterson, of Paris township, the mother of Coroner Patterson, died this morning at her home, at the age of sixtyfive years. She was one of the most generally known and most respected residents of that township, and had resided there fifty-six years. 49 Mrs. Patterson's maiden name was Martha A. Spaulding. She came to Kent county from New York in 1844, and ten years later married John Patterson, of Paris township, who survives her. She leaves four children, all living: Dr. C. E. Patterson and Dr. A. J. Patterson, of this city; Alice Pressey, of Cleveland, and Robert B. Patterson, of Paris. In fact, Mrs. Patterson's is the first death in the family, although her children are all married and have children of their own. Mrs. Patterson leaves also three brothers, of whom Elliot Spaulding, of this city, is one, and a sister, Mrs. Kilner, who resides in Tennessee. ILLIAM PATTERSON, well-known as one of the most skillful mechanics in Byron Center, Kent county, Mich., and as one who makes honesty his rule of action, is a native of Scotland and was born May Io, I849, in the parish of St. Martin's, Perthshire, six miles from the city of Perth and three from the site of the historical palace and abbey of Scone, the place of coronation of the ancient Scottish kings. His parents, William and Susan (Paton) Patterson, had born to them a family of five sons and three daughters, and of these William, the subject, was the seventh in the order of birth. Five of these children are still living, and two make their home in the United StatesWilliam, and his brother, Alexander, who resides in Dorr, Mich. William Patterson, the father, was born in St. Martin's parish, Perthshire, and was a farmer. He was educated in the common schools, was a great admirer of Scottish lore and history, of the old Scottish clans and their heroic chiefs, and of the romance and poetry of Scottish authors, the rustic poet, Robert Burns, being an especial favorite. He was a strict Presbyterian, and died in 1898, 986 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS at the age of eighty-seven years. Mrs. Susan Patterson was likewise a native of Perthshire, and died about I881, strong in the Presbyterian faith. William Patterson, the subject of this biographical notice, was educated in the common schools of his native shire, and has supplemented this education with a great deal of reading and self-acquirement of knowledge of practical use. As his father's means were limited, William began working out when about twelve years of age, and when fourteen hired for one year to a gentleman for $35, and all his earnings he filially gave to his mother-one of the proudest acts of his life. He next had about a year's experience in a store as salesman, and then went into the employ of the Caledonia Railroad company as a freight attendant. His good conduct and attentiveness led to his promotion to the yards and then to the road, and with this company he remained six years. As Alexander Patterson, brother of William, had sailed for America about I869, the latter decided to follow, and in the spring of I871 sailed from Glasgow for New York, and when he landed had about $125, with which to begin life in a strange land. From New York he came direct to Michigan, and found his brother conducting a blacksmith shop at Burnip's Corners, in Allegan county. The same summer he went to Washington county, Wis., but in the fall returned to Michigan and began learning the blacksmith's trade under his brother, with whom he remained in all until 1883, as apprentice, journeyman and partner. As ague was disagreeably prevalent they sold out and went to northeast Iowa, spent a short time there, and then returned to Michigan and purchased a shop at Dorr Center; William, however, continued at the trade but a short time at this place, but came to Byron township, Kent county, in I883, pur chased seventy-five acres of land, cultivated it three years, and then, in I886, established himself in Byron Center as a blacksmith and wagonmaker. Mr. Patterson was joined in marriage June I2, I875, with Miss Christina Pearson, a native of the same county with himself, and to this union have been born one son and two daughters -William John, Elva, and one deceased. Of these William John has passed through the tenth grade in the public schools, and is a mechanic by choice; Elva is in the tenth grade, has taken musical instructions, has received special lessons in elocution, and in this specialty gained the silver medal at the famous Demorest contest. Besides working practically at blacksmithing and wagonmaking, Mr. Patterson deals in carriages, wagons, sleighs, agricultural implements, etc., in Byron Center, and also owns his farm in section No. 9, Byron township. He has been very industrious in his work, attentive to the needs of his patrons, inflexibly honest in all his transactions, and his fortune is of his own making. In his politics Mr. Patterson is a republican, has served as delegate to his party's state and county conventions several times, and in 1894 was elected treasurer of Byron township. For eight years he has been officially connected with the schools of Byron Center, and is strongly in favor of the employment of the best class of teachers that money can hire, and would hire only those who are influenced by a fear of God and exercise their authority with a viewto the moral as well as intellectual advancement of the pupils. Mr. Patterson is a member of Halcyon lodge, No. 244, I. O. O. F., is a sincere Christian, and an ardent friend of the Sunday-school. He and wife are free in the use of their means in the cause of charity, and never fail to respond to the call for aid in cases worthy of the ex AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 937 ercise of true benevolence. Their social standing is excellent, and their unostentatious yet useful course through life has won for them the love and esteem of the entire community. ARREN A. (ZACH) PATTERSON, of Cascade township, Kent county, Mich., was born June 2, I849, and is a son of Miner Patterson, whose biography is printed in full elsewhere in this work. Warren A. remained on his father's farm until his twenty-fifth year, when he married, February 25, I874, Miss Mary S. June, a native of New York, but who was brought, at the age of six years, by her parents, George and Martha (Ellison) June, to Paris township, Kent county, Mich. The June family came to Paris township in I854 and located on a farm, but soon afterward removed to and settled on a homestead near the home of the Shafer family, where they resided until they removed to the city of Grand Rapids, where the father died at the age of seventy-five years, and the mother at the age of seventy-one. The father was a shoemaker by trade, but on settling on his farm in Kent county, began his first outdoor work and cleared up the place. His three sons were named William M. James Henry and George N., and of these the first two reside in Grand Rapids; George N. married Delia M. Patterson, a sister of I"Zach," but died at the age of twenty-two years. His wife had died three years previously, at the age of twenty-eight, the mother of two childrenHazel M. and Patty. The death of the mother took place at the birth of Patty, who soon followed the mother to the grave. The only daughter of George and Martha June is Mary S., now the the wife of i"Zach " Patterson. At his marriage, Mr. Patterson purchased an eighty-acre farm, for which he went partly in debt, and his father also presented him with a tract of forty acres, making a compact farm of I20 acres, and to this he added fifty acres. In I89I, he purchased the old John Webster homestead of sixty-two acres, just opposite his own homestead. He has erected two houses on his premises, carries on general farming, and has also I,ooo peach trees. For four years, beside, he sold milk in Grand Rapids. He has been very successful in all his undertakings, and is classed among the substantial agriculturists of Cascade township. In politics Mr. Patterson is a republican, attends the conventions of his party, and always works hard for the success of the party in its campaigns. Mrs. Patterson is a member of the Disciples' church at Cascade. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Patterson are three in number, and are named, in order of birth, Byron Q., Miner G. and Milo J. Of these, Byron was a student at the, State Agricultural college and enjoys farming. Mr. Patterson has also been the guardian of his niece, Hazel May June, since her eleventh year, and she is now a member of the family, and a double cousin to his own children. Mr. Patterson is very public spirited as well as generous, and is duly honored as such by all his fellow-citizens. Attention is once more called to the biography of Miner Patterson, in which many interesting facts are given relative to the Patterson family as a whole. 1 --- —-------------— | EV. LEROY N. PATTISON, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church Wof Lowell, is a native of Kentucky and was born on the 3oth of November, I849, the son of T. N. and Elizabeth (Mauzy) Pattison. The father, also a Kentuckian, was by occupation a farmer and 938 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS died in Indianapolis, Ind., where his widow still resides. The early life of Rev. Pattison was spent on his father's farm, in the vicinity of which he attended the country school, and when of suitable age entered the high school of Indianapolis, where he fitted himself for college. For some time he attended Butler college, that city, and subsequently became a student of DePauw university, from which he was graduated in the year 1870. After completing his literary education Mr. Pattison began reading law with the wellknown legal firm of Porter, Harrison & Fishback, Indianapolis, three of the most distinguished jurists of the west, and upon his admission to the bar in I873 became a member of the firm of Downey, Pattison & Downey, with which he remained connected for a period of ten years. Mr. Pattison entered upon the practice of the legal profession with most encouraging prospects, and within a short time succeeded in building up a lucrative business and earning the reputation of being one of the most brilliant and successful young attorneys of Indianapolis. Inheriting from his ancestry a deeply religious nature and from early youth being greatly interested in the work of the church, he became convinced that his life's mission lay outside the law; accordingly in 1883 he yielded to a desire of long standing and entered the ministry of the M. E. church. He entered the missionary conference of Indiana that year, and in I889 was ordained by Bishop John H. Vincent. In the meantime he had been actively engaged in the work of the ministry, his first -harge being at Osgood, Ind., where he remnained two years, after which he joined the Michigan conference, locating at Schoolcraft. He ministered to the church at that place with marked success for three years, and during the two years succeeding had charge of the congregation in the city of Otsego. In 1897 he was placed in charge of the church of Lowell, one of the largest congregations in Kent county, a goodly number of whom have been gathered in under his able ministration. As a preacher of the Gospel, Rev. Pattison has been eminently successful, as the prosperous condition of the several congregations over which he has had charge abundantly testifies. He possesses oratorical ability of a high order, is both logical and eloquent in presenting the claims of the Gospel, and by means of his earnest persuasion many have been induced to abandon the ways of sin and seek the higher way of truth and right living. In the discharge of the duties of his sacred office he is bold and aggressive, attacking without mercy the prevailing sins of the times and caring little for the favor or opinions of men, if they stand in the way of that which he conceives to be the truth. Rev. Pattison is married and the father of six living children, viz: Josephine A., Marguerite D., Hannah C., Franc P., Martha S. and Freeman N. The maiden name of Mrs. Pattison was Mary F. Peppard, to whom he was united in marriage November 6, I872. Rev. Pattison is a Mason of high standing, and politically votes with the republican party. ERBERT A. PEARSALL.- Agricultural pursuits have formed the chief occupation of this gentleman, and the wide-awake manncr in which he has taken advantage of every method and idea tending toward the enhancement of the value of his property has had considerable to do with his success in life. Herbert A. Pearsall is a native of Alpine township, Kent county, and was born May 17, 1851, being the sixth child of Sherman and Catherine (Bailey) Pearsall. His father was I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 939 born in Cayuga county, N. Y., December. I1, I817. He was a teacher at Troy, N. Y., and came to Kent county in I844, locating on the line between Alpine and Walker townships, where he resided for one year, thence, in 1843, removing to section No. 28, Alpine township, and there remained until the spring of I876, when he went to Grand Rapids and now resides at 184 North Prospect street. He was the original temperance man in Alpine, refusing to have liquor at his barn raising. When he located in Kent county he found it a complete wilderness, the now thriving city of Grand Rapids being merely a trading post. His wife was a native of Detroit, Mich., and was born in the year I82I. She came to Kent county with her husband and lived here until her death in i895. Mr. and Mrs. Pearsall, Sr., were the parents of nine children, viz: John B., deceased, death having been caused by disease contracted during the Civil war; Celina, the wife of Wim. N. Rowe, manager of the Valley City Milling company at Grand Rapids; Wyant, who was drowned in a small lake near his former farm; Bailey, deceased; Esther, the wife of Sanford Robens, a resident of Virginia; Herbert A.; Pearley, a physician of Kalkaska, Mich., and Georgia, now deceased. Herbert A. Pearsall began life for himself when about twenty years of age by hiring as a farm-hand and working as such until he rented the old homestead, a part of which his father later deeded to him; this is at present his home, and here he was born. By making decided improvements each year, Mr. Pearsall now owns as fine a farm as can be found in Alpine township. On September 6, I875, he married Miss Mary Elizabeth Douglass, a native of Greenport, Long Island, N. Y., who was born November IO, 1848, being the fourth child of James and Rebecca (Calyer) Douglass. Her father was a native of England, and came to America when quite young, locating on Long Island, where he lived until his death in the year 1848. The mother was born in New York in 1823. She met her husband on Long Island and there lived until the latter's death, when she came to Michigan and was again married, this time to David Kellogg. After this union she went to Eaton county and lived there until her death in the year I894. Mr. and Mrs. Douglass were the parents of four children, viz: Charles Henry, a farmer residing near Lansing, Mich.; William Francis, deceased, death having been caused by sickness contracted in the army; James Edwin, a farmer of Alpine township; and Mary Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Pearsall have one daughter, Harriet Louise, who attended the Grand Rapids high school and has since given special attention to music. Mr. Pearsall is found in politics to be a supporter of the republican party. Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Pearsall are active members of the Baptist church and are ever ready to assist in a worthy cause. HOMAS PEEL. —Through a residence of over a third of a -century. in Kent county, Thomas Peel has been known to his fellow-men as a man who can be trusted at all times and in all places, one who is honorable in business, loyal to his duties of citizenship and faithful to his friends. Therefore, as well for his sterling rectitude of character as for his extended connection with the history of this community, his life record is gladly presented in this work. A native of Rothley township, Leicestershire, Eng., Mr. Peel was born April o1, 1835, being the fifth child of William and Elizabeth (North) Peel. His father was a native of the same place, and a 940 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS c --- —- ___ ____ first cousin of Sir Robert Peel, the noted English statesman. He emigrated from England to America in the year 1840, and, landing at Boston, Mass., continued his journey until he finally settled for a permanent home in Lorain county, Ohio, where he lived until his death, which occurred September 28, I879, in his seventy-second year. His mother was also born in the same shire in England, in the year 1808; she accompanied her husband to America and resided at the home in Ohio until her death in 1894,'aged eighty-six. Thomas Peel of this memoir began life for himself when about twenty-one years of age, by hiring to a farmer as a common laborer, but soon tiring of this, engaged as a ship-carpenter, working on vessels in yards at various lake cities, which occupation, in connection with house contracting and building, he followed for a number of years. Thinking that agriculture would be a more pleasing and profitable occupation, he purchased a farm in Plainfield township, Kent county, Mich., and it is still serving as his home. Upon his arrival in I866 at his Plainfield purchase, he found a complete wilderness, not an acre of land cleared, and the nearest neighbor a considerable distance away; but not being a man easily discouraged he set to work to improve the property,and at the present time can boast of one of the finest fruit farms in Kent county, his buildings being worthy of particular mention. He grows all the staple fruits, the farm being located in the center of the fruit region of Kent county, six miles northeast of the city. He is a member of the Horticultural society and the Peach Grove grange. When twenty-four he married, in Ohio, Miss Frances Wilford, whose death occurred nine years later, leaving two bright sons — Adelbert, now a farmer of Hartwick, Mich., and Melvin, who died at twenty-seven, leaving a wife and one child. Thomas Peel took for Ie his second wife Miss Phoebe Willis, also of Elyria, Ohio, and she was called away in 1883, leaving three children ---Mertie, wife of John Jelly; Mary, now a resident of Avon, Ohio; and Frank, with his father. His third marriage, February 10, 1885, was to Mrs. Minnie Robinson, widow of Charles J. Robinson, late of Ada, and whose maiden name was Minnie Hubbard. She was born in Ypsilanti, and spent her girlhood in Kent county. She is the mother of three daughters: Nellie, wife of Frank McNally, of Grand Rapids, and has one child, Marion; Ida, housekeeper for her uncle, James Naysmith, of Grand Rapids township; and Amy, the wife of Allen Templeton, of Chicago. Mr. Peel enlisted in I862 in company H, First Michigan mechanics and engineers, and served until discharged on account of ill health. He cast his first presidential vote for Lincoln and remained with the republican party as long as it stood by the then honorable principles; but the party has shifted its position, and he takes an independent stand, not being tied to present party lines. Officially, he has served as highway commissioner and school inspector, in each of which he has faithfully discharged hisduties and has proven himself a worthy official. ILLIAM N. PERKINS, of the firm of Sisson, Watson & Co., general merchants at Ada, Kent county, Mich., was born in Mansonville, Brome county, Quebec, November I, I858, and is a son of Erastus and Lucy E. (Martin) Perkins, the former a native of Canada and born in 1835, but now a retired resident of Grand Rapids, Mich. William N. Perkins, the eldest in a family AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 941 of three children, received his earlier education in the common schools and completed his studies in the academy at Waterloo, Quebec. On relinquishing his studies he at once entered upon a three-year apprenticeship at painting and paper-hanging, which he learned thoroughly. In 1878 he came to Michigan and found employment with J. P. Creque, in Grand Rapids, and with him he remained eighteen months; he was next employed in the Sligh Furniture factory for about four years, and then for a year was employed in the Phoenix Furniture factory. Mr. Perkins next followed his trade of painter for some time, and then found a situation with Howard E. Converse, with whom he remained a year, when he was offered a position under his brother, John F., as solicitor for the Metropolitan Life Insurance company, and this situation occupied another year of his. time. He next went south, followed his trade in Arkansas for eighteen months, and then returned to Grand Rapids and for five years was employed by his father in connection with building contracting. At the conclusion of this engagement, Mr. Perkins settled in Ada township and for four years followed agricultural pursuits on a farm that he purchased north of Ada. In November, I898, he was admitted to partnership as a member of the firm, Sisson, Watson & Co., in general merchandizing and butchering, and in this he is prospering rapidly. May 17, 1893, Mr. Perkins was united in marriage, at Grand Rapids, with Miss Dora L. McCrossen, a native of Michigan and a daughter of David McCrossen. This union has been blessed with one son, who has been christened Benjamin McCrossen Perkins. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins worship at the Methodist church, though reared under Episcopal training. Fraternally Mr. Perkins is a Freemason and also a member of Ada lodge, No. 480, I. O. O. F. In politics he is a strong democrat, and is identified with party work and organizations. He has led a life of industry and has had a varied experience, which well qualifies him for his present business, and he has, moreover, made hosts of friends since he has resided in Ada, where he is universally respected. HARLES H. PECK, cashier of the Farmers & Merchants bank at Rockford, was born in Cedar Springs, Kent county, Mich., July 26, I875, and is a son of Ira H. Peck, one of the most prominent and representative citizens of the county. Charles H. graduated from the high school at Cedar Springs in I891, and for the past eight years has been engaged in the banking business, either at Cedar Springs or Rockford, Mich., and is thoroughly trained in all the details of finance. His father is a native of the state of New York, but has passed nearly all his life in Michigan. The Farmers & Merchants bank at Rockford was established in I895, with Frank Fuller, of Cedar Springs, as president; Charles H. Peck, as cashier, and with a capital of $Io,ooo. Under the excellent management of these gentlemen it is doing a most flourishing business, and its influence is felt throughout the northern end of Kent county, where it is recognized as one of the soundest financial institutions in the state. Its New York correspondent is the old and reliable Hanover National' bank, and through it the Farmers & Merchants does a safe collection business, and also issues bills of exchange on the leading banks of the principal European cities. The Rockford bank is located on Courtland street and is supplied with a superb fire and burglar-proof safe of the most approved make, so that the funds of the bank and the valuables entrusted to its care by its patrons are absolutely secure. 942 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS In politics Mr. Peck is a republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Maj. McKinley. Fraternally he is a member of lodge No. I 596, Independent Order of Foresters, of which he is the recording and financial secretary, and socially he is esteemed for his many excellent personal traits of character and amiable disposition; he is also a member of Rockford lodge, F. & A. M. He is one of the incorporators of the newly-formed company known as the Childsdale Board & Paper company, and has been elected treasurer thereof. ILTON M. PERRY, the leading attorney and counselor at law, at Lowell, Kent county, Mich., as well as United States claim and pension attorney, was born in Sparta, Livingston county, N. Y., October 23, I836, and is a son of William R. and Mary (Weeks) Perry, who had a family of three children. The father, also a native of Livingston county, was a farmer, but in his early manhood followed clerking and in his later years became a clergyman, and preached the gospel up to the time of his death, which occurred in Michigan, where his wife also died. Milton M. Perry was preliminarily educated in the common schools of his native county, and in I852 came to Michigan and located at Moscow, in Hillsdale county. He then entered the seminary at Ypsilanti, Mich., where he completed his literary education, and for the succeeding eight or ten years taught in the common schools of Hillsdale county and Lowell, and thus confirmed and added to the knowledge he had already acquired. During vacations he worked on a farm, thus preserving his health and strength and somewhat frail constitution. Mr. Perry commenced and prosecuted the I study of law in the early'sixties, mornings and evenings, between school hours, and at the close of his teaching as superintendent of the Lowell union school, he attended law lectures at the state university at Ann Arbor during the winter of I865-6. In the spring of I866, on his return to Lowell, he entered into partnership with Thomas J. Slayton, one of the then leading lawyers of Lowell. In the autumn of I866, Mr. Slayton received the nomination and was elected state representative for the Second district of Kent county, which prevented Mr. Perry from taking his second year at Ann Arbor. The firm of Slayton & Perry continued about three years, until a mutual dissolution was made, and each of said partners followed their profession separate and alone. Mr. Perry gained the good will and respect of his many patrons, and by diligent effort and honorable counsel has maintained his reputation as an accurate conveyancer, sound counselor, and one eminently fitted for drafting wills and settling estates. —Chancery practice is the favorite branch of his profession. In politics Mr. Perry is a republican, and as such was elected a justice of the peace and filled the office three terms; he has also served as internal revenue assessor, Second district, in Kent county, and for two terms as village trustee; he also served for twelve years as school trustee, and in every position gave general satisfaction. In I883 he was appointed postmaster by President Arthur, and filled that position until i887, meeting with commendation from the public and the post-office department. He has been a member of the county republican executive committee, and while such member was energetic and active in his efforts to promote the success of his party at the polls. Fraternally, he is a member of Lowell lodge, No. go, F. & A. M.; Hooker chapter, R. A. M., and Lowell lodge, A. O. U. W. o AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 948 Mr. Perry was united in marriage with Miss Leonora Sinclair, a daughter of Daniel and Jane (Proudfit) Sinclair, of Scotch descent, and this union has been crowned by the birth of four children, viz: Grace I. (deceased), Kate S., Martha S., and M. Agnes. Mrs. Perry and her children are devout members of the Congregational church, and also stand very high in the social and literary circles of Lowell. Mr. Perry occupies spacious offices in the Opera-house block, and in connection with his extensive legal business makes a specialty of loan and collections, having established a reputation for inflexible integrity. WIGHT M. PETERSON, a leading and influential citizen of Oakfield township, Kent county, Mich., is native here and was born August 28, 1849, the eighth of the family of nine children -four sons and five daughters-born to William and Susan (Jones) Peterson. He is mainly self-educated, but being quick of apprehension he so inproved his natural talents as to qualify himself for school-teaching, a vocation he successfully followed for some time, but his chief occupation has been that of agriculture. Until twenty-six years of age, Mr. Peterson gave his time and assistance to his parents, and then began life on his own account, although he had no capital. November 25, 1875, he wedded Miss Annah Elsbey, and two daughters graced this union, May, and Hattie. Mrs. Anna Peterson was also born in Oakfield township September 7, 1852, and is the eldest of the six children-four sons and two daughters-born to John and Martha (Cowan) Elsbey, all still living in Kent county. Mrs. Peterson was educated in the White Swan public school, and is one of the excellent wives of Oakfield township. In the infancy of Mr. and Mrs. Peterson, Indians still roamed the forests of the township and deer and other animals abounded. Rockford was then known as Lappenville, and there most of the trading was done. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have seen and aided the growth of the township since then, and have lived to see the dense forests disappear as if by magic, and prosperous farms take their place. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson began their married life on the old homestead in section No. 20, Oakfield township, working on shares, their finances being quite limited. After a year of this mode of life they concluded to purchase a home and went to Vergennes township, where they secured eighty acres, for which they went in debt $3,ooo-a heavy incumbrance for a young couple-but after eight years of constant toil and close economy, cleared off the entire indebtedness. They remained on this place fifteen years, or until I891, when they sold their farm and returned to the Oakfield homestead on which Mrs. Peterson was born, and which comprises 120 acres, to which they have since added forty acres, and now own a full quarter-section of as productive land as Oakfield township contains. Although very poor at the start, they to-day own this beautiful estate, without a dollar's indebtedness against it, and their example is well worthy the emulation of the younger element, as showing what diligence and frugality can do, when coupled with honesty. Their home is a model of beauty, neatness and comfort, and its portals are ever open to friend stranger. In acquiring this fine property, Mrs. Peterson has stood side by side with her husband, has wisely counseled him, and it is patent that she has been indeed a valuable advisor in all his business transactions. Mr. Peterson is a stanch democrat in poli I 944 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS -- tics, and his first presidential vote was for Horace Greeley; he believes in good, stable, liberal government, and works diligently for his party's success. While living in Vergennes township, he served as highway-commissioner, was school commissioner, and school inspector for several years, and held the confidence of all his fellow-townsmen. He and wife still advocate the employment in the public schools of the best instructors to be had for the salaries allowed. Mrs. Peterson and her daughters are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and do a great deal of Sunday-school work, Mrs. Peterson having formerly been a Sundayschool teacher. Mr. Peterson has always stood ready with his purse to aid the church and all other benevolences. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are charter members of the White Swan Library association, an organization designed for the promotion of social entertainment and intellectual advancement, and which has now more than 300 volumes of choice literature on its shelves. As they both came of pioneer families, who have done much to make Kent county what it is, and as they have done much themselves toward its development, they are necessarily looked upon with respect, and their own personal merits have greatly added to the esteem in which they are universally held. DGAR L. PHELPS, of Cedar Springs, stands among the widely-known and highly successful citizens of the northern part of Kent county, where there are many whose untiring industry, persevering energy and determination of purpose have wrought out not only comfortable homes but high business standing. Many have a place in the hearts of their fellow-men that will survive themselves and be handed to succeed ing generations as examples of what may be accomplished under adverse circumstances and discouragements, when the proper spirit to overcome the vicissitudes of life is coupled with common sense, honesty and integrity. None have cause for greater satisfaction for the years passed in hardest toil, incidental to a new country, than the gentleman whose life an attempt is here made to review. His birth occurred on the 6th of February, 1840, in Steuben county, N. Y. When but a lad of five years, he accompanied his parents to Michigan. Though so young, the incidents of the journey overland to Buffalo, the lake voyage to Detroit and then the tedious drive through the wilds to Jackson county, are indelibly fixed in his memory. His parents were Orsemus B. and Clara G. (Pond) Phelps, both being of old New England stock. Orsemus B. was born September 15, 8 io, near Bennington, Vt., and died in Jackson county, Mich., November 20, I897. Mrs. Phelps also was born in Vermont July 28, 1815, and died March 25, 1892. She was of English ancestry and a woman of unusual strength of character, her personality being strongly impressed upon her children. Reared under the religious teaching of a former generation, she was earnest in her life and closely adhered to the precepts of her beloved Bible. This old book is now treasured by her son, and from its fly leaf we quote a line written when in her seventy-fifth year: I have read the Bible through twelve times. The last time I read it through in three months and eleven days.-CLARA G. PHELPS. The first years in Michigan were beset with many hardships. Fevers and ague were prevalent, and sickness, coupled with other frontier conditions, made financial progress very slow for a poor man; but in course of time a handsome competence was won, so that theirdeclining years were passed in comfort and ease. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE.. * 945 I I Of their eight children, four, beside Edgar, survive. They are Myron M., a carpenter of Jackson county; Melvin, of Lenawee county, who, while serving with the First Michigan sharpshooters, was wounded at the battle of the Wilderness; Zimri and Freeman A., farmers of Nelson township. Edgar had but the most primitive advantages for education, attending for a few months only forty-four days being the longest single term, a small log school-house, where an inclined board resting on pegs in the wall served for desk, and slabs for seats. When but ten years old he worked out for wages, and so continued until nineteen, his earnings going toward the demands of the family. When Edgar was eleven years old, a doctor bill of $60 had been incurred by his father's family's sickness. Not being able to pay it, the doctor, who was desirous of removing to Montcalm county, proposed that Edgar be allowed to go with him for a year or so to liquidate the debt. He remained with the doctor from February till December; and many experiences of those months are the basis of interesting incidents now related to his children. Among others he recalls that he attended the first town meeting of the town of Bloomer, Montcalm county, and that the name was chosen in honor of the then popular woman's costume, which was quite generally worn, especially by those who would now be called the "new woman." When his elder brothers were twenty his father had given each their time, a few sheep and a broadcloth coat. This induced Edgar to negotiate for release when he attained his nineteenth birthday, the result being that he paid his father $50 for his freedom. Fired with the enthusiasm of youth, emphasized by being his own man, he soon after sought fortune in the wonderful oil fields of Pennsylvania, where fortunes were being made in a day. For a year he worked mainly at Titusville in sinking wells, and with such result that he decided upon the most momentous step ever considered by any young man, that of entering into life partnership with the woman of his choice. Accordingly, on the i4th of July, I86r, at Clarence, Erie county, N. Y., he was united to Miss Catharine j. Martzolf, a native of Erie county, and whose birth occurred September 4, I841. Her parents were Martin and Magdalena (Zimmerman), Martzolf, who were born in France, he being a French sailor. Both are now deceased. Of his family one brother, Martin, resides in Gratiot county, Mich.; a sister, Magdelana, in Cleveland; a sister, Baraba, and a brother, Jacob, in Erie county, N. Y.; and a brother, George, in Niagara county, N. Y. With only a few dollars, but having energy, ambition, health, and a sensible, loving wife, they returned to Pennsylvania, where for ten years he was engaged in lumbering, accumulating a' nice little nest egg of $800. The old adage that misfortunes never come singly was true in their case. Sickness of both himself and wife, and inability to continue the earnings, soon exhausted their savings; and fears were entertained that that most dreaded disease, consumption, had fastened itself upon him. Realizing what they could from his limited household effects, he returned to be near his relatives in Michigan. Health improving, he rented and struggled as best he could for three years, when they decided to secure a home where land was cheap, and March 12, I866, landed in Nelson township, having already purchased forty acres that form a part of the present reliable farm, one and one-half miles east of Cedar Springs. But a couple of acres were cleared, and the original house built of logs, was I6x24 feet in size. 946 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS But one railroad then had reached Grand Rapids. Cedar Springs was but a hamlet in the woods, with a log hotel, one store, a blacksmith shop and a few log houses. Sand Lake village was not dreamed of; and the country round was covered with a dense growth of majestic pines, with here and there a brave pioneer starting the clearings that have since assumed the proportions of extensive farms. He aided in opening highways in every direction, devoting as much time as possible to clearing and improving his own farm. Many old soldiers had come into the wild to seek homes-all imbued with the same spirit of determination as that exhibited on the field of battle. The efforts of all tended in the direction of improvement, and ere long results began to show in the more extensive clearings and a better class of buildings. The forests of valuable pine must be swept away, and, instead of being destroyed it was cut into all manner of building material. Mr. Phelps soon entered upon that work, and for twenty years was constantly engaged in it, the most important industry that has ever demanded attention and drawn upon the muscle and brains of the citizens. He employed as many as forty men and twenty teams to cut and haul logs into the mill, and for nine years he supplied all the logs used in a large shingle mill that turned out twelve to fifteen millions of shingles annually. In all the years he was so extensively employing men they were always paid in cash each week, and his relations with them were of the most cordial character. Probably no section of the country has required greater labor to fit it for desirable farms. The removal of the millions of immense stumps demanded the greatest skill and industry, but the intelligence of the pioneers solved the difficult problem and stumping is now almost reduced to a science. No more interesting sight is desired than to see the great stumps, some six feet in diameter, come gradually out of mother earth as the powerful screws are turned, and lie with roots extended many feet. By such labor has he improved a farm of 260 acres, till it stands to-day a lasting monument to the unflagging industry and intelligence of its owner. Though success has crowned their efforts, Mr. Phelps and his estimable wife have had to encounter many discouraging conditions, not the least being two destructive fires, entailing a loss of $I5,000. But Phcenix-like, they rise from the ashes, and their present home is one of the most desirable in the community, and here, surrounded by family and friends, they more fully realize the benefits derived from the years of self denial and unceasing labor. Public matters have received a due share of his attention, and he has borne his proportion of official duty. He served the township three years as its supervisor. Democratic in political faith, he has often attended as delegate to local, county and district conventions, and his acquaintance among public men is confined to no narrow limits. Ever a friend of public education, he served fifteen years continuously upon the Cedar Springs school board, part of the time being its chairman. In 1878 he was an officer at the organization of the Cedar Springs Horticultural and Agricultural society, one of the most successful fair associations in Michigan, and whose influence is felt for improvement of stock, grain and fruit over a wide area. He has served in various of its official positions continuously, and is probably the only one still thoroughly interested in its prosperity among its original board of directors. An advocate of every means to the moral and religious advancement of the community, he has been a liberal contributor to the erec AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 947 tion and support of every church in Cedar Springs, and to the M. E. church at Pine Lake. While not ostentatious in giving or in living, no movement toward the betterment of human life but finds in him a champion. Mr. and Mrs. Phelps have been blessed with an interesting family, of whom those living are Jerome, a prosperous farmer of Courtland, and whose wife was Miss Adda Benham; Owen W. married Otilla Sipples and is farming at Oakes, N. D.; Martin married Orsa Benham and resides in Courtland; Lillian is wife of George Bates, a farmer in Hillsdale county; Daniel S. married Pearl Haynes and operates part of his father's farm; Eva May is a graduate of the high school in the class of 1899, and indicates unusual talent as an elocutionist. She was chosen to represent this school at the oratorical contest held at Muskegon, and it is expressed by many who heard that first honors should have gone to her. Her subject, "Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde," was handled with skill indicating a flattering promise for the future. Clifford is a bright young mechanic, and until lately was employed at Chicago Heights; Leonard is the youngest, and still a student. All have been educated in Cedar Springs, and their lives reflect credit, not only upon the superior schools of the town, but more especially upon the excellent home training and influence for good constantly instilled by their parents. Mr. Phelps is strongly opposed to all that flavors of pretension or show, but has hearty sympathy for honest effort, and many young men have felt the value of his friendship. Knowing the discouraging conditions met in his own life, he has ever been ready to extend the helping hand to others, and now, that he has won the active battle in life, and stands upon the divide whence he can catch glimpses of the sunset of an honorable earthly career, occupied, or whatever obstacle met, he has tried to do his duty, and has won success through honesty of purpose and right endeavor. IMON P. PETERSON, one of the most respected citizens of Courtland township, was born in Jackson county, Mich., June 7, 1838, his parents being William and Susan (Jones) Peterson, of whose family of five sons and five daughters there are seven still living, and all residents of Kent county, Mich., with the exception of Mrs. Sarah Massie, who resides in Greenville, Montcalm county, where her husband, Alexander Massie, is engaged in merchandizing; John and Dwight are farming in Oakfield township; Samuel is a farmer of Caledonia; Eva Peterson is a teacher at Cedar Springs, having taught in the Kent county schools for upwards of thirty years; Elizabeth is the wife of E. Pratt, a farmer of Caledonia township. William Peterson, father of the subject of this biographical notice, was born in Saratoga county, N. Y., in I808, and came to Michigan in I834. He was a cooper by trade, but in 1844 settled in Oakfield township, Kent county, where he entered I60 acres of state land and became a farmer. His first habitation here was a log cabin, with a stick and mud chimney, the smoke from which was a curiosity to the red men who in that day roamed the woods, frequently stopping at Mr. Peterson's cabin for a meal, or to barter their game-such as deer and bear for such articles of food as flour or bacon. In this township Mr. Peterson passed the remainder of his life, dying an honored and respected citizen August 6, I888. His widow, who was born in the same county as himself in I808, survived her husband five years, passing to her reward the satisfaction comes that, in every position May 5, I893. 948 TIHE' CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Simon P. Peterson was about seven years of age when brought to Kent county, where he grew to manhood on his father's farm. His memory goes back to when Grand Rapids was a trading post, reached by an almost unmarked road. Everything was primitive, religious services being held in the homes of the settlers, until a log school-house was erected, when this uwas utilized for a place of worship. Nevertheless, Mr. Peterson acquired a liberal education, and for six winters taught -school in Oakfield and Courtland townships; and many men and women still live in the neighborhood who were his pupils in their childhood. During the summer season he worked by the month at farm labor. September 30, I869, Mr. Peterson was united in marriage, at Sparta, with Miss Emma Caukin, a native of Kent county. One son, Frank \V., is the result of this union. This young man, after receiving a preparatory education in the common schools, entered the Ferris institute at Big Rapids, where he finished his literary studies, and took a full commercial course, graduating in the class of I898. Being an only child, his parents have bestowed great pains upon him, giving him advantages and his improvement of opportunities afforded justifies the fondest anticipations of numerous friends. Mrs. Emma Peterson was born December 10, I847, and is a daughter of Volney W. and Frances (Marvin) Caukin. She was reared and educated in the county of Kent, was for several years a school-teacher, and is one of the most accomplished ladies of the county. S. P. Peterson is in politics a democrat and stands high in the esteem of his people, whom he has represented upon various occasions in state, district and county conventions. He has ably filled the offices of supervisor, highway commissioner and school inspector, in every instance to the entire satisfaction of the public. The Peterson homestead com I prises 200 acres of the finest land in Courtland township, and, although it was -heavily timbered when he first settled upon it, it is now under a high state of cultivation, yielding a golden tribute for the labor bestowed upon it. The family are classed among the leading citizens of the county, are strong supporters of every movement designed for the public good, and enjoy the respect and good will of the entire community. IMRI PHELPS, of Nelson township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Steuben county, N. Y., April 2, I842, a son of Orsemus and Clara G. (Pond) Phelps. The latter name is well known in the history of the United States, and Mrs. Phelps was a relative of Gen. Pond, of Revolutionary fame. Zimri Phelps was a child of two and onehalf years when brought to Michigan by his parents, who settled in Jackson county, which was then, indeed, a " howling" wilderness. His preliminary education was acquired at the primitive log school-house of his neighborhood and at the public school in Liberty, and his early manhood was passed in hard toil as a farmer and lumberman. He willingly and cheerfully gave his services to his parents until. he had attained his majority, and then began the battle. of life on his own account without capital-not even a $5 bill. For five years after attaining his majority he lived in Warren county,' Pa., working by the month in the lumber and oil regions, was frugal in his habits, and with his savings returned to Michigan, and shortly afterward, in I866, came to the northern part of Kent county, where he first found employment in the Porter Hollow mill, four miles south of Cedar Springs, operated by Dennis Porter and Jack Coon. Five months AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 949 later he found similar work at Cedar Springs, where he performed double work, for double pay, a short time, and then went into the woods fifty miles north, at good' pay; but there misfortune overtook him in the shape of illness, and he was forced to return to his friends, with whom he remained until his recovery. He next engaged as a sawyer with Charles B. Moon, near Pine Lake, and while there employed was visited, in 1867, by the pioneer Hayes, of Courtland, who proffered him a remunerative situation, which he accepted. While in the employment of Mr. Hayes, Mr. Phelps went to Lenawee county and married Miss Katie Patterson March 12, I868, with whom he immediately returned to Courtland, and made their first home on the present site of the Courtland cemetery. In December, i868, they came to Cedar Springs, as Mr. Phelps had made a contract for clearing up some land in the vicinity of the village. In March, i869, he purchased eighty acres of heavily timbered land in section No. 31, Nelson township, and for a short time lived in a little house just northwest, until his own log cabin, with a stove-pipe chimney, was completed. He went in debt for his farm and team to the amount of $1,475, but his unflagging indifstry and rigid economy enabled him to meet his obligation when due. He has since prospered in all his undertakings and has now as handsome a home as may be found in Nelson township. Mr. and Mrs. Phelps are true pioneers and have fully endured and overcome the adversities and set-backs inherent to a backwoods life. When they first settled in section No. 31 Indians were numerous in the vicinity and frequently passed their cabin to and from the trading-post at Grand Rapids; deer roamed through the woods that encumbered their eighty acres, and wolves were equally abundant. The farming implements used by Mr. Phelps were primitive in construction, and he still retains in his barn, as a souvenir of the pioneer days, an old-fashioned cradle he used in cutting down his grain. He and his wife knew Cedar Springs when it was a mere hamlet, and Mr. Phelps aided in tearing down the first building-a log tavern-erected in the village, to make room for more modern improvements. In 1895, Mr. Phelps erected his present modern dwelling on the site of his original log cabin-in which he and his wife had passed so many happy yet incessantly busy hours of labor. And now, after thirty years of residence in the township, they stand among its foremost and highly respected citizens. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Phelps have been born four children three sons and one daughter-the latter having died in infancy. The eldest of the four, Ambrose L., was educated in the public schools of Cedar Springs and is now engaged in farming; Eddie H. is employed in lumbering in the northern peninsula of Michigan, and Fred Z., the youngest, is at home with his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Phelps, in the kindness of their hearts, have also taken two nieces to rear and educate, viz: Blanche C. Bulson, a student in the eighth grade of the Cedar Springs schools, and sister, Nettie M., also a schoolgirl. These children are being reared with all the tenderness and care that their own parents could bestow upon them, and Mr. and Mrs. Phelps take as much affectionate pride in them as if they were their own offspring. Mrs. Katie Phelps was born January 26, 1842, and is a daughter of Samuel and Margaret (McMurray) Patterson, the former of whom was born in Ireland about I802, was a farmer by vocation, and died in I860. His wife was a native of Scotland, born in 8o07, and whose death took place in Michigan July 6, I886, in the faith of the Presbyterian 950 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS church. Of their three living children, the eldest, Margaret, is the widow of Charles Cole, and a resident of Flint, Mich.; Thomas resides in Oakland, Cal., engaged in railroading, and Mrs. Phelps is the youngest. In politics Mr. Phelps is an ardent democrat and cast his first presidential vote for Gen. George B. McClellan, in 1864. He is emphatically a self-made man, in the business sense of the phrase, has reared his family in a most respectable manner, and he and wife well deserve the high esteem in which they are universally held. * --- —--------------- EORGE K. PLAYTER.-The world r instinctively pays deference to the man whose success has been worthily achieved, and whatever success George K. Playter has achieved in life —for it is considerable —is due entirely to his own well directed efforts. When a young man he started out to make his own way in the world unaided, and by resolute purpose, indefatigable industry and sound judgment he has steadily worked his way up from a position of lowliness to one of affluence. The result of his labors is his fine farm in Tyrone township, comprising sixty-four acres of rich land, all under a high state of cultivation and yielding to the owner a golden tribute in return for the care he bestows upon it. George K. Playter, a resident of Kent county for nearly half a century, is a native of Jackson county, Mich., and was born on the 13th of March, I846. He was third in order of birth in a family of two sons and two daughters born to Edward P. and Catherine (Nelson) Playter, two of whom are living, viz: George K. and Charles E., a miller residing at Ewen, Ontonagon county, Mich. Edward P. Playter-was a native of Cana da, born 1814 and died in Jackson county in 1887. For many years he led the life of a sailor on the great lakes. The latter part of his career was devoted to agriculture in Jackson county, Mich. He was a man of good education and much given to reading. His father was born in Virginia and his grandfather was a native of England. In his political connection he was a whig, and both he and his wife were valued members of the Baptist church. The mother of George K. Playter was born near the city of Syracuse, N. Y., March 20, I814. She was reared in New York, where she received a common-school education. For some time she resided in Canada, but now makes her home with her son George. George K. Playter spent his boyhood in Jackson county, Mich., and there attended school for a time. Aware of his limited education, he has since endeavored to improve it by the selection and perusal of the best books. During the Civil war he went to the front in the service of his country and enlisted in company A, Twenty-first Michigan volunteer infantry in I864, and his company became First brigade, Second division, Fourteenth corps, when assigned to the "army of the west." His field of action was in Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and North and South Carolina. He was with Gen. Sherman on his famous march to the sea, fought in the trenches before Savannah, and witnessed the destruction of the capitol city, Atlanta. Once in South Carolina he was detailed on a foraging tour eighty miles from Columbia, S. C., and fccompanied by a band of negroes he retraced the line of march about thirty miles after some horses. When he arrived at the desired place he found it in charge of the Confederates. Seven officers and thirty-two mules were taken captive and Mr. Playter with his company again retraced their perilous march AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 951 through the mountains and rough country to the main army, eighty miles distant. After the battle of Bentonville, N. C., he took part in the pursuit of Gen. Forrest, going as far as Florence, Ala., where in an engagement he received a flesh wound in the abdomen. He marched the entire distance from Georgia across the Carolinas and Virginia to Washington, D. C., the news of Gen. Lee's surrender having been announced to them when at the village of Bentonville, N. C. Mr. Playter was present at the great review in Washington, D. C., one of the most magnificent processions ever witnessed in that city, and was finally honorably dicharged in the city of Detroit. From Detroit he came to Grand Rapids, where he had first met his wife. He was united in marriage with this lady, Miss Sarah A. Parish, December 19 I1863, at Napoleon, Mich., prior to enlisting. To this marriage were born five sons and five daughters of whom four sons and three daughters are living, viz: Willard E.,.a man of very liberal education, at present married and a master mechanic and electrician in Graves county, Ky.; Herbert H., educated in the Kent City public schools, now married and a mechanical engineer by profession, but engaged in agriculture as a vocation; Cora E., who graduated at the state school for the blind at Lansing with the class of 1896, and having been educated in the full musical course; George K.. -residing at home with his parents; Charles Arthur, liberally educated and a talented mechanic with his brother at Mayfield, Ky.; Grace I., at present taking a literary course at the state school in Lansing, Mich., including a full course in elocution, and Myrtle J., the youngest in the fourth grade in the Kent City public schools. Mrs. Playter was born in the little village of Glentham, in Lincolnshire, England, on the 50 8th of October, I846, the second child of Joseph and Jane (Cash) Parish, there being a brother, Charles, a farmer, of Tyrone township, Kent county, Mich. When she was a little girl five years of age, her parents set sail for America, from Liverpool, Eng. After a long voyage they reached New York, thence Manchester, Mich., where they purchased a house and lot and subsequently land near Norvell. Her mother died at Manchester, Mich., at the age of thirtytwo years and her father came to Tyrone township, Kent county, where he died at the ripe age of eighty-four years. Mrs. Playter received a fairly good education and is a refined, estimable lady, nobly performing her part as wife and mother. When she began married life her husband had nothing and was compelled to work by the month at various occupations. For six years 'he was engaged in the stave factory at Grand Rapids. Thence he came to Tyrone township, where he was for a time stockholder of the Michigan Stave Co., at Kent Citv, foreman, merchant, and in 1878 purchased I20o acres in Tyrone township, which with the exception of thirty acres was covered with hard wood. All the present improvements upon his now beautiful farm were made by himself. He has been industrious and persevering and has set an example for many empty handed prospectors. He has devoted much of his life as a miller and a dealer in, wood, shingles, etc. Politically Mr. Playter is a republican, having cast his first presidential vote for Gen. U. S. Grant, the soldier president. Mr. and Mrs. Playter and daughters, Cora and Gracie, are members of the Baptist church at Kent City, in which Mr. Playter is a deacon. They are also active workers in the Sunday school and have done their part faithfully. Mrs. Playter is a member of the W. C. 952 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I I T. U. at present, and also of the Ladies' Aid Society. Her husband is commander of the Maccabees at Kent City of Tyrone tent, No. 361, and holds an enviable position in the esteem of his fellow-men, by reason of his irreproachable life as well as by his business ability and pronounced success. OSEPH PLATTE. Agricultural pursuits have formed the chief occupation of this gentleman, and the wideawake manner in which he has taken advantage of every method and idea tending toward the enhancement of the value of his property has considerable to do with his success in life. In addition to being a successful farmer he is a man of intelligence and has been much interested in questions of public import. Mr. Platte is a native of Alpine township, Kent county, Mich., and was born September 5, I855, being the fourth child of John and Theresa (Cordes) Platte. His father was a native of Helden, Germany, and was born in the year 1822. He emigrated from Germany to America with his parents when but a boy, in the year I838. Upon their arrival here, they at once purchased a tract of land from the government, situated in sections 35-36, Alpine township, where he made his home until his death, which occurred August I8, 1870. His mother was a native of Helden, Germany, and was born in the year 1828. In infancy, accompanied by her parents, she came to America, here met her husband, and died on March 31, I870. Both parents were buried in the Alpine cemetery. Joseph Platte, the subject of this memoir, began life for himself when about twenty years of age, and for the six years following acted as general laborer, working in the woods, on the river, and for three years in the gold fields of California. Upon reaching the age of twentysix years, he settled on the homestead, which has served as his home since. He now owns a fine farm of I20 acres two miles north of the city, and is making decided improvements each year. Fruit growing is the principal feature of his business. On May 20, 1884, he was married to Miss Catherine Albert, a native of Ionia county, Mich., born November 12, I857, and the fifth child of John and Marguerite (Kroop) Albert. Her father, who died August 24, I893, was born in Baden, Germany, came to America in his nineteenth year, and married in Ohio in 1844. His wife, who survives him, was born in Bavaria and was brought to the United States at seven years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Platte are the parents of five children: Edward, Theodore, Iva, Alfred and Eda, all of whom reside at home. The political faith of Mr. Platte is pure democracy. Mr. and Mrs. Platte are active members of the Alpine Catholic church and are earnest workers in a good cause, especially in the line of hospitality, for their door is ever open to the needy. Mr. Platte has been a carver of his own destiny and has made it an honorable one. Affable in his manners, courteous in his address, firm in his conviction and faithful in his attachments, he is well liked in the community where he makes his home. *" --- —-" —"" --- —--- [ ENJAMIN C. PORTER, supervisor of I ' Wyoming township, Kent county, Mich., is native here, was born April 18, I864, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Rossman) Porter, the latter of whom is still living in Grand Rapids. John Porter was born in Seneca county, N. Y., and when a child was taken by his parents, James and Margaret Porter, to Penn I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 958 sylvania, where he was reared to manhood on his father's farm. About I840 the family carne to Michigan and resided for a short time at Marshall, whence he removed to Greenville in 1847, and in I856 came to Wyoming township, where his death occurred June Io, I893, at the age of seventy-four years. His old homestead is still in the family. To his marriage with Miss Rossman were born six children, of whom two sons and two daughters are still living. Benjamin C. Porter, the younger son born to John and Elizabeth Porter, was reared on his father's farm, and also attended the common schools until sixteen years of age, and in 1884, after a four years' course, graduated from an agricultural college with the degree of B. S. For two years thereafter he continued to assist on the home place. and in I886 purchased his present farm of fifty acres in the same vicinity, where his time and attention are chiefly given to dairying and the disposing of his products to his patrons in Grand Rapids. Mr. Porter was united in marriage November 14, I888, to Miss Fannie Day, a native of Ionia county, Mich., but this lady was called to rest September I I, 1894, leaving one child, Benjamin C., Jr. Fraternally Mr. Porter is a member of Crescent lodge, No. 322, F. & A. M., of Grandville. He also belongs to Grandville chapter, No. 227, Order of the Eastern Star; is also a member of Modern Woodmen. Politically he is a republican. He served as deputy oil inspector of this district from 1887 until I891, and his first elective office was that of town treasurer, in which he served two terms, in 1893 and I894; he was next elected town clerk, and in this uffice he also served two terms in 1894 and 1895. So ably and satisfactorily did he perform the duties of these offices that his already great popularity was vastly increased and in the spring of I896 he was elected supervisor of Wyoming township, and, again giving the utmost satisfaction, he was re-elected for the same office in I899, being the present incumbent. OHN PLUMB, for half a century a resident of Kent county, Mich., and one of the most highly respected agriculturists of Nelson township, as well as an ex-soldier of the war for the preservation of the Union, was born in Chemung county, N. Y., April 2, I841, the youngest child of Henry and Henrietta (Day) Plumb, whose family of six children, all still living, were named as follows: Harriet, widow of John Cooper, a farmer of Spencer township; Elkannah, an ex-soldier of the Twenty-first Michigan volunteers in the war of the Rebellion, and now a resident of McBride, Montcalm county; Jane, wife of Orrin Cooper, who resides near Chattanooga, Tenn.; Hiram, a farmer of Spencer township, Kent county, Mich.; Susan, widow of Leander Phelps, and John, the subject of this sketch. Henry Plumb, the father of this family, was born in Vermont, near lakes George and Champlain, and was of English extraction. He served in the war of 1812, receiving a land warrant in part compensation, and after marrying, migrated to Chemung county, N.Y. From New York he brought his family to Kent county, reaching Battle Creek by rail, whence they traveled by steam via Ionia and Greenville to Nelson township, John, the subject of this sketch, walking the entire distance, although he was but ten years of age. The township was then an undeveloped wilderness, and red men were numerous but not hostile. John Plumb was reared to all the hardships of a pioneer life, and, his parents being in but indifferent circumstances, he cheerfully assist 954 TIlIE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS ed in their support until their death, although the work was excessively laborious. At his majority he owned nothing, and began the making of his fortune by clearing forty acres of land, receiving as compensation forty acres of timbered land, which, in turn, he cleared for his own use from its growth of beech and maple. But about this time the alarm of war was sounded, and in response to the call to arms he enlisted in company F, Twenty-first Michigan volunteer infantry, under Capt. E. H. Crowell and Col. Stevens, at Greenville, August 7, 1862, and was assigned to the army of the Cumberland, under Gen. Sherman. He took part in the sanguinary battles of Perryville and Stone River and a number of lesser engagements and skirmishes, but after a time his health failed and he was confined to the field hospital near Stone River and the hospital at Nashville, for which latter, after convalescence, he was detailed as cook. He later served out the full term of his enlistment in the veteran reserve corps, mainly on guard and recruiting duty, and received an honorable discharge at Washington, D. C., June 27, I865. While Mr. Plum was in the capital city, the cowardly and lamentable assassination of President Lincoln took place, and it fell to his lot to become guard during the trial over some of the miscreants arrested as accessory to the dastardly crime. He was also on guard duty when the president's body lay in state in the capitol. Of six comrades who went to the front from this township, Mr. Plumb and three others only returned. On returning to Kent county Mr. Plumb resumed his farming, in which he has been unusually successful. He first married Miss Ellen E. Ridgeway, a native of New York, by whom he became the father of a son and daughter, the latter of whom, Nettie, is still living, and is the wife of Frederick Sipples, a farmer of,Spencer township. The son, Eugene Carlos Plumb, was killed when eighteen years old by the bursting of a gun he had discharged at geese. Mrs. Plumb passed away after five years of wedded life, and for his second helpmate Mr. Plumb married Miss Martha Adell Parks July 4, I871, and seven children have blessed this union, born in the following order: Rufus, who married Miss Belje Applebee, and is now a farmer at McBride, Montcalm county; Alfred, who enlisted at Grand Rapids for the war for the liberation of Cuba, in company B, Thirty-fifth Michigan volunteers, undor Capt. Buckingham and Col. Irish; the regiment, after being encamped at Gettysburg, Pa., and near Augusta, Ga., was mustered out without service at the front. He has since joined hands with Miss Dica Applebee, and is connected with his brother in farming in Montcalm county, Mich. Edith M. is the wife of James Hough, a prosperous farmer of Spencer township; Carrie E., who is in the eighth grade of the public school; Floyd E., Royden B, and Leo G., all three attending school. Mrs. Martha A. Plumb was born in Jackson county, Mich., June 26, 1854, a daughter of Beriah G. and Mary A. (Skutt) Parks, and was but two years of age when brought to Kent county by her parents, who had a family of four children, two sons and two daughters, of whom two only now survive-Mrs. Plumb and Elton H.-the latter a resident of Spencer township, where the parents still have their home and are classed with the most respected of that township. Mrs. Plumb has proven herself to be a notable housekeeper, and has been largely instrumental in aiding her husband in redeeming his farm from the wilderness and in making it the pleasant home it now is. When they settled in Nelson township their first house was of logs, their nearest market was Greenville, and the only method for earning money was by shaving out shingles AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 955 by hand-a slow and tedious method. Their neighbors were miles apart, but all were helpful and friendly. Together they have witnessed, while still single and after their marriage, the marvelous growth of Kent county and Nelson township, and in the development of the latter they have been no small factors. Mr. Plumb is a republican and cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864, while a soldier. In religion he and wife conform to the faith of the Congregational church, of which their daughters Edith and Carrie are also members. Mrs. Plumb is likewise a Sunday-school teacher in this church, has worked in the Ladies' society, is also a member of the Relief corps, and is its chaplain at Cedar Springs. The Plumb homestead comprises eighty acres of excellent land, well improved with a handsome dwelling and subtantial out-buildings, and the family enjoy the respect of the entire community. ARTILLES PORTER, a well-known and highly respected farmer of Nelson township, Kent county, Mich., and an ex-Union soldier, was born in Warren county, Pa., November 3, I838, the sixth of a family of nine children born to Raphael and Polly (Wilson) Porter, and of these nine six still survive, viz: Pierce C., the eldest, a mechanic of Spencer, Kent county, Mich.; William, a mechanic in Jamestown, N. Y.; Hortense, widow of Chester C. Chipps, of Chautauqua county, N. Y.; Martilles, the subject; Althera, wife of C. G. Herrick, likewise of Chautauqua county, N. Y., and Alverna, the wife of James Phillips, of Youngsville, Pa. Raphael Porter, the father, was a native of Oneida county, N. Y., was born about I797, a son of Asel Porter, a hero of Bunker Hill, where he was wounded in the left leg. Raphael was reared a stone and brick mason, was a gallant soldier in the war of I812, took part in the action at Sackett's Harbor, N. Y., and at the age of twenty-six years emigrated to Warren county, Pa., where he resided until I869, when he came to Michigan, and here died, an honored man, May 12, I881. Politically he had been a whig, shared the triumph of his party with William H. Harrison at its head, in the famous "log cabin " campaign of 1840, and was personally honored with various local offices. His wife was a native of the Keystone state, was born in 1803, graduated from the academy at Meadville, and died at Chautauqua, N. Y., April 25, 1896, beloved and honored by all who knew her. Martilles Porter, the descendant of the heroes named above and a distant relative of the famous Commodore Porter, was educated in the common schools of his native county, where he resided until his enlistment, May 7, I86r, in the Tenth Pennsylvania reserves, which regiment was assigned to the First corps of the army of the Potomac, with which he took part in the battles of Drainesville, Va., Mechanicsville, Va. (where a shell passed close to his neck), Gaines' Hill (where his knapsack was shot from his shoulders, leaving him minus his rations), White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, second Bull Run (where he sustained a flesh wound by a minie ball striking the top of his hip bone), South Mountain, Md., Antietam, and Fredericksburg, Va.-all among the fiercest of the war and especially mentioned in its history by several writers of renown. At Fredericksburg, when within sixteen feet of the Confederate breastworks, Mr. Porter was struck in the left thigh by a Mississippi rifle-ball and fell to the ground, where he lay forty-eight hours, without food or shelter 956 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS or care -and his blouse frozen to the ground. When discovered he was taken prisoner and conveyed to the Confederate, hospital at Richmond, where it was found that he was suffering from a compound fracture of the femur. He was next taken to Libby prison, where he was confined thirty days, when an exchange was affected, and he was transferred to Annapolis. There he underwent the painful operation of having a portion of the femoral bone removed, which shortened his leg but saved it, and nine months later he was sent to Turner's Lane hospital, Philadelphia, where, after the lapse of another period of nine months, he was honorably discharged July 28, I864. September IO, I865, Mr. Porter was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Wiles, a native of Clarion county, Pa., and this rnrriage has been blessed with four sons and one daughter, of whom there still survive the eldest, Blanche, wife of George Davis, a farmer of Nelson township; Hamilton R., an agriculturist, still at home with his father; he is a member of the Sons of Veterans lodge at Sand Lake,and in politics a is republican, having cast his first presidential vote for Benjamin Har ison; Carl W. is also a farmer and republican, supported the McKinley policy, and is a nember of the Evans grange, P. of H.; Glenn M., the youngest, is a true scion of a war-like ancestry, was born August 2, 1878, and enlisted in company L, Thirty-third Michigan volunteers, under Capt. Carl A. Wagner and Col. Charles L. Boynton, in the war for the liberation of Cuba,. giving up school-teaching for that purpose. The Thirty-third Michigan volunteers were sent from Sand Lake to Cuba, via Camp Alger, located on the famous Bull Run battle field and thence via Alexandria, Va., and Fortress Monroe, whence they seiled in the auxiliary cruiser Yale, June 23, I898, for Santiago de Cuba, and landed at Siboney, twelve miles southeast of the city, June 27, and went into camp until July r, when they marched againt Aguerdores, a fort guarding the pass to Santiago; while lining up on the railroad there came a shell from the enemy's fort, landing in Glenn's squad and killing his comrades, Franklin and Seabright,' outright, and wounding Clifford H. Curtiss, of Sand Lake, so that amputation of his leg becarle necessary; Don A. Stark's right hand was shot off, and part of' Corporal Frank Rawson's left arm carried away, but Glenn escaped without injury, and was honorably discharged December 31, 1898, after having served until the protocol, announcing the cessation of hostilities, was signed. Glenn is also a republican. Mrs. Porter, the mother of the abovenamed children, was born June 27, I848, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Troutner) Wiles, and is the eldest in a family of three children, the other two being John William and Levi WViles, both farmers of Clarion county, Pa. Mr. Wiles, the father, was a native of Germany, but came to America when twelve years of age and was reared to farming in Pennsylvania, where he died when Mrs. Porter was but five years old. Mrs. Wiles was a native of the Keyston. state, but died in Portsmouth, Ohio, in 1882, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which her husband had also been a member. \hen Mr. and Mrs. Porter came to Kent county, in I869, they located on section No. I3, Nelson township, but Mr. Porter made his first purchase of land in section No. 26, which was then an almost unbroken wilderness. Their first dwelling here was of logs, 22xI6 feet, with a stovepipe thrust through the roof for a chimney, but their home is now one of the best in the township and has been acquired through their mutual industry and good management. In politics Mr. Porter is a republican, cast AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 957 I his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, and has always been a warm advocate of public education. In religion, he and family adhere to the faith of the Universalist church, and have always been active in pushing forward every enterprise designed for the good of the community. They stand very high inthe esteem of their fellow-citizens, and the many years they have lived in Nelson township have, through them, been fraught with benefit to the public at large. [ORMAN N. PRINGLE, the leading hardware merchant of the northern part of Kent county, Mich., and one who stands high in the respect of the people and busines men of Sand Lake, is a native of the province of Ontario, Canada, and was born twenty-five miles from Kingston March 13, 1854, the third of a family of thirteen children born to Alfred and Sarah A. (Fritz) Pringle. What the exception of the meager education he received by attending public school for a short time, his instruction has been acquired through his contact with business men, but being an apt scholar, he has learned fully as much as if he had passed more time in school. In 1882 Mr. Pringle, a penniless young man, came to Sand Lake, the surrounding country at that time being an almost unbroken wilderness. Although he possessed no cash, he had unbounded, or unlimited, energy, and a will that carried with it success. For five years, or until 1877, he worked as a carpenter and manufacturer of shingles in the vicinity of Sand Lake, and was then able to purchase a forty-acre tract of heavily-timbered land in Solon township, Kent county, and of this he cleared twenty acres of the timber and converted it into shingles and lumber. He next sold twenty acres and purchased an additional tract of forty, relinquished the manufacture of shingles and lumber, and soon afterward bought another tract of I60 acres of improved land in Solon township; two years later he sold all this property and purchased fifty acres in Nelson township, nicely improved with good buildings. Eventually, he disposed of this property, and with the capital thus realized entered into a partnership with M. J. Blanchard, at Sand Lake, purchased a stock of hardware, furniture and undertaker's goods, and carried on business with him until I893, when he assumed entire charge and conducted the business alone until the great fire of 1895, when he lost building and stock, valued at $4,500. But the fire did not destroy Mr. Pringle's energy and indomitable will, and in February, 1896, he purchased a half-interest of E. J. Moody in the hardware, agricultural implement, buggy and wagon trade, and together they conducted this business until the fall of 1898, when Mr. Pringle again became sole proprietor. His success is due to his unswerving integrity, and his determination to please his patrons, and this course has won for him the unshaken confidence of the community, which Mr. Pringle values more than all things else. The marriage of Mr. Pringle took place January 6, I88o, to Miss Alva M. Brayford, a native of Kent county, and this happy union has been blessed with seven children-six sons and one daughter-of whom four still survive, viz: Ray, who graduated from the Sand Lake high school with the class of I899, Lee, Linn and Manley. Politically Mr. Pringle is a republican, and has served in the town council of Sand Lake. Fraternally he is a member of the K. O. T. M., tent No. 442, and he and his estimable lady hold a high place in the esteem of the people of the village. Besides his commercial 958 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I interests in the village, Mr. Pringle owns ninety-four acres of choice land in Nelson township, and when it is remembered that he began his life here without ten dollars that he could call his own, no wonder need be excited from the fact that his enterprise and determination to succeed have gained for him the enviable standing he now enjoys HRISTIAN POWELL, a prosperous and respected farmer of Algoma township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of Denmark, born about fifty miles from Copenhagen, May I, I849, the.youngest in a family of twelve children born to Powell Frank and Enger Datter. Of the seven sons and five daughters that constituted this family, five are still living, viz: Frank, a fartner, and Nelson, a carpenter, both in Denmark; Peter, a contractor in Maywood, Cook county, Ill.; John, a farmer of Greenville, Mich.; Christian, subject of this sketch, and Katherine, the wife of Adolph Leer, postmaster at Faxe, Denmark. The parents of this family both died in their native land. In I869, Christian Powell and his brother John sailed from Copenhagen in a steamer, and after a somewhat stormy voyage of eleven days landed in New York, whence they went direct to Chicago, Ill., their objective point, and thence were forwarded to Nebraska and set to work on the B. & M. railroad. Mr. Powell had acquired a good common-school education, but had not been tutored in the English language, but he had confidence in himself as well as the new country to which he had come, and soon learned sufficient of the tongue to carry him through the ordinary transactions of life. He was industrious and frugal, and atfer a year or two came to Kent county, Mich., and worked as a farm laborer two years for one man in Courtland township, saving his wages with care. In I877 he went to Leadville, Colo., taking with him all his hard-earned savings, amounting to about $3,000, and there began mining. But he was not fortunate in this undertaking, although he labored persistently until I88O, when, having exhausted his funds, he returned east, and on reaching Grand Crossing, Ill., had but fortyfive cents left. He there engaged as foreman on the canal then in course of construction, held the position a short time, and then became "boss" of a construction train on the C. B. & Q. railroad, working in Iowa and Missouri. Later, he engaged in the hotel business at Sheridan, Iowa, for a year, and made money. He then returned to Michigan, for six months worked in the pineries of Montcalm county, and then returned to Kent county. August 28, I883, Mr. Powell here married Miss Mary Powers, a native of Russia, who came to the United States when twelve years of age. This union has been blessed with two children-Elizabeth, who is attending school and also taking lessons in piano music, and Jacob, a boy of very retentive memory and with a genius for mechanical construction. Mrs. Powell is a kind-hearted lady, is a remarkably good housekeeper, and has done much in aiding her husband in acquiring a good home. In 1884, Mr. Powell purchased his first piece of land-eighty acres-of which twenty acres only had been broken, but on which no building of any kind had been erected. For this he went in debt $1,700, but this has all been paid off, his farm put under cultivation and improved with a modern dwelling and substantial out-buildings, and all free of debt. He makes a specialty of potatoes, and in 1893, raised 2,200 bushels. Mr. Powell is a republican in politics, and cast his first presidential vote for U. S. Grant. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 959 He is an ardent friend of public education, and he and wife are devoted members of St. Mary's Catholic church at Grand Rapids. Mr. Powell is also a member of the Court of Honor at Rockford, in which he holds $2,000 insurance for each of his children. The industrious life of Mr. Powell is well worthy the emulation of the rising generation, for, although he came to America a penniless young man, he now stands in the community as one of its most respected members. ILLIAM PROCTOR, deceased, late of Lowell township, was born in 'D Ingleton, county of York, England, on November 20th, I8o8, and died Sunday morning, December 22, 1895. In I853 he came with his family to Michigan, where he purchased*320 acres in section No. 27, Lowell township, having at that time a capital of some $2,000. He was united in marriage on May 7, 183 1, to Miss Catherine Graham, in Bentham, Yorkshire, England. She died November 4, I887, leaving the following family: William, Jr.; Sarah, the wife of William Graham; Henry, John and Hannah, who marriedJames Easterby. He was reared in the Episcopal church, and was, in politics, a republican, adhering firmly to the doctrines of the party, but was independent in thought, speech and action, and was highly esteemed. Mrs. Proctor is the aunt of William Graham, whose wife is Sarah, the daughter above mentioned, and who lives on the farm adjoining the Proctor home. Her daughter, now Mrs. Dygert, has her home in the Proctor residence. Mr. Proctor's life was devoted to the improvement of his farm, and he attended to his business himself until past eighty years of age. His two sons, William and John, until the latter's death, did much in working the farm. When about twenty, John's leg was caught in the tumbling rod of a horse power and torn from his body, so he was obliged to use crutches. After this misfortune he learned the carpenter's trade, and in addition to the farm work he was engaged in building barns, etc. After John's death, William carried on the farm work until the father departed. Eighty acres were given to his son Henry, who assisted in building, and who, now deceased at forty-eight years of age, had lived on the homestead and deeded 120 acres to his son William, Jr., who remained at home and managed the place. By a deed made but a few weeks before he died he passed the homestead to his granddaughter, who had lived with him as housekeeper for eight years; in other words, ever since Mrs. Proctor died. She married Lincoln Dygert, and they now reside in the old home. The present large and handsome brick house was built by him in 187I. In early life he was an industrious, energetic man and for years carried on a large business. He was educated, well informed as to history and public men, and, though a stanch republican, he never aspired to any office, but preferred to give his attention to his business pursuits. Reared in the Episcopal faith, he nevertheless attended and contributed liberally to other churches, there being no Episcopal church at Lowell. L C. GREEN, M. D.-The professional gentleman, to a review of whose life these lines are devoted, is one of the representative physicians and surgeons of Kent county. Dr. Green was born in Hillsdale, Mich., in April, 1855, and is a son of Amos and Altani (Strunk) Green, the father a native of New York and 960 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS the mother of Michigan. Amos Green, by occupation an agriculturist, came to this state a number of years ago and at this time makes his home in Hillsdale; his wife, who bore him four children, died in that city in the year I 897. Dr. Green was reared on his father's farm and his elementary education embraced the curriculum of the common schools of the neighborhood. In early manhood he entered the Hillsdale college, where he made substantial progress in the higher branches of learning, but discontinued his studies without completing the prescribed course, in order to engage in teaching, which profession he followed from I876 to I879. In the meantime he turned his attention to the medical profession, and while following educational work devoted all of his leisure time to a careful study, preparatory to.entering the medical department of the Michigan university at Ann Arbor. He became a student in this famous institution in the early part of I88o, and was graduated therefrom in I883. The year following the completion of his medical education the doctor spent as a teacher, and in 1885 began the active practice of his profession at Lowell, where he has since won for himself an honorable reputation as a successful physician and surgeon. Dr. Green has kept well abreast of the onward march of the science of medicine and surgery, and is an enthusiastic student in all lines of his profession. In full possession of that manly vigor which acts as a stimulus to greater aim, far-reaching accomplishments in his much-loved calling, his ripe experience and skill in ministering to suffering humanity far outreach his years. Possessed of an energy which is second only to his ability, he spares no efforts in penetrating the mysteries of science and medical lore. and his comprehensive research as well as success in combating disease has brought him well earned recognition in the profession and a practice liberal in financial returns. In all public affairs, affecting either the town or the county at large, the doctor has always been interested, doing his share towards progress and advancement. He is president of the Building & Loan association of Michigan, also president of the board of directors of the same, and at this time is chairman of the board of directors of the Lowell Telephone exchange. He gives his allegiance to the republican party, with which he has been identified since becoming a voter, and stands high in Masonic circles, being master of Lowell lodge, No. go. The doctor is united in marriage with Miss Emma S. Chapman, of Lowell, who has borne him one child, G. Golden, whose birth occurred in May, I 892. Mrs. Green is a member of the Congregational church at Lowell, in the faith of which she is training her son. M. G I F FIN. — The thought which presents itself to the far-seeing and conservative mind, when the question is propounded as to what essentials are necessary to a man's success in life, is that of industry, economy and honesty, and the life of J. M. Giffin will corroborate this. J. M. Giffin, a known agriculturist and official of Grattan township, Kent county, Mich., is of Holland descent, his great-grandfather having come from that country. J. M. Giffin was born on the Xoth of August, I839, in St. Lawrence county, N. Y. He was the last born of the nine children of David and Anna (Giffin) Giffin, and two of the family are living beside J. M., viz: Rufus and Seargt. David H. The former is a resident of Briar Hill, N. Y., is now retired. He AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 961 served as a private in the Civil war with the army of the Potomac, and received a wound in the hand at the battle of Fort Hasskell. The latter, a wagon maker during his active career, is now a retired resident of De Pevster, N. Y., where for fifteen consecutive years he has acted as township clerk. He also bears proof of army service in the fact that he carries a rifle-ball in his hip, having been wounded during the charge on Petersburg, 'Va. Their service was in the same command and participated in fifteen battles; both served clear through the war and had an honorable record. David Giffin, Sr., was born in Fort Ann, N. Y., February 5, I796, and died October 4, I880; the mother was a native of Georgia, Franklin county, Vt., born July 30, 1798, and died September 3, I881. When a small girl she was taken by her parents to the state of New York and was there reared and educated. J. M. Giffin passed his boyhood in his native state and was there educated in the common schools. In early life he learned the trade of a wagon and coach-maker in his father's shop, but the major part of his life has been spent in the capacity of an agriculturist. He remained at his parents' home until twenty-one years of age, devoting his time and service to them. On February 21, I862, he was married to Miss May Petrie, at Hammond Corners, N. Y., and a son and a daughter have blessed this union, namely, Florence and Royal. The former is a well-educated young lady and is gifted with an extraordinary talent as an artist, considering that her instruction in that line has been very limited. The great part of her work is oil-painting, but she has also displayed marked ability as a draughtsman and a designer in silk embroidery. Probably no home in the neighboring country is more superbly furnished with beau tiful pictures than that of the Giffins. Miss Giffin is also skillful in the use of the kodak, and develops her own plates. Socially she is a member of the Eastern Star and of the Grattan grange. She has resided constantly with her parents. Royal B., the son, died at the age of fourteen years on August 27, I88r. Mrs. Giffin was born January 6, I841, in St. Lawrence county, N. Y., was there educated and taught school for one year. She is a daughter of Isaac and Mary (Mitchell) Petrie, the former of German descent and a native of Herkimer county, N. Y., born January 4, I80o, and died July 25, I879. The latter was ot Scotch extraction, both of her parents having come from Inverness, Scotland. She was born in I8oI and died June I, I860. Mr. and Mrs. Giffin began with a capital of less than $0oo. The former plied his trade for one year, and for the two following was engaged as a farmer. In I866 he came to Kent county, where his father-in-law had purchased a farm of thirty-eight acres which Mr. Giffin subsequently bought. It was in a very uncouth and ill-improved state, having one of the poorest little houses in the country. They have since improved the farm and added forty acres to it, and built a handsome residence standing on an eminence that affords an interesting view of the surrounding country with its scenery diversified with hill and lake. Mr. Giffin is a democrat in politics, and has frequently been found in the councils of the party. He was elected supervisor of his township in 1887 and re-elected in I888, 1889 and 1890. His service includes the time of the inception and building of the new court house. He has for five years been connected with the school board. Socially, he is an esteemed member of the Masonic lodge, of which he has for three years held the exalted position of worshipful master. He and wife are also 962 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS charter members of the Grattan grange, and have kept up an active interest in grange work. OLOMON RAMSDELL, an enterprising and wide-awake tiller of the soil, has for the past third of a century been a representative citizen of Kent county, Mich., and his fine farm of I60 acres speaks for itself as to his thrift and successful methods in pursuing his chosen calling. Mr. Ramsdell was born in Wayne county, Mich., near the city of Detroit, May 23, 1833, and is a son of Jacob and Sally (Richardson) Ramsdell, the parents of five children, four of whom are living, viz: Solomon; Jerome, a tinner residing in Grand Rapids; Frank, a prominent lawyer of Deerfield, Wis., and Rosette, formerly a teacher in Kalamazoo and Ionia counties, and now a resident of Fargo, Dak. Jacob Ramsdell came from the " Old Bay State " having been born about twenty miles from the city of Boston in I806. Being a man of high intellectual attainment, he taught school for some years in New York state and in Wayne county, Mich. He was married in New York, and became a resident of Wayne county, Mich., as early as I83I, and a few years later moved further west, settling upon the site of the present city of Kalamazoo. Being a fine mathematician and experienced surveyor, he laid out the thoroughfares of this now beautiful city, and whilst a citizen of the county was elected and re-elected to the high and honored position of county judge of Kalamazoo, an indication of his popularity and ability. In 1845 he came to Ionia county, and in Orange township purchased a i6o-acre farm and erected the first log cabin. He soon afterward sold this property and removed to Lowell, where for years he was engaged as a saddler and harness manufacturer. Fraternally he was an esteemed charter member of the I. O. O. F., at Kalamazoo, and always held high offices in that fraternity. The mother of the subject was a native of Ontario county, N. Y., and settled on the farm near Lowell, Mich. Solomon Ramsdell was reared entirely in the state of Michigan, and until twenty-six years of age he remained with his parents, when he was united in marriage to Miss Jennette S. Watson, who bore him three children, two of whom are living —Nettie W. and Callie D. The former is the wife of Lewis Brown, an agriculturist residing at Luther, Mich. She was well educated and became a successful teacher in the county and city schools. The latter is an accomplished musician, being a graduate of the Wooster Conservatory of Music, where she was under the instruction of Prof. Karl Merz. Later she became a student of Prof. Frank Davis, a celebrated vocalist of Cincinnati, Ohio. She is a successful teacher of the-divine art of music, at Fenton, Mich. Seymour W., the deceased son, was educated in the Grattan union school. He was a teacher until his early death, at the age of twenty-four years. He was an exemplary young man, whose native ability, refined tastes and elevation of character gave promise of a brilliant future. Mrs. Ramsdell died July 12, I866. Mr. Ramsdell next chose her sister, Miss Calista D. Watson, to fill her place, to whom he was married March 23, I867. Five children have been born to this union, viz: Bert, a young man of high intellectual attainment, who married Miss Enza Foote, and who is an agriculturist residing in Courtland; Gertrude, an elocutionist of marked ability and wife of Prof. H. W. Davis, the renowned instrumental musician and orchestral director. Mrs. Davis received her education in the Belding public AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE.I 963 I schools and graduated in elocution from the normal school at Fenton, Mich. She exhibited such marked ability in the elocutionary art that she was urged to make it her profession, and in this she has won greatly deserved celebrity. The next in order of years is Frank A., who was educated in the Grattan school, the Ypsilanti Normal, and was also a student in the West Michigan college and of the celebrated Prof. Paul P. Davis, of Grand Rapids. Later he graduated from the Holbrook school of oratory in Knoxville, Tenn., with the degree of bachelor of oratory. He taught also for a time and is now associated with a professional dramatic company, traveling in the eastern and southern states, having attained an enviable reputation as a portrayer of the leading parts of the standard plays. Floy Dell is a successful teacher and a talented musician, and the youngest is Gregg R. Mrs. Ramsdell is a lady of cutlure and refinement, and for seventeen years was a practical teacher. Her parents were Andrew and Sallie (Packard) Watson. The father was born near Meredith, N. H., received a liberal education, was one of the first three settlers of Plainfield, then including Cannon township, where he was a farmer and surveyor and gave the name to the territory as Plainfield from his birthplace in New Hampshire. The mother's natal place was Perrinton, Ontario county, N. Y., and her death occurred in Grattan, while he died in Cannon. On the 3Ist of December, I863, Solomon Ramsdell enlisted at Lyons, in Company E, Sixth Michigan cavalry, and was assigned to Gen. Custer's brigade. He participated in many of the important and severe battles of the war, among which were the battles of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, etc. In Louisa county, Va., he was captured and imprisoned at Richmond, thence taken to Libby prison and later transferred to Andersonville. After a confinement of two months and seventeen days at the last named placeshe was taken to and imprisoned at Florence, S. C. His liberation occurred at City Point, Va., after a total imprisonment of nine months and nineteen days. At Camp Chase, Ohio, he was discharged on June 14, I865. Politically Mr. Ramsdell was formerly a whig and cast his first maiden presidential vote for the first republican candidate, John C. Fremont. He has adhered to republican principles since, though he has never sought the emoluments of public office. He is one of the well-to-do farmers of Grattan, having a well-cultivated, highly improved farm in a desirable section of country, where hospitality is extended to all. Mr. and Mrs. Ramsdell are members of the Grattan grange, of which the latter is lecturer. Both Mr. Ramsdell and wife are filled with the spirit that impresses and adds to the happiness of life. They have lived true to a noble purpose and endeavor. Modest and unassuming, they are known only to be respected, and their silent example has made a lasting impression on the youth of the town, who have ever found in them earnest sympathy and encouragement. APT. HUGO BIRGET RATHBUN, late of Paris township, Kent county, Mich., and a man of sterling worth, who left the impress of his individuality upon the community in which he made his home, was a native of Cayuga county, N. Y., where his birth occurred on the 30th day of November, I841. His parents, Charles and Ann (Kniffin) Rathbun, moved from the Empire state to Michigan in 1844, locating in Grand Rapids, where Charles built, and for many 964 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS years conducted, the then most popular hostelry in western Michigan-the Rathbun house. He attained distinction as an old-time landlord but retired from its management about 1851, and moved to the farm still in possession of the family, two miles south of the city, in Paris township. He died at the residence of his daughter in Grand Rapids at the age of seventy-five. Hugo B. Rathbun was less than four years of age when brought by his parents to Michigan, and he has passed all but that brief period of his life in the state of his adoption. In September, I861, he entered the army as private in company D, Second Michigan cavalry, with which he served three and a half years, receiving for gallantry on the field during that time successive promotions to corporal, lieutenant and captain, being in command of his company as such when mustered out at the expiration of his period of enlistment. The same day that he was discharged, Capt. Rathbun re-entered the service with a lieutenant's commission and as such served until February, I865. Shortly after retiring from the army he went to Chicago, where for several years he was in the employ of his brother-in-law, a lumber dealer, as a bookkeeper. While in that city he met Miss Leversa Wright, daughter of William D. and Sophia Wright, and an attachment was formed which culminated in marriage on the 4th day of March, I869. Immediately thereafter Mr. Rathbun and wife came to Michigan, and took possession of the old homestead in Paris township, where the family was reared, and where Mr. Rathbun's death afterward occurred. He was a successful agriculturist, and his farm, consisting of I53 acres of fertile land, was well improved and highly cultivated, yielding to the owner a commensurate income. He studied farming actions on methodical principles, earning the reputation of a clear-headed and progressive man of affairs. He served as township treasurer one year, and at different times held other offices of a local nature, including that of school director, supervisor and township clerk, acquitting himself in the various positions to which he was called as a capable and conscientious public servant. A republican in his political faith and exceedingly tenacious of his opinions, Mr. Rathbun was broad minded and liberal, and there was little in him of the partisan or ward politician. He was complimented many times, by his party, by being sent as delegate to county and state conventions, and upon such occasions was no passing factor, but an aggressive, earnest worker for the principles he thought best, and for the candidates most fitting, in his opinion, for the positions sought. He was made a Mason while residing in Chicago and continued an active worker of the order until his death. The circumstances attending the death of Capt. Rathbun were peculiarly distressing, and his sad taking off was not only a terrible shock to his devoted family, but was felt almost as a personal loss by everybody in the community where he was so well known and highly respected. May 30, 1898, was not only Decoration day, but it was also the anniversary of the birth of his twin daughters, an occasion which promised him much pleasure. With the exception of himself and wife, the family were away from home, and the evening was spent by the two in a most agreeable manner, the first time, in years, they had been entirely alone. The time was spent in pleasant discourse, reviewing the past and making plans for the future, all unmindful of the near presence of the grim specter, that was so soon to change the happy household into a place of mourning. Capt. Rathbun was in his usual carefully and conducted all his business trans health and spirits, but shortly after retiring AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 965 was seized with a violent fit of coughing, which soon terminated in strangulation, and before assistance could be summoned, and almost before the wife was aware of the severity of the attack, his life work closed, the spirit departed, and he had entered the harbor of rest. It was indeed a sad homecoming to the children, who fairly idolized the fond parent; the home now desolate, where but a few hours before all was joy, and full of the promise of years of happiness. In accord with his wishes, expressed but a short time previous to his departure to the unseen universe, Mr. Rathbun was borne to his final resting place by the five brothers, McGrath, between whom and himself there hadexisted for years exalted feelings of the greatest mutual regard and affection. TFew men of Kent county were more highly esteemed than Capt. Rathbun, and certainly none were ever swayed by more generous impulses, or possessed nobler feelings for and faith in their fellow-man. His life was a benediction to his family and an honor to his neighborhood and county, and the influence of his example should serve as a stimulus to the young men of the community just crossing the threshold to an independent destiny. Mrs. Rathbun was born in Steuben county, N. Y., and from the age of ten until her marriage resided in Chicago, in the high school of which city she received a liberal education. She bore her husband the following children: Charles B., who manages the home farm; George Amos, a bright young man of twenty, who was drowned August 26, I894, while bathing in Lake Catherine, near Chicago; Frank Hugo, a young business man of Grand Rapids; Eugene Wright, who was educated in Chicago and is now living at home; Louise Virginia and Leversa Vacilla, twins, both educated in the high schools of Grand Rapids. The widow has had much for which to be thankful; yet to her has been presented, for the third time, the cup of sorrow, filled to the brim., Four years previous to her husband's decease, she suffered the loss of her mother, who was killed by an explosion of natural gas. One year after that dire catastrophe, her loved boy was brought home dead from the cruel waters of the lake. With christian fortitude she has borne up under these sad visitations, comforted with the assurance that in the afterwhile, when the great mystery of life is solved, and the reasons of death made plain, she shall be reunited in the world beyond the stars with the loved and lost, in bonds of love never again to be severed. To the past go more dead faces Every year, As the loved leave vacant places Every year; Everywhere the sad eyes meet us, In the evening's gloom they greet us, And to come to them entreat us Every year. NDREW E. RETAN, among the successful farmers and stock raisers of Kent county, is a descendant of sturdy ancestry, noted for their many sterling traits of character, and which he has inherited to a considerable degree. He is a, son of John R. and Catherine (Emmons) Retan, and was born where he now lives in Wyoming township, May 23, I847. His parents were married in the state of New York in I841, and two years later came to Michigan, locating on the present farm in Wyoming, being among the early pioneers of this section of Kent county. Andrew Emmons, father of Mrs. Reten, was born in Seneca county, N. Y., was a man of large business interests, and secured several valuable tracts 966 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS -- of land in the counties of Kent and Allegan. His children have been among the substantial citizens of Wyoming township ever since the early days of its history. John T. Emmons, who is still living and of whom an extended mention is found elsewhere, is a respected representative of the family. John R. Retan was one of the men who gave character to the community. He was one of the leading agriculturists of the county, carrying on farming and stock raising quite extensively, thus accumulating a large and valuable estate. He died full of years and honor July I, i88i, aged seventy-four. His wife survived him sixteen years, closing her eyes for the last time on the scenes so long familiar on the 25th day of September, I895, at the age of seventy-six. The family of John R. and Catherine Retan consisted of three children: Mary, wife of Abram Jones, 6f Madison, Neb.; Andrew; and Sarah, who married James Morrison, and died in this county at the age of forty-three. In his boyhood, Andrew Retan attended the common schools and assisted with the work of the farm until his seventeenth year. At that time the war cloud spread over the country and after it had burst, deluging the land with blood, young Retan, together with thousands of other loyal sons of the north, volunteered his services in defense of the national Union. He enlisted in battery D, Fourth Michigan light artillery, September 6, I864, and served in the army of the Cumberland under Gen. Thomas until August of the following year, taking part in the mean time in a number of battles, including that of Nashville. After his discharge he returned home and took charge of the homestead. On the 5th day of May, 1875, he was united in marriage with Miss Helen L. Day, daughter of Dr. Levi and Clarissa (Ryder) Day, a union blessed with the birth of one child, a daugh ter, Mary Catherine, a cultured young lady, who is a graduate of the Grand Rapids high school and her mother's valued assistant in the management of the household. The father of Mrs. Retan, Dr. Levi Day, is one of the oldest physicians in point of active service in western Michigan, having practiced his profession continuously for over half a century, and is widely and favorably known in medical circles and throughout the country. Almost immediately after marriage, Mr. Retan engaged in the pursuit of agriculture on a more extensive scale; and has since followed the same with gratifying success, owning at this time the home farm consisting of I30 acres, besides other valuable property, both real and personal. He rebuilt the old dwelling, transforming it into a modern structure, comfortable in every detail. He beautified the surroundings until he now has one of the best and most attractive homes in the township. Mr. Retan is what may be termed a scientific farmer, being methodical in all he does. He pursues his vocation with an intelligence and enthusiasm rarely met among the great majority of agriculturists. In addition to tilling the soil, he has for a number of years paid considerable attention to stock raising, in which he ranks with the most successful men of the county, his grades of horses, sheep and hogs being first class in every particular. He is considered one of the best informed men on all matters relating to their breeding, in this section of the country, and is often chosen as judge at the exhibits. In short the well tilled fields, perfect fences, commodious barns and out-houses, the comfortable dwelling and general neat appearance of everything on the farm are a credit to the owner's thrift and management, and bespeak the presence of a wide-awake, well-to-do and intelligent man of affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Retan are communicants of AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 967 the Methodist Episcopal church, belonging to the South Wyoming congregation, in which they are both zealous workers. Fraternally Mr. Retan belongs to Crescent lodge, No. 322, F. & A. M., at Grandville, and of which he is now serving as worshipful master, a position he has filled for seven consecutive years, during which time increased interest and activity have been experienced by the lodge. He also belongs to Royal Arch chapter, No. 5, in Grand Rapids. He and wife are active members of Grandville chapter, No. 227, Order of the Eastern Star, in which both hold official positions. At different times he has been delegate to the grand lodge of the state, beside being active in every department of work pertaining to the order. Mr. Retan votes with the republican party, and has frequently been chosen delegate.to various conventions, but has never sought or desired an office. His life record is one that will bear the closest scrutiny, and he commands the respect of all. He is a gentleman of upright purpose, of fidelity to principle, of pleasant manner and social disposition, qualities which have gained him many friends throughout an extended territory. RA RICHMOND, an enterprising young farmer of Grattan township, Kent county, Mich., was born near Bennington, Vt., the little place where Gen. John Stark figured so prominently in Revolutionary days. He dates his nativity July 7, i866, and is the second of four sons born to Franklin and Abbie S. (Babcock) Richmond. Three of the sons are now living, viz: Ira; Wilson G., a foreman in the Richardson Silk factory at Belding, and Whitman P., also a resident of Belding and identified with the same factory. 51 Franklin Richmond is a native of Massachusetts, was born in the year I839, and now resides in Belding, Mich. He early learned the trade of a carpenter, came to Michigan in I864 and located first in Ionia county. In politics he was a thorough abolitionist and is now stanch in the support of republicanism. Socially he is a member of the Foresters of his resident city. His wife, a woman of intellectual attainments, was a native of Vermont and was born in I837. Ira Richmond was a child of two years when be became a resident of Saranac, Ionia county. In the common schools of that county he received his education, became a skilled mechanic, and was employed for three years in a factory at Belding. On March 6, 1889, Mr. Richmond was united in marriage to Miss Blanche D. Belding, a scion of the great Belding family, who founded the city of that name. To this union have been born four sons and a daughter, viz: Leo B., Fred W., Adelbert, Day and Julia A. Mrs. Richmond was born in Otisco, Ionia county, Mich., March 24, 1870. Her parents, Frank W. and Julia E. (Day) Belding, are both deceased, the father having passed away when she was a girl of nine years, and the mother following him eight years later. Mr. Richmond, having no capital with which to start, began married life by farming on shares, but in I896 was able to purchase a forty-acre farm. He is now a progressive agriculturist and an owner of a fine tract of land. The farm was one of the early-settled places in Grattan township, five miles west of Belding, and formerly known as the Wright homestead. Politically Mr. Richmond is a republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Benjamin Harrison. In local politics, however, he may be called a non-partisan, as he looks to the man rather than the party. Socially he is a member of Ivanhoe tent, No. 968 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS 24, Knights of the Maccabees, at Belding. Mrs. Richmond is a member of Goodwill hive, No. 450, L. 0. T. M. OHN L. RANDEL. America affords numberless instances of men who have made their way alone in life, having nothing upon which to depend but their own strong arms and a determination to do and to succeed. Such men are always self-reliant, their necessities having taught that what is done must be done through themselves alone. They are worthy and well qualified to perform what duties they are called upon to discharge, and are, almost without exception, leaders of thought in their communities and lead lives of great usefulness. In considering the men of this class, the name of John L. Randel suggests itself, for the reason that he has made'his own way onward and upward in the world by the force of his own talents. Mr. Randel was born in Delaware county, Ohio, February 5, 1848, and is the youngest of three children born to Aden and Almina (Renells) Randel, all of whom are living, viz: Charlotte, the widow of Lawrence Purdy and a resident of Grattan township; Martha, widow of Edward Howard, who resided at the same place and John L. Randel, whose life is here presented. Not much is known of the life of Aden Randel, the father of John L., owing to the fact that he died when the latter was but an infant of six months. He was born May 12, I813, in the state of New York, and died in Delaware county, Ohio, June 24, 1848. Most of his life was passed as a mechanic, as he was skilled as a carpenter and blacksmith. It is also known that he purchased a tract of land from a Revolutionary hero. The mother was a native of Pennsylvania, born January 2, 1820, and died in Grattan, Kent county, Mich., on the 20th of February, I899. She was reared to womanhood in her native state and married in Ohio. John L. Randel was but six months old when his father died, and a little boy of four years when removed to Michigan. Until thirteen years of age he made his home with his mother and step-father —for his mother was again married-and at that age began as a wage earner, receiving at first only $3 per month. His mother allowed him to retain his salary, and at the end of six months he had saved $19.50, a sum which, considering the time of work, would be sneered at by a lad of to-day. But by his careful, methodical and very economical way, he made the dollars count and became a decided success, despite the low wages. Mr. Randel took for his companion in life Miss Achsa Smith, to whom he was married on the I7th of April, 1875. To Mr. and Mrs. Randel have been born four children, all of whom are living, viz: Nellie L., who graduated at the Grattan union schools in the class of I895, became a successful teacher in Kent county, and is now the wife of E. L. Brooks, a young and well-known merchant of Grattan Center; Millie, who completed the ninth year in the union schools, attended in I898 the Ypsilanti Normal school, where she took a musical course, and has taught music successfully; Frank Aden, a student of Ferris institute at Big Rapids, Mich., and Kittie. Mrs. Randel was born in Grattan township, Kent county, Mich., May 17, I855. She is a daughter of J. W. B. and Achsa (Rich) Smith and had two brothers, Nathaniel and John, the former of whom is still living. Her father was a native of New York, born in I815 and died in Grattan in i886. He was one of the pioneers of Kent county, having come to Grat . i AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 969 tan in the year I846, when the township was a wild, woody tract, and Indians were frequent. He was a man of care and industry, and at his death owned a valuable farm of I40 acres. The natal place of the mother was in the same state as that of the father, born in I8I6. She survived her husband three years, dying at the age of seventy-three. In politics John Randel is a democrat and was a follower and supporter of Horace Greeley. He was officially connected with the public schools for some eight years, and served at one time as township clerk. Mr. and Mrs. Randel hold a high place in social circles and for their industrious and upright lives command the esteem of many friends. ILLIAM REXFORD, the popular landlord of the Central hotel at Lowell, Mich., is one of ten children born to Ensign and Elmina (Slaght) Rexford —the father, a native of the state of New York and the mother of Michigan. Ensign Rexford was reared to agricultural pursuits in the state of his nativity, later became a resident of Michigan, and located in the town of Grattan, where he became the possessor of quite an extensive area of land. He was successful as a farmer, and at his death, which occurred in the year I898, had accumulated a comfortable competence in real estate and other property. William Rexford, a br.ef epitome of whose life is herewith presented, was born in the town of Grattan on the 26th day of January, 1849, and received a practical education in the common schools, which he attended at intervals until arriving at manhood's estate. He farmed for,himself for a number of years with success and financial profit, but in May, 1898, moved to Lowell, purchased the con tents of the Central hotel, and has since devoted his time and attention to ministering to the wants of the traveling public. The house of which Mr. Rexford is the genial host is a two-story building containing twenty rooms, situated in the central part of town, and under its present management has become a favorite stopping place, being the only dollar a day house in Lowell. By carefully studying the demands of the traveling public, and learning how to minister to their comfort, Mr. Rexford has become quite a popular landlord, and has built up a very lucrative business, his house being seldom without its full complement of guests. Mr. Rexford possesses a winning personality, a happy, sunshiny temperament, and by his genial manner has won a host of friends in Lowell since becoming identified with the town. He is indeed " a hale fellow well met," and his first successful experience in the capacity of "mine host " bespeaks for him a large share of patronage in the future. Mr. Rexford is by birth-right a democrat and has been an ardent supporter of that party ever since first exercising the right of franchise in his twenty-first year. The maiden name of Mr. Rexford's wife was Julia Hubble, daughter of Prindle Hubble; their home has been gladdened by the birth of one child, William H. Rexford. OHN J. RISINGER, a genial, popular and prosperous farmer of that part of the village of Cedar Springs lying within the township of Nelson, Kent county, Mich., was born in Medina county, Ohio, November 3, 1844, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Keller) Risinger, of whose twelve children ten are still living, viz: J. G., who was a soldier in the Civil war, and is now a farmer in Liverpool, Ohio; Jacob, of Elyria, 970 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Ohio; Christian, of Lorain county, Ohio; Catherine, wife of Henry Krause, of Houghton county, Mich.; Martin, who was a soldier in the Civil war, and now lives in Lorain county, Ohio; Elizabeth, wife of Christian Stumm, of Buffalo, N. Y.; Eliza, married to Calvin Jackson, of Eaton, Ohio; William, of Holt county, Nebr.; Charles, of Grafton, Ohio, and John J., the subject, of this sketch, who was the seventh born of the twelve. Jacob Risinger was a native of Wittenburg, Germany, was born in September, i808, was reared a farmer, and also taught shoemaking. At the age of twenty-five years he sailed from Bremen, and after a tedious voyage of I03 days landed in New York. There had been a dissension among the officers and crew of the vessel, reaching almost to a mutiny among the latter, before the shores of America had been sighted, and even afterward the vessel struck a sand-bar, and many persons on board were forced to swim ashore —Mr. Risinger being among the number, and losing everything but a small trunk. From New York he made his way to Liverpool, Ohio, where there was a German colony, and there prospered until his death in April, 1885. His wife was a native of the same province with himself, was born in September, 1811, and died March 29, i886, and, like her husband, in the faith of the German Evangelical church. John J. Risinger was educated in the common schools of Medina county, Ohio, and before he had reached his majority enlisted at Wooster in company B, One Hundred and Ninety-first Ohio volunteer infantry, was assigned to the army of the Cumberland but subsequently sent to Harper's Ferry, Va., where in Gen. Winfield S. Hancock's corps he was chiefly engaged in the pursuit of the guerrilla chief, Moseby, through the mountains. He was near Charleston, W. Va., when the news of Lee's surrender came to hand, and was honorably discharged August 27, 1865. Mr. Risinger was, united in marriage August 9, 1866, with Miss Esther G. Robinson, and this union has been blessed with eight children, viz: Edward E., an employee of the Illinois Central Railroad company, at Clinton, Ill., and married to Miss Ida Stumm; Harry R., a graduate of the Northwest College of Dental Surgeons of Chicago, married to Miss Minnie Porter, and now a resident of Chicago; Anna E., a teacher at Grand Rapids; Minnie E. at home; Cora E., a teacher in the Kent county schools; Ira H., a graduate of the Cedar Springs high school; Harvey L. and Mervil J., both still at their studies. It is a credit to the management of the Cedar Springs schools to state that all these children received their early education in that village. Mrs. Esther G. Risinger was born in Juniata county, Pa., July 24, 1848, and is a daughter of Zachariah and Ann (Leonard) Robinson, and was a girl of fifteen years when her -parents located in Lorain county, Ohio, and of a family of nine children born to her parents six are still living and reside in Lorain county, where her father, of English descent, also resides, at the age of eighty-seven years. His father, James, was a gallant soldier in the war of 1812. In the spring of 1882 Mr. Risinger and family came to Kent county and settled on their present home, when the place was utterly without improvement, but Mr. Risinger has made it one of the prettiest farms in the township. In politics he is a republican, has been an alderman for three years, and is one of the eight directors of the Farmer's Mutual Insurance company of Kent county, having under his charge the company's business in Spencer, Solon and Nelson townships. This company was founded in 1859, and the valuation of its risks, in March, 1899, I amounted to $4,750,000. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 971 I Fraternally, Mr. Risinger is a member of Cedar Springs lodge, No. 213, F. & A. M., and, religiously, he and wife are members of the Cedar Springs Baptist church, to the support of which they liberally contribute. Mr. and Mrs. Risinger have reared their children to be ornaments to society and useful to ~their fellow-beings, and all the older ones occupy advanced positions in life, and no family in the county of Kent is more respected, or deserve to be, than that of John J. Risinger and wife. VONLEY E. ROBERTS, for almost half a century a respected citizen, L agriculturist and soldier of Sparta township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of Scipio township, Seneca county, Ohio, and was born July 22, 1847, the second of a family of seven children-four sons and three daughters-born to Eli and Catharine (Thompson) Roberts, of whom five are yet living, viz: Hubert Edson, a mechanic of Sparta; Avonley E., of this sketch; Charles S., whose biography will be found on another page of this work; Emma J., wife of Gilbert Hanna, a farmer of Casnovia, Muskegon county, and Myrta, wife of William Lauffer, a prosperous farmer of Sparta township. Eli Roberts was of English Puritan stock, was born in New York July 14, 1817, and maternally descended from the Chadwick family of England, proprietors of a large estate, which has never yet been divided under the will of Sir Andrew Chadwick, the last testator. Eli Roberts was quite young when taken by his parents from New York to Ohio, where the scarcity of schools in that early day precluded his receiving more than a limited education, and he was there reared to agriculture. In 1854, some years after his marriage, he came to Kent county, Mich., and purchased I60 acres of forest land in Sparta township, in section No. 5, which is now the home of his son, Avonley E., and there his first dwelling was an up and down board shanty, roofed with oak "shakes," and measuring 20 X26 feet. Indians frequently camped on the Roberts grounds, and deer and other wild animals occasionally ventured almost up to the doorway. Oxen were the draft animals on the farm and on the road, or rather trail; that meandered like a stream on level ground through the unbroken forest. In politics Mr. Roberts was a whig, but on the disintegration of that party united with the republicans. He died January 28, 1864, and his wife, who was also a native of New York, died March 2, I890, at the age of sixty-nine years, and the remains of both were interred in Sparta. Avonley E. Roberts was about seven years of age when brought to Kent county, Mich., by his parents. As there were no district school hereabouts in his early childhood, he received but a meager education, and that little at the public schools. He early began clearing off the forest from his father's land, and in driving the oxen, and, to quote his own words, ' he was a better ox-teamster in those days than he is a horse-teamster now-a-days. ' At the opening of the late Civil war he was too young to bear arms, but when just past his seventeenth year he wentto Grand Rapids and enlisted, September 3, 1864, in company B, Third Michigan volunteer infantry, Capt. Seth M. Moon and Col. Moses B. Houghton. This regiment was assigned to the army of the Cumberland, under command of Gen. Thomas; it first went to Nashville, Tenn., and thence to Decatur, Ala., to join Thomas in the pursuit of the rebel Hood; was afterward in constant motion, hither and thither, until, when on its way to Richmond, Va., the welcome news of the surrender of Lee reached 972 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I it at Jonesboro, in eastern Tennessee. The Third Michigan was then ordered back to Nashville, and thence to Texas, thence to New Orleans, to unite with Gen. Sheridan, and later for about a year was on guard duty in the Lone Star state, being discharged May 25, I866-Mr: Roberts with the rank of sergeant. On his return to Michigan, Mr. Roberts resumed the work of clearing off and cultivating the homestead, and caring for his mother in addition, as his father had died prior to Avonley's entering the army, and he soon found himself in a prosperous condition. October 19, I87I, he wedded Miss Ida C. Anderson, who has borne him two children-Eli G. and Althea. The elder of these, Eli G., completed the eighth grade in the common school, and in the fall of I897 entered the Ferris institute at Big Rapids, passed partly through the scientific and commercial courses, and will again enter the institute in the near future. His trend of thought is toward commerce, and he is a leading memberof the students debating society. Althea, the younger child, is in the third grade of the common school. Mrs. Ida C. Roberts was born in Sparta township November i, i857, a daughter of Goram Anderson. She was educated in the common schools and Sparta select schools. Her father was born near Jonkopping, Sweden, and is now living in retirement at Sparta, Mich. His three children are Mrs. Roberts, Lizzie and William H.; of these, Lizzie is the wife of James Chalmers, a graduate of St. Andrews college, near the city of Edinburgh, Scotland; for three years prior to going to Scotland he was president of the normal school of Plattville, Wis., and had held the chair of English literature in the Columbus college of Ohio, but resigned this high position; he is now a resident of Toledo, Ohio, and pastor of the Second Congregational church, and is recognized as a gentleman of education and scholarship. William H., the son of Goram Anderson, is the efficient president of the Fourth National bank at Grand Rapids, and is married. When Mr. and Mrs. Roberts began housekeeping on the old homestead, which he had previously purchased, Mr. Roberts had yet to meet a payment of $5,oco on the property, but he was the man to do it. In I893 he erected a handsome brick two-story and basement dwelling, finished in hard wood, and supplied with all modern conveniences, including hot-air furnace, and he now owns as fine a farm of 120 acres as is to be found in the county, and all entirely free from encumbrance. Although independent of political parties, Mr. Roberts cast his first presidential vote for U. S. Grant. He has served as delegate to the prohibitionist county convention, and in 1892, against his wish, was nominated for the office of register of deeds Kent county, he having been, for the prior seven years, or from 1885, supervisor of Sparta township. He was prominent for the part he took toward erecting the county court house and jail, and was very influential in securing the erection of the county house, and all these buildings are firstclass in every respect. He is not an expansionist, as the word is now used in a political sense, and still continues to vote for the candidate he deems fittest for the office, irrespective of party ties or affilation. Mr. Roberts' temperance proclivities are well known in Sparta township, and in order to show how he stands on the saloon question, it may be said that about I886, and during his administration as supervisor, he aided in fighting out the saloons; an appeal was carried to the supreme court of the state two different times, and each time Mr. Roberts and his colleagues were successful, and there has been no saloon in the township since. i::: AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 978 Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are ardent friends of public education, favor securing the best teachers obtainable, and Mr. Roberts was largely instrumental in causing the erection of the brick school-house in district No. I, Sparta township, in I889; this is considered to be one of the most beautiful school-buildings in Kent county, and a credit to the good taste of the directors —John Johnson, William Hagadone and Avonley E. Roberts-Mr. Roberts being chairman of the board. In his fraternal relations, Mr. Roberts is a member of lodge No. 229, F. & A. M., at Lisbon, Ottawa county, and of Sparta post, No. 243, G. A. R., at Sparta, Kent county. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are also members of the Order of the Eastern Star at Sparta. He and his wife have aided, financially, in the erection of three or four churches in their neighborhood, and have never been remiss nor backward in contributing, in a manner worthy of them, to the promotion of every project designed for the welfare of the community. They are classed with the best people of the township socially, and their personal merits have won for them the affection and esteem of all who know them, and there are very few who do not. S. ROBERTS, a farmer of Sparta township, Kent county, Mich., and one of its valued and respected citizens, has.resided here for forty-four years and is therefore classed with that honored body of settlers known as pioneers. He was born in Seneca county. Ohio, November 8, 1850, was but four years of age when brought to the township by his parents, and, as he has since that time done much toward annihilating the forest and replacing it with teeming fields of grain and fruit orchards, he is well entitled to being called a pioneer. Eli' and Catherine (Thompson) Roberts, parents of C. S. Roberts, had a family of four sons and three daughters, of whom C. S. was the fourth born, and the genealogy of the Roberts fanily may be found in full on other pages of this volume. C. S. Roberts had but few opportunities for school education, as few school-houses existed in Sparta township in his youthful days, and he is, therefore, almost entirely self-educated. He was of a mechanical turn of mind, and commenced wage-earning at the age of sixteen years as a carpenter and joiner, and realized some little capital, being both industrious and frugal. October 3, I874, he wedded Miss Christine Broman, and the marriage is graced with one daughter, Miss Rhoda R., who has completed the eighth grade in the public school and has also received special musical instruction, and it will be seen to by her parents that she will be imbued with ennobling sentiments. Mrs. C. S. Roberts was born in Jonkoping, province of Smoland, Sweden, August Io, 1853, and the details of her family history will be found in the sketch of the Saur and Broman families, also in this work, and who are closely related to her, either by consanguinity or intermarriage. In i873 Mr. Roberts bought his present farm of eighty acres in the "slashings" of hard-wood stumps, and in 1875, in the winter, the family took up their home in a log cabin, which was the usual dwelling of the adventurous settlers in the wilderness, and probably always will be, for the reason that saw-mills and brick-kilns come in later. Sparta, then a little hamlet of eight or ten shanties, and one small store kept by Russel R. Wooden, has grown to be a village of 1,200 inhabitants; and the primitive farm implements used by Mr. Roberts at the beginning have been replaced by modern machinery, the mower, reaper and binder coming into play instead of the four 974 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS - fingered scythe, cradle, and withes for handbinding. No railroads existed in the township when his parents settled here, and the socalled highways were rough and rugged paths or trails that meandered through stumps and trees to the trading-post called Grand Rapids, and Mr. Roberts has been an eye-witness to, and even a participator in, the phenomenal changes that have taken place since his childhood days. When Mr. Roberts purchased his farm he assumed a debt of $1,400. Since then he has erected (in 189I) a beautiful modern brick residence of two stories and basement, finished throughout with hardwood and furnished with the latest-improved conveniences, and not a dollar of incumbrance stands against the premises. Both farm and dwelling are models of their kind, and are fit rewards of the industry, frugality and temperance of their owner. In politics Mr. Roberts is a free-silver democrat and an anti-monopolist, as well as a non-expansionist, and is also a strong friend of the public-school system and an advocate of the establishment of a high school in the township, and also the employment of a high class of tutors. He, with his wife and daughter, move in the best social circles of the township, and their personal merits, as well as their honorable lives, have won for them the unfeigned respect of their numerous friends as well as that of the entire community. ATRICK H. ROE.-To the person who closely applies himself to any occupation which he has chosen as his calling in life, there can come only one result-that of success, and a high place in the esteem of those among whom he has made his home. Mr. Roe is no exception to the rule, for it has been by industry and strict I I attention to agricultural pursuits that he has attained to the position which he now enjoys. Mr. Roe was born in Livingston county, Mich., October I, 1849, being the youngest of eight children born to Patrick and Catharine (McCabe) Roe, whose family genealogy is presented in the biography of Mrs. James Ladner on another page of this volume. When but a child, Mr. Roe became a resident of Grattan township, where his parents remained for but a short time, and thence removed to Cannon township. When Patrick H. was about seven years of age they again located in Grattan on the farm where he now resides. Most of Mr. Roe's life has been spent at lumbering in the forests of Michigan, working for T. D. Stimson for nearly twenty years, starting as a laborer and working up to foreman, having charge of from seventy-five to 175 men, both summer and winter, operating the then finest logging railroad in Michigan. His chance to secure a good common-school education was meager, and he was compelled to engage at hard labor at the early age of seventeen. He remained with his parents until his majority, however, being employed on the farm when not working in the lumber regions. At the inception of life for himself his only capital was his sturdy disposition and industry, with which he has journeyed to success. Mr. Roe's first purchase was an eightyacre farm-a part of the old homestead. Here he began in debt, with no buildings nor improvements of any kind. He chose for his companion in life Miss Lucy Giles, and was united in marriage November 25, I875. Mrs. Roe is a daughter of Richard and Ann (Lane) Giles, and was one of eleven children, eight of whom are living and two residentsof Grand Rapids. Her father was born at Waterford, Ireland, December 2, 1799, and died July I6, 1877. In 1834 the Giles family came to New York city, resided one year in Madison AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 975 -- --- _ - - - - - I county, N. Y., and in i835 came to the then territory of Michigan. Richard Giles was a railroad contractor and resided in Jackson county for about eight years, thence moving in the year I843 to Kent, just a few days after Dennis and John McCarthy came. He was among the earliest settlers of Grattan township, and here took up 320 acres of government land. The Giles children have in their possession the old deed for the property executed in the administration of Millard Fillmore. Upon this tract Mr. Giles built his first home, a little log cabin, and a little while later, he, with a Catholic priest and a few other early settlers, organized to erect the first Catholic church, the meeting of the organization being held in the little log cabin home. He was one of the first trustees, and, by nature, very benevolent, donated the land upon which the church was erected. 'Mr. Giles was a devout Catholic, and to all worthy benevolences he was a liberal donor. In politics he was a stanch democrat, and was one of the Irishmen who chose the name of the township in which he lived. A man of the highest principles, he lived a blameless life and passed a spotless career as a citizen of Michigan. The mother of Mrs. Roe was born in Ireland in 1814 and died on the 26th of August, I899. She was a devout Catholic in her religious faith and strictly attended to her devotions. Benevolent and kind as was her husband, her home was always open to the needy; she was universally respected and her funeral was one of the largest in the history of the parish. Mrs. Roe was born October 29, I851, and was educated in the Lowell union schools. She and her husband, as has been above stated, began their career without capital. They now own a beautiful and productive estate of eighty acres, it being the old Roe homestead and lying at the south end of I I Crooked lake. In I899 they erected a fine modern residence, with a cellar of cement and stone. In his political predilection Mr. Roe is a stanch democrat, although he cast his first presidential vote for Charles O'Conor, the independent candidate of the Workingmen's association and an advocate of those principles best suited to the poor man. He has never aspired to official station, having preferred to devote his attention to agricultural pursuits. Mr. Roe and wife are very devout Catholics and liberal donors to the church and all good causes. B RANK T. ROBERTS, well known and popular in the wagon, carriage and horse-shoeing business in Sparta, Kent county, Mich., and acknowledged to be the best in his line in the township, was born in Phelps, Ontario county, N. Y., June 26, 1854, and is a son of James T. and Elizabeth A. (Bigalow) Roberts, who reared a family of three children: Emma, F. T. and Ida May. James T. Roberts was born in Ontario county, N. Y., May 9, I826, and in' his younger days learned the machinist's trade, became an expert maker of edged tools, and also acquired a thorough knowledge of general blacksmithing. After marriage he brought his family to Michigan and located on Looking Glass river; his wife died in Algoma township, Kent county, Mich., March 13, 1897. Frank T. Roberts received a fair commonschool education, but relinquished school at the age of nine years pursuing his studies nights in order to learn his trade under his father's supervision, the result being that he acquired it completely in all its departments and branches. Yet, he was such a mite of a 976 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS youngster when he began learning, it was necessary for him to stand on a platform in order to reach the work-bench. But he was very apt at learning, and at the end of three years had completed his apprenticeship-becoming a full-fledged journeyman at the remarkably young age of twelve. For fifteen years he was employed in Lyons and Saranac, Mich.; he then ceased labor as a mechanic, and for two years was employed in the drug business by Hutcheson & Spalding, at Lyons Mich., and filled the position greatly to his credit. In I875, while living in Grand Rapids and doing business in general merchandise on his own account, Mr. Roberts lost everything he possessed by fire, and was compelled to start life afresh, not only penniless but in debt. In i885 he came to Sparta and started his present business, and through his skill, competent management and square dealing, has been enable to pay off all his debts and has realized a fair competence, being worth, to-day, at least $I5,000 to $20,000. In addition to his business proper, he is engaged in farming and fruit growing on a large scale, and also does a loaning business. Mr. Roberts was united in marriage April 6, I88r, at Rockford, Mich.,with Miss Mary J. Chapel, daughter of M. D. L. Chapel, who was born in Burford, township, West Canada, January 26, I825,and was brought to Michigan in I828, by his parents, who settled in Oakland county, where they lived until I844, and then came to Kent county, and located in Ada township, where M. D. L. Chapel married, in 1853, Lillie McPherson, of Inverness, Scotland. He became the father of four children: Ella M; May J., Edna A. and G. T. Chapel, and died July 26, 1882. Frank T. Roberts became identified with the Episcopal church in early manhood and is still a member, while his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Roberts is a Freemason, an Odd Fellow and a granger; in politics he is a republican, and for several years has been a school trustee. He has an unblemished name as a business man, and his residence in Sparta is a very handsome edifice, is tastefully furnished throughout, and socially he and wife mingle with the best famnilies of the village and township. HAUNCEY L. ROGERS.-It is always interesting to watch from the beginning the growth and development of a locality, to note the lines along which marked progress has been made and to take cognizance of those whose leadership in the work of advancement and improvement has made possible the prosperity of a locality such as that under consideration. Chauncey L. Rogers, of this review, is one of those who have seen almost the entire growth of Kent county, for more than a half century ago he cast his lot with its pioneers. He has also been an important factor in its continued progress toward the vanguard of civilization, and his name is therefore indelibly engraved on its history and well deserves a place in the record of its represenative men. Mr. Rogers is a native of Caledonia county, Vt., and was born June 23, 1836, being the fourth child of John and Betsey Nye (Covell) Rogers. His father was a native of Cabot, Vt., born on the Ioth of March, i8oi. About thirty-six years later he emigrated to the state of New York, where he remained for some eight years, and thence came to Michigan in 1845. At the inception of his career in Michigan he located in Walker township, Kent county, and, after having lived there for four years, he came to Alpine township, and purchased a farm in section No. 28, which served as his home until his death, in December, AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 977 I864. Upon his arrival in Kent county he found civilization in its infancy, only about three acres of the land of his purchase was cleared, and the nearest neighbor was a considerable distance away. He set to work, however, and by improving every moment of his time soon owned an excellent farm for his family, and at the time of his death had eighty acres of ood farming land,almost all of which was as well improved as any that could be found in the county. Betsey Nye Rogers was a native of Cabot, Vt., and was born April 30, I808, being the first child of Philip and Lois (Nye) Covell. She came with her husband and family to the Wolverine state and made this her home until removed by death on the g9th of September, 1884. Both the parents are laid to rest in the Johnson cemetery, Walker township. Chauncey L. Rogers began life's battle when about twenty-nine years of age, prior to this having spent his days at home with his parents. He bought out the heirs of the old homestead and immediately began farming, continuing at the same until he deemed himself deserving of rest and relaxation. He accordingly removed to No. I8 North Forrest street, Grand Rapids, in May, I886, and has erected several neat residences in his section of the city. In March, I866, he married his cousin, Miss Emma J. Currier, a native of Barry, Washington county, Vt., born October 2, 1844, and the only child of Ira and Louisa H. (Covell) Currier. Her father was a native of Berlin, Vt., and dated his nativity September I9, 18I6. In I865 he came from Vermont to Michigan and located in Walker township, where he resided for a few years and then became engaged in the grocery business at Grand Rapids, continuing at this for about twenty years. He died on the 28th day of February, I897. Her mother was born in Cabot, Vt., February 20, I814, accompanied her husband to Michigan and died in Grand Rapids, May 4, 1894; Mrs. Rogers, the only heir, received advanced education in a select school in Vermont and taught there several successful terms. The Rogers family comprises five children: Fred A., the eldest son, is now holding the position of professor in physics in the Lewis institute at Chicago; Ira F., is engaged as a tiller of the soil on a part of the old homestead in Alpine township; Clara Louisa and Emery H. are looking after the interest of the old farm; and Jennie, the youngest, who resides with her parents in Grand Rapids, is a student in the Central school. Politically Mr. Rogers is an adherent to republican principles, but he has never sought the emoluments of public office. Mrs. Rogers is a devout member of the Methodist church, and both she and her husband are ever ready to assist in a good cause. Genial and sympathetic in nature, upright and honorable in all their actions, small wonder is it that their friends are innumerable, and that their names are as synonyms for christian manhood and womanhood among all their associates and acquaintances. RWIN MARTIN ROGERS, numbered among the successful self-made men of Kent county, and a worthy representative of an old and honored New England family who were pioneers of the township of Wyoming, is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. Mr. Rogers was born in a little log cabin almost on the spot occupied by the present family residence, November 27, 1840. By reference to the old family record it is learned that his great-grandfather, Jacob Rogers, was born in the year 978 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS i752, and died in 1814, the wife, Polly, departing this life in 18i. Justus Rogers, son of Jacob, was born February 7, 1782, died November 30, i866. His wife, Lucy Clark, was born May Io, I79o, and died May 2, i866. Justus C. Rogers, son of the aforesaid Justus, and father of Erwin M., was born February 28, 1813, and died January 29, I883.' He married Eliza M. French, who was born July 15, I816, and died February i6, 1883, two weeks after the death of her husband. Jacob Rogers was for many years an English sailor and later in life became a citizen of the United States, settling in Connecticut, where the family remained for a long period of time. His son Justus early removed to Vermont, where he reared a family, and where his death occurred in the year mentioned. Justus C. Rogers immigrated to Michigan in 1837 and purchased government land four miles east of the present site of Grandville, upon which he erected a small frame houseone of the first habitations of the kind in that section of the country. After putting the finishing touches to his dwelling Mr. Rogers went to Grand Rapids to get his wife, who was staying in that town until the house could be gotten in readiness for occupancy, but imagine his surprise and consternation to find upon his return the entire structure a mass of broken, twisted timbers, scattered about in every direction, a cyclone having swept through the country during his absence and left dire destruction in its wake. Nothing daunted, Mr. Rogers at once went to work with redoubled diligence and in due time a comfortable log house was erected and made ready to receive the family. This domicile served well its purpose for many years, and was replaced not many years ago by the present beautiful frame structure which the subject of this sketch and his family now occupy. Justus C. Rogers became a prosperous I farmer and large land owner, obtaining by government entry and other purchase a tract of 240 acres, fertile and well timbered, all of which is still in possession of the different members of his family. Much of profit could be written about this pioneer and excellent citizen, but the nature of this sketch forbids any extended mention of his life or detailed account of the part he bore in laying the foundation and contributing to the prosperity of the community where for so many years he lived. When a young man he seriously contemplated entering the ministry, but owing to failing health was obliged reluctantly to abandon the cherished idea and turn his attention to a vocation requiring less confinement and mental effort. Hence he became a tiller of the soil, one of the most honorable and useful of callings. Possessing an ardent, religious temperament, he always paid great attention to religious observances, and the church of his choice, the Congregational, found in him one of its most devoted members and active workers during the early days of the country. He was a prime mover in the organization of the Park Congregational church of Grand Rapids, contributing largely to its support and ministering to its prosperity in many other ways. He was a fluent writer, and for many years contributed regularly to both the secular and religious press, besides making many investigations in mathematics,in which he became profound; indeed, he was one of the finest mathematicians in all departments of the science in the northwest. His later years were almost entirely spent among his beloved books, in writing, and in the. study' of his favorite subject, frequently solving some difficult problem involving the abstruse reasoning and the use of the calculus. He kept fully abreast of the times in his range of reading and general information. Possessed of tender sensibilities, as well as of scholarly habits, Mr. Rogers found AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 979 little pleasure in mingling with his fellow men, and being partially deaf, with a difficulty in speech, made him exceedingly sensitive in the social circle; hence, his home was his sanctum, and within its quiet precincts were spent his happiest hours. The only survivor of that family is a sister, Mrs. Luther Rogers Counese, a widow who now makes her home with E. M. Rogers. She is a well preserved lady in her eightieth year. To Justus C. and Eliza M. Rogers were born six children, of whom two grew to maturity, the immediate subject of this review, and D. L., the latter for twenty years a wellknown attorney and counselor at law of Grand Rapids. Erwin Martin Rogers is one of the oldest native-born sons of the township of Wyoming and has ever lived where he now resides —on the beautiful home farm, within a short distance of the thriving city of Grand Rapids. Sufficient has already been stated for the reader to become acquainted with his early home life and youthful environment. Reared by a godly father and equally pious mother, in an atmosphere truly refined and elevating, it is not at all surprising that such training bore fruitage in an honorable, useful and wellspent life. He received a high-school education in Grand Rapids, and, inheriting from his father a liking for literature, has by a wide course of careful reading become wellinformed on every subject of importance. Quiet and unobtrusive, he prefers going through life " Far from the madding crowd," and finds great satisfaction within the home circle, and looking after the interests of the farm. He was married May 23, I866, to Miss Jessie Chubb, daughter of J. F. Chubb, and sister of A. L. Chubb, the well-known plow manufacturer. The Chubb family are also old settlers of Wyoming township, and, like the Rogers, trace their ancestry back through many generations to New England. Mrs. Rogers was born in Wyoming in the year 1842, and is the mother of the following children: Mattie J., a cultured and refined young lady who has achieved much success in floriculture; Lewis C., a well-known teacher, and at this time filling the position of town clerk, and Theodore F., who assists his father in operating the homestead. Mr. Rogers is a prosperous farmer, keeping abreast of the times in all things pertaining to agriculture, paying particular attention to the raising of fruit and grain. A firm believer in the principles of the republican party, he is by no means a politician in the sense in which the term is usually understood, being particularly averse to partisan methods and to seeking the emolument of office. The Congregational church represents his religious creed, and his wife and daughter also belong to that denomination. DWIN G. ROGERS, a pioneer of Solon township, Kent county, Mich., and a prosperous and greatly respected old-time farmer, was born in Wyoming county, N. Y., March I5, 1839, the third in the family of two boys and three girls born to Ansel and Elsie Ann (White): Rogers, but of which family three only survive, viz: Mary, the eldest, who is the widow of William Cooley and who resides in Grand Rapids; Edwin G., the subject of this sketch, and Emily, wife of George Cooley, of Detroit. Ansel Rogers was born in Fabius, Onondaga county, N. Y, September i6, I806, a son of James A. and Jemima (Root) Rogers, of English descent. Ansel was reared to farming, and about 1853 came to Michigan, lived in Eaton county one year, and in I854 purchased eighty acres of land from the govern 980 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS - _. ment at the regulation price of $I.25 per acre -the deed bearing date of April i, 1854, in which year Franklin Pierce was president of the United States, and this was the second farm taken up in the township, the Beal farm, near Cedar Springs, being the first. He had made but a small start toward clearing away the heavy growth of beech and maple timber, when his son, Edwin G., arrived to render him valuable aid in this toilsome work. The father, however, was soon afterward called away, dying in April, I865, in the faith of the Methodist church, and his remains were interred in Solon cemetery. His wife was born in Orangeville, Wyoming county, N. Y., a daughter of Philip and Mary (Gorton) White, December 29, I813, but died when her son, Edwin G., was but thirteen years of age, her remains being interred in Johnsonburg, Wyoming county, N. Y. She, also, was a devout Methodist. Soon after his wife's death the father sought a home in Michigan, leaving two small daughters mainly under the care and attention of Edwin G., whose mother, before her death, had requested him to care for. This task deprived him of all opportunities to secure any other than a meager education. At the age of seventeen years Edwin G. came to Michigan, remaining a short time only, when he returned to New York, where he worked by the month at the rate of $7 a part of the time, andfinally brought his sisters to the forest home which his father had entered in Solon township. There being no habitation as yet on the farm, he was forced to find shelter for himself and sisters with Elihu Brayman, a near-by neighbor, until they had erected a little log cabin, 16 x 20 feet, with mud and stick chimney. The whole of Solon township, then known as North Algoma, was then an almost impenetrable forest, and his little trading was done at Rockford, thirteen miles distant, and then known as Lappenville. This long trip he made on fbot, and on one occasion carried two sixteen-pound cakes of maple sugar on his back. On his return trip he came via Porter's Hollow and brought home a fifty-pound sack of flour in a similar manner. This is but a minor sample of pioneer endurance. Wild animals in those days were as common as cattle are now, and Indians not at all curiosities. On one occasion an Indian came to the cabin of Mr. Rogers, asked for pen, ink and paper, wrote in a legible hand a note to a neighbor of the latter, and requested that it be delivered, per address, at the first favorable opportunity, and seeing that Mr. Rogers was surprised, explained as follows: ("I am an educated Indian; have been a college student, and am chief of this tribe." All the improvements on this Solon township farm have been made by Mr. Rogers. In I865 he added twenty acres to the original homestead, but sold again, and in I876 purchased forty adjoining acres, thus increasing the original eighty acres to I20, but again sold twenty, leaving a compact and well-cultivated farm of Ioo acres, all in a good state of cultivation and improved in modern style. April 27, 1876, Mr. Rogers was united in marriage with Miss Naomi Camp, a native of Ontario, Canada, born forty miles from St. Thomas, a daughter of Isaac and Rebecca (Breezee) Camp, parents of two sons and five daughters, of whom five are still living, viz: Rachel, the eldest, who is the wife of John Braden, of Calhoun county, Mich.; Mary A., widow of Mahlon Dennis and residing in Ada, Kent county; William H., of Kalamazoo county; Cicilia R.. a dressmaker of Grand Rapids, and Mrs. Rogers. The father of this family, also a native of Canada, was born June I5, I813, was a farmer by vocation, came to Michigan in I865, passing his latter years with AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 981 - ---- - — his daughter, Mrs. Rogers, with whom he died, January 31, I892. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Rogers has been blessed with two daughters, of whom Bertha M. attended the schools at Grand Rapids until fourteen years of age, and is the wife of Charles Anway, who operates the farm; Orpha A. has completed the eighth grade, and received her diploma in I896. Mr. Rogers, it will have been seen, is entirely a self-made man from a business point of view, and stands very high in the esteem of his neighbors as a pioneer and citizen, and his amiable wife and children share with him in this well deserved regard. LMER S. ROSE, a prosperous and wellknown farmer of Solon township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of Schuyler county, N. Y., was born January 14, I844, and is a son of ErastusW. and Susan (Simmons) Rose, who had a family of six children, of whom five are still living, viz: Albert G., of St. Louis, Mich.; Emma, wife of A. B. Fairchild, a farmer of Grass Valley, Ore.; Elmer S., the subject, Eliza married to Chauncey Heath, also of Grass Valley, Ore., and Viola, now Mrs. G. H. Carner, of Spink county, S. Dak. Erastus W. Rose, father of subject, was born in the state of New York in September, 1812, and was the son of a fifer who served in the war with England. He was liberally educated, but to a 'large extent through selfinstruction, and in his earlier manhood was a mechanic. In the fall of I856 he brought his family to Michigan, sojourned in Grand Rapids until the following spring, and then preempted I2o acres of forest land in section No. 13, Solon township. As was usual with the pioneers, he first lived in a log cabin, far away from neighbors and highways. Indians and wild animals were numerous in the neighborhood and even on the Rose premises, but churches and schools were unknown. Cedar Springs was a hamlet, Plainfield was the nearest point for trade, and Rockford was then called Lappenville. Mr. Rose, however, was a man of energy and industry, cleared up his place from the wilderness and made a comfortable home, became a man of influence and usefulness in the community, and was instrumental in establishing the first district school of his neighborhood. In politics he was a whig and probably cast his first presidential vote in 1836; but it is an assured fact that he was active in the support of William Henry Harrison and John Tyler for president and vice-president of the United States in 1840, when in the electoral college the vote stood 234 for the whig candidates, against sixty for Martin Van Buren (ex-president), the democratic candidate, this majority of 174 electoral votes having up to that time been the largest ever given. But Harrison was the hero of the battle of Tippecanoe, where the Indian chief Tecumseh was slain, and consequently popular with all voters, regardless of party predilection or affinity. In later years Mr. Rose joined the republican party-indeed, at its formation-and with this he voted until his death, in September, 1884. His wife was also a native of New York state, and died December 3, I896, a member of the Wesleyan Methodist church, at the age of eighty-one years, three months, four days. Elmer S. Rose, the subject proper of this biographical notice, was a lad of twelve years when brought by his parents to Michigan. He aided his father on the forest farm until he had attained his majority, and then began his business life as a sawyer, shinglemaker and manufacturer of lumber, but with no cash capital. When the civil war opened, he enlisted in company D, Fifteenth Michigan volunteer infantry, under Capt. Mickley, was 982 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS assigned to the army of the Cumberland, and while in the service marched through fourteen states of the Union, being chiefly on guard duty. He was twice in hospital-once on account of vaccination-but was never under arrest, never had a furlough, and served his country faithfully until honorably discharged at Detroit, Mich. On returning home, Mr. Rose resumed his former calling, and February 25, I868, married Miss Sarah Sutphin, a native of Oakland county, Mich.,and to this union have been born two children-Edith May and Myrtle B. The elder of these sisters was educated in the public schools of Grand Rapids, received special instruction in oil painting, and for six terms was a very successful school teacher in Solon and Tyrone townships, Kent county. She still resides with her parents and is a member of Harmony chapter, No. 34. Order of the Eastern Star, at Sparta. The younger daughter is a pupil in the seventh grade of the common school. Mrs. Sarah Rose was born January I, I847, a daughter of John and Clarissa (Sumner) Sutphin, the former of whom was a native of New Jersey and the latter of Connecticut,, but who died when Mrs. Rose was a little girl. The latter was educated in Oakland county, and for some years before her marriage taught school in Solon township, Kent county. In March, 1870, Mr. Rose purchased a tract of forty acres in section No. 22, Solon township, partly on credit. His first dwelling stood across the road from his present home, which is one of the finest in the township. Aided by his excellent wife, he improved his property and increased his acres, owning at one time fully 500, and bought and sold until he became satisfied with I6o, which constitute his present homestead, which is free of debt and highly improved. He is emphatically a self-made man in a business sense, and as such has won the decided respect of all his fellow — townsmen. Mr. Rose is a stanch republican, cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, and has frequently been his party's delegate to state and county conventions. Officially he has served as township clerk and township treasurer, and is at present a member of the board of school directors. Fraternally he is a member of F. & A. M. lodge, No. 213, at Cedar Springs. He is a public-spirited gentleman, and has financially aided the erection of various churches in his neighborhood, and no family in the township is more respected than that of Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Rose. OSES ROSENBERG has been a resident of Kent county, Mich., for more than half a century, is one of the most highly respected agriculturists of Byron township, and is equally respected in the township of Gaines. He was born in Oxford county, Ontario, Canada, February 12, I847, the youngest of the ten children-eight sons and two daughtersthat graced the marriage of Jacob and Hannah (Pennebraker) Rosenberg, of which children six are still living. viz: John, married and. residing in Grand Rapids; Abraham, living in retirement at Reed City; Nancy, wife of Levi Kinsey, of Gaines township; Jacob, married, a lumberman, and a resident of Caledonia township; Amos, a sawyer at Reed City, who served in the Third Michigan infantry, and was wounded in the battle of Fair Oaks, Va., and Moses, the subject of this sketch. Jacob Rosenberg, the father, was born in Pennsylvania, of Swiss descent. He was educated in German and English, and wasreared a farmer, emigrated from Pennsylvania to Canada, and in'I85i came thence to Gaines AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 988 township, Kent county, Mich., purchased I6o acres of land, was a democrat, and died greatly respected in I880, at the age of seventy-nine years. His wife, also a native of Pennsylvania, died about I850. Moses Rosenberg was but four years of age when brought to Kent county, by his parents, and well remembers when Grand Rapids was a village containing about six grocery houses, and when Monroe and Canal streets were kneedeep in mud. Indians were numerous and deer abounded in the pineries. Agricultural implements were comparatively primitive in character, and the ox-team the draft animals used in conveying freight and the pioneers themselves to and from Grand Rapids. He has done much toward clearing away the forests and in fitting the land for civilized life. He was educated in the common schools, and began the task of making a livelihood for himself at the early age of fourteen years, at a compensation of $72 per annum. February 5, I864, Mr. Rosenberg enlisted at Grand Rapids, in company G, Twenty-first Michigan volunteer infantry, under Capt. George Woodward and Col. Bishop, and was assigned to the army of the Tennessee. The regiment reported at Chattanooga, and many of the men were set to work getting out lumber for building hospitals, etc., were so employed until the fall, and then joined Sherman in his march from Atlanta to Savannah, Ga.; at the siege of the latter city Mr. Rosenberg was taken sick, was confined in hospital two months, then rejoined his regiment at Goldsboro, N. C., and was present at the surrender of Johnston. On the march thence to Raleigh came the news of the surrender of Lee to Grant and the virtual close of the war. The march was then taken up for Washington, D. C., April 28, 1865, and in that city the regiment took part in the grand review in May following. In the meanwhile the regiment 52 had been transported to and from Martha's Vineyard, and while there the shocking news of the assasination of the President Lincoln came to hand and caused as much grief as the surrender of Lee had created rejoicing. Mr. Rosenberg served his country faithfully for eighteen months, and was mustered out at Detroit, receiving an honorable discharge August 28, I865, and then returned home to resume the peaceful pursuit of agriculture. December 22, I869, Mr. Rosenberg married Miss Alice Williams, and this union has been made. the happier by the birth of one daughter, Myrtle, who has completed the eighth grade in the district school, and is now a student at the university at Ann Arbor, and under a full course of musical instruction. Mrs. Alice Rosenberg was born in Gaines township, Kent county, Mich., June 22, I848, the eldest of three childern two son and one daughter-born to Daniel and Elizabeth (Clark)Williams. She was educated in the common schools, has always lived in Kent county, and has been a most valuable helpmate and counselor to her husband. When Mr. and Mrs. Rosenberg began their married life, Mr. Rosenberg worked as a wage earner for six months. The first piece of land they purchased was an eighty-acre tract in Gaines township, for which they went in debt $2,500. On this tract they resided one year; then sold, and purchased ninety-four acres in section No. 30, Gaines township, and this they still own. In the beginning the improvements were very meager, and the present excellent farm residence and the commodious barns and other substantial out-buildings have all been erected by Mr. Rosenberg. The residence, which was built in I886, is finished in hardwood and is heated by.a furnace, and the farm is of a good, heavy clay-loam soil adapted to the cultivation of all the grains, fruits and esculents of the southern part of the state. To 984: THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS his original ninety-four acres, Mr. Rosenberg has added until he now owns 180, partly in Gaines and partly in Byron townships, which he keeps under a fine state of culture. In politics Mr. Rosenberg is a democrat, cast his first presidential vote for Horatio Seymour in I868, but in local elections he supports the candidate he considers the best fitted for office. He has served as delegate to various democratic county and senatorial conventions, in I888 was elected township supervisor, and four times re-elected consecutively, and has been connected with the public schools about five years. He enjoys the full confidence of his fellow-citizens, not a dollar of mortgage stands against his property, and all he has is the result of his intelligent management and the aid of his willing wife, who with him stands high in the esteem of friends and neighbors, both being respected for their many personal good qualities. RANK D. SAUNDERS, a worthy representative of the agricultural inter ests of Kent county, of which he is a native and a member of one of the well known pioneer families of Michigan, springs from English and German parentage. and was born January 28, 1856. He was the third of four children that blessed the marriage of Nathan D. and Emma C. (Boyer) Saunders, of which children two'sons are living, Martin B. and Frank D., the former married and an agriculturist residing in Courtland township, Kent county. The father, Nathan D. Saunders, was born in Tompkins county, N. Y., June 14, 1823, and died January 20, 1892. He received a limited education and when a young man became a canal driver on the old Erie canal. In 1841 he came to Grand Rapids, when it was only a small Indian trading post, and became a stage driver from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids. About the year 1842 or 1843 he located at Austerlitz, Plainfield township, and there resided for about twenty years, at the termination of that time coming to Courtland Center and engaging in business as a merchant. Wild animals were numerous about the Center and the "red men of the forest" oftentimes slept in the Saunders home. Mr. Saunders became a large land owner, and at one time was the possessor of 500 acres in Courtland township, most of which was timbered land. The old Saunders homestead was erected in I86I, and, with additions made at different times, has become the present home. In pioneer days it was a resting-place for the weary travelers and homeseekers, a stopping-place for the stage coach, and a post-office for the pioneers. Politically Nathan Saunders was formerly a democrat but in later days a non-partisan. He never aspired to official station but preferred' rather to devote his attention and energies to his business pursuits. Stern and solid in character, he was the friend of many. He and his wife both expired in Courtland township, and their remains are interred in the Courtland cemetery, where beautiful monuments have been raised in their commemoration. A brief account of the mother may be obtained from the following memorial: Emma Boyer Saunders, whose loss we mourn, was born July 26, 1827, at Harrisburg, Pa., being the third daughter of Joshua and Rebecca Boyer. Her parents moved to Detroit, Mich., where her mother died in 1835. After her mother's death they returned to Pennsylvania, but upon her father's second marriage again came to Michigan, at this time to Portland, where her father then resided. In 1842 when Mrs. Saunders was about fifteen years of age, the family moved from Portland to Grand Rapids. Here she i AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 985 i I i i I met Nathan D. Saunders, and in her nineteenth year they were married at Grand Rapids, on Sunday afternoon, by Samson Chatfield. They lived in Grand Rapids a short time, but as her husband was a keen young business man he started in business for himself at the then thriving village of Plainfield, and three of her four children were born there: Jenette M. Saunders, who died in infancy, and Martin and Frank D. Saunders. While residing in Plainfield she united with the Episcopal church. In I863 they came to Courtland, where their fourth child, a daughter, was born, but lived only a few months. In all the years which have intervened, it is well known that he, the husband, whose word was as good as a bond, was esteemed for his business ability and jovial hospitality; and she, not only as a loving and faithful helpmeet and mother, a kind and thoughtful neighbor, but withal a noted housewife. In the years gone by, in the old stagecoach days, Nathan Saunders' tavern was a pleasant stopping-place. He was a typical landlord and she an ideal hostess, and every one who stopped at the Center knew he would be well entertained. Years passed on, their children and grandchildren grew up around them, until January 20, 1892, almost half a century after their wedding-day, when death separated them. The faithful wife never recovered from the shock of the separation. Day by day her body and mind grew weaker. She was " so lonely without father." At last', August 22, 1895, she was again united to him for whom she had uever ceased to mourn. In the words of Solomon it can be said of her, that "she looked well to the ways of her household, and ate not the bread of idleness, and her children shall rise up and call her blessed." Mr. Saunders, whose name heads this review was reared in Kent county. His educational advantages were better than the common schools afforded. On March 25, I879, he was united in marriage to Miss Saracenece Holden, and two children have been born to this union, viz: Carlton N. and Theron Holden Saunders. Mrs. Saunders was born in Caledonia township, Kent county, Mich., October I, 1858, is a daughter of Dr. Charles M. and: Sarah A. (Skiff) Holden, and one of twelve children, nine of whom grew to maturity, and six yet living, viz: Chapin B., anagriculturist, married and residing on the old homestead; Xantippe, the wife of E. P. Nelson, a carpenter and resident of Harbor Springs, Mich.; Cassini J. Holden, a resident of Chicago, Ill., and a traveling salesman for the firm of Bradley, Vrooman & Co., dealers in paints, etc.; Ida C., the wife of W. B. C. Pitts, an agriculturist of Osceola county, Mich.; Mrs. Saunders, and Kendric C., now married and engaged in agriculture in Algoma township, Kent county, Mich. The following allusion to Mrs. Saunders' father is taken from the daily newspaper at the time of his death: "Dr. C. M. Holden, of Courtland Center, died December 15, at the home of his youngest daughter, Mrs. Frank Saunders. He was born, I821, in Tompkins county, N. Y., and came to Michigan in 1852. In I859 he settled in Courtland township on the farm that still bears the Holden name. He will be remembered as the pioneer physician in this vicinity for over thirty years, riding on horseback through the pine woods and answering all calls, either day or night, for rich or poor. On December 9 he was stricken with paralysis, leaving him nearly helpless. He lingered five days, surrounded by all his family, except the second son, C. J. Holden, who was in Iowa, and did not arrive in time to see his father alive. He passed away as a lamp burns itself out, peacefully, and realizing that he was going to a long-desired rest." Mrs. Saunders is a lady of ability and talent, and has had two years' experience as a teacher in Kent county. She is the present. visiting deputy for the schools in the northern part of the county and the inspector of the; 986 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS - - township. In other respects she is identified with educational work. She is the lecturer of the Michigan State grange and is editor of the Michigan State Grange Bulletin. Mr. Saunders is a republican and cast his first presidential vote for President Garfield, and has ever clung to the principles of that party. He has often been selected as representative in county, district and state conventions. Socially he is a member of the Masonic order at Rockford, Mich., and is state deputy of the P. of H. Mr. and Mrs. Saunders have acquired what they now own by their perseverance and industry. The home lies about seven miles southeast of Cedar Springs and some six miles northeast of Rockford, Mich. Mr. and Mrs. Saunders are well-known and highly esteemed by many friends, who respect them for their genuine worth. ALTER S. RYNESS, editor of the Sparta Leader, is a native of Cattaraugus county, N. Y., and was born May 5, I844. The press is one of the greatest exponents of civilization, and in each village, town and city, there must be a medium by which the news and events of the day may be disseminated, and to fully meet this need in Sparta, Kent county, Mich., Mr. Ryness established the Leader in 1895 as a purely republican journal as far as politics is concerned, but comprehensive and general in regard to news. It is a six-column quarto and has a circulation of 800, is most ably edited, and is in every detail up to date. Besides the Leader, Mr. Ryness is the sole proprietor of the Kent City Times, a most thriving young newspaper of 300 circulation, and this also receives a full share of his editorial attention. Mr. Ryness is the youngest child in a family of two sons and two daughters born to Russell and Betsey (Hayward) Ryness, and paternally he is of German and maternally of Scotch descent. Of the children alluded to, three are still living, and of these, George is a stock dealer in Kearney, Nebr., and is married; Mary J. is the wife of Joseph Stewart, of Detroit, Mich., and Walter is the subject of this sketch. Russell Ryness was also a native of New York state, was reared to agricultural pursuits, and about I849 brought his family to Michigan and first located in Oakland county, but five years later removed to Owosso, in Shiawassee county. Walter S. Ryness was reared to agriculture in the two counties above named, is chiefly self-educated, and had begun to learn the typographical art-the "ars conservatum artem "-when the Civil war broke out, when he enlisted September 23, I86i, in company I, Eighth Michigan volunteer infantry, under Capt. J. L. Quackenbush and Col. W. B. Fenton, and in 1862 was assigned to the army of the Potomac. He took part in the battle of Coosa River, Wilmington Island, Ga., and there received a minie ball in the right side (which ball he still carries), and this wound laid him up for three months. He also fought at Fredericksburg, Culpeper Courthouse, Antietam, second battle of Bull Run, Jackson, siege of Knoxville, battles of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor and Petersburg, and many other heavy engagements. Mr. Ryness was about fifteen miles from the spot where and when Gen. Lee surrendered to Gen. Grant, but to counteract this glorious news, the sorrowful tidings of the murder of President Lincoln almost immediately followed. Mr. Ryness was also present at the grand review in Washington, D. C., in May, I865, and was discharged in the fol AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 987 lowing September. He then returned to Owosso and resumed his trade of printer, and in I868 removed to Grand Rapids, where he remained until prepared to establish the Leader at Sparta in I895. He has won the confidence and esteem of his patrons by his fairness in discussing the questions of the day through his columns, and has proven himself to be a fearless and forcible writer. Mr. Ryness was united in marriage in 1892 with Miss M. E. Cook, a native of Otsego, Allegan county, Mich., and an accomplished lady, whose education was acquired in the public schools. Mr. Ryness cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1865. He has since served as delegate to several republican state and county conventions, and when a resident of Grand Rapids was frequently a delegate from his ward. Fraternally he is a member of lodge No. 334, F. & A. M.; also a member of lodge No. 278, I. O. O. F., and Fighting Dick post, No. 243, G. A. R.-all at Sparta. Mr. and Mrs. Ryness are esteemed as among the refined and useful residents of the village, and greatly respected for their individual merits. LI C. ROU NDS, of Solon township, and one of the oldest and most favorably known agriculturists of Kent county, Mich., was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., September 26, 1824, the third in a family of six sons and five daughters born to Russell and Amity (Rowe) Rounds, of which eleven children seven are still living, viz: Alson, the eldest, a farmer in New York; Eli C., whose name opens this paragraph; Mandley, a farmer of Nelson township, Kent county, Mich.; Charles. who was reared a blacksmith, and is a resident of Mackinaw Island, Mich.; Rhoda, wife of Elias Mabie, of Solon township; Percy, married to Edwin M. Blair, a farmer, and Diadema, widow of George Schermerhorn, of Grand Rapids. Russell Rounds, also a native of New York, was of English descent,.was a mechanic and farmer, and was one of the famous minute men of the Empire state, in which he passed his early manhood. In politics he was first a democrat, but in later years became a republican, and died in Michigan, a member of the Methodist, Episcopal church, at the age of eighty years. His wife, also a native of New York and of English descent, was a daughter of a hero of the Revolutionary war, and died in Kent county, Mich., at the age of seventytwo years, in the Methodist faith, to which she had adhered since girlhood. Eli C. Rounds received a good commonschool education when young, but has always been a student at home, and has accumulated one of the best selection of books in Solon township. He was reared to farming, and while still a resident of New York married, August I6, I849, Miss Maria Russell, who was born on the banks of the Mohawk river, and who has borne her husband four children, of whom three are still living, viz: Edwin M., who has taught three terms of school in Kent county, is a republican in politics, and still resides under the parental roof; Ursula, who is married to Charles W. Sherwin, a prosperous farmer of Solon township, and who has borne her husband two sons and three danghters; and Byron H., who married Miss Angeline Rearick, is a farmer by calling. In 1853 Mr. and Mrs. Rounds came to Michigan, resided one year in Hillsdale county, and then settled in Solon township, in Kent county. Mr. Rounds here made his first purchase of land, at seventy-five cents an acre. This tract comprised eighty acres, and on this land he still resides. His first habitation here 988 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS was a log cabin, I6 x 22 feet, in the midst of a dense forest, and although he went into debt for his purchase, and later sold some of his bedding to raise means to liquidate the debt, he has, through hard labor and good management, added to his estate until he now owns I27 acres of as well improved land as there is in the township, clear of debt, unequaled in fertility, as well as the substantial condition of its buildings. When Mr. Rounds first settled in Kent county, his nearest market was 1Kockford, then called Lappenville, whence he carried his groceries to his home on his shoulders, as there was no wagon road or highway then in existence in the neighborhood, and his farming implements were of the rude make that would now be Considered as primitive or curious; but they, with the Indians, the oxteams and the log cabins, have all been replaced by the modern conveniences with which civilization has blessed the land. Mr. Rounds was present at all the meetings of the residents of the neighborhood prior to the organization of the township, and was present at that which erected the township under the name of Solon, as suggested by Morgan Allen, the then supervisor of Algoma. Mr. and Mrs. Rounds are noted for their kind-heartedness, and, besides their own children, have reared a boy, Luther Rounds, from infancy to manhood, and, as he has repaid their care with almost filial affection, they have presented him with a sixty-acre farm. In politics Mr. Rounds is a republican, has represented his party in several county conventions, and has filled the office of overseer of the poor. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at White Creek, assisted very materially in a financial way in erecting the church edifice, and have fever been ardent friends of the public-school:system. Socially they rank with the best people of Solon township, and most deservedly so, as they were really among its earliest residents. NDREW SAUR, one of the prominent farmers and most highly respected residents of Sparta township, Kent county, Mich., was born April 27, 1846, in the province of Smoland, county of Jonkoping, near the city of the same name, in Sweden, and has lived in Kent county since he was three years of age. His parents, Peter and Helena (Swenson) Saur, had a family of ten children-eight sons and two daughters-of whom Andrew is the fifth born, and by reference to the biography of Albert H. Saur, the merchant of Kent City,the reader will find the complete genealogy of the Saur family. Andrew Saur well knows what is meant by the-words "pioneer life in Kent county." He was but eight years of age when he began work on the parental home in the wilderness of Sparta township, and from that age until twenty-one years old devoted all his time and energy to'the work of subduing the forest and developing a farm from the wilderness, in the meantime becoming a thorough woodman, agriculturist and stock-raiser. On attaining his majority he started out for himself as a lumberman, and when he had completed the twentythird year of his life he had saved $300 from his earnings, April 21, I872, Mr. Saur married Miss Mary C. Broman, in Sparta township, and to this union have been born one son and four daughters, viz: Jennie V., who passed through the common school, finished with the eighth grade, then was a student in the high school at Sparta and was awarded a teacher's certificate, and in I896 was a student at the Ferris insti AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 989 tute, Big Rapids, was also well educated in music, and is now one of the most successful teachers in Kent county; Minnie H. has also finished 'the eighth grade in the public school, has received musical instruction, and is now a dress-maker, having learned cutting and fitting in Sparta; Lula L. has also passed the eighth grade, is of a linguisfical trend of thought, and is a young lady of vivacity; Lillie B. has also passed the eighth grade in school, and St. Elmo, the only son, is extraordinarily attentive to his school work. Mrs. Saur was born October 23, 1850, in the same province in which her husband was born, and was fourteen years of age when she came to America with her parents, Charles and Louise (Peterson) Broman, embarking at Gottenburg, Sweden, for Sparta, Mich., via the city of New York. The family comprised two sons a'nd three daughters, and their first home in Sparta township was the usual log cabin. The father was possessed of great energy, but of little cash, and had even to borrow the money to bring him west, and here he went in debt for his farm; but he was also a man of strict integrity, paid back all he had borrowed, cleared up his land and made a comfortable home, and at his death in 1892, at the age of sixty-five years, owned an unincumbered farm of sixty acres. In religion he was an Evangelical Lutheran, and in politics a republican. His widow is also a devout member of the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church, and has now reached the ripe age of eighty years. The children, with the exception of one residing in Grand Rapids, are all living in Spata. Mrs. Saur was primarily educated in her native tongue, but her long residence in Kent county has thoroughly familiarized her with the English language, and she has been truly a helpmate to her husband. In politics Mr, Saur is a democrat, is a great admirer of William Jennings Bryan, and is opposed to the expansion policy of the present national administration. He holds the confidence of his fellow democrats and has been twice elected treasurer of Sparta township; he has been a director of the public school for a number of years and advocates the securing of the best teachers the school fund warrants, and in this policy is warmly encouraged by his amiable wife. When Mr. and Mrs. Saur purchased their farm of eighty acres, all in the forest, they went in debt $3,000, but they worked together, paid the debt, have cleared their land from stumps, and in 1888 erected their present beautiful frame dwelling, two and a half stories high, with basement, all elegantly finished in hard wood an immense contrast with their original humble shanty home. They are members of the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church, and are classed with the best people of Sparta township. im LBERT H. SAUR, the leading merchant of Kent City, is a native of L Alpine township, Kent county,.Mich., and was born November 26, I 8 59, the youngest of the family of eight sons and two daughters born to Peter and Helena (Swenson) Saur, six of which children still survive, viz: Charles L., an agriculturist of Alpine township, and married; August J., likewise married and engaged in farming in Alpine township; Maria, wife of William McNitt, a farmer of Wexford county, Mich.; Andrew and Frank both married and farming in Sparta township, and Albert H., the subject of this sketch. Peter Saur, the father of the above family, was born in Swederi in 18 8, and died in Sparta township, Kent county, Mich., December'9, I886. He was reared an agriculturist, and in his early manhood was overseer of a large 990 'T1 E CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS - I I - landed estate for a gentleman in his neighborhood, thereby becoming of some prominence among the peasantry. Although his education was limited and acquired with the assistance of friends chiefly after dark and by the light of torches or blazing knots, he was quick to learn and possessed the stamina equal to the task. When the Saur family determined to come to America, there were several of its members who engaged to join in this laudable enterprise, including the father, mother, and their children, Peter and wife, Charles, John, Andrew, Charlotte and Sophia; but now their tribulations began. When they reached Gottenburg they found that their means were inadequate to meet expenses, and it was agreed that Peter and wife only should start at first, and, if successful, should remit the necessary funds to pay the way of the remainder of the fatmily. Accordingly, Peter, wife and children embarked in Gottenburg and the others came on a vessel said to be IOO years old, bound for New York city, but encountered tempestuous weather in crossing the North sea and Atlantic ocean, and came to anchor in the harbor of Charleston, S. C., where they changed vessels and eventually landed in Philadelphia, Pa., ten weeks after their departure from Sweden, some time in I852. They of course were ignorant of the language and customs of the country and were at once, on their arrival in the Quaker city, placed in hacks and driven to a hotel, but when the landlord discovered they were penniless, he hurried them out into the street. They were found by two benevolent ladies, who had them placed in their quarters in the hotel, where their immediate needs were provided for through the munificence of these strange ladies, and a Swedish gentleman sent for, and this gentleman not only collected provisions and other necessities for their re lief, but even accompanied them as far as Chicago, and it is a pity the name of this philanthropist has been suffered to pass unrecorded. Peter Saur left his family in Chicago for the time being while he sought employment in Michigan, but, as there were no railroads nor bridges at that time between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, his journey was mostly afoot on the roads and trails, and the streams were crossed by fording. Grand Rapids was itself a mere trading-post for Indians, and thence he made his way to Sparta township, then almost a wilderness, and found employment in felling trees, and hoped to be able to earn sufficient money to send for his family. But whilst at work in the woods he received the intelligence that his little daughter, Christina, was seriously ill, and he hastened back to Chicago. The child passed away, and shortly afterward the remainder of the family came through to Sparta, the mother walking a part of the way, the roads being in too bad a condition for the use of wagons at many places on the route. The family first found a home in a little log cabin that stood on what is now known as the Charles Chapman farm, west of the village of Sparta, and there they resided until their removal to Alpine township, where Mr. Saur purchased forty acres of forest land and erected a log cabin I6x 24 feet,and in this humble abode Albert H. Saur, the subject of this sketch, was born. As Peter Saur had gone in debt for his forty-acre tract, he rented a farm a little to the west, and, as the Civil war shortly afterward broke out, he received enormous prices for his products. For one hog dressed, which he took to Muskegon, he received $52.50; and for wheat he received $3 per bushel. He continued to prosper, and at his death owned an excellent farm of IOO acres in Sparta township, now known as the Saur homestead. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 991 I In politics Peter Saur was a strong republican, but never cared for office; in religion he was a Lutheran and freely contributed to the support of his church. His wife, who was born in Sweden, September I9, I8II, died July I, i886, also a devout Lutheran and a model mother. Albert H. Saur, whose name stands at the head of this sketch, was but seven years of age when his parents removed from Alpine to Sparta township, and in the latter worked on the home farm in summer and attended the district school in winter. He was not a lad of very robust constitution, and his father granted him unusual school privileges. In his early youth there were but two stores in the village of Sparta, kept by R. H. Wooden and Edwin Bradford, and there were only a few residences. Kent City, where he is now doing a a thriving mercantile business, was unknown, and Casnovia hardly had an existence, but was nevertheless in embryo. Indians still roamed through the surrounding forests and frequently upon the premises of the scattered settlers, and wild animals, whose flesh would now be esteemed articles of food, and indeed, viands of rare delicacy in the menu of a first-class hotel, were quite a nuisance. In the fall of I882, A. H. Saur entered the normal school at Ypsilanti and graduated in I885, and the same year assumed the principalship of the Pierson public schools in Montcalm county. In I886 he was elected principal of the Colon public schools, which comprised three departments, and while holding this responsible position his parents died, and he was recalled to the home farm. Of this he and his brother Frank purchased from the other heirs their interest, but went into debt for the major part of the purchase price, and at once engaged in peach growing, at which they succeeded so well that they soon liquidated their indebtedness. In the fall of I888 A. H. Saur was elected principal of the Kent City schools, and held this responsible position for four years, adding, during his incumbency, a number of the higher branches to the curriculum and establishing a reputation as one of the best instructors in the township. He then returned to the home farm, where he remained two years, and in I896 purchased the general stock of merchandise owned by M. E. Cone, of Kent City, for $700, for which he went in debt. As it was evident that Mr. Saur was to make a success of his enterprise, the well-known firm of Johnson & Johnson, of Sparta, made a proposition to join him, and this proposition was accepted, the result being that a large addition of staple and fancy groceries, dry goods, clothing, footwear and other commodities were added to Mr. Saur's stock, the whole being now valued at $7,000, and Mr. Saur being at the head of one of the best general mercantile firms in Kent City. Beside his interest in this concern, Mr. Saur has also investments in shingle and lumber manufacturing in Newaygo county, and in the Kent City Cheese factory, which turns out oo00,000 pounds of cheese each season, and that of so excellent a quality that it took the premium at the World's Fair. It cannot be doubted that Mr. Saur is one of the most enterprising and wide awake young men of northwest Kent county. December 24, I885, Mr. Saur was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Johnson, to which union have been born six children, of whom five are still living, viz: Agnes, Lowell, Harold, Carl and Neva, one daughter being deceased. The elder three of the survivors are attending the district school and are respectively in the fourth, third and first grades. Mrs. Saur was born near Jonkoping, Sweden, August I9, I86o, and is a daughter of Klaus and Helena (Johnson) Johnson, who 992s THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS had a family of seven children, of whom three sons and Mrs. Saur are still living-her brother, C. A. Johnson, being a merchant at Sparta and her other two brothers his clerks. Mrs. Saur was but nine years of age when she reached America, was well educated in the graded schools of Sparta, and for three years was a school-teacher in Kent county of great acceptability. Mr. Saur was originally a republican in politics and cast his first presidential vote for U. S. Grant, but for the past fourteen years has affiliated with the prohibitionists, whom he has several times represented in legislative conventions and occasionally in county conventions. He is a promoter of the public schools and favors the employment of the best teachers at a liberal compensation. He and wife are consistent members of the Swedish Lutheran church, in the Sunday-school of which he has served as superintendent ten years, the attendance at present being about 150. Mr. Saur is an educated, progressive gentleman, and as a business man has few equals in the county of which he is a native, and of whom it may well feel proud. OHNSON A. SAUR, a representative of one of the most prominent and prosperous families of Alpine township, was born in Sweden, September 7, I843, and is the third child of Peter J. and Lena (Swenson) Saur. His parents came to America from Sweden in the year 1854, and after a successful voyage arrived on December 20, of the same year, at:Charleston. They thence departed for New York, where they tarried but a few days. at the end of which time they started for the Wolverine state, locating in Alpine township, Kent county, where the father purchased a farm of forty acres, which was then cornpletely covered by timber. He continued adding to his purchase and making improvements, but removed to Sparta after the war and resided there until his death, when he was the owner of a fine large farm, and the heirs are sustaining the excellent reputation earned by the father. Both parents are now dead, having expired in the summer of I889. Mr. Saur, the subject of this sketch, was married on the 29th of December, 1869, to Miss Emma Rodgers, daughter of George W. and Sally Ann (Hagadone) Rodgers, a native of Alpine township, and her birth is dated from September'30, I851. She came to the present home at four years of age and resided here until marriage. Her parents now reside in Sparta village, retired. This union was blessed with four children: Verna, the wife of Joseph Anderson, a farmer of Alpine township, and George R., Harry and Ruth, who live at home and attend school. The political faith of Mr. Saur is the sixteen to one platform, and he cast his maiden vote for U. S. Grant. He has filled several minor town offices, and is usually found in party conventions. In social circles he is a member of the Lisbon lodge, F. & A. M.; also he and wife are active members of the Alpine grange. Soon after the outbreak of the Civil war, he enlisted with the Fourth Michigan cavalry at Grand Rapids, and saw service in many severe battles. He served for three years, mainly with his command, but afterward was detailed for scouting. He was promoted to corporal, and was wounded in the foot, while on a scout, by a gunshot, and the government has granted him a pension. He received his honorable discharge in July, I865, returned to Michigan, and worked at farm work till married. He bought ninety acres near his AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 993 present home, going into debt, but sold in 1876 and bought the old homestead of his wife's parents, which also carried considerable indebtedness. He has done general farming, and has an orchard, in apples, pears, plums and peaches, of about 2,000 trees, and this has proven quite profitable. He also keeps a fine grade of stock. His farm contains about IOO acres; about all in cultivation. He has laid about two miles of tile, and has the entire farm in excellent condition. He has one of the best farms in the township, being originally a fine body of beech and maple. He is a member of the Horticultural society and the Fruit Growers' association, in both of which he takes an active interest. UGUST J. SAUR. —A record of the most prominent and prosperous farmers of Alpine township must be considered incomplete without the full genealogy of the Saur family, of which the above-named gentleman is a representative, as well as an enterprising and public-spirited citizen of Kent county, with the development of which he has been prominently identified. Mr. Saur is a native of Sweden and was born October 31, I852, being the third child of Charles and Louisa Saur. His parents came to America about the year I853, and located in Sparta township, Kent county, Mich., where they began farming and remained about nine years, at the end of which the father purchased a farm in section No. 15, Alpine township, and there lived until his death, which occurred in I896, when he was seventy-two years of age. When Mr. Saur began his career in Kent county he found it very much unsettled, the farm on which he located being nearly covered with timber, but at the time of his death, Kent was numbered among the fore most counties, Alpine among the principal townships, and his farm one of the best in the state. He was a soldier during the Civil war. August ). Saur began life for himself when about twenty-four years of age by renting a farm. Being satisfied with the lot cast to tillers of the soil, he is still continuing it, owning I20 acres of well-improved land, located in section No. I8. On January 3, I874, he was married to Miss Jennie Burtch, a native of Ontario, and born January I5, I858, the fifth child of Hiram and Annis (Phelps) Burtch. Her father was a native of Canada and was born in I820. He came to Michigan about I866, and located in Alpine township, where he still resides. Her mother was a native of Whitby, Ontario, was born in I826, came to Michigan with her husband, and is still living. This union was graced with two children: L. D. and R. T., both of whom reside at home with their parents. Politically Mr. Saur is a supporter of the sixteen to one platform, but cast his initiatory vote for R. B. Hayes. Socially, he is a member of the F. & A. M. lodge at Lisbon, Mich. He is not an active member of any church', while Mrs. Saur is a member of the Congregational church. These worthy subjects are noted for their hospitality and good works, and consequently are surrounded and esteemed by a large circle of friends. McKNIGHT SELLERS. No review of the social and material progress of Michigan, however exhaustive, would be complete if it did not pay its tribute to the worth of her pioneer journalists, who, by virtue of their important part in the development of its resources justly deserve the title of builders of the commonwealth. Thesocial characteristics of sterling integrity, pa 994 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS triotism, and ability are happily reflected in the career'of the subject of this sketch, a descendant of those pioneers and who, by his unassuming worth as a citizen, has done much toward putting the town of Cedar Springs in its now thriving state. Among newspaper men of the Wolverine state who have done so much in the past and are planning so wisely to help forward the interests of their section and party in the future, the name of L. M. Sellers, proprietor of the Cedar Springs Clipper, stands most prominent, he having held the field for the last thirty years and ever a stanch follower and advocate of republican principles. Mr. Sellers was born in Franklin county, Pa., of German stock on his father's side and Scotch-Irish maternally, his mother's name being Montgomery, and her mother McKnight, and one which occurs quite frequently in the annals of Scottish history. His early days were passed in his native state, and he served in a Pennsylvania regiment during the last five months of the Civil war. In the sessions of 1883 and I885 he served as representative and speaker pro tem, and also three terms as president of the West Michigan Press association and treasurer of the State Press. He also served as chairman of the republican county committee, of which he was a member for twenty years, and a delegate to republican national convention of I892. He is one of the most popular men in Cedar Springs and holds the high esteem of his fellows. His paper, "The Clipper," is one of the best edited and most widely read newspapers in the state. It is an entirely local paper, devoted to the interests of Cedar Springs alone, totally free, unlike other editions, from the advertisements for foreign patent medicines, etc. In politics Mr. Sellers, as may be learned from the above, is a republican and one of the party's most firm supporters and diligent workers. He is a prominent and influential citizen and a great promoter of local enterprises. He is a man of intellectuality, broad sympathies and tolerance, and imbued with fine sensibilities and clearly defined principles. Honor and integrity are synonymous with his name, and he enjoys the respect, confidence and regard of his community. President McKinley appointed him postmaster without his asking for it. He made no application. It came to him for stalwart party service. RANK W. SAUR, a well-known citizen of integrity and industry, is a scion of one of the pioneer families of Sparta township, Kent county, Mich., was born March 6, I855, and is the seventh that graced the marriage of Peter and Helena (Swenson) Saur, a full sketch of whose life will be found in the biography of Albert Saur, the prominent general merchant of Kent City. Frank W. Saur has passed all his life in Kent county, was educated in the common schools, and until the age of seventeen years spent his time, when he became old enough tb work, in the hard labor of clearing up the lands and developing the new home in Sparta and Alpine townships, filially turning over his earnings to his parents, and up to the present time has fully done his share in developing the resources of his township and county. He began his career as a wage earner on his own account at $18 per month, and for eight winters worked in the timber regions of Newaygo county, and on the farm, his wages of course being increased to the maximum rate, as he advanced in proficiency. March 23, I879, Mr. Sauer wedded Miss Ida C. Carlson, at the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church in Sparta township, Rev. N. A. Youngberg performing the ceremony. This happy union has been crowned by the birth of AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 995 I four sons and three daughters, six of whom are still living, viz: Tina, the eldest, who passed the eighth grade in the common schools with a percentage of ninety-three, took especial training in music, and is now a saleslady in the general store of A. H. Saur & Co., of Kent City; she is well educated in the Swedish language, and is a member of the W. C. T. U.; Orin R. is in the sixth grade in school, and his natural talent is toward agriculture; Edward M. is in the fifth grade and has a taste for mercantile life; Ella F. is in the fourth grade; Mabel E. is also at school, and Lawrence F. L. is the sunbeam of the home. Mr. and Mrs. Saur will see to it that the younger children shall also be well educated. Mrs. Saur was born in the province of Smoland, near the city of Jonkoping, Sweden, April 24 1858, and is a daughter of Johannes and Bertha E. (Johnson) Carlson, who were the parents of three sons and two daughters, and of these five children four are still living —all in America. Mrs. Saur was but fifteen years of age when she sailed, in company with her brother, August, from Gottenburg, April 30, I873, and after a passage of twelve days arrived in New York, whence. she came direct to Kent county, Mich. She had received a good education in her native land, and was confirmed in her church before she left home. Her parents died in Sweden, and the three living children, beside herself, are, Johanna, wife of John Saur, a farmer of Sparta township; August, engaged in the same occupation in the same township, and' Carl, engaged in the railroad business at Michigan City, Ind. Mrs. Saur is next in order of birth, and is the youngest. When Mr. and Mrs. Saur began their married life they lived on rented land a few years, and then purchased a part of the old homestead and a few acres of adjoining land, making in all sixty-four acres, for which they went in debt; but this debt, through industry and good management, has long since been liquidated, and all the improvements made by themselves, and they now have as fine a homestead as any of its size in central Sparta township. In politics Mr. Saur is a republican, cast his first presidential vote for Rutherford B. Hayes, and has always been a steady adherent of the party. He and wife are members of the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church of Sparta township, to the support of which they liberally contribute, and are also assistants in the Sunday-school work, as well as ardent supporters of the public school system, advocating at all times the employment of the best instructors. They have been unceasing in advancing the material and moral progress of their township, are classed among the best residents, and their comfortable residence, two miles from Kent City and about four miles from Sparta village, is the home of good will, hospitality, and domestic happiness. MARTIN SCHENCK, proprietor of the New York Dairy farm in Cascade township, was born in the adjoining township of Ada, Kent county, Mich., June 4, i856. The Schenck families in America descend from two cousins who came from Germany many years ago, one of whom settled on Long Island, N. Y., and the other in New Jersey, and from the latter the Kent county family trace its line of descent. The parents of J. Martin Schenck, were Jacob S. and Catherine C. (Brown) Schenck, born in Yates county, N. Y., came to Michigan in I845, and settled about a mile and a half north of the village of Ada. Mr. Schenck was a poor man at that time and brought with him his only property-a one-horse 996 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS wagon. He was accompanied by his wife and his son, William G. Schenck, who enlisted, years later, in company C, Second Michigan cavalry, and died of measles in Benton barracks, St. Louis, Mo., at the age of eighteen years. Although Mr. Schenck came to Michigan a poor man, he secured 200 acres of good land, carried on general farming and secured a competence. He passed his latter years in retirement in Ada village, and died January 14, 1895, at the age of seventy-five years. His wife is still living, and three children, viz: J. Martin, the subject of this sketch; Libbie, wife of T. H. McNaughton, of Ada township, and Fred E., on the old homestead. J. Martin Schenck remained on his father's farm until twenty-one years of age, and then bought his present farm in Cascade town ship, with the assistance of his father. This farm of I I6 acres was first settled by John R. Stewart and is situated on the pike leading from Grand Rapids to the village of Cascade, eight miles from the city. He carried on general farming only until 1898, when he engaged in dairying, keeping from twelve to sixteen cows, and this with him is a specialty, as he runs his own milk route in the city. He has made many improvements on his place, including a new and handsome house and barn, making it the finest farm on the line of the gravel road. Mr. Schenck was united in marriage, June I9, I88I, with Miss Theodora E. Beach, who is a daughter of Samuel Beach, of Ada township, where she was born, and where in childhood she was the playmate of Mr. Schenck. In politics Mr. Schenck is a republican, and although he has attended conventions of his party, has never sought office. Fraternally he is a member of Ada lodge, No. 280, F. & A. M., in which he holds the office of steward, and he and wife are members of Vesta chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. Mr. Schenck is likewise a Modern Woodman, and with his wife a member of the Cascade grange. He is one of the most useful and highly esteemed citizens of Cascadetownship, and socially both Mr. and Mrs. Schenck move in the best circles. EWIS G. SEVEY, the efficient and popular supervisor of Solon township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Steuben county, N. Y., September I, i852, the fourth of the family of five children born to Grove and Harriet (Burlingham) Sevey, in the following order: Charles Henry, a farmer near Union City, Mich.; Mary, widow of Charles Pitts, of Jackson county, Mich.; Adell, wife of Parmer Hill, a farmer of Jackson county; Lewis G., the subject, and Emma, widow of Charles Tower, a farmer of South Dakota. Grove Sevey, also a native of New York state, was born in I825, and died in February, I897. He was reared a farmer, and in the fall of 1857 emigrated from New York to Branch county, Mich., where he became a brick and stonemason, residing in Bronson two years and then removed to Brooklyn, Jackson county, where his wife died April 22, 1867. Later Mr. Sevey settled in Ypsilanti, where his death took place. He and wife were adherents of the Baptist church, and in politics Mr. Sevey was an ardent republican. Lewis G. Sevey, at the age of eighteen years, came to Cedar Springs to enter the lumbering trade, then one of the prime industries of Kent county, Mich. He had received a good common-school education, and has improved his spare hours by self-instruction, but financially was without capital. November 26, 1872, he wedded Miss Allie Dunton, a native of Naples, Ontario county, N. Y., their wedding day being the second anniversary of AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 997 - Mr. Sevey's arrival in Cedar Springs. Six children have blessed this union, viz: Bert E., a farmer of Tyrone township, and married to Miss Hattie L. Snow, who has borne him one daughter, Jessie L. Bert E., the father, has a mental bias toward mechanism and in politics is a republican. Bertha H., the second child born to L. G. Sevey and wife, has been educated in the Cedar Springs public schools, and has a special talent for vocal music; Hazel is in the high school at Cedar Springs; Fern, Zoe and Clinton are with their parents, and the girls are all endowed with a talent for music. Mrs. Sevey was born. December It, 1855, the second of a family of seven-all daughters, all married, and all residents of Michigan. Reuben Dunton, the father, was born in Ontario county, N. Y., has passed his life in the pursuit of agriculture, and now resides in Solon township, Kent county, Mich., at the age of sixty-six years, having come here September 10, I868. His wife is a native of the same county with himself, and in childhood was his schoolmate. Mrs. L. G. Sevey is a lady of very pleasant address, was a school-teacher in Kent county for some years ere her marriage, and has nobly done her part as a wife and mother. In I875 Mr. Sevey purchased his farm of forty acres of forest land, with scarcely any improvement upon it-not even space enough cleared on which to erect his little home. For this land he went in debt, with the exception of $175 he had earned by day's labor; but he has worked manfully, has placed his farm in excellent cultivation, has erected a handsome dwelling, together with substantial farm buildings, and to-day does not owe one dollar on the property. In I895 he purchased twenty additional acres, and this is an evidence of what frugality and industry will do for a poor man in Kent county. I I I In politics Mr. Sevey is a republican, and in 1882 and 1883 served as highway commissioner; in 1894 and 1895 he was township treasurer, and he has also served three years as school director, in each office rendering the utmost satisfaction. As a further mark of their confidence in his wisdom and integrity, his people elected him, in the spring of 1897, supervisor of the township, and in 1898 reelected him by acclamation-a compliment they felt to be well deserved. He has also been twice the choice of his party to represent it in county convention, and each time well performed his part. Fraternally he isa member of lodge No. 213, F. & A. M., at Cedar Springs, and he and wife have ever been willing and ready supporters of every movement designed to advance the moral, religious and temporal prosperity of the township, in which they have had their home for the past thirty years, and where they enjoy the sincere esteem of all who know them. ILMARTH T. SHAFER, successful farmer, township supervisor and representative citizen of Paris township, of which he is a native, was born on the old family homestead March i8, i863. His paternal grandfather, Lieut. John Shafer, a native of Maryland, came to Michigan as early as 1844, and purchased 400 acres of government land within the present limits of Paris, thus being one of the pioneers to make permanent settlement in this section of Kent county. Lieut. John Shafer was a hero of the war of I812, participated in a number of battles during that struggle, including Lundy's Lane, and for meritorious conduct on the field was given the official designation indicated above, and to which honor his after life added in 998 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I creased luster. It is worthy of note that he was the last surviving officer of the last war between this country and England. At the time of his death there were beside himself less than I00 men in the United States who had even served in that struggle. Unlike many of the early pioneers in a new country, Lieut. Shafer possessed ample means, and was from the first considered one of the well-to-do men of the country. He possessed to a high degree the grace and characteristics of the dignified old-time gentleman; courtly in manner, kind and obliging to all, he was a man of much more than ordinary mental ability. His was a remarkable personalty, his superior mentality and natural talents being based upon a no less vigorous physique. He was born in 1786 and lived to the remarkable age of 104 years. His death, which occurred in 1890, was widely commented upon throughout the United States, both by reason of his advanced years and by the fact of his having been the last commissioned officer to stand before an English army in defense of those principles so dear to every true American. Throughout his long life in Kent county he was active in public affairs, and assisted liberally in raising money to procure soldiers during the dark days of the Rebellion. Until the last he retained his faculties, both mental and physical, to a remarkable degree. When the bugle sounded for him to report at the last muster, the old soldier spirit answered and he went gladly to join his former comrades. His wife, Eliza, with whom he had trod life's pathway hand in hand for upwards of seventy years, died in I887. The following are the names of their children: Sherman B., a resident of Paris township; Frank, deceased; Mason L., of Grand Rapids; Oscar S.; Marion A., a physician practicing his profession in Grand Rapids -all of whom located within a short distance of where the father originally settled. Oscar S. Shafer, father of W. T., was born in New York, accompanied his parents to Michigan, and at the age of twenty-eight married Mrs. Helen C. French (nee Everett). He took possession of the old home farm, to which he added other land at different times, and looked after the interests of his aged parents until their respective deaths. He was a successful farmer and a man of mature judgment, widely informed, and a stanch supporter of the republican party, which frequently importuned him, without avail, to accept official positions. He died respected by all who knew him on Thanksgiving day, 1895. His life-companion is still living. The names of their children are: Wilmarth T., Philip M. and Vernon F., the last two now living in California. Wilmarth T. Shafer received an elementary training in the common schools, later pursued more advanced branches in the high schools, and remained under the paternal roof until his marriage, which was solemnized on the 27th of February, 1889, with Miss Viola D. Slater, daughter of Robert Slater,of Paris township. He early selected agriculture for his life works and now has a farm of I20 acres, which he conducts upon the latest and most improved principles of farming. Like his immediate and remote ancestors, Mr. Shafer is a gentleman of unimpeachable integrity, and throughout life has endeavored to conduct himself so as to win and retain the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens. As a republican he has been an active worker, having represented his party in two state, and many county conventions, and in 1896 was chosen township treasurer, which office he filled two terms. He was elected supervisor in 1898, re-elected in 1899, and is discharging the duties of the position in a manner highly creditable to himself and satisfactory to his constituency. He was one of the :: I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 999 foremost to stand tenaciously for the rights of the townships in the late memorable fight and lengthy deadlock regarding assessment equalization. He is a regular attendant and liberal contributor to the church and a friend to all religious and benevolent enterprises. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Shafer has been gladdened by the birth of two children, Ione D. and Helen V. ATTIL C. SHARP, V. S., of Sparta, Kent county, was born in Ingham county, Mich., July 6, 1859, and is a son of William and Sarah (Cooper) Sharp, who had a family of five children. William Sharp was a native of England, was reared a farmer, and on coming to America landed in New York, whence he came to Michigan and settled in Ingham county, where he continued the pursuit of agriculture until his death in I860, being then the proprietor of a fine farm of 200 acres, on which his venerable widow still makes her home. Hattil C. Sharp was partly reared on the Ingham county farm, received a good common-school education, and later took a course in veterinary surgery, of which he is now one of the most proficient professors in the state of Michigan. He began the actual practice of his profession in 1884, and besides his knowledge of the diseases to which horse-flesh is subjected and the proper methods for their cure, he is practical as a trainer in gait, style and adaptation to the various uses for which the animal is fitted-road, light draft, saddle, etc. In the handling of intractable animals he is also an expert, but the medical and surgical knowledge of the doctor, as applied to horses, is the grand secret of his success. In conjunction with his practice, the doctor conducts a small farm of some forty acres, four 53 miles from Sparta, where he can care for animals entrusted to his treatment. Dr. Sharp married, at Stockbridge, November I8, I876, Miss Ella Bachelor, daughter of John D. Bachelor, of Michigan, and this union has been blessed with three children, named Mary E., William and Hattie C., all of whom have received, or are receiving, good common-school educations. Mrs. Sharp is a member of the Congregational church, in the faith of which she is rearing her children, and in politics Dr. Sharp is a free-silver democrat. The family stands very high socially, and professionally the doctor stands unrivaled in the county of Kent. EORGE W. SHARER, one of the. oldest and most respected and substantial business men, as well as mayor of Cedar Springs, Kent county, Mich., and a resident of the town for thirty years, was born in Wayne county, N. Y., December I6, 1833, the eldest of the family of four sons and three daughters born to William and Lucinda (Weed) Sharer,, all of whom are still living, with one exception; the next eldest is Mrs. Henrietta Howland, a widow residing in Colon, St. Joseph county, Mich.; Selleck is a farmer of Newaygo county; Lydia is the widow of Byron Noyes, of Colon; Harry resides in St. Joseph county, and Mary is the wife of Oliver Culver, a farmer of Madison township, Branch county. William Sharer, the father of the above family, was a native of Maryland, but of Mohawk Dutch descent. He was a farmer by calling, came to Michigan from New York state in 1837 and located in Lenawee county, where he purchased Ioo acres of wild land, from five acres of which, however, the timber had been cleared, the remainder being cov 1000 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I ered with a growth of the finest trees in the state. His first residence here was the inevitable log cabin, his agricultural implements were the four-fingered cradle for reaping the grain and the scythe for cutting the grass, and oxen for draft purposes. He resided in Lenawee county fifteen years, but in the meantime cleared up his land and made the "desert to blossom like the rose." 'In Mr. Sharer's time, the first railway in Lenawee county was from Adrian to Monroe, Monroe county, at the east, and was constructed of 4 x 4 inch timber mounted with strips of iron for a track, while the car for passengers was shaped like the ordinary freight car of to-day, but somewhat higher, and with a few small windows for light and ventilation, while the motive power was the over-taxed equine quadruped. The Sharer family had returned to New York state, where they stayed for a short time, and on their return they found that this wonderful road had been constructed, and on the way from Monroe to Adrian the subject remembers that the unique car pulled up at a 'little wayside inn to enable the passengers to dine. The menu contained the item, apples boiled in sugar, which to the subject proved a most delectable dish. This, his first hotel experience, took place in I844. The elder Mr. Sharer was an enthusiastic whig, and during the Harrison and Tyler campaign of 1840 the "'liberty pole " erected at Adrian was cut from his land and measured ninety-six feet without a splice, and was drawn eight miles with eight yoke of oxen. His life in those early days as a pioneer was one of considerable privation, but not at all an unhappy one; many conditions existed which would now be considered decided inconveniences, such, for instance, as the circulating medium, which consisted of twist tobacco and coon skins. At one time Mr. Sharer went in debt at a store for some of the necessaries of life to the amount of $15, and to pay this off required three years' accumulation of the currency mentioned. A letter sent from the old home in the east would sometimes lay in the post-office three months before the necessary amount of postage, fifty cents, could be spared. "Wild cat" and "red dog" bank notes were the currency best known, and this was of a very fluctuating as well as uncertain character. When Mr. Sharer located in Lenawee county there were no school-houses nor churches in his vicinity, but later on the alma mater of George W. Sharer was brought into being. This was a building I2xI4 feet, with one window, with a "shake" roof and a stick and mud chimney. The door was of heavy puncheons and hung on rude wooden homemade hinges, and the latch, of the same rude construction and material, was operated on the outside by means of a string passed through a hole. The pupils, at times, when inclined to play a prank on the teacher when he happened to be outside the room, would close this door, pull in the string, and thus effectually bar him out. All the furniture was of the same improvised construction, and this school was attended by Mr. Sharer from 1843 until about I849. In the year last named the first'union school in the state was completed at Adrian. It had an enrollment of 700 pupils, under Prof. Hall, assisted by Prof. Disbroe, and here the subject attended for a short time. He next began teaching in his home district at a salary of $15 per month, but, as a rule, was compelled to wait almost a year for his money. In this school he had several pupils four and five years older than himself. In I849, also, William Sharer moved to St. Joseph county and bought 340 acres near Colon, where he resided until his death. He was one of the founders of the republican I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1001 party, but never sought office, although one of the most popular and honored of men. His widow is now eighty-six years old and is well preserved in mind and body. She is a direct descendant of the Sellecks who came with LaFayette to aid the colonies in their struggle for independence, and is directly connected with the family of the famous editor and political manager-Thurlow Weed. George W. Sharer added to the education he had acquired in the schools already mentioned by private study at all available leisure hours. In his school work he became familiar with the higher mathematics, and as he possessed an innate knowledge of words he naturally became an excellent grammarian and rhetorician. His business life has been varied, and, moreover, successful, as, during his pedagogic career, he devoted his summers to the tilling of the soil. At the age of twentyfour years he purchased 330 acres in St. Joseph's county, mostly on credit, but had liquidated the indebtedness by the time he was thirty-six years old. In December, I869, George W. Sharer walked into Cedar Springs from Rockford to seek a site on which to build a stave and heading mill, but found it a difficult task, as the land was covered with pines, brush and stumps, but he finally cleared a spot on Beech street, broke ground, and erected his mill, which proved a success, and during his thirty years' residence he has expended for labor and material about $I,ooo000,000oo-and yet he has been one of the most unfortunate business men of the town, inasmuch as his plants have several times been destroyed by fire, as, for instance: In the fall of I882 a conflagration swept away his store, cooper's stock, office and other property, involving a loss of $33,000; in July, I885, he lost his store, his home, his library, and all the valuable souvenirs he and family had collected for many years; in March, 1887, the same fiery fiend swept away his mill, valued at $4,000, yet under all these misfortunes his courage never failed him, but in each instance he immediately rebuilt and with indomitable energy set to work to retrieve his heavy losses, and succeeded. But the end had not yet come, for in August, 1896, his mill was again consumed, the loss being $4,000, but another was at once erected and is now running at its full capacity. Comment touching such unconquerable indefatigability is not necessary. Mr. Sharer has shipped his out-put to Chicago, Minneapolis, New Orleans, St. Louis, Bloomington, Ill., and to all points in Indiana, and the southern peninsula of Michigan, and at present he largely supplies the immense packing establishment of the Armours at Chicago. Mr. Sharer was also at one time interested in the pine lands of Oscoda county, Mich., but concluded there was no money in these and wisely withdrew his capital. Mr. Sharer was joined in wedlock, December 24, 1857, with Miss Marinda M. Skinner, a native of Jefferson county, N. Y., and this marriage has been blessed with two children, viz: Ida E., who graduated from the Cedar Springs high school and also from Albion college, and is now the wife of Prof. C. W. Fallass, also a graduate of Albion college and at present a druggist at Petoskey, Mich. Charles H., second born, graduated from the home high school and also from Albion college, is now a resident of Chicago, and is the adjuster of the estate of Mrs. Culver, the donor of $I,ooo,ooo to the Chicago university. Mr. Sharer cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont in 1856, he being the first nominee made by the republican party for that high office. He has himself been twice elected mayor of Cedar Springs and is the present incumbent of this responsible position. He is a warm friend of public educa c 1002 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS. tion, and advocates the training of the hand as well as the brain, that the boy or girl, when through with school-work, will be prepared in more ways than one to gain a livelihood. Fraternally he is a member of Colon lodge, No. 72, F. & A. M., of St. Joseph county. He has given substantial aid, financially, to the erection of the Methodist Episcopal and Congregational churches in Cedar Springs, and it is needless to state that he and wife stand at the head of the social circles of Cedar Springs. D RANK E. SHATTUCK, postmaster and general merchant at Sand Lake, Nelson township, Kent county, was born in Hillsdale county, Mich., October 4, I866, and is a son of John A. and Helen E. (Adams) Shattuck, both natives of Michigan. John A. Shattuck was a general merchant by vocation, and about 1872 moved from Hillsdaie county to Jackson county, and thence to Howard City, Montcalm county, and some years later to Grand Rapids, Kent county, and while his family were still residing in the latter city he established a general store in Sand Lake in I875, having also transacted a similar business in all the other towns in which he had lived. He is now engaged in general merchandizing at Newberry, in the northern peninsula of Michigan, and is recognized as a progressive, active man, of the strictest integrity. In politics he is a stanch republican. Frank E. Shattuck was but six years of age when his parents left Hillsdale, and with them he went from place to place. At Grand Rapids he attended a public school, and also attended a course of study at Swensberg's business college. He was reared to mercantile pursuits, acting as salesman and bookkeeper, and in 1890 purchased his father's stock of general merchandise at Sand Lake and began trade on his own account. He prospered well until 1895, when the main part of the village was destroyed by a conflagration, in which he lost his building and stock, valued at $7,000. But he was possessed of fortitude, energy, and a philosophical turn of mind, and at once reopened, placing in a fresh stock, and now carries the best line of dry goods, clothing, groceries, and all other goods that go to make up a first-class country store, to be found in Sand Lake. These goods are purchased chiefly at Grand Rapids and Detroit, are of the latest styles in the textile fabrics, and are always fresh and sound as far as groceries and provisions are concerned. In politics, Mr. Shattuck is a republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Benjamin Harrison. He has several times been elected a member of the town council, and was its president in 1895; he also served as village treasurer three years, township treasurer four terms, and as a member of the board of education five years, still fills the latter position, and is one of the warmest friends of public education to be found in the county. In Angust, 1897, Mr. Shattuck was appointed postmaster of Sand Lake, under President McKinley, through the direct influence of Hon. William Alden Smith, congressman from Kent county, and is still the incumbent of this office; the same year he likewise received a commission as notary public. He has served as his party's delegate from Nelson township in various county and state conventions, and has in other ways been honored with marks of esteem and confidence by his party friends. Fraternally, Mr. Shattuck is a member of lodge No. 213, F. & A. M., at Cedar Springs, and also of the K. O. T. M., tent No. 422, of Sand Lake. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1003 Mr. Shattuck was married at Big Rapids, Mich., April 2, I891, to Miss Sylvia S. Hart, and four children have blessed this union, viz: Don C., Edgar F., John A. and Erma E. Mrs. Shattuck is a highly educated lady, having passed through the public schools and Ferris' Industrial college at Big Rapids, and some years before her marriage was a most successful teacher in the public schools of Mecosta county. Mr. and Mrs. Shattuck enjoy, in a marked degree, the unfeigned esteem of their neighbors in Sand Lake, and as a business man Mr. Shattuck bears a name of unspotted integrity. ASEY P. SHEPARD, a successful farmer of Ada township, Kent county, was born In Augusta, Kalamazoo county, Mich., on the I6th of December, I844. He is descended from one of the early pioneers of the county. His grandfather was the well-known Col. Henry Shepard, who had first located in Kalamazoo, and came to Kent county in the spring of 1845. He secured a large farm in Ada township, where he became engaged in farming, and where he died. He is just dim in the memory of his grandson, Casey Shepard. He had a son named Henry, who was reared on the farm when a boy, but who now lives in retirement at Lowell, Mich. The parents of Casey P. Shepard were James and Orpha (McKay) Shepard, he being born in Steuben county, N. Y., and she also a native of the same state. James Shepard had come to Michigan with his parents when thirteen years of age, and had married in Kalamazoo county in I843. He came here with but a yoke of oxen, and immediately set to work to clear and improve his farm, which at the inception was but an eighty-acre forest of oak timber, but to which he later added another eighty-acre tract. He became a successful hunter and trapper, and engaged in this as long as he was able, even going in northern Michigan to hunt. He at times made as high as $1oo per week, which income was more than he was able to make while engaged in farming. He was wellknown in the state of Michigan for his success as a hunter and trapper. Although no politician, he was politically a Tackson democrat. His death occurred in May, I899, at the age of seventy-seven. His wife still lives in Lowell at the age of seventyeight years. They were the parents of four sons and one daughter, of whom Aurelia is the wife of John Ellis, at McCord, Mich.; Hiram is a stonemason at Lowell; Frank died at the age of twenty-six; Casey P. is the subject of this sketch, and Albert lives in Lowell. Casey P. Shepard remained at home until nineteen years of age, when he enlisted in company M, of the Tenth Michigan cavalry, in I864, as a recruit. He joined the regiment at Knoxville, Tenn. During his career in the army, in which he was mainly engaged in scouting, he took part in the battle with Morgan at Greenville. He was in the saddle for one year, at the end of which time he was discharged by general order in June of I865. On the 4th of November, I866, being then twenty-two years of age, Casey Shepard was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Stout. Soon after the marriage he bought eighty acres of land adjoining the farm of his father, and here resided for six years. He then removed to Lowell, where he kept a meat market one year; thence to Ada township, where he bought another eighty-acre farm. His father, having sold his farm, was compelled to take it back, and to it his sons moved in 1884, and are now residing at the old homestead. He is at present engaged in general farming. '1004 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS:He is also a fruit grower and was the first in the county to raise peaches extensively. He had 2,000 bearing trees and found it a very satisfactory occupation, but the severe winter of I898 caused the loss of most of them. Mr. Shepard and his wife are the parents of three sons: Fred, Ray and Clare, all of whom are now living at home. They have lost one daughter, Addie May, who died at the age of seventeen. Mr. Shepard, whose political views differ widely from those of his father, is a firm believer in the principles of the republican party. Fraternally he is is a member of Ada lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 408, and of Bradfield post, G. A. R. He has made a success in life, comes of the best pioneer stock, is the head of an excellent family, and is one of the highly honored citizens of Kent county. His business tact and thrift, and his perseverance and industry, have won him a competence, and he is now enjoying in ease the fruits of his earlier and arduous labors. HARLES W. SHERWIN, a prosperous and well known farmer of Solon township, Kent county, Mich., was born in St. Lawrence county, N. Y., March 21, I850, the seventh of the five sons and seven daughters that constituted the family of Isaac C. and Caroline (Bowhell) Sherwin, and of whom ten are still living, viz: John C., who, however, has not been heard of for the past forty-four years, but who, at the last tidings, was at work on the Erie canal, near Syracuse, N. Y.; Isaac C. is married, resides in Canada, and is prospering in the patent-right business; Alice C. is the wife of John R. Robinson, a carpenter and joiner of Quincy, Mich.; Daniel W., who was a soldier in the late Civil rence county, N; Y.; Ella E., now Mrs. Frank Bailey, of Battle Creek, Mich.; Candace A., married to Daniel Driscoll, a prosperous agriculturist of Humphrey, Nebr.; Orpha E., widow of Timothy Driscoll, and residing in Battle Creek, Mich.; and Frank G., a merchant also of Battle Creek. Issac C. Sherwin, the father of this family, was a native of Jefferson county, N. Y., born about I805; and near his birthplace was an inlet of lake Ontario, called Sherwin's bay, named after his father, who was the first settler in that part of the Empire state. Isaac C. possessed great executive ability and sound judgment, and was a self-educated man, a constant student, and well posted in past and current events. He built twenty-one miles of plank road in St. Lawrence county, was every way an industrious and energetic citizen, and died greatly respected, in 1887. In politics he was first a whig -and later a republican. Mrs. Caroline Sherwin was born in the Mohawk valley, N. Y., was of Dutch and French descent, and died at the age of seventy-six years. Charles W. Sherwin received a sound, practical education in his native state, and at the age of fifteen years began working for the Clifton Railroad company, and held his position four years; he continued to reside in New York until 1876, when he came to Kent county, Mich., and here for a short time filled a situation as a stationary engineer, and next engaged in agriculture. July I6, 1876, Mr. Sherwin was united in matrimony with Miss Ursula Rounds, a daughter of Eli C. Rounds, the old pioneer of Solon township, whose biography will be found on another page, and to this marriage have been born five children, namely: Eli C., who was graduated from the Rockford and Cedar Springs high schools. Later he taught school in Kent county, being war, and is now a thriving miller of St. Law at the time the youngest man in the profes AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE.. 005 sion, and is now the superintendent of his maternal grandfather's estate; Carrie E. is a student in the Cedar Springs high school, from which she will graduate with the class of I900; John W., a student in the high school; Maude A., in the sixth grade, and Amy S., in the fourth grade. Mr. and Mrs. Sherwin are indeed to be commended for giving their children their splendid educational advantages. In politics Mr. Sherwin is a republican, and his first presidential vote was cast for U. S. Grant. He has himself filled the office of highway commissioner, with great acceptability. He has straightened out many of the roads in the township, has extracted about 8,ooo stumps from the highways, and has rendered travel now a comparatively easy task in every direction throughout the township. He is strongly in favor of free education, and believes that the best teachers are not too good for his district. Mr. and Mrs. Sherwin are sincere Christians, adhere strictly to the teachings conveyed in the " Sermon on the Mount," and enjoy the esteem, without exception, of all their neighbors. ON. JOHN W. SHISLER, member of the Michigan house of representatives from the Second district of Kent county, and a well-known agriculturist, was born in Stevensville, Ontario, August I 9, I840. He was educated in the Alfred university in New York, and at Fort Edward institute, and began teaching school at the age of sixteen years. The Shisler family is of German origin, and the first of the fore-fathers to come to America settled in Pennsylvania in I690. The grandfather of John WV. emigrated to Canada, and the same year Peter, the father of the subject, was born. July 2, I863, John WV. Shisler married, in Erie county, N. Y., Miss Phiannah E. Bovenmeyer, and for five years remained in that county, engaged in farming. In I869 he came to Michigan, located at Thornapple, and in 1872 came to Caledonia township, Kent county, and settled on 120 acres in section No. 33; this tract he has thoroughly improved, and erected on it, about eight years ago, his present handsome dwelling. He has here been engaged in general farming, and was one of the organizers and president of the Caledonia Union Fair association, and held the office seven years. This association has been of decided advantage to the farmers, resulting in breeding much thoroughbred stock throughout the country. He is himself a breeder of the famous Shropshire sheep, of which he has an extra fine flock. In politics Mr. Shisler is a republican, with which party he has actively worked ever since coming to Michigan. For twelve years he has been a member of the county-executive committee, and is frequently found in the conventions of his party. In I896 he was elected to the lower house of the state legislature, and was re-elected in I898. He was appointed on the committees on insurance and education, and during his second term was chairman of the committee last named. He also served on several other important committees, and on that on Normal schools in both sessions. He was a member of the special committee sent to locate the Upper Peninsula Normal school, visited several cities, and finally located the school at Marquette. He has always kept up his interest in educational work, and has been a director in his own district twenty-four years consecutively, frequently visiting the schools. His work in the committee on education in the house was especially important and useful. Fraternally, Mr. Shisler is a member of Caledonia lodge, No. 25I, I. 0. 0. F., in which he has filled most of the chairs; relig 1006 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS iously, he is a member of the United Brethren church at Caledonia. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Shisler are three in number, as follows: Melvin R., who was educated at Fostoria, Ohio, is engaged in the hardware trade, and handles the Champion Manufacturing company's products; Clara E., who was educated at the High school of Caledonia and the Fostoria academy, and the Bryant & Stratton Commercial college at Buffalo, N. Y., and is now and has been for some years abstracter in the office of the register of deeds at Grand Rapids; Er. is a young man of seventeen years, and was a messenger in the house of representatives during its last session. Mr. Shisler is the secretary of the Thornapple Valley Pioneer association and has been for four years, having succeeded W. S. Hale, who was the original secretary. Mr. and Mrs. Shisler are among the most esteemed residents of Caledonia, and Mr. Shisler is universally recognized as one of the most energetic and progressive agriculturists of the township. OHN S. SIMPSON is among the successful self-made men of Lowell township, Kent county, who have overcome discouraging environments and won success in the face of formidable circumstances, and is entitled to conspicuous mention. Mr. Simpson was born in Brantford, Canada, June 5, 1832. In his youth he learned the trade of carpentering and joining, and after becoming proficient in the same worked for three years for mechanic's wages and then effected a co-partnership with his employer. This was before he was twenty-one, and there are still standing many houses and barns and bridges which attest his youthful skill as an architect and builder. On attaining his ma A I jority, Mr. Simpson became foreman of a small force of men who were employed to hew and prepare timber, to be used in the construction of some of the greatest buildings of Cleveland, Ohio, and was also thus occupied in different parts of Canada for several years. On the 9th day of March, I856, Mr. Simpson was united in marriage in Lampman county, Ontario, to Miss Diana Erb, and eight years later came to Michigan and purchased a farm in Bowne township, Kent county. At the time of his removal to this state, he had a family of five children, and the purchase of the place exhausted all of his means, beside leaving a large debt hanging over him. To meet this he had recourse to his trade, which he followed with success in various parts of the county, his earnings being husbanded in the meantime for the purpose of paying off the mortgage on the farm. After meeting his obligations and becoming well settled, he met with a serious misfortune in the destruction of his house by fire, which entailed upon him great loss. Immediately following this disaster, Mr. Simpson disposed of all of his stock, sold his tools, rented the, farm, and for four years worked in Grand Rapids, two years of the time in an establishment where rakes, grain-cradles and various other farm implements were manufactured. During the succeeding two years he did job work. of different kinds as foreman as well as general manager for a contractor of Grand Rapids, and he was frequently intrusted with positions of great responsibility, in all of which he acquitted himself with credit and fully met the expectation of his employers. At the end of four years Mr. Simpson was, in a great measure, enabled to retrieve his misfortune, and, returning to the farm, began making substantial improvements in the way of buildings, fencing, etc., and for three years followed the pursuit of agriculture with most encouraging results. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1007 - - After the marriage of three of his children, which occurred within a single week's time, Mr. Simpson rented the farm and moved to the town of Lowell, and a little later sold the place to his eldest son and gave his entire attention to carpentering and building. Desiring to retire gradually from the trade, he purchased a tract of twenty-five acres two miles south of Lowell, where he made a beautiful and comfortable home and there resided for a period of four years. Having several boys growing into manhood, with no steady employment for them, he concluded to purchase a farm for their especial benefit. Accordingly, in I892, he bought his present beautiful place, known as the Rolfe farm, consisting of 200 acres, the greater part of which is now under a high state of cultivation. The place lies on the north side of Grand river, with one-fourth mile of river front, extends back one mile, and contains as fine and as fertile a body of land as any similar area of Kent county. The improvements are in keeping with the condition of the soil, and in the matter of general crops and live stock Mr. Simpson is considered the peer of any agriculturist in a township noted for its high-grade farms. Mrs. Simpson was born in Waterloo, Ontario, July 26, 1836, the daughter of Abraham and Willie (Clements) Erb, the father a native of Canada and of Swiss descent. Mrs. Erb died about I88I, since which time father Erb has made his home with his children. He is a remarkably well-preserved gentleman of eighty-five and possesses in a marked degree his faculties, physical and mental. The immediate family of Mr. and Mrs. Simpson consists of the following children: George owns the old homestead in Bowne township, but resides in Freeport, Mich.; he is a stock dealer and has met with financial success; Susannah, wife of John Weitz, resides in Odessa, this state; William is a well-to-do farmer of Kalkaska, Mich.; John lives near the same place, and like his brothers has made agriculture pay; Oliver farms the home place; Martin is a member of the dry-goods firm of Simpson & Peer, Ionia, Mich., and the youngest, Fred, owns a farm near the town of Freeport. Mr. Simpson has done well by his children and has the satisfaction of knowing that they are all prospering in life and stand high in the estimation of the people of their respective communities. There are eighteen grand-children, who, it is to be hoped, will grow up to reflect the sterling qualities of an honorable ancestry. Mr. Simpson has been an earnest supporter of the republican party for many years, but numbers among his warmest personal friends many whose political faith is directly opposed to his own. He is a careful observer, and intelligently expresses his opinions upon all matters of a political or public nature. A strong temperance man, he is nevertheless opposed to the principles and methods of the prohibition party, and, a free thinker in matters of religion, he is tolerent of the opinions of those who differ from him. His creed is to live up to his convictions of right, and he tries to comport himself in the sight of his fellow men so as to win and retain their honor and regard. YRON F. SISSON, well known for his integrity and honor among his fellow-farmers of Nelson township, Kent county, was born in Hillsdale county, Mich., September 4, 1852, the eldest in a family of six children-two sons and four daughters-born to Samuel B. and Deborah (Hill) Sisson, of which children four still survive, the three beside the subject being 1008 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS ----- * Theodosia, wife of Matthew Aldrich, a mechanic in Chicago, Ill.; Nettie, wife of Thornton Cline, a mechanic in Grand Rapids, Mich., and Charles, a farmer of Oakfield Center, Kent county. Samuel B. Sisson was born in Yates county, N. Y., April 22, 1826, and came to Michigan when twenty-six years of age, the state at that time being but fifteen years old as a member of the Union. He resided in Hillsdale county until 1854, when he came to Kent county and located in the woods of Nelson township, and of this township he was the fourth permanent settler. His first habitation here was a little log cabin, with a shake roof and a mud and stick chimney, and many were the times when the subject of this sketch and his mother were compelled to dash water up this chimney to extinguish the flames which had ignited from the blazing pine knots on the hearth below. Indians were numerous, and the subject learned from them many words of their language. Deer, bears and other wild game abounded, so that the settlers never lacked for food, and, although their farm labors were onerous their life was not unpleasant. Oxen were employed as draft animals, and all the farm implements would to-day be considered as rude or primitive. Mr. Sisson was a republican in politics and a warm friend of public education, was generous and charitable, industrious and frugal, and died an honored man April 25, 1884. His first wife was born in 1828 in Cohocton, Steuben county, N. Y., but was reared in Michigan, and died in Nelson township aged forty. His second wife was Mary Elizabeth Mumah, who survived him several years. M. F. Sisson was a child two years of age when brought to Kent county by his parents, and here he was reared to manhood on the farm which his father purchased, and of which mention has already been made. He received a moderate common-school education and was taught the trade of carpenter by his father, but the major part of his life has been passed on the farm. November 7, 1875, he married Miss Sabrina Smith, daughter of Hiram and Angeline (Seward) Smith, and a native of Plainfield township, Kent county, born April 26, I855. Her father came,in 1840 to Grand Rapids township with his father, Michael Smith, thus being a pioneer. To the happy marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Sisson have been born seven children, six of whom still live to honor their parents, death having bereft them of the eldest child, Francis M., whose untimely end took place October 22, I893, at the age of seventeen years, at the beginning of a promising manhood, and the pride of his loving parents; Viola, the second child, a young lady of superior intellectual endowments, has been a teacher for three years in Kent county, and is also a superior musician; Maud received a diploma for excellence in her studies, given at the state public examination in I896; Irene is in the eighth grade at her school; George Ervine is in the fourth grade; Delina Ruth is aged six years, and Goldie E. is the sunbeam of the household. Mr. Sisson, who is known as the ( model farmer," has now resided in Kent county over forty-five years, and has done his full share in redeeming it from the wilderness and in converting it into the beautiful agricultural district it now is. In his childhood he saw deer course over the ground where Sand Lake village now stands, and one log house, a hotel and a blacksmith shop constituted the village of Cedar Springs. From the forty-acre farm on which he was reared he has uprooted 3,000 stumps, has made all the modern improvements on the place, and is free from debt. In politics Mr. Sisson is a republican, cast his first presidential vote for the martyred Garfield, and is still faithful to the party. He I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1000 and wife enjoy the respect of the entire population of Nelson township, and no word of doubt as to the integrity and honor of Mr. Sisson has ever been known to have been uttered in Nelson township or elsewhere. ICHARD J. SLATER, one of the ] most progressive and scientific farmers in Cascade township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Essex county, Vt., September i6, I856, and is a son of George Slater, whose biography may be found among those of the *residents of Grand Rapids. When Richard J. Slater was three years old, his parents came to Michigan and located in Paris township, Kent county, where he was educated in the district schools and reared to manhood on his father's farm. When he reached his majority his father, who owned an eighty-acre farm in Cascade township, furnished him with a team, implements and cash sufficient for a year's expenses, and placed him in charge of the farm, with the understanding that he was to retain what was raised on the place, Young Richard, however, soon paid for the team and implements, the farm became his, and at the end of the year he and his elder brother, Allen, traded off the original farm for the one on which Mr. Slater now resides. Both the brothers were then single, and four years later, in I879, Richard bought out the interests of his brother, who returned to Paris township and bought another farm. Richard J. Slater now owns 150 acresthe old Gideon Denison farm-adjoining Cascade village, to pay for part of which he borrowed money from his father, but this has long since been repaid. Here he carries on general farming, and also a dairy, disposing of his milk to the Ada creamery, in which he was one of the original stockholders. Mr. Slater married, November 21, I883, Miss Ellen Brown, daughter of Hugh and Harriet (Lewis) Brown, early settlers of Cascade township, where she was born November ii, I857. To this union have been born seven children, viz: Hugh A., Bessie E., Leon B. and Laura B. (twins), and three boys (including twins) that died in infancy. In politics Mr. Slater is a democrat, served some years as a justice of the peace, and so satisfactorily that he was again elected to the office in I899. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic lodge at Ada. The dwelling he occupies was erected by Gideon Denison some years ago, and Mr. Slater has always kept it in first-class condition. Mr. Slater is looked upon as one of the best farmers in Cascade township, having been reared to the calling since his earliest boyhood, and bringing to his aid his brains as well as his brawn. He has been quick to take advantage of modern machinery, and in securing up-to-date implements, and was the first to introduce riding-cultivators into the township. His usefulness as a citizen is universally acceded, and the high respect in which he and his family are held is the natural consequence. HESTER M. SLAYTON, one of the most prominent scientific agriculturists of Grattan township, Kent county, Mich., and ex-soldier, was born in Middlesex, Yates county, N. Y., December 26, I834, the fourth of eight children six sons and two daughters-that constituted the family of Russell and Berthena (Clark) Slayton, of whom five are still living, viz: Fannie, who was a. teacher in Kent 1010 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS county for several years and is now the wife of W. R. Mason, a farmer of Grattan; Asa W., an ex-soldier of the Civil war, a teacher for forty years in Michigan, and now living in retirement in Grand Rapids; Chester M., the subject of this sketch; Francis Marion, farmer living in Lake county, and Charles W., formerly a school-teacher and now a furniture dealer in Hart, Mich. The Slayton name is prominent in Grattan township, as well as in Grand Rapids, and the gentleman whose name heads this sketch differs to a great extent from the ordinary agriculturists of the state, as his taste greatly inclines towards geology and natural history. The Slayton family throughout the United States have compiled a very fine genealogical record, which includes the names of all the descendants, as far as ascertainable, from Capt. Thomas Slayton, who, according to this record, compiled by Asa W. Slayton, was born in England, September 20, I682, located in Brookfield, Mass., and founded the American family, many of whom have been conspicuous in the learned professions, as well as in industrial, commercial and agricultural channels. Members of the Slayton family have also been prominent in military affairs, as shown by both tradition and history, as some served actively in the Indian and French wars in colonial days, at least seven were patriots in the Revolutionary war, nine were heroes of the war of I812, and Phineas Slayton, greatuncle of the subject of this sketch, died in the Seminole war, while others of the family took part in the Black Hawk revolt. Russell Slayton, father of Chester M. Slayton, was born in Massachusetts, November I2, I798. He was liberally educated and lived in his native state until twenty-two years of age, when he removed to New York and for some time taught school, but later married and engaged in farming pursuits. In 1845 he came to Michigan, and purchased 400 acres of land from the government, securing it by deed from President Franklin Pierce, and in I847 his family bade farewell to their eastern home of comfort to lay the foundation of their' future home in the wilds of this now great state. Their journey was made via lake Ontario and the chain of the great lakes to Milwaukee, thence across lake Michigan to Grand Haven, then up Grand river to Grand Rapids, which then contained a population possibly of only 2,000, against its present population of 100,000 or more. Thence they came by team to their home in Grattan township, but to reach it were compelled to cut the last mile of the trip through the forest, and, having reached it, erected a log cabin for their habitation. Mr. Slayton had been a persistent abolitionist in his politics up to the time of the founding of the republican party, which naturally absorbed the abolitionists and the northern element of the old whig party, and which was consequently in harmony with his antislavery views, which he lived to see triumph, but at a fearful loss of blood and treasure, yet "magna est veritas et praevalebit," and to this new party he adhered until his lamented death, which occurred October 26, I863-honored as an upright citizen and pioneer by all his fellow-townsmen. His wife was a native of Yates county, N. Y., was born May 20, I803, and died May 4, 1877, in Lake county, Mich., a sincere member of the Baptist church. Chester M. Slayton received his earliest education in the common schools of Perrington, N. Y., and was but thirteen years of age when he came to Michigan with his parents, and here he has been reared as an agriculturist. But he has devoted a great deal of time to self-instruction, making specialties of geology, archaeology, botany, natural history, etc., and at the age of twenty-one years commenced the collection of curiosities for his private AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 10111 I museum, which collection embraces specimens of Indian relics of the stone age and weapons of war, archaeological finds, conchology as well as mineralogy, old fire-arms, continental, federal and confederate scrip, fractional currency and the first issue of greenbacks, and is, all in all, among the most valuable private collections in the state and one of the most extensive. All these specimens are neatly and tastefully labeled-the handiwork of Mr. Slayton-and are cared for in a beautiful glass cabinet. The marriage of Mr. Slayton took place December 6, I857, to Miss Sarah Ann Purdy, and this union has resulted in the birth of five sons and three daughters, of whom seven still survive, viz: Henry P., who was educated in the common schools and is still on the homestead; Clara D., wife of Clarence Stanton, of Belding, Mich.; Russell, who was educated in the common schools, and resides in Detroit; Berthena,' residing with her parents; Otto, who graduated with the class of I898 from the Agricultural college at Lansing, and still makes his home with his parents; Albert, who graduated from the high school at Belding with the class of 1897, and then attended one term at the Lansing Agricultural college, and Ruby, who also graduated from the high school at Belding with the class of I898; she has a strong tendency toward literature, and is still with her parents. Mrs. Sarah Ann Slayton was born in Ontario, Canada, February 2, 1838, and is a daughter of Henry and Sarah Ann (Rodgers) Purdy. She was educated in Michigan, and has been her husband's faithful helpmate and advisor in all his undertakings. They begarT their married life with forty acres of unimproved forest land, have worked with one common object in view, and have been successful from the start, for the reason that Mr. Slayton well knew what he was about and what he ought to do. He has purchased the interest of his fellow-heirs to the original homestead, and today his estate comprises 280 acres of wellcultivated land, constituted of that sandyloam soil so conducive to the growth of the cereals, culinary vegetables and fruits that predominate in the southern peninsula of Michigan. It is situated on the north shore of Slayton lake-a beautiful sheet of water, one mile long, seventy rods wide and eighty feet deep, and abounding in bass, pickerel and sunfish, and would prove a favorite summer re — sort, were Mr.' Slayton disposed to make it such. Here he has his home of beauty and hospitality. Mr. Slayton was one of the brave boys to enlist to crush the war of the Rebellion, and was enrolled in company B, Twenty-fifth Michigan volunteer infantry, at Grattan, August I.I, 1862, under Capt. Demorest. The regiment rendezvoused at Kalamazoo, and was then assigned to the western department under Gen. W. T. Sherman. For eleven months Mr. Slayton was on detached duty as a topographical engineer in Kentucky, but also took part in some very severe battles, among which were those of Buzzard Roost, Resaca and Kenesaw Mountain, and was also in the Atlanta campaign-all historical events of vast importance. While in the ranks, marching on the city of Atlanta, Mr. Slayton's hat was perforated by a minie ball, which might be called a ' close call," considering the fact that the troops were under a continuous fusilade of musketry. When the battles of Franklin and Nashville were fought he was on detached duty, but near enough to hear the whir of the shells and whistling of the rifle balls as they passed over him while in an ammunition train. When the tidings of the surrender of the Confederate general, Robert E. Lee, reached his regiment, he was between Goldsboro and Raleigh, N. C., and the exul l'012 TIHE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS tation following the receipt of the news may well be imagined. Mr. Slayton received an honorable discharge at Salisbury, N. C., and was mustered out at Jackson, Mich., in July, I865. During his three years' service he was never in the hospital, was never captured, nor was he ever wounded. Much honor is due the brave boys in blue, whose ranks are so rapidly thinning, and whose valor will soon be told of only in history and in the cemeteries, and by the monuments erected in memory of the heroic men of I86I to I865. In politics Mr. Slayton is a republican, and cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont, but he has never permitted politics to interfere with his life-work. Socially he is a charter member of the Grattan grange, has been its secretary twenty-one years, and is the present incumbent of that office. This organization is in a flourishing condition, has about 120 members, and among them are Mrs. Slayton and the rest of the family. In 1898 Mr. and Mrs. Slayton aided in organizing the Silver Gray's club, for social culture, and this has about fifty members. Mr. Slayton is also a member of Dan S. Root post, No. I26, G. A. R., at Belding, of which he was once commander. Mr. Slayton and family are among the most prominent and respected citizens of Grattan township, and are also greatly esteemed in the city of Grand Rapids. R T H U R D. SMITH, the popular miller of Rockford, is classed amongst the leading and progressive business men of the village. He is a native of New York, was born February 7, 1859, and is a son of John C. and Delia (Watkins) Smith. Arthur D. Smith was educated in the common schools, and is a self-made man. His early life was spent on the home farm, as an agriculturist and as a woodman, and he was only nine years of age when he came to Michigan, and continued to work for his father on a farm. His first businsss venture was for about one year in the agricultural implement trade in Middleville, Barry county, and then, in I89r, he and father purchased a half-interest in the Rockford flouring-mills; in 1894 they purchased the remaining stock, but when they assumed control of this plant, which is run by water power, it was not in extra good condition, but now has a capacity of turning out sixty barrels per day, Mr. Smith having added a set of steel rollers, three new bolts, one new scalper, new wheat-cleaning machinery, and also an air blast, which was a great aid in preventing the flour to cake or collect. He has greatly added to the effectiveness of the dam, af an expense of $I,000 on this alone, and has constructed a driveway all around the mill. The full amount of improvements put upon this plant, since the Messrs. Smith took charge of the mills, will, amount to $3,000. At the present time the plant is in the best of repair, and the wellknown brand of flour, "Excelsior," has a splendid reputation wherever it is sold,'both in Grand Rapids and throughout the state. The mill is a three-story structure, has two American turbine wheels; and the outfit is now complete for grinding wheat, buckwheat, corn, oats and rye. 'Smith & Son grind an excellent article of rye flour and graham flour, and also make a specialty of ground feed. The annual productions of the Rockford Roller mills foot up over $44,000, actual output. This shows that the business is conducted upon strict business principles. The value of the Rockford Roller mills, including grounds, is now estimated at $20,000. Arthur Smith is the sole manager of the AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1018 business in Rockford, and he like most of the business men of the village, is a young man. His father and mother are residents of the city of Grand Rapids. There are only two children in the family-Arthur and his sister Nettie, wife of Hendee Russell, a farmer of Middleville, Mich. The Smith family have 240 acres in Thornapple township, Barry county, beside two or three residences in Grand Rapids, and property in Rockford. Arthur D. Smith wedded Miss Ettie Johnson, a native of New York, March 7, I883, and are blessed with one son-Howard M.,a schoolboy. Mr.and Mrs. Smith are classed among the leading citizens of Rockford, and as a business man Mr. Smith bears a name that stands above reproach. OHN C. SMITH, father of Arthur D., was born in Otsego county, N. Y., October 8, 1832, and is a son of Calvin and Cinderella (Rimgan) Smith, the former of whom was a son of Harry Smith, of Scotch ancestry and a drummer-boy all through the war of the Revolution; the latter was of Mohawk Dutch descent. Harry Smith had an interesting Revolutionary war experience, was taken prisoner, etc., and died rather young, while his widow lived to be ninety-five years of age. When John C. Smith was but a year and a half old, his parents settled in Wyoming on the Genesee river, N. Y., where he was reared to farming. At the age of twentytwo years he married Miss Delia Watkins, a niece of the Milton Watkins, of Kent county, and a cousin of Maj. A. C. Watkins, of Grand Rapids. He settled on a farm in Wyoming county, N. Y., where he remained until 1865, when he brought his family to Michigan and improved a new farm in Barry county, which he still owns. For some years he was in the lumbering business, chiefly in Barry county, and then engaged in handling agricultural implements at Middleville, where he resided until 1894, when he secured the entire interest of the Rockford Roller mill, which he managed two years, and then removed to Grand Rapids, where he now attends to the business affairs of the mill, without losing sight of his farm interests in Barry county. In politics Mr. Smith is a republican, and for twelve continuous years served as justice of the peace at Middleville. For many years he has been active in his party's conventions, and he has a wide acquaintance with public men. Mr. Smith became a Mason early in life, has kept up his close relations with the order, and he and his wife early became members of the Order of the Eastern Star at Middleville. They are also members of the Congregational church of that village. Mr. Smith has been active in all the social functions of his old home. He took charge of the burials of citizens, and there is scarcely a family in that part of Barry county in which he has not directed the funeral of some member. ~ --- —--------------- LI SMITH, a thoroughly practical farmer of Solon township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Ontario county, N. Y., August I, I845, the second of the eight children-five sons and three daughters-that constituted the family of Joseph and Aley (Broom) Smith, a full history of whom is given in the biography of Victor Smith, a younger brother. Since his tenth year, Eli Smith has passed his life in Solon township and has done his full share toward developing the country and redeeming it from the wilderness. Until his twenty-eighth year he placed his services en 1014 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS tirely at the disposal of his parents, and then began his business life on his own account with but very little capital. January 20, 1874, he married his cousin, Miss Frances Smith, a native of Solon township, and this marriage has been crowned by the birth of three children, viz: Morgan A., who is a farmer, is married to Miss May Palmer, and is a democrat in politics; Clifford L., who is in the sixth grade of the common schools, and Bessie A., who is in the third grade. Mrs. Frances Smith was born September 8, 1855, and is a daughter of Peter K. and Arminda (Evans) Smith, who were the parents of two sons and seven daughters, of whom six are still living. Her father is a native of Ontario county, N. Y., but came to Michigan when Solon township was still a wilderness and Indians and game abounded in the forest. He purchased i60 acres of government land and began his pioneer life in a log cabin, but eventually succeeded in developing a fine farm and in erecting a comfortable modern dwelling. He still resides in the township, but his wife is deceased; the surviving children are all residents of Michigan, with the exception of the youngest, Stella, who is married to Charles Gilman, a prosperous farmer of Grass Valley, Ore. The first farm purchased by Eli Smith comprised twenty acres only, for which he went in debt; his first dwelling was a common frame, which still stands on the premises. He to-day owns I6o acres with a clear title. In I88o he erected a pretty modern farm residence, and he is classed among the most substantial farmers of the township. In politics Mr. Smith is a democrat and cast his first presidential vote for Horatio Seymour in I868. He is an ardent friend of the public-school system, and he and wife freely aid in the establishment and maintenance of the churches of the township and in the pro motion of all worthy enterprises. As both descend from highly respected pioneer families, their social standing is very high, and their own personal merits have won for them the unfeigned respect of all who know them. 0i ENJAMIN F. SLITER, a prominent attorney and successful fruit grower of Walker township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Grand Rapids, January 30, 1841, and is the son of James and Lucy (Ellis) Sliter, both natives of New York, where they were married and came to Michigan in 1828. James Sliter and his brother, Joel Sliter, came to Grand river valley in I832, and located in Wyoming township, Kent county, Mich., but later came to Grand Rapids. James located, in I834, on South Division street, I6o acres, also some land in the city. When B. F. Sliter was in his fifth year, the father retired to the farm near Grandville, in \Vyoming township, having to take it back, and there made his home until his death at the age of forty-eight years; his widow survived him upward of twenty years, or till the age of sixtyseven. Benjamin F. Sliter lived on the farm until ten years old, when his father died, and at twenty-one began to learn the printer's trade in the office of the Grand Rapids Eagle, and after he had learned the trade attended the city high school, completing the course. He then taught school and studied law with John D. Holmes and Judge Grove. He was admitted to the bar in I864, and practiced in the city till 1870, and then spent four years in the practice at Henrietta, Tex., and followed the circuit from I875 to 1879. In I882 he came to his farm, but continued to practice, and part of the time lived in the city. He :: AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1015 was elected city clerk at a time when but two democrats were elected in all the city. He has been a delegate to all democratic conventions for years, and is always connected with campaign work. Since I86o, in fact, when not twenty-one years old, he has taken part in every campaign. In I864 he stood alone in stumping the county, paying his own expenses. Mr. Sliter has also done a good deal of practical writing for the papers, and much of it of a literary character. His son-in-law left a large estate in Texas, and the matter has required his attention a great deal, as cases have been carried to the United States court of appeals at New Orleans. He has won each case in the end, and has saved to the family (his daughter and grandson) about $75,000. While in Texas he entered into politics and was known as a fighter in the conventions. He knows all the prominent men of that state. Mr. Sliter has on his farm about 3,000 peach trees, i,ooo plum trees, five acres of apples and 200 pear trees, as well as many cherry trees, and has been very successful as a horticulturist. Josiah T. Sliter, a brother of the subject, and a member of company B, Sixth Michigan cavalry, was killed at Falling Waters, Va. As a lawyer, Benjamin F. Sliter stands unsurpassed in Kent county, as a politician he has no equal, and as a citizen none is more highly esteemed. Mr. Sliter was married March 6, I86o, in Grand Rapids, to Mary Ann Ryman, daughter of William S. and Matilda (Snyder) Ryman, the former of New Jersey and the latter of New York. They were married in eastern Michigan and came to Grand Rapids in 1856. He was a shoemaker and dealer and died at Grandville, aged seventy-five. His widow survived him five years, dying at Mrs. Sliter's at the age of seventy-five years. 54 I I The Sliter family comprises seven children living: Minnie, wife of Dr. T. J. Appleton, of Port Angeles, Wash.; Frank WV. died at thirty-one in I896. He was a veterinary surgeon. Sidney S. is in Cleveland, Ohio; Ben W., operating the home farm; Egbert J. is a chemist in Dr. Barth's laboratory; Madeline is the wife of Charles Harrison, a druggist; Leonamia is a young lady at home; Reuben is a student in the Union school; Sidney is a little child; Roy, an adopted child, has been a member of the family since his mother's death. James M. Strong, son of Minnie, and the boy referred to, as having lived in Texas, has also been reared in the family since his birth, and is now a young man of seventeen and a student in the " gunnery " at Washington, Conn. Two children, James and Norville, died in early childhood. ROF. CHARLES E. SMITH, PH. B., superintendent of the Rockford public schools, was born in Jackson county, Mich., on the 5th of September, I866, and is the eldest in a family of four children. His parents were Benjamin F. and Mary E. (Rood) Smith. His early education was such as was supplied in common'schools, supplemented by a short course in the North Adams high school. Desirous of acquiring a collegiate education, he as early as possible engaged in teaching, alternating with farm work, to secure means to complete a course in Albion college, which he entered in 1889. He was gaduated with the class of I895 receiving the degree of Ph. B. He was at once chosen as superintendent of the high school at Litchfield, where he had four assistants. Radical changes were made in the study course; Latin was introduced, and in: ,1016 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I many respects it was adapted to the needs of a modern town. Three pleasant years were passed -with most cordial relations to teachers, patrons and pupils, each year an interesting class being graduated. The Rockford school board, in I898, sought his services, his success having been such as would commend him to a town in need of a live up-to-date organizer and instructor. Five teachers are employed in the subordinate positions, the schools are filled with 200 wide-awake pupils, and much improvement made in the results attained. The course of study has been thoroughly revised, a twoyear Latin course and a full year in chemistry being added, as well as numerous other changes, highly necessary to the advancement of the school. Professor Smith is an energetic and enthusiastic educator, and has been successful in his chosen profession. He has the fullest respect of his pupils and teachers, and he will endeavor to still further raise the standard of education. Prof. Smith wedded Miss Harriet Hanson, a native of Ottawa county, Mich., September 9, 1896, and one little girl-Helen —graces this union and gladdens the home. Mrs. Smith graduated from Hope college in I890, is a vocalist of ability, and is a successful teacher of vocal music. Professor and Mrs. Smith are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are prominent in all those undertakings of the church which tend so greatly to elevate mankind. HARLES L. SMITH, a prosperous farmer of Plainfield township, Kent county, was born in Walker township, September 8, 1857, the youngest of the family of five children that blessed the marriage of John and Levina (Dhont) Smith, both natives of Belgium. John Smith was born about the year I81I, was reared a farmer and was married in his native land. About I857 he brought his wife and European-born children to America, located on a farm in Walker township, Kent county, Mich., and lived on the place about six years, when he purchased a farm in section No. 20, Plainfield township, on which he resided until his death, which occurred a short time thereafter, when Charles was only six years old. Mrs. Levina Smith was born in or about I815. For her second husband she accepted John Dutmers, to whom she bore four children. These, as well as those whom she bore to her first husband, she reared to maturity, and aided them to settle in life. She was a very bright and industrious woman, grew peaches and other fruit, made butter, etc., and was quite well to do at her death, on the 9th day of February, I898. Charles L. Smith may be styled a self-made man, from a business point of view. At the age of fourteen years he began making a livelihood for himself by hiring out as a farm hand, and continued so to labor about four years, when he rented a farm, which he cultivated for two years, and then purchased a farm of forty acres in section No. 19, Plainfield township, on which he lived until about I896, when he again rented land for a year and then purchased his present place of o00 acres, in section No. 20, which he has since greatly improved by indefatigable industry, and now has a large peach orchard, which gives promise of great profit in the near future. Mr. Smith was united in matrimony September 14, I87.5, with Miss Clara Brown, who was born in Casnovia, Tyrone township, Kent county, Mich., September 4, I859, the eldest child of William and Mary Jane (Davenport) Brown. This marriage has been blessed with AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1017 I six children, born in the following order: Florence Eva, wife of Charles M. Smith, of Grand Rapids; George William, Levina, Janie, Anna and Letha. Mr. Smith is a democrat in his political faith, and in religion is a Catholic. He and wife are greatly respected in their community and well deserve the position they have attained in the esteem of their neighbors. MORY A. SMITH, of Cannon township, Kent county, Mich., with his postoffice at Chapel, has, as a fruit grower, spent years in this large and very important industry. Van Rensselaer R. Smith, his father, is a native of Maine, and at an early day saw that Michigan was destined to be a great fruit center. Accordingly, in I850, he purchased land in Cannon township, Kent county, and began the culture of fruit. He planted the following well known varieties of apples: Northern Spy, Baldwin, Philadelphia, Red Streak, Rhode Island Greening, Red Astrachan, Maiden Blush, Autumn Swaar and Sweet Bough, in a clay loam soil, which constitutes the greater part of his farm. The Smiths have made a signal success in the fruit business, and supply both foreign and local markets, some of their apples having been shipped to Liverpool. England. The number of apple trees bearing fruit will number 565. The year I884 was a record-breaker, as 2, 500 bushels of apples were marketed, and they realized twentyfive cents per bushel. Their orchard is in a healthy state, and shows great care. The laws regarding the care of the orchards are very strict, and fully enforced..V. R. Smith is the "yellows" commissioner of Cannon township and the first one appointed in this part of the county. The father and son are largely interested, also, in peach growing, having about 9,000 bearing trees. The following is the list of the different varieties: The Alexanders, Early Canadas, Early Risers, Hale's Early, Early Michigan, Crane's Early Yellow, Barnards, Orange Yellow, Old Mixomfree, Hill's Chili, Barber, Engle's Mamrmoth, Chair's Choice, Beer's Smock and Early Crawfords —fifteen different varieties. The most productive year for them was in I893, when they marketed 2,200 bushels, and the price was eighty-seven cents per bushel. In i888 their orchards were afflicted more with the "yellows" than any previous year, but that disease is about extinct at present. The life of a peach tree in Michigan will average fifteen years. Added to the apples and peach trees they have 1, I60 plum trees, of the following varieties: Lombard, Moore's Arctic, Bradshaw, Shipper's Pride, Genii, Quackenbosh, Red Magnum Bonum, Reine Claude, DeBavay, and General Hand-about ten different kinds. There are o00 acres of land devoted to the fruit business on the Smith estate, which consists of 350 acres in Ada and Cannon townships, and the fruit is in the best of condition. Their home is only six miles from Ada, on the D., G. H. & M. R. R., and eight miles from Belmont, on the G. R. & I. R. R., and eight miles from the city limits of Grand Rapids. The highways leading to this fruit region are mostly gravel roads. These fruit growers are graduates in this industry and understand all its details. V. R. Smith, in November, I856, wedded Miss Lovina Condon, a native of Canada, and four sons and two daughters were born to this marriage. Politically, Mr. Smith was a great admirer of Peter Cooper, the great exponent of greenbackism. He is a devoted friend of the public-school system and he and wife are devoted members of the Second Congregational church of Ada. Emory A. Smith is a Kent county boy, 1018 TIHE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS born May I9, 1864, and was educated in the common schools. He has had a varied life in different vocations, but the one seemingly best for him is that of a fruit grower. April 8, 1890, he wedded Miss Maude Dennison, a native of New York, and two little girls grace this union —one, aged seven years, and Rhea. Mr. Smith is an admirer of the brilliant advocateof free silver, William Jennings Bryan, but as a rule casts his vote for the man best fitted in his opinion for the office, regardless of party lines. Fraternally he is a member of Ada lodge, No. 280, F. & A. M. The father and son are well known for their integrity and bear a name that has never yet been impeached. OHN SMITH, general merchant at Ada, Kent county, Mich., and also a member of the firm of Parker & Smith, millers of the same village, was born April 20, 1852, in Potter, Yates county, N. Y., and is a son of Conrad and Phillippine (Alphen) Smith. Conrad Smith was a native of Germany, was a cooper by trade, and about 1840 came to America and located in the state of New York, where he followed his trade until 1854, when he came to Michigan and located in Grand Rapids, where he continued at his trade for a time. He located upon a farm in Lowell township, on which he passed the remainder of his life, although he continued at his trade on his farm until a few years before his death, which occurred in January, 1894. John Smith was reared on his father's farm in Lowell township, was educated in a country school, and then learned coopering with his father. At the age of sixteen years, with the limited capital realized from the sale of an old silver watch, he engaged in the coopering and then continued as journeyman, mainly at Ada, for. eight years. In connection with coopering he engaged in butchering, and while thus engaged learned the trade, and also became identified with the manufacture of boots and shoes, with which he was connected for five years. He then engaged in merchandizing, handling groceries, gents' furnishing goods, boots and shoes, etc., a business in which he is still engaged. In his store, Mr. Smith carries a well-selected stock of merchandise, valued at $2,000, and through his obliging disposition and fair dealing he has won a lucrative patronage and transacts a yearly business of between $30,000 and $35,000, including the business of the mill. His store is also the headquarters for the public telephone, and is generally a busy mart of trade. In 1894 he established the present firm of Parker & Smith, grist-millers, and proprietors of the Ada Roller mill. This mill has a capacity of between seventy and seventyfive barrels per day, and is the only mill in Ada, being one of the old institutions of the town. Mr. Smith also conducts a farm of eighty-five acres, and owns, besides, considerable real estate in the village of Ada, where he resides. In September, I869, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Rosa A. Brakey, daughter of Thomas Brakey, a native of Ireland, the result of the union being two children-Nellie and Katie M. Mr. Smith is a member of Ada lodge, No. 280, F. & A. M., and both he and wife and eldest daughter are members of Vesta chapter, No. 202, Order of the Eastern Star. In politics he is a stanch republican. Mr. Smith is one of the oldest business men in Ada, and has reached his present prominent position through his strict integrity and fair dealing, and no man in the township. business for himself at Lyons for one year, I is more respected than John Smith. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1019 EORGE D. SMITH, a scion of a prominent old pioneer family of Kent county, and a representative and thrifty farmer of Grattan township, is a native of the county and township wherein he now resides and was born on the 9th of November, 1852, on the farm where he now resides. He is the second of the three living children of the five born to Nehemiah and Betsey (True) Smith. The survivors are: Albert, a farmer of Grattan township; George D., and William, an agriculturist residing in Eureka township, Montcalm county. Nehemiah Smith was born in New York. In that state he was reared to agricultural pursuits and received a limited education in the common schools. In I845 he came to Kent county, Mich., bought eighty acres of land in Grattan township, now a part of the present farm, and there for some years dwelt in his little log cabin, receiving frequent visits from the Indians. His estate comprises at present I30 acres, and he still lives where he has resided nearly fifty-five years. The mother was a native of the same state as the father, and died on the old homestead in 1878. George D. Smith, since he was a mere lad, has been engaged in farming. His successful life has been one of much toil and perseverance. Until twenty-two years of age he remained with his parents, spending his days in the usual pianner of farm lads, and when not engaged at home, hired to anybody with whom he might earn an honest dollar. He chose, for his companion through life, Miss Jetora Reid, to whom he was united in marriage on July 22, 1875, and by whom four sons and one daughter have been born, namely: Eber G., an industrious young man with his parents; Ray J., a salesman identified with E. L. Brook's general store at Grattan; Cora L., the wife of Orley Emmons, of Grattan, and the mother of one child, Lloyd by name, and Ira and Glenn, both attending school. Mrs. Smith is a daughter of Thomas and Melinda (King) Reid, and was born and reared in Grattan, Kent county, the date of her nativity being November 21, I848. Mr. and Mrs. Smith began by operating a farm on shares, with the responsibility of both parents resting upon them. They now own valuable farming property and are held high in the estimation of their community as persons of industry and integrity. Mr. Smith has been connected with the public-school board for five years, is in politics a firm upholder of republicanism, and fraternally is identified with Grattan lodge, No. I96, F. & A. M., and both are members of Venus chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, and the Grattan grange, and are identified actively with the progress of these societies. They attend and contribute to the Ashly Baptist church. E ICTOR SMITH, a respected citizen of Solon township, Kent county, Mich., was born in the city of Fort Wayne, Ind., September I8, I851, the fifth of the eight children born to Joseph and Aley (Broom) Smith, of which eight, only four are now living, viz: Eli, Victor, Jasper and Warren W. Joseph Smith was born near Elmira, N. Y., July 12, 1823, but was mostly reared in Yates county, of the same state. He was a son of Sergeant William Smith, of the war of I812. In 1846 he located near Fort Wayne, Ind., where he purchased thirty acres of land, which he paid for with ashes and veneering blocks. In the winter of I854 he bought from the government an eighty-acre tract, also eighty acres of state swamp land, in section No. 23, in Solon township, Kent county, Mich., and for a time lived in a little log cabin 1302 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS on the present site of Cedar Springs, which village had not then been thought of. After having erected a similar dwelling on his own land he moved into it and began clearing, and here the younger two of his children were born-the preceding four having been born in Indiana, and the elder two in New York state. Mr. Smith's farming implements, like his dwelling, were of a primitive kind; his draft animals were oxen, and his nearest trading point was at Grand Rapids —at that time a very small village-which he reached by team, there being no railroads in Solon township. In politics Mr. Smith was a democrat, but he was one of the brave Michigan men who went to the front during the late Civil war and served until honorably discharged. In religion he was a Methodist, and died May 17, I894, a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal church, his remains being interred in the Solon cemetery, where a beautiful monument has been erected to his memory. Mrs. Aley (Broom) Smith, mother of Victor Smith, was born in Yorkshire, England, February 14, 1822, and when eleven years of age was brought to America by her parents. She is still in good health, residing on the old homestead, and is a consistent adherent to the Episcopal faith, in which she was reared. Victor Smith received a limited commonschool education when young, remained with his parents until nineteen years of age, and then began his business life by working in lumber mills near his old home. September 5, I872, he married his cousin, Miss Celestia J. Broom, a native of Huntington county, Ind. To this marriage have been born three sors, and three daughters, but of these six children only three survive, viz: Douglas A., who completed the eighth grade in the common schools, is a partner with his father, married Miss Mary Hoadley, a native of Kent county,.and is the father of one child-Dewey; Grace, is in the seventh grade at school, and Carrie, the youngest, in the sixth. Mrs. Celestia J. Smith was born July 2, 185I, and is a daughter of Thomas and Martha (Crakes) Broom, who were the parents of twelve children, of whom seven are still living -three in Michigan and four in Indiana. Mrs. Smith is a lady of very pleasing address, and before marriage was a school-teacher for three terms in Indiana. Her parents were natives of Yorkshire, England, and her father came to America in 1832, and her mother in I833. When the father of Mrs. Smith landed in New York he had nothing but a set of tools and less than $5 in cash; nevertheless, being a skillful mechanic, his services were in constant demand. He made his first purchase of land of eighty acres in Indiana from the government, at a time when the Miami Indians still had possession of the country. Mr. Brown was quite well educated in select or private schools, was very enterprising, and secured a competency. Victor Smith's first purchase of land was a tract of eighty acres, three and a half miles northwest of Cedar Springs, of which about five acres were cleared. For this land he went in debt, and when he had paid, as he could, $500 of this debt, he discovered that the title was unsound, and so he was forced to "homestead" it. He added to his original eightyacre tract forty acres by purchase. All this land he has improved in modern style, and now, instead of a little log cabin, a most comfortable dwelling is his home, and he is entirely free from debt. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are true Christians, and have aided financially in the erection of White Creek Methodist Episcopal church in Solon township.! Of this church Mr. Smith was a member of the building committee, was one of the trustees, and for twelve years has AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1021 been the superintendent of the Sunday-school. He and Mrs. Smith are classed among the best residents of Solon township. HARLES R. SNETHEN, a highly respected resident of Solon township; Kent county, Mich., was born in Lake county, Ohio, December 17, 1843, the third of the family of three sons and one daughter that crowned the union of Joseph and Amanda (Bridgman) Snethen, of which children three are still living-Catherine, John L. and Charles R. Of these three, Catherine is married to Robert Hubbard, a farmer of Grantie Falls, Wash.; John L., who was born January 29, 1841, in Ohio, came to Michigan in 1867, and February 2, 1870, married Miss Lena Sayles, a native of Canada, to which union two children have been born Effie and Nina. Effie is the wife of J. W. Molique, a miner and prospector, who has recently passed some time in Klondike, while Mrs. Molique makes her home in Granite Falls, Wash.; Nina the wife of John D. Turner, is also a resident of Granite Falls, Wash. Joseph Snethen, the father of this family, was born in the state of New York March 30, 1809, was reared to farming in his native state, and after his removal from New York to Ohio chose dairying for his calling. In 1867 he came from Ohio to Kent county, Mich., where he secured the present farm of I I0 acres, in a trade for his Ohio farm, and here he passed the remainder of his life, dying April 27, I895, a member of the Wesleyan Methodist church. His second wife, Sarah Morgan, had preceded him on the 25th of September, I874. By her, as well as his own, request, they were both interred on the farm at a spot selected by himself. Mrs. Amanda (Bridgman) Snethen was born in Massachusetts October I, 18 I, and descended from the Bridgman family of Hants county, England. Her ancestors in America, on the paternal side, took an active part in the war for American independence, and have handed down to the present generation a glorious and unspotted name. This lady died September 24, I847, a member of the Congregational church, and her remains lie at rest in the cemetery at Ypsilanti, Mich. Charles R. Snethen, the subject of this sketch, received a practical education in the common schools of his native county, worked as a tiller of the soil until eighteen years of age, when he enlisted in company G, Fortyfirst Ohio volunteer infantry, under Capt. Martin Hamblin, the colonel of the regiment being the late renowned William B. Hazen. He fought in twenty-one battles, and in skirmishes innumerable, his first severe engagement being at Stone River; later he was in the fights at Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Buzzard's Roost, Kenesaw Mountain, Pickett's Mills, Franklin, and nearly all the engagements and marches in which the army of the Cumberland participated. At the siege of Atlanta his regiment had dwindled to 330 men, and of this number 150 fell during the siege and eighty died of disease. At the battle of Orchard Knob Mr. Snethen captured a rebel flag. At Lookout Mountain his regiment was in the reserve; at Missionary Ridge it was in the center, and here a piece of shell struck his rolled-up blanket and knocked him senseless, but he was not seriously injured. Mr. Snethen also fought at Nashville and Strawberry Plains, and veteranized January I, I864. At the close of the war his regiment was at Nashville, Tenn., but had been ordered to Texas, and while on its way to its destination, via the Mississippi river and the gulf of Mexico, the vessel was wrecked and Mr. Snethen lost all his clothing and his much 1022 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I valued diary and other records. He was finally and honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio, November 27, 1865, having made an enviable record as a brave and faithful soldier. In 1867 Mr. Snethen came to Michigan, and on June 5, 1870, married Miss Frances Dunton, who was born May I, I854, in Ontario county, N. Y. To this union has been born one son, Louie F., who was a student at the Cedar Springs high school, but at present visiting the Pacific slope. In 1883 Mr. and Mrs. Snethen came to the old homestead, but November I6, 1895, had the misfortune to lose their dwelling by fire; they immediately rebuilt, however, and have now as pretty and as comfortable a residence as may be found in the township. In politics Mr. Snethen is a stalwart republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 860. He is now serving his second term as a justice of the peace. He has ever been an ardent supporter of the public-school system, and is at present a member of the school board. He and wife are members of the White Creek Methodist Episcopal church, both aid actively in Sundayschool work, contribute freely of their means toward the support of church and school, as well as to all measures designed for the advancement of the public weal, and are classed among the most useful and respectedresidents of Solon township. * --- —--------------- ILBER SOLOMON, a highly respected young agriculturist of Plainfield township, Kent county, Mich., was born here August 21, I860, a son.of Joseph S. and Miriam (Clark) Solomon, pioneers of the county. Joseph S. Solomon was born in Orange county, N. Y., in 1820, the eldest of a family of six children born to William C. and Anna (Sayre) Solomon. He came to Michigan in 1838 with his parents, who located in Liberty township, Jackson county, but subsequently moved to Ada, Kent county, where William C. passed the remainder of his life. He was a true American and had fought in the war of 1812, and his father Cyrus was a hero of the Revolution. Joseph S. was reared a farmer and followed that vocation until his marriage, when he engaged in milling in Plainfield township until 1851; then he resumed farming, in section No. 13, Plainfield township. July 15, I847, he married Miss Miriam Clark, the result being six children, viz: Lodica, now widow of Alexander Cowan; Albert F., of Denver, Colo.; Anna V., wife of H. P. Schoomaker, a fruit grower of Cannon township, Kent county; Ada, wife of H. J. Spaulding, of South Dakota; Wilber, subject of this sketch, and Edward C., of Plainfield township, Kent county. Wilber Solomon was reared on his father's farm and is a scientific agriculturist. With the exception of a short time passed as a clerk in a grocery store at Big Rapids, agriculture has been his sole pursuit, and any person glancing at his well-kept premises will readily understand that he keeps well posted in his business. April 8, 1882, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Spaulding. Mrs. Solomon was born in Spofford township, Onondaga county, N. Y., January 5, I860, and in 1865 was brought to Michigan by her parents, who first located in Oakfield township, Kent county, where they lived two years, and then settled on section No. 24, Plainfield township, wvhere they were highly respected by their neighbors. Herfather, Jerry Spaulding, was born in New York March i, 1834, and died in Kent county, Mich., November 1, 1897; her mother, Mrs. Cynthia Spaulding, was born in 1023 AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. I Hamilton county, N. Y., April I6, 1838, and still survives. Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Solomon removed to Reed City, Mich., where he resided twelve years, improving a new farm. After the death of his wife's father, Mr. Solomon returned to Plainfield and took charge of the Spaulding estate. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Solomon two children have been born, Lloyd Clark, aged four years, and Ada May, aged one year. Politically, Mr. Solomon is independent, and is guided by his own judgment in casting his vote. Fraternally, he is a member of the K. O. T. M. lodge, at Reed City. The social standing of Mr. and Mrs. Solomon is an envible one, and Mr. Solomon is classed among the most progressive young men of the township and county. ECTOR ST. DENIS, a progressive and prosperous agriculturist of Tyrone township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of Quebec province, Canada, was born February 27, I849, and is the eighth born of the family of eight sons and five daughters, that graced the marriage of Joseph and Ellen (Bray) St. Denis. Of these children nine still live and are farmers of Ontario, in the New Dominion. The parents were also natives of Canada, the father having been born about I802, and the mother about 1815, and both were reared in the faith of the Catholic church. The father followed farming all his life and died about the year I864, but the mother survived until about I884. Hector St. Denis was a child when his parents removed from Quebec to Ontario, and in the latter province he grew to manhood. He remained under the parental roof until he reached his majority, and dutifully transferred his earnings to his father as long as he lived, and afterward to his mother. He then came to the United States, and worked as a lumberman for five winters in Newaygo and Montcalm counties, Mich., and his first purchase of land was made in Kent City, Kent county, where he purchased two lots, and June 25, 1873, he married Miss Martha J. Pressey, a native of Somerset county, Me., the result of the marriage being two children, viz: Catherine Ellen, now the wife of George W. Barrett, a farmer of Tyrone township, and Henry Huntington, at school. Mrs. Martha J. St. Denis was born July I I, 1850, a daughter of Franklin and Jane (Kealiher) Pressey, who were the parents of nine children, Mrs. St. Denis being the only daughter, and of these nine children six are yet living and are residents of Michigan, with the.exception of one, who lives in Oregon. Franklin Pressey, the father, was born in Maine December 25, I8I6, was a farmer, and died in his native state December 24, I864; his wife, also a native of the Pine Tree state, was born April 12, 1824, and died in Tyrone township, Kent county, Mich., August I2, about 1883. The Pressev family were classed among the pioneers of this township, as they settled here in 1864, and were among its most respected citizens. The maternal grandmother of Mrs. St. Denis was a very wealthy lady in Ireland, and the Kealiher estate is still unpartitioned. When Mr. and Mrs. St. Denis started housekeeping, it was in a little shanty in Kent City, and their wordly possessions were somewhat scant, but hard work and economy have well rewarded them. In 1877 they came to their present farm of forty acres, of which only twelve were cleared. Contrast the past with the present, and judge as to the amount of credit that should be awarded to Mr. St. Denis for solving the problem that has produced the difference. Entering upon this com 1024 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS paratively wild land and carrying upon their shoulders a debt of $800, they have now a beautiful modern residence, substantial barns and all necessary out-buildings. and as pretty a farm as there is in the township, and are virtually free from debt. In politics Mr. St. Denis is a democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for Samuel J. Tilden. For twelve years he has served as school assessor of district No. 7, and fraternally he is a member of Tyrone tent, No. 361, K. 0. T. M., of Kent City. Mrs. St. Denis is a member of the ladies' hive, L. O. T. M., No. 330, at Casnovia, and this hive numbers forty-six members. The social standing of Mr. and Mrs. St. Denis is with the best people of the township and county, and they well deserve the high esteem in which they are universally held. EWIS B. STARK, a leading and representative citizen of Cascade township, Kent county, Mich., and a gallant ex-soldier of the late Civil war, was born in Stowe township, Summit county, Ohio, January 16, 1841, and is a son of Benjamin and Hannah (Chapman) Stark, natives of Vermont, and married in that state. The Stark family is of Scotch origin, and came to America before the war for independence, and from it sprang Gen. Stark, of Revolutionary fame. It is said that of three brothers, the first of the family to come to the colonies, one went to Canada, and for some reason changed his name to Stork, and some of the descendants of the other two, many years later, came to Kent county, Mich. The father of the subject was a farmer in Ohio, and on his farm the subject was reared to young manhood. Lewis B. Stark, in April, I86i, at the first call for 75,000 volunteers for three months' service in defense of the Union, enlisted in an Ohio regiment and served four months. He took part in the battle of Rich Mountain, Va., and September IO, I86I, reenlisted, for three years, in the Twenty-ninth Ohio, and served under Gens. Shields, Auger, Slocum and Hooker. His first battle in this regiment was at Kernstown, Va., under Shields, and later he was all through the Shenandoah campaign, in which he faced Stonewall Jackson several times, and was promoted sergeant. He was wounded at Cedar Mountain in the face and had his collarbone broken by the fragment of a shell, but stayed with his command. He was 'in the campaign under Pope, and fought at Gettysburg, at the second battle of Manassas, at Chancellorsville, and at Centersville, where Gen. Kearney was killed. He was next transferred to the army of the Cumberland, then under the command of Thomas, and the next day was attacked by Longstreet. Later his division (Geary's) made an attack on Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, through Taylor's Gap, encountering the enemy's flank. At Ringgold, Ga., his brigade suffered severely. In the spring of I864 he started on the Atlanta campaign, and at Dug Gap his company lost fifty per cent, mostly killed, and in his position as sergeant he was in command of the pioneer corps, as he had also commanded, in part, at the battle of Kernstown, where the commissioned officers had either been killed or wounded. When his regiment re-enlisted in January, 1864, he did not veteranize, and was reduced to the ranks through a general order of Gen. Thomas, but owing to his experience his superior officers placed him in' command of the First brigade pioneer corps of forty men, which position he held until mus-. tered out at Atlanta, September 30, 1864. He had taken part in twenty-three regular AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1025 battles (one more than his regiment participated in) and fifty or more skirmishes. His duty was constantly at the front, and he was often called upon to plant guns in the face of the enemy, under galling fire. He was always ready for service, never having been laid up one day in hospital. For the four years following his army service, Mr. Stark was engaged in farm work in Ohio, and in the spring of I869 came to Michigan, having purchased a tract of 120 acres near Ionia, but almost immediately afterward changed his residence to Cascade township, Kent county, where he owns a farm of eighty-seven acres, and a tract of twenty acres at Cascade village, eleven acres of which are devoted to growing peaches, and he also owns about o00 acres on the Thornapple river. His home farm is on the gravel road, one-half mile from the village of Cascade, and is a most desirable place, with eleven acres of orchardmaking twenty-two acres, in all, of fruitand he has also kept a fine flock of sheep. He has partly cleared up his farm himself, and has made many valuable improvements upon it. Mr. Stark was one of the organizers of the Ada creamery, in which he owns as much stock as any other person, and of which he has been the president since the start, and it has proved to be a very satisfactory venture. In politics, Mr. Stark is a democrat, and has often represented his town in convention. He is a member of Ada lodge, F. & A. M., and also of Bradfield post, G. A. R., of the same village, and is active in the affairs of both. The marriage of Mr. Stark took place November I, 1864, just after his return from the army, to Miss Florence G. Richardson, also a native of Stowe township, Summit county, Ohio. To this union have been born two children —George R., who was born July 27, 1877, attended the Michigan Agricultural college, and is now a student in the Grand Rapids Medical college, and' Gertrude, who died in early childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Stark are among the most respected of the residents of Cascade township, and Mr. Stark is classed among its most enterprising and useful citizens. George Seward Richardson, father of Mrs. Lewis B. Stark, was born in Keene, N. H., September 8, I805, of English descent, and died April 5, 1884, at Cascade, Mich.,aged seventynine years. At the age of seventeen years, George S. was taken by his father to Summit courrty, Ohio, when the Western Reserve was first being settled, and there his youngest brother, Elkanah, was born, the first white child in Cuyahoga Falls. George S. married, when twenty-eight years old, Miss Mary Everett, who was born in Pennsylvania, of German descent. In I869 George S. Richardson and family came to Cascade, and, as he had served in several official capacities in Ohio, he was soon elected a justice of the peace. He was an intelligent, well-informed man, although he had attended school but six months as a boy and one year after he had reached his majority. Although a man of few words, he could argue ably on any subject, as he became well posted in history, political economy and the languages, and seldom failed to impart some useful lesson. He was a close student of the Scriptures, and had concluded that, notwithstanding their many excellent features, they were in many ways unreconcilable. He did all he could to make the world better, but made no noise about his benefactions. He set out trees and flowers, and was also very fond of birds and nature in general, and passed much of his time in the woods and in fishing. He was a Jackson democrat in his political views, but opposed secret political societies, yet was a friend of the Masonic fraternity. His children, who worshiped him, are Mary Lovica, wife of George P. Stark, of Cascade; George Seward i' 1026 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS lives in Paris township, and Florence G. is the wife of Lewis B. Stark. The mother of these children died February 27, 1895, in her eighty-fifth year. She was much devoted to her home and a splendid helpmate to her husband; was an excellent manager of his finances and a balance-wheel to his visionary castle building, inasmuch as she was thoroughly practical in all things. The father of George Seward Richardson had been three times married and George S. was the eldest child. The third wife outlived her husband. George S., on becoming permanently settled, took six of the children of the second and third wives and made a home for them, and later, one of these, a lady who had married and had two children, died in Indiana. Her husband married again, and the step-mother so cruelly abused the two children that George S. made a home for one of them. Mr. Richardson, as will have been seen, was one of the most generous of men, and his death was deeply deplored by the community in which he had so long lived. H ENRY F. STEGMAN, a respected farmer and fruit-grower of Courtland township, Kent county, Mich., and a native of the county, was born May 4, i859, and is a son of Frederick C. and Otellia (Tischner) Stegman, who had born to them a family of eight children-three sons and five daughters-five of whom are still living, viz: Henry F., the eldest; Julia A., widow of D. R. Slocum; Emma, wife of W. F. Hessler, both of Rockford; Bertha, who married Henry Burch, of Courtland, and died May 26, 1899, and Frederick, who died January 24, I899. Frederick C. Stegman, the father of this family, was born in Saxony, Germany, in 1829, and came to the United States while still a young married man. He first located in Oakland county, Mich., but a short time afterward came to Kent county, took up a I6o-acre tract of land in section No. i6, Courtland township, and eventually wrought out a comfortable home from the wilderness for a wilderness it was, yet not an unpleasant one, inasmuch as it was the abode of game of all kinds, both beast and fowl, and, withal, of a few wandering or straggling Indians. Grand Rapids, then a small town, was his nearest market, and he often traveled the intervening space afoot; but he grew in wealth as the country grew in population and prosperity, and became a solid citizen. He was a democrat in politics and served his fellow-townsmen as supervisor and treasurer for several years, and was also a member of the Masonic lodge at Rockford. He died, highly respected by the community, March 9, 1889. His wife was also a native of Germany, was born in 1837 and now resides in Rockford.' Both parents were originally Lutherans in their religious faith, but finally united with the Episcopal church. Henry F. Stegman, the subject of this memoir, has passed his entire life in Kent county as an agriculturist. When he began for himself, he had nothing but his strong arms, a willing disposition, and a laudable ambition to become independent of the world. He started by purchasing, mostly on credit, sixty acres of land, with scarcely any improvement upon it, and went to work, with the results hereafter to be mentioned. March 22, 1882, Mr. Stegman wedded Miss Serepta Annable, a daughter of George C. and Zernah M. (Doan) Annable, who are the parents of five sons and two daughters. of whom five are still living. To the congenial marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Stegman have been born four children, viz: Lulu May, who is a student in the class of 1900 of the high school AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1027 I at Rockford, and has taken special instruction in instrumental music; Charles H. attends the district school; Blanche D. is also at school, and Don De Forrest is in his infancy. Mrs. Stegman was herself educated in the Rockford high school, and for several years was one of Kent county's most successful teachers. She is a member of hive No. 576, L. 0. T. M., being sergeant of the same, which is in a flourishing state. The father of Mrs. Stegman was born June 24, 1827, in Avon, N. Y., and immigrated to Washtenaw county, Mich., when the statewas yet a territory. His education was of the common-school, and his life-was spent as a farmer. He married Miss Z. Melissa Doan, a native of Port Sarnia, Canada, born in 1833, and still living. They were married in Kent county, and all the children have been born and reared here. Mr. Annable is a democrat in his political views and is an ardent friend of the public schools. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are residents of Grand Rapids. In politics Mr. Stegman has always been a democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for Winfield Scott Hancock in I88o. In I896 he was the delegate of his party to the county convention at Grand Rapids, where he fully voiced the interests of his people. He has also served on the board of reviews. He and wife are both ardent friends of the public schools — common and advanced —and are recognized as among the most public-spirited residents of Courtland township. Fraternally, Mr. Stegman is a member of tent No. 684, K. O. T. M., at Edgerton, which has an enrollment of sixty, and of which Mr. Stegman was commander two years, and for one year recorder. Mr. Stegman has made many and important improvements on his farm since he took possession. In I896 he completed a fine dwelling finished in hard wood, and where was once a dense forest of native trees he has a fine orchard. All that Mr. Stegman possesses he has made through his individual industry and toil, willingly assisted by his amiable wife only, and he may be emphatically designated a selfmade man, in the business sense of this term. The door of their hospitable home is ever open to welcome their friends, of whom they have many, and whose esteem they enjoy to the fullest extent, as well as that of the entire community. ALVIN P. SNYDER. For more than a third of a century Calvin P. Snyder has resided in Kent county, and unaided has placed I20 acres of land which he owns under a good state of cultivation. The well-tilled fields and substantial improvements on the place indicate his busy life, and to-day he is numbered among the substantial and highly-respected citizens of his community. Mr. Snyder was born in Jackson county, Mich., on the 5th of January, 1841, and was the second child in a family of four children born to Peter and Elizabeth (Snyder) Snyder, all of whom are now living, and, except himself, reside in Jackson county, where they are representative farmers. Peter Snyder, the father of Calvin P. and son of Lewis Snyder, was born in Albany county, N. Y., in i808, and died in Jackson, Mich., in December, I847. He was a farmer and a dealer in live stock, and settled in Jackson county, in I834. The country was wild and mostly timbered; Jackson was hardly known then, there being only two or three families in the vicinity of the present city. He bought and sold a great deal of government land, and one of the old deeds from the government still remains in the possession of 1028 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS the Snyder family. The mother of subject was a daughter of George Snyder, and was also a native of Albany county, N. Y.; was born June i8, i8i8, and lives at present in Hanover, Jackson county, at the ripe old age qf eighty-one years. Calvin P. Snyder was reared in Jackson, where he went to the common schools. He learned the trade of stonemason but became interested in and devoted most of his attention to agriculture. He has two brothers and a sister living, viz: Merritt B., one of the first students of the State Agricultural college at Lansing, and now a farmer in Hanover, Jackson county; Seth B.,a farmer of the same vicinity, and Lucy, a maiden lady, who resides on the old homestead. Mr. Snyder is a gentleman who has passed over the roughs and through all the difficult straits of lffe, beginning life for himself at the age of fourteen, as a stonemason, which was his principal occupation for many years. In i86 r, in company with his brother Merritt, he came to Courtland and rented property.for two years, when he returned to Jackson county. He followed his trade, and in partnership with his brothers bought a rundown farm at Hanover, and continued with this for eight years, when he bought what remained of his father's old farm. On May I3, I870, occurred the wedding of C. P. Snyder at Cedar Springs to Miss Ida V. McArthur, a daughter of Eric and Eunice (Ringle) McArthur. She was born July 6, I853, in Otisco, Ionia county, and the second of three children: Adell, wife of James L. Snyder, a progressive farmer residing in Courtland township; Ida V., now Mrs. Snyder, and George McArthur, a resident of Oakfield township. Her father was born near the city of Cleveland, O., and died in Ionia county, Mich., in I862. He came from Scotch ancestry and lived the life of a farmer. Both he and his wife, who was a native of Ohio, were members of the Baptist church. Mrs. Snyder from ten years of age resided in Courtland up to her marriage. She was educated in the common schools of Kent county. She began married life with Mr. Snyder on a fortyacre farm in Summit, Jackson county, and they were in debt for that. To this they added, making them a first-class farm, with valuable improvements made by themselves. In I883 they settled on their present farm, now comprising I20 acres of excellent land, with fine improvements and a beautiful modern, two-story country residence, erected in I892. The finishings are of oak and ash and the location of the home is one of the best in the township.' Politically Mr. Snyder is a non-partisan, but cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. Officially he has been justice of the peace for some ten years. Fraternally he is an esteemed member of Rockford lodge, No. i96, F. & A. M., and both are members of Venus chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, at Grattan. In their religious connections Mr. and Mrs. Snyder are devout and respected members of the Baptist church in Oakfield, of which he is a trustee. Their life record is one unclouded by any shadow of wrong or dishonorable dealings and commends them to the confidence and regard of all. While they have no children of their own, they have an adopted son, Francis D., a young man of twenty. D - OHN ROYAL STEWART, one of the eminent citizens of Cascade township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Clarendon, Rutland county, Vt., January 6, I820, and at the age of twelve years was taken to Niagara county, N. Y., by his father, Leonard Stewart, who later operated I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1029 a saw-mill in that county, where young John Royal was reared to manhood, and from the age of seventeen to twenty-two years taught school, being later selected superintendent of schools. He also operated a mill in Niagara county, until he came to Michigan in 1845 and settled in the forests of Cascade township, which farm he subsequently cleared up. His father also came at the same time and settled on a farm on the township line, which he likewise cleared, and on which he lived until his death at the age of fifty-six years. John R. Stewart, after becoming fully settled on his farm in Cascade township, returned to Niagara county, N. Y., and there married Miss Sarah E. Martin, October 20, 1845, and with her he passed many years in happy wedlock before she was called from his side, an event which will be alluded to farther on. Mr. Stewart, a genuine pioneer, although better adapted to clerical work than to farming, erected on his farm in the wilderness a log house, from which he cut out a road to Grand Rapids. He had a hard struggle at first to make a comfortable living, but always managed to have ample provisions in the house, and a little money in his pocket. He cleared sixty acres of his farm and lived on it eight years, in the meantime teaching in the neighboring districts during the winter season, and had, as one of his pupils, the lady whom he afterward chose as his second wife. The health of Mr. Stewart gave way under the severe labor of clearing and cultivating his farm, and at the invitation of D. W. Foster, a hardware merchant of Grand Rapids, he went to that city in the capacity of bookkeeper for him. Being a good penman, he concluded to accept the position for a term of one year —but remained six years, doing the work of two men-and then, for eight years, was associated with various firms in the same class of work. In I86o, Mr. Stewart, who had always taken a lively interest in politics, first as a whig then as a republican, was elected county register of deeds, and filled that office for six years. He was inspector of the Jackson state prison under Governor Baldwin, and met with the prison board, including the governor, once a month to consider the affairs of the prison. Mr. Stewart was well acquainted with all the public men of the state, frequently visited them, the governors included, preferring to hold personal interviews rather than indulge in correspondence. While in the register's office, Mr. Stewart secured one-third interest in the Grand Rapids Manufacturing company, of which he assumed almost the entire control of the factory and hiring of the men, of whom there were about Ioo. He managed the concern about four years, but retained his interest in it twenty years, serving as director, treasurer and president. The company was but a partnership, and one of the partners was so determined to expand operations that he used up all the capital; the result was disastrous, and Mr. Stewart lost $14,000 clear cash. Later, the concern was converted into a jointstock company, and Mr. Stewart withdrewonly to witness its utter failure a short time afterward. He was then appointed receiver, and at its sale was one of the purchasers. Still disaster followed, and more than the income was eaten up by extravagant salariesthe president receiving $7,000, which he invested annually in other business, and finally the company again was forced to the wall. Although Mr. Stewart went to Grand Rapids to stay one year only, he remained thirtyeight years, his business abilities being appreciated and his natural faculty for leading men conjointly resulting in his finding himself connected with several large business institutions. At the conclusion of his association with the 1080 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS manufacturing company he opened an insurance office and held the agency of several companies, but the disastrous Chicago fire of 1871 wiped out nearly all the insurance conpanies, his companies going with the rest. At the time of the erection of the government building in Grand Rapids, Mr. Stewart, without solicitation on his part, was appointed superintendent of construction by Secretary of State Sherman, and this position he held for four years, to the great satisfaction of the people of the city as well as to that of the government, the government inspector stating that it was the best building ever erected for public use, for the money, and the first one erected with money remaining. Mr. Stewart, had, before this, constructed the large store buildings for W. D. Foster, and had thus had experience in this line. Beside his other business ventures in Grand Rapids, Mr. Stewart was in the grocery trade for eighteen years, and, taken altogether, that city never had a busier man within its limits. In company with E. G. D. Holden and Marcus W. Bates, he established the Grand Rapids Savings bank, its first monetary organization, and was a director for fully six years. In 1882 Mr. Stewart lost his wife, who had borne him four children, viz: Seraph R., now the wife of S. A. Kennedy, of Lansing, and the mother of three children; Milo B., who died about I889, his widow being now the wife of 0. A. Ball, a wholesale merchant of Grand Rapids; Flora, who died unmarried, and Lina, married to William Cook, of Ferney, S. D. March 21, I886, Mr. Stewart was united in marriage with Mrs. Rufus W. Martin, whose deceased husband was a brother of the first Mrs. Stewart. Since this marriage took place, Mr. Stewart has occupied the old Martin homestead, which is adjacent to that on which Mr. Stewart first settled in Cascade township. Mr. Stewart has been an important factor in Kent county politics, and few men have had as large an acquaintance with public men as he. He and S. S. Bailey, whose biography will be found on another page, were very intimate friends and frequently worked together in political affairs, and Mr. Stewart, still a power in the county, has a fund of interesting reminiscences relative to early statesmen and former political methods. YLVESTER J. STEWART, a prosperous farmer of Walker township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of Essex county, Ontario, and was born July 22, 1843, a son of John and Samantha(Randall) Stewart. John Stewart, the father, was also a native of Essex county, Ontario, was born July 4, 1817, came to Michigan about I847, lived for a year in Vergennes township, Kent county, and then settled in Walker township, where he still resides, in the enjoyment of good health and still capable of doing a day's work on his farm. His wife was born in Kent county, Ontario, September 14, I817, and is likewise in good health. Their five children were named as follows: Marguerite, who is the wife of Charles Rosegrant, of Georgetown, Ottawa county, Mich.; Heroine, wife of James R. Neal, whose biography will be found on another page; Sylvester,deceased; Sylvester J., the subject of this sketch, and Celestia, wife of G. W. Hooker, of Grand Rapids. Sylvester J. Stewart, when about twenty years of age, purchased a farm and now resides on the same in section No. I, Walker township, three-fourths of a mile north of the city of Grand Rapids. April I5, 1863, he married Miss Mary Brigham, a native of Essex county, Ontario, born October 7, I847,. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1081; I and a daughter of William and Rachael (Hawkes) Brigham, natives of England, but married in Canada, and now deceased. They were the parents of five children, viz: George, a resident of Sparta, Kent county, Mich,; Mary, now Mrs. Stewart; Alvina, William and Alice, of Essex county, Ontario. To Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have been born three children, viz: Jessie, deceased in infancy; Charles, a farmer of Walker township, and John, a mechanic of Grand Rapids. In politics Mr. Stewart is a republican and has ably filled the offices of drain commissioner, constable, health officer, township clerk, deputy sheriff, notary public, and for ten years was a member of the school board, and is still officiating in the last named position. Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Stewart are members of the Wesleyan Methodist church of Walker, and socially they are very highly esteemed. OSS B. SQUIRES is a leading progressive young business man of Rockford, as a merchant and produce dealer, and, indeed, the commercial interests of Rockford are exclusively controlled by young men. He is a native of Kent county, Mich., was born in 1865, was educated in the Rockford high school, took a course in the commercial college in Grand Rapids, and upon his leaving school entered the employ of the well-known firm of Gamble & Partridge, of Detroit, as accountant and bookkeeper, remaining with that firm until I889, when he returned to Rockford, and engaged in business as a produce dealer, under the firm name of Hyde & Squires. They were successful, and continued in business together tntil 1895. They shipped to all leading points east and south, and the volume of business annually amounted to $50,55 ooo. In one month they checked out almost $Io,ooo in money in payment for farmers': produce. In I895 Mr. Squires sold his interest to Mr. Hyde, and commenced business as a produce dealer, and later as a grocer, and his success has almost been phenomenal. It was in June, 1897, when he opened up one of the neatest grocery stores in the town, which is thoroughly equipped with all the latest fixtures which makes an establishment attractive and inviting to the trade. In 1898 he placed in one of the latest National cash registers at a cost of $300. The store is well lighted by electricity, and the attaches of the store are courteous gentlemen. The line of groceries, both fancy and staple, is new, clean and well arranged, and it is the aim of Mr. Squires to carry nothing but what is a high grade. Besides conducting his store, he is a heavy shipper of apples, peaches and beans in the season. The annual business in the store will amount to $14,ooo, and during the year I898, or for seven months in the year, his sales amounted to $30,000. In I896 he handled 136 cars of potatoes, and one year, forty-two cars of peaches and plums, and twenty cars of beans. Mr. Squires is an active, energetic, and affable gentleman, whose pleasing manner is sure to place him in confidence with his patrons. R. B. Squires wedded, August 29, 1896, Miss Grace L. Carlyle, a native of Kent county. She is a lady of culture, being a graduate in the class of I894 of the Rockford high school. They have one child, Marian I. Politically Mr. Squires supports the democratic national ticket, but in local affairs will frequently support the man who is best fitted for the position asked for. Officially he was a member of the village council for four years, and fraternally he is a. member of the Masonic order, Rockford lodge, 1032 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS No. 246. He is held high in the esteem of his friends, and those acquainted with him, as a gentleman of sterling character and business' integrity. H. STILWELL,the popular and prosperous grocer of Cedar Springs, Mich., was born August 31, 1854, on his father's farm in Kent county, the eldest in the family of four sons and one daughter born to Cyrus and Mary (Prentice) Stilwell, the brothers of subject being all engaged in agriculture in this state, and the sister, Jennie, being the wife of William Carpenter, a resident of Osceola county. Cyrus Stilwell is a native of New York, and is now sixty-eight years of age. He was educated in the common schools and was reared a farmer. He first emigrated from his native state to Lorain county, Ohio, but came to Michigan in the 'forties, located on section No. 31, Nelson township, Kent county, and the present beautiful brick school-house stands on a part of his old farm. He bought his land from the government, and still has in his possession the deed to it, signed by the then president, James Knox Polk. Mr. Stilwell was one of the brave men who volunteered at their country's call for the defense of the Union, enlisted in a battery of heavy artillery, and took part in the battles of Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga and others, and was with Sherman in the march to the sea. He served until his health failed, and was then honorably discharged. After this he resumed his agricultural pursuits, and now resides, with his wife (who is also a native of New York), in Newaygo county, both being members of the Baptist church and greatly respected by the community in which they live. A. H. Stilwell well remembers when the site of Cedar Springs was covered with timber and brush, and has witnessed its growth from a hamlet to the prosperous village it now is, as this was the near spot of his nativity. He was educated in the common schools, and the earlier part of his manhood was passed on the farm. In 1883 he became a salesman in a hardware store in Cedar Springs, in which he continued two years, and was then engaged at other places until 1894, when he embarked in the grocery trade in Cedar Springs with a capital of $750. He carries a full and well assorted stock of staple and fancy groceries, queensware, glassware, etc., as well as a full line of cigars and tobaccos, and has now the most popular store in its line in the town, with a trade that reaches $4,000 per annum. Although he was compelled to borrow a portion of his capital at the start, his affability and prompt attention to the wants of his patrons have enabled him to pay off his indebtedness and yearly to increase his stock in hand, which is purchased at the centers of trade nearest Cedar Springs, so that his customers can always rely on getting from him what is pure and fresh. Mr. Stilwell was united in marriage September 25, 1875, with Miss Loa McClure, a native of Springfield, Mo., and this union has been gladdened with one son-Verne R.-who is now attending the Cedar Springs high school, and has been especially well trained in piano music. Mrs. Loa Stilwell traces her ancestry to Scotland, but her father is now deceased and her mother is making her home with Mr. and Mrs. Stilwell. Mrs. Stilwell was educated in a common school and at the high school of Battle Creek, Mich., and is a lady of many womanly virtues. In politics Mr. Stilwell is a republican and cast his first presidential vote for Rutherford B. Hayes in I876, but has never himself aspired to public office, preferring to devote AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 10B3 his time and attention to his own affairs. Fraternally he is a member of F. & A. M. lodge, No. 2 I 3, at Cedar Springs, and is also a member of the Maccabee tent. He is a member of the Baptist church, and freely contributes of his means towiard its support and, to all other good and worthy objects. Socially Mr. and Mrs. Stilwell are highly respected, and the business name of Mr. Stilwell stands without a stain. ILLIAM STINSON.-Among the well-known citizens of Tyrone township is William Stinson, who had resided in Kent and Muskegon counties, Mich., since he was five years -of age. He was born on the 3rd of June, I850, in Lucas county, Ohio, and is the third child in a family of five sons born to Thomas C. and Sarah (Miller) Stinson. There are three of the sons yet living, the eldest of whom is Lewis M., an agriculturist, married and residing in Muskegon county; the next is William S., and the youngest, Samuel, is a farmer residing also in Muskegon county. Thomas C. Stinson was born in Monaghan county, Ireland, the 4th of November, 1822. When a lad of seven summers he came with his parents to America and became a citizen of Ohio, where he was reared and married. He was educated in the common schools, and later learned the trade of cooper, but the major part of his life was employed as an agriculturist. It was about the year I855 when he emigrated to Muskegon county, Mich., and made his first purchase of sixty acres of unimproved land and settled down in his little log cabin home. He added to this at intervals until now he is the owner of 120 acres in Muskegon county. Politically he is a republican and very ardent in his political beliefs. Officially he has been treasurer of his township and was justice of the peace for twenty-four years. He and his wife are much respected members of the Methodist church. The mother of William was a native of Ohio and died when the latter was about four years of age. William Stinson was but a lad of five years when he became a resident of Michigan, and here he was educated in the Casnovia public schools, and reared to agricultural pursuits. He gave his service to his parents until he was of age, and began life by working out by the month. He is a man who knows what work is, as he, with his industrious wife, accumulated what they at present own. On the 26th day of September, I 889, William Stinson was wedded to Miss Ola M. Madison, to which union have been born two little sons: William M., who is now going to school in the third grade. He is exceptionally bright in arithmetic and is a very intelligent lad; Grain M. is called by his parents ''the beam of the home. Mrs. Stinson is a Michigan lady, born in Oakland county, October 26, i862, a daughter of Charles and Betsey C. (Cudworth) Madison. There were three sons and four daughters in the family, and two sons and three daughters are now living, viz: Algernon, a farmer, residing in Tyrone township; Delia D., wife of Addison W. Dumphey, residing in Solon township; Rozina S., a graduate of Swensberg's Business college, for years a school teacher and now a stenographer and typewriter for the Minneapolis Cold Storage company, at Minneapolis; Mrs. Stinson, and Charles U., residing with his brother-in-law, Mr. Stinson. The father, Charles Madison, was born at Unity, Sullivan'county, N. H., December 6, I822, and died May 26, i893. When he was eight years of age he came to Oakland county, Mich., where he received such an education as 1084 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I might be secured in the common schools, and learned there the trade of a cooper. He was a very active man and also became an excellent blacksmith. He was one of the heroes of Michigan who offered their services to the country in her peril, and went to the front as a soldier of company C, of the Ninth Michigan cavalry, in which he enlisted in 1862 and remained during the remainder of the Civil war. His regiment was assigned to the army of the Tennessee, where he became seriously ill and was taken to the hospital there to be confined some time. He was with the regiment during the famous raid against the celebrated Morgan, so conspicuous in history, and received his honorable discharge in 1865. He then returned to Kent county, where he purchased his first farm of eighty acres, with a little log cabin and log barn built upon it. He was a stanch republican in political sentiment, and a great advocate and supporter of public schools. His wife was a native of Allegany county, N. Y., was born March 7, 1828, and educated in the common schools. Her parents were Appollis and Rozina (Symmonds) Cudworth, he being of English ancestry. Mrs. Stinson was highly educated in the common and high schools, and has been one of Kent county's teachers for a year and a half. She is genial and compassionate by nature and nobly performs her part as wife and mother. Mr. Stinson, of this sketch, at the time of marriage had purchased twenty acres in Muskegon county, to which he added eighty acres, and then sold and bought sixty acres on section No. 20, Tyrone township, where he resided two years. Later he likewise disposed of this and purchased eighty acres in section No. 36, where he located in December, I892. In his political affiliations he is a republican, having cast his first vote for U.. S. Grant. In local politics he is a non-partisan and will vote for the man of his choice rather than the party. He has always worked, and beginning with nothing but his hands and a determination to accomplish something, he has become independent, and now enjoys the respect of all, both for what he has done and for what he is yet capable of doing. Kind-hearted, hospitable and generous, Mr. Stinson has many friends among all classes of people. He is one of the publicspirited men of the county, and is always ready to aid worthy enterprises. T. C. Stinson was a son of William and Rebecca (Crague) Stinson. His grandfather, Patrick Stinson, passed his life in his native town in county Monaghan, and was a cooper by trade, and he and his wife were born the same year and also died in the same year, at the great age of I04 years. They were the parents of four children-Samuel, Elizabeth, Jane and William, and were members of the Presbyterian church. The only member of his family to cross the Atlantic ocean was William, who was born in county Monaghan, August I2, 1785, and in I830 he came to the United States, after a seven weeks' voyage landing in New York; thence went to Ohio, locating in Bucyrus, Crawford county, where he followed the cooper's trade, and in 1844 moved to Lucas county, sixteen miles west of Toledo, where he died, December 14, i868, and his wife in I860. Rebecca (Crague) Stinson was born in county Monaghan, a member of a family of six girls and two boys, her father being Thomas Crague, a wealthy farmer. One brother and one sister came to the United States-David settling in the west, and the sister, Mrs. Margaret Foster, in Crawford county, Ohio, where her death took place. Thomas C. Stinson, when a young man, learned the trade of a cooper and followed it a number of years in connection with farming, AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1035 and in May, 1856, he came to Michigan and located near Casnovia, where he yet resides. He has been prominent as a local official-two terms as supervisor and twenty years as justice of the peace, and also township treasurer. In 1864 he enlisted in company I, Ninth Michigan infantry, served on Gen. Thomas' staff, and at the close of the war was honorably discharged at Jackson, Mich. Socially, he was a Mason. December 2, 1845, he wedded Miss Sarah Miller, who was born in Lucas county, Ohio, and five children were born to this marriage. His wife died in July, 1855, and he married Catharine C. All, to which union seven children were born, of whom only two grew to naturity. HESTER G. STONE, township clerk. and one of Lowell's oldest merchants, is a native of the state of New York and was born in the county of St. Lawrence, in December, I840. His father, Henry Stone, also a native of the Empire state, had a family of twelve children and was a prominent business man of Grand Rapids, Mich., to which city he removed early in I837. Henry Stone was the chief mover and leading spirit in establishing, in 1842, the foundry in the above city, known as the Stone Dean foundry, situated on Canal street, and continued identified with the enterprise for a period of fifteen years, disposing of his interests, at the expiration of that time, to his son, Henry G. Stone, for many years one of Grand Rapids' prominent citizens. From the time of severing his connection with the foundry above noted, Mr. Stone lived a retired life until his death, in the month of March, 1864. Chester G. Stone was brought to Michigan by his parents when quite young, and his first home in this state was Ann Arbor, where the family located in I834. Three years later they removed to Grand Rapids, in the public schools of which the subject received his educational training and where, at the age of seventeen years, he received his first introduction to business life as a clerk with a mercantile firm, in which capacity he continued for a period of eighteen years. In I865 Mr. Stone embarked in business for himself in the town of Lowell, and for twenty-eight years carried on merchandizing with success and financial profit, earning for himself in the meanwhile a reputation for probity second to that of no other business man of the place. During the year 1894 he closed out his stock, which at times represented a capital exceeding $15,ooo, and since that time has been identified with other enterprises. For some years he was connected with the Hine & Stone lumber firm of Sand Lake, also with a lumber company of Big Rapids, and is at present interested in the Unaca Timber company, of Chester, Tenn., to a large extent. Mr. Stone was elected township clerk in May, I898, was re-elected April 3, 1899, and has proven a most painstaking and efficient public servant. He was also president of the village board two terms, and discharged the duties of that position in a manner creditable to himself and highly satisfactory to all concerned. Mr. Stone was married in December, I855, to Miss Anna M. Noble-a union blessed with the birth of the following children: Fred G., Arthur C., Jessie C., Henry N. and Allen C. The parents of Mrs. Stone died when she was an infant, and she was reared'to womanhood in the family of an uncle, George W. Allen, of Grand Rapids. She was a woman of most exemplary character, a devout member of the Episcopal church, and in her death, which occurred in May, I894, the husband lost a faithful wife, the 1036 i, TIE CITY OF, GRAND RAPIDS - --- - -- - ~ I children a tender and loving mother, and the community one of its most valued members. Mr. Stone is active in the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the Blue lodge, chapter and commandery, and all enterprises for the public good have ever found in him a zealous patron and liberal contributor. Politically he is, and for a number of years has been, an active worker in the republican party, but numbers among his warmest friends many whose political faith differs from his own. From his early youth Mr. Stone has been governed by his high moral principles, and the elemental strength of his character thus shadowed forth have marked his entire career, bringing him the highest regard of all with whom he has come in contact. Personally he is a most genial man, his pleasing manner making him ever a welcome guest in the social circles of his town, where he enjoys great popularity. AVID B. STOUT, one of the prominent and respected pioneer farmers of Nelson township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of Seneca county, N. Y., and was born October 9, 1830, the third of a family of five sons and six daughters born to Samuel S. and Sarah (Blackburn) Stout, of which children five are still living, viz: Urias, who early learned blacksmithing, but is now a farmer in Montcalm county, Mich.; David B., the subject of this biography; Sarah, wife of L. T. Cole, of Brown county, Dak.; Mary Ann, married to E. J. Gorton, of Deuel county, Dak., and Oscar, a farmer of Solon township, Kent county, Mich. Samuel S. Stout was born in Hunterdon county, N. J. His father, Gideon B., was a son of Andrew Stout, who came from England, and was a prominent man during the Revolution, loaning money.to the continental con gress. He was a blacksmith by trade, and from New Jersey removed to Seneca county, N. Y., where his marriage took place to Miss Blackburn, a native of that county. In March, 1833, he came to Michigan, located in Washtenaw county, where he lived until 1837, when he removed to Livingston county, thence came to Kent county, and finally settled in Montcalm county, where his death took place at the age of fifty-two years. David B. Stout located near Courtland Center, Kent county, in 1849, but later entered forty acres of land from the government in what is now known as Nelson township, to which he added forty acres more, by purchase, and still holds the original deed, signed by Franklin Pierce, the then president of the United States. Nelson township has since been his home, although the township was not then organized, and was known as North Courtland. No highway existed in the neighborhood; the site of Cedar Springs was covered with a dense pine forest, and the nearest railroad was at Pontiac, Oakland county. Grand Rapids at that time was still a mere trading-post and Indian agency, and of all the wonderful changes that have since taken place Mr. Stout has been an eye-witness, while he has himself been a factor in making many of the improvements in his immediate vicinityhewing away the forest and developing the resulting fields. Mr. Stout, it will have been observed, was about nineteen years of age when he came to Kent county, a poor young man. To get a start in the world he weas compelled to go in debt, but his integrity was of the soundest character, his industry indefatigable and his frugality commendable. Through the exercise of these admirable virtues, he has not only freed himself from pecuniary obligations, but increased his land to 80o acres, all in Nelson township and all under a fine state of AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1087 cultivation- I2o acres of which he has given to his children. September I9, I852, Mr. Stout was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Nicholson, who blessed him with three sons and three daughters, of whom five still survive, viz: Leander, a carpenter of Courtland township; Lorenzo, a' farmer of Nelson township; Sophia, wife of Peter Miller, a farmer of Courtland township; Leonard, a farmer of Nelson township, and Seville, the youngest daughter, is still at home with her father. The mother of these children was called from earth September I5, I887, and October 24, I888, Mr. Stout chose for his second helpmate Miss Mirinda A. Medler, who was born in the county of Middlesex, Canada, October I I, I838, and was brought to Michigan by her parents when she was but two years of age. She received an excellent education and for several years was a successful school-teacher in this state. Her parents, Samuel F. and Rebecca Medler, were natives of Novia Scotia, both were liberally educated, both faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and by trade the father was a ship-carpenter.. Mrs. Stout has three brothers and two sisters, all residents of Michigan with the exception of one brother, William, who for seven years has been foreman of a milling plant in West Superior, Wis. Her eldest brother, James, is postmaster at Trufant, Mich. In politics Mr. Stout is, as his father was, a democrat, and although a boy at the time, still remembers the phenomenal defeat of the democracy in the " log cabin and hard cider " campaign of I840. Mr. Stout has himself served his fellow-citizens as school superintendent, as highway commissioner, and as township treasurer for a number of years, and has filled every office with ability and faithfulness to duty. Fraternally, he is a member of Masonic lodge, No. 213, at Cedar Springs. He has aided, in a pecuniary way, in erecting five different church-edifices in his neighborhood, and he and his worthy wife hold membership with the Baptist congregation at Cedar Springs. Both have long been identified with the Sabbath-school, which they have aided by all means in their power, financial and personal, and they are among the most highly respected residents of Nelson township. ' --- —-I --- —------— ' OHN WT. STONE, who was born in Richland county, Ohio, August 22, 1839, has been a resident of Caledonia township, Kent county, Mich., since 1872, and is now one of the most successful farmers in the township. He is a son of Samuel and Catherine (Seaman) Stone, natives of Berks county, Pa., who settled in Richland county, Ohio, about I830, where the father ran a sawmill and distillery until I874, when the family caine to Kent county, Mich., and here the parents lived in retirement, connected with the Evangelical church, until their respective deaths, at the ages of seventy- eight and seventy-seven years, the last three years of their lives having been passed with their son John W., the subject of this sketch. The father of Samuel was a native of Switzerland, whence he came to America, landing in Philadelphia and finally settling in Berks county, Pa., but died when Samuel was only eighteen years of age. John WV. Stone was reared on the home farm, aiding his parents until about I856, when he went in company with a friend, William Morrison, via Nicaragua, to California, where he ran a clipper mill six months, sawing lumber on the American rivet, at $Ioo per month; and then went to mining on the Kinnebeck claim, on the same river, in which he had an :1088 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS interest, and during the winter season also operated a placer claim. The Kinnebeck mine was one of the richest in the state, and required an investment of $50,000 before it paid, and then worked out $300,000 to $400,000, and of,this Mr. Stone was the overseer. In I860 he returned to Ohio, well pleased with his trip. Mr. Stone's next venture was the supplying,of the government with cavalry horses, and in assisting in raising recruits and funds for securing substitutes in cases of draft. He also bought the old homestead about this time, and October 7, 186 I, married Miss Phiana Andrews, of Medina county, Ohio. He then sold the homestead and moved to a farm near Fremont, where he lived two years, then moved to Lagrange county, Ind., spent six years on a farm, and in 1872 came to his present farm in Caledonia township, Kent county, Mich., on the Thornapple river, one mile and a half east of Caledonia village. He has eighty acres of excellent land, on which he has made extensive improvements, and of which ten acres are in fruit, and the remainder devoted to general farming. Mr. Stone likewise has a small farm on the opposite side of the river, and also fiftyfour acres of improved land west of the village -all under cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Stone have taken quite an active part in the Caledonia Union fair, of which he has been an officer for several years. At the expositions of the fair association Mr. Stone has exhibited stock and farm produce, and Mrs. Stone has exhibited jellies, canned fruits, jams, pickles, preserves, etc., has carried off many honors, and in I899 received two special and several blue ribbons. They have kept up their interest for thirteen years in this association, and have been main pillars in its support and success. The home farm is in fine condition, contains a handsome and comfortable dwelling, substantial barns land commodious out-buildings, and Mr. and,, Mrs. Stone are now prepared to live quietly in retirement. Mr. and Mrs. Stone are blessed with a family of seven children, as follows: Ira, who is a bookkeeper for a mill company at Luther, Mich.; Alberta, wife of R. H. Bennett, she and husband having both graduated in the profession of the law she at Lawrence, Kans., and he at Ann Arbor, Mich., and both now in active practice at Iola, Kans.; Oscar, who was formerly a traveling salesman for a factory in Mancelona, Mich., and now engaged exclusively in dealing in apples; Willie; Jennie, wife of E. C. Apsy, and a teacher in McLaughlin's Business college; Blanche, formerly a teacher in the Sparta high school and at Grand Rapids, and at present a stenographer in Iola, Kans., and Louis, a student in the Grand Rapids high school, who, at the early age of sixteen years, passed an examination as a second grade teacher and was offered a school by the county commissioners, but preferred further to continue his studies. Mr. Stone is a stalwart republican and a strong McKinley man; he has served as delegate to several county and state conventions, and creditably and satisfactorily filled the position. In his early days in Ohio, in politics he had been a democrat and was a delegate to the convention that was called to nominate Vallandigham for governor, but the class of delegates was of so tough a character that he became disgusted and changed his politics, and is now invariably found in the republican county and district conventions, and was chairman of the local Garfield club at its organization. Fraternally Mr. Stone was made a Mason at Fremont, Ohio, but of late has not affiliated with any lodge; he and wife, however, are members of and take an active interest in the Thornapple Pioneer society. Mr. Stone is fond of his rod and gun, and while in Cal AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1089 ifornia enjoyed some huge sport. Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Stone are members of the liberal branch of the United Brethren church, and Mr. Stone was selected by the Evangelical church members as one of the building committee of the church at Caledonia. He owns some property in that village, besides his farms, and he and family are among the most highly esteemed in the township. LMER G. STOREY, a progressive farmer and proprietor of the Spencer fruit evaporator, is a native of Grattan township, Kent county, Mich., was born December 7, I863, and is the eldest of the three children born to Benjamin and Jennie (Bickford) Storey, the second being Emery V., who is a farmer of Montcalm county; the youngest is Edith M., wife of George Ashley, a farmer of Oakfield township. Benjamin Storey was born in Seneca county, N. Y., December 15, I836, where he grew to manhood, with but limited advantages for education. Learning of the possibilities of Michigan, he purchased forty acres in Oakfield, but later settled in Grattan township, where he has met with prosperity, and, holding the respect of its people universally, enjoys the well earned retirement that comes after a well spent life. He has always been an active and industrious laborer and agriculturist, and has now a competence, through his individual efforts. A know-nothing when that party's principles meant something to the loyal citizen, he became a republican, and so continued through the nation's peril and until he felt another peril endangered it, and that the safety lay in the rock-ribbed principles of democracy. Mrs. Jennie Storey was born at Stowe, Vt., in 1840, and died in Kent county, Mich., September II, I879. She was possessed of many kindly traits of character and womanly virtues, and was one whose life had much in it that made her hosts of warm friends. Elmer G. Storey was reared on the farm in Grattan township, receiving a thorough education in the Union school. At the death "of his mother, when but sixteen, an unusually heavy responsibility fell upon him. Realizing the path of duty, he entered heartily and unreservedly upon it and remained with his father until twenty-five years old. February 21, 1884, he was married to Miss Nell Madison, who was also born in Grattan, October 14, 1867, a daughter of Luther K. and Lydia (Wickware) Madison. A separate article devoted to her parents will be found on another page of this work. To Mr. and Mrs. Elmer G. Storey have been born three children, viz: Eva M., Budd and Cecile. In 1885 Mr. Storey purchased eighty acres of unimproved land in section 20, Spencer township, and in November, I888, he and wife settled here permanently. All the improvements on this clean and comfortable farm have been made by them, and Mr. Storey is recognized as one of the most progressive young men in the township. Conceiving that many benefits would accrue to all fruit growers in Spencer, if facilities for caring for the crop were supplied, he, in I891, erected an evaporator, and since then has done an excellent business. In politics Mr. Storey is a democrat and cast his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland. He has been selected several times as a delegate to and in various ways contributes to his party's success. 'He served one term as justice of the peace, and as township clerk four consecutive years. He and wife favor employing the best teachers for the district schools, Mrs. Storey saying, "We 1040 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS cannot get too good teachers." Mr. and Mrs. Storey are members of the Maccabees-he of Evans tent, No. 785, she of hive No. 696. They are much respected by their neighbors for their strictly upright lives and their intelligent management of their affairs, which are so controlled as to render their homestead not only profitable but a credit to the township. B. STRONG, M. D., one of the wellknown physicians and surgeons of southwestern Kent county, located at Byron Center, takes great pride inthis profession, his father having been eminent as a physician, and the son following in the footsteps of the father. E. B. Strong was born July 6, I863, in Jackson county, Mich., the younger of the two children-a son and a daughter-that graced the marriage of Dr. Henry W. and Lucelia (Butler) Strong, and was but six years of age when brought to Kent county by his father-his mother having died when he was but three years old. His primary education was had in the public schools, and two years were passed in the Grand Rapids Central high school. In the early years of his educational work he began the study of engineering, still-holds advanced ideas on mechanics, and hopes to see the day when one current in the appliances in electricity and motor power will be involved in the permanent features of his science. After finishing his studies at Grand Rapids, he spent five years in the drug business at Byron Center, which experience admirably fitted him practically to commence the demonstration of the medical virtues of remedies. He read medicine under his father's direction for some time, and in I882 he entered the medical department of the university at Ann Arbor and continued until 1883. He next passed one year at home, and in 1885 entered the Detroit college of Medicine, from which he graduated with the class of 1887. Immediately after graduation he went to Petoskey, Mich., for one season, and then entered the Union Benevolent hospital at Grand Rapids as house physician and surgeon, remained on the hospital staff. almost a year, and then returned to Byron Center and entered upon his present career of successful practice. Dr. Henry W. Strong, father of Dr. E. B. Strong, being in the profession over thirty years, and his life being filled with fruitful results, has practically retired from the more onerous duties of medical practice and cast the robe of responsibility upon the shoulders of his son, who has now virtually attended to the active duties of the office since 1890, his practice extending into Allegan, Ottawa and Kent counties, through four townships adjacent to Byron Center. His success as a surgeon has been marvelods, but he is a practitioner who keeps well abreast of the progress made in his profession by the most skillful and able, and carefully studies all cases reported in the medical journals of the day that indicate any advancement in the science, both of surgery and medicine. Besides, he avails himself of the advantages to be found' by attending the meetings of various medical societies, and is himself a member of the Michigan State Medical society and the American Medical association, and formerly was a member of the academy of Medicine. His library is replete with choice collections of works on medicine and surgery, and of these he is a constant student, so that he is never at a loss in his diagnoses. He has made a specialty of nervous disorders and has made a fine reputation in his treatment of many complicated cases of chronic afflictions of that character. The doctor is of that affable and cordial nature which carries with it into the sickroom ) KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1041 ANI I a ray of sunshine, but is dignified and grave withal, inasmuch as he feels the responsibility of his position as a physician, and that frivolity is not only unbecoming, but detrimental, when giving advice, while a reasonable show of cheerfulness imparts a sense of hope and consolation to the patient. October 26, I899, Dr. E. B. Strong married Miss Pearl Bellows, at her home in Cannon township, Kent county. This lady was born March 14, 1875, in Kent county, and is a daughter of E. C. and Elizabeth (Norton) Bellows. She was primarily educated in the common schools, and subsequently graduated from the Rockford high school with the class of 1894. In February, I896, she entered the Butterworth hospital at Grand Rapids to become a trained nurse, and graduated in the class of I898, well fitted for her noble calling, and, happily, as an accomplished aid to her husband. She is a member of the Eastern Star lodge at Grattan Center. In his fraternal relations, the doctor is a member of lodge No. 307, F. & A. M., at Dorr, Allegan county, and of the Oriental tent of Maccabees. Whilst a student at Detroit he was made a member and also secretary of the Literary society of the college of Medicine, and still holds his membership with that body. Socially, his standing is with the best circles in Byron township, and the even tenor of his life has won for him the respect of all with whom he has had any relations, professional or otherwise. also natives of Canada. The father was for many years a blacksmith in the town of Rockwood, the birth-place of the subject. Robert W. Swayze attended at intervals the common schools of his native town and on arriving at manhood's estate engaged in different pursuits until 1885, at which time he came to Michigan and three years later opened a sample room in the city of Grand Rapids. After continuing the business one year he sold out, and in I890 came to Lowell and entered the employ of Joe McKee, at that time proprietor of what was known as the Trains Hotel, and assisted that gentleman in ministering to the wants of the traveling public until the latter part of the following year. He then accompanied Mr. McKee to Oregon and for some time was located in the city of Portland. Not satisfied with the west, Mr. Swayze returned to Lowell after the lapse of one year, and for some time thereafter was associated in business on the East side, and after conducting a successful business for three years, he bought the contents and fixtures of the Hotel Waverly, which he has since remodeled, enlarged and refurnished throughout, making it the best hostlery in Kent county outside the city of Grand Rapids. The Waverly is thoroughly equipped with all the modern conveniences, contains fine billiard hall and sample room, and is in every respect up to date in supplying the traveling public with first-class entertainment. The genial host spares no reasonable endeavors in ministering to the wants of his guests, and his pleasing personality, as well as the superior accommodations of his house, has been the means of attracting a large and lucrative patronage. Mr. Swayze was united in marriage, March 21, I888, with Miss Bessie French, near Guelph, Ontario. She is a daughter of Matthew French and has but one brother, who lives in Canada. Her birth took place in OBERT WV. SWAYZE, proprietor of the well-known Waverly hotel of Lowell, is a native of Canada, and was born on the I3th of March, 186r. He is one of a family of six children born to Ralph E. and Sarah (Hodgskinson) Swayze, 1042 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS _;...~. --- — - -- I Canada April 28, I864, and her education was acquired in the common schools. She ably assists her husband in his business, and has added much toward the popularity of the hotel. She is a member of Rebekah lodge, No. 2, at Lowell, has been one of its chief officers, and is also a member of the L. 0. T. M., No. 2, of which she is also an officer. Mr. Swayze is a public-spirited man, takes an active interest in everything pertaining to the prosperity of Lowell, and wields an influence for the democratic party, with which he has long been identified. He is a member of the I. O.. F. lodge, No. I15, at Lowell, and also of Daisy lodge, No. 48, B. P. O. E., of Grand Rapids. AMES T. SULLIVAN, a leadingfarmer of Grattan township, Kent county, Mich., comes from an old and respected pioneer family and was born on the homestead, where he still resides, April 6, 1858, the fourth of the seven children-five sons and two daughters-that blessed the marriage of John and Johanna (Scanlon) Sullivan, five of which children are still living, viz: Daniel; Bridget E., wife of Thomas Conway, a railroad engineer residing at Shelby, Mich.; John C., a farmer in Campbell township, Ionia county; James T., the subject of this sketch, and Dr. P. Joseph Sullivan,of Muskegon. The doctor graduated from the medical department of the university of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, in I890, and later took a postgraduate course at the Chicago Medical college. He also took a full literary course at Assumption college in Sandwich, Canada. He married Miss Flora B. Ladner, and now has a large practice. Rev. Michael Francis Sullivan, deceased child of John and Johanna (Scanlon) Sul livan, began his education in thepublic schools and graduated from the college of the Assumption at Sandwich, Canada, in the class of 1887. The same year he started for the city of Rome to further pursue his studies in the American college, but, his health failing, he returned to America in I888, attended LaGrande seminary at Montreal, Canada, almost three years, and went thence to Mount St. Mary's academy at Cincinnati, Ohio, when, his health again failing, he was obliged to relinquish his studies, and in February, I892, went to Trinidad, Colo., and while there was ordained priest October 28, 1892, by Right Rev. Bishop N. C. Matz, of Denver. He was a ripe scholar, a fine linguist, and could preach in eight different languages. He was born September 27, I865, and died October 28, I895, in the bishop's house at Denver, as he was the rector of the diocese at the time. John Sullivan, the father of the abovenamed children, was born in Bantry, county Cork, Ireland, June 3, I I2, was educated in the national schools and was reared a farmer. In I836 he sailed from Cork to Quebec, whence he came to the United States and located in Ohio. For some time he worked on the Wabash & Erie canal, from Toledo, Ohio, to Evansville, Ind., on the Ohio river, and then came to Kent county, Mich., in 1843, purchased r60 acres in Grattan township, including the present farm, and, with Indians alone for his neighbors, endured all the hardships of pioneer life. He was one of the first settlers in the township, was one of the organizers of St. Patrick's parish, aided financially in the erection of four different churchbuildings, and for the sites of three of them donated the land. He was a very industrious and hard-working man, a first-class manager, increased his holdings until he owned 360 acres, and wrought out from the wilderness a AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1043 profitable farm. He aided in building the first house in the township, was a useful citizen in every respect, and well fitted for a life in a new country. In politics he was a democrat; in religion he was a sincere Catholic, died in the faith December 22, I894, and his memory is still cherished with respect by the old pioneers as well as by the rising generation. His wife was born in county Kerry, Ireland, in I830, and died a devout Catholic October 7, I88o. James T. Sullivan was educated in the common schools of Grattan township, was confirmed at the age of eight years by Bishop Lefevre, and was reared on his father's farm. Three years before his father's death he was deeded the estate. October 6, I89I, he married Miss Catherine J. Walsh, and this marriage has been blessed with four children, viz: Frances Eileen, who is in the fourth grade in St. Joseph's academy, under the charge of the Sisters of Mercy, is bright in her studies and has taken instruction in music; Johanna Aleta; Francis Aloysius, Patrick and John Henry. Mrs. Catherine Sullivan was born in Alpine township, Kent county, Mich., August 26, 1872, and is a daughter of Patrick and Margaret (Toohey) Walsh, who had a family of four sons and five daughters, of whom the following named eight are still living: Minnie, who graduated from the Normal school at Valparaiso, Ind., in the class of 1891, and is now a teacher in Helena, Mont.; she was confirmed by Bishop Borgess; David, an agriculturist in Solon township, Kent county, Mich.; Mrs. Sullivan, wife of subject; Maggie, who was educated at the Ferris institute in Big Rapids, and is now a successful teacher in Kent county; Lillian, who graduated from the high school at Cedar Springs and the normal school at Ferris institute, and is a teacher at White Swan; Julia, who graduated with the class of 1898 at Cedar Springs and is also a teacher; John, a student at Cedar Springs, and Patrick Henry, at home. All the children, with the exception of Minnie, have been confirmed by Bishop Richter. Patrick Walsh, father of Mrs. Sullivan, was born in county Waterford, Ireland, about 1834, and is now living in Solon township. At the age of about sixteen years he left his beloved land for America, and about 1856 became a resident of Kent county, and here his life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits. The first'land he purchased here was a tract of eighty acres in Alpine township, and the next was 120 acres in Solon township in 1891. He and family worship at the Catholic mission at Sand Lake, and in politics he is a democrat. His wife was born in county Queens, Ireland, May 3, 1844, and was a young lady when she crossed the Atlantic in a steamer, which encountered heavy seas. Mrs. Catherine Sullivan's education was begun in the common schools and was concluded at the Central high school at Grand Rapids, and she was one of the youngest, yet most successful teachers in Kent county. She is a lady of pleasing address, and is of that genial, cordial nature, which makes sunshine in the home and makes that home a heaven. She has always been her husband's counselor in the social and business relations in life. Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan will rear their children in the Catholic faith. Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan began their life together on the old Sullivan homestead in I891, and this is one of the best estates in southwest Grattan township, comprising 200 acres of excellent clay-loam soil, adapted to the cultivation of all those crops peculiar to the southern peninsula. Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan have greatly improved the homestead with new and permanent buildings, and their commodious home stands on an eminence which commands a 1044 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS t fine view of the surrounding country. It is heated by a furnace, and is one of the most hospitable homes of the township: Mr. Sullivan is a democrat in politics and cast his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland. He was elected commissioner of highways in 1883, and again elected in I894; he has also served as justice of the peace of Grattan township, was elected in I897, and for fifteen years has been connected with the public schools of his district. He has been selected as delegate to county and state conventions to represent his party's interests at various times. Mrs. Sullivan became a member of the Altar society of her church in I896, and she and her husband are members of the Sacred Heart society. They are prominent as residents of Grattan township and as members of St. Patrick's parish-the largest country parish in the state-and have been very liberal in their contributions to the support of parish and priest, as well as to the poor and needy. UGENE WARD, supervisor of Caledonia township, Kent county, Mich., dealer in wool, general insurance agent, notary public, etc., was born in Vergennes township, March 31, 1853, and is a son of William W. and Caroline E. Ward, of whom further may be read in the biography of J. H. Ward, of Ada township, in which township the parents located when Eugene, the subject of this sketch, was a child. Eugene Ward was educated in the common schools, and from the age of eighteen years was a teacher in Cannon, Vergennes, Cascade, Caledonia and Gaines townships twelve consecutive terms. He also learned the carpenter's trade and followed that calling to some extent, and at the age of twenty-one years settled in Caledonia township, on a new farm on the south line, where he lived until twelve years ago, when he removed to the village. For ten years he has been largely engaged in buying and shipping wool, and has to some extent been engaged in sheep growing. In politics Mr. Ward is a republican, and for four years served as a justice of the peace; he was then elected supervisor, and in this capacity is now serving his fifth term. He has held some of the most important positions on the committees of the county board, and at present is a member of the county drain committee. He is active in the councils of the republican party, and is generally selected as delegate to its conventions. Mr. Ward was united in marriage April Io, 1877, with Miss Josie Brock, of Caledonia township, but a native of Canada and a resident of Kent county, Mich., since infancy. This union is graced with one child-Byronnow aged eight years. In his fraternal relations Mr. Ward is a Blue lodge Mason. Both he and wife are members of Caledonia chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, and he is also a Knight of Pythias. His life has been so straightforward as to gain the unfeigned esteem of the entire community. From youth upward he has been a great lover of the chase and has passed many seasons in northern Michigan, and for twenty years, with a party of congenial spirits, has made trips that have resulted in the bringing back of many trophies, such as handsome antlers, etc. James Brock, father of Mrs. Josie Ward, was born in Quebec, Canada, February 22, 1832, removed with his parents to the west of Montreal, and remained with them until fourteen years old, then ran away to see the world, and did not return to the old home until past thirty. He worked as a farm lad, at first, and then as a doctor's boy in Mont AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1045 real, as he could speak both English and French, although his parents were Scotch. At seventeen he went into the lumber country on the Ottawa river, remained with the company until thirty years old, going for it into the Hudson Bay country to look after its lumber lands, and ran a raft down the river to Quebec in the summer seasons, having charge of gangs of twelve to one hundred men. April 24, I849, he married, at Brandon, Vt., Isabella Turner, aged sixteen years, lived in the state five years as a farmer, then returned to Canada and contracted for getting out timber for the Great Western 'railroad bridge near Hamilton for five years, built a saw-mill and lost it by fire. In I86o he came to Michigan, was foreman of a large farm in Wayne county until 1866, and then came to Kent county and settled on a wild farm of I60 acres he had bought in 1862, in Caledonia township. He cleared up the place, erected a modern mansion in 1883, and after living in the dwelling nine years it was destroyed by fire, causing a loss of over $2,000. But he rebuilt, at a cost of $2,000, one of the best mansions in the township, and increased the farm to 120 acres. About four years ago he relinquished agriculture, and is now living in retirement in the village. Their only child is Josephine, wife of Eugene Ward. Mr. Ward is a democrat in politics. In religion his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he contributes, though personally holding more nearly to Universalist views. He is strictly temperate. On leaving his parents, sixty years ago, he passed a tavern and saw a drunken brawl, and then and there vowed never to be seen under the influence of liquor. Neither does he use tobacco. He is highly respected socially, and in his retirement celebrated the anniversary of his fiftieth wedding day with a few cherished friends. AMES HENRY WARD, an influential farmer and supervisor of Ada township, was born in Vergennes township, Kent county, Mich., on the 27th of May, 1850. He is descended from a family of industry and of great worth. His grandparents, Horace and Charlotte (Frazier) Ward, settled in Ada township on Honey creek, where they lived and died, he at the age of sixty and she at eighty. The father of James Henry, William Wetherby Ward, a native of New York, was united in marriage to Miss Caroline E. Tillotson, when he was twenty-five years of age. At the time of his marriage he had already purchased land in Vergennes township and had cleared a farm, but later moved to Ada township. Here he spent a great part of his life as a farmer and passed the last ten years in retirement at *Grand Rapids, where he died February 5, I898, at the age of seventy-two years, having survived his wife seven years, she having died at the age of sixty-six. By his unceasing toil and efforts he had succeeded in clearing up three farms and putting them into a high state of cultivation. For fifty-six years he had been a strong republican and a stanch upholder of the principles of his party. Although he never held office, he was often delegate to conventions, etc. By his strong energy and unflagging perseverance he arrived at success. A leading and influential member of society, he is known by all to have been a hard and persistent worker. James Henry Ward, his son, and the subject of this sketch, was brought to Ada township when only three years of age, and with the exception of four years, which he passed in Grattan, has lived here ever since. His educational advantages were such as could be secured in the district schools of his township. He remained with his parents on the farm 1046 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I --- —---— I --- - - - until twenty-one years of age, in the summer cultivating the land, and teaching school in the winter, the latter of which occupations he was engaged in for twelve successive winters in Kent county. On the 5th of April, 1875, when twentyfive years of age, he was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Riggs, daughter of Augustus and Esther (Dennis) Riggs, and born and reared in Ada township. Her father came to Michigan in 1839 when but a lad of thirteen with his parents, Jedediah and Felinda (Crary) Riggs. They settled in Ada on the farm where Augustus now lives. James Henry Ward rented his father's farm for three years and soon bought a farm in Grattan township. He then secured the present farm adjoining the old homestead. It now contains I60 acres, forty acres being part of the old homestead of his father. Lately he has erected a large, fine, brick residence, which lends a vastly different aspect to the original estate, of which only some thirty-five acres were cleared. He is at present engaged in general farming and has I20 acres in cultivation. He has also been carrying on quite an extensive business as a fruit raiser, at present cultivating some I,500 peach trees. Mr. Ward has been a very popular and influential man. He has served as commissioner of the highways in Ada township for some fifteen years, and for two terms has been justice of the peace. In 1894 he was elected supervisor of Ada, and re-elected in I896-98-99. He has adopted the political principles of his father, in that he is a republican. He has taken an active part in the conventions and is one of the most widely known and influential men in the township. Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Ward are the parents of five children, viz: Ashley, Ethel, who is a student of the Grand Rapids high school; William Wetherby, who married Olive Chaffee and assists his father on the farm; Chandler, and Caroline. They also lost two children. Maurice met death when in his seventeenth year by being thrown from his horse, his foot hanging in the stirrups. William Wetherby died at the age of twenty-eight years from the effects of burns. Fraternally Mr. Ward is a member of and is in high standing in the Ada lodge of Masons. In the sporting line he enjoys a hunt each year in northern Michigan -with dog and gun. He is an educated man, and being interested in that line, it has been a great desire of his that his children acquire a good education. ARREN W. WAITE, a leading fruitgrower of Cannon township, Kent l county, Mich., was born in Cleveland, Ohio, March 26, 1857, a son of Milo and Laura J. (Dutcher) Waite, parents of four children, viz: William W., a farmer of Cannon township; Maria, wife of Perry M. Little, of Plainfield township; Lillian, wife of James Watson, a farmer, also of Plainfield township, and Warren W., the subject of this biography and the second-born of the family. Milo Waite was a native of Washtenaw county, Mich., was born May 22, 1834, and when fourteen years old went alone to Ohio and for a while lived in Toledo; he next went to Cleveland, was there married, and in I858 returned to Michigan and followed the trade of shipbuilding, at Detroit, until 1859, when he went to Greenville, Mich. There he was engaged in the manufacture of wagons for a year, then came to Kent county and lived here until the fall of 1871, when he went to Chicago, Ill., and it is thought that he lost his life there in the destructive conflagration which occurred in October of that year, as he was never afterward heard from. Mrs. Laura AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1047 I J. Waite was born in Euclid, Ohio, April 15, I839, came to Michigan with her husband, and after his loss resided with her children in Cannon township until she was called away in January, 1894. Warren W. Waite received a commonschool education, but was quick to learn and was early able himself to teach, and for some time followed the vocation with great success. From the age of twelve until his marriage he had worked out among the neighbors, attended school at intervals and taught school, as stated, in order to assist in maintaining his mother and little sisters and to get a start in the world. July 3, 1874, he married Miss Jennie Haines, a native of Cannon township, bor June 30, I855, the eldest child of Virgi and Esther (Porter) Haines. Virgil Haines was born in Orange county, N. Y., in I821, and when a boy was brought to Michigan by his parents, who settled on a farm in Oakland county. When twenty-five years old, he came to Kent county and settled on a farm in Cannon township. Mrs. Esther Haines was born in Ireland in 1832, and was but a child when brought to Oakland county, Mich., by her parents. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Waite has been blessed with four children, viz: Edith M., who is married to Frank Davy, merchant and postmaster at Austerlitz, Kent county; Frank A-., a student in Olivet college; Clyde E., and Arthur W., attending school at Cannonsburg. In politics Mr. Waite was formerly a prohibitionist and was at one time the nominee of his party for register of deeds, and was so very popular that he came very closely to being elected, notwithstanding the weakness of the party vote; he is now a stanch republican, and under this party has held the offices of school inspector and superintendent. Mr. Waite has also been very successful in literary 56 work, has contributed both prose and poetry to many of the leading journals of the United States, and his library of standard authors is interspersed with many of his own productions. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic lodge at Grattan Center, in which he has held most of the offices. He and wife are members of the Congregational church at Bostwick lake, of which Mr. Waite has been superintendent of the Sunday-school several years. When Mr. Waite started in life he had, as will have been seen by the foregoing remarks, nothing but a pair of willing hands and a determined will, and had, beside, boy as he was, a mother and two young sisters to support; but he was industrious and skillful and frugal, and now owns a fine farm of 60o acres, containing a peach orchard of 7,000 trees,a plum orchard of 300 trees, and a well-stocked apple orchard, and although comparatively young in fruit-culture, his farm promises to be one of the leading in Kent county, and that in the near future. Mr. and Mrs. Waite are among the most respected residents of Cannon township and well deserve the high esteem in which thev are held. EORGE W. TORTELLET, a representative and prosperous farmer of Kent county since 1878 and an old soldier of the Civil war, is a native of Miami county, Ohio, and was born February 17, 1845. He is the third in a family of five children born to Harrison and Sophia (Crouch) Tortellet. His father was born in New England and died when George was a boy of eight summers. His mother had departed from earthly life three years before and he was early left an orphan to buffet the waves of adversity. After the death of his parents he I -i 1048 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS went to live with his uncle and stayed under his roof until he enlisted in the army. His educational advantages were rather meager, but by special study he went beyond a common-school education. On the 3d of March, 1864, he offered his services and life to his native country by enlisting in company F, Fourth Ohio volunteer cavalry, at Lima. He joined his regiment at Nashville, Tenn., where they were awaiting their horses. The first action he took part in was at Moulton, Ala., a hot engagement, lasting the entire day. Next he was in the severe battle at Nashville, Tenn., then at Selma, Ala., where he was in the Wilson raid of almost a day's duration. In a word, from the time the Fourth Ohio cavalry left Gravel Springs, until they reached Macon, Ga., they were under fire, resembling very much a continuous battle. At Selma and other points, they were shelled furiously by the rebels. Mr. Tortellet was on the famous "march to the sea," where he was in tne saddle night and day, and many times suffered from the want of food and shelter. An instance of their extreme hunger might have been witnessed at Gravel Springs, Tenn., when the Fourth Ohio regiment was so hard run for food that the poor soldiers were compelled to eat the corn intended for their horses. When the glad news came to the Federals that the celebrated Rebel chieftain, Gen. R. E. Lee, had surrendered, they were between Montgomery, Ala., and Columbus Ga. The joyful news was received with exultation by the boys in blue, for it meant home, friends and loved ones. Mr. Tortellet was honorably discharged at Nashville, Tenn., July 15, I865, and returned to his home in Ohio, having served his time of enlistment as a faithful soldier, and endured the privations and hardships of a soldier's life, and three months' sickness in the hospital. In I866 he came to Coldwater, Branch I I county, Mich., where he engaged as a farm laborer for three years. During his stay there he wedded Miss Puella A. Van Nuys, on the 24th of December, I87I, and she bore him five sons and three daughters, seven of which children are living, viz: Seeley C., who, having completed the eighth grade at school, is aiding his father in his farming; Rosa, wife of Fred Tompsett of Spencer townsnip, and mother of two sons, Clayton and Harry; George N., who has completed the eighth grade at school and Herbert A., both of whom are living under the parental roof; Floyd R., Bessie B. and Ethel May. Mrs. Tortellet was born in Seneca county, N. Y., August 24, 1849, and is a daughter of Simon and Sarah J. (Wickoff) Van Nuys. Her father was a native of the Mohawk valley and of the old Mohawk-Dutch descent. He was an agriculturist and emigrated to Michigan when Mrs. Tortellet was a little girl of six years, and died in that state at the age of seventy-one years. Mrs. Tortellet received a common-school education and is a lady affaable and genial by nature and ever superlative in the affection of her husband. At the time Mr. and Mrs. Tortellet began married life, their capital did not amount to a five-dollar bill. Mr. Tortellet came to Cedar Springs and engaged in any occupation at which he could earn an honest dollar. He sent for his wife as soon as he had the necessary funds and they remained in the vicinity of Cedar Springs about two years, thence removing to Pearson, Mich., where he was for a short -time engaged in lumbering. At this time he was the owner of eighty acres of partly improved land which he subsequently lost, and furthermore was thrown $700 in debt. He was compelled again to commence at the starting place; he worked in the mills a short time, then back again to Branch county, and thence to Spencer township, where he AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1049 - -- purchased forty-nine acres of improved land, for which he went in debt..But economy and thrift have secured for them to-day, in I899, a nicely improved farm without a cent of debt. They are pioneers of the township and have witnessed its growth and development, and in the cause of the latter they themselves have done much. Politically Mr. Tortellet is a stanch republican, having cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, while in the ranks. His record is that of a man who has by his own unaided efforts worked his way up to at least a comfortable and enjoyable position. His life has been one of industry, perseverance and economy, and the systematic and honorable business methods which he has followed, have won him the support and confidence of many. Both he and his wife are God-fearing people and lead christian lives, holding to the doctrines taught in the Bible and following the primitive church practices as closely as possible. They are members of and believers in the Church of God. ILL E. TAYLOR, of the firm of Bush & Taylor, to a review of whose life the following lines are devoted, is, in point of activity and enterprise, one of the most successful and progressive young business men of the town of Lowell. Mr. Taylor is the only child of Edwin and Alma (Wait) Taylor, and first saw the light of day in Lowell, Kent county, Mich., on the 20th day of January, I875. The parents are both natives of the state of New York, but became residents of Lowell a number of years ago and are still living in the town, the father following general teaming as his vocation. The public schools of Lowell furnished Will E. with a practical education, but after the age of ten he was rarely found within the school-room, as he began the struggle of life for himself before reaching his 'teens. His first employment was as errand and generalpurpose boy with the grocery house of H. Mitchell, of Lowell, in which capacity he continued for a period of four or five years, winning the confidence and esteem of his employers and gaining a very complete knowledge of the business in the meantime. With the experience thus acquired Mr. Taylor a few years later engaged in merchandizing upon his own responsibility, and it is now just to observe that few young men of his years and with the limited capital at his command succeeded so well in their first venture. After continuing for some time with much more than ordinary success, Mr. Taylor closed out his stock to great advantage and entered into partnership in the bakery and confectionery trade with Daniel F. Bush, who had already succeeded in becoming the leader in those two lines of business in Lowell. The firm was established on the 3d day of April, 1898, and though of but few months' existence at this time, bids fair to continue to be as it already is, one of the leading business ventures of the town. Messrs. Bush & Taylor are both exceptionally bright and enterprising young men and by fair dealing, and studying the needs of the public in their lines, have already established a reputation much more than local. Mr. Taylor was married October I6, 1894, to Miss Maude Rider, of Grand Rapids, a young lady fitted in every way to be the companion of her husband and to preside with grace and dignity over their household. The business career of Mr. Taylor is indeed creditable. By reason of his father's inability to assist him, he was thrown upon his own resources at a very early age, and the success 1050 THE CITY OF. GRAND RAPIDS I he has achieved is due entirely to his own efforts. Strong determination, persistence in the pursuit of an honorable purpose, unflagging energy and careful management are the salient features of his career, and his life is an outgrowth of principles carefully nurtured and trained in the proper direction. In his political views he is an unswerving republican'-and has done all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of his party. Fraternally he is a member of the order of Maccabees, belonging to the local lodge of Lowell. LFRED C. TEEPLE, a well known and highly respected farmer on section No. 23, Paris township, was born in Cascade township, Kent county, Mich., May 4, 1842. George W. and Samantha (Cook) Teeple, parents of Alfred C. Teeple, were natives of Seneca county, N. Y., whose families came to Michigan in an early day and located in Wayne county, near Plymouth, where the parents of the subject were married. In 1836, when the family consisted of two children, they came to the Grand River country, locating in Cascade township, Kent county, where the family has sifice had representatives. That was assuredly at a pioneer period. Scarcely a dozen houses stood at the then mere trading-post, where now the hum of hundreds of extensive factories, employing thousands of men, indicates the second city of importance in the state. The woods, through which the beautiful Thornapple flowed, were scarcely yet trod by white man's feet, and the placid waters of the beautiful stream still often reflected the swarthy face of the Indian warrior or his no less dusky maiden. About the same time Lewis Cook, maternal uncle of the subject, also arrived; and soon afterward came his father, Edward Cook, a veteran of the war of I812, who likewise took up his residence in Cascade. When Alfred C. was six years of age, his parents removed to section No. 18, on the line of Paris township, where they settled on a tract of 150 acres. Of this about ten acres had been partially improved, the remainder being subsequently cleared by his father, who died on the place at the age of seventy-four years. His wife survived him twelve years, dying at the age of eighty-two. This farm is now owned by their son, William E. Teeple, who makes it his home. George W. Teeple was a stanch democrat and an influential party worker; he was quite popular with his party as well as with the general public. He was of a sociable nature, liberal in his relations to all. He was very fond of hunting, a sport in which he was invariably successful, having attained an enviable record among hunters as one whose skill in many instances excelled that of the Indian. Of his twelve children, ten grew to maturity, and nine are still living. One son, Marcus D., who was a resident of Paris township, was accidentally killed at the age of fifty-four years, by logs rolling over him through some mishap while he was at work. but his widow and one daughter still reside on their farm. Alfred C. Teeple remained on the home farm until thirty-one years old, for five years having had full charge of its operation. At his marriage he located on part of the homestead, where he lived about eighteen months. when he removed to a farm in Jamestown, Ottawa county, on which he lived six years, making extensive improvements upon it. Ever being handy in the use and operation of machinery, he engaged in the lumber manufacture in Grand Rapids for a period of five years. He also worked two and a half years as a carpen AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1051 I ter, his skill being such that although he had never worked at this trade before, he soon received the best wages paid to skilled mechanics. He had abandoned farming on account of ill health, but, his temperament and disposition were such that he must be actively engaged in renmunerative labor. The old love for the pursuits of agriculture had not been outgrown or forgotten, but its independence came more forcibly to mind after these years spent in mechanical life, and so in the fall of i886 Mr. Teeple secured his present farm, which had formerly been owned by Alexander Loomis, his father-in-law, and comprised forty acres. He next purchased eighty acres adjoining on section No. 23, known as the Thomas Skinner farm. He rebuilt the dwelling and barns, made other desirable improvements, and now has the finest farm of its dimensions in Paris township, and, owing to the skill and intelligence in its operation, it is one of the most prolific in the crops grown upon it. He also keeps a flock of choice sheep, in which he justly takes great pride; in keeping with the whole, all his live stock is in fact of the best breeds. Mr. Teeple is a democrat in politics, has often attended as delegate the county, district and state conventions of his party, and has worked hard for its success. He never shirks responsibility in upholding and advocating its principles, being well informed, not only upon questions of party belief, but also in all political history, and is naturally a stanch supporter of the Chicago platform. 'His fraternal relations are with the I. O. O. F., with which he has held a quiet connection for several years. Mr. Teeple was'joined in marriage March 26, 1872, with Miss DeEtte L. Loomis, a native of Gaines township, Kent county, Mich., and to this felicitous union have been born two children —Lotta B. and E. Clyde-both still at home. Mr. Teeple, like those only who have been careful students of the Bible and thoughtful in reaching conclusions, is a Unitarian in his religious belief, though at present he is not related to any church society. Recognizing their value in a community, he liberally contributes to the churches of the vicinity. Hte is of a tough, wiry physique and nervous temperament; thoughtful and meditative, he endeavors to seek the reason for all things before he considers them worthy of his faith and sanction.. He is greatly respected as a man of independence of thought, honorable living, and his many excellent personal qualities. His family are also held in unalloyed esteem by their numerous friends and neighbors. ENECA TEEPLE, one of the best known and most highly respected farmers of Cascade township, Kent county, Mich., and ex-soldier, is a native of the state, and was born in Wayne county, August 20, I83I, a son of Peter and Sarah (Losey) Teeple, the former of whom was born in New Jersey and the latter at Ovid, Seneca county, N. Y., where they were married, and whence they came to Michigan, when they were parents of but one child. Jonas Teeple, father of Peter, and the entire family, on coming to Michigan together, settled where the village of Plymouth, Wayne county, now stands. Jonas made several visits to Kent county, but died in Wayne county when past eighty years old. His three sons, Peter, George and James, all settled in Kent county-Peter and George coming in i836, and James some years later, settling at Sparta. Peter Teeple was the father of seven children when he came to Kent county. He had 1052 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS sold a large farm at Plymouth, and in Cascade township, Kent county, bought 700 acres of government land at $1.25 per acreall close together. He built a little log house in section No. I8, and there passed the remainder of his life. The little log house, however, gave place to the present dwelling in I855. Mr. Teeple was for many years agent for speculators who owned large tracts of land in the county, and of these Mr. Teeple sold many acres to settlers and thus did much to people the locality. He kept open house, and this, naturally, was a very popular place with the pioneers. He was in the midst of a wilderness, with no roads, until he cleared them through the woods, and these roads he twisted to the right and to the left to avoid swamp and creeks, over which there were no bridges, and however pretty serpentine patterns may be in landscape gardening, they are not quite the thing wanted in a wilderness. Although he was but eight miles from Grand Rapids, then called Bobolink, it took him two days to make the trip. For ten years Mr. Teeple was supervisor of his township, and kept up his interest in public affairs until he had attained an advanced age. He was friendly at all times with the Indians, and the children of Indians were playmates of his own, of whom there were nine, viz: Jane, who was married to Thomas Merrils, and died at Grand Haven, when upward of fifty years old; Lettie, widow of Henry Pennoyer, resides at Seattle, Wash.; Seneca, the subject of this sketch; Emeline, wife of Charles Maben, of Cascade; Peter, of Fremont, Mich.; Delia, widow of Fayette Freeman, and living in Grand Rapids; Manda, who was married to Byron Hinshaw, and died at the age of twenty-five years; Perry, who lives in Schoolcraft county, Mich.; and Frances, wife of Lothrop Stowe, of Grand Rapids. The venerated father of this family died in I875, at eighty-two years of age, having lost his wife five years previously. Seneca Teeple remained on the home place until twenty-one years old, and then made a start for Pike's Peak, passed four years each in Kansas and Missouri, and at the breaking out of the Civil war returned to Michigan, and in I863 enlisted in company K, Sixteenth Michigan infantry. He fought in the battles of the Wilderness, Va., and all the way through to the surrender of Lee at Appomattox, at which he was present. For a short time only he was in the hospital. He was discharged at Louisville, Ky., and at once returned home, began farming on a place near his father's homestead, clearing it up from the woods. Subsequently he purchased his father's place, on which he lived until about I893, when he settled on his present farm, opposite the old homestead, and known as the Lewis Cook farm. He owns I60 acres, divided into two, half being the old and half the new. He has dealt in horses for vears, and also for many years made a specialty of sheep-raising, and though always a general farmer, has of late years given most of his attention to this branch of his vocation. Seneca Teeple married, in I874, Miss Frances Rising, of Ohio, to which union were born two children-Peter and Oliver both of whom died in childhood. To fill the vacancy caused by these sad events, Mr. and Mrs. Teeple, in kindness of heart, have adopted two others Edward Winchell and Celia Parker. The boy, Edward, was taken to their hearts when he was ten years of age, and was reared with affection and care until twenty-one; is now running a milk route, but is still making his home with Mr. and Mrs. Teeple. The adopted daughter, Celia, a niece of Mrs. Teeple. was but seven years of age when she was taken into the family circle, of which she is still the ornament and pride. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1053 -- Mrs. Teeple is a devout member of the Disciples' church, and is a lady in all respects, being possessed of many womanly virtues and social qualifications which fit her for any station in life. In politics Mr. Teeple is of democratic proclivities, his father having been a Jacksonian democrat, but he has taken no active part in politics, being content to attend to his private interests, although he is one of the most public-spirited men in the county, never failing to respond when called upon to aid measures calculated to be of benefit to the public, and especially such as may add to the prosperity of his township. To-day this old playmate of Indian lads in his youth-who has witnessed the multifarious changes which have made Kent county what it is-stands foremost among a class of men who can boast of living on the highest plane of civilized life, honored by all his fellow-men. YRUS G. TINDALL.- Among the armers and honorable pioneers prominently identified with the general development of Kent county, is Cyrus G. Tindall, who was born January I8, I859, on the farm where he now resides, and reared to honest toil as a farmer, which vocation he has followed through life. He aided his father in the development and cultivation of the farm, and, having resided here since birth, he has seen the country grow from a wilderness to its present state of improvement. What was only a wild forest when his parents came here, is cleared and improved, furnished with beautiful and comfortable dwellings, school-houses and churches, and even towns and villages near by, with railroads, etc., and sustaining thousands of civilized people. These observations awaken many memories when much of this country was covered with heavy timber, crossed with many ponds, sloughs and "slashes," and when the few settlers lived together in harmony aud sympathy, although in great poverty, and had confidence in each other and enjoyed one another's company far more than at the present day. They were ready to help oneanother in raising cabins, rolling logs, etc., and the social gatherings were simple, inexpensive and satisfactory. Cyrus G. Tindall is the second in order of birth in a family of four sons and two daughters born to John N. and Lydia J. (Silverthorne) Tindall. Five of the children are living, viz: Cyrus G.; Huldah E. and Helen, both educated in the common schools of their native county and now milliners at Rockford, Mich.; Seymour. a mechanic residing at Reed City, Mich., and Charley, who married Miss Gertrude Bennett and is now a dealer in grain and potatoes at Evans, Mich. The father, still a resident upon part of the original homestead, was born in New Jersey on the i6th of March, I829, was educated in the common schools and reared to agricultural pursuits. He came when but a young lad to Michigan with his parents, who located in Oakland county. There he grew to manhood and married, and in I856 came to Kent county. He has in his possession a deed for eighty acres of land in Nelson township, bearing the date of March IO, 1857, and the signature of President James Buchanan. He still is the owner of forty acres of land in section No. 34, of Nelson township. Politically he was a whig, and became an upholder of republican principles at the birth of that party, a connection he still retains. He and his wife are respected members of the Methodist church. Cyrus G. 'Tindall, whose name introduces this biography, has spent his life in Kent, i054 TIHE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS - Ionia and Montcalm counties. For a number of years he was a lumberman and aided in the clearing of the land for miles north and east of his residence. During the ten years following 1885 he made a business of hunting, and shipped his game-partridge and quail mainly -to the city of Detroit. This proved a very successful business, and aided very materially in giving him a start in life. He has led a very active and eventful career and the incicidents in his life as a hunter are very interesting. His fine physical nanhood stands to testify the endurance, tested by his long tramps, some of them of three weeks' duration, undergone by him while on these excursions. Mr. Tindall remained with and gave his time and earnings to his father until twenty-one years of age, when he began life for himself with $Ioo capital. On February 28, I883,.Mr. Tindall was united in marriage to Miss Annie G. Brown, who has borne him two sons and a daughter, viz: Verne E., who is in the eighth grade at school, and during vacation gives his whole mind and attention to agricultural pursuits and stock raising; Carl M. is in the fifth grade at school and a remarkably industrious and prompt student, his average for the term being over 90 per cent. and his attendance perfect; Elva Jean is also attending school and endowed with musical talent. Mrs. Tindall was born in Fair Plains township, Montcalm county, Mich., October I7, i858, a daughter of Nathaniel and Emma (Milton) Brown. There were three sons and three daughters in the family, all of whom are living, viz: Nathaniel J., a mechanic and carpenter, has been married and has a son in the gold regions of Alaska; Milton J., who is married and is engaged as an agridulturist of Fair Plains, Mich.; Mary Jane, who was formerly a teacher in the Ionia and Montcalm county schools, and at present is the wife of I I Theodore Leach, a resident of Ionia county, Mich.; Leonard, T., married and engaged in agriculture in Montcalm county, and Emma W., the wife of J. Palmer, a farmer of Amsden, Montcalm county, Mr. Brown was born in Airfield, Middlesex, England, September I, I824, and lives at present on the old homestead in Montcalm county. He was reared and educated in his native land, where he was married and one child was born, He crossed the Atlantic three times, and finally settled, and became in 1853 a citizen of Montcalm county, Mich. Here he bought I60 acres of land of the government, and the deed for same is in the possession of the Brown family. Mrs. Brown, the mother, was born in the same locality as her husband, about ten miles from the great metropolis of the empire, London. She came from a family of great wealth, refinement and prominence. She had her own private servants and received more than an ordinary education. Her birth occurred on the 25th day of November, 1820, and her departure from the life of earth January 28, I899. Her remains are interred in Shanty Plains cemetery, and a beautiful stone marks her last lesting place She had a very dangerous voyage across the Atlantic ocean, of nine weeks' duration, and the ship narrowly escaped destruction as a result of collision. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were much respected members and workers in the Baptist church, and Mr. Brown in his political affiliation is a stanch republican. Mrs. Tindall, wife of the subject, though educated only in the common schools, possesses more than an ordinary intellect and might have been a most successful teacher. She has, however, improved her time by the selection and perusal of the best books and and authors and has nobly accomplished her part as wife. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE..1055 Mr. and Mrs. Tindall began ife together on their little farm of forty acres in Nelson township, with a very meager capital, their home being partly paid for. To-day they are owners of sixty acres of finely improved land in Nelson township. They have erected one of the finest basement barns in the township and are not indebted a cent's worth, the ind'ebtedness on the original I40 acres having been cleared by Mrs. Tindall. The example extant is an excellent one for the young, and shows that labor and toil may bring one to the desired end. As to his political predilections, Mr. Tindall is a republican and cast his first vote for James A. Garfield. He is a man who has attended strictly to his own business, and both he and his wife are ardent supporters of the public schools, advocating the selection of the most proficient instructors.. Socially, Mr. Tindall is an esteemed member of the Maccabees tent, No. 785, at Evans, Mich. His life has been one of honorable activity in the department of agriculture and the persevernace and energy of himself and wife have met with reward. EROY L. THOMPSON, a pioneer farmer and one of the most highly respected citizens of Paris township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of Covert, Seneca county, N. Y., and was born January 6, 1830. His parents were Moses and Elizabeth (Johnson) Thompson, the former of whom died when Leroy was but one year old; his mother some time afterward became the wife of Frederick Auble. In the spring of 1852, Mr. and Mrs. Auble came to Michigan and temporarily located, in Gaines, Kent county, being followed in the fall of the same year by Leroy L. Thomp son, who had been reared on the home farm in Covert, a community from which many reputable persons have emigrated. He soon thereafter purchased his present farm in Paris township. There had been no road cut through his section, which was covered with a dense forest of heavy timber, and he was compelled to hew a road through to his newly purchased land. He erected a small log house so as to have a home, and then engaged in work for his neighbors, Chopping down trees and splitting rails, in winter, haying' and harvesting in summer, all of his first season's earnings being used in purchasing a yoke of steers. His first crop of corn was planted in the brush, as it lay piled after felling the timber, and before the logs and brush were burned, the brush heaps affording excellent support to the pumpkin vines, which grew rapidly and soon covered them. As time and opportunity offered, he worked on his embryo farm, but despite all he could do, with so much of his effort devoted to others, it was two years ere he had cleared off a tract of five acres. His farm, comprising eighty acres and costing but $2.50 per acre originally, is now, after years of energetic toil, one of the best in the township. He has it in excellent cultivation and supplied with a good residence and other necessary buildings. He devotes it mainly to the crops usually grown in this section of the state, devoting considerable attention, however to fruit growing. He is one of the up-todate farmers, and being thorough and methodical in his operations, the well-tilled fields yield most bounteous returns for the labor bestowed upon them. His mother and step-father soon joined him and made their home with him the remainder of their days, the mother dying at about the age of sixty-five years, and Mr. Auble when about seventy-five. The family comprised nine children, of whom seven were born to Mr. and Mrs. Auble. 1056 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Mr. Thompson was united in marriage, when thirty years of age, with Miss Eliza M. Earl, a native of New York,' who came to Michigan at the age of seventeen. To this union have been born six children: James, of Paris; Tennie, wife of Frank Cook, abstractor, Jessie, who died when just budding into promising young womanhood; Dora, married to Ransom Vanderscorce, of Cascade; Alice, wife of Fred Frost, of Gaines, and Herbert, who is still on the home farm. In politics, Mr. Thompson is a democrat, occasionally representing his party in its conventions, but never seeking reward through public offices. He is recognized as a gentleman of sterling integrity by the community in which he has so long lived, and which, indeed, he has seen grow up about him. He and family are universally respected for their many snperior qualities of mind and heart, few citizens holding to a greater degree the esteem of their busine'ss, political or social acquaintances. ILLIAM H. THOMPSON, late of Courtland township, where he was held in great esteem, was born in Kent county, on the i6th of August, 1849, and died at his home on the 8th of February, 1895. He was a worthy representative of one of the old and substantial pioneer families, his father being Calvin Thompson and his mother Drusilla White, of whom more complete mention is found on another page of this volume. His boyhood years were passed in such farm labor as was incident to the time, and he soon learned the value of application to work. Calvin Thompson knew how to appreciate the aspirations of youth, and while he did not discourage his son's seeking fortune elsewhere he encouraged him to remain beneath the paternal roof, where he became closely identified with his parents until his father's death, when, in connection with his brother, they administered upon the estate. He was soon after, May I I, I877, united in matrimony with Miss Mary E., daughter of Robert and Margaret (Beatty) Johnston, and who was also born in Kent county, November 21, I856. They at once settled upon the 17o-acre farm that has since been his home and to the improvement of which he turned his entire attention. For some years the principal crops were wheat and hay, while latterly beans and potatoes have proven more profitable. Exercising skill and intelligence, the well tilled fields yielded a golden tribute in return for the labor bestowed upon them. He took just pride in his home, and in addition to commodious and well arranged barn and outbuildings, he in I884 erected, at a cost of $2,500, a handsome residence. This, commanding as it does a view of the surrounding country and being built upon approved plans and finished in hard woods, completes one of the most desirable of country homes. Mrs. Thompson is one of two daughters, the other being Sarah, who is now the wife of Charles Tefft, a successful farmer of the same township. Mrs. Thompson's girlhood was passed in Courtland township, receiving a fair common school education. She is the mother of three children, all of whom reside with her. They are Calvin J., whose course in the Rockford high school was cut short by the untimely death of his father, the responsibility of the farm largely devolving upon him, though then in but his seventeenth year, his former training was such that he assumed the general conduct of the business, working, however, in harmony with his mother,whose oversight has resulted in the continuation of the excellent methods followed by her husband. Margaret, a bright young lady, who gives promise of I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1057 l superior skill as a musician; Howard A. is the youngest of the three. While yet in life's prime, when reckoned by years, Mr. Thompson was stricken by the disease that, refusing to yield to able medical skill, terminated the life that meant so much not only to himself but to those dependent upon him. Patient to the end, he showed a fortitude that conveyed strong and lasting impressions on those about him. He stood extremely high in the estimation of his fellowcitizens, with whom he was ever in most cordial relations. He was public spirited, and ever ready with his means in promoting the progress of general improvement. He never sought public office, was not bound down by party ties, and cast his franchise for the nominee he deemed best fitted to perform the duties of the office. He was liberal to the extreme, his purse being ever open in aid of all measures designed for the elevation of mankind, and his charity to the poor was proverbial. When he departed this life, the citizens lost a kind neighbor, the wife an affectionate husband, and the children an indulgent father. His remains were interred in the White Swan cemetery, and at the head of his grave stands a stately monument, reared to his memory by his loving wife and children. Mrs. Mary E. Thompson is still living on the pleasant homestead, which is indeed one of the finest estates in the county, and, surrounded by her children, honored and beloved by her neighbors, is passing her years, as far as her great bereavement will permit, in peace and happiness. AMUEL SMITH TOWNER, a pioneer farmer, millman, lumberman, merchant, general business man and prominent citizen of Byron township, Kent county, Mich., was born in the town I I ship of Willsboro, Essex county, N. Y., March 4, 1821, the eldest of a family of five sons and seven daughters born to Samuel U. and Sophia W. (Smith) Towner, of which family four, besides the subject of this sketch, still survive, viz: James, now a resident of Santa Ana, Orange county, Cal., and for eight years superior judge at that place; he is a self-made man, and when a lad was frequently drawn to school on a hand-sled by his brother, Samuel S.; he served in the Civil war, having raised a company in Iowa, and lost his left eye in the battle of Pea Ridge, Ark. Martha, the eldest of the surviving daughters, is the wife of Edwin Nash, formerly an editor, but now living in retirement in Santa Ana, Cal.; Maria is married to John Leslie, a surveyor at Los Angeles, Cal., and Emily is the widow of David Longbon, with her residence in Waterville, Kan. Samuel U. Towner was born in Vermont January 9, 1797, was of English descent, was reared a farmer and woodman, was fairly well educated in the public schools, but acquired considerable knowledge through self-application, and was quite a lad when he enlisted in the state of New York for service in the war of I812. In 18.43 he located in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, where he purchased a farm, and, in I85I, came to Michigan and settled on a grant of land in Byron township, Kent county. In politics he was first a whig, but became a republican on the organization of that party, warmly endorsing its principles. On one occasion, when Judge Burlingame came from Grand Rapids to Byron Center, to address a greenback meeting, he incidentally addressed Mr. Towner as '' Uncle Towner;" but Mr. Towner was averse to such a familiarity, and inquired, "Judge Burlingame, can you tell me how you became related to me?"which question caused a smile to pass over the jurist's face. In religion, Mr. Towner 1058 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS was reared a Methodist, but in his latter years he became a Universalist, and died in this faith March 13, I884, one of the most honored of the old pioneers of Byron township. His wife was a native of Willsboro, N. Y., was born March 20, I802, and died February 21, 1882. Samuel S. Towner began working for wages at the early age of fifteen years, and gave his earnings to his parents to aid them in paying for their farm. Later he shipped on the Water Witch on Lake Champlain, at $12 per month, and this sum he divided with his parents. At twenty-three years of age he came west to northern Ohio, in company with his brother James, and together they had about ten cents on their arrival. Samuel S. found employment in the shipyards. They had walked across the country, and at night stopped with some hospitable farmer, but often cut wood to compensate for their lodging and breakfast. But Samuel S. was made of stern stuff and was determined to make a success of life. While in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, Mr. Towner married Miss Cerelia L. Blakeslee, October 20, 1847, the fruit of the union being five'children-three sons and two daughtersof whom two sons and one daughter are still living, viz: Hiram S., a student at the high school in Grand Rapids, married, and a civil engineer of that city; Cassius B., of whom mention will be made in full at the conclusion of this sketch, and Middie C., wife of Dr. A. G. Burwell, of Byron Center, and whose life record will be found on another page. Mrs. Cerelia L. Towner was born in Ridgeville, Lorain county, Ohio, October I, 1830, a daughter of James Sherman and Fanny (Lilly) Blakeslee, of English descent. There were two sons and one daughter in the Blakeslee family, but Mrs. Towner is the only survivor. James S. Blakeslee was born in Watertown, Conn., February 8, I806, was a carpenter by trade and a whig in politics, and died in Ridgeville, June 25, 1834; his wife was born in Ashfield, Mass., December 7, 181I, and died January 23, I890. Her parents, Jesse and Hannah (Gloyd)'Lilly, started from Ashfield, Mass., to Cuyahoga county, Ohio, with an oxcart, but on the road the ox died and the good cow was made its substitute, and the journey lasted six weeks. At that time there was but one frame house in Cleveland, and Cuyahoga county a vast wilderness. On one occasion, when Mr. Lilly was away from home, wolves swarmed around the rude cabin door in great numbers, and Mrs. Lilly placed two of her children in a cradle on a joist up-stairs, and with the youngest in her arms kept vigil through the long night. The Lilly family traces its origin to Scotland, and the male members were hardy and warlike, some of them figuring in the French and Indian wars in colonial days and in the war of the Revolution. Mrs. Cerelia L. Towner is remarkably well preserved, physically and mentally; her memory is as clear as that of a girl of eighteen, and she recalls past events with a facility truly remarkable. She was educated in the common school at Elyria, Ohio, and has been a sage adviser to her husband in all his transactions. October 23, I852, Mr. and Mrs. Towner, with their two children, came to Byron township, Kent county, Mich., and settled in section No. 21, on land located by Mr. Towner's father. Their first dwelling here was a small log cabin, I4 x I6 feet, with a stove-pipe chimney thrust through the roof. One room answered all purposes. Four feet from the cabin was a little shop, in which Mr. Towner worked in the winter as a cooper, making sap buckets, and in the summer Mrs. Towner used this shop as a kitchen. The work-bench was a, beech slab, or puncheon, and the floor of AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1059 the cabin was also made of puncheons. Rattlesnakes were very numerous, but of neighbors there was not one in sight; no highways existed, and of horse teams there were only two in the township. The old-fashioned four-fingered cradle and the scythe were the farming implements he used, and an ox-team was his mode of conveyance to Grand Rapids, the principal thoroughfares of which villageCanal and Monroe streets-were lined with little wooden buildings. Mrs. Towner still remembers when she was compelled to go east of Grand Rapids to take a steamer, as not a railroad had yet entered that now great city. Mr. Towner has led a very active and industrious, as well as enterprising, life, and has been very prosperous. He helped operate the first saw-mill in Byron township, all the village of Byron Center, south of the road, running east and west, having been platted and laid out by him in I870. He has been a heavy buyer and seller of logs and timber, and has increased his landed possessions to 280 acres, although he began his business life with nothing but his native ability and the aid of his estimable life-partner. In I895 he opened a large department store in Byron Center, and this has grown to be one of the best in any of the country villages in the county of Kent. When Mr. and Mrs. Towner came to Byron township, theirs was the third family to settle here. There was not a church nor a school-house in the locality and the roads were all simple Indian trails through the forest, indicated by blazed trees. Since then, they have aided financially in the erection of several churches and school-houses, and their cozy cottage home contains two beautiful blackwalnut dressers, manufactured by the Widdicomb Furniture company from timber cut on Mr. Towner's own land. From I88I to i884 they resided in Grand Rapids. To that town in the early days, Mr. Towner traveled on foot to buy his groceries, which he carried home on his back. Too much credit cannot be given to such pioneers as Mr. and Mrs. Towner, who came from an eastern home where comparative ease and comfort were enjoyed by even those in humble circumstances, to brave the hardships and dangers of a howling wilderness, and make it a home fit for civilized man, and many a time, in those early days, Mrs. Towner " took a good cry" for the home of her childhood; but these troubles have all passed away and Mr. and Mrs. Towner now live in luxury and ease, prominent and respected, in a thickly populated village, and a refined social community. In his politics, Mr. Towner was formerly a whig and cast his first presidential vote for William Henry Harrison, but at the disintegration of that party and the formation of the republican party, he united with the latter. He has served his fellow-townsmen as supervisor and highway commissioner, but more from a feeling of public duty than from a desire to hold office. In religion, Mr. and Mrs. Towner are Universalists, and are members of All Soul'schurch in the city of Grand Rapids. October 20, I897, Mr. and Mrs. Towner celebrated their golden wedding-the fiftieth year they had shared together the joys and sorrows of married life. Their pleasant home is in Byron Center, where they are passing their declining years in peace and contentment, surrounded by their children and many friends, and kind as ever to the poor and needy. Among his many other experiences, Mr. Towner has had a short one in military life. In March, I865, inspired by the patriotism which at that time had fired the northern heart, he enlisted in company C, Tenth Michigan cavalry, under Capt. Thomas and Col. 1060 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Trowbridge, and was assigned to the army of the Tennessee, but as the war closed the following April, his service was necessarily short; yet he was detained until November 20, I865, when he received an honorable discharge at Jackson, Mich. Cassius B. Towner, alluded to above as the younger of the two surviving sons of Samuel S. and Cerelia L. Towner, is an enterprising merchant at Byron Center and manager of the large department store in which his father has the chief interest. He was born in Byron township September 6, 1859, was educated in the common schools and also took a course in Swensberg's business college, in Grand Rapids, and his life has been spent in Kent county. Ever since his majority he has had charge of the store mentioned, and he has conducted it with unvarying success from the start. October 23, I88I, he married Miss Julia B. Huff, and two sons and three daughters have graced this union-four yet living, as follows: Wilfred, who graduated from the Byron Center public schools with the class of 900o, is a fine mathematician and possesses a talent for music; Fannie is in the eighth, and Elma in the sixth grade at school, and Athel is still at home. Mrs. Julia B. Towner was born in Shiawassee county, Mich., July 24, 1852, and is a daughter of Harmon and Harriet (Holley) Huff, of French and Puritan descent, respectively. When she was eleven years of age her parents removed to Grand Rapids, in which city she passed six years, attending school. Her taste for literature predominates, and as a writer she is far above mediocrity. She has a decided talent for music, especially vocal, and of this she has been a successful teacher. She is of a cordial and genial disposition, and possessed of those amiable traits of character which adorn the true lady. Harmon Huff, father of Mrs. Towner, was born in New York in 1827, was reared to farning, and is now living in retirement in Grand Rapids. His wife was born in Ovid, N. Y., October 23, I828, was for many years a teacher in Shiawassee county, Mich., when the Indians were quite as numerous as white men, and is a lady of refined taste. Both Mr. and Mrs. Huff are consistent members of the Congregational church. In politics, Cassius B. Towner is a republican and cast his first presidential vote for James A. Garfield. Fraternally, he is a member of Halcyon lodge, No. 274, I. O. O. F., and Mrs. Towner is a member of the Leah Rebekah lodge, No. 171, having passed all the chairs. Mr. and Mrs. Towner are also members of the International congress at Byron Center, and socially are among the leaders in the fashionable circles of the village. YRON L. TYLER, of Paris, Kent county, Mich., where he is an excellent citizen and among the foremost of those whose occupation brings them in closest contact to mother earth. At his birth his parents, William and Abigail (Hartley) Tyler, lived on the adjoining section of land, where they had settled in I846, thus being counted among those who were the county's pioneer citizens. He was, born September 29, 1851, and in early life became inured to the toil incident to the enlarging of a new, heavily-timbered farm, and rendered substantial assistance in placing in suitable condition for easy cultivation the acres, in the tilling of which his life has been principally devoted. The schools of thirty years ago compared not unfavorably with those of to-day, so that the advantages afforded for a practical education were none of the most insignificant. He availed himself of them, and the excellent AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1061 --- basis there acquired has ever since been built upon, until he stands among his fellows accounted one of the township's most respected and intelligent citizens. The death of his father in I884 threw greater responsibilities upon him; though for the years immediately preceding that event the management and conduct of the farm had been mainly in his hands. He operated the farm some six years for his mother, and then purchased an additional forty acres, but continues to supervise the old homestead as well. His untiring industry and persevering attention to the duties incident to a successful career has resulted in his assuming an enviable position among the self-made men of the township. Identified with the party of Lincoln, Blaine and McKinley, he has been honored by his party as its representative in several of its councils, -where its position on questions of polity were presented. He has never shirked responsibility in advocating the party principles, or left to others the duty of attending carefully to the polls, where effort produces, often, the desired result. Content with his position in the rank and file, he has not aspired to official honor, though education and life-long adherence to, and advocacy of, the party interests entitle him to consideration in that respect. Novemlber 14. I88I, Myron L..Tyler married Miss Louisa A. Clark, daughter of H. J. and Marietta Clark, of Paris, but who was born in New York and has been a resident of Paris since childhood. To Mr. and Mrs. Tyler has been born one child, Eulia M., now a young lady, at home. The family are members of the Baptist church of Paris, and are very liberal in their contributions toward its support. William and Abigail (Hartley) Tyler, parents of Myron L., were natives of Canada and Nova Scatia, respectively, and came to the United States in 1843, locating in Washtenaw county, Mich., whence they came, about 1846, to Kent county, and settled on I60 acres of timbered land in section No. 26, Paris township, upon which the father erected a large house, cleared I00 acres, and died in I875, at the age of seventy-five years. His widow is now living in Grand Rapids and is in her eighty-third year. Of their family of nine children, six are still living, five in Grand Rapids, and Myron L., as noted above. They were among the earliest settlers, and had to cut their way through heavy timber to their own land. The Tyler family has ever held a respected position in the township, justly honored for its many excellent traits of character. * --- —--------------- EV. JACOB VAN ZANDT, pioneer minister and honored citizen of Spencer township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Cortland county, N. Y., May 4,.I832, and is the eldest of five children -four sons and one daughter-born to Francis and Laura Ann (Hemmingway) Van Zandt, those living being Lydia, wife of James H. Lacy, retired resident of Fenton, Mich.; Jacob; and Josiah R., who was a soldier in the Civil war, and is now engaged in the hardware trade at Hutchinson, Wichita, and Turon, Kans. Francis Van Zandt was born in Albany county, N. Y., February 27, I802, and was the son of one of the Hessian soldiers who were hired by Britain to fight the colonists. In 1836 he came to Michigan and purchased land in Avon township, Oakland county, on which he resided nearly fifty years. He retained a vivid recollection of the stirring scenes of the war of 1812 until his death, which occurred at Fenton, Mich., in August, I.886. Mrs. Laura Ann Van Zandt was a native o062 - THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS of Massachusetts, her ancestry going back to the Pilgrims. Her grandfather, Moses Hemmingway, was a hero of the Revolution and was wounded at the battle of Lexington; and her father, also named Mloses, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and fought at Sackett's Harbor and Plattsburg. One of her sons, Joseph F., was killed at the battle of Malvern Hill during the Civil war. Notwithstanding the peaceful calling of the subject of this sketch, he represents fighting ancestry and many qualities of the warrior are shown at various junctures in his own life. As a lad of four years, Jacob remembers the trip by wagon from his birthplace to Montezuma, Cayuga county, N. Y., thence to Buffalo via the Erie canal, and to Detroit, on board the North America, one of the finest boats to navigate lake Erie. He is a i' self-made man," and largely self-taught, having learned his grammar and other books by the light of burning pine knots or stumps. He qualified himself to teach, which he did for fifteen terms in Missouri and Michigan. The first land purchased by Rev. Mr. Van Zandt was a forty-acre tract of i( oak openings " in Allegan county. Here he erected a shanty, in which he kept bachelor's hall. 'He found plenty of employment as a rail-splitter, as he had achieved quite a reputation at this work. This land he traded for a land warrant in Lynn county, Kans., whither he went, and where he resided during a part of the " border ruffian" troubles. From Kansas he removed to Missouri, and for three years taught school in Bates county. After this residence in Missouri he returned to Michigan in I861, and has since made this his home. He secured a piece of land from which all the pine had been cut, only hard wood remaining. He made short work of clearing away the remainder of the forest, "baching" the meanwhile in a shanty, 24 x 16 feet. I I I March I6, 1862, Mr. Van Zandt married Miss Clarissa Wilkes, and her family have,like that of his own, been noted for their fighting qualities. Her grandfather, John Wilkes, a colonist from England, was a Revolutionary soldier, as was his son John. John Wilkes, a brother, was a veteran of the Mexican war, and two others, Nathan and George, were soldiers of the Rebellion-Nathan dying, as the result, in the hospitalat Louisville, Ky. The Van Zandt family consists of Orpha A., who was fitted to teach in the State Normal school at Ypsilanti. For about three and one-half years she taught successfully in Dakota and has been equally successful as a teacher in Kent and Montcalm counties, Mich. Notwithstanding her superior school advantages, she continued to improve herself, and with laudable ambition acquired many of the higher accomplishments, including painting in oil; and as a proof of her proficiency in this art, many specimens of her skill now adorn the walls of the old homestead, where she still resides. Ethel Viola is the wife of Henry W. Larson, a prosperous farmer of Spencer township. She also taught in Michigan and in Dakota, winning an enviable reputation as a capable instructor. Mrs. Clarissa Van Zandt was born in Chenango county, N. Y., November 23, 1834, her parents being Ambrose and Parthena (Bacon) \Vilkes, who removed from New York to Walworth county, Wis., when she was twelve years of age. Seven years later they came to Spencer, and here she taught two terms in a pioneer log school-house. The father of Mrs. Van Zandt was a native of New York, was a farmer, and at his death in Michigan, in i868, was seventy years of age. In the family of Ambrose Wilkes there were four sons and three daughters, but of these the surviving are, Mrs. Van Zandt, and Mary, wife of James Leslie, of Lowell, Mich. I I AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1063 Mrs. Parthena Wilkes was born in Susquehanna county, Pa., October 19, I799, and died October I9, I875. Both she and husband were honored members'of the Baptist church. Jacob Van Zandt, about I886, felt called by a higher power to use his talent and ability in the cause of the Master. For years he had been a communicant of the Baptist faith, and henceforth resolves to tell the world the light as he sees it. In 1890 he became pastor of the Page City Baptist church in Dakota, and since his return to Michigan has worked with great acceptance in the pulpit, doing an immense amount of good. His ministrations have produced creditable results and no man in Spencer holds a warmer place in the hearts of its citizens, regardless of church affiliation. Mr. Van Zandt is a stanch republican, and has heen a delegate to various party conventions. In I866 he was elected supervisor, again in 1874, and was elected township clerk in I873. He has also served as school inspector, justice of the peace and member of the school board. He has competently and faithfully performed his duties and unfailingly won the approbation of his fellow-citizens. OBERT M. VANDERLIP, one of the successful agriculturists and thrifty citizens of Spencer township, is a native of Michigan, having been born in Kent county on the I9th of December, I858, the ninth child of a family of ten children born to Robert M. and Caroline (Beebe) Vanderlip, and the only one residing in Kent county. There are eight of the children yet living, viz: Angeline, wife of Moses Powers, a stone and brick mason of Belding, Mich.; Judson, a banker, merchant, agriculturist, and very prosperous and wealthy gentleman of Bennett, 57 Lancaster county, Neb.; Smith, an agriculturist, residing in Macota county, Mich.; John, residing at Meredosia, Ill., where he is acontractor and builder, also connected with the railroad builders; George, in Michigan, handling musical instruments; Mary, wife of Robert Gilbert, residing at Sioux City, Iowa; Robert M., of this sketch, and Orlando, residing at St. John, Clinton county, Mich., where he is engaged as a cook. Robert M. Vanderlip, the father, was a native of the province of Ontario, Canada, born in I818 and died in I888. He received a common-school education, learned the trade of a carpenter and became a skillful mechanic. In 1842 he came to Michigan, resided a short time in Kalamazoo, and thence went to Lowell, where he worked at his trade and purchased eighty acres of land in Vergennes township, which he sold and then went to Campbelltown, Ionia county, and there bought a saw-mill, which he operated three years. When he disposed of this he moved to Saranac, Mich., and purchased a farm of eighty acres, where he resided four years, and then moved to Montcalm county and bought a shingle-mill, in which he did an extensive and prosperous business until he traded it for eighty acres of land in sections 13 and 24 in Spencer township. Here he came in 1871 with his family, and set to work to develop his land. It was a new country at this early date; bears, deer and wolves were numerous, and Indians were frequent visitors, At the inception the farm was covered with pine wood, and the improvements shown on the farm now, in 1900, have been made by father and sons, who have done a great part toward the development of Spencer township. In his political views he was a democrat and religiously a member of the Congregational church. He was fraternally a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows' societies and a very prominent man. His If 1064 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS. wife was a native of Canada and was born in I818. She died in Spencer township, the burial place of her husband, in I893. Robert M. Vanderlip attended the common schools and is largely a self-educated man. He has worked hard and perseveringly all his life, and can easily account for all he has accumulated. He remained with his parents, whom he cared for until their deaths and at his majority had nothing. On the I8th of June, being then twentyseven years of age, he was married to Miss Dena Sieber, and the birth of three sons and a daughter have blessed this union, viz: Jay, Clinton B., Luella and Claire. Mrs. 'Vanderlip was born in Ohio on the Ioth of May, 1867, daughter of Andrew Sieber, of Germany, a sailor on the great lakes and a soldier of the Civil war. She received a common-school education, and has two brothers and two sisters, allof whom are residents of Montcalm county, Mich. Mrs. Vanderlip has been a faithful, industrious wife, and a fond and loving mother. At the time of her,marriage her husband had but $5, and incurred upon themselves a debt of $I,8oo when they purchased the old homestead. By hard toil and persistence they have removed their debt, and in addition have bought forty acres, making 120 in his farm. The improvements have all been made by himself, which casts credit upon his economy and industry. Mr. Vanderlip is in politics a democrat, having cast his first presidential.vote for Grover Cleveland. He has never aspired to office, but has preferred to devote his attention to his business interests. He is a supporter of education and much interested in that line. He recently called a meeting, the purpose of which was to engage a-first-class teacher, and 'although the "cheap" people of the township defeated his good action, it nevertheless speaks well for him. Mrs. Vanderlip is a re spected member of the Methodist church at Gowen and they contribute liberally toward the support of this and other benevolences. Whatever success Robert M. Vanderlip has achieved in life and it is considerable-is due entirely to his own well directed efforts. In his boyhood he started out to make his own way in the word unaided, and by resolute purpose, indefatigable industry and sound judgment, he has steadily worked his way upward to a position of affluence. The monument of his labors is his fine farm and his delightful surroundings and ease. ACOB VOGLE, one of Alpine township's oldest and most respected farmers and one that has endured the hardships of pioneer life at an early day in Kent county, is a native of Germany, was born on the 24th of June, 1831, and is the third child born to Jacob and Barbara (Kunzman) Vogle. His father was a native of Germany, was born in I803, and died there in I894. The mother was born in 1807, and died in 1850. Jacob Vogle, whose name introduces this memoir, began life for himself when about twenty-three years of age by leaving his father's home in Germany and embarking for America, landing in Ohio, in the year 1854. After a short stay there he came to Michigan and located at Grand Rapids, where he remained but a short time, and then, with his brother-in-law, Christian Metzker, purchased a farm of forty acres in section No. 12 of Alpine township. At the time of the purchase no part of it was cleared, but by unflagging efforts and industry, he had in a short time enough for cultivation and since then has added a large amount of well improved land, making himself now the owner of two farms AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1065 of 285 acres, about o10 acres of which lie cleared from its wild state. He has a handsome brick house and a commodious barn, and has about twenty acres in fruit. On the I Ith of April, 1858, he was married to Miss Mary Schweigert, a native of Bayern, Germany, born on the Ioth of February, I843. She was the only child born to Leonard and Margarite (Miller) Schweigert. Her father was born in Germany in I809 and died June IT, I880. In 1850 he came to America and located in Berrien county, Mich., where he remained for a short time, and next he removed to Olmstead Falls, Ohio, thence came to Kent county, Mich., in I854, where he lived until his death. Her mother.was also a native of Germany, born May 6, I803, and died in April, 1885. Both parents were laid to rest in Alpine cemetery. The subject of this memoir is the parent of six children, viz: Jacob, a farmer of Alpine township; Philip, who resides at home; Christine, the wife of Fred Davenport, an agriculturist of Alpine township; Freddie, Julia and Charlie, at home with their parents. In his political affiliations Mr. Vogle is a supporter of the democratic party, having cast his initiatory vote for James Buchanan. Mr. and Mrs. Vogle are active members of the Lutheran church at Grand Rapids and are noted for their hospitality. They have worked their way up from lowly surroundings to a place of prominence, and now justly enjoy the esteem and respect of all their neighbors. ESSE C. VAN LIEW, so well known in Cpurtland and Nelson townships, Kent county, Mich., was born in Courtland township, March 7, i856, and is a son of Cornelius and Lucy (Smith) Van Liew, who were the parents of five children, viz: Estella, wife of L. M. Sperry, a farmer of Ravenna, Muskegon county, Mich.; Jesse C., the subject of this sketch; Volney C., a physician and surgeon who graduated from the Detroit Medical college, is now a resident of Lennon, Mich., is postmaster, has charge of a drug store, and also enjoys a lucrative professional practice; Lafayette M., a graduate of Swensberg's business college, and now in the lumber business at Mount Vernon, state of Washington, and Cornelius M., associated with Mr. Odell in the conduct of a blacksmith shop at Cedar Springs. A singular coincidence in the births of these children is the fact that four of them were born in the month of March, at intervals of two years. It may also be mentioned that the name, Van Liew, is of Holland origin, and that this pioneer family descend from the Mohawk-Dutch of New York. Cornelius Van Liew, the father of the above-named children, was born in Ohio and was reared a lumberman. He early came to Michigan and settled in Kent county, and here became an agriculturist. The red men were numerous at that day, and even Jesse C., the subject of this sketch, can remember when they passed over their trail through the present Van Liew farm under the guidance of the old chief, WVabasis, after whom a lake in Oakfield township is named. Somewhere on the shores of this lake, according to a legend; the old chief once buried a treasure, but all efforts of the white settlers to discover the spot have proven futile. Mr. Van Liew's first habitation in Kent county was the usual log cabin'of that day, and all his agricultural implements were equally primitive in construction. Cornelius Van Liew was one of the daring men who, early on the, breaking out of the Rebellion, responded to his country's call for 1066 '1'HE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS -- volunteers. In 1862 he enlisted in company F, Sixth Michigan cavalry, and was assigned to the army of the Potomac, but after two years' service was captured and for nine months was held a prisoner on Belle Isle, at Libby, and in the pen at Andersonville, where he died of starvation. In politics, Mr. Van Liew was a strong republican and was also a great friend of the public-school system; in religion he was a Methodist and a class leader, was charitable to a fault, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. Cornelius Van Liew had four brothers who also took part in the Civil war and proved to be brave and faithful soldiers. The first school attended by Cornelius Van Liew was built of logs and was furnished with pine puncheon seats and desks. He knew the time when Cedar Springs was a hamlet, when Rockford was known as Lappenville, and Sand Lake altogether unknown. where were no highways open, but he lived to witness the wonderful development of the county from a wilderness into what promises to be the leading county in the state. Jesse C. Van Liew was educated in the public schools and has well improved himself with general reading. He married Miss Flora Moon, a sketch of whose father's life is given on another page. In politics he has been a true republican and cast his first presidential vote for James A. Garfield. Fraternally he is a member of Cedar Springs lodge, No. 213, F. & A. M., and in religion he and wife are devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Pine Lake, in which they are very active, and to the support of which they are liberal contributors. Mr. Van Liew has also served in various offices in church and Sunday-school for years, as trustee, superintendent, teacher, etc., and both he and wife are held in the highest esteem by every member of their community. ILLIAM J. WATTERSON, supervisor of Cascade township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Lake county, Ohio, July i, I85I, and is a son of John and Harriet A. (Webster) Watterson, the former of whom was a Manxman and came to America in 1846, at the age of twenty-one years, located in Ohio, and lived there until April, 1852, when he came to Cascade township, and settled on a farm now owned by Charles Brown. He was a miller by trade, and started mills both at Ada and Grand Rapids, in both of which places he lived at intervals, but died on his farm in Cascade township at the age of fifty-three years, leaving his widow with six children. Mrs. Harriet A. Watterson is now sixty-nine years old, and still resides on the homestead in Cascade township, beloved by all who know her. William J. Watterson was reared in Cascade and Ada, received the usual district school education, and from s:xteen to eighteen years old worked in his father's mills, and next, from 1868 to I878, was employed in the Old Grand River nursery, and for ten years while thus employed had charge of the propagation department. He next became a partner with Charles Buttrick in the proprietorship of the Kent County Pom ma nurseries of Cascade, which they conducted for twenty years, growing every variety of nursery stock, especially peach, being in the middle of the peach belt. Mr. Watterson had p2rsonal charge of the cultivation of the various scions, and had at least forty acres in peaches, which scions were disposed of to the larger growers in the peach belt, as well as to persons who sold the young trees in different parts of the country. Mr. Watterson has always been an ardent democrat, and for about twenty years has been a delegate of his party to county, district and state conventions, and has actively aided in all campaigns, working h.ird for his party's suc — AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1067... cess. He is very popular with its voters and managers, was elected supervisor of his township in I898, and so well performed the duties of the office that he was again elected in I899. Fraternally, Mr. Watterson is a Freemason, having been made such in the Ada lodge of that fraternity, and for eight years was its worshipful master, and for as many years has sat in the grand lodge. He takes a keen delight in hunting. and has made frequent excursions into the north part of the state, beginning when still a boy, and his success in bringing down large game in that region has been quite satisfactory. January 14, 1875, Mr. Watterson married Miss Minnie Smith, daughter of John and Elizabeth Smith, both now deceased. Mrs. Watterson was born and reared in Cascade, is well educated, and has proven to.be a most valuable helpmate to her husband, whom she has blessed with six children, named, in order of birth, John J., Clyde C., Henry, William M., Harold and Lottie L. Mr. and Mrs. Watterson stand high in the social circles in Cascade and are respected wherever known. LIVER I. WATKINS, ex-supervisor of Grattan township, Kent county, Mich., was born in Italy, Yates county, N. Y., January II, 1831, and was sixth in a family of ten childrentwo sons and eight daughters-born to Jared and Nancy (Clark) Watkins, of which children four only are now living, viz: Jason C., a farmer of Grattan township; Orissa, wife of Lester Lindsley, a farmer of Kalkaska county; Helena A.,.widow of Isaac W. White, of Vergennes township, and Oliver I., the subject of this sketch. Jared Watkins, the father, was born in Massachusetts about 1792, and was a lad of fourteen years when taken by his parents to the state of New York, where he was reared to hard toil on the farm and received a limited education. He served as a soldier in the war of 1812, and after its close was engaged in farming in the state of New York until 1844, when he decided to come west and carve out a new home. He started with his family in a wagon from Yates county for Wayneport, Wayne county, N. Y., on the old Erie canal, thence went to Buffalo by canal-boat, and thence by steamboat to Chicago, and by a sailing vessel to Grand Haven, and thence via Grand river to Grand Rapids by steamboat, and from that then trading-post came to Grattan township, Kent county, Mich., by ox-team, and took up 240 acres of government land in sections Nos. 13 and 14, under the administration of President William H. Harrison. The land was all oak openings, and their first habitation here was a little log cabin, 14 x 20 feet, and there were only about ten or twelve settlers in the township, say, Ira B. Ford, who came in I839, and was undoubtedly the first settler'in Grattan; William Byrne, Jedediah H. Wood, Alvah H. Andrews, David Ford, Luther B. Cook, Milton C. Watkins, Anthony King, Benjamin Mason; Alanson King and Henry King came after Mr. Ford. Grattan was then a part of Vergennes township, which also included Lowell township, and the voting was done in Vergennes. The red men of the forest were quite numerous and ofttimes came to the cabin door of the Watkins family and partook of their hospitality. There was not a school-house nor a church in all Grattan township, and when Mr. Watkins settled here he was compelled to go to Ionia for his wheat, as Lowell and Greenville were mere hamlets. The old-fashioned cradle and scythe were used as farm implements, and the ox-team for all draft purposes, 1068 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS and all these early pioneer circumstances are well recollected by Mr. Watkins, the subject of this sketch, and his wife, although they were children at the time. The pioneer days, nevertheless, were replete with many pleasant associations, as people living seven or eight miles apart were considered as neighbors and friends. Social gatherings were greatly enjoyed, and these are still vividly remembered by the present generations. Too much credit cannot be given to such citizens as Mr. and Mrs. Watkins, who came from their eastern homes of plenty to blaze the way to civilization in the far west and make the "desert bloom as the rose." Mr. Watkins did his full share of this noble work, and passed away in 1872, honored by all who knew him. His wife was a native of New York, and died when the subject of this sketch was quite young. Oliver I. Watkins, who has passed more than half a century in Grattan township on the homestead entered from the government by his father, has been an eye-witness of the wonderful changes that have taken place since he was a boy. He has seen the log cabin make room for the modern mansion, and the ox-team displaced by the electric and palace cars, and the four-fingered cradle changed to the modern reaper and binder, and the forest laid low to be substituted by fields of golden grain and orchards of luscious fruit. He was educated in the old-style school-house, but has since improved his leisure hours by reading standard literary works, history and such other volumes as have had a tendency to develop and ripen his intellect. He remained with his father until the latter's death, filially caring for him'during his declining years. February 8, 1852, Mr. Watkins married Miss Miranda A. Murray, and to this union two children have been- born, viz: Hilton J. and Nettie B. Hilton J., who was born De cember 6, 1853, received a good education in the district and union schools at Grattan, and is a progressive young agriculturist of the township; he is a young man of exemplary habits, is industrious, and is an honor to his parents; he is wedded to Miss Emma J. Pond, and one daughter has graced this union, Ora I. Hilton J. Watkins is a republican in politics, cast his first presidential vote for Rutherford B. Hayes, and has himself been elected highway commissioner of Grattan township. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic lodge at Grattan, and he and wife are members of the Order of the Eastern Star; likewise of the Grattan grange, and their daughter, Ora J., is a member, also, of both orders. Nettie B., the second child born to Oliver I. Watkins and wife, is married to Alvin S. Dimmick, a practical mechanic and builder at Belding, Mich.; they have two childrenHarry W. and Edith B. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver I. Watkins may well be proud of their children, as they have led most creditable lives and are an honor to their parents in their declining years. Mr. and Mrs. Watkins began their married life on the Watkins homestead forty-seven years ago, since when they have trod life's pathway together, mutually sharing its joys and sorrows, and it may be added that joys have largely predominated. Within a very short time will be celebrated the golden anniversary of their marriage, symbolical of the golden harvest of years of usefulness in a community where they are honored, beloved and esteemed, and in which they have witnessed the remarkable development of Kent county. Mr. Watkins can well remember when Canal and Monroe streets, the two great thoroughfares of Grand Rapids, were muddy holes and miring lanes. He has seen teams mire down in Canal street, near the open square of to-day, but then known as Grabb's corners. Where AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1069 the Union depot now stands, amid the net work of railroads, was an open waste of land, but not a railroad in the city. The great furniture factories of the present time, the products of which go to the uttermost parts of the world, were not even dreamed of in that early day, when the population of the city did not exceed 6,ooo souls. Mr. and Mrs. Watkins possessed no ready capital at the start, but by industry and strict attention to their agricultural pursuits they secured the old homestead, and to-day they are among the most prominent residents of the township, and are passing their declining days in ease, peace and comfort, surrounded by many friends, whose respect is truly unfeigned. In politics Mr. Watkins is a stanch republican, voted for John C. Freront, the first presidential candidate of the party, and has since consistently voted forall republican candidates, national and local, wherever he has a had right to exercise his franchise. He has himself held all the minor offices of his township, and holds the record of the longest service as supervisor of any man on the board, having filled the office about fifteen years; he has been a justice of the peace twenty-seven years, and in 1862 and I863 was township treasurer, and his great popularity with his people has not waned, even at the present day; but he has now thrown off the cares of official life to enjoy the peace of retirement. Mr. Watkins has long been connected with the public schools of his district and has always been in favor of the best instructors. Fraternally, Mr? Watkins is a charter member of the Grattan lodge, No. I96, F. & A. M., and has served as its worshipful master, and Mrs. Watkins has served as treasurer in Venus chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. Both are likewise members of the Grattan grange, P. of H. Mrs. Miranda C. Watkins was born in Augusta township, Madison county, N. Y., January I9, 1834, and is a daughter of William H. and Hannah (Jakeway) Murray, and was but ten years of age when she came to Kent county, Mich. Her grandfather, \Villiam Murray, was a hero of the Revolutionary war and private secretary to Gen. Philip John Schuyler, the famous New York commander. Mrs. Watkins is of remote English descent, although the name of Murray is made famous in the history of Scotland. She was educated in the common schools of Kent county, and was granted a teacher's certificate. Her parents were pioneers of Michigan, aud settled in Vergennes township, Kent county, in 1843, on the shore of a lake, which was later named Murray lake, in their honor. Mr. and Mrs. Watkins are recognized as the most prominent of Grattan township's citizens; and are greatly respected as good, upright charitable people, whose lives are as an open volume to all who wish to read., and t r n ssn they are now passing their declining years in quiet retirement-the reward of their early industry. OHN QUINCY WATTS, the best farmer in Bowne township, was born on the farm where he now resides, December I, I856. His parents, William and Katherine (Miles) Watts, were both natives of Ireland. His father and uncle, Henry Watts, came to this country to seek their fortunes when young men. William Watts remained in New York at work, while his brother received a good position in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. In the spring of I857, the former came to Michigan, having been married in New York the winter before. His wife, at the age of ten years, had come with her parents from Ireland. 1070 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS At the time she accompanied her husband to Michigan, he had a capital of some $35o, with which he bought the present farm of eighty acres, then a wild and uncultivated tract, and paid $50 down, reserving $300, with which to buy a team and erect a log house. He set to work to improve his property, placed it in a good state of cultivation, and added to it forty acres, making a total of 120 acres. He built a good three-roomed house and a barn, thus putting the farm in a good condition. In politics he was democrat, but was not a party worker, nor did he aspire to office, although he took great interest in town affairs. His death occurred March 4, I88i, after a brief illness from pneumonia. He left a family of four children, viz: John Q.; Fanny D.; wife of George Huntington, who resides on the adjoining farm; Mary Ann, the wife of Judson Bouck, of Bowne township, and William H., postmaster and merchant at Bowne Center. The boyhood of John Quincy Watts, the subject of this memoir, was passed on his father's farm, where he worked until the latter's death and then took charge of the estate as administrator. He retained the old home, having paid off the heirs, and added another forty acres, which makes a total of I60 acres, costing him $,8oo00. It is one of the best farms in the township, because of its good location and excellent improvements. He has built a new barn, 40x 6o feet, and Has laid about two miles of underground tile drainage pipe, which places the estate in an excellent condition. He is now engaged in general farming, keeps a high grade of stock, and from the very inception has been a prosperous and successful farmer. Politically, he is a democrat and has been a delegate to county, district and state conventions, and is also a member of the county democratic committee. He has served twice as township treasurer in a strong republican township, and, with the exception of the supervisor, is the only democrat elected for several years. Mr. Watts was united in marriage on July 4, 1883, to Miss Clara Morgan, a daughter of James Morgan, deceased, late of Bowne Center. She was born in east Michigan, February 8, I86I, and came to Bowne township when a child, and here received a commonschool education. Their family consists of William, Elwin and Mabel. Fraternally, Mr. Watts is a member of the Freeport lodge, I. O. O. F., No. I46, Freeport, Mich. LLEN B. WAY, a favorite druggist and dealer in stationery, wall paper, etc., at Sparta, was born in Allegan county, Mich., September 1, 1868, and is the elder of two children'born to Alfred B. and Martha (Allen) Way, natives of Ohio, who settled in Jackson county, Mich., in 1860. Allen B. Way attended school at Ionia in his youthful years and there completed his literary as well as pharmaceutical studies. He settled in Sparta June 9, 1896, and entered into his present business, which is the most extensive in its line in the town, as he carries a well assorted stock, valued at $4,000, and does an annual trade of about $12,000. He is very popular with his patrons, as he is very affable and accommodating, and was never known to misrepresent his wares in any way in order to effect a sale. Mr. Way was united in marriage in February, 1889, with Miss Minnie LaDow, daughter of Paris LaDow, of Ionia, and this felicitous union has been blessed with one son, G. Holly, now five years of age. Fraternally AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1071 I Mr. Way is a Knight of Pythias, and he and wife are socially recognized by the best people of Sparta. Mr. Way is emphatically a wideawake and progressive business man, and one who takes a decided interest in promoting the best interests of the town and county, never refusing substantial aid when called upon to contribute toward carrying out any project designed for the furtherance of the public welfare. W AVID F. WATSON is a member of the firm of Sisson, Watson & Co., general merchants and produce buyers, and is also proprietor of the Ada hotel and the livery barns in connection therewith, at Ada, Kent county, Mich. He was born in Muston, Yorkshire, England, May 20, 1840, a son of William and Mary Ann (Foster) Watson, who had a family of five children. 'The father was a butcher in his early manhood, but afterward became a prosperous farmer, and died in I850; the mother of the subject died when the latter was an infant, and thus David F. Watson was a mere boy when left to fight the battle of life for himself. He managed to secure a fair common English education, and learned the trade of miller in his early years in England, serving an apprenticeship of four years. In I861 Mr. Watson came to America, landed in Canada, and there worked at his trade until I873, when he came to Michigan, and entered the employ of his brothers, who were doing business as lumbermen in Missaukee county, under the firm name of J. & W. Watson. He remained with them four years, and then went to Morefield, Ontario, and resumed the flour-milling business with a partner, under the firm style of Watson & Lowes. At the end of a year he bought his partner's in terest and continued alone for a year, and then, in the fall of I878, came to Ada, Mich., and engaged in milling under the firm name of King, Curry & Watson, andsthis firm remained intact for five years, when Mr. Watson bought out his partners, and continued the business alone the five years following. In 1889 he sold his mill and formed a partnership with A. J. Sisson, in his present business of produce buying and merchandising. This firm, the largest in its line in the village of Ada, pay cash for all their purchases, buy produce of every kind, and never ask the sellers to exchange their produce for merchandise, and on this fact much of their popularity is founded. W. N. Perkins has since become a member of the firm. At Detroit, Mr. Watson wedded Miss Louisa Callaway, daughter of David Callaway, and this marriage has been graced with three children, viz: John H., a high school graduate-a poet, moreover, of considerable merit -and now principal of a school at Sault Ste Marie; William and Bessie B. are the names of the remaining two. Mr. and Mrs. Watson are strict members of the Methodist Episcopal congregation, and for many years he has filled official positions in the church. Mr. Watson is also a member of the I. O. 0. F., and in politics is an ardent prohibitionist. As a business man he bears an untarnished name, and as a citizen he is regarded as public-spirited, useful and desirable, and no family in Ada is more highly respected than that of Mr. and Mrs. F. Watson. OHN I. WEEKS.-In giving a history of the leading citizens of Kent county, the biographical department of this work would be incomplete without mentioning the gentleman whose 1072 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS -- name heads this sketch, and the admirably kept farm of which he is the owner. His earnest and sincere efforts to make life a success are well worthy the imitation of all, and the interest he takes in all matters touching on the occupation of husbandry are to be thoroughly commended. Mr. Weeks is a native of Grattan township, Kent county, and was born January 8, 1855, a son of John P. and Phoebe (Beakes) Weeks. He has passed the major part of his life as a lumberman and contractor in Ionia, Montcalm and Kent counties. His education was limited. He remained under the parental roof until he reached his majority. At this stage in life he was united in marriags to Miss Jessie F. Russell on February 8, 1874. To Mr. and Mrs. Weeks were born ten children, eight of whom are now living, viz: John P., an electrician of Stanton, Mich., and the inventor of a highly improved system of electric lighting for residences, halls, etc.; Rosamond I., a graduate of the Grattan schools with the class of 1895 and gifted with considerable musical talent; Myrtle L., a teacher in Kent county; Winnie, Nina A., Grant, and Eva L., all of whom are attendants of school; and Mahlon, the youngest, in the home. Mrs. Weeks was born March I, I857, in Otisco, Ionia county, and is a daughter of Otis H. and Julia A. (Ackley) Russell. The family consists of three sons and one daughter, all of whom are living. The eldest, Norman A., is an architect of Chattanooga, Tenn. The remaining three are residents of Michigan-Francis M., William H. and Mrs. John I. Weeks. Otis H. Russell was a native of New York, born March 9, i817, died in the United States service during -the Civil war, and was buried in the National cemetery at Chatanooga. He traced his ancestry back to that of Lord John Russell, the English premier, and was one of the pioneers of the state of Michigan. He served in the Civil war with company D, First Michigan engineers and mechanics, having been a mechanic by trade. The mother, who was a teacher part of her life, was born in New York in 1826, and died at her daughter's home July 12, I891. Mr. and Mrs. Weeks began married life with very small capital. They remained for six years on the Week's homestead and then in 1880 purchased the Russell homestead, consisting of sixty acres in Grattan. In politics Mr. Weeks is a strong republican and a stanch supporter of the McKinley policy. He held the office of justice of the peace for eight years, being appointed in 1890, and is now a member of the school board. Socially he is a member of the following fraternities: Grattan lodge, No. 196, F. & A. M., of which he is the worshipful master; Greenville chapter, No. 79, royal arch Masons, and Mulberry camp, No.87, of the M. W. of A., at Belding; Court Grattan, No. 986, I. 0. F., and the Grattan grange. Mrs. Weeks is also a member of the last-named fraternity and both are identified with Venus chapter, No. 107 as are also Resamond and Myrtle. EORGE WEAVER, deceased, although a native of Canada. was for many years one of the most respected pioneer farmers of Walker township, Kent county, Mich. His birth took place near Toronto, September 4, 1830, and his death occurred April I9, I897. He was a mill-wright by trade, and was also in early life a school-teacher for some years in the county of Kent, to which he had come in 1838 or I839, and here grew to manhood. After reaching his majority, he purchased the farm in Walker township now operated by his son AND KEN CONY UP TO DATE:107:3: AND KENT COUNTY, UJP TO DATE. 1073 George, and after making a clearing, erecting a cabin, etc., returned to Canada and passed five years in clerking and teaching. He then returned to his Walker township farm, worked at the carpenter's trade in conjunction with farming, and here passed the remainder of his industrious life. Mr. Weaver married, in Walker township, March I9, 1846, Miss Mary A. Anderson, a native, also, of Canada, and a daughter of William and Deborah (Denton) Anderson, who came to Kent county, Mich., about the same year in which he came, and settled on a farm where Walker Center school-house now stands, and lived on their farm until about twenty years ago, when they retired to Grand Rapids, where both have since died, aged eighty-five and eighty-three, respectively. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Weaver were born four children, of whom Louisa, who is still unmarried, is at home caring for her mother, who is, however, a well-preserved lady; Sarah is the wife of Henry Pierce, of Grand Rapids; William is a hardware merchant of the same city, and George, the youngest, is the occupant of the old homestead. In politics Mr. Weaver was a republican, and in religion a Methodist, in which faith he passed away, respected and honored by the entire community. George Weaver, alluded to above as the youngest son of George Weaver, deceased, was born on the farm he at present occupies August 7, 1858, and in that part of the dwelling still standing. At the age of twenty-five years he departed from his birthplace and passed twelve years at various kinds of work, chiefly in Grand Rapids. For two years he worked as a finisher in a furniture factory by the side of two experienced men, and became quite skillful; he next passed some time as a house-painter, and then entered a grist-mill as a laborer; but he soon familiarized himself with all the details of the business, and was intrusted with the responsible duty of purchasing the wheat, and there, also, he learned the millwright's trade, which he followed for two years. Among his other works in this line he constructed the machinery to start the flypaper mill at Grand Rapids, and in this mill he also worked for two years. For the next two years he farmed in Grandville, and then came back to his home in Walker township. Mr. Weaver has twenty-five acres of the farm set with thrifty fruit trees, including peach and plum, and also grows several varieties of berries, while the remainder* of the place is devoted to general farming. He has erected an additional dwelling on the farm, which is comfortable and convenient, as well as tasty in appearance, and all the out-buildings are spacious and substantial. Mr. Weaver was united in marriage November 8, 1883, with Miss Ida Haney, an estimable young lady of Grand Rapids, and to this union have been born three children, viz: Vernon, now (I899) aged fourteen years; Marian, aged six, and Ruth, aged four years. In politics Mr. Weaver is a republican, but is by no means "offensively partisan;" neither is he ambitious as to public office. He is industrious and handy at many things, and he and wife are among the most respected farming people of Walker township. USTIS JUDSON WELLMAN.-The man who goes forth to conquer the wilderness and open the way to civilization must possess many heroic qualities-the patient endurance that enables him day after day to bear the privation of frontier life, the constancy that enables him to perform week in and week out the arduous clearing and developing new land,, and the 1074 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS fortitude to bear uncomplainingly the lack of advantages and privileges which could be secured in older settlements. All these are characteristics of the pioneer who pushes forward to the westward borders of the frontier that he may make a home for himself and family. Among those who were leaders in this work in early Michigan is Eustis J. Wellman, a well-known citizen of Oakfield township and a resident of Kent county for sixty-four years. Mr. Wellman was born near Boston, Mass., on the 8th day of November, I823, the sixth in order of birth in a family of four sons and six daughters born to Isaac and Nancy (Boyden) Wellman. Only three of the children survive, viz: Eustis J.; Eliza A., widow of James S. Wolcott, a wagonmaker, residing near Vicksburg, Mich., and Elvira S., wife of Chandler Barton, hotel proprietor of Perkinsville, Vt. Isaac Wellman was a native of Massachusetts, born in Mansfield June 8, 1790, and died near Sheridan, Mich., on the 4th of January, 1872. He came of English ancestry and was occupied in his later days as an agriculturist. In his vouth he received' a fair education and immigrated in I849 to Vermont, thence to New York, and finally to Kent county, Mich. In his political relations he was ever an honorable and upright supporter of the Union. The mother was born at Midfield, Mass., August 28, I796, and died at the same place as her husband, on October 30, 1883. Mr. Wellman of this review,.has made his home in Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York and lastly in Michigan. He attended school in a log school-house, where he received but a limited education, and began to work out when thirteen years of age, at the rate of $9 per month. He learned the trade of a baker and started out with $Ioo capital at the age of twenty-one years, coming from New York to Detroit, and thence across the I wild country to Kent county with an ox-team. Settling in Oakfield township, he purchased forty acres of wild land in section No. 35, and later took up sixty-four additional acres in the the immediate vicinity. At this date the White Swan school-house was the only one in that township, and there was not a single church. The inhabitants were obliged to go to Courtland to vote, Oakfield not being yet a distinct township. Indians were yet frequently seen and came many times to stay all night at the subject's home. After holding this property for six years, he traded and secured a claim on the north bank of the Wabasis, also a tract in sections 21 and I6, which has since been his homestead. March 15, I849, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary White, who has become the mother of five children, viz: Theresa, wife of Thomas Anderson, of Oakfield; Frank, whose personal biography is found on another page; Eugene, also represented elsewhere; Hattie, who was educated in the common schools and in the Greenville graded schools, and has taught two terms in Kent county, and living at home; and May, the youngest, who is the wife of James E. Anderson, who operates the Wellman homestead. Mrs. Wellman was born in Chautauqua county, N. Y., June I, 1828, and died in Oakfield township March 27, 1889. She was reared and educated in her native state. She first began married life with Mr. Wellman in a little log cabin home, in section 35, Oakfield township. The nearest market at that early time was Grand Rapids, then only a small village. The large Canal street of the present was at that time almost an entire swamp and Monroe street was an insignificant lane without a respectable building. There was not a railroad in the county, the nearest being at Battle Creek; the city's present progress, net work of railroads, telephone and electric rail AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1075 way system, were at that time never dreamed of. When Mr. Wellman located in section 2, of Oakfield township, there was not a highway or road of any kind passing his residence, a rude board shanty. He came to Kent county a poor man with but $1oo capital, and now, in 900o, is the owner of 287 acres. of good land and has aided his children in securing homes for themselves, all being within a short distance of. the old home. He has improved and equipped his property with his own hands and means and has set a worthy example for all. His estimable wife, who has preceded him to the life beyond, shared his joys and sorrows for forty years, was always ready to aid her husband in his every task; she acted as a noble mother to her children, educated them in a befitting way, and made them honorable members of their several communities. Tender and true,she died respected by all for her womanly graces and characteristic virtues. Her remains are interred in the Oakfield cemetery, where a magnificent and costly granite monument has been erected, sacred to her remembrance. Mr. Wellman lives in peace and contentment on his old homestead, surrounded by his friends and children,who honor and revere him as friend and father. Politically he is a democrat, but was formerly a whig, and cast his first presidential vote for William Henry Harrison. He also voted for Lincoln and Garfield, and later was a follower of the renowned Peter Cooper. In local politics he may be classed a non-partisan and votes for the man whom he thinks will best discharge the duties of the office. He is a man, who, preferring to devote his entire attention to his business pursuits, has never aspired to official station, but throughout his career has been an honorable gentleman, living under no creed or dogma, but having advanced ideas of his own, based upon careful reading and profound reason. UGENE WELLMAN, a young and enterprising farmer of Oakfield township, has his record here presented, and his alone, since the genealogy of the family is fully given in the sketch of Eustis J. Wellman, his father, and one of the old pioneers of Oakfield. Eugene Wellman was born May 9, 1858, in Oakfield township, Kent county, Mich., received his rather meager education in the common schools of his native place, and was reared to the honorable life of a tiller of the soil. Until his majority he remained with his parents, devoted his efforts to the improvement of the homestead, and learned the important duties of a careful, methodical farmer. On March 25, I884, Mr. Wellman was united in marriage to Miss Ella E. Horton, who was born December 15, I860, and is a daughter of Silas D. Horton, whose family genealogy is presented in another place. After marriage Mr. Wellman and wife resided for four years on the old Wellman homestead, and in I888 purchased their present farm of eighty acres. The soil of the farm is excellent and adapted to the culture of all commodities, especially of fine fruit, which is indigenous to the entire state of Michigan. As to political principles Mr. Wellman is a non-partisan, and drops his ballot for the man he deems best fitted for the position. He cast his first presidential vote for James A. Garfield. He has never aspired to political office or station, having desired to devote his attention to his business pursuits. Socially he is a member of Harvard tent, No. 890, Knights of the Maccabees. Mr. and Mrs. Wellmnan are greatly interested in the elevation of the plan of education in their district and township. They were prominent among the contributors to the erection of the Oakfield Union chapel in 1893, and have contributed unselfishly to all worthy 1076 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS benevolences. Friend and stranger alike are welcome and entertained in their hospitable home. They live at ease and comfort, surrounded, esteemed and respected by many friends, whom they have merited through their generosity and hospitality. OHN P. WELLER, a skillful and prosperous horticulturist and agriculturist of Plainfield township, Kent county, Mich., is a native of Warren county, N. J., and was born October 26, I842, the fifth in the family of Philip D. and Eliza Ann (Lomerson) Weller, who were also born in the state of New Jersey. Philip D. Weller, a farmer and surveyor by vocation, was born October I, I803, passed all his life in his native state, and died September 30, 1879. His wife, born December 11, 1807, was called away March 20, 1852. John P. Weller received a sound commonschool education and was reared to manhood on his father's farm. At the age of twentyone years he began life on his own account by hiring out for a year to a New Jersey uncle, and then rented the old homestead for two years. June 8, I867, he married Miss Mary C. Hartung, who was born in Sussex county, N. J., January 22, I849, the eldest child of Henry W. and Susan C. (Snook) Hartung. Immediately after marriage Mr. Weller brought his bride to Michigan and for a year lived in Ann Arbor; he then purchased a farm of seventy-seven acres, in section No. 14, Plainfield township, Kent county, and this has ever since been his home. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Weller has been graced with three children, viz: Lucius H., who was born November 8, I868, in Grand Rapids; Morton Ray, born August I I, I879, is attending school, and Olivia, born November 22, 1884, is a student. Mr. Weller is not partisan in his politics, and casts his vote for whomsoever he considers to be the best qualified for the office or offices to be filled; in religion, he and family worshiped in the Congregational church at Rockford, where he was a deacon nineteen years. Mr. Weller has a most pleasant home and keeps his farm in the best possible shape, and Mrs. Weller is famous all over the township for her excellent housekeeping. No family in the township is held in higher respect than that of Mr. Weller, and his possessions have come to him through his own honest industry and discriminating judgment. RANK WELLMAN.-Such men as Frank Wellman are valuable acquisitions to any community, for in all the relations of life he is found true and faithful to the duties and obligations that rest upon him, and his sterling worth and rectitude of character commend him to the confidence and high regard of all. He is one of the progressive farmers of Oakfield township, where he owns a valuable property that he has acquired entirely by his own exertions. Mr. Wellman was born in Kent county, September I, 1852, on the old homestead of his father in Oakfield. He is a son of Eustis J. Wellman, a pioneer of Kent county, whose biography is found elsewhere. His grandfather and grandmother were natives of Massachusetts, the former of whom was born at Mansfield June 8, I790, and died near Sheridan, Mich., on the 4th of January,. 1872. The full genealogy of the family may be obtained at another place in this record under the head of E. J. Wellman. Frank Wellman received a conmmon-school education, and was reared to and worked at farming on his father's estate until twenty-five years of age. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1077 On June, 9, i88i, the wedding of Mr. Wellman to Miss Delina Collar occurred, and four children blessed this union, three of whom are living, viz: E. Judson, who is in the seventh grade at school, greatly interested in mathematics and music, and will in all probability be an excellent mechanic in the years to come; Winnie, also gifted with musical talent, and who has been receiving instrumental music lessons; and Mary A., the youngest, who is in the fourth grade at school. Mrs. Wellman was born in Ada township, Kent county, Mich., October I, 1858, was educated in the common and graded schools and held a license to teach school. She was a daughter of Sylvester F. and Mary Ann (Clark) Collar, who were natives of New York and died in Kent county, Mich. Her father was a farmer and parent of seven children, four sons and three daughters. Mrs. Wellman was a true and faithful wife and a kind and indulgent mother. She died April 6, 1893, and her remains are interred in the Oakfield cemetery. At present, and for four years past, Mrs. 'Nettie Johnston has had charge of the home and the care and training of the children. She is a native of Yates county, N. Y., born August 29, 1849, and has spent most of her life in Kent county, Mich. She is a lady of many excellent traits that peculiarly adapt her to the proper supervision of the growing and expanding youth. In his political affiliations Frank Wellman is a non-partisan and drops his ballot for the man whom he thinks will best discharge the duties of office. His first presidential vote was cast for R. B. Hayes. He is deeply interested in the public schools and has for many years been director of the Oakfield Center schools, endeavoring to employ only welltrained teachers. Socially, he is a member of the Montcalm grange, No. 318, at Greenville, Mich., believing that the principles of the Patrons of Husbandry, if followed, will greatly benefit all society. He is enrolled among the worthy contributors to the erection of the Oakfield chapel, built in I893, which stands but a short distance from his home, and is the center of social and religious influence of the town. As to his business, he is a natural and skilled machinist, but has devoted most of his time to agriculture, and is the owner of a beautiful eighty-acre farm in section No. I6. It is located in the heart of the most valuable section of the town, and its productive fields prove the attention and industry of the owner. The life of Mr. Wellman has been an upright and- honorable one, which will bear the closest scrutiny and inspection. Entirely without ostentation or display, he has taken a high place in the esteem of his fellows. He is honorable in his business dealings, friendly and genial in his social relations, and at all times a courteous and estimable gentleman, whom to know is to respect. W ICHOLAS P. WERNER.-There is no greater pleasure for the hand and pen of the historian or biographer to perform than that of recording the life and achievements of a man who has begun life's battle under adverse circumstances, and, through his own unaided efforts, has secured the general' acknowledgment of being an honest man, a gentleman and a possessor of ample means. Such a man is Nicholas Werner, a successful farmer of Grattan township, Kent county, Mich. Mr. Werner is a native of the county wherein he now resides and was born April i, 1858, the fourth of six children born to Nicholas and Mary (Honson) Werner. Nicholas Werner, Sr., was born November 1078 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS 6. 1825, in the picturesque valley of the Rhine and at present resides in Otisco, Ionia county, Mich. Until his marriage and the birth of one child, he lived in the Fatherland, where he was reared to agricultural pursuits and educated in his native tongue. In the year I854 he embarked at Antwerp, and after six weeks of sailing landed at New York city. He found himself among a strange people with no capital to begin life with. New York was his home for about one year, and he then came to the wild country of Michigan, settling in Ionia county. In Grattan township, Kent county, he rented a farm for some time and later purchased forty acres in Otisco township, Ionia county, at a dollar and a quarter per acre, though going in debt for it. He built a log cabin in the then almost unbroken forests, later added twenty acres to his estate and is still the owner of it. In politics he is a democrat, and he and his wife, who was also born in Germany, June 9, j823, are devout members of the Catholic church at Mariam, Ionia county. Nicholas P. Werner early acquired a knowledge of agriculture and has been a hard laborer all his life. He was educated in the commonschools and brought up in the Catholic faith, having been confirmed, at the age of fourteen, by Bishop Borgess of the Detroit diocese. Mr.. Werner began as a wage-earner when sixteen years of age. At the inception of his married life he had a capital of about $,0ooo, which he had accumulated by his own unceasing labor and economy. On May 20, 1884, Mr. Werner was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Kohn, a native of Ionia county, Mich., and three sons have been born to them, viz: Edward J., Arthur M., and Carl M. Mrs. Werner was born on the 3rd of May, I86i, is a daughter of Peter and Catherine(Baltzer) Kohn, and one of nine children, the five now living being residents of Ionia county, Mich. Peter Kohn, was a native of the city of Trieste, Germany, and by vocation an agriculturist. He early located in Ionia county, Mich., where Mrs. Werner was reared and educated. Both parents were devout Catholics and are now deceased. A farm of forty acres, with a small house, became the early home of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas P. Werner, and the now greatly enlarged and improved estate in their possession can be only the outcome of push and industry, good business principles and economy. The home now is a beautiful one, comprising 145 acres of land. A very prominent feature in the estate is the massive and convenient barn, with fine stone basement and cellar. Mr. Werner is politically a republican, a sound-money man and firm supporter of the principles of that party, though until recently a democrat. Socially, Mr. and Mrs. Werner are members of the Grattan grange and devout in their connection with the St. Mary's parish at Miriam, Ionia county. B ARTIN WHALEN.-On the roll of Wyoming township's representa-.. tive citizens is found the name of Kyran Whalen, who was an Irishman by birth and for many years a leading agriculturist of Kent county. He left his native isle in I850, immigrating to the United States in company with a brother, Thomas, and for a period of three years found employment as a farm laborer in New York, removing at the end of that time to Kent county, Mich., and purchasing a piece of woodland, consisting of eighty acres, in the township of Wyoming. His first residence was a log-cabin of small dimensions and primitive pattern, which he occupied for some years, while the heavy forest growth was being removed and the ground fit AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1079 I ted for tillage, this arduous labor being performed by himself and the brother named above, the latter being unmarried. By working early and late in all kinds of weather, Mr. Whalen finally had the satisfaction of seeing a fine farm of 230 acres emerge from the primitive woods as the reward of his industry, and the diminutive cabin to give place to a more complete and comfortable dwelling of greatly enlarged proportions. Thomas Whalen remained with his brother assisting on the farm until I87I,when he re-visited the land of his nativity, only, however to pass his last days amid old scenes, dying there on the old paternal estate, about six months after his return. Kyran Whalen was married in I856 to Miss Katherine Whalen, also a native of the Emerald isle; while bearing the husband's name she was in no way related to him by ties of blood. The result of this union was ninechildren, of whom seven are at this time living, namely: Rev. T. L. Whalen, educated for the priesthood in Cincinnati and Baltimore, and now stationed as pastor of the church at Muskegon, Mich;. Kyran T. Whalen, also a priest, having in charge the Catholic church.in Carson, Mich.; Michael D. Whalen, D.V. S.,of Dowagiac, Mich.; Martin, whose name introduces this sketch; Mary, wife of P. J. Eardly; Catharine, a sister of Charity, known as Mary Martin, in Cincinnati, Ohio; Anna, also a sister of Charity in the same convent with the former, her convent name being Mary Kyran, and Dennis, the youngest son, wnas born August, I6, I869. He remained with the family, then consisting of his mother, brother Martin, and sister Anna. He died January 25, 1891, aged twenty-one. He was an exceptionally bright young man, who was already making a mark in the community.. He was most popular, and every side of his character possessed a luster that only comes when there is an innate nobleness of mind. All of the children of 58 Mr. and Mrs. Whalen enjoyed exceptional advantages educationally,and no pains or reasonable expense were spared in preparing them for the parts they were to act in life. Reared in the holy Mother church, none have ever departed from the faith thereof, but all are loyal to its teachings, and, as already stated, four have consecrated their lives to the cause of religion -a record of which few families can boast, and of which they may feel deservedly proud. Kyran Whalen nobly did his part in a quiet way toward the moral and religious advancement of the community in which he resided; and the honorable self-sacrificing life he lived bore rich fruitage in the persons of his several children, all of whose success is directly traceable to his wise counsel and godlike example. He was an intelligent man, with the training received in the excellent schools of his native land, and possessed a sound practical wisdom, such as educational institutions do not impart. He died in the very prime of manhood October 16, 1877, aged forty-nine. His devotedi wife survived him until I891, departing this life on the I Ith day of February of that year, at the age of sixty-three. Martin Whalen, youngest member of the family living, was born on the farm where he now resides, a short distance southwest of the city of Grand Rapids, November I, I867. He was but ten,years old when his father passed to the great beyond, and early in life took upon himself a full measure of responsibility in the way of contributing to the support of the family, as he assumed charge of the home farm at the age of nineteen, and has since conducted the same. In this he was ably assisted by his mother, a woman of rare business ability and exceedingly sound judgment, and the farm lost nothing by their co-operation. On the contrary,. success awaited their every endeavor, and in due time additional land was purchased, improvements extended, and the 1080 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS place became one of the best cultivated in the township of Wyoming. Mr. Whalen is at this time the possessor of 140 acres of finely improved land in his own name, and justly deserves the reputation he has earned of being a representative farmer of the township of Wyoming, and one of the progressive and intelligent Irish-American citizens of Kent county. The democratic party represents Mr. Whalen's politics,and he has at different times been honored with official positions by the franchise of his party, being at this time the popular and efficient treasurer of Wyoming township. He belongs to St. Andrew's Catholic church of Grand Rapids, and is an active worker in the same, being liberal in his contributions toward the support of the Gospel and loyal to every tenet of the faith. Mr. Whalen has never married, nevertheless he,maintains a household on the farm, and under his roof is found an old-fashioned hospitality, generously dispensed to any and all who are fortunate enough to cross his threshold. Such in brief are the salient facts in the career of a family worthy in every respect to be mentioned in these pages among the representative people of the county of Kent. ANUEL WILSON, a prominent Z ] farmer and grain dealer in Cale81 donia township, Kent county, " Mich., is a native of Perth county, province of Ontario, Canada, was born April 18, 1859, and is a son of Molyneaux and Ellen Wlilson, who came to Michigan when Manuel was about seven years of age and settled on eighty acres of beech and maple woodland in Caledonia township. Here the father passed away about 1893 at the age of sixty-three years, and here his widow still resides. Manuel Wilson was reared to manhood on r the home farm, was educated in the common schools of Caledonia, and remained at home until his marriage, September 22, I879, to Miss Helen Freeman, daughter of Morris Freeman, of Gaines township, Kent county, in which township she was born. Mr. Wilson then settled on his present farm of ninety acres, two miles from the village on the Thornapple river. Here he grew peaches and other fruits until severe weather caused him heavy losses, and he then devoted his attention to miscellaneous agriculture. In April, I897, he purchased the elevator in the village, and this has a capacity of 25,000 bushels. He refitted the structure throughout, placed in new gasoline engines, and nolw does a business of I60 car-loads of wheat per annum, and also handles oats, rye, beans, cloverseed, etc. He employs one man constantly at grinding feed, and hay and straw come within the scope of the trade, and of these he ships about fifty car-loads annually, having a first-class baling machine, which, in fact, he had operated some years previous to purchasing the elevator. To the latter he devotes his personal attention exclusively. Mr. Wilson has a family of four children, born in the following order: Clare, who is a student in the junior class at the state university in Ann Arbor; Forest and Alice, students in the high school of Caledonia, and Margaret. Mr. Wilson is a member of the Masonic fraternity, has passed all the chairs in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is likewise a member of Caledonia tent, Knights of the Maccabees. Both he and wife are members of the M. E. church. In politics he is an active republican, and has frequently been elected delegate to the conventions of his party, in many of which he has taken a conspicuous part. He is a man of untiring energy, possesses unusual business ability, and bears a name that has never been im AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1081 I peached. His many transactions are marked by a fairness and sense of justice that have gained him the confidence of business men, and his social standing is with the best people of the township and county. LAUDE E. WILDER, an esteemed citizen of Kent county, now engaged in agricultural pursuits in Alpine township, is a native of Walker township, Kent county, Mich., and was born January 13, I870, being the second child of Joseph and Polly (Miller) Wilder. His father was a native of New York, born in the year 1843, and came to Michigan with his parents, Ed. and Maria Wilder, when but a lad of six or seven summers, locating with them on a farm in Alpine township, where he lived until the death of his father. At that event he went to live with a sister Hannah, wife of William McNitt, and there he remained until of age. His first step for himself was to rent a farm on which he worked until he, with his brother-in-law, McNitt, engaged in the saw and grist-mill business in Walker township and continued at such until the year I877, when he sold his milling interest and purchased a farm of seventy-one acres in section No. 34, of Alpine township. Here he lived until the spring of I898, when he leased a farm in Walker township, near Kinney station, upon which he still resides. His wife is a native of Ohio and was born in the year I837. She came to Michigan with her parents, Joseph Miller and wife, when seven years old, and it was here she met her husband, and is now living with him in their Walker home. Claud E. Wilder began life for himself when about twenty-one years of age, by leasing the old farm in Alpine township, and after working for one year he removed to Ohio, where lie still followed the occupation of hisboyhood for a period of two years, and then returned to Michigan and re-leased the old homestead, which he is now operating. On December 24, 1893, he was married to Miss Stella E. Sherck, a native of Ohio, born April 3, I871. She made her home in her native state until her marriage. Her parents, Martin and Elizabeth (Good) Sherck, both were natives of Ohio, where they passed their entire lives. Mr. and Mrs. Wilder are the parents of but one child, Leta Etheline, a little girl of four years. Politically, Mr. Wilder is what might be termed non-partisan in local politics, but is a democrat in national matters. Mr. Wilder is known as one of the leading agriculturists of Alpine, and while his life has not been varied by exciting incidents or thrilling episodes, it it has been at all tires true to upright principles, and he has ever been faithful in his duty to his home, his neighbor and his country. F. WILLIAMS, a sterling citizen of Tyrone township, Kent county, Mich.,.and well and favorably known throughout the community, was born in Chemung county, Ohio, August I9, 1847, and is the fifth in a family of seven sons and one daughter born to Henry and Angeline (Hawkins) Williams, of which children four are deceased, the survivors being S. F., the subject of this sketch; Josiah, a resident of Thompsonville, Mich., married, and a lumberman by vocation; Edward M., a married farmer, residing in Chester, Ottawa county, and A. L., a married business man at Casnovia, Mich. Henry Williams, the father, was born in New York state, August 11, I813, received a good common-school education, and was 1082 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS reared to agricultural pursuits. About I840 he removed from New York to Ohio, thence came to Michigan in I850, and settled in Ottawa county, where he resided until his death, which occurred in March, I888. He was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a diligent student of his Bible. In politics he was first a whig, but at the organization of the republican party fell into its ranks. His wife was also a native of the Empire state, was born December 4, 1822, was educated in the common schools, and, like her husband, died a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, January 25, 1891, aged sixty-eight years, one month and twenty-one days. S. F. Williams was a child of three years when brought to Ottawa county, Mich., by his parents. His father there purchased an eighty-acre tract of forest land, on which the first habitation of the family was a "shake" shanty, erected by the Indians, who were then still very numerous in all that part of the state. There were no highways near the shanty, and deer still frequented the premises. The agricultural implements consisted of the old-fashioned wooden fork, cradle, scythe and sickle, and the Williams family were classed among the pioneers of western Michigan. Under such circumstances it was impossible for Mr. Williams to acquire any other than a rudimentary education. His services were required at home in assisting to clear up and develop the farm, and for this purpose he remained with his parents until his majority, turning over to them his earnings when employed temporarily elsewhere, or devoting to them his services from the age of fourteen years. He of course began his business life with but little capital, and has always been a farmer, lumberman or livestock dealer, with the exception of two years passed as a merchant. I Mr. Williams was united in marriage, February 18, 1872, with Miss Sarah E. Noble, who has borne him three daughters, viz: Grace B, who was primarily educated in the Kent 'City public schools, and graduated fron the Sparta high school in 1890; for two years, also, she attended the Ypsilanti Normal school, took a full course of normal training and also a course in kindergarten instruction, and for four years was a successful teacher in the graded schools of Ottawa and Kent counties; she has besides received special training as a professional nurse at Chicago, and her services as such are in constant demand in Kent county and elsewhere, she having made a fine reputation; she is a member of the Baptist church and of the W. C. T. U., and her professional address is Kent City, Mich. Mary A., the second-born daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Williams, is the wife of J. B. Symes, of Sparta; she was a dressmaker by vocation, and her husband is a mechanic. Cecil, the youngest daughter, graduated from the Kent City public schools in I898, and has been well instructed in instrumental music. Mrs. Sarah E. Williams was born in Wayne county, Mich., October 6, I854, and is a daughter of David and Mary A. (Knapp) Noble, of whose four children-two sons and two daughters-three still survive, viz: Wilbur, a graduate of a Chicago veterinary college, married, and living in Sparta; Mrs. Williams, and Edward D., who resides on his mother's farm in Sparta township and is also married. Mrs. Williams has passed her life mostly in Sparta and Tyrone townships, secured a sound education in the public schools and also had special instruction in music, of which she has been a teacher. David Noble, father of Mrs. \Williams, was born in Ohio in 1814, and died at the age of forty-seven years, from exposure, while serving as a soldier during the Civil war. His AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1083 widow is a resident of Sparta township and is a consistent member of the Baptist church, Mr. and Mrs. S. F. Williams came to Kent county in the spring of I876, with a very meager capital, indeed, and what property they have has been acquired by diligence and economy. They purchased forty acres in Tyrone township, of which only eight acres had been cleared for tilling, the remainder being covered with stumps. They could pay only a small part of the purchase money; but they worked hard, and the result is, they are now free of debt, have well cultivated fields, a cosy residence well furnished, good barns and other out-buildings —all the result of their industry. Politically Mr. Williams is a republican and cast his first presidential vote for U. S. Grant. He has strong temperance proclivities and endeavors to aid all measures designed to elevate the moral tone of his township and for the improvement of the efficiency of the public school system. Fraternally he is a member of Kent City lodge, No. 380, I. O. O. F., and religiously the fanily are all sincere Baptists, and have aided materially in erecting the beautiful church consecrated to that faith in Kent City. The family move in the best circles of Tyrone township, and all are sincerely esteemed for their personal merits. ELVIN A. WILLETT is an extensive fruit grower, on sections eight, seventeen and eighteen, in Cannon township, Kent county, Mich., three and one-half miles from Rockford and fourteen miles from Grand Rapids. There are about 500 apple trees on the farm, including the well-known varieties —Northern Spy, Baldwin, Roxbury, Russet and Detroit Red. These are all keepers of the best and most lasting variety and are mostly bearers each season. In 1895 Mr. Willett planted eight acres in apple trees in addition to those already mentioned, consisting of the following "red" varieties: Northern Spy, Ben Davis, Wagner and Wealthy. These eight acres of apples are in the best of condition, and many of the trees are already bearing, and really bear fruit the first year after planting, especially the "Wagners." Mr. Willett sprays his fruit, each year, about three times. In 1890, he planted his first peach trees, 350 in number, of the following kinds: Honest John, Chili, Early Michigan, Foster, Wheatland and Late Crawford. In I891 he planted 750 more, mostly of the Early Michigan, Chili, Barnard and Honest John, and they are doing nicely. In the season of I898 Mr. Willett marketed 750 bushels. In I894 he set out I,IOO additional trees of Chair's Choice, Reeve's Favorite, Barnard, Globe and Yellow St. John, the last being a very fine-flavored fruit. Of this setting, he marketed almost Ioo bushels in I898. In I896 he planted I 400 more of the late Barnards, Barber and Bronson seedlings. The curl leaf and the black knot are the only diseases the trees are infested with, as the yellows is a disease almost unknown in Kent county. Mr. Willett has a total of 4,300 peach trees on his estate. The soil of his fruit farm is a sandy loam, which is considered by some leading fruit men to excel the clay loam. The Willett fruit farm is mostly undulating, and no drainage is deemed necessary. Besides the peach and apple industry, Mr. Willett has 350 plum and cherry trees, which are in a thrifty condition. The potato industry with Mr. Willett is also an important factor in his business. The year 1898 finds him with a yield of 300 bushels to the acre, which will net him 2,500 bushels of the Rural New York No. i, and the renowned American' Wonder; the latter variety 1084 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS is one of the finest and most palatable potatoes grown in southern Michigan. The roads leading to his farm from Grand Rapids and Rockford markets are gravel and are always in good condition for marketing produce. Melvin A. Willett is a native of Erie county, N. Y., was born September 14, 1848, and is the only son of Lyman C. and Rhoda J. (Hillingham) Willett. He received a good education in the common schools, and the city schools of Grand Rapids. He wedded, December 31, 1869, Miss Eva Peak, a native of Ottawa county, Mich., and three children have been born to this marriage, of whom two are living, the eldest being Nettie, wife of D. C. Stapleton, of Grand Rapids; and Clare E., who is a farmer of Cannon township. Politically, Mr. Willett will simply support the man best fitted for the position to be filled, regardless of party. Mr. Willett at present is one of the " yellows commissioners" of Cannon township. As a gentleman of integrity he is well and favorably known throughout Kent county, as he is always fair and honorable in his dealings and undeviating in his adherence to the truth. AADEN WINCHESTER, one of Michigan's pioneer centenarians, died at his home in Byron township, Kent county, Mich., April 11, 899, after an illness of only three days. Mr. Winchester's life was a remarkable one for its longevity and robust health, he having passed the century miletsone by one year, two months and eighteen days. Seldom had he failed during the last thirty years.of his life to go out to the wood pile and split or saw his daily allowance for family use. He was born January 23, 1798, in Middlesex county, Conn. When a small boy his parents moved to Chenango county, N. Y., where he grew to manhood. In I818 he was married to Miss Clarrisa Campbell. To them were born eleven children-seven sons and four daughters; two of the sons died in infancy. In 1854, he came to Michigan with his family, and located in Byron township, where he had lived since that time in the same neighborhood with four of his sons. After seventy years of companionship, his wife died at the advanced age of ninety-four years, outliving her four daughters. Five sons are left to mourn the loss of their aged father, who, with one son-in-law,acted as pall-bearer, at his funeral. It was, indeed, a very impressive ceremony, as his white-haired children bore him to his last resting-place. Beside his five sons, Mr. Winchester's descendants are twenty grandchildren, forty-four greatgrandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. mEV. JOSEPH G. WITHAM, of Oakfield township, Kent county, Mich., is a gentleman whose biography it is a pleasure to review, not only for the interesting features, but for the valuable lessons conveyed to the succeeding generations. Although imbued early in life with the spirit of the Master, and feeling the responsibility he owed to others as well as that he owed to himself, he had reached middle life ere he entered fully upon his life work. Not only has a greater part of his own life been devoted to preaching the Gospel and leading souls to Christ, but, through his strong personality, healthy living, noble example and encouragement, three of his sons realized, with distinctness, the work that needed the right hands and minds to do, and also became sanctified to the cause of the salvation of the souls of their fellow-men. He has tried for a third of a cent AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1085 ' ury to extend the teachings of the Bible; and now, that he has reached the allotted threescore and ten, he can, with much satisfaction, look back over an earnest life directed as best he could with the conscioueness of having done some little good; and that life having been worth living, a welcome reception awaits him where honor is finally bestowed upon those "who have done it unto the least of these." He was born February 5, I83I, in the province of Quebec, where his boyhood was passed, receiving but limited chances for schooling, but being compelled to secure such education as constant reading and home study gave to a mind naturally active and more excited by the conditions of the time and the surroundings in which he was placed. His father, Aaron Witham, was born in Maine, where he married Anna Clark, and soon afterward removed to Quebec. He and his brother, Levi, who was killed, served during the last war with Great Britian and was a participant at Lundy's Lane. In 1852 he came to Michigan and located land, on the strength of a soldier's warrant, in Wales, St. Clair county, where his life came to a peaceful close. Jaines G. Witham accompanied his parents to Michigan, and chcse to locate his farm in Sanillac county, where, on the 9th of May, I849, he was joined in matrimony to Elizabeth E. Spear. They were both young, and, being without means, found it necessary to give close and unbroken attention to the questions of temporal comfort and the needs of a young and growing family. Nearly twenty years were almost wholly devoted to the care of children and in making provisions for later years. He had, early in life made his peace with God, but as years went on and his understanding of the plan of salvation was made clearer to him by careful study, argument and prayer, he finally listened to a still small voice that called and consecrated his life wholly to the Master's cause. Experience proved the prediction of friends that he had made no mistake, and he soon became regularly attached to the evangelical work within the lines of the Protestant Episcopal church. However, his mind, acting upon the reasoning incident to reading and observation, carried him into accord with the Free Methodist brethren, and for twenty years his name was widely known in Michigan as one of the most ardent and successful apostles of that faith. Latterly hiswork has been as a minister of the Wesleyan denomination, having affiliated with that conference while a resident of Ohio. Much of his ministerial life was spent in this section of the country. Hundreds of old friends, many of whom sought salvation under the stress of his oratory, reason and exhortation, attest to his power as a preacher, his pleasing personality as a neighbor, and his steadfastness and influence as a friend. Fully alive to the importance of his mission, he entered with his whole soul into it, and now, that the last days of the nineteenth century are at hand, a review of past work brings a sense of duty well performed, giving to his declining years a satisfaction not attained by a life of purely secular employment. Some thirty years has he and his beloved wife resided in Oakfield, where they are surrounded with the comforts of life, and the years pass in pleasantness and peace. Of seven children born to them four are still living: Charles A., a farmer of Amherst, Dak.; Lucinda, wife of L. Livingston, a hotel proprietor at West Bay City; Levi, a popular Congregationalist minister of Ottawa county, and Albert, also a minister of Ohio City, Ohio, where he has for three years been pastor of the Church of God, and has been very earnest and successful in his work. He is an eloquent exhorter and revivalist, and has had as many 1086 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS as 1oo conversions at a single course of revival meetings. He has erected a new church and parsonage and has made other improvements, and his wife has been a great help to him in pastoral and evangelical work, she also being a minister. A deceased son, Augustus, was pastor of the Free Methodist church at Orleans, Ionia county, Mich., where was highly esteemed by his congregation. His untimely death occurred when about thirty-five years of age. OHN WHEELER, a prosperous and energetic farmer of Grand Rapids township, was born in Holland on the first day of December, I840. His father, Barnes Wheeler, is a representative of a family of thrift, industry and honest worth. He was born in Lonneker, Overisel, Holland, October 6, 182I. In i855 he landed in New York, and a year and a half later came to Grand Rapids township, Kent county, Mich., where for fifteen years he engaged in hauling plaster from the mills to the depot. He has for the last thirty years been located on his farm, which by industry and persistence he has been able to acquire, and is now owner of I60 acres. He has been carrying on fruit raising quite extensively, and at present is the owner of a peach orchard of about thirty acres. John Wheeler came to America with his parents when he was about fifteen years of age. At the time of the family's arrival they were extremely poor, and because of their limited means were unable to pursue their journey farther than Albany. In Albany he and his father found work, and it was three years after they came to New York before they were able to come to the west. Their first intention was to go to Iowa, but later I decided to come to Grand Rapids. At their arrival they were in extreme poverty. After staying over Sunday at the Michigan house and paying their bill on Monday morning, the had but twelve cents left. During these times employment was exceedingly difficult to secure, and both the father and the son found work in the city sawing wood, with the old-fashioned buck-saw, and cleaning out-houses, etc. Many times they were out of employment and without sufficient food in the house. They led such a life as this for some months, at the end of which time they secured work at the plaster mills, where they were engaged to help the man who was hauling plaster from the mills to the depot. After John had worked at this until he had earned $48, he found himself unable to collect his pay. He then bought the team with which he was working, applying the $48, and paid for it by hauling. In the meantime his father had secured work at the mills and a little later Mr. Hovey, the proprietor, assisted them by allowing them to buy a second team and pay for it in the same way. Then both engaged in the plaster business, at which they worked some twelve years, at the end of which time they had saved up money enough to invest in farm property. From this time they followed farming with unrelaxing efforts, and now, as a result of their perseverance and toil, they have become the owners of large and valuable property. Barnes Wheeler is the parent of four children: John; Carrie, wife of Garrett Schrouder, in Grand Rapids; Anna, Deena, and:Iennie, all of whom are industrious, painstaking workers. They now reside at home, surrounded by the enjoyments of life, which first gazed on them with scorn, but which now their industry, enterprise and business foresight have provided for them. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1087 They now own a good and well-improved farm, and are doubtless the best general farmers in this part of the county. Everything is carefully and scientifically executed. Father and son, as well as the girls, have worked diligently together and are deserving of some commendation. The mother, Jennie Terborg, died April 29, I879, aged sixty-three years and four months. All the family have been members of the Second Reformed church from its organization. HARLES H. WHITNEY, the popular miller of Kent City, and township clerk of Tyrone, is a gentleman who belongs to the better class of citizens of his township. He was born in Wayne county, Mich., on the 7th of December, 1848, the third child in a family of two sons and six daughters born to Martin L. and Caroline L. (Lowell) Whitney, of whom six children are living, viz: Maria C., widow of Bruce Diamond and a resident of the city of Grand Rapids; Mariette, wife of John L. Lewis, a farmer residing at Hepler, Kans.; Mr. Whitney, of this memoir; George L., married and residing in Detroit, and who was for a number of years a flour merchant and engaged in the feed business, also a traveling salesman for the wellknown seed house of D. M. Ferry & Co.; Ida J., wife of Milo E. Marsh, a resident of Detroit, and Lillie E., widow of Alonzo Winters and living at Whiting, Ind. The father of Charles H. Whitney is a native of Saratoga county, N. Y., and was born May 30, 1822. He now resides in Kent City. The education he received was limited and he was early put to hard work. By trade he was a mechanic, but since Charles H. was three years of age he has spent his life as a sawyer and miller. He emigrated to Detroit, Mich., and thence to Northville, in the year 1844. From that place he came to Kent county in I850 and took upon himself the management of Burch's saw-mill, south of Cedar Springs. After a short time he entered into mercantile life at the same place and was post-master until i87I, when he purchased eighty acres of land in Algoma township, where he lived until he took up his residence in Kent City. In his political views he upheld the principles of the republican party. The mother of Charles Whitney was born near the city of Auburn, N. Y., July 2, 1824, and died August 5, I869. She was a very religious woman and a devout Christian. In her youthful days she was a member of the Presbyterian church and in her declining years was much esteemed and respected in the Congregational church. Charles H. Whitney spent his early days in Wayne county until the age of fifteen years, and there received a common-school education. In I863 he became a resident of Ann Arbor, Mich., and while there attended the union or ward schools, where he acquired a good practical education. He began life as a sawyer and merged into the trade of a miller. When he reached his majority he began working by the day, as he had no financial means to aid him in the battle of life. He came with his father to Kent county, where he aided him in Burch's saw-mills, and in 1874 located in Kent City when that place was a mere hamlet, there being only two houses north of the railroad. Here he became a partner in the saw-mill and lumber business with his father. In 1876 they began the erection of the present plant, and in the following year rebuilt the mill entire and put in a full complement of steel' rollers, four sets of double rollers, and a new thirty-five horsepower machine. The contract for furnishing the mill with machinery was made by the 1088 TIlE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS well-known firm of Nordyke & Marmon, of Indianapolis. The working capacity of the mill is about forty barrels per day. At the present, Charles Whitney is the sole owner manager of the plant and grinds all kinds of grain and feed, paying the highest market prices. He is doing a prosperous business with his saw-mill, which has a working capacity of I2,00o feet per day. Mr. Whitney has been twice married: First, May 29, 1871, to Miss Hattie Elliott, a native of Barry township, Orleans county, N. Y. This union has been blessed by the birth of six children, two sons and four daughters, of whom four are yet living, viz: Charles H., who is engineer of his father's mill, was educated in the commercial college at Grand Rapids, wedded Miss Ada Yeomans, and because of modesty and refinement of habits is a credit to his parents; Alice E., wife of Willis Church, general agent for the McCormick reaper company, residing in Kent City, and father of one son and three daughters, viz: Otto R., Irene, Florence and Isetta; Claribelle is one of the bright and successful teachers of Tyrone township, having graduated in the Kent City schools with the class of I897, and Vera A. is a member of the class of 900o in the Kent City schools. Mrs. Whitney died on the 17th of December, I888, a kind and loving mother and a faithful wife. She had been born May 29, I849, and had ever been a faithful member of the Baptist church. Mr. Whitney next married Mrs. Alice VanNatta, a native of Ithaca, N. Y. Her early home was in sight of the famous Cornell university on the banks of Lake Cayuga. 'She was educated in the common schools, had been married to Otis VanNatta, to which union there had been born one daughter, Ada, a bright pupil in school, and is gifted with a talent for music. Politically Mr. Whitney is a republican, having cast his initiatory vote for U. S. Grant. Officially he has been justice of the peace in his township, and is at the present township clerk. Socially he is a member of the Kent City I. O. O. F. lodge, No. 380. He and his wife are esteemed members of the Rebekah lodge, No. 272, at Kent City. They are both members of the Baptist church and Mr. Whitney has been chorister since the church was erected. For ten years he has been superintendent of the Sabbath-school, which has an attendance of seventy pupils. Besides his milling interests he has twenty acres of land near the village limits, the product of which, in I898, was sixty bushels of oats to the acre and twenty-seven of wheat. He and his wife are prominent residents of Kent City and enjoy the esteem and praise of a great number of its inhabitants. ANLEY J. WHITTEN, the popui lar and efficient supervisor of Grattan. and a native of the township, was born November 6, 1857, and is the eldest of the three sons born to John and Margaret (Johnson) Whitten. John Whitten was born in Lincolnshire, England, but was a little boy when brought to America by his parents,John and Lucy Whitten, -who were nine weeks in crossing the Atlantic from Liverpool to New York, over half a century ago, as they arrived in Michigan just after the admission of the state into the Union. They purchased a tract of land in Grattan township, Kent county, from the government, and here their first habitation was a log cabin of the primitive order. Red men were roaming about at will, and game was still to be had for the shooting. There were only two or three stores and one hotel in Grand Rapids, AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1089 and at that post the Whitten family did its trading, making the trip by ox-team over the worst possible roads. Mr. Whitten was a hard-working, industrious man, and at his death owned 220 acres of good land in Grattan township, much of which he himself improved. In politics he was an ardent democrat, and in religion he and wife were earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church. His parents both died at the age of eightythree years. Manley J. Whitten was educated in the common schools of Grattan township, and also took a short course in the Normal college at Valparaiso, Ind. He was reared in agricultural pursuits on his father's homestead, and farming his been his life vocation. At his majority, however, he did not have a tendollar bill, but had a pair of strong arms and a willing mind, as well as a determination to make his way through life, and this he certainly has done. April 16, I882, Mr. Whitten married Miss Myra Reid, and this union has been blessed with three children, born in the following order: Ray, Leon J. and Ethel E. Mrs. Myra Whitten, daughter of John and Lydia Ann (King) Reid, was born in Grattan, June 8, I859, and was educated in the common schools. She has proven to be a valuable helpmate to her husband, for, when they started together in life, they went in debt for forty acres af land, but by their united industry they have acquired 130 acres, including the original Whitten homestead, well cultivated and improved, and do not owe a dollar-an example of well-directed energies that is worthy of imitation by the younger married people of the neighborhood. In politics Mr. Whitten is a democrat, and his first presidential vote was for Winfield S. Hancock, in i880. Personally, he has served as delegate of his party to county, district and senatorial conventions on several occasions, and has always held the confidence of the local democracy. In I897 he was elected supervisor of Grattan township, and was re-elected in I898 and 1899-a proof of the implicit confidence his people have in him and of his capability. He has also been connected with the public schools of his district for almost fifteen years, and he and wife are both ardent friends of the system, believing that the best instructors are the cheapest, even at the best salaries. Fraternally, Mr. Whitten is a member of Grattan lodge, No. i96, F. & A. M., and he and wife are members of Venus chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, No. 107, and likewise of the Grattan grange. Socially they stand with the best residents of Grattan township, and most deservedly enjoy the esteem of all. * ----" --- —--— "" ---AMES MORGAN WHITE, a wellknown and enterprising citizen of Walker township, Kent county, Mich., with post-office box No. 247, city of Grand Rapids, was born in Palmyra, N. Y., June 14, 1818, and is a son of Samuel and Lydia (Morgan) White. When James Morgan White was a boy of three years the family moved to Canada, where they remained until the spring of 1837, when they came to Grand Rapids. His father was in the milling and distilling business in Canada, and on coning here secured a tract of 300 acres of land northwest of the village, but resided in the then village of Grand Rapids. He made a large farm, grew stock to a large extent, and his last years were passed with his son, James M. He died at the age of eighty-six years and had settled his own large estate by will according to his own notion. He was an old Jacksonian democrat and was often found in the party councils and township offices. He I 1090 I'THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS had done a large business in Canada, and had built the village of Embro, making it an important place from his industries. He took part in the Rebellion, or patroit war, was marked a member of one of the disturbing factions, and sacrificed largely his property to get away. He was here when Michigan became a state, and was one of the important men in and about Grand Rapids. His wife, Lydia, survived him two years. They had five sons and four daughters, viz: Milo, who had held many local offices in Walker township, among others that of supervisor several terms, and who died in Newaygo county at sixty-five years of age; James M., the subject of this sketch; George, who died in the service in the war of the Rebellion; Charles, who had served as a Mexican soldier, and soon after died from disability occasioned by his army service; Samuel, who lives at Jackson Hole, Idaho, had added the old estate to Grand Rapids and made a little suburb of his own, and left Grand Rapids four years since. The daughters were Juliana, who married Joshua Fish, and died past sixty years of age; Margaret, married to Lemuel Reid, lived in Grattan, and died in Ionia; Sophronia married Rev. Daniel Bush, Methodist Episcopal minister, and died at about sixty years of age, and Clarissa, married to Jeremiah Morgan, died advanced in life. The last one of the White family to remain in Kent county is James M., the subject, who bought his present land of the government and paid for it by working out at $12 per month. He settled on it as a young man, began to clear it, built a shanty about I839, and has resided on it ever since, a period of sixty years. He has now 120 acres, of which he has cleared the greater part. The land was nearly all covered with pine, so he,in partnership with his brother Milo, erected a sawmill near by and for some years made large quanties of lumber, sawing about all the pine in this vicinity. There being also much oak, they likewise sold hubs, spokes, barrel-staves, etc. Knowing the country well, James would show new settlers the land, and made quite a bit in moving settlers; he also did a great deal of hunting, and killed thousands of deer. Knowing several young men without definite object, he about the close of the war conceived the idea of establishing a colony in Lake and Osceola counties, and he thus located several families who became prosperous farmers. In looking up these lands he lived out of doors for weeks, and had a grand time hunting. He also bought a farm there and had it improved, but did not move to it. For some years he conducted a cider and jelly mill, and in later years put out many peach trees. Mr. White is a democrat and has ever taken an active interest in party work. He has held some township offices for years, among which are highway commissioner and overseer of the poor, and has done much to improve the roads of the township. Mr. White was married at twenty-four years to Temperance Mudge, who died eight years ago, after fifty years of married life. Their children were named as follows: Charles W., who lives in Lake county, Mich., settled there by his father; Lydia, who is the wife of William Simmons, and lives at Hesperia, Newaygo county, Mich.; Florence, wife of William Campbell and living in Newaygo county; Adelaide, married to Linneus Ellis. of Grand Rapids; James P.; Mary M., who married Francis Waite, and died at thirty-eight years of age, and Nellie, who was married to Clarence Waite, and died when thirty years old. James P. White, mentioned above, married Alice Blood, and their children are Carrie, Howard, Edwin and Alice. He operates the farm, and J. M. White, his father, lives in the same home with him. 'Y, UP TO DATE. 1091 AND KENT COUNT HARLES F. WHITWORTH, a steady-going, prosperous and greatly respected farmer of Courtland township, Kent county, Mich., is.a native of the county and was born February 26, I852, a son of George and Maria (Gillatt) Whitworth, parents of seven sons and two daughters, of whom, however, three only now are living, to-wit: Herbert, a physician of Dodge City, Kans.; Charles F., the subject of this memoir, and Alfred J., who by vocation is also a farmer and fruit-grower. The eldest born of the family, William G., enlisted at the opening of the Civil war, in company A, Sixth Michigan cavalry, was assigned to the army of the Potomac, was taken prisoner at the battle of the Wilderness, and for six months languished in the prison pen at Andersonville, where he died. George Whitworth was born in Nottingham, England, about the year I8Ir, and was there reared to manhood. For ten years he was in the service of Lord Manvers. He was married in his native land, where several of his children were born. About I849 he and his family departed from Hull in a sailing vessel, and after a tempestuous voyage landed in Quebec, Canada, whence they came to Michigan and took up their residence on rented land near Greenville. Later he went to Walker township, Kent county, where he became financially interested in the plaster beds of the locality, then in their infancy. In I855 or 1856, he purchased eighty acres of partially irnproved land in Algoma township. Remaining on that place a number of years, he sold and purchased another tract of eighty acres, which he improved. In I86I sold that, and purchased I20 acres again in Algoma township, on which he made all necessary improvements and a comfortable home. Of course, in those early days agriculture was conducted on a primitive plan with comparatively rude im plements, but Mr. Whitworth was a man of wonderful endurance and vitality, and he conquered or overcame every obstacle that barred his progress. In politics, Mr. Whitworth was first a whig, but on the disintegration of that party he affiliated with the republicans, but he never had a desire for public office. While in England, he and wife were adherents of the established church, hut in their later years became attached to and were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In this faith he died in January, 187i. He was noted for his kind and benevolent disposition and great charity to the poor, and died truly respected by all who knew him. His wife was a native of the same shire with himself, was born about 1813, and died December 26, I891. She was, like her husband, beloved for her broad charity and many other womanly excellencies. At the head of their mutual grave stands a beautiful stone, sacred to their memory, erected by their sons, Charles and Alfred. Charles F. Whitworth has passed all his life in Kent county, and his education, beyond what was obtained in the common schools, is self-acquired. He started on the race after fortune with little capital, save an inherent disposition to win, and a determination to do. The first serious responsibility he assumed, outside of securing a living for himself, was the taking to himself of a wife. February 25, I882, he married Miss Mary A. Meek, a native of Herefordshire, England. This union has been crowned with twochildren, viz: Willie G. and Millie E. Mrs. Whitworth is a daughter of Charles W. and Sarah (Sparks) Meek, the former of whom died in England at the age of fortyeight years. Mrs. Whitworth, at the age of nine years, was brought to America by her mother and uncle, the latter of whom had been a resident of the United States for several 1092 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS years. They sailed from Liverpool and landed in New York, the objective point of Mrs. Meek and her daughter being Ontario, county, N. Y. They remained one year, and came to Kent county, Mich., where the mother passed her remaining years and died at the age of fiftynine, greatly esteemed by all who knew her. Mrs. Whitworth received the greater part of her education in Kent county; she is kind and affectionate nature, and the neat appearance of her home indicates her to be a model housewife. She has four brothers, viz: Alfred and Charles, in Oregon; Benjamin, a carpenter and farmer, near Sparta, Mich., and James, a farmer of Plainfield township, Kent county. Mr. Whitworth is a stanch republican, cast his first presidential vote for Rutherford B. Hayes, and has been selected by his townspeople several times to represent them in party conventions, declining, however, all public office. Fraternally, he is a member of the Court of HIonor at Rockford. When Mr. and Mrs. Whitworth commenced housekeeping they were practically without cap, ital. They now own eighty acres of as good land as there is in the township, improved with a neat and tasteful dwelling and substantial out-buildings. Mr. Whitworth is interested in fruit culture, several adres being devoted to peaches, plums and apples, all in excellent condition. Mr. and Mrs. W\hitworth are as highly respected as any couple in the county, and their straightforward, uniform and moral course in life well entitles them to all the consideration paid them. EORGE WHITTEN, the faithful and efficient township treasurer of Grattan, needs no introduction to the inhabitants of the section. He has been a successful agriculturist, and also one of the prosperous merchants of Grattan Center. Born on the old Whitten homestead in Grattan, May 5, I866, he is the youngest of the three sons born to John and Margaret (Johnson) Whitten. Mr. Whitten remained with his parents until twenty-three years of age. He received a good practical education in the union school at Grattan Center. At twenty-three he abandoned agricultural pursuits, in which, up to that time, he had been engaged, formed a partnership with E. L. Brooks and purchased the store of C. Eddy in the spring of I879. For three years and a half they carried on business as general merchants, and at the termination of that time Mr. Brooks sold out his interest to Mr. Whitten, who then consolidated with Ernest E. Lessiter, and in I897 sold out to the latter, who is still continuing in the business. After the disposal of his interest in the store, Mr. Whitten purchased a sixty-five-acre farm near by, and has since led the life of an agriculturist, though living in the village. On September 4, 1894, he married Minnie Lessiter, who has become the mother of two children, Lester J. and Carroll D. Mrs. Whitten is a daughter of Henry and M. A. (Weeks) Lessiter, a prominent pioneer family of Grattan, whose full genealogy is presented in the sketch of Mrs. M. A. Lessiter. She was born December 15, I87I, was educated in the Grattan public schools and was a successful teacher for two years. Mr. Whitten is a firm advocate of democracy. He was first elected township treasurer in 1893 and was re-elected in I894, and again in 1899, showing the trust and confidence the people placed in him. Mrs. Whitten was a charter member of Venus chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, and has taken an active part in its proceedings, being the present treasurer. AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1093 lAON C. WOLVERTON, a prosperous farmer of Spencer township, Kent county, Mich., and a gallant ex-soldier of the Civil war, was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., February 24, I840, and is the fourth of five children-three sons and two daughters-born to John and Betsey (Beebe) Wolverton, of whom there are now two survivors only, the subject of this sketch and his brother, Luther, a farmer of Montcalm county, Mich. John Wolverton, the father, was also born in New York, was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and was also a farmer in New York, but died in Montcalm county, Mich., and his wife in Ionia county. John C. Wolverton was a lad of eight years when brought to Michigan by his parents, who settled on a tract of I20 acres four miles northwest of Greenville, in Montcalm county, on which not a sign of improvement was visible. The house in which he grew to manhood was a small frame shanty, and near by was a large Indian reservation for the Blacksmith tribe, on which a great many redskins were concentrated. Throughout the surrounding forest, deer and other game. as well as wild animals of a more savage nature, roamed in comparative freedom. Young John C., in order to render the farm tillable and profitable, early lent his youthful endeavors to the clearing away of the superfluous trees and grubbing the stumps, and in breaking the ground with a three-yoke ox-team, and, as he was but thirteen years of age when his father died, this duty devolved upon him with more urgent imperativeness. His opportunities for securing an education under such circumstances were of course limited, and his knowl*edge of books has been gained at intervals without the assistance of tutors. Shortly after the black flag of Rebellion had been raised by the south and the clamor of war heard throughout the land and devastation rife on free soil, Mr. Wolverton, in his patriotic love of the Union, enlisted in company F, Twenty-first Michigan volunteer infantry, August 7, I862, at Greenville, and with Capt. Croll rendezvoused at Ionia, where the regiment was assigned to the army of the Cumberland, and immediately reported for duty at Covington, Ky. He was in the action at Crab Apple Orchard, Ky., where his regiment suffered severely. The next was at Bowling Green, Ky., where he was disabled and left for three months, at the end of which time he rejoined his regiment at Murfreesboro, Tenn. From that time he wvas chiefly engaged in the ordinary routine of a soldier's life, doing picket duty, skirmishing very seriously on many occasions, and in making frequent forced marches, until the bloody battle of Chickamauga, in which he was well at the front, his left-hand comrade being shot in the head. At Chattanooga, Mr. Wolverton was detailed to construct a pontoon bridge across the Tennessee river, preparatory to the great fight at Lookout Mountain, and during this work with the engineers and mechanics' corps he was under constant fire from the guns of the enemy for over thirty minutes. At Missionary Ridge he took an active part, was on the Atlanta campaign, followed the gallant Sherman in his march to the sea from Atlanta to Savannah, and took part in the grand review at Washington, D. C., in May, I865. At Washington, Mr. Wolverton was honorably discharged from the service, June 8, I865, and received his pay at Detroit, Mich., whence he returned to his old homestead and resumed his farm life. February o0, I867, Mr. Wolverton mar ried Miss Julia Fellows, who was born January I6, 1846, in Rochester, N. Y., and is a daughter of Lucius and Sarah (Hanchett) Fel 1094 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS lows, of Puritan stock, and the parents of four sons and three daughters, of whom four are still living; the mother also survives and is a resident of Blanchard, Isabella county, Mich. Mrs. Wolverton graduated from the Lima, (N. Y.) high school, came to Michigan when twenty years old and afterward became a successful teacher in Oakfield and Spencer townships, Kent county. When Mr. and Mrs. Wolverton began housekeeping in Spencer township, in I867, their farm was still a wild place, with only sixteen acres cleared, but, by their industry and excellent management, it has been developed into one of the best in the township, their eighty-three acres being a garden spot wrought out from the wilderness. In politics Mr. Wolverton is a republican, cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln, and has been elected highway commissioner twice in succession. The upright life of Mr. and Mrs. Wolverton, and their kindly disposition, have won for them the sincere respect of all their neighbors, and their liberal contributions to the support of both church and schools have been well appreciated by the community in which they have' passed so many years of their useful life. -SA R. WOOD, who ranks prominently among the agriculturists of Grattan, Kent county, Mich., was born in Kent county, July 28, I857, and is the second of two sons born to George D. and Anna H. (Rogers) Wood. George D. Wood is a native of Delaware county, Ohio, was born in the year I830, and is a son of Emmons Wood, who was born in New Hampshire in i8o6, a son of Eli H. Wood, a native of Massachusetts. Emmons Wood from New Hampshire went to New York city, where he married Martha B. WVite, of Holland descent. Her father was one of the most prominent of the Anneke Jans heirs, who some years ago took decisive steps to recover the immense estate from the present occupants, among whom is the Trinity church congregation of New York city. Soon after his marriage, Emmons Wood took his departure for the Indian reservation in Delaware county, Ohio, of which he was a pioneer, whence he came, in 1837, to Michigan, and located in Calhoun county. In 1843 he entered a tract of land in Grattan township, Kent county, and in 1847 cane here to reside upon it. George D. Wood entered Olivet college, Michigan, at the age of sixteen years, but was early compelled to relinquish his studies to assume charge of the home estate, his father having become incapacitated for business. In 1854 he married Martha, daughter of Asa and Mary Rogers and a native of Canada. Asa Rogers was a patriot of the Canadian rebellion, so called, and in consequence lost all his property in confiscation. Mrs. Martha Wood died one year after marriage, leaving one son, William H., who is now a resident of South Dakota. In 1856, Mr. Wood married Anna H. Rogers, and to this union have been born two children-Asa R. and George E. George D. Wood was a gallant soldier of the Civil war, served in company F, Second Michigan cavalry, and at the close of three years was honorably discharged as orderlysergeant. In his political predilections George D. Wood is a stanch republican, has served as supervisor and in other town offices, but prior to the formation of that party was a follower of the whigs. Mrs. Anna H. Wood died in 1891, and George D., now resides at Claremont, S. Dak. Asa R. Wood has passed his life in Kent AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1095 county, where he was educated and learned the honorable vocation of a tiller of the soil. On December 5, I883, he was united in marriage to Miss Alice Stocking, who has become the mother of four children, namely: Lloyd E., Rena E., Mabel L., and Harold V., all of whom are attending school. Mrs. Wood was born in Grattan, August 15, 1862, and is a daughter of Merritt and Lucy (Howard) Stocking. Educated in the Grattan schools, she became engaged for about six years as a teacher. Mr. and Mrs. Wood began married life in debt on a small estate, and have since added to it, until it now contains I00 acres, and have made numerous improvements on it, conspicuous among which is a beautiful modern dwelling erected in I891. In connection with general farming he has been extensively engaged in drying apples. He operates an evaporator and consumes some 6,ooo bushels of apples per year. Aside from his prosperous business in Grattan, he is in partnership with another gentleman, Hilton J. Watkins, with whom he is successfully engaged, in a like occupation, in Alpine township. Mr. Wood is a republican in politics and has been selected delegate to county conventions, showing his popularity among the township's inhabitants. Socially he is a member of Grattan lodge, No. I96, F. & A. M., and he and wife of Venus chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, No. 107, and of the Grattan grange, No. 170. IEORGE M. WOOD.-Many years of hard, earnest endeavor in pursuing the occupation to which he now gives his attention, coupled with strict integrity, honesty of purpose and liberality in all directions, have resulted in placing Mr. Wood among the truly respected and 59 honored citizens of his section. He has turned his powers into the channel of an honorable purpose, and as a natural result has accomplished the object of his endeavor. Mr. Wood is a native of the city of Detroit and was born July 27, 1844, being the youngest of four children born to Oscar, F. and Matilda (Pierce) Wood. Beside George M. there is but one other now living, viz: Martha, the wife of George H. McMullen, a druggist and pharmacist of Ionia, Mich. Oscar F. Wood was a native of Vermont, born near the town of Vergennes November 25, I803, and died of cholera in Detroit on the 26th of July, I854. His parents were tillers of the soil, and he early learned the trade of a ship-carpenter. He emigrated to Java, western New York, worked at his trade some years, and next at Sandusky, Ohio. He then came to Detroit, Mich., in 1842, and there he remained until his death. Politically he was a democrat, and socially was a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity. His wife, to whom he was married in Vermont, was born January 4, I803. She died at Oakfield, Mich., August I, I891, at the age of eighty-seven years. George M. Wood resided in Detroit until his majority. He received a good practical education through private instruction until the age of twelve years.; He then served an apprenticeship at the trade of a machinist, working for a time in Detroit, and in i865 came to Ionia to pursue his vocation. On January 14, I875. he married Miss Elizabeth S. Miner, who has borne him four children, viz: George, a graduate of the Greenville high school in the class of I898. Intending to make law his profession, he is now a student of Kalamazoo college preparatory to a course in the university of Chicago and the law school at Ann Arbor, Mich.; Marion, whose untimely death at the age of twenty-four years cast a shadow of grief, not only over the Wood home, but 1096 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS - over the entire community. Hers was one of those charming personalities that, no matter what the occasion, seemed to reflect a-spirit of youth and sunshine that had its effect upon all. Ever joyous and smiling, sorrow could not live in her presence. A countenance always beaming with good-natured mirth betokened the purity of soul within. It was all life within her sphere, and even when the touch of the All Powerful was laid upon this child of light, the spirit seemed to continue buoyant and met its fate without a word of complaint. Hundreds of warm friends attest her worth and deeply mourn her loss. Lindsay A., the third child, is assisting his father on the farm, and Verne is the youngest. Mrs. Wood was born in Vernon, Shiawassee couhty, Mich., March II, i850, one of two children born to Simon B. and Eliza H. (Miller) Miner,. the other child being a son, Samuel, residing in San Francisco, Cal. Her father was a native of New York, born in I829, and died at San Francisco in I886. He came to the state of Michigan at an early date and engaged in the vocation of a farmer, but joined a large company going to the gold mines in California. The mother, now living with Mrs. Wood, was born in New York in the same year as her husband. Mrs. Wood was educated in the Corunna high school, and at fourteen began to teach, and continued to teach in country and graded schools until her marriage. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Wood secured a farm of I30 acres near Ionia, and turned his attention to agriculture. He soon traded this tract for eighty acres of fine land in Oakfield which was soon after replaced by the present farm. In I887 he resumed his trade in Grand Rapids for three years, and then returned to the farm and has since, with brief intervals at his trade, given his attention to its operation. Mr. and Mrs. Wood are members of the Second Baptist church of Oakfield. He is superintendent of and she a teacher in the Union chapel Sunday-school. ILLIAM F. WOODWORTH, a well-known stock raiser and agriculturist of Courtland township, Kent county, Mich., was born in the town of Ovid, Seneca county, N. Y., May 8, I852, and is the fifth of the family of seven childrent-five sons and two daughters-born to Erastus and Mary A. (Lynch) Woodworth, and of which seven there are five still living, viz: Thomas, a farmer of Seneca county, N. Y.; Peter Covert, of the same place, similarly engaged; William F., whose name opens this notice; Mary E., likewise a resident of Seneca county, N. Y., and Ida S., wife of Clarence Smith, a capitalist and agriculturist of Sparta, Mich. These children were all well educated at the union school in their native county and duly prepared for the activities of life. The deceased brothers of Mr. Woodworth were both soldiers in the Civil war. Thomas M. enlisted in company C, One HunUlred and Twenty-sixth New York volunteer infantry, in July, I862, and served until July, I865. His regiment was assigned to the army of the Potomac. He was severely wounded in the left arm at the great battle of Gettysburg July 3, I863. Alanson W. enlisted in April, I864, in the Seventy-fifth New York cavalry, and died in the hospital at Fortress Monroe, September 8, following. Erastus Woodworth, the father of this family, was also a native of New York, and was born May 9, I813. He was a farmer by vocation and more than ordinarily well educated. Politically he was a warm democrat and a great admirer of Stephen A. Douglas, AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1097 but was never an office-seeker. Possessed of great energy and determination of purpose, he made a success in life, and died, greatly respected, September 8, 1862, in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife, who was born in Seneca county, October 20, I8i6, still survives, with faculties unimpaired, and is passing her declining years on the old homestead. She-had, in early life, been a schoolteacher and was the compeer of her husband in intellectuality. Her father, Samuel Lynch, was born in Orange county, N. Y., removed to Seneca county in I805, and served in the war of 1812. He was son of David Lynch, a a Revolutionary soldier. William F. Woodworth was reared to agricultural pursuits on his father's homestead, and on November 21, I877, was united in marriage with Miss Estella Meeker. This union has been crowned by the birth of five children, viz: Lewis M., a graduate of the Cedar Springs high school, and now assisting his father in live-stock raising and farming, being an especial admirer of good cattle and fine horses; Clara E. was also educated at Cedar Springs high school, has been well instructed in instrumental music, and for the past two years has been a trusted employee in the office of the register of deeds at Grand Rapids, in which city she is also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star; F. LeRoy is attending school and is making rapid progress in his studies; Howard C. is at home, and Ivy E., the youngest daughter, is the sunbeam of the family. Mrs. Estella (Meeker) Woodworth was born in Lodi, Seneca county, N. Y., December 13, 1857, a daughter of Lewis M. and Mary E. (Smelzer) Meeker, both born in the same county. The father, who was an agriculturist, died December 12, I86, at the early age of thirty years, and the mother died August 8, 1863, at about the same age. They left, to mourn their loss, three children, viz: Charles E., who received a high-school education, is now general agent at Albany, N. Y., for the D. M. Osborne company, with sixteen employees under him, is married, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity and in politics is a republican; Mrs. Woodworth is the next in order of birth; Lewis M., also a highschool graduate, is married and is an employee of a large monument manufacturing concern at Geneva, N. Y.; he is likewise a republican in politics, and is a member of the Royal Arcanum. Mrs. Woodworth is also highly educated, has been well-trained in instrumental music, is a lady of great affability and pleasing address, and is a sincere Christian, being a member of the Ladies' Aid society of the Methodist church at Courtland Center. In May, I88i, Mr. and Mrs. Woodworth came from New York to Michigan and purchased I00 acres of partially improved land in Courtland township, Kent county; but this farm he has since improved so that it compares favorably with any in the township. He gives especial attention to sheep raising, Shropshire being his favorite. In 1891 he entered extensively into fruit growing and has at present about 3,500 trees in the most flourishing condition, the leading varieties in peaches being Early Michigan, Lewis Barnard, Engel's Mammoth, Albertas, Chair's Choice, Barber, Gold Drop and Lemon Free. In 1898 he sold about I,000 bushels of plums. In the raising of potatoes he has been quite successful, having sold in I892 5,000 bushels at fifty cents per bushel, and in I896 about the same quantity. In politics Mr. Woodworth is an ardent republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Rutherford B. Hayes in 1876. He served his township as supervisor in 1887 and in i888, and again in I891 and 1892, and for 1098 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS I I.... five years has served as school director, as he takes great interest in public education. He is a member of Cedar Springs lodge, No. 213, F. & A. M., also of the Royal Arcanum, and he and wife, with their daughter, Clara, are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the Sunday-school of which Mr. and Mrs. Woodworth have both been teachers. It may be safely said that no family in the township is more highly esteemed, and they are well deserving of the general respect in which they are held. DMUND C. WOODWORTH, ex-supervisor of Solon township and a prosperous farmer of Kent county, Mich., is a native of Seneca county, N. Y., was born November 3, 1849, the eldest of the family of four sons and two daughters that blessed the marriage of Nestor and Phebe (King) Woodworth, of which children five'are still living, viz: Edmund C.,whose name opens this paragraph; Irving, sheriff of Kent county and a resident of Grand Rapids; Mary, who was a teacher for a number of years in the Empire state and now resides with her brother, Iriving; Harriet, wife of James A. Clapp, a music teacher and dealer in musical instruments in New York, and George, a meat packer of Kankakee, Ill. Nestor Woodworth, also a native of Seneca county, N. Y., was born December 13, 1822, was liberally educated, and was reared a farmer and stockraiser. In politics he was first a whig and later a republican, was honored with several offices of trust, and once was the candidate of his party for the state legislature. In 1879 he came to Michigan, located in Plainfield township, Kent county, and here followed farming until his death, September 9, 1893, His wife, also a native of Seneca county, N. I Y., was born October 30, i826, and died in her native county August 21, 1863, a devout member of the Baptist church. His second wife, who survives him, was Susan Durand, also of Seneca county. Edmund C. Woodworth received a solid common school and academic education, which was supplemented by an attendance for one year at the university at Alfred, Allegany county, N. Y., and was reared to the pursuit of agriculture. March 19, I873, he married Miss Ada Cole, a native of New York, of the same neighborhood as himself, and born July 14, 185, a daughter of Eli and.Harriet (Horton) Cole, the former of whom was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., and the latter in Connecticut. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Woodworth have been been born eight children, in the following order: Chester N., who graduated from the high school in Cedar Springs, Mich., and is now a practical pharmacist with Peck Bros., at Grand Rapids; Edna, who graduated from the same school in I894, and for six terms was a successful teacher in Solon township; Harvey and Irving, twins; Leon, Mabel, Lida and Hubert, all but Chester being at home and Mabel and Lida being students of the high school. For the first six years after marriage Mr. Woodworth rented a farm in New York, and then came to Nelson township, Kent county, Mich., where for three years he operated rented land. In 1883 he purchased seventy acres in Solon township, going in debt largely for the cost, but he was skillful, industrious and frugal, paid off his debt, and made all necessary improvements on his place, after which he added eighty-seven acres to his first purchase, having now as compact and well cultivated a farm as there is the township. In politics Mr. Woodworth is a stanch republican and cast his first presidential vote for Ulysses S. Grant.. He has frequently been AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1099 chosen by his party to represent it in the county conventions, and in 1888 was elected from his townsnip as supervisor, an office he held for nine consecutive years, and during his terms the new court house, jail and county house were begun and finished. He has always been an ardent friend of the common-school system, and believes in employing the best teachers that money can hire. Fraternally, Mr. Woodworth is a member of Cedar Springs tent, No.476, K. O. T. M.; Cedar Springs lodge, No. 213, F. & A. M., of which he is worshipful master; and Cedar Springs court, No. I536, of the Foresters. Both Mr. Woodworth and wife are also members of Cedar Springs chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, he being the worthy patron, and she is also connected with the lodge work. He and wife are devoted members of the Baptist church,which they liberally aid financially. The family are held in the highest esteem by their neighbors, and Mr. and Mrs. Woodworth are greatly appreciated for their personal merits. EORGE WYKES, proprietor of a handsome tract of eighty acres of land at South Grand Rapids, Wyoming township, Kent county, Mich., was'born in Sheffield, Lorain county, Ohio, June 18, 1845, and is a son of James and Mary (Baker) Wykes, natives of England. The father came to America about the year I842, and thirty years ago came to Paris, Kent county, Mich., and settled in Paris township, where he passed the remainder of his life, dying in March, I895, aged seventy-eight years. His wife is still living in Paris township at the age of eighty-three years. To these parents were born six children, of whom the following four are still living: Arthur B., of Grand Rapids; William and Richard, of Paris township, and George, the subject of this sketch. James, the youngest brother of Mr. Wykes, died ten years ago and three years later his wife also passed away. Sadie Pearl, their only child, and now thirteen years of age, has been a member of Mr. Wykes' family since her mother's death. George Wykes received a good commonschool education in boyhood and worked on the home farm in Ohio until twenty years of age, when he came to Michigan. He then learned the carpenter's trade at Grand Rapids, and, being very handy with tools, could turn his hand readily to anything in the shape of woodwork. Later, for about six years he acted as a bookkeeper, and then seeing an opportunity for making money, he engaged in the wholesale butchering and meat business at Grand Rapids, and is still engaged in this to some extent, but not to that degree as formerly, when he supplied nearly all the dealers in the towns and villages roundabout with their meats, as well as shipped east extensively. He came to Wyoming township about I890 and purchased his present tract of eighty acres, which he has platted into building lots, but has a wide stretch on each side of his dwelling which he has left unplatted. A few years ago he was offered $3,000 for fifteen acres of this tract, but refused to sell less than the whole. He had, however, a small tract of ten acres, near Burton avenue, which he sold for $II,0oo. Mr. Wykes has always been an active and alert business man, and by his tact and sound judgment has realized a handsome competence. He has improved considerable property in South Grand Rapids, and in many ways was identified with the city's growth. January 12, 187[; Mr. Wykes married Miss Mary F. Furner, and to their union have been born three children, viz: George, engaged in the butcher trade with his father; Roger I. an 1100 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS attorney, is assistant to Attorney-general Maynard at Lansing. He read law with Mr. Maynard and later took a course at the university of Michigan.law school, but was admitted to the bar while connected with Mr. Maynard's office, and was the first attorney to be admitted under the law requiring examinations before judges of the supreme court. Edmund is in the United States mail service. The family attend the church of the United Brethrenin Christ, of which he has served as trustee ever since its organization. In politics Mr. Wykes is a stanch republican, and for years has served on the party committees and as delegate to conventions, etc. He has been school inspector for years, has served on the South Grand Rapids high school board for seventeen years, and was chairman all this time except one year. This is a very popular school, with four teachers, and pupils attend from outside-even from other counties. Mr. Wykes is a great lover of the gun and dog, as well as the rod and line. ILLIS YOUNG, one of the 'more prominent farmers of Cannon township, Kent county, Mich., and a descendant of one of the pioneer families of the county and township, is native here, was born Ap.ril 3, I858, and still resides on the old homestead purchased by his father from the United States government, but which now figures as only about oae-fifth of his present estate. He is the second son born to William C. and Maria J. (Arnott) Young, his elder brother, David, who owned the old home, having died in I894, and of the four children, in all, born to these parents, the subject was the youngest and is the only survivor. On sister, Lida, was buried on her fourth birthday. William C. Young, father of subject, was born in Little Britain, Orange county, N. Y., September I, i82I, and was all his life an agriculturist. He came from the Empire state to Michigan in June, 1844, and settled in the then wilderness of Kent county, long before the Indians had been expelled from the territory. He purchased I6o acres of government land, worth $1.25 per acre, but paid for it in state scrip, which he had secured at a discount, and thus the actual cost to him, for this tract, was but seventy-five cents per acre. The land was heavily timbered, and this forest was the abode of bears, deer, and innumerable other kinds of animals and members of the feathered tribe. His first habitation was a log shanty, with an earthen floor, and his second home was also a log cabin, but of a better class, and in this was born Willis Young, the subject of this biography. The nearest neighbors lived at a distance of two miles away, and Grand Rapids was then a mere trading-post. Although Mr. Young's means were quite limited when he reached Kent county, he had sufficient to start with in the wilderness, and by dint of perseverance and untiring industry, he succeeded in acquiring 375 acres of good land, all in one body, in Cannon township. When he began here, farming implements were of a primitive make or pattern, the four-fingered cradle and the old-fashioned scythe being used for cutting grain and grass, and the threshing of the former was done by hand, with a flail. Clearing away the forest was a most difficult task, but in course of time this task was accomplished. Mr. Young was a gentleman of sterling worth, who commanded the respect of all who knew him. He was not at all ostentatious, but was very methodical and his judgment was almost infallible. Politically he was first a whig and served'his township as highway commissioner and supervisor, but at the birth of AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 101 the republican party espoused its principles. Fraternally/ he was a member of the Masonic lodge at Grattan, and of Lovell Moore chapter, No. 88, R. A. M., at Rockford, and at his death, which occurred September 13, 1882, at the age of sixty-one years, resolutions of respect and condolence were drawn by this ancient body and placed on the records of the lodge, a copy being furnished the family. The mortal remains of Mr. Young were interred in Bostwick Lake cemetery, where a beautiful Quincy granite monument has been erected to his memory by his (then) sorrowing widow and dutiful children-Mrs. Young having since passed away. Mrs. Maria J. Young, also, a native of Orange county, N. Y., was born in I827, and died in September, 1891. She was a lady of many Christian graces and the poor always found in her a sympathizing friend. She died, as did her husband, in the faith of the Congregational church, and her earthly remains now repose beside those of her beloved lifecompanion. Willis Young, the subject proper of.this biography, passed his childhood days on the home farm in the wilderness, and still remembers something of the wild animals that abounded when he was a child-more especially two large bears that were killed in the vicinity, and an old she-bear and two cubs that were roaming through the woods with entire indifference as to surroundings. The education of Mr. Young was acquired primarily in the common schools, and in 1875, 1877 and 1879, he attended the State Normal school at Ypsilanti. His education was of the most practical character, as it was his desire to becomean agriculturist and stockraiser, and to follow in the footsteps of his honored father. He still has in his possession the original deed for the I6o acres of land entered by his father from the government, which deed is signed by James K. Polk, then president of the United States. This farm lies just south of the beautiful Silver lake, a most picturesque body of water, nearly circular in form, and averaging about three-quarters of a mile in width and breadth. It is a curious fact, however, that may here be mentioned, en passant, that many of the pretty little lakes in Michigan are perceptibly diminishing. On this now delightful farm, which Mr. Young in his early manhood assisted in clearing, and which he has increased to about 700 acres, he has devoted much attention to the raising of live stock, making a specialty of short-horn Durham cattle, as well as sheep, and in this industry he has met with a phenomenal success. Willis Young was most happily joined in marriage, March I8, I883, with Miss Flora E. Jones, and this union has been blessed with three bright and interesting children, viz: Ida M., W. Crawford and Carl D. Mrs. Flora E. Young, the wife of Willis Young, was born in Cannon township, Kent county, January 14, 1859, and is a daughter of Leonard and Lucinda (Bishop) Jones, wellknown and highly respected residents of the township and classed among the pioneers-a classification that invariably commands the esteem of the present generation. The father, Leonard Jones, was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., December 14, 1820. He was taught the cabinetmaker's trade, but on coming to Michigan, in 1845, engaged in agricultural pursuits, since when his trade has been a minor consideration. In politics he is a republican. Mrs. Lucinda Jones, mother of Mrs. Young, was also a native of Jefferson county, N. Y., was born July 14, 1824, and died February 14, 1897. The five children born to this worthy couple were named, in order of birth, Charles, who is a merchant, and resides in Mason county; William, who is also a merchant, resides in Ludington, 1102 0THIE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS Mich.; Hiram, who is a farmer of Cannon township; Florence, who died at the age of two years, and Flora E. Willis Young is a republican in politics and cast his first presidential vote for the martyred James A. Garfield in I880. Fraternally, he is a member of Rockford lodge, No. 246, F. & A. M., and he and wife are members of Venus chapter, Order of the Eastern Stars at Grattan. Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Young are members of the First Congregational church at Bostwick Lake. NDREW YOUNGQUIST, a prosperous and greatly respected farmer of Sparta township, Kent county,Mich., and a resident here for thirty-six years, was born in Sweden, about thirtyseven Swedish miles from the capital city of Stockholm-the Swedish mile being as twenty-five to I40 English miles-and first saw the light of day November 25, 1825. He is the'youngest of the five children-four sons and one daughter-born to Andreas and Christine Youngquist, and the only one of the five now living. Andreas Youngquist, the father, was for some years a soldier in the Swedish army and later a coachman to a nobleman, who, for some political offense, was arrested and imprisoned; but the faitful coachman mounted one of his horses, swam across the canal, placed his master behind him, swam back, and safely conveyed him to his home. Andreas was a devout member of the Evangelical Lutheran church and died in that faith when the subject of this sketch was about three and a half years old. Andrew Youngquist was educated princi-;pally by his loving mother, and at the age of pine years began earning money as a shepherd at eight cents per week, and at the age of eleven years began an apprenticeship at tailoring under Johannes Fogerberg, whom he served nine years. He then worked as a journeyman in the town of Swenarum, plied his trade about nine years in' his native land, and December 26, 1852, married Miss Ulerika Carlson, and with his bride started from JVnkoping for Gottenburg, where, after a detention of five weeks, they secured passage on board the sailing-vessel Sagar Dahook, and started for America. The voyage was a tempestuous one, and of 212 passengers sixtyeight died of cholera, but at the end of ten weeks the good ship arrived at Boston, Mass. From that city the young couple came to Michigan, and on a farm at Plymonth, Wayne county, Mr. Youngquist found employment as a wood-cutter at $I5 per month. He owned $6 in cash, but had no knowledge of the language of the country to which he had come. Nevertheless he made a good living and was happy until his wife was seized with a sickness that lasted ten weeks, and after her recovery he was himself laid up for eight weeks, and these dire misfortunes necessarily crippled him financially. But he possessed an indomitable will, and after recuperation worked at his trade for two years in Wayne county, and then, in the fall of 1863, came to Sparta township, Kent county, and settled on a forty-acre tract of land for which he had already made a partial payment. He added to his farm until he had increased it to eighty acres, and his first habitation was a log shanty; but he was persistent in his work of clearing and improving, has done his full share toward developing his township, and is now classed among the substantial pioneers of Sparta; and he has, moreover, aided in improving the town of Ypsilanti by spending one summer in laying gas pipes in that city. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Young AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1108 quist were eight in number, of whom seven are still living, viz: Christine, who has completed the full course in the common schools, and is now the wife of Hiram Misner, a farmer of Tyrone township; Hiram A., who married Minnie Wegal and is a prosperous young farmer of Sparta township; Orren G. is a physician and surgeon, having graduated from the Rush' Medical college in 1885, is postmaster of Marquette, Mich., where he makes-his residence and enjoys a lucrative professional practice, and is married to Miss Julia Johnson; Della, wife of Edward Farnham, a druggist and deputy posmaster at Marquette; Martha, was educated in the common school, is a teacher in the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Sunday-school, and makes her home with her parents; Andrew L. completed the course through the common schools, married Miss Christine Soderstrom, and is devoting himself to agriculture on the old homestead; Otis E., the youngest of the family, graduated from the Rush Medical college of Chicago in I892, is in active practice at Escanaba, Mich., and is married to Miss Minnie Gustefsen, of Ishpeming. Mr. and Mrs. Youngquist have done all they could to educate their children, who are an honor to their parents. For thirty-six years they have been respected and upright residents of Sparta township, and although their farm was a heavily timbered one, it is now one of the prettiest and best tilled in the township. Their dwelling is comfortable and substantial, the barn and other out-buildings commodious and convenient, the fences well constructed, and I,o50 fruit trees furnish profit and adornment to its premises, which are situated four miles from Kent City, and two miles from Gooding, on the Muskegon branch railroad, and five miles northwest of Sparta. When Mr. Youngquist took possession of this farm there was but one store in the village of Sparta, and there was not a railroad in the township, and the first time he paid a visit to GrandRapids the first railroad in that city was being built,and there were but few houses west of Grand river. He has witnessed the entire development of the county of Kent, and this has surely been remarkable within the past quarter of a century. Mrs. Youngquist was born in Sweden, December 28, 1828, and was well educated in her native tongue, and has done her part nobly and well as a wife and mother. In politics Mr. Youngquist is a republican, cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, is a firm friend of the public schools, is in favor of the best teachers money can employ, and believes the education of the masses to be one of the first duties of the American citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Youngquist and family are devout members of the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church. He aided financially in erecting the present church in Sparta township, which is the oldest church of this society in the county of Kent, and has frequently the conducted services in the absence of the pastor. The family are classed with the best in Sparta township, where they have for so many years resided, and none is more highly respected for probity and good citizenship than they. * --- —--— " --- —--— * J. ZUDEZNSE, M. D., who stands at the head of his profession in Sparta, Kent county, Mich., is a graduate from the Rush Medical college of Chicago, Ill., having been prepared in the study of medicine in England, whence he came to the United States in I875. After graduating from the Rush Medical college, of Chicago, Ill., with high honors, he at once settled in Sparta, and although he has not had his residence here as long as some of the other 1104 THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS excellent physicians of the place, his abilities have been fully recognized and he now enjoys a patronage second to that of no other. The doctor was united in marriage, November 23, I882, with Miss Elvira E. Dean, the accomplished daughter of Alexander Dean, a highly respected pioneer of Courtland township, Kent county, and closely related to the M. L. Sweet family, of Grand Rapids. To the doctor and wife have. been born several children. Through his lucrative practice, which is still on the increase, the doctor has realized quite a competence and now owns and resides in a modern dwelling in Sparta, and he and family are prominent in a marked degree in the social circles of the town. They live fully up to the strictest moral teachings, and are highly respected by all the residents of Sparta township. ROF. ARTHUR R. ZIMMER, who has been at the head of the public schools at Kent City, Mich., for the past six years, was born in Byron township, Kent county, January 26, 1869, and is the only child of George and Helen (Wedgewood) Zimmer. The father was born in the southeastern part of France, December 2I, I834, and at the age of fifteen years, with two brothers, sailed from Havre for New York; later he passed several years in Ohio, whence he came to Michigan about the time the Union was threatened with destruction by the Rebels at the south. He promptly enlisted in the First Michigan engineers and faithfully served through the term of his enlistment, receiving an honorable discharge at its close; he then returned to Michigan and has been engaged in agricultural pursuits in Byron township, Kent county, ever since. Politically, he is a republican, and fraternally is a member of Halcyon lodge, I. 0. O. F., at Byron Center. His wife was a native of the state of Maine and died when her son, Arthur R., was but three years of age. The childhood of Prof. Zimmer was passed on the home farm, and his preliminary education was acquired in the common schools. After he had completed the eighth grade, at the age of nineteen years, he secured his certificate as teacher, taught for two years, and then entered the Granville high school, from which he graduated with the class of 1891; he next entered the normal school of Valparaiso, Ind., went through the full normal course and part of the literary course, and completed the full curriculum, with the exception of ten weeks. He next took a complete course at the Columbian Business college, Grand Rapids, then had charge of Corinth school in Byron township for sixteen months, and in the fall of 1893 was elected principal of the Kent City schools. In July, 1891, Prof. Zimmer was united in matrimony with Miss Edith Taylor, a native of Hillsdale county, Mich., and to this union has been born one son, Thornton Ney, now in the first grade at school. Mrs. Zimmer was born in I869, was educated at the Otsego high school, and later attended the high school at Grandville, from which she graduated with the class of I890, and she has since been an important factor in the success of her husband in the schools of Kent City. These schools comprise three departments and nine grades, of which Mrs. Zimmer taught the intermediate grade one year, and for the past five years has had charge of the primary department, in which she has displayed rare ability in handling her pupils, kindness being her chief means of control. Since Prof. Zimmer took charge of these schools a radical change for the better has AND KENT COUNTY, UP TO DATE. 1105 been made manifest, a graded course of study having been established, and three graduating classes have passed forth into the busy affairs of life from the portals of his school-house. An excellent library of choice literature and works of reference, valued at $200, has been added to the school appliances the scholars each month have written examinations, and the moral tone of the school is held up to the highest standard. The schools of Kent county are controlled by a board comprising one commissioner and two examiners, and Prof. Zimmer is one of the latter, having received his appointment by the board of county supervisors in 1897. In politics Prof. Zimmer is a republican and cast his first presidential vote for Benjamin Harrison; he is also a great admirer of President McKinley and his policy. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic lodge at Sparta, and also R. A. M., No. Io6, at Sparta, and of lodge No. 380, I. O. O. F., having occupied all the chairs in the latter. He and wife are members of the Baptist church and both are active workers in the Sunday-school, of which the professor has served as superintendent. They are highly esteemed as instructors and respected for their individual merits, and their social standing is with the best people in the township and the county. DI 1 ii ONE