YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

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YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

1939

E?QI^AIT3 AND BlOGl^APHIGAL SKETCHES
OF
pjonjinienfi and IJepi'egeiifaliiVe ditizeq^ of ge Countif,
TOGETHER WITH PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHIES OF ALL THE GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN
AND OF THE PRESIDENTS OI THE UNITED STATES..

ALSO CONTAINING A COMPLETE HISTOKY OF THE COUNTY, FROM ITS EARLIEST SETTLEMENT
,„,_,- TO THE PRESENT TIME.

CHICAGO:
CHAPMAN BROTHERS.

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E HAVE completed our labors in writing and compiling the Portrait and Biograp:
ical Album of Osceola County, and wish, in presenting it to its patrons, to spea^l
briefly of the importance of local works of this nature. It is certainly the dut
of the present to commemorate the past, to perpetuate the names of the pioneers^
to furnish a record of their early settlement, and to relate the story of their progress.
The civilization of our day, the enlightenment of the age, and this solemn duty which
men of the present time owe to their ancestors, to themselves and to their posterity
demand that a record of their lives and deeds should be made. In local history is found a power
to instruct man by precedent, to enliven the mental faculties, and to waft down the river of time a safs* ^
vessel in which the names and actions of the people who contributed to raise this region from its
primitive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly the noble men who in their prime enterecJS*.
the wild forests of Osceola and claimed the virgin soil as their heritage, are passing tira
their graves. The number remaining who can relate the history of the first days of settlement
becoming small indeed, so that an actual necessity exists for the collection and preservation of hi:
torical matter without delay, before the settlers of the wilderness are cut down by time. Not on
is it of the greatest importance to render history of pioneer times full and accurate, but it is also essen
tial that the history of the county, from its settlement to the present day, should be treated through its variou
phases, so that a record, complete and impartial, may be handed down to the future. The present, the agi
of progress, is reviewed, standing out in bold relief over the quiet, unostentatidus olden times ; it is abrillian
record, which is destined to live in the future ; the good works of men, their magnificent enterprises, thei
lives, whether commercial or military, do not sink into oblivion, but, on the contrary, grow brighter with age
and contribute to build up a record which carries with it precedents and principles that will be advanced an
observed when the acts of soulless men will be forgotten, and their very names hidden in obscurity.
In the preparation of the personal sketches contained in this volume, unusual care and pains we:
taken to have them accurate, even in the smallest detail. Indeed, nothing was passed lightly over or treat
indifferently, and we flatter ourselves that it is one of the most accurate works of its nature ever publishe
As one of the most interesting features of this work, we present the portraits of numerous representa
tive citizens. It has been our aim to have the prominent men of to-day, as well as the pioneers, representee
in this department ; and we congratulate ourselves on the uniformly high character of the gentlemen whosi
portraits we present. They are in the strictest sense representative men, and are selected from all the call
ings and professions worthy to be represented. There are others, it is true, who claim equal prominence
those presented, but of course it was impossible for us to give portraits of all the leading men and pionee'
of the county. We are under great obligation to many of the noble and generous people of Osceol
County for kindly and material assistance in the preparation of this Album.
CHAPMAN BROTHERS
Chicago, February, 1885.

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FIRST PRESIDENT.

HE Father of our Country was
bora in Westmorland Co., Va.,
"Feb. 22, 1732. His parents
were Augustine and Mary
(Ball) Washington. The family
to which he belonged has not
been satisfactorily traced in
England. His great-grand
father, John Washington, em
igrated to Virginia about 1657,
and became a prosperous
planter. He had two sons,
Lawrence and John. The
former married Mildred Warner
and had three children, John,
Augustine and Mildred. Augus
tine, the father of George, first
married Jane Butler, who bore
him four children, two of whom,
Lawrence and Augustine, reached
maturity. Of six children by his
second marriage, George was the
eldest, the others being Betty,
Samuel, John Augustine, Charles
and Mildred.
Augustine Washington, the father of George, died
in 1743, leaving a large landed property. To his
eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on
the Patomac, afterwards known as Mount Vernon,
and to George he left the parental residence. George
received only such education as the neighborhood
schools afforded, save for a short time after he left
school, when he received private instruction in
mathematics. His spelling was rather defective.
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Remarkable stories are told of his great physical
strength and development at an early age. He was
an acknowledged leader among his companions, and
was early noted for that nobleness of character, fair
ness and veracity which characterized his whole life.
When George was i4yearsoldhehadadesiretogoto
sea, and a midshipman's warrant was secured for him,
but through the opposition of his mother the idea was
abandoned. Two years later he was appointed
surveyor to the immense estate of Lord Fairfax. In
this business he spent three years in a rough frontier
life, gaining experience which afterwards proved very
essential to him. In 175 t, though only 19 years of
age, he was appointed adjutant with the rank of
major in the Virginia militiaf then being trained for
active service against the French and Indians. Soon
after this he sailed to the West Indies with his brother
Lawrence, who went there to restore his health. They
soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence
died, leaving a large fortune to an infant daughter
who did not long survive him. On her demise the
estate of Mount Vernon was given to George.
Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddie, as Lieuten
ant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia was
reorganized, and the province divided into four mili
tary districts, of which the northern was assigned to
Washington as adjutant general. Shortly after this
a very perilous mission was assigned him and ac
cepted, which others had refused. This was lo pro
ceed to the French post near Lake Erie in North
western Pennsylvania. The distance to be traversed
was between 500 and 600 miles. Winter was at hand,
and the journey was to be made without military
escort, through a territory occupied by Indians. The

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GEORGE WASHINGTON.

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trip was a perilous one, and several limes he came near
losing his life, yet he returned in safety and furnished
a full and useful report of his expedition. A regiment
of 300 men was raised in Virginia and put in com
mand of Col. Joshua Fry, and Major Washington was
commissioned lieutenant-colonel. Active war was
then begun against the French and Indians, in which
Washington took a most important part. In the
memorable event of July 9, 1755, known as Brad-
dock's defeat, Washington was almost the only officer
of distinction who escaped from the calamities of the
day with life and honor. The other aids of Braddock
were disabled early in the action, and Washington
alone was left in that capacity on the field. In a letter
to his brother he says : " I had four bullets through
my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet I escaped
unhurt, though death was leveling my companions
on every side." An Indian sharpshooter said he was
not born to be killed by a bullet, for he had taken
direct aim at him seventeen times, and failed to hit
him. After having been five years in the military service,
and vainly sought promotion in the royal army, he
took advantage of the fall of Fort Duquesne and the
expulsion of the French from the valley of the Ohio,
to resign his commission. Soon after he entered the
Legislature, where, although not a leader, he took an
active and important part. January 17, 1759, he
married Mrs. Martha (Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy
widow of John Parke Custis.
When the British Parliament had closed the port
of Boston, the cry went up throughout the provinces
that "The cause of Boston is the cause of us all."
It was then, at the suggestion of Virginia, that a Con
gress of all the colonies was called to meet at Phila-
delphia,Sept. 5, 1774, to secure their common liberties,
peaceably if possible. To this Congress Col. Wash
ington was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the
Congress re-assembled, when the hostile intentions of
England were plainly apparent. The battles of Con
cord and Lexington had been fought. Among the
first acts of this Congress was the election of a com
mander-in-chief of the colonial forces. This high and
responsible office was conferred upon Washington,
who was still a member of the Congress. He accepted
it On June 19, but upon the express condition that he
receive no salary. He would keep an exact account
of expenses and expect Congress lo pay them and
nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch to
trace the military acts of Washington, to whom the
foftunes and liberties of the people of this country
were so long confided. The war was conducted by
him under every possible disadvantage, and while his
forces often met with reverses, yet he overcame every
obstacle, and after seven years of heroic devotion
and matchless skill he gained liberty for the greatest
nation of earth. On Dec. 23, 1783, Washington, in
a parting address of surpassing beauty, resigned his

commission as commander-in-chief of the army to
to the Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He
retired immediately to Mount Vernon and resumed
his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning all
connection with public life.
In February, 17 89, Washington was unanimously
elected President. In his presidential career he was
subject to the peculiar trials incidental to a new
government ; trials from lack of confidence on the part
of other governments; trials from want of harmony
between the different sections of our own country;
trials from the impoverished condition of the country,
owing to the war and want of credit; trials from the
beginnings of party strife. He was no partisan. His
clear judgment could discern the golden mean ; and
while perhaps this alone kept our government from
sinking al the very outset, it left him exposed to
altacks from both sides, which were often bitter and
very annoying.
At the expiration, of his first term he was unani
mously re-elected. At the end of this term many
were anxious that he be re-elected, but he absolutely
refused a third nomination. On the fourth of March,
1797, at the expiraton of his second term as- Presi
dent, he returned to his home, hoping to pass there
his few remaining years free from the annoyances of
public life. Later in the year, however, his repose
seemed likely to be interrupted by war with France.
At the prospect of such a war he was again urged to
take command of the armies. He chose -his sub
ordinate officers and left to them the charge of mat
ters in the field, which he superintended from his
home. In accepting the command he made the
reservation that he was not to be in the field until
it was necessary. In the midst of these preparations
his life was suddenly cut off. December 12, he took
a severe cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling
in his throat, produced inflammation, and terminated
fatally on the night of the fourteenth. On the eigh
teenth his body was borne with military honors to its
final resting place, and interred in the family vault at
Mount Vernon.
Of the character of Washington it is impossible to
speak but in terms of the highest respect and ad
miration. The more we see of the operations of
our government, and the more deeply we feel the
difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common interest,
the more highly we must estimate the force of his tal
ent and character, which have been able to challenge
the reverence of all parties, and principles, and na
tions, and to win a fame as extended . as the limits
of the globe, and which we cannot but believe will
be as lasting as the existence of man.
The person of Washington was unusally tall, erect
and well proportioned. His muscular strength was
great. His features were of a beautiful symmetry.
He commanded respect without any appearance of
haughtiness, and ever serious without being dull.

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OHN ADAMS, the second
^President and the first Vice
-President ofthe United States,
was born in Braintree ( now
Quincy ),Mass., and about ten
miles from Boston, Oct. 19,
1735. His great-grandfather, Henry
Adams, emigrated from England
about 1640, with a family of eight
sons, and settled at Braintree. The
parents of John were John and
Susannah (Boylston) Adams. His
father was a farmer of limited
means, to which he added the bus
iness of shoemaking. He gave his
eldest son, John, a classical educa
tion at Harvard College. John
graduated in 1755, and at once took charge of the
school in Worcester, Mass. This he found but a
"school of affliction," from which he endeavored to
gain relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the
study of law. For this purpose he placed himself
under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. He
had thought seriously of the clerical profession
but seems to have been turned from this by what he
termed " the frightful engines of ecclesiastical coun
cils, of diabolical malice, and Calvanistic good nature,''
of the operations of which he had been a witness in
his native town. He was well fitted for the legal
profession, possessing a clear, sonorous voice, being
ready and fluent of speech, and having quick percep
tive powers. He gradually gained practice, and in
1764 married Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister,
and a lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his
marriage, (1765), the attempt of Parliamentary taxa
tion turned him from law to politics. He took initial
steps toward holding a town meeting, and the resolu-

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tions he offered on the 'subject became very popular
throughout the Province, and were adopted word for
word by over forty different towns. He moved to Bos
ton in 1768, and became one of the most courageous
and prominent advocates of the popular cause, and
was chosen a member of the General Court (the Leg-
lislature) in 1770.
Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first delegates ( ~>)
from Massachusetts to the first Continental Congress, _ ^
which met in 1774. Here he distinguished himself ^
by his capacity for business and for debate, and ad- a
vocated the movement for independence against the (V>."
majority of the members. In May, 1776, he moved *==
and carried a resolution in Congress that the Colonies
should assume the duties of self-government. He
was a prominent member of the committee of five
appointed June n, to prepare a declaration of inde
pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, but
on Adams devolved the task of battling it through
Congress in a three days debate.
On the. day after the Declaration of Independence
was passed, while his soul was yet warm with the
glow of excited feeling, he wrote a letter to his wife,
which, as we read it now, seems to have been dictated
by the spirit of prophecy. "Yesterday," he says, "the
greatest question was decided that ever was debated
in America; and greater, perhaps, never was or will
be decided among men. A resolution was passed
without one dissenting colony, ' that these United
States are, and of right ought to be, free and inde
pendent states.' The day is passed. The fourth of
July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch in the history
of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated
by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary
festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of
deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to Almighty
God. It ought to be solemnized with pomp, shows,

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JOHN ADAMS.

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

French Revolution shook the continent of Europe,
and it was upon this point which he was at issue with
the majority of his countrymen led by Mr. Jefferson.
Mr. Adams felt no sympathy with the French people
in their struggle, for he had no confidence in their
power of self-government, and he utterly abhored the
class of atheist philosophers who he claimed caused it.
On the other hand Jefferson's sympathies were strongly
enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence or
iginated the alienation between these distinguished
men, and two powerful parties were thus soon organ
ized, Adams at the head of the one whose sympathies
were with England and Jefferson led the other in
sympathy with France.
The world has seldom seen a spectacle of more
moral beauty and grandeur, than was presented by the
old age of Mr. Adams. The violence of party feeling
had died away, and he had begun to receive that just
appreciation which, to most men, is not accorded till
after death. No one could look upon his venerable
form, and think of what he had done and suffered,
and how he had given up all the prime and strength
of his life to the public good, without the deepest
emotion of gratitude and respect. It was his peculiar
good fortune to witness the complete success of the
institution which he had been so active in creating and
supporting. In 1824, his cup of happiness was filled
to the brim, by seeing his son elevated to the highest
station in the gift of the people.
The fourth of July, 1826, which completed the half
century since the signing of the Declaration of Inde
pendence, arrived, and there were but three of the
signers of that immortal instrument left upon the
earth to hail its morning light. And, as it is
well known, on that day two of these finished their
earthly pilgrimage, a coincidence so remarkable as
to seem miraculous. For a few days before Mr.
Adams had been rapidly failing, and on the morning
of the fourth he found himself too weak to rise from
his bed. On being requested to name a toast for the
customary celebration of the day, he exclaimed " In
dependence forever." When the- day was ushered
in, by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannons,
he was asked by one of his attendants if he knew
what day it was? He replied, " O yes ; it is the glor
ious fourth of July — God bless it — God bless you all."
In the course of the day he said, " It is a great and
glorious day." The last words he uttered were,
"Jefferson survives." But he had, at one o'clock, re
signed his spirit into the hands of his God.
The personal appearance and manners of Mr.
Adams were not particularly prepossessing. His face,
as his portrait manifests,was intellectual ard expres
sive, but his figure was low and ungraceful, and his
manners were frequently abrupt and uncourteous.
He had neither the lofty dignity of Washington, nor
the engaging elegance and gracefulness which marked
the manners and address of Jefferson.

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HOMAS JEFFERSON was
born April 2, 1743, at Shad-
^well, Albermarle county, Va.
His parents were Peter and
Jane ( Randolph) Jefferson,
the former a native of Wales,
and the latter born in Lon
don. To them were born six
daughters and two sons, of
whom Thomas was the elder.
When 14 years of age his
father died. He received a
most liberal education, hav
ing been kept diligently at school
from the time he was five years of
age. In 1760 he entered William
and Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat
of the Colonial Court, and it was the obode of fashion
and splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then 17
years old, lived somewhat expensively, keeping fine
horses, and much caressed by gay society, yet he
was earnestly devoted to his studies, and irreproacha-
able in his morals. It is strange, however, under
such influences,that he was not ruined. In the sec
ond year of his college course, moved by some un
explained inward impulse, he discarded his horses,
society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had
previously given much time. He often devoted fifteen
hours a day to hard study, allowing himself for ex
ercise only a run in the evening twilight of a mile out
of the city and back again. He thus attained very
high intellectual culture, alike excellence in philoso
phy and the languages. The most difficult Latin and
Greek authors he read with facility. A more finished
scholar has seldom gone forth from college halls ; and

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

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THOMAS JEFFERSON.

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man — what the emotions that swelled his breast —
who was charged with the preparation of that Dec
laration, which, while it made known the wrongs of
America, was also to publish her to the world, free,
soverign and independent. It is one of the most re
markable papers ever written ; and did no other effort
of the mind of its author exist, that alone would be
sufficient to stamp his name with immortality.
In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to
Patrick Henry, as Governor of Virginia. At one time
the British officer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to
Monticello, to capture the Governor. Scarcely five
minutes elapsed after the hurried escape of Mr. Jef
ferson and his family, ere his mansion was in posses
sion of the British troops. His wife's health, never
very good, was much injured by this excitement, and
in the summer of 1782 she died.
Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783.
Two years later he was appointed Minister Plenipo
tentiary to France. Returning to the United States
in September, 1789, he became Secretary of State
in Washington's cabinet. This position he resigned
Jan. 1, 1794. In 1797, he was chosen Vice Presi
dent, and four years later was elected President over
Mr. Adams, with Aaron Burr as Vice President. In
1804 he was re-elected with wonderful unanimity,
and George Clinton, Vice President.
The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second adminstra-
tion was disturbed by an event which threatened the
tranquility and peace of the Union; this was the con
spiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated in the late election
to the Vice Presidency, and led on by an unprincipled
ambition, this extraordinary man formed the plan of a
military expedition into the Spanish territories on our
southwestern frontier, for the purpose of forming there
a new republic. This has been generally supposed
was a mere pretext ; and although it has not been
generally known what his real plans were, there is no
doubt that they were of a far more dangerous
character. In 1809, at the expiration of the second term for
which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he determined
to retire from political life. For a period of nearly
forty years, he had been continually before the pub
lic, and all that time had been employed in offices of
the greatest trust and responsibility. Having thus de
voted the best part of his life to the service of his.
country, he now felt desirous of that rest which his
declining years required, and upon the organization of
the new administration, in March, 1809, he bid fare
well forever to public life, and retired to Monticello.
Mr. Jefferson was profuse in his hospitality. Whole
families came in their coaches with their horses, —
fathers and mothers, boys and girls, babies and
nurses, — and remained three and even six months.
Life at Monticello, for years, resembled that at a
fashionable watering-place.
The fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth anniver

sary of the Declaration of American Independence,
great preparations were made in every part of the
Union for its celebration, as the nation's jubilee, and
the citizens of Washington, to add to the solemnity
of the occasion, invited Mr. Jefferson, as the framer,
and one of the few surviving signers ofthe Declara
tion, to participate in their festivities. But an ill
ness, which had been of several weeks duration, and
had been continually increasing, compelled him to
decline the invitation.
On the second of July, the disease under which
he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced
state that his medical attendants, entertained no
hope of his recovery. From this time he was perfectly
sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the next
day, which was Monday, he asked of those around
him, the day of the month, and on being told it was
the third of July, he expressed the earnest wish that
he might be permitted lo breathe the airof the fiftieth
anniversary. His prayer was heard — that day, whose
dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land,
burst upon his eyes, and then they were closed for
ever. And what a noble consummation of a noble
life ! To die on that day, — the birthday of a nation,- -
the day which his own name and his own act had
rendered glorious; to die amidst the rejoicings and
festivities of a whole nation, who looked up to him,
as the author, under God, of their greatest blessings,
was all that was wanting to fill up the record his life.
Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin
dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear
him company, left the scene of his earthly honors.
Hand in hand they had stood forth, the champions of
freedom ; hand in hand, during the dark and desper
ate struggle ofthe Revolution, they had cheered and
animated their desponding countrymen; for half a
century they had labored together for the good of
the country; and now hand in hand they depart.
In their lives they had been united in the same great
cause of liberty, and in their deaths they were not
divided. In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather
above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes
were light, his hair originally red, in after life became
white and silvery; his complexion was fair, his fore
head broad, and his whole countenance intelligent and
thoughtful. He possessed great fortitude of mind as
well as personal courage ; and his command of tem
per was such that his oldest and most intimate friends
never recollected to have seen him in a passion.
His manners, though dignified, were simple and un
affected, and his hospitality was so unbounded that
all found at his house a ready welcome. In conver
sation he was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic ; and
his language was remarkably pure and correct. He
was a finished classical scholar, and in his writings is
discernable the care with which he formed his style
upon the best models of antiquity.

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AMES MADISON, "Father
of the Constitution," and fourth
jp President ofthe United States,
was born March 16, 1757, and
died at his home in Virginia,
June 28, 1836. The name of
James Madison is inseparably con
nected with most of the important
events in that heroic period of our
country during which the founda
tions of this great republic were
laid. He was the last of the founders
of the Constitution, of the United
States to be called to his eternal
reward. The Madison family were among
the early emigrants to the New World,
landing upon the shores of the Chesa
peake but 15 years after the settle
ment of Jamestown. The father of
James Madison was an opulent
planter, residing upon a very fine es
tate called "Montpelier," Orange Co.,
Va. The mansion was situated in
the midst of scenery highly pictur
esque and romantic, on the. west side
of South-west Mountain, at the foot of
Blue Ridge. It was but 25 miles from the home of
Jefferson at Monticello. The closest personal and
political attachment existed between these illustrious
men, from their early youth until death.
The early education of Mr. Madison was conducted
mostly at home under a private tutor. At the age of
18 he was sent to Princeton College, in New Jersey.
Here he applied himself to study with the most im

prudent zeal; allowing himself, for months, but three
hours' sleep out of the 24. His health thus became so
seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor
of constitution. He graduated in 177 1, with a feeble
body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a
mind highly disciplined and richly stored with learning
which embellished and gave proficiency to his subse
quent career.
Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study of
law and a course of extensive and systematic reading.
This educational course, the spirit of the times. in
which he lived, and the society with' which he asso
ciated, all combined to inspire him with a strong
love of liberty, and to train him for his life-work of
a statesman. Being naturally of a religious turn of
mind, and his frail health leading him to think that
his life was not to be long, he directed especial atten
tion to theological studies. Endowed with a mind
singularly free from passion and prejudice, and with
almost unequalled powers of reasoning, he weighed
all the arguments for and against revealed religion,
until his faith became so established as never to
be shaken.
In the spring of 1776, when 26 years of age, he
was elected a member of the Virginia Convention, to
frame the constitution of the State. The next year
(1777), he was a candidate for the General Assembly.
He refused to treat the whisky-lovir.g voters, and
consequently lost his election ; but those who had
witnessed the talent, energy and public spirit of the
modest young man, enlisted themselves in his behalf,
and he was appointed to the Executive Council.
Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were
Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison remained
member of the Council ; and their appreciation of his

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JAMES MADISON.

intellectual, social and moral worth, contributed not
a little to his subsequent eminence. In the year
1780, he was elected a member of the Continental
Congress. Here he met the most illustrious men in
our land, and he was immediately assigned to one of
the most conspicuous positions among them.
For three years Mr. Madison continued in Con
gress, one of its most active and influential members.
In the year 1784, his term having expired, he was
elected a member of the Virginia Legislature.
No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the
utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no na
tional government, with no power to form treaties
which would be binding, or to enforce law. There
was not any State more prominent than Virginia in
the declaration, that an efficient national government
must be formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison
carried a resolution through the General Assembly of
Virginia, inviting the other States to appoint commis
sioners to meet in convention at Annapolis to discuss
this subject. Five States only were represented. The
convention, however, issued another call, drawn up
by Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their
delegates to Philadelphia, in May, 1787, to draft
a Constitution for the United States, to take the place
of that Confederate League. The delegates met at
the time appointed. Every State but Rhode Island
was represented. George Washington was chosen
president of the convention ; and the present Consti
tution ofthe United States was then and there formed.
There was, perhaps, no mind and no pen more ac
tive in framing this immortal document than the mind
and the pen of James Madison.
The Constitution, adopted by a vote 81 to 79, was
to be presented to the several States for acceptance.
But grave solicitude was felt. Should it be rejected
we should be left but a conglomeration of independent
States, with but little power at home and little respect
abroad. Mr. Madison was selected by the conven
tion to draw up an address to the people of the United
States, expounding the principles of the Constitution,
and urging its adoption. There was great opposition
to it at first, but it at length triumphed over all, and
went into effect in 1789.
Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre
sentatives in the first Congress, and soon became the
avowed leader of the Republican party. While in
New York attending Congress, he met Mrs. Todd, a
young widow of remarkable power of fascination,
whom he married. She was in person and character
queenly, and probably no lady has thus far occupied
so prominent a position in the very peculiar society
which has constituted our republican court as Mrs.
Madison. Mr. Madison served as Secretary of State under
Jefferson, and at the close of his administration
was chosen President. At this time the encroach
ments of England had brought us to the verge of war.

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British orders in council destioyed our commerce, and
our flag was exposed to constant insult. Mr. Madison
was a man of peace. Scholarly in his taste, retiring
in his disposition, war had no charms for him. But the
meekest spirit can be roused. It makes one's blood
boil, even now, to think of an American ship brought
to, upon the ocean, by the guns of an English cruiser.
A young lieutenant steps on board and orders the
crew to be paraded before him. With great nonchal
ance he selects any number whom he may please to
designate as British subjects ; orders them down the
ship's side into his boat ; and places them on the gun-
deck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, the
battles of England. This right of search and im
pressment, no efforts of our Government could induce
the British cabinet to relinquish.
On the 18th of June, 1812, President Madison gave
his approval to an act of Congress declaring war
against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the bitter
hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country
in general approved ; and Mr. Madison, on the 4th
of March, 18 13, was re-elected by a large majority,
and entered upon his second term of office. This is
not the place to describe the various adventures of
this war on the land and on the water. Our infant
navy then laid the foundations of its renown in grap
pling with the most formidable power which ever
swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest
by the appearance of a British fleet, early in February,
18 1 3, in Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole
coast of the United States under blockade.
The Emperor of Russia offered his services as me
ditator. America accepted ; England refused. A Brit
ish force of five thousand men landed on the banks
of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into Chesa
peake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of Bladens-
burg, upon Washington.
The straggling little city of Washington was thrown
into consternation. The cannon of the brief conflict
at Bladensburg echoed through the streets of the
metropolis. The whole population fled from the city.
The President, leaving Mrs. Madison in the White
House, with her carriage drawn up at the door to
await his speedy return, hurried to meet the officers
in a council of war. He met our troops utterly routed,
and he could not go back without danger of being
captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential
Mansion, the Capitol, and all the public buildings in
Washington were in flames.
The war closed after two years of fighting, and on
Feb. 13, 18 15, the treaty of peace was signed at Ghent.
On the 4th of March, 1817, his second term of
office expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair
to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his beau
tiful home at Montpelier, and there passed the re
mainder of his days. On June 28, 1836, then at the
age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madi
son died July 12, 1849.

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AMES MONROE, the fifth
President of The United States,
was born in Westmoreland Co.,
Va., April 28, 1758. His' early
life was passed at the place of
nativity. His ancestors had for
s many years resided in the prov
ince in which he was born. When,
at 17 years of age, in the process
of completing his education at
William and Mary College, the Co
lonial Congress assembled at Phila
delphia to deliberate upon the un
just and manifold oppressions of
Great Britian, declared the separa
tion of the Colonies, and promul
gated the Declaration of Indepen
dence. Had he been born ten years before it is highly
probable that he would have been one of the signers
of that celebrated instrument. At this time he left
school and enlisted among the patriots.
He joined the army when everything looked hope
less- and gloomy. The number of deserters increased
from day to day. The invading armies came pouring
in ; and the tories not only favored the cause of the
mother country, but disheartened the new recruits,
who were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of con
tending with an enemy whom they had been taught
to deem invincible. To such brave spirits as James
Monroe, who went right onward, undismayed through
difficulty and danger, the United States owe their
political emancipation. The young cadet joined the
ranks, and espoused the cause of his injured country,
with a firm determination to live or die with her strife

for liberty. Firmly yet sadly he shared in the mel
ancholy retreat from Harleam Heights and White
Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it fled
before its foes through New Jersey. In four months
after the Declaration of Independence, the patriots
had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle of
Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the act of charg
ing upon the enemy he received a wound in the left
shoulder. As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was pro
moted a captain of infantry ; and, having recovered
from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, however,
receded from the line of promotion, by becoriiing an
officer in the staff of Lord Sterling. During the cam
paigns of 1777 and 1778, in the actions of Brandy-
wine, Germantown and Monmouth, he continued
aid-de-camp ; but becoming desirous to regain his
position in the army, he exerted himself to collect a
regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed
owing to the exhausted condition of the State. Upon
this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at
that period Governor, and pursued, with considerable
ardor, the study of common law. He did not, however,
entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag;
but on the invasions ofthe enemy, served as a volun
teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits.
In 1782, he was elected from King George county,
a member of the Leglislature of Virginia, and by that
body he was elevated to a seat in the Executive
Council. He was thus honored with the confidence
of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age ; and having
at this early period displayed some of that ability
and aptitude for legislation, which were afterwards
employed with unremitting energy for the public good,

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JAMES MONROE.

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

Shortly after his return to this country, Mr. Mon
roe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the
office for three years. He was again sent to France to
co-operate with Chancellor Livingston in obtaining
the vast territory then known as the Province of
Louisiana, which France had but shortly before ob
tained from Spain. Their united efforts were suc
cessful. For the comparatively small sum of fifteen
millions of dollars, the entire territory of Orleans and
district of Louisiana were added to the United States.
This was probably the largest transfer of real estate
which was ever made in all the history of the world.
From France Mr. Monroe went to England to ob
tain from that country some recognition of our
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those
odious impressments of our seamen. But Eng
land was unrelenting. He again returned to Eng
land on the same mission, but could receive no
redress. He returned to his home and was again
chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon resigned
to accept the position of Secretary of State under
Madison. While in this office war with England was
declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and during
these trying times, the duties of the War Department
were also put upon him. He was truly the armor-
bearer of President Madison, and the most efficient
business man in his cabinet. Upon the return of
peace he resigned the Department of War, but con
tinued in the office of Secretary of State until the ex
piration of Mr. Madison's adminstration. At the elec
tion held the previous autumn Mr. Monroe himself had
been chosen President with but little opposition, and
upon March 4, 1817, was inaugurated. Four years
later he was elected for a second term.
Among the important measures of his Presidency
were the cession of Florida to the United States ; the
Missouri Compromise, and the " Monroe doctrine.'1
This famous doctrine, since known as the " Monroe
doctrine," was enunciated by him in 1823. At that.
time the United States had recognized the independ
ence of the South American states, and did not wish
to have European powers longer attempting to sub
due portions of the American Continent. The doctrine
is as follows : " That we should consider any attempt
on the part of European powers to extend their sys
tem to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous
to our peace and safety," and "that we could not
view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing
or controlling American governments or provinces in
any other light than as a manifestation by European
powers of an unfriendly disposition toward the United
States." This doctrine immediately affected the course
of foreign governments, and has become the approved
sentiment pf the United States.
At the end of his second term Mr. Monroe retired
to his home in Virginia, where he lived until 1830,
when he went to New York to live with his son-in-
law. In that city he died,on the 4th of July, 1831,

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SIXTH PRESIDENT.

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OHN QUINCY ADAMS, the
sixth President of the United
SPStates, was born in the rural-
home of his honored father,
John Adams, in Quincy, Mass.,
on the nth cf July, 1767. His
mother, a woman of exalted
worth, watched over his childhood
during the almost constant ab
sence of his father. When but
eight years of age, he stood with
his mother on an eminence, listen
ing to the booming of the great bat
tle on Bunker's Hill, and gazing on
upon the smoke and flames billow
ing up from the conflagration of
Charlestown. When but eleven years, old he
took a tearful adieu of his mother,
to sail with his father for Europe,
through a fleet of hostile British cruisers. The bright,
animated boy spent a year and a half in Paris, where
his father was associated with Franklin and Lee as
minister plenipotentiary. His intelligence attracted
the notice of these distinguished men, and he received
from them flattering marks of attention.
Mr. John Adams had scarcely returned to this
country, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad. Again
John Quincy accompanied his father. At Paris he
applied himself with great diligence, for six months,
to study; then accom pained his father to Holland,
where he entered, first a school in Amsterdam, then
the University at Leyden. About a year from this
time, in r78i, when the manly boy was but fourteen
years of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our min
ister to the Russian court, as his private secretary.
In this school of incessant labor and of enobling
culture he spent fourteen months, and then returned
to Holland through Sweden, Denmark, Hamburg and
Bremen. This long journey he took alone, in the
winter, when in his sixteenth year. Again he resumed
his studies, under a private tutor, at Hague. Thence,

in the spring of r7 82, he accompanied his father to
Paris, traveling leisurely, and forming acquaintance
with the most distinguished men on the Continent;
examining architectural remains, galleries of paintings,
and all renowned works of art. At Paris he again
became associated with the most illustrious men of
all lands in the contemplations of the loftiest temporal
themes which can engross the human mind. After
a short visit to England he returned to Paris, and
consecrated all his energies to study until May, 1785,
when he returned to America. To a brilliant young
man of eighteen, who had seen much of the world,
and who was familiar with the etiquette of courts, a
residence with his father in London, under such cir
cumstances, must have been extremely attractive ;
but with judgment very rare in one of his age, he pre
ferred to return to America to complete his education
in an American college. He wished then to study
law, that with an honorable profession, he might be
able to obtain an independent support.
Upon leaving Harvard College, at the age of twenty,
he studied law for three years. In June, 1794, be
ing then but twenty-seven years of age, he was ap
pointed by Washington, resident minister at the
Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in July, he reached
London in October, where he was immediately admit
ted to the deliberations of Messrs. Jay and Pinckney,
assisting them in negotiating a commercial treaty with
Great Britian. After thus spending a fortnight in
London, he proceeded to the Hague.
In July, 1797, he left the Hague to go to Portugal as
minister plenipotentiary. On his way to Portugal,
upon arriving in London, he met with despatches
directing him to the court of Berlin, but requesting
him to remain in London until he should receive his
instructions. While waiting he was married to an
American lady to whom he had been previously en
gaged, — Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughter
of Mr. Joshua Johnson, American consul in London ;
a lady endownd with that beauty and those accom
plishment which eminently fitted her to move in the
elevated sphere for which she was destined.

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JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.

He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1 7 97 ;
where he remained until July, r799, when, having ful
filled all the purposes of his mission, he solicited his
recall. Soon after his return, in r8o2, he was chosen to
the Senate of Massachusetts, from Boston, and then
was elected Senator of the United States for six years,
from the 4th of March, 1804. His reputation, his
ability and his experience, placed him immediately
among the most prominent and influential members
of that body. Especially did he sustain the Govern
ment in its measures of resistance to the encroach
ments of England, destroying our commerce and in
sulting our flag. There was no man in America more
familiar with the arrogance of the British court upon
these points, and no one more resolved to present
a firm resistance.
In 1809, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the Pres
idential chair, and he immediately nominated John
Quincy Adams minister to St. Petersburg. Resign
ing his professorship in Harvard College, he embarked
at Boston, in August, 1809.
While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense stu
dent. He devoted his attention to the language and
history of Russia; to the Chinese trade; to the
European system of weights, measures, and coins ; to,
the climate and astronomical observations ; while he
kept up a familiar acquaintance with the Greek and
Latin classics. In all the universities of Europe, a
more accomplished scholar could scarcely be found.
All through life the Bible constituted an important
part of his studies. It was his rule to read five
chapters every day.
On the 4th of March, 18 17, Mr. Monroe took the
Presidential chair, and immediately appointed Mr.
Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his num
erous friends in public and private life in Europe, he
sailed in Junej i8r9, for the United States. On the
r8th of August, he again crossed the threshold of his
•home in Quincy. During the eight years of Mr. Mon
roe's administration, Mr. Adams continued Secretary
of State.
Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's second
term of office, new candidates began to be presented
for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. Adams brought
forward his name. It was an exciting campaign.
Party spirit was never more bitter. Two hundred and
sixty electoral votes were cast. Andrew Jackson re
ceived ninety-nine ; John Quincy Adams, eighty-four;
William H. Crawford, forty-one ; Henry Clay, thirty-
seven. As there was no choice by the people, the
question went to the House of Representatives. Mr.
Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and
he was elected.
The friends of all the disappointed candidates now
combined in a venomous and persistent assault upon
Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful^ in
the past history of our country than the abuse which

was poured in one uninterrupted stream, upon this
high-minded, upright, patriotic man. There never was
an administration more pure in principles, more con
scientiously devoted to the best interests of the coun
try, than that of John Quincy Adams ; and never, per
haps, was there an administration more unscrupu
lously and outrageously assailed.
Mr. Adams was, to a' very remarkable degree, ab
stemious and temperate in his habits ; always rising
early, and taking much exercise. When at his home in
Quincy, he has been known to walk, before breakfast.
seven miles to Boston. In Washington, it was said
that he was the first man up in the city, lighting his
own fire and applying himself to work in his library
often long before dawn.
On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired
from the Presidency, and was succeeded by Andrew-
Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice Presi
dent. The slavery question now began to assume
portentous magnitude. Mr. Adams returned to
Quincy and to his studies, which he pursued with un
abated zeal. But he was not long permitted to re
main in retirement. In November, 1830, he was
elected representative to Congress. For seventeen
years, until his death, he occupied the post as repre
sentative, towering above all his peers, ever ready to
do brave battle' for freedom, and winning the title of
" the old man eloquent." Upon taking his seat in
the House, he announced that he should hold him
self bound to no party. Probably there never was a
member more devoted to his duties. He was usually
the first in his place in the morning, and the last to
leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could
be brought forward and escape his scrutiny. The
battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, against
the proslavery party in the Government, was sublime
in its moral daring and heroism. For persisting in
presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery, he
was threatened with indictment by the grand jury,
with expulsion from the House, with assassination ;
but no threats could intimidate him, and his final
triumph was complete.
It has been said of President Adams, that when his
body was bent and his hair silvered by the lapse of
fourscore years, yielding to the simple faith of a little
child, he was accustomed'to repeat every night, before
he slept, the prayer which his mother taught him in
his infant years.
On the 21st of February, 1848, he rose on the floor
of Congress, with a paper in his hand, to address the
speaker. Suddenly he fell, again stricken by paraly
sis, and was caught in the arms of those around him.
For a time he was senseless, as he was conveyed to
the sofa in the rotunda. With reviving conscious
ness, he opened his eyes, looked calmly around and
said " This is the end of earth j" then after a moment's
pause he added, "I am content" These were the
last words of the grand " Old Man Eloquent."

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SEVENTH PRESIDENT.

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NDREW JACKSON, the
seventh President of the
United States, was born in
Waxhaw settlement, N. C,
March 15, 1767, a few days
after his father's death. His
parents were poor emigrants
from Ireland, and took up
their abode in Waxhaw set
tlement, where they lived in
deepest poverty.
Andrew, or Andy, as he was
universally called, grew up a very
rough, rude, turbulent boy. His
features were coarse, his form un
gainly; and there was but very
little in his character, made visible, which was at
tractive. When only thirteen years old he joined the volun
teers of Carolina against the British invasion. In
1781, he and his brother Robert were captured and
imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British officer
ordered him to brush his mud-spattered boots. " I am
a prisoner of war, not your servant," was 'the reply of
the dauntless boy.
The brute drew his sword, and aimed a desperate
blow at the head of the helpless young prisoner.
Andrew raised his hand, and thus received two fear
ful gashes, — one on the hand and the other upon the
head. The officer then turned to his brother Robert
with the same demand. He also refused, and re
ceived a blow from the keen-edged sabre, which quite
disabled him, and which probably soon after caused
his death. They suffered much other ill-treatment, and
were finally stricken with the small-pox. Their
mother was successful in obtaining their exchange,

and took her sick boys home. After a long illness
Andrew recovered, and the death of his mother soon
left him entirely friendless.
Andrew supported himself in various ways, such as
working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and
clerking in a general store, until 1784, when he
entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, however,
gave more attention to the wild amusements of the
times than to his studies. In 1788, he was appointed
solicitor for the western district of North Carolina, of
which Tennessee was then a part. This involved
many" long and tedious journeys amid dangers of
every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear,
and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmish
with the Sharp Knife.
In i79r, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who
supposed herself divorced from her former husband.
Great was the surprise of both parties, two years later,
to find that the conditions of the divorce had just been
definitely settled by the first husband. The marriage
ceremony was performed a second time, but the occur
rence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr.
Jackson into disfavor.
During these years he worked hard at his profes
sion, and frequently had one or more duels on hand,
one of which, when he killed Dickenson, was espec
ially disgraceful.
In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee then
containing nearly eighty thousand inhabitants, the
people met in convention at Knoxville to frame a con
stitution. Five were sent from each of the eleven
counties. Andrew Jackson was one of the delegates.
The new State was entitled to but one member in
the National House of Representatives. Andrew Jack
son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he
rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then held its

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ANDRE W J A CKSON. ,

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sessions, — a distance of about eight hundred miles.
Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo
cratic party. Jefferson was his idol. He admired
Bonaparte, loved France and hated England. As Mr.
Jackson took his seat, Gen. Washington, whose
second term of office was then expiring, delivered his
last speech to Congress. A committee drew up a
complimentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson
did not approve of the address, and was one of the
twelve who voted against it. He was not willing to
say that Gen. Washington's adminstration had been
" wise, firm and patriotic."
Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States
Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned home.
Soon after he was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court
@f his State, which position he held for six years.
When the war of 1812 with Great Britian com
menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair.
Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there was
an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jackson, who
would do credit to a commission if one were con
ferred upon him. Just at that time Gen. Jackson
offered his services and those of twenty-five hundred
volunteers. His offer was accepted, and the troops
were assembled at Nashville.
As the British were hourly expected to make an at
tack upon New Orleans, where Gen. Wilkinson was
in command, he was ordered to descend the river
with fifteen hundred troops to aid Wilkinson. The
expedition reached Natchez ; and after a delay of sev
eral weeks there, without accomplishing anything,
the men were ordered back to their homes. But the
energy Gen. Jackson had displayed, and his entire
devotion to the comrfort of his soldiers, won him
golden opinions ; and he became the most popular
man in the State. It was in this expedition that his
toughness gave him the nickname of " Old Hickory."
Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip Col.
Thomas H. Benton, for a remark that gentleman
made about his taking a part as second in a duel, in
which a younger brother of Benton's was engaged,
he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was
lingering upon a bed of suffering news came that the
Indians, who had combined under Tecumseh from
Florida to the Lakes, to exterminate the white set
tlers, were committing the most awful ravages. De
cisive action became necessary. Gen. Jackson, with
his fractured bone just beginning to heal, his arm in
a sling, and unable to mount his horse without assis
tance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an
army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Alabama.
The Creek Indians had established a strong fort on
one of the bends of the Tallapoosa River, near the cen
ter of Alabama, about fifty miles below Fort Strother.
With an army of two thousand men, Gen. Jackson
traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven
days. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or
Horse-shoe, on the 27 th of March. 18 14. The bend

of the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres of
tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow
neck the Indians had constructed a formidable breast
work of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors,
with an ample suply of arms were assembled.
The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly des
perate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. When
bleeding and dying, they would fight those who en
deavored to spare their lives. From ten in the morn
ing until dark, the battle raged. The carnage was
awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the
river; but the unerring bullet struck their heads as
they swam. Nearly everyone of the nine hundred war-
rios were killed A few probably, in the night, swam
the river and escaped. This ended the war. The
power of the Creeks was broken forever. This bold
plunge into the wilderness, with its terriffic slaughter,
so appalled the savages', that the haggard remnants
of the bands came to the camp, begging for peace.
This closing of the Creek war enabled us to con
centrate all our militia upon the British, who were the
allies of the Indians No man of less resolute will
than Gen. Jackson could have conducted this Indian
campaign to so successful an issue Immediately he
was appointed major-general.
Late in August, with an army of two thousand
men, on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson came to
Mobile. A British fleet came from Pensacola, landed
a force upon the beach, anchored near the little fort,
and from both ship and shore commenced a furious
assault. The battle was long and doubtful. At length
one of the ships was blown up and the rest retired.
Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his little
army, he moved his troops to New Orleans,
And the battle of New Orleans which soon ensued,
was in reality a very arduous campaign. This won
for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name. Here his
troops, which numbered about four thousand men,
won a signal victory over the British army of about
nine thousand. His loss was but thirteen, while the
loss of the British was two thousand six hundred.
The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be men
tioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in T824,
he was defeated by Mr. Adams. He was, however,
successful in the election of 1828, and was re-elected
for a second term in 1832. In r829, just before he
assumed the reins of the government, he met with
the most terrible affliction of his life in the death of
his wife, whom he had loved with a devotion which has
perhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of
her death he never recovered.
His administration was one of the most memorable
in the annals of our country; applauded by one party,
condemned by the other. No man had more bitter
enemies or warmer friends. At the expiration of his
two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage, where
he died June 8, 1845. The last years of Mr. Jack
son's life were that of a devoted Christian man.

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EIGHTH PRESIDENT.

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ARTIN VAN BUREN, the
eiahth President of the
United States, was born at
Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5,
1782. He died at the same
place, July 24, r862. His
body rests in the cemetery
at Kinderhook. Above it is
a plain granite shaft fifteen feet
high, bearing a simple inscription
about half way up on one face.
The lot is unfenced, unbordered
or unbounded by shrub or flower.
There is but little in the life of Martin Van Buren
of romantic interest. He" fought no battles, engaged
in no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in
political and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many
signal victories, his days passed uneventful in those
incidents which give zest to biography. His an
cestors, as his name indicates, were of Dutch origin,
and were among the earliest emigrants from Holland
to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer,
residing in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother,
also of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel
ligence and exemplary piety.
He was decidedly a precocious boy, developing un
usual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At the
age of fourteen, he had. finished his academic studies
in his native village, and commenced the study of
law. As he had not a collegiate education, seven
years of study in a law-office were required of him
before he could be admitted to the bar. Inspired with
a lofty ambition, and conscious of his powers, he pur
sued his studies with Indefatigable industry. After
spending six years in an office in his native village,

he went to the city of New York, and prosecuted his
studies for the seventh year.
In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years of
age, commenced the practice of law in his native vil
lage. The great conflict between the Federal and
Republican party was then at its height. Mr. Van
Buren was from the beginning a politician. He had,
perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listening to the
many discussions which had been carried on in his
father's hotel. He was in cordial sympathy with
Jefferson, and earnestly and eloquently espoused the
cause- of State Rights ; though at that time the Fed
eral party held the supremacy both in his town
and State.
His success and increasing ruputation led him,
after six years of practice, to remove-to Hudson, the
county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years,
constantly gaining strength by contending in the
courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned
the bar of his State.
Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mr.
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for
beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short
years she sank into the grave, the victim of consump
tion, leaving her husband and four sons to weep over
her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was
an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record
of those years is barren in items of public interest.
In t8i 2, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to
the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support to
Mr. Madison's adminstration. In 1815, he was ap
pointed Attorney-General, and the next year moved
to Albany, the capital of the State.
While he was acknowledged as one of the most
prominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had

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MARTIN VAN. BUREN.

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the moral courage to avow that true democracy did
not require that " universal suffrage " which admits
the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right of
governing the State. In true consistency with his
democratic principles, he contended that, while the
path leading to the privilege of voting should be open
to every man without distinction, no one should be
invested with that sacred prerogative, unless he were
in some degree qualified for it by intelligence, virtue
and some property interests in the welfare of the
State. In 182 1 he was elected a member of the United
States Senate; and in the same year, he took a seat
in the convention to revise the constitution of his
native State. His course in this convention secured
the approval of men of all parties. No one could
doubt the singleness of his endeavors to promote the
interests of all classes in the community. In the
Senate of the United States, he rose at once to a
conspicuous position as an active and useful legislator.
In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the
Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected to
the Senate. He had been from the beginning a de
termined opposer of the Administration, adopting the
"State Rights" view in opposition to what was
deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams.
Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governorof
the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his
seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the United
States contributed so much towards ejecting John Q.
Adams from the Presidential chair, and placing in it
Andrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whether
entitled to the reputation or not, he certainly was re
garded throughout the United States as one of the
most skillful, sagacious and cunning of politicians.
It was supposed that no one knew so well as he how
to touch the secret springs of action; how to pull all
the wires to put his machinery in motion ; and how to
organize a political army which would, secretly and /
stealthily accomplish the most gigantic results. By
these powers it is said that he outwitted Mr. Adams,
Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and secured results which
few thought then could be accomplished.
When Andrew Jackson wa's elected President he
appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. This
position he resigned in 1831, and was immediately
appointed Minister to England, where he went the
same autumn. The Senate, however, when it met,
refused to ratify the nomination, and he returned

home, apparently untroubled ; was nominated Vice
President in the place of Calhoun, at the re-election
of President Jackson ; and with smiles for all and
frowns for none, he took his place at the head of that
Senate which had refused to confirm his nomination
as ambassador.
His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of
President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favor
ite ; and this, probably more than any other cause,
secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief Execu
tive. On the 20th of May, ^36, Mr. Van Buren re
ceived the Democratic nomination to succeed Gen.
Jackson as President of the United States. He was
elected by a handsome majority, to the delight of the
retiring President. " Leaving New York out of the
canvass," says Mr. Parton, "the election of Mr. Van
Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen.
Jackson as though the Constitution had conferred
upon him the power to appoint a successor."
His administration was filled with exciting events.
The insurrection in Canada, which threatened to in
volve this country in war with England, the agitation
of the slavery question, and finally the great commer
cial panic which spread over the country, all were
trials to his wisdom. The financial distress .was at
tributed to the management of the Democratic party,
and brought the President into such disfavor that he
failed of re-election.
With the exception of being nominated for the
Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats, in 1848,
Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until
his death.
He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal habits,
and living within his income, had now fortunately a
competence for his declining years. His unblemished
character, his commanding abilities, his unquestioned
patriotism, and the distinguished positions which he
had occupied in the government of our country, se
cured to him not only the homage of his party, but
the respect ot the whole community. It was on the
4th of March, 1841, that Mr. Van Buren retired from
the presidency. From his fine estate at Lindenwald
he still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics
of the country. From this time until his death, on
the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty years, he
resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of leisure, of
culture and of wealth; enjoying in a healthy old
age, probably far more happiness than he had before
experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life.

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NINTH PRESIDENT.

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ILLIAM HENRY HARRI
SON, the ninth President of
the United ' States, was born
at Berkeley, Va., Feb. 9, 1773.
His father, Benjamin Harri
son, was in comparatively op
ulent circumstances, and was
one of the most distinguished
men of his day. He was an
intimate friend of George
Washington, w as early elected
a member of the Continental
Congress, and was conspicuous
among the patriots of Virginia in
resisting the encroachments of the
British crown. In the celebrated
Congress of 1775, Benjamin Har
rison and John Hancock were
both candidates for the office of
speaker. Mr Harrison was subsequently
chosen Governor of Virginia, and
was twice re-elected. His son,

William Henry, of course enjoyed
in childhood all the advantages which wealth and
intellectual and cultivated society could give. Hav
ing received a thorough common-school education, he
entered Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated
with honor soon after the death of his father. He
then repaired to Philadelphia to study medicine under
the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of
Robert Morris, both of whom were, with his father,
signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Uppn the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and not
withstanding the remonstrances of his friends, he
abandoned his medical studies and entered the army,
having obtained a commission of Ensign from Presi-
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dent Washington. He was then but 19 years old.
From that time he passed gradually upward in rank
until he became aid to General Wayne, after whose
death he resigned his commission. He was then ap
pointed Secretary of the North-western Territory. This
Territory was then entitled to but one member in
Congress and Capt. Harrison was chosen to fill that
position. In the spring of 1800 the North-western Territory
was divided by Congress into two portions. The
eastern portion, comprising the region now embraced
in the State of Ohio, was called " The Territory
north-west of the Ohio." The western portion, which
included what is now called Indiana, Illinois and
Wisconsin, was called the "Indiana Territory.'' Wil
liam Henry Harrison, then 27 years of age, was ap
pointed by John Adams, Governor of the Indiana
Territory, and immediately after, also Governor of
Upper Louisiana. He was thus ruler over almost as
extensive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. He
was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was in
vested with powers nearly dictatorial over the now
rapidly increasing white population. The ability and
fidelity with which he discharged these responsible
duties may be inferred from the fact that he was four
times appointed to this office — first by John Adams,
twice by Thomas Jefferson and afterwards by Presi
dent Madison.
When he began his adminstration there were but
three white settlements in that almost boundless region,
now crowded with cities and resounding with all the
tumult of wealth and traffic. One of these settlements
was on the Ohio, nearly opposite Louisville; one at
Vincennes, on the Wabash, and the third a French
settlement. The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrison
reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. About

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WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON.

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the year 1806, two extraordinary men, twin brothers,
of the Shawnese tribe, rose among them. One of
these was called Tecumseh, or " The Crouching
Panther;" the other, Olliwacheca, or " The Prophet."
Tecumseh was not only an Indian warrior, but a man
of great sagacity, far-reaching foresight and indomit
able perseverance in any enterprise in which he might
engage. He was inspired with the highest enthusiasm,
and had long regarded with dread and with hatred
the encroachment of the whites upon the hunting-
grounds of his fathers. His brother, the Prophet, was
anorator, who could sway the feelings ofthe untutored
Indian as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath which
they dwelt.
But the Prophet was not merely an orator : he was,
in the superstitious minds of the Indians, invested
with the superhuman dignity of a medicine-man or a
magician. With an enthusiasm unsurpassed by Peter
the Hermit rousing Europe to the crusades, he went
from tribe to tribe, assuming that he was specially sent
by the Great Spirit.
Gov. Harrison made many attempts to conciliate
the Indians, but at last the war came, and at Tippe
canoe the Indians were routed with great slaughter.
October 28, r8i2, his army began its march. When
near the Prophet's town three Indians of rank made
their appearance and inquired why Gov. Harrison was
approaching them in so hostile an attitude. After a
short conference, arrangements were made for a meet
ing the next day, to agree upon terms of peace.
But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted with
the Indian character to be deceived by such protes
tations. Selecting a favorable spot for his night's en
campment, he took every precaution against surprise.
His troops were posted in a hollow square, and slept
upon their arms.
The troops threw themselves upon the ground for
rest; but every man had his accourtrements on, his
loaded musket by his side, and his bayonet fixed. The
wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock in
the morning, had risen, and was sitting in conversa
tion with his aids by the embers of a waning fire. It
was a chill, cloudy morning with a drizzling rain. In
the darkness, the Indians had crept as near as possi
ble, and just then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all
the desperation which superstition and passion most
highly inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the
little army. The savages had been amply provided
with guns and ammunition by the English. Their
war-whoop was accompained by a shower of bullets.
The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the
light aided the Indians in their aim. With hide
ous yells, the Indian bands rushed on, not doubting a
speedy and an entire victory. But Gen. Harrison's
troops stood as immovable as the rocks around them
until day dawned : they then made a simultaneous
charge with the bayonet, and swept every thing be
fore them, and completely routing the foe,

Gov. Harrison now had all his , energies tasked
to the utmost. The British descending from the Can-
adas, were of themselves a very formidable force ; but
with their savage allies, rushing like wolves from the
forest, searching out every remote farm-house, burn
ing, plundering, scalping, torturing, the wide frontier^
was plunged into a state of consternation which even
the most vivid imagination can but faintly conceive.
The war-whoop was resounding everywhere in the
forest. The horizon was illuminated with the conflagra
tion of the cabins of the settlers. Gen Hull had made
the ignominious surrender of his forces at Detroit.
Under these despairing circumstances, Gov. Harrisonv
was appointed by President Madison commander-in- ^
chief of the North-western army, with orders to retake
Detroit, and to protect the frontiers.
It would be difficult to place a man in a situation
demanding more *energy, sagacity and courage; but
General Harrison was found equal to the position,
and nobly and triumphantly did he meet all the re
sponsibilities. He won the love of his soldiers by always sharing
with them their fatigue. His whole baggage, while (t\
pursuing the foe up the Thames, was carried in a J
valise; and his bedding consisted of a" single blanket*5
lashed over his saddle. Thirty-five British officers,^
his prisoners of war, supped with him after the battle.™
The only fare he could give them was beef roastedxi>
before the fire, "without bread or salt. £g
In 1816, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member of™
the National House of Representatives, to represenrx^
the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an«i
active member; and whenever he spoke, it was with/' )J
force of reason and power of eloquence, which arrested^
the attention of all the members.
In 1 81 9, Harrison was elected to the Senate of
Ohio; and in r824, as one of the presidential electors
of that State, he gave his vote for Henry Clay. The
same year he was chosen to the United States Senate.
In r836, the friends of Gen. Harrison brought himV
forward as a candidate for the Presidency against.
Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the close of3
Mr. Van Buren's term, he- was re-nominated by hisj
party, and Mr. Harrison was unanimously nominated
by the Whigs, with John Tyler for the Vice Presidency.
The contest was very animated. Gen. Jackson gave
all his influence to prevent Harrison's election ; but
his triumph was signal.
The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Webster
at its head as Secretary of State, was one of the most/g)
brilliant with which any President had ever been ¦
surrounded. Never were the prospects of an admin
istration more flattering, or the hopes of the country*
more sanguine. In the midst of these bright andlp,
joyous prospects, Gen. Harrison was seized by aj»
pleurisy-fever and after a few days of violent sick
ness, died on the 4th of April; just one month after"
his inauguration as President of the United States,1

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TENTH PRESIDENT.

55

OHN TYLER, the tenth
Presidentof the United States.
He was born in Charles-city
Co., Va., March 29, 1790. He
was the favored child of af
fluence and high social po
sition. At the early age of
twelve, John entered William
and Mary College and grad
uated with much honor when
but seventeen years old. After
graduating, he devoted him
self with great assiduity to the
study of 'law, partly with his
father and partly with Edmund
Randolph, one of the most distin
guished lawyers of Virginia.
At nineteen years of age, lie
commenced the practice of law.
His success was rapid and aston
ishing. It is said that three
months had not elapsed ere there
was scarcely a case on the dock
et of the court in which he was
not retained. When but twenty-one years of age, he
was almost unanimously elected to a seat in the State
Legislature. He connected himself with the Demo
cratic party, and warmly advocated the measures of
qVTefferson and Madison. For five successive years he
was elected to the Legislature, receiving nearly the
.unanimous vote or his county.
When but twenty-six years of age, he was elected
>'a member of Congress. Here he acted earnestly and
/@)ably with the Democratic party, opposing a national
N^bank, internal improvements by the Geheral Govern

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

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party. His friends still regarded him as a true Jef-
fersonian, gave him a dinner, and showered compli
ments upon him. He had now attained the age of
forty-six. His career had been very brilliant. In con
sequence of his devotion to public business, his pri
vate affairs had fallen into some disorder ; and it was
not without satisfaction that he resumed the practice
of law, and devoted himself to the culture of his plan^
tation. Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg,
for the better education of his children ; and he again
took his seat in the Legislature of Virginia.
By the Southern Whigs, he was sent to the national
convention at Harrisburg to nominate a President in
1839. The majority of votes were given to Gen. Har
rison, a genuine Whig, much to the disappointment of
the South, who wished for Henry Clay. To concili
ate the Southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the
convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice Pres
ident. It was well known that he was not in sympa
thy with the Whig party in the North : but the Vice
President has but very little power in the Govern
ment, his main and almost only duty being to pre
side over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it hap
pened that a Whig President, and, in reality, a
Democratic Vice President were chosen.
In 1 84 1, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice Presi
dent of the United States. In one short month from
that time, President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler
thus found himself, to his own surprise and that of
the whole Nation, an occupant of the Presidential
chair. This was a new test of the stability of our
institutions, as it was the first time in the history of our
country that such an event had occured. Mr. Tyler-
was at home in Williamsburg when he received the
unexpected tidings of the death of President Harri
son. He hastened to Washington, and on the 6th of
April was inaugurated to the high and responsible
office. He was placed in a position of exceeding
delicacy and difficulty. All his longlife he had been
opposed to the main principles of the party which had
brought him into power. He had ever been a con
sistent, honest man, with an unblemished record.
Gen. Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet. Should
he retain them, and thus surround himself with coun
sellors whose views were antagonistic to his own? or,
on the other hand, should he turn against the party
which had elected him and select a cabinet in har
mony with himself, and which would oppose all those
views which the Whigs deemed essential to the pub
lic welfare ? This was his fearful dilemma. He in
vited the cabinet which President Harrison had
selected to retain their seats. He reccommended a
day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and
bless us.
The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for the
incorporation of a fiscal bank of the United States.
The President, after ten days' delay, returned it with
his veto. H<? suggested, however, that he would

approve of a bill drawn up upon such a plan as he
proposed. Such a bill was accordingly prepared, and
privately submitted to him. He gave it his approval.
It was passed without alteration, and he sent it back
with his veto. Here commenced the open rupture.
It is said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas
ure by a published letter from the Hon. John M.
Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who severely
touched the pride of the President.
The opposition now exultingly received the Presi
dent into their arms. The party which elected him
denounced him bitterly. All the members of his
cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster, resigned. The Whigs
of Congress, both the Senate and the House, held a
meeting and issued an address to the people of the
United States, proclaiming that all political alliance
between the Whigs and President Tyler were at
an end.
Still the President attempted to conciliate. He
appointed a new cabinet of distinguished Whigs and
Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong party
men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary to resign,
forced out by the pressure of his Whig friends. Thus
the four years of Mr. Tyler's unfortunate administra
tion passed sadly away. No one was satisfied. The
land was filled with murmurs and vituperation. Whigs
and Democrats alike assailed him. More and more,
however, he brought himself into sympathy with his
old friends, the Democrats, until atthe close of his term,
he gave his whole influence to the support of Mr.
Polk, the Democratic candidate for his successor.
On the 4th of March, 1845, he retired from the
harassments of office, to the regret of neither party, and
probably to his own unspeakable relief. His first wife,
Miss Letitia Christian, died in Washington, in 1842;
and in June, r844, President Tyler was again married,
at New York, to Miss Julia Gardiner, a young lady of
many personal and intellectual accomplishments.
The remainder of his days Mr. Tyler passed mainly
in retirement at his beautiful home, — Sherwood For
est, Charles-city Co., Va. A polished gentleman in
his manners, richly furnished with information from
books and experience in the "world, and possessing
brilliant powers of conversation, his family circle was
the scene of unusual attractions. With sufficient
means for the exercise of a generous hospitality, he
might have enjoyed a serene old age with the few
friends who gathered around him, were it not for the
storms of civil war which his own principles and
policy had helped to introduce.
< When the great Rebellion rose, which the State-
rights and nullifying doctrines of Mr. John C. Cal
houn had inaugurated, President Tyler renounced his
allegiance to the United States, and joined the Confed
erates. _ He was chosen a member of their Congress;
and while engaged in active measures to destroy, by
force of arms, the Government over which he had
once presided, he was taken sick and soon died.

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ELEVENTH PRESIDENT.

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AMES K. POLK, the eleventh
^President ofthe United States,
was born in Mecklenburg Co.,
N. C.,Nov. 2, 1795. His par
ents were Samuel and Jane
(Knox) Polk, the former a son
of Col. Thomas Polk, who located
at the above place, as one of the
first pioneers, in 1735.
In the year r8o6, with his wife
and children, and soon after fol
lowed by most of the members of
the Polk farnly, Samuel Polk emi
grated some two or three hundred
miles farther west, to the rich valley
ofthe Duck River. Here in the
midst of the wilderness, in a region
which was subsequently called Mau
ry Co., they reared their log huts,
and established their homes. In the
hard toil of a new farm in the wil
derness, James K. Polk spent the
early years of his childhood and
youth. His father, adding the pur
suit of a surveyor to that of a farmer,
gradually increased in wealth until
he became one of the leading men of the region. His
mother was a superior woman, of strong common
sense and earnest piety.
Very early in life, James developed a taste for
reading and expressed the strongest desire to obtain
a liberal education. His mother's training had made
him methodical in his habits, had taught him punct
uality and industry, and had inspired him with lofty
principles of morality. His health was frail ; and his
father, fearing that he might not be able to endure a
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sedentary life, got a situation for him behind the
counter, hoping to fit him for commercial pursuits.
This was to James a bitter disappointment. He
had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks
were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this
uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, when at his
earnest solicitation his father removed him, and made
arrangements for him to prosecute his studies. Soon
after he sent him to Murfreesboro Academy. With
ardor which could scarcely be surpassed, he pressed
forward in his studies, and in less than two and a half
years, in the autumn of 1815, entered the sophomore
class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel
Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of
scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allowing
himself to be absent from a recitation or a religious
service. He graduated in 1818, with the highest honors, be
ing deemed the best scholar of his class, both in
mathematics and the classics. He was then twenty-
three years of age. Mr. Polk's health was at this
time much impaired by the assiduity with which he
had prosecuted his studies. After a short season of
relaxation he went to Nashville, and entered the
office of Felix Grundy, to study law. Here Mr. Polk
renewed his acquaintance with Andrew Jackson, who
resided on his plantation, the Hermitage, but a few
miles from Nashville. They had probably been
slightly acquainted before.
Mr. Polk's father was a Jeffersonian Republican,
and James K. Polk ever adhered to the same politi
cal faith. He was a popular public speaker, and was
constantly called upon to address the meetings of his
party friends. His skill as a speaker was such that
he was popularly called the Napoleon of the stump.
He was a man of unblemished morals, genial and

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JAMES K. POLK.

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Courteous in his bearing, and with that sympathetic
jyiature in the joys and griefs of others which ever gave
>im troops of friends. In r82 3, Mr. Polk was elected
fto the Legislature of Tennessee. Here he gave his
/^strong influence towards the election of his friend,
|Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of the United States.
In January, r824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah
Childress, of Rutherford Co., Tenn. His bride was
altogether worthy of him, — a lady of beauty and cul
ture. In the fall of 1825, Mr. Polk was chosen a
nember of Congress. The satisfaction which he gave
his constituents may be inferred from the fact, that
'or fourteen' successive years, until r 839, he was con-
nued in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew,
only that he might accept the Gubernatorial chair
of Tennessee. In Congress he was a laborious
member, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was
always in his seat, always courteous ; and whenever
he spoke it was always to the point, and without any
ambitious rhetorical display.
Jr During five sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was
A^peaker of the House. Strong passions were roused,
nd stormy scenes were witnessed ; but Mr. Polk per-
brmed his arduous duties to a very general satisfac-
and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was
S^assed by the House as he withdrew on the 4th of
^March, 1839.
In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a
candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. He was
elected by a large majority, and on the 1 4th of Octo
ber, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville. In 1841,
his term of office expired, and he was again the can
didate of the Democratic party, but was defeated.
On the 4th of March, r 845, Mr. Polk ^as inaugur
ated President of the United States. The verdict of
the country in favor ofthe annexation of Texas,, exerted
its influence upon Congress ; and the last act of the
administration of President Tyler was to affix his sig
nature to a joint resolution of Congress, passed on the
3d of March, approving ofthe annexation of Texas to
the American Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas
as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister,
Almonte, immediately demanded his passports and
left the country, declaring the act of the annexation
; to be an act hostile to Mexico.
In his first message, President Polk urged that
*>Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be re
ceived into the Union on the same footing with the
•other States. In the meantime, Gen. Taylor was sent

anon

6

with an army into Texas to hold the country. He was
sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the
western boundary of Texas. Then he was sent nearly
two hundred miles further west, to the Rio Grande,
where he erected batteries which commanded the
Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated on
the western banks.
The anticipated collision soon took place, and war
was declared against Mexico by President Polk. The
war was pushed forward by Mr. Polk's administration
with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, whose army was first
called one of " observation," then of " occupation,"
then of " invasion, "was sent forward to Monterey. The
feeble Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly
and awfully slaughtered. The day of judgement
alone can reveal the misery which this war caused.
It was by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration
that the war was brought on.
'To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico was
prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands.
We now consented to peace upon the condition that
Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas,
all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower Cal
ifornia. Tlris new demand embraced, exclusive of
Texas, eight hundred thousand square miles. This
was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the
size of New York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen
majestic States to be added to the Union. There were
some Americans who thought it all right : there were
others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution
of this war, we expended twenty thousand lives and
more than a hundred million of dollars. Of this
money fifteen millions were paid to Mexico.
On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired from
office, having served one term. The next day was
Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated
as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to the Capitol in the
same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same even
ing, with Mrs. Polk, he commenced his return to
Tennessee. He was then "but fifty-four years of age.
He. had ever been strictly temperate in all his habits,
and his health was good. With an ample fortune,
a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ties
of the dearest nature, it seemed as though long years
of tranquility and happiness were before him. But the
cholera — that fearful scourge — was then sweeping up
the Valley of the Mississippi. This he contracted,
and died on the 15th of June, 1849, in the fifty-fourth
year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen.

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ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth
President of the United States,
was .born on the 24th of Nov.,
1784, in Orange Co., Va. His
father, Colonel Taylor, was
a Virginian of note, and a dis
tinguished patriot and soldier of
the Revolution. When Zachary
was an infant, his father with his
wife and two children, emigrated
to Kentucky, where he settled in
the pathless wilderness, a few
miles from Louisville. In this front
ier home, away from civilization and
all its refinements, young Zachary
could enjoy but few social and educational advan
tages. When six years of age he attended a" common
school, and was then regarded as a bright, active boy,
rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of char
acter. He was strong, fearless and self-reliant, and
manifested a strong desire to enter the army to fight
the Indians who were ravaging the frontiers. There
is little to be recorded of the uneventful yeaJS of his
childhood on his father's large but lonely plantation.
In 1808, his father succeeded in obtaining for him
the commission of lieutenant in the United States
army ; and he joined the troops which were stationed
at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after
this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady
from one of the first families of Maryland.
Immediately after the declaration of war with Eng
land, in 1812, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been
promoted to that rank) was put in command of Fort
Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles above
Vincennes. This fort had been built in the wilder
ness by Gen. Harrison,on his march to Tippecanoe.
It was one of the first points of attack by the Indians,
led by Tecurnseh. Its garrison consisted Qf a broken

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company of infantry numbering fifty men, many o
whom were sick.
Early in the autumn of 1812, the Indians, stealthily,
and in large numbers, moved upon the fort. Their'
approach was first indicated by the murder of two
soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. Taylor
made every possible preparation to meet the antici
pated assault. On the 4th of September, a barid of
forty, painted and plumed savages came to the fort,
waving a white flag, and informed Capt. Taylor that
in the morning their chief would come to have a talk
with him. It was evident that their object was merely
to ascertain the state of things at the fort, and Capt.5?
Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, kept*I*
them at a distance. ^
The sun went down ; the savages disappeared, theV/
garrison slept upon their arms. One hour before
midnight the war whoop burst from a thousand lips
in the forest around, followed by the discharge of
musketry, and the rush ofthe foe. Every man, sick
and well, sprang to his post. Every man knew that
defeat was not merely death, but in the case of cap
ture, death by the most agonizing and prolonged tor
ture. No pen can describe, no immagination can
conceive the scenes which ensued. The savages sue
ceeded in setting fire to one of the block-houses'
Until six o'clock in the morning, this awful conflict
continued. The savages then, baffled at every point,
and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt.
Taylor, for this gallant defence, was promoted to the
rank of major by brevet.
Until the close ofthe war, Major Taylor was place>
in such situations that he saw but little more of active
service. He was sent far away into the depthspf th'
wilderness, to Fort Crawford, on Fox River, whic.^,
empties into Green Bay. Here there was but little^ ^
to be done but to wear away the tedious hours as on
best could, There were no books, no society, no it*

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ZACHARY TAYLOR.

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tellectual stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful
years rolled on Gradually he rose to the rank of
colonel. In the Black-Hawk war, which resulted in
the capture of that renowned chieftain, Col Taylor
took a subordinate but a brave and efficient part.
For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged in
the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, and in
employments so obscure, that his name was unknown
beyond the limits ofhis own immediate acquaintance.
In the year r836, he was sent to Florida to compel
the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and re
tire beyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty,
had promised they should do. The services rendered
here secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of
the Government ; and as a reward, he was elevated
to the rank of brigadier-general by brevet ; and soon
after, in May, 1838, was appointed to the chief com
mand of the United States troops in Florida.
After two years of such wearisome employment
amidst the everglades of the peninsula, Gen. Taylor
obiained, at his own request, a change of command,
and was stationed over the Department of the South
west. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi,-
Alabama and Georgia. Establishing his headquarters
at Fort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family
to a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue.
Here he remained for five years, buried, as it were,
from the world, but faithfully discharging every duty
imposed upon him.
In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the land
between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the latter river
being the boundary of Texas, which was then claimed
by the United States. Soon the war with Mexico
was brought on, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la
Palma, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the
Mexicans. The rank of major-general by brevet
was then conferred upon Gen. Taylor, and his name
was received with enthusiasm almost everywhere in
the Nation. Then came the battles of Monterey and
Buena Vista in which he won signal victories over
forces much larger than he commanded.
His careless habits of dress and his unaffected
simplicity, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops,
ihe. sobriquet of "Old Rough and Ready.'
The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista
spread the wildest enthusiasm over the country. The
name of Gen. Taylor was on every one's lips. The
Whig party decided to take advantage of this wonder
ful popularity in bringing forward the unpolished, un
lettered, honest soldier as their candidate for the
Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the an
nouncement, and for a time would not listen to it; de
claring that he was not at all qualified for such an
office. So little interest had he taken in politics that,
for forty years, he had not cast a vote. It was not
without chagrin that several distinguished statesmen
who had been long years in the public service found
their claims set aside in behalf of one whose name

had never been heard of, save in connection with Palo
Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena
Vista. It is said that Daniel Webster, in his haste re
marked, " It is a nomination not fit to be made."
Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a fine
writer. His friends took possession of him, and pre
pared such few communications as it was needful
should be presented to the public. The popularity of
the successful warrior swept the land. He was tri
umphantly elected over two opposing candidates, —
Gen. Cass and Ex-President Martin Van Buren.
Though he selected an excellent cabinet, the good
old man found himself in a very uncongenial position,
and was, at times, sorely perplexed and harassed.
His mental sufferings were very severe, and probably
tended to hasten his death. The pro-slavery party
was pushing its claims with tireless energy , expedi
tions were fitting out- to capture Cuba ; California was
pleading for admission to the Union, while slavery
stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found
the political conflicts in Washington to be far more
trying to the nerves than battles with Mexicans or
Indians. In the midst of all these troubles, Gen. Taylor,
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but little
over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of
but little over five days, died on the 9th of July, r85o.
His last words were, " I am not afraid to die. I am
ready. I have endeavored to do my duty." He died
universally respected and beloved. An honest, un
pretending man, he had been steadily growing in the
affections of the people ; and the Nation bitterly la
mented his death.
Gen. Scott, who> was thoroughly acquainted with
Gen. Taylor, gave the following graphic and truthful
description of his character: — " With a good store of
common sense, Gen. Taylor's mind had not been en
larged and refreshed by reading, or much converse
with the world. Rigidity of ideas was the conse
quence. The frontiers and small military posts had
been his home. Hence he was quite ignorant for his
rank, and quite bigoted in his ignorance. His sim
plicity was child-like, and with innumerable preju
dices, amusing and incorrigible, well suited to the
tender age. Thus, if a man, however respectable,
chanced to wear a coat of an unusual color, or his hat
a little on one side of his head ; or an officer to leave
a corner ofhis handkerchief dangling from an out
side pocket, — in any such case, this critic held the
offender to be a coxcomb (perhaps something worse),
whom he would not, to use his oft repeated phrase,
' touch with a pair of tongs.'
"Any allusion to literature beyond good old Dil-
worth's spelling-book, on the part of one wearing a
sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter
unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In short,
few men have ever had a more comfortable, labors
saving contempt for learning of every kind." ,

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THIRTEENTH PRESIDENT.

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ILLARD FILLMORE, thir
teenth President of the United
States, was born at Summer
Hill, Cayuga Co., N. Y ., on
the 7th of January, 1800. His
father was a farmer, and ow
ing to misfortune, in humble cir
cumstances. Of his mother,' the
daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard,
of Pittsfield, Mass., it has beeri
said that she possessed an intellect
of very high order, united with much
personal loveliness, sweetness of dis
position, graceful manners and ex
quisite sensibilities. She died in
1 83 1 ; having lived to see her son a
young man of distinguished prom
ise, though she was not permitted to witness the high
dignity which he finally attained.
Iri consequence of the secluded home and limited
means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender ad
vantages for education in his early years. The com
mon schools, which he occasionally attended were
very imperfect institutions; and books were scarce
and expensive. There was nothing then in his char
acter to indicate the brilliant career upon which he
was about to enter. He was a plain farmer's boy ;
intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred
influences of home had taught him to revere the Bible,
and had laid the foundations of an upright character.
When fourteen years of age, his father sent him
some hundred miles from home, to the then wilds of
Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier.
Near the mill there was a small villiage, where some

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

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MILLARD FILLMORE,

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well prepared to prosecute his legal studies as was
Millard Fillmore when he graduated at the clothing-
mill at the end of four years of manual labor, during
which every leisure moment had been devoted to in
tense mental culture.
In 1823, when twenty-three years of age, he v/as
admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. He then
went to the village of Aurora, and commenced the
practice of law. In this secluded, peaceful region,
his practice of course was limited, and there was no
opportunity for a sudden rise in fortune or in fame.
Here, in the year 1826, he married a lady of great
moral worth, and one capable of adorning any station
she might be called to fill, — Miss Abigail Powers.
His elevation of character, his untiring industry,
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advocate,
gradually attracted attention ; and he was invited to
enter into partnership under highly advantageous
circumstances, with an elder member of the bar in
Buffalo. Just before removing to Buffalo, in 1829,
he took his seat in the House of Assembly, of the
, State of New York, as a representative from Erie
County. Though he had never taken a very active
part in politics, his vote and his sympathies were with
the Whig party. The State was then Democratic,
and he found himself in a helpless minority in the
Legislature , still the testimony comes from all parties,
that his courtesy, ability and integrity, won, to a very
unusual degree the respect of his associates.
In the autumn of r832, he was elected to a seat in
the United States Congress. He entered that troubled
arena in some of the most tumultuous hours of our
national history. The great conflict respecting the
national bank and the removal of the deposits, was
then raging.
His term of two years closed ; and he returned to
his profession, which he pursued with increasing rep
utation and success. After a lapse of two years
he again became a candidate for Congress ; was re
elected, and took his seat in r837. His past expe
rience as a representative gave him strength and
confidence. The first term of service in Congress to
any man can be but little more than an introduction.
He was now prepared for active duty. All his ener
gies were brought to bear upon the public good. Every
measure received his impress.
Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and
his popularity filled the State, and in the year 1847,
he was elected Comptroller of the State.
 :3^r q/^hh

Mr. Fillmore had attained the age of forty^seven
years. His labors at the bar, in the Legislature* in
Congress and as Comptroller, had given him very con
siderable fame. The Whigs were casting about to
find suitable candidates for President and Vice-Presi
dent at the approaching election. Far away, on the
waters of the Rio Grande, there was a rough old
soldier, who had fought one or two successful battles
with the Mexicans, which had caused his name to be
proclaimed in trumpet-tones all over the land. But
it was necessary to associate with him on the same
ticket some man of reputation as a statesman.
Under the influence of these considerations, the
names of Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore became
the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their candidates for
President and Vice-Peesident. The Whig ticket was
signally triumphant. On the 4th of March, 1849,
Gen. Taylor was inaugurated President, and Millard
Fillmore Vice-President, of the United States.
On the 9th of July, 1850, President Taylor, but
about one year and four months after his inaugura
tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the Con
stitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus became Presi
dent. He appointed a very able cabinet, of which
the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State.
Mr. Fillmore had very serious difficulties, to contend
with, since the opposition had a majority in both
Houses. He did everything in his power to conciliate
the South ; but the pro-slavery party in the South felt
the inadequacy of all measuresof transient conciliation.
The population of the free States was so rapidly in
creasing over that of the slave States that it was in
evitable that the power of the Government should
soon pass into the hands of the free States. The
famous compromise measures were adopted under Mr.
Fillmore's adminstration, and the Japan Expedition
was sent out. On the 4th of March, 1853, Mr. Fill
more, having served one term, retired.
In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Pres
idency by the " Know Nothing " party, but was beaten
by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in
retirement. During the terrible conflict of civil war,
he was mostly silent. It was generally supposed that
his sympathies were rather with those who were en
deavoring to overthrow our institutions. President
Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, without any
cordial words of cheer to the one party or the other.
He was thus forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe
old age, and died in Buffalo. N, Y., March 8, 1874.
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FOURTEENTH PRESIDENT.

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^FRANKLIN FIERCE. *

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RANKLIN PIERCE, the
fourteenth President of the
g* United States, was born in
Hillsborough, N. H., Nov.
23, 1804. His father was a
Revolutionary soldier, who,
with his own strong arm,
hewed out a home in the
wilderness. He was a man
of inflexible integrity; of
strong, though uncultivated
mind, and an uncompromis
ing Democrat. The mother of
Franklin Pierce was all that a son
could desire, — an intelligent, pru
dent, affectionate, Christian wom
an. Franklin was the sixth of eight children.
Franklin was a very bright and handsome boy, gen
erous, warm-hearted and brave. He won alike the
love of old and young. The boys on the play -ground
loved him. His teachers loved him. The neighbors
looked upon him with pride and affection. He was
by instinct a gentleman ; always speaking kind words,
doing kind deeds, with a peculiar unstudied tact
which taught him what was agreeable. Without de-'
veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural
devotion to books, he was a good scholar ; in body,
in mind, in affections, a finely-developed boy.
When sixteen years of age, in the year r82o, he
entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me. He was
one of the most popular young men in the college.
The purity of his moral character, the unvarying
courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and

genial nature, rendered him a universal favorite.
There was something very peculiarly winning in his
address, and it was evidently not in the slightest de
gree studied : it was the simple outgushing of his
own magnanimous and loving nature.
Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin Pierce
commenced the study of law in the office of Judge
Woodbury, one of the most distinguished lawyers of
the State, and a man of great private worth. The
eminent social qualities of the young lawyer, his
father's prominence as a public man, and the brilliant
political career into which Judge Woodbury was en
tering, all tended to entice Mr. Pierce into the faci-
nating yet perilous path of political life. With all
the ardor of his nature he espoused the cause of Gen.
Jackson for the Presidency. He commenced the
practice of law in Hillsborough, and was soon elected
to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here
he served for four years. The last two years he was
chosen speaker of the house by a very large vote.
In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was elected
a member of Congress. Without taking an active
part in debates, he was faithful and laborious in duty,
and ever rising in the estimation of those with whom
he was associatad.
In r837, being then but thirty-three years of age,
he was elected to the Senate of the United States;
taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced
his administration. He was the youngest member in
the Senate. In the year r834, he married Miss Jane
Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty and accom
plishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn every
station with which her husband was honoied. Of the

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FRANKLIN PlFRCE.

three sons who were born to them, all now sleep with
their parents in the grave.
In the year ^38, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame
and increasing business as a lawyer, took up his
residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire.
President Polk, upon his accession to office, appointed
Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States ; but
the offer was declined, in consequence of numerous
professional engagements at home, and the precariuos
state of Mrs. Pierce's health. Pie also, about the
same time declined the nomination for governor by the
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr.
Pierce in the army. Receiving the appointment of
brigadier-general, he embarked, with a portion of his
troops, at Newport, R. I., on the 27th of May, r847.
He took an important part in this war, proving him
self a brave and true soldier.
When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his native
State, he was received enthusiastically by the advo
cates of the Mexican war, and coldly by his oppo
nents. He resumed the practice of his profession,
very frequently taking an active part in political ques
tions, giving his cordial support to the pro-slavery
wing .of the Democratic party. The compromise
measures met cordially with his approval ; and he
strenuously advocated the enforcement of the infa
mous fugitive-slave law, which so shocked the religious
sensibilities ofthe North. He thus became distin
guished as a " Northern man with Southern principles.'*
The strong partisans of slavery in the South conse
quently regarded him as a man whom they could
safely trust in office to carry out their plans.
'On the 12th of June, 1852, the Democratic conven
tion met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the
Presidency. For four days they continued in session,
and in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a
two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far had been thrown
for Gen. Pierce. Then the Virginia delegation
brought forward his name. There were fourteen
more ballotings, during which Gen. Pierce constantly
gained strength, until, at the forty-ninth ballot, he
received two hundred and eighty-two votes, and all
other candidates eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was
the Whig candidate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with
great unanimity. Only four States — -Vermont, Mas
sachusetts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their
electoral votes against him. Gen. Franklin Pierce
was therefore inaugurated President of the Unijed
States on the 4th of March, 1853.

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His administration, proved one of the most stormy our
country had ever experienced. The controversy be
tween slavery and freedom was then approaching its
culminating point. It became evident that there was
an " irrepressible conflict" between them, and that
this Nation could not long exist " half slave and half
free." President Pierce, during the whole of his ad
ministration, did every thing he could to conciliate
the South ; but it was all in vain. The conflict every
year grew more violent, and threats of the dissolution
of the Unioq. were borne to the North on every South
ern breeze.
Such was the condition of affairs when President
Pierce approached the close of his four-years' term
of office. The North had become thoroughly alien
ated from him. The anti-slavery sentiment, goaded
by great outrages, had been rapidly increasing; all
the intellectual ability and social worth of President
Pierce were forgotten in deep reprehension of his ad
ministrative acts. The slaveholders of the South, also,
unmindful of the fidelity with which he had advo
cated those measures of Government which they ap
proved, and perhaps, also, feeling that he had
rendered himself so unpopular as no longer to be
able acceptably to serve them, ungratefully dropped
him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed hirri.
On the 4th of March, r857, President Pierce re
tired to his home in Concord. Of three children, two
had died, and his only surviving child had been
killed before his eyes by a railroad accident ; and his
wife, one of the most estimable and accomplished of
ladies, was rapidly sinking in consumption. The
hour of dreadful gloom soon came, and he was left
alone in the world, without wife or child.
When the terrible Rebellion burst forth, which di
vided our country into two parties, and two only, Mr.
Pierce remained steadfast in the principles which he
had always cherished, and gave his sympathies to
that pro-slavery party with which he had ever been
allied. He declined to do anything, either by voice
or pen, to strengthen the hand of the National Gov
ernment. He continued to reside in Concord until
the time of his death, which occurred in October,
1869. He was one ofthe most genial and social of
men, an honored communicant of the Episcopal
Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. Gen
erous to a fault, he contributed liberally for the al
leviation of suffering and want, and- many of his towns
people were often gladened by his material bounty.

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AMES BUGHANAN, the fif
teenth PresicSmt of the United
States, was bprn in a small
frontier town, at the foot of the
eastern ridge of the Allegha-
nies, in Franklin Co., Penn., on
s the 23d of April, 17 91. The place
where the humble cabin of his
father stood was called Stony
Batter. It was a wild arid ro
mantic spot in a gorge of the moun
tains, with towering summits rising
grandly all around. His father
was a native of the north of Ireland ;
a poor man, who had emigrated in
1783, with little property save his
Five years afterwards he married
Elizabeth Spear, the daughter of a respectable farmer,
and, with his young bride, plunged into the wilder
ness, staked his claim, reared his log-hut, opened a
clearing with his axe, and settled down there to per
form his obscure part in the drama of life. In this se
cluded home, where James was born, he remained
for eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual
advantages. When James was eight years of age, his
father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where
his son was placed at school, and commenced a
course of study in English, Latin and Greek. His
progress was rapid, and at the age- of fourteen, he
entered Dickinson College, at"Carlisle. Here he de
veloped remarkable talent, and took his stand among
the first scholars in the institution. His application
to study was intense, and yet his native powers en-

own strong arms.

abled him to master the most abstruse subjects with
facility. In the year 1809, he graduated with the highest
honors of his class. He was then eighteen years of
age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, fond of
athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened with
an exuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately
commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster,
and was admitted to the bar in 18 12, when he was
but twenty-one years of age. Very rapidly he ( rose
in his profession, and at once took undisputed stand
with the ablest lawyers of the State. When but
twenty-six years of age, unaided by counsel, he suc
cessfully defended before the State Senate one of the
judges of the State, who was tried upon articles of
impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generally
admitted that he stood at the head of the bar ; and
there was no lawyer in the State who had a more lu
crative practice.
In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a
candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for
len years he remained a member of the Lower House.
During the vacations of Congress, he occasionally
tried some important case. In 1831, he retired
altogether from the toils of his profession, having af>
quired an ample fortune.
Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Presidency,
appointed Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. The
duties of his mission he performed with ability, which
gave satisfaction to all parties. Upon his return, in
r833, he was elected to a seat in the United States
Senate. He there met, as his associates, Webster,
Clay, Wright and Calhoun. He advocated the meas
ures proposed by President Jackson, of making repri-

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J AMES BUCHANAN.

sals against France, to enforce the payment of our
claims against that country ; and defended the course
of the President in his unprecedented and wholesale
removal from office of those who were not the sup
porters of his administration. Upon this question he
was brought into direct collision with Henry Clay.
He also, with voice and vote, advocated expunging
from the journal of the Senate the vote of censure
against Gen. Jackson for removing the deposits.
Earnestly he opposed the abolition of slavery in the
District of Columbia, and urged the prohibition of the
circulation of anti-slavery documents by the United
States mails.
As to petitions on the subject of slavery, he advo
cated that they should be respectfully received; and
that the reply should be returned, that Congress had
no power to legislate upon the subject. " Congress,"
said he, " might as well undertake to interfere with
slavery under a foreign government as in any of the
States where it now exists."
Upon Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, Mr.
Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as such,
took his share of the responsibility in the conduct of
the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed that crossing
the Nueces by the American troops into the disputed
territory was not wrong, but for the Mexicans to cross
the Rio Grande into that territory was a declaration
of war. No candid man can read with pleasure the
account ofthe course our Government pursued in that
movement. Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly with
the party devoted to the perpetuation and extension
of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind
to bear against the Wilmot Proviso. He gave his
cordial approval to the compromise measures of 1850,
which included the fugitive-slave law. Mr. Pierce,
upon his election to the Presidency, honored Mr.
Buchanan with the mission to England.
In the year 1856, a national Democratic conven
tion nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presidency. The
political conflict was one of the most severe in which
our country has ever engaged. All the friends of
slavery were on one side; all the advocates of its re
striction and final abolition, on the other. Mr. Fre
mont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, re
ceived ri4 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received
174, and was elected. The popular vote stood
r, 340,618, for Fremont, r, 224,750 for Buchanan. On
March 4th, 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated.
Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four
years were wanting to fill up his threescore years and
ten. His own friends, those with whom he had been
allied in political principles and action -for years, were
seeking the destruction of the Government, that they
might rear upon the ruins of our free institutions a
nation whose corner-stone should be human slavery.
In this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly be
wildered. He could not, with his long-avowed prin

ciples, consistently oppose the State-rights party in
their assumptions. As President of the United States,
bound by his oath faithfully to administer the laws,
he could not, without perjury of the grossest kind,
unite with those endeavoring to overthrow the repub
lic. He therefore did nothing.
The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administration
nominated Abraham Lincoln as their standard bearer
in the next Presidential canvass. The pro-slavery
party declared, that if he were elected, and the con
trol of the Government were thus taken from their
hands, they would secede from the Union, taking
with them, as they retired, the National Capitol at
Washington, and the lion's share ofthe territory of
the United States.
Mr. Buchanan's sympathy with the pro-slavery
party was such, that he had been willing to offerthem
far more than they had ventured to claim. All the
South had professed to ask of the North was non
intervention upoti the subject of slavery. Mr. Bu
chanan had been ready to offer them the active co
operation of the Government to defend and extend
the institution.
As the storm increased in violence, the slaveholders
claiming the right to secede, and Mr. Buchanan avow
ing that Congress had no power to prevent it, one of
the most pitiable exhibitions of governmental im
becility was exhibited the world has ever seen. He
declared that Congress had no power to enforce its
laws in any State which had withdrawn, or which
was attempting to withdraw from the Union. This .
was not the doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with
his hand upon his sword-hilt, he exclaimed, " The
Union must and shall be preserved ! "
South Carolina seceded in December, i860; nearly
three months before the inauguration of President
Lincoln.- Mr. Buchanan looked on in listless despair.
The rebel flag was raised in Charleston : Fort Sumpter
was besieged ; our forts, navy-yards and arsenals
were seized; our-depots of military stores were plun
dered ; and our custom-houses and post-offices were
appropriated by the rebels.
The energy of the rebels, and the imbecility of our
Executive, were alike marvelous. The Nation looked
on in agony, waiting for the slow weeks to glide away,
and close the administration, so terrible in its weak
ness At length the long-looked-for hour of deliver
ance came, when Abraham Lincoln was to receive the
scepter. The administration of President Buchanan- was
certainly the most calamitous our country has ex
perienced. His best friends cannot recall it with
pleasure. And still more deplorable it is for his fame,
that in that dreadful conflict which rolled its billows
of flame and blood over our whole land, no'word came
from his lips to indicate his wish that our country's
banner should triumph over the flag of the rebellion.
He died at his Wheatland retreat, June r, 1868.

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SIXTEENTH PRESIDENT.

<f ABRAHAM > tfil

BRAHAM LINCOLN, the
sixteenth President of the
United .States, was born in
Hardin Co., Ky., Feb. r2,
1809. About the year r 7 80, a
man by the name of Abraham
Lincoln left Virginia with his
family and moved into the then
wilds of Kentucky. Only two years
after this emigration, still a young
man, while working one day in a
field, was stealthily approached by
an Indian and shot dead. His widow
was left in extreme poverty with five
little children, three boys and two
girls. Thomas, the youngest of the
boys, was four years of age at his
father's death. This Thomas was
the father of Abraham Lincoln, the
President of the United States
whose name must henceforth forever be enrolled
with the most prominent in the annals of our world.
Of course no record has been -kept of the life
of one so lowly as Thomas Lincoln. He was among
the poorest of the poor. His home was a wretched
log-cabin; his food the coarsest and the meanest.
Education he had none ; he could never either read
or write. As soon as he was able to do anything for
himself, he was compelled to leave the cabin of his
starving mother, and push out into the world, a friend
less, wandering boy, seeking work. He hired him
self out, and thus spent the whole of his youth as a
laborer in the fields of others.
When twenty-eight years of age he built a log-
cabin of his own, and married Nancy Hanks, the
daughter of another family of poor Kentucky emi
grants, who had also come from Virginia. Their
second child was Abraham Lincoln, the subject • of
this sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble
woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created to adorn
a palace, doomed to toil and pine, and die in a hovel.
" All that I am, or hope to be," exclaims the grate
ful son "I owe to my angel-mother. "
When he was eight years of age, his father sold his

4 LINCOLN. } I

cabin and small farm, and moved to Indiana. Where
two years later his mother died.
Abraham soon became the scribe of the uneducated
community around Jrim. He could not have had a
better school than this to teach him to put thoughts
into words. He also became an eager reader. The
books he could obtain were few ; but these he read
and re-read until they were almost committed to
memory. As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly family
was the usual lot of humanity. There were joys and
griefs, weddings and funerals. Abraham's sister
Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was mar
ried when a child of but fourteen years of age, and
soon died. The family was gradually scattered. Mr.
Thomas Lincoln sold out his squatter's claim in 1830,
and emigrated to Macon Co., 111.
Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years of age.
With vigorous hands he aided his father in rearing
another log-cabin. Abraham worked diligently at this
until he saw the family comfortably settled, and their
small lot of enclosed prairie planted with corn, when
he announced to his father his intention to leave
home,- and to go out into the world and seek his for
tune. Little did he or his friends imagine how bril
liant that fortune was to be. He saw the value of
education, and was intensely earnest to improve his
mind to the utmost of his power. He saw the ruin
which ardent spirits were causing, and became
strictly temperate ; refusing to allow a drop of intoxi
cating liquor to pass his lips: And he had read in
God's word, "Thou shalt not take the name of the
Lord thy God in vain ;" and a profane expression he
was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. His
morals were pure, and he was uncontaminated by a
single vice.
Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired laborer
among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield,
where he was employed in building a large flat-boat.
In this he took a herd of swine, floated them down
the-Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence by the Mis
sissippi to New Orleans. Whatever Abraham Lin
coln undertook, he performed so faithfully as to give
great satisfaction to his employers, In this adven-

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ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

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ture his employers were so well pleased, that upon
his return they placed a store and mill under his care.
In 1832, at the outbreak ofthe Black Hawk war, he
enlisted and was chosen captain of a company. He
returned to Sangamon County, and although only 23
years of age, was a candidate for the Legislature, but
was defeated. He soon after received from Andrew
Jackson the appointment of Postmaster of New Salem,
His only post-office was his hat. All the letters he
received he carried there ready to deliver to those
he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and soon
made this his business. In 1834 he again became a
candidate for the Legislature, and was elected. , Mr.
Stuart, of Springfield, advised him to study law. He
walked from New Salem to Springfield, borrowed of
Mr. Stuart a load of books, carried them back and
began his legal studies. When . the Legislature as
sembled he trudged on foot with his pack on his back
one hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In
1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here it
was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In r839 he re
moved to Springfield and began the practice of law.
His success with the jury was so great that he was
soon engaged in almost every noted case in the circuit.
In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr.
Lincoln and Mr. Douglas, on the slavery question.
In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois,
in 1856, he took an active part, and at once became
one of the leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's
speeches in opposition to Senator Douglas in the con
test in 1858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most
notable part of his history. The issue was on the
slavery question, and he took the broad ground of
the Declaration of Independence, that all men are
created equal. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this con
test, but won a far higher prize.
The great Republican Convention met at Chicago
on the 16th of June, i860. The delegates and
strangers who crowded the city amounted to twenty-
five thousand. An immense building called " The
Wigwam," was reared to accommodate the Conven
tion. There were eleven candidates for whom votes
were thrown. William H. Seward, a man whose fame
as a statesman had long filled the land, was the most
prominent. It was generally supposed he would be
the nominee, Abraham Lincoln, however, received
the nomination on the third ballot. Little did he then
dream of the weary years of toil and care, and the
bloody death, to which that nomination doomed him :
and as little did he dream that he was to render services
to his country, which would fix upon him the eyes of
the whole civilized world, and which would give him
aplaceinthe affections ofhis countrymen, second
only, if second, to that of Washington.
Election day came and Mr. Lincoln received 180
electoral votes out of 203 cast, and was, therefore,
constitutionally elected President ofthe United States.
The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this good

and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was
greater than upon any other man ever elected to this
high position. In February, 186 1, Mr. Lincoln started
for Washington, stopping in all the large cities on his
way making -speeches. The whole journey was fraught
with much danger. Many of the Southern States had
already seceded, and several attempts *at assassination
were afterwards brought to light. A gang in Balti
more had arranged, upon his arrival to" get up a row,"
and in the confusion to make sure of his death with
revolvers and hand-grenades. A detective unravelled
the plot. A secret and special train was provided to
take him from Harrisburg, through Baltimore, at an
unexpected hour of the night. The train started at
half-past ten ; and to prevent any possible communi
cation on the part ot the Secessionists with their Con
federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train had
started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. Lincoln
reached Washington in safety and was inaugurated,
although great anxiety was felt by all loyal people.
In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave
to Mr. Seward the Department of State, and to other
prominent opponents before the convention he gave
important positions.
During no other administration have the duties
devolving upon the President been so manifold, and
the responsibilities so great, as those which fell to
the lot of President Lincoln. Knowing this, and
feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in
his own strength to cope with, the difficulties, he
learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in
determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his
trials, both personal and national. Contrary to his
own estimate of himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the
most courageous of men. He went directly into the
rebel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving,
with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he
had left Springfield, in i86r, however, plans had been
made for his assassination, and he at last fell a victim
to one of them. April 14, r865, he, with Gen. Grant,
was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater. It
was announced that they would be present. Gen.
Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feel
ing, with his characteristic kindliness of heart, that
it would be a disappointment if he should fail them,
very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to
the play an actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth
entered the box where the President and family were
seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died the
next morning at seven o'clock.
Never before, in the history of the world was a nation
plunged into such deep grief by the death of its, ruler.
Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless
anguish. It is not too much to say that a nation was
in tears. His was a life which will fitly become a
model His name as the savior of his country will
live with that of Washington's, its father; his country
men being unable to decide which is the greater.

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SEVENTEENTH PRESIDENT.

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NDREW JOHNSON, seven
teenth President of the United
States. The early life of
Andrew Johnson contains but
the record of poverty, destitu
tion and friendlessness. He
was born December 29, 1808,
in Raleigh, N. C. His parents,
belonging to the class of the
"poor whites " of the South, were
in such circumstances, that they
could not confer even the slight
est advantages of education upon
their child. When Andrew was five
years of age, his father accidentally
lost his life while herorically endeavoring to save a
friend from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew
was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by the
labor of his mother, who obtained her living with
her own hands.
He then, having never attended a school one day,
and being unable either to read or write, was ap
prenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gentleman
was in the habit of going to the tailor's shop occasion
ally, and reading to the boys at work there. He often
read from the speeches of distinguished British states
men. Andrew, who was endowed with a mind of more
than ordinary native ability, became much interested
in these speeches ; his ambition was roused, and he
was inspired with a strong desire to learn to read.
He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, and
with the assistance of some of his fellow-workmen,
learned his letters. He then called upon the gentle
man to borrow the book of speeches. The owner,
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pleased with his zeal, not only gave him the book,
but assisted him in learning to combine the letters
into words. Under such difficulties he pressed on
ward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve hours
at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest
and recreation to devote such time as he 'could to
reading. He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at
Greenville, where he married a young lady who pos
sessed some education. Under her instructions he
learned to write and cipher. He became prominent
in the village debating society, and a favorite with
the students of Greenville College. In 1828, he or
ganized a working man's party, which elected him
alderman, and, in 1830 elected him mayor, which
position he held three years.
He now began to take a lively interest in political
affairs ; identifying himself with the working-classes,
to which he belonged. In 1835, he was elected a
member of the House of Representatives of Tennes
see.- He was then just twenty-seven years of age.
He became a very active member of the legislature,
gave his adhesion to the Democratic party, and in
r«4o "stumped the State," advocating Martin Van
Buren's claims to the Presidency, in opposition to those
of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much
readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased
his reputation.
In i84r, he was elected State Senator; in 1843, he
was elected a member of Congress, and by successive
elections, held that important post for ten years. In
r853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and
was re-elected in 1855. In all these responsible posi
tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished abil-

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ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the work
ing classes. In 1857,. Mr. Johnson was elected
United States Senator.
Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated
the annexation of Texas, stating however, as his
reason, that he thought this annexation would prob
ably prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable
sons of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom,
and become merged in a population congenial to
themselves." In r85o, he also supported the com
promise measures, the two essential features of which
were, that the white people of the Territories should
be permitted to decide for themselves whether they
would enslave the colored people or not, and that
the free States of the North should return to the
South persons who attempted to escape from slavery.
Mr. Johnson was never ashamed ofhis lowly origin:
on the contrary, he often took pride in avowing that
he owed his distinction to his own exertions. " Sir,"
said he on the floor of the Senate, " I do not forget
that I am a mechanic ; neither do I forget that Adam
was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Sav
ior was the son ofa carpenter."
In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of r 860, he
was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the
Presidency. In r86r, when the purpose ofthe South
ern Democracy became apparent, he took a decided
stand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery -
must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever
cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly
imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of
Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the
Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, r862, ap
pointed him Military Governor of the State, and he
established the most stringent military rule. His
numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In
r864, he was elected Vice-President of the United
States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15,
r865, became President. In a speech two days later
he said, " The American people must be taught, if
they do not already feel, that treason is a crime and
must be punished ; that the Government will not
always bear with its enemies ; that it is strong not
only to protect, but to punish. * * The people
must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of
crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole
administration, the history of which is so well known,
was in utter inconsistency with, and the most violent

opposition to, the principles laid down in that speech.
In his loose policy of reconstruction and general
amnesty, he was opposed by Congress ; and he char
acterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly
defied it, in everything possible, to the utmost. In
the beginning of 1868, on account of "high crimes
and misdemeanors," the principal of which was the
removal of Secretary Stanton, in violation of the Ten
ure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were pre
ferred against him, and the trial began March 23.
It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three
months. A test article of the impeachment was at
length submitted to the court for its action. It was
certain that as the court voted upon that article so
would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices pronounced
the President guilty. As a two-thirds vote was neces
sary to his condemnation, he was pronounced ac
quitted, notwithstanding the great majority against
him. The change of one vote from the not guilty
side would have sustained the impeachment.
The President, for the remainder of his term, was
but little regarded. He continued, though impotently,
his conflict with Congress. His own party did not
think it expedient to renominate him for the Presi
dency. The Nation rallied, with enthusiasm unpar
alleled since the days of Washington, around the name
of Gen. Grant. Andrew Johnson was forgotten.
The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the
President's chair. Notwithstanding this, never was
there presented to a man a better opportunity to im
mortalize his name, and to win the gratitude of a
nation. He failed utterly. He retired to his home
in Greenville, Tenn., taking no very active part in
politics until ^75. On Jan. 26, after an exciting
struggle, he was chosen by the Legislature of Ten
nessee, United States Senator in the forty-fourth Con
gress, and took his seat in that body, at the special
session convened by President Grant, on the 5th of
March. On the 27th of July, r875, the ex-President
made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter
Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was
apparently in his usual vigorous health, but on reach
ing the residence of his child the following day, was
stricken with paralysis, rendering him unconscious.
He rallied occasionally, but finally passed away at
2 a.m., July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His fun
eral was attended at Geenville, on the 3d of August,
with every demonstration of respect.

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EIGHTEENTH^ PRESIDENT.

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LYSSES S. GRANT, the
eighteenth President of the
S* United States, was born on
the 29th of April, r822, of
Christian parents, in a humble
home, at Point Pleasant, on the
banks of the Ohio. Shortly after
his father moved to George
town, Brown Co., O. In this re
mote frontier hamlet, .Ulysses
received a common-school edu
cation. At the age of seven
teen, in the year 1839, he entered
the Military Academy at West
Point. Here he was regarded as a
solid, sensible young man of fair abilities, and of
sturdy, honest character. He took respectable rank
as a scholar. In June, T843, he graduated, about the
middle in his class, and was sent as lieutenant of in
fantry to one of the distant military posts in the Mis
souri Territory. Two years he past in these dreary
solitudes, watching the vagabond and exasperating
Indians. The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was
sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His first
battle was at Palo Alto. There was no chance here
for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at
Resaca de la Palma, his second battle. At the battle
of Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that
he performed a signal service of daring and skillful
horsemanship. His brigade had exhausted its am
munition. A messenger must be sent for more, along
a route exposed to the bullets of the foe. Lieut.
Grant, adopting an expedient learned of the Indians,
grasped the mane of his horse, and hanging upon one

side of the animal, ran the gauntlet in entire safety.
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From Monterey he was sent, with the fourth infantry,
to aid Gen. Scott, at the siege of Vera Cruz. In
preparation for the march to the city of Mexico, he
was appointed quartermaster of his regiment. At the
battle of Molino del Rey, he was promoted to a
first lieutenancy, and was brevetted captain at Cha-
pultepec. At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant re
turned with his regiment to New York, and was again
sent to one of the military posts on the frontier. The
discovery of gold in California causing an immense
tide of emigration to flow to the Pacific shores, Capt.
Grant was sent with a battalion to Fort Dallas, in
Oregon, for the protection of the interests of the im
migrants. Life was wearisome in those wilds. Capt.
Grant resigned his commission and returned to the
States ; and having rnarried, entered upon the cultiva
tion of a small farm near St. Louis, Mo. He had but
little skill as a farmer. Finding his toil not re
munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into
the leather business, with a younger brother, ¦ at Ga
lena, 111. This was in the year r86o. As the tidings
of the rebels firing on Fort Sumpter reached the ears
of Capt. Grant in his counting-room, he said, —
"Uncle Sam has educated me for the army; though
I have served him through one war, I do not feel that
I have yet repaid the debt. I am still ready to discharge
my obligations. T shall therefore buckle on my sword
and see Uncle Sam through this war too."
He went into the streets, raised a company of vol
unteers, and led them as their captain to Springfield,
the capital of the State, where their services were
offered to Gov. Yates. The Governor, impressed by
the zeal and straightforward executive ability of Capt.
Grant, gave him a desk in his office, to assist in the
volunteer organization that was being formed in the
State in behalf of the Government. On the 15th of

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June, 1 86 1, Capt. Grant received a commission as
Colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Vol
unteers. His merits as a West Point graduate, who
had served for 15 years in the regular army, were such
that he was soon promoted to the rank of Brigadier-
General and was placed in command at Cairo. The
rebels raised their banner at Paducah, near the mouth
of the Tennessee River. Scarcely had its folds ap
peared in the breeze ere Gen. Grant was there. The
rebels fled. Their banner fell, and the star and
stripes were unfurled in its stead.
He entered the service with great determination
and immediately began active duty. This was the be
ginning, and until the surrender of Lee at Richmond
he was ever pushing the enemy with great vigor and
effectiveness. At Belmont, a few days later, he sur
prised and routed the rebels, then at Fort Henry
won another victory. Then came the brilliant fight
at Fort Donelson. The nation was electrified by the
victory, and the brave leader of the boys in blue was
immediately made a Major-General, and the military
district of Tennessee was assigned to him.
Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well how
to secure the results of victory. He immediately
pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then came the
terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and the
siege of Vicksburg, where Gen. Pemberton made an
unconditional surrender of the city with over thirty
thousand men and one-hundred and seventy-two can
non. The fall of Vicksburg was by far the most
severe blow which the rebels had thus far encountered,
and opened up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf.
Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with
Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro
ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown from
his horse, and received severe injuries, from which he
was laid up for months. He then rushed to the aid
of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas at Chattanooga, and
by a wonderful series of strategic and tactical meas
ures put the Union army in fighting condition. Then
followed the bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout
Mountain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels
were routed with great loss. This won for him un
bounded praise in the North. On the 4th of Febru
ary, r864, Congress revived the grade of lieutenant-
general, and the rank.was conferred on Gen. Grant.
He repaired to Washington to receive his credentials
and enter upon the duties of his new office.

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Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge of
the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed National
troops for an attack upon Richmond, the nominal
capital of the Rebellion, and endeavor there to de
stroy the rebel armies which would be promptly as
sembled from all quarters for its defence. The whole
continent seemed to tremble under the tramp of these
majestic armies, rushing to the decisive battle field.
Steamers were crowded with troops. Railway trains
were burdened with closely packed thousands. His
plans were comprehensive and involved a series of
campaigns, which were executed with remarkable en
ergy and ability, and were consummated at the sur
render of Lee, April 9, 1865.
The war was ended. The Union was saved. The
almost unanimous voice ofthe Nation declared Gen.
Grant to be the most prominent instrument in its sal
vation. The eminent services he had thus rendered
the country brought him conspicuously forward as the
Republican candidate for the Presidential chair.
At the Republican Convention held at Chicago,
May 21, 1868, he was unanimously nominated for the
Presidency, and at the autumn election received a
majority of the popular vote, and 2r4 out of 294
electoral votes.
The National Convention of the Republican party
which met at Philadelphia on the 5th of June, 1872,
placed Gen. Grant in nomination for a second term
by a unanimous vote. The selection was emphati
cally indorsed by the people five months latert 292
electoral votes being cast for him.
Soon after the close of his second term, Gen. Grant
started upon his famous trip around the world. He
visited almost every country of the civilized world,
and was everywhere received with such ovations
and demonstrations of respect and honor, private
as well as public and official, as were never before
bestowed upon any citizen of the United States. It
is not too much to say that his modest, courteous, and
dignified demeanor in the presence of the most dis
tinguished men in the different nations in the world,
reflected honor upon the Republic which he so long
and so faithfully served. The country felt a great
pride in his reception. Upon his arrival in San Fran
cisco, Sept. 20, 1879, the city authorities gave him a
fine reception. After lingering in the Golden State
for a while, he began his tour through the States,
which extended North and South, everywhere mark
ed by great acclamation and splendid ovations.

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NINETEENTH PRESIDENT.

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UTHERFORD B. HAYES,
the nineteenth President of
the United States, was born in
Delaware, O., Oct. 4, 1822, al
most three months after the
death of his father, Rutherford
Hayes. His ancestry on both
the paternal and maternal sides,
was of the most honorable char
acter. It can be traced, it is said,
as far back as 1280, when Hayes and
Rutherford were two Scottish chief
tains, fighting side by side with
Baliol, William Wallace and Robert
Bruce. Both'families belonged to the
nobility, owned extensive estates,
and had a large following. Misfor
tune overtaking the family, George Hayes left Scot
land in r68o, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son
George was born in Windsor, and remained there
during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, mar
ried Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of his mar
riage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. Ezekiel,
son of Daniel, was born in ^24, and was a manufac
turer of scythes at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes,
son of Ezekiel and grandfather of President Hayes, was
born inNew Haven, in August, 1756. He was a farmer,
blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to
Vermont at an unknown date, settling in Brattleboro,
where he established a hotel. Here his son Ruth-

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erford Hayes, the father of President Hayes, was
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born. He was married, in September, 18 r 3, to Sophia
Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors emi
grated thither from Connecticut, they having been
among the wealthiest and best famlies of Norwich.
Her ancestry on the male side are traced back to
1635, to John Birchard, one ofthe principal founders
of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers
in the Revolutionary War.
The father of President Hayes was an industrious,
frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a me
chanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a slock
ing, or do almost anything else that he choose to
undertake. He was a member of the Church, active
in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and con
ducted his business on Christian principles. After
the close ofthe war of i8r2, for reasons inexplicable
to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio.
The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day,
when there were no canals, steamers, nor railways,
was a very serious affair. A tour of inspection was
first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes deter
mined to move to Delaware, where the family arrived
in r8t7. He died July 22, 1822, a victim of malarial
fever, less than three months before the birth of the
son, of whom we now write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore be
reavement, found the support she so much needed in
her brother Sardis, who had been a member of the
household from the day of its departure from Ver
mont, and in an orphan girl whom she had adopted
some time before as an act of charity.
Mrs. Hayes at this period was very weak, and the

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RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.

subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he
was not expected to live beyond a month or two at
most. As the months went by he grew weaker and
weaker, so that the neighbors were in the habit of in
quiring from time to time " if Mrs. Hayes' baby died
last night." On one occasion a neighbor, who was on
familiar terms with the family, after alluding to the
boy's big head, and the mother's assiduous care of
him, said in a bantering way, " That's right ! Stick to
him. You have got him along so far, and I shouldn't
wonder if he 'would really come to something yet."
" You need not laugh," said Mrs. Hayes. "You
wait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him
President of the United States yet." The boy lived,
in spite of the universal predictions of his speedy
death; and when, in r825, his older brother was
drowned, he became, if possible, still dearer to his
mother. The boy was seven years old before he went to
school. His education, however, was not neglected.
He probably learned as much from his mother and
sister as he would have done at school. His sports
were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being
his sister and her associates. These circumstances
tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of dispo
sition, and that delicate consideration for the feelings
of others, which are marked traits of his character.
His uncle Sardis Birchard took the deepest interest
in his education ; and as the boy's health had im
proved, and he was making good progress in his
studies, he proposed to send him to college. His pre
paration commenced with a tutor at home; but he
was afterwards sent for one year to a professor in the
Wesleyan University, in Middletown, Conn. He en
tered Kenyon College in 1838, at the age of sixteen,
and was graduated at the head ofhis class in r842.
Immediately after his > graduation he began the
study of law in the office of Thomas Sparrow, Esq.,
in Columbus. Findirig his opportunities for study in
Columbus somewhat limited, he determined to enter
the Law School at Cambridge, Mass., where he re
mained two years.
In r845, after graduating at the Law School, he was
admitted to the bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly
afferward went into practice as an attorney-at-law
with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fremont. Here he re
mained three years, acquiring but a limited practice,
and apparently unambitious of distinction in his pro
fession. In 1849 he moved to Cincinnati, where his ambi
tion found a new stimulus. For several years, how
ever, his progress was slow. Two events, occurring at
this period, had a powerful influence upon his subse
quent life. One of these was his marrage with Miss
Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Webb, of
Chilicothe ; the other was his introduction to the Cin
cinnati Literary Club, a body embracing among its
members such men as Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase,

Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many
others hardly less distinguished in after life. The
marriage was a fortunate one in every respect, as
everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of our
Presidents was more universally adrriired, reverenced'
and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and no one did
more than she to reflec-t honor upon American woman
hood. The Literary Club brought Mr. Hayes into
constant association with young men of high char
acter and noble aims, and lured him to display the
qualities so long hidden by his bashfulness and
modesty. In r856 he was nominated to the office of Judge of
the Court of Common Pleas ; but he declined to ac
cept the nomination. Two years' later, the office of
city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Council
elected him for the unexpired term.
In r86r, when the Rebellion broke out, he was at
the zenith of his professional life. His rank at the
bar was among the the first. But the news of the
attack on Fort Sumpter found him eager to take up
arms for the defense of his country.
His military record was bright and illustrious. In
October, i86r, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and
in August, r862, promoted Colonel of the 79th Ohio
regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades
and go among strangers. Subsequently, however, he
was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle
of South Mountain he received a wound, and while
faint and bleeding displayed courage and fortitude
that won admiration from all.
Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, after
his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, and placed
in command of the celebrated Kanawha division,
and for gallant and meritorious services in the battles
of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was
promoted Brigadier-General. He was also brevetted
Major-General, "for gallant and distinguished services
during the campaigns of 1864, in West Virginia." In
the course of his arduous services, four horses were
shot from under him, and he was wounded four times.
In r864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress, from
the Second Ohio District, which had long been Dem
ocratic. He was not present during the campaign,
and after his election was importuned to resign his
commission in the army ; but he finally declared, " I
shall never come, to Washington until I can come by
the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866.
In 1867, Gen Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio,
over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular Democrat.
In 1869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton.
He was elected Governor for the third term in 1875.
_ In 1876 he was the standard bearer ofthe Repub
lican Party in the Presidential contest, and after a
hard long contest was chosen President, and was in
augurated Monday, March 5, ' r875. He served his
full term, not,_ however, with satisfaction to his party,
but his administration was an average one ^
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TWENTIETH PRESIDENT.

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AMES A. GARFIELD, twen
tieth President of the United
States, was born Nov. 19,
r 83 1, in the woods of Orange,
Cuyahoga Co., O His par
ents were Abram and Eliza
(Ballou) Garfield, both of New
England ancestry and from fami
lies well known in the early his
tory of that section of our coun
try, but had moved to the Western
Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settle-
ment. The house in which James A. was
borii was not unlike the houses of
poor Ohio farmers of that day. It
was about 20 x 30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces be-
tween the logs filled with clay. His father was a
hard working farmer, and he soon had his fields
cleared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built.
The household comprised the father and mother. and
their four children — Mehetabel, .^Thomas, Mary and
James. In May, 1823, the father, from a cold con
tracted in helping to put out a forest fire, died. At
this time James was about eighteen months old, and
Thomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, can
tell how much James was indebted to his brother's
toil and self-sacrifice during the twenty years suc
ceeding his father's death, but undoubtedly very
much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sis
ters live in Solon, O, near their birthplace.
The early educational advantages young Garfield
enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of
them. He labored at farm work for others, did car
penter work, chopped wood, or did anything that
would bring in a few dollars to aid his widowed
mother in her struggles to keep the little family to

gether. Nor was Gen. Garfield ever ashamed of his
origin, and he never forgot the friends of his strug
gling childhood, youth and manhood, neither did they
ever forget him. When in the highest seats of honor,
the humblest friend of his boyhood was as kindly
greeted as ever. The poorest laborer was sure of the
sympathy of one who had known all the bitterness
of want and the sweetness of bread earned by the
sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, plain,
modest gentleman.
The highest ambition of young Garfield until he
was about sixteen years old was to be a captain of
a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious to go aboard
a vessel, which his mother strongly opposed. She
finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with the
understanding, however, that he should try to obtain
some other kind of employment. He walked all the
way to Cleveland. This was his first visit to the city.
After making many applications for work, and trying
to get aboard a lake vessel, and not meeting with
success, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos
Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal. He re
mained at this work but a short time when he went
home, and attended the seminary at Chester for
about three years, when he entered Hiram and the
Eclectic Institute, teaching a few terms of school in
the meantime, and doing other work. This school
was started by the Disciples of Christ in 1850, of
which church he was then a member. He became
janitor and bell-ringer in order to1 help pay his way.
He then became both teacher and pupil. He soon
" exhausted Hiram " and needed more ; hence, in the
fall of r854, he entered Williams College, from which
he graduated in r856, taking one of the highest hon
ors of his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram
College as its President. As above stated, he early
united with the Christian or Diciples Church at
Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous mem
ber, often preaching in its pulpit and places where
he happened to be. Dr. Noah Porter, President of
Yale College, says of him in reference to his religion :

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"President Garfield was more than a man of
strong moral and religious convictions. His whole
history, from boyhood to the last, shows that duty to
man and to God, and devotion to Christ and life and
faith and spiritual commission were controlling springs
of his being, and to a more than usual degree. In
my judgment there is no more interesting feature of
his character than his loyal allegiance to the "body of
Christians in which he was trained, and the fervent
sympathy which he ever showed in their Christian
communion. Not many of the few 'wise and mighty
and noble who are called ' show a similar loyalty to
the less stately and cultured Christian communions
in which they have been reared. Too often it is true
that as they step upward in social and political sig
nificance they step upward from one degree to
another in some of the many types of fashionable
Christianity. President Garfield adhered to the
church of his mother, the church in which he was
trained, and in which he served as a pillar and an
evangelist, and yet with the largest and most unsec-
tarian charity for all f who love our Lord in sincerity.'"
Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss
Lucretia Rudolph^ Nov. ri, 1858, who proved herself
worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved and
mourned. To them were born seven children, five of
whom are still living, four boys and one girl.
Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in 1 85 6 ,
in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and three
years later he began to speak at county mass-meet
ings, and became the favorite speaker wherever he
was. During this year he was elected to the Ohio
Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland,
and in i86r was admitted to the bar. The great
Rebellion broke out in the e'arly part of this year,
and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to fight as he had
talked, and enlisted to defend the old flag. He re
ceived his commission as Lieut.-Colonel of the Forty-
second Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Aug.
14,1861. He was immediately put into active ser
vice, and before he had ever seen a gun fired in action,
was placed in command of four regiments of infantry
and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the
work of driving out of his native State the officer
(Humphrey Marshall) reputed to be the ablest of
those, not educated to war whom Kentucky had given
to the Rebellion. This work was bravely and speed
ily accomplished, although against great odds. Pres
ident Lincoln, on his success commissioned him
Brigadier-General, Jan. 10, 1862; and as "he had
been the youngest man in the Ohio Senate two years
before, so now he was the youngest General in the
army." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh,
in its operations around Corinth and its march through
Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of the
General Court-Martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John
Porter. He was then ordered to report to Gen. Rose-
crans, and was assigned to the "Chief of Staff."
The military history of Gen. Garfield closed with
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his brilliant services at Chickamauga, where he won
the stars of the Major-General.
Without an effort on his part Gen. Garfield was
elected to Congress in the fall of 1862 from the
Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of Ohio
had been represented in Congress for sixty years
mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and Joshua
R. Giddings. It was not without a struggle that he
resigned his place in the army. At the time he en
tered Congress he was the youngest member in that
body. There he remained by successive re-
elections until he was elected President in 1880.
Of his labors in Congress Senator Hoar says : " Since
the year 1864 you cannot think of a question which
has been debated in Congress, or discussed before a
tribunel of the American people, in regard to which
you will not find, if you wish instruction, the argu
ment on one side stated, in almost every instance
better than by anybody else, in some speech made in
the House of Representatives or on the hustings by
Mr. Garfield."
Upon Jan. 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elected to
the U. S. Senate, and on the eighth of June, of the
same year, was nominated as the candidate of his
party for President at the great Chicago Convention.
He was elected in the "following November, and on
March 4, 1881, was inaugurated. Probably no ad
ministration ever opened its existence under brighter
auspices than that of President Garfield, and every
day it grew in favor with the people, and by the first
of July he had completed all the initiatory and pre
liminary work of his administration and was prepar
ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Williams
College. While on his way and at the depot, in com
pany with Secretary Blaine, a man stepped behind
him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back.
The President tottered and fell, and as he did so the
assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the
left coat sleeve of his victim, but inflicting no further
injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was
" the shot that was heard round the world " Never
before in the history of the Nation had anything oc
curred which so nearly froze the blood of the people
for the moment, as this awful deed. He was smit
ten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his life, and
was at the summit of his power and hope. For eighty
days, all during the hot months of July and August,
he lingered and suffered. He, however, remained
master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent
bearing was teaching the country and the world the
noblest of human lessons — how to live grandly in the
very clutch of death. Great in life, he was surpass
ingly great in death. He passed serenely away Sept.
19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J., on the very bank of the
ocean, where he had been taken shortly previous. The
world wept at his death, as it never had done on the
death of any other man who had ever lived upon it.
The murderer was duly tried, found guilty and exe
cuted, in one year after he committed the foul dee'B.
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HESTER A. ARTHUR,
twenty-first President of the
United States, was born in
Franklin County, Vermont, on
thefifthof October, 1830, and is
the oldest of a family of two
sons and five daughters. His
father was the Rev. Dr. William
Arthur, a Baptist clergyman, who
emigrated to this country from
the county Antrim, Ireland, in
his 1 8th year, and died in 1875, in
Newtonville, near Albany, after a
long and successful ministry.
Young Arthur was educated at
Union College, Schenectady, where
he excelled in all his studies. Af
ter his graduation he taught school
in Vermont for two years, and at
the expiration of that time came to
New York, with $500 in his pocket,
and entered the office of ex- Judge
E. D. Culver as student. After
being admitted to the bar he formed
a partnership with his intimate friend and room-mate,
Henry D. Gardiner, with the intention of practicing
in the West, and for three months they roamed about
in the Western States in. search of an eligible site,
but in the end returned to New York, where they
hung out their shingle, and entered upon a success
ful career almost from the start. General Arthur
soon afterward married the daughter of Lieutenant

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

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followed their example. Before that the Sixth Ave
nue Company ran a few special cars for colored per
sons and the other lines refused to let them ride at all.
General Arthur was a delegate to the Convention
at Saratoga that founded the Republican party.
Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of the
Second Brigade of the State of New York, and Gov
ernor Morgan, of that State, appointed him Engineer-
in-Chief of his staff. In 1861, he was made Inspec
tor General, and soon afterward became Quartermas
ter-General. In each of these offices he rendered
great service to the Government during the war. At
the end of Governor Morgan's term he resumed the
practice of the law, forming a partnership with Mr.
Ransom, and then Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney
of New York, was added to the firm. The legal prac
tice of this well-known firm was very large and lucra
tive, each of the gentlemen composing" it were able
lawyers, and possessed a splendid local reputation, if
not indeed one of national extent.
He always took a leading part in State and city
politics. He was appointed Collector of the Port of
New York by President Grant, Nov. 21 1872, to suc
ceed Thomas Murphy, and held the office until July,
20, r878, when he was succeeded by Collector Merritt.
Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential
ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the famous
National Republican Convention held at Chicago in
June, 1880. This was perhaps the greatest political
convention that ever assembled on the continent. It
was composed of the leading politicians of the Re
publican party, all able men, and each stood firm and
fought vigorously and with signal tenacity for their
respective candidates that were before the conven
tion for the nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield re
ceived the nomination for President and Gen. Arthur
for Vice-President. The campaign which followed
was one of the most animated known in the history of
our country. Gen. Hancock, the standard-bearer of
the Democratic party, was a popular man, and his
party made a valiant fight for his election.
Finally the election came and the country's choice
was Garfield and Arthur. They were inaugurated
March 4, 1881, as President and Vice-President.
A few months only had passed ere the newly chosen
President was the victim ofthe assassin's bullet. Then
came terrible weeks of suffering, — those moments of
anxious suspense, when the hearts of all civilized na

tions were throbbing in unison, longing for the re
covery of the noble, the good President. The remark
able patience that he manifested during those hours
and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible suf
fering man has often been called upon to endure, was
seemingly more than human. It was certainly God
like. During all this period of deepest anxiety Mr.
Arthur's every move was watched, and be it said to his
credit that his every action displayed only an earnest
desire that the suffering Garfield might recover, to
serve the remainder of the term he had so auspi
ciously begun. Not: a selfish feeling was manifested
in deed or look of this man, even though the most
honored position in the world was at any moment
likely to fall to him.
At last God in his mercy relieved President Gar
field from further suffering, and the world, as never
before in its history over the death of any other
man, wept at his bier. Then it became the duty of
the Vice President to assume the responsibilities of
the high office, and he took the oath in New York,
Sept. 20, 1881. The position was an embarrassing
one to him, made doubly so from the facts that all =
eyes were on him, anxious to know what he would do, §§
what policy he would pursue, and who he would se- ^
lect as advisers. The duties of the office had been i$l
greatly neglected during the President's long illness, «c j
and many important measures were to be immediately ( y
decided by him ; and still farther to embarrass him he
did not fail to realize under what circumstances he
became President, and knew the feelings of many on
this point. Under these trying circumstances President
Arthur took the reins of the Government in his own
hands ; and, as embarrassing as were the condition of
affairs, he has happily surprised the Nation, acting so
justly, so wisely, so well, that but few have criticised
his administration. Should he continue during the
remainder of his term to pursue the wise policy he.
has followed thus far, we believe President Arthur's
administration will go down in history as one of the
wisest and most satisfactory our country has ever
enjoyed. His highest ambition seems to be to do his
duty to the whole Nation, even to the sacrifice of his
warmest personal friends. With the good of the
people at heart, and guided by the wisdom already
displayed, he will surprise his opponents, gratify his
friends, and bless the American Republic, during
the years he occupies the Presidential chair.

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GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN.

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TEPHEN T. MASON, the
first Governor of Michigan, was
a son of. Gen. John T. Mason,
of Kentucky, but was born in
Virginia, in 1812. At the age
of 19 he was appointed Secre
tary of Michigan Territory, and
served in that capacity during the
administration of Gov. George B.
Porter. Upon the death of Gov.
Porter, which occurred on the 6th of
July, r834, Mr. Mason became Act
ing Governor. In October, 1835, he
was elected Governor under the State
organization, and immediately en
tered upon the performance of the
duties of the office, although the
State was not yet admitted into the Union. After
the State was admitted into the Union, Governor
Mason was re-elected to the position, and served with
credit to himself and to the advantage of the State.
He died Jan. 4, 1843. The principal event during
Governor Mason's official career, was that arising from
the disputed southern boundary of the State.
Michigan claimed for her southern boundary aline
running east across the peninsula from the extreme
southern point of Lake Michigan, extending through
Lake Erie, to the Pennsylvania line. This she
claimed as a vested right — a right accruing to her by
compact. This compact was the ordinance of ^87,
the parties to which were the original 13 States, and
the territory northwest of the Ohio ; and, by the suc
cession of parties under statutory amendments to the
ordinance and laws of Congress — the United States on
the one part, and each Territory northwest -of the
Ohio, as far as affected by their provisions, on the

other. Michigan, therefore, claimed it under the prior
grant, or assignation of boundary.
Ohio, on the other hand, claimed that the ordinance
had been superseded by the Constitution of the
United States, and that Congress had a right to regu
late the boundary. It was also claimed that the
Constitution of the State of Ohio having described a
different line, and Congress having admitted the State
under that Constitution, without mentioning the sub
ject of the line in dispute, Congress had thereby given
its consent to the line as laid down by the Constitu
tion of Ohio. This claim was urged by Ohio at
some periods of the controversy, but at others she ap
peared to regard the question unsettled, by the fact
that she insisted upon Congress taking action in re
gard to the boundary. Accordingly, we find that, in
18 12, Congress authorized the Surveyor-General to
survey a line, agreeably to the act, to enable the people
of Ohio to form a Constitution and State government.
Owing to Indian hostilities, however, the line was not
run till 1818. In 1820, the question in dispute
underwent a rigid examination by the Committee on
Public Lands. The claim of Ohio was strenuously
urged by her delegation, and as ably opposed by Mr.
Woodbridge, the then delegate from Michigan. The
result was that the committee decided unanimously
in favor of Michigan ; but, in the hurry of business,
no action was taken by Congress, and the question
remained open till Michigan organized her State gov
ernment. The Territory in dispute is about five miles in
width at the west end, and about eight miles in width
at the east end, and extends along the whole' north
ern line of Ohio, west of Lake Erie. The line claimed
by Michigan was known as the " Fulton line," and
that claimed by Ohio was known as the " Harris line,"

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from the names of the surveyors. The territory was
valuable for its rich agricultural lands ; but the chief
value consisted in the fact that the harbor on the
Maumee River, where now stands the flourishing city
of Toledo, was included within its limits The town
originally bore the name of Swan Creek, afterwards
Port Lawrence, then Vestula, and then Toledo.
In February, 1835, the Legislature of Ohio passed
an act extending the jurisdiction of the State over
the territory in question; erected townships and
directed them to hold election* in April following. It
also directed Governor Lucus to appoint three com
missioners to survey and re-mark the Harris, line ; and
named the first of April as the day to commence the
survey. Acting Governor Mason, however, anticipated
this action on the part of the Ohio Legislature, sent
a special message to the Legislative Council, appris
ing it of Governor Lucas' message, and advised imme
diate action by that body to anticipate and counteract
the proceedings of Ohio. Accordingly, on the 12th
of February, the council passed an act making it a
criminal offence, punishable by a heavy fine, or im
prisonment, for any one to attempt to exercise any
official functions, or accept any office within the juris
diction of Michigan, under or by virture of any au
thority not derived from the Territory, or the United
States. On the 9th of March, Governor Mason wrote
General Brown, then in command of the Michigan
militia, directing him to hold himself in readiness to
meet the enemy in the field in case any attempt was
made on the part of Ohio to carry out the provisions
of that act ofthe Legislature. On the 31st of March,
Governor Lucus, with his commissioners, arrived at
Perrysburgh, on their way to commence re-surveying
the Harris line. He was accompanied by General
Bell and staff, of the Ohio Militia, who proceeded to
muster a volunteer force of about 600 men. This
was soon accomplished, and the force fully armed and
equipped. The force then went into camp at Fort
Miami, to await the Governor's orders.
In the meantime, Governor Mason, with General
Brown and staff, had raised a force 800 to r2oo
strong, and were in possession of Toledo. General
Brown's Staff consisted of Captain Henry Smith, of
Monroe, Inspector; Major J. J. Ullman, of Con
stantine, Quartermaster; William E. Broadman, of
Detroit, and Alpheus Felch, of Monroe, Aids-de
camp. When Governor Lucas observed the deter
mined bearing of the Michigan braves, and took note
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of their number, he found it convenient to content
himself for a time with " watching over the border."
Several days were passed in this exhilarating employ
ment, and just as Governor Lucas had made up his
mind to do something rash, two commissioners ar
rived from- Washington on a mission of peace. They
remonstrated with Gov. Lucus, and reminded him of
the consequences to himself and his State if he per
sisted in his attempt to gain possession of the disputed
territory by force. After several conferences with
both governors, the commissioners submitted proposi
tions for their consideration.
Governor Lucas at once accepted the propositions,
and disbanded his forces. Governor Mason, on the
other hand, refused to accede to the arrangement, and
declined to compromise the rights of his people by a
surrender of possession and jurisdiction. When Gov
ernor Lucus disbanded his forces, however, Governor
Mason partially followed suit, but still held himself
in readiness to meet any emergency that might arise.
Governor Lucus now supposed that his way was
clear, and that he could re-mark the Harris line with
out being molested, and ordered the commissioners :
to proceed with their work. '
In the meantime, Governor Mason kept a watch- :
fui eye upon the proceedings. General Brown sent '
scouts through the woods to watch their movements, 4
and .report when operations were commenced. When
the surveying party got within the county of Lena
wee, the under-sheriff of that county, armed with a
warrant, and accompanied by a posse, suddenly made
his appearance, and succeeded in arresting a portion
of the party. The rest, including the commissioners,
took to their heels, and were soon beyond the dis
puted territory. They reached Perrysburgh the fol
lowing day in a highly demoralized condition, and
reported they had been attacked by an overwhelm
ing force of Michigan malitia, under command of
General Brown.
This summary breaking up of the surveying party
produced the most tremendous excitement throughout
Ohio. Governor Lucas called an extra session ofthe
Legislature. But little remains to be said in reference
to the " war." The question continued for some time
to agitate the minds ofthe opposing parties; and the
action of Congress was impatiently awaited. Michigan
was admitted into the Union on the condition that
she give to Ohio the disputed territory, and accept
in return the Northern Peninsula, which she did.

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SECOND GOVERNOR OF MICHIGAN.

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ILLIAM WOODBRIDGE,
.second Governor of Michigan,
was born at Norwich, Conn.,
Aug. 20, 1780, and died at
Detroit. Oct. 20, i86r. He
was of a family of three brothers
and two sisters. His father,
Dudley Woodbridge, removed to
Marietta, Ohio, about 1790. The
life of Wm. Woodbridge, by Chas.
Lauman, from which this sketch s
is largely com piled, mentions noth
ing concerning his early education
beyond the fact that it was such as
was afforded by the average school
of the time, except a year with the
French colonists at Gallipolis,
where he acquired a knowledge of
the French language. It should
be borne in mind, however, that
home education at that time was
an indispensable feature in the
training of the young. To this and
and to a few studies well mastered,
is due that strong mental discipline which has served
as a basis for many of the grand intellects that have
adorned and helped to make our National history.
Mr. Woodbridge studied law at Marietta, having
as a fellow student an intimate personal friend, a
young man subsequently distinguished, but known
at that time simply as Lewis Cass. He graduated at
the law school in Connecticut, after a course there of
nearly three years, and began to practice at Marietta
in 1 806. In June, r 806, he married, at Hartford, Con
necticut, Juleanna, daughter of John Triimbell, a
distinguished author and judge ; and author of the

peom McFingal, which, during a dark period of the
Revolution, wrought such a magic change upon the
spirits of the colonists. He was happy in his domes
tic relations until the death of Mrs. W., Feb. 2,19, i860.
Our written biographies necessarily speak more
fully of men, because of their active participation in
public affairs, but human actions are stamped upon
the page of time and when the scroll shall be unrolled
the influence of good women upon the history of the
world will be read side by side with the deeds of men.
How much success and renown in life many men owe
to their wives is probably little known. Mrs. W. en
joyed the best means of early education that the
country afforded, and her intellectual genius enabled
' her to improve her advantages. During her life, side
' by side with the highest type of domestic and social
¦ graces, she manifested a keen intellectuality that
formed the crown of a faultless chaiacter. She was
a natural poet, and wrote quite a large number of fine
verses, some of which are preserved in a printed
memorial essay written upon the occasion of her
death. In this essay, it is said of her "to contribute
even in matters of minor importance, to elevate the
reputation and add to the well being of her husband
in the various stations he was called upon to fill, gave
her the highest satisfaction " She was an invalid
during the latter portion of her life, but was patient
and cheerful to the end.
In r8o7, Mr. W. was chosen a representative to the
General Assembly of Ohio, and in 1809 was elected to
the Senate, continuing a member by re-election until
his removal from the State. He also held, by ap
pointment, during the time the office of Prosecuting
Attorney for his county. He took a leading part in
the Legislature, and in 1 81 2 drew up a declaration and
resolutions, which passed the two houses unanimously

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WILLIAM WOODBRIDGE.

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and attracted great attention, endorsing, in strongest
and most emphatic terms, the war measures of Presi
dent Madison. During the period from r8o4 to r8r4
the two law students, Woodbridge and Cass, had be
come widely separated. The latter was Governor of
the Territory of Michigan under the historic "Governor
and Judges" plan, with the indispensable requisite ofa
Secretary of the Territorry. This latter position was,
in 1814, without solicitation on his part, tendered to
Mr. W. He accepted the position with some hesita
tion, and entered upon its duties as soon as he could
make the necessary arrangements for leaving Ohio.
The office of Secretary involved also the duties of
collectorof customs at the port of Detroit, and during
the frequent absences of the Governor, the dischargeof
of his duties, also including those of Superintendent
of Indian Affairs. Mr. W. officiated as Governor for
about two years out of the eight years that he held the
office of Secretary Under the administration of "Gov
ernor and Judges," which the people of the Territory
preferred for economical reasons, to continue some time
after their numbers entitled them to a more popular
representative system, they were allowed no delegate
in Congress. Mr. W., as a sort of informal agent of
the people, by correspondence and also by a visit to
the National capital, so clearly set forth the demand
for representation by a delegate, that an act was
passedin Congress in i8i9authorizingone tobechosen.
Under this act Mr. W. was elected by the concurrence
of all parties. His first action in Congress was to secure
the passage of a bill recognizing and confirming the
old French land titles in the Territory according to
the terms of the treaty of peace with Great Britain
at the close of the Revolution ; and another for the
construction ofa Government road through the "black
swamps" from the Miami River to Detroit, thus open
ing a means of land transit between Ohio and Mich
igan. He was influential in securing the passage of
bills for the construction of Government roads from
Detroit to Chicago, and Detroit to Fort Gratiot, and
for the improvement of La Plaisance Bay. The ex
pedition for the exploration of the country around
Lake Superior and in the valley of the Upper Mis
sissippi, projected by Governor Cass, was 'set on foot
by means of representations made to the head of the
department by Mr. W. While in Congress he stren
uously maintained the right of Michigan to the strip
of territory now forming the northern boundary of
Ohio, which formed the subject of such grave dispute
between Ohio and Michigan at the time of the ad
mission of the latter into the Union. He served
but one term as delegate to Congress, de
clining further service on account of personal and
family considerations. Mr. W. continued to discharge
the duties of Secretary of the Territory up to the time
its Government passed into the "second grade."
In 1824, he was appointed one of a board of
commissioners for adjusting private land claims in

the Territory, and was engaged also in the practice of
his profession, having the best law library in the Ter
ritory. In 1828, upon the recommendation of the
Governor, Judges and others, he was appointed by the
President, J. Q. Adams, to succeed Hon. James With-
erell, who had resigned as a Judge of what is conven
tionally called the "Supreme Court" of the Territory.
This court was apparently a continuation of the Terri
torial Court, under the "first grade" or "Governor and
Judges" system. Although it was supreme in its ju
dicial functions within the Territory, its powers and
duties were of a very general character.
In r832, the term of his appointment as Judge ex
piring, President Jackson appointed a successor, it is
supposed on political grounds, much to the disappoint
ment of the public and the bar ofthe Territory. The
partisan feeling of the time extended into the Terri
tory, and its people began to think of assuming the
dignity of a State government. Party lines becom
ing very sharply drawn, he identified himself with
the Whigs and was elected a member of the Conven
tion of r835, which formed the first State Constitution.
fn r837 he was elected a member of the State Senate.
This sketch has purposely dealt somewhat in detail
with what may be called Judge W's. earlier career,
because it is closely identified with the early his
tory of the State, and the development of its politi
cal system. Since the organization of the State Gov
ernment the history of Michigan is more familiar, and
hence no review of Judge W's career as Governor
and Senator will be attempted. He was elected Gov
ernor in r839, under a popular impression that the
affairs of the State had not been prudently 'adminis
tered by the Democrats. He served as Governor but
little more than a year, when he was elected to the
Senate of the United States.
His term in the Senate practically closed his polit
ical life, although he was strongly urged by many
prominent men for the Whig nomination for Vice
President in r848.
Soon after his appointment as Judge in 1828, Gov
ernor W. took up his residence on a tract of land
which he owned in the township of Spring Wells, a
short distance below what was then the corporate lim
its of Detroit, where he resided during the remainder
of his life. Both in his public papers and private
communications, Governor W. shows himself a mas
ter of language; he is fruitful in simile and illustra
tion, logical in arrangement, happy in the choice and
treatment of topics, and terse and vigorous in expres
sion. Judge W. was a Congregationalist. His opinions
on all subjects were decided ; he was earnest and
energetic, courteous and dignified, and at times ex
hibited a vein of fine humor that was the more at
tractive because not too often allowed to come to the
surface. His letters and addresses show a deep and
earnest affection not only for his ancestral home, but
the home of his adoption and for friends and family.

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GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN.

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JOHN S. BARRY

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OHN STEWARD BARRY,
Governor of Michigan from
Jan. 3, 1842, to Jan. 5, 1846,
and from Jan. 7, 1850, to Jan.
1, 1852, was born at Amherst,
N. H., Jan. 29, 1802. His par
ents, John and Ellen (Steward)
Barry, early removed to Rocking
ham, Vt., where he remained until
he became of age, working on his
father's farm, and pursuing his
studies at the same time. He mar
ried Mary Kidder, of Grafton, Vt.,
and in 1824 went to Georgia, Vt.,
where he had charge of an academy
for two years, meanwhile studying
law. He afterward practiced law in
that State. While he was in Georgia he was for some
time a member of the Governor's staff, with the title
of Governor's Aid, and at a somewhat earlier period
was Captain of a company of State militia. In r83r
he removed to Michigan, and settled at White Pigeon,
where he engaged in mercantile business with I. W.
Willard. Four years after, 1834, Mr. Barry removed to Con

stantine and continued his mercantile pursuits. He
became Justice of the Peace at White Pigeon, Mich.i
in i83r, and held the office until the year 1835.
Mr. Barry's first public office was that of a member
of the first constitutional convention, which assembled
vand fiamed the constitution upon which Michigan
was admitted into the Union. He took an important
and prominent part in the proceedings of that body,
and showed himself to be a man of far more than
ordinary ability.
Upon Michigan being admitted into the Union,
Mr. Barry was chosen State Senator, and so favorably
were his associates impressed with his abilities at the
first session of the Legislature that they looked to him
as a party leader, and that he should head the State
ticket at the following election. Accordingly he re
ceived the nomination for Governor at. the hands
of his party assembled in convention. He was
elected, and so popular was his administration that, in
1842, he was again elected. During these years
Michigan was embarrassed by great financial diffi
culties, and it was through his wisdom and sound judg
ment that the State was finally placed upon a solid
financial basis.
During the first year of Gov. Barry's first term, the
University at Ann Arbor was opened for the reception

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of students. The Michigan Central and Michigan
Southern railroads were being rapidly constructed, and
general progress was everywhere noticeable. In 1842,
the number of pupils reported as attending the public
schools was nearly fifty-eight thousand. In 1843, a
State land office was established at Marshall, which
was invested with the charge and disposition of all
the lands belonging to the State In 1844, the tax
able property of the State was found to be over
twenty-eight millions of dollars, the tax being at the
rate of two mills on the dollar. The expenses of the
State were only seventy thousand dollars, while the
income from the railroads was nearly three hundred
thousand dollars. At this time the University of
Michigan had become so prosperous that its income
was ample to pay the interest on the University debt ;
and the amount of money which the State was able
to loan the several progressing railroads was one
hundred and twenty thousand dollars. Efforts were
made to increase the efficiency of the common schools
with good results In 1845, when Gov. Barry's sec
ond term expired, the population of the State was
more than three hundred thousand.
The constitution of the State forbade more than two
consecutive terms, but he was called upon to fill the
position again in 1850 — the only instance of the kind
in the history of the State. He was a member of the
Territorial Legislature, of the Constitutional Conven
tion, and afterward of the State House of Represent
atives. During Mr. Barry's third term as Governor the Nor
mal School was established at Ypsilanti, which was
endowed with lands and placed in charge of a board
of education consisting of six persons. A new con
stitution for the government of the State was also
adopted and the " Great Railway Conspiracy Case "
was tried. This grew out of a series of lawless acts
which had been committed upon the property of the
Michigan Central Railroad Company, along the line
of their road, and finally the burning of the depot
at Detroit, in r85o.
At a setting of the grand jury of Wayne County,
April 24, 185 1, 37 men ofthe 50 under arrest for this
crime were indicted. May 20, following, the accused
parties appeared at the Circuit Court of Wayne, of
which Warner Wing was resident judge. The Rail
road Company employed ten eminent lawyers, in
cluding David Stuart, John Van Arman, James A.
Van Dyke, Jacob M. Howard, Alex. D. Fraser, Dan
iel Goodwin and William Gray. The defendants were
represented by six members of the State bar, led by
William H. Seward, of New York. The trial occupied
four months, during which time the plaintiffs exam
ined 246 witnesses in 27 days, and the defendants
249 in 40 days. Mr. Van Dyke addressed the jury
for the prosecution ; William H. Seward for the
'defense. The great lawyer was convinced of the innocence

of his clients, nor did the verdict of that jury and the
sentence of that judge remove his firm belief that his
clients were the victims of purchased treachery,
rather than so many sacrifices to justice.
The verdict of " guilty " was rendered at 9 o'clock
p. m., Sept. 25, r85i. On the 26th the prisoners were
put forward to receive sentence, when many of them
protested their entire innocence, after which the pre
siding judge condemned 12 ofthe number to the fol
lowing terms of imprisonment, with hard labor, within
the State's prison, situate in their county : Ammi
Filley, ten years ; Orlando L. Williams, ten years;
Aaron Mount, eight years ; Andrew J. Freeland, eight
years; Eben Farnham, eight years ; William Corvin,
eight years ; Richard Price, eight years ; Evan Price,
eight years ; Lyman Champlin, five years ; Willard
W. Champlin, five years; Erastus Champlin, five
years; Erastus Smith, five years.
In 1840, Gov. Barry became deeply interested in
the cultivation of the sugar beet, and visited Europe
to obtain information in reference to its culture.
He was twice Presidential Elector, and his last
public service was that of a delegate to the National
Democratic Convention held in Chicago in 1864.
He was a man who, throughout life, maintained a
high character for integrity and fidelity to the trusts
bestowed upon him, whether of a public or a private
nature, and he is acknowledged by all to have been
one of the most efficient and popular Governors the
Slate has ever had.
Gov. Barry was a man of incorruptible integrity.
His opinions, which he reached by the most thorough
investigation, he held tenaciously. His strong con
victions and outspoken honesty made it impossible for
him to take an undefined position when a principle
was involved. His attachments and prejudices were
strong, yet he was never accused of favoritism in his
administration of public affairs. As a speaker he was
not remarkable. Solidity, rather than brilliancy, char
acterized his oratory, which is described as argument-
ative_ and instructive, but cold, hard, and entirely
wanting in rhetorical ornament. He was never elo
quent, seldom humorous or sarcastic, and in manner
rather awkward.
Although Mr. Barry's educational advantages were
so limited, he was a life-long student. He mastered
both ancient and modern languages, and acquired a
thorough knowledge of history. No man owed less
to political intrigue as a means of gaining posi
tion. He was a true statesman, and gained public es
teem by his solid worth. His political connections
were always with the Democratic party, and his opin
ions were usually extreme.
Mr. Barry retired to private life after the beginning
of the ascendency of the Republican party, and car
ried on his mercantile business at Constantine. He
died Jan. r4, 1870, his wife's death having occurred a
year previous, March 30, r869. They left no children.

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GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN.

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LPHEUS FELCH, the third
Governor of Michigan, was
born in Limerick, Maine, Sep
tember 28, 1806. His grand
father, Abijah Felch, was a sol
dier in the Revolution ; and
when a young man, having with
others obtained a grant of land be
tween the Great and Little Ossipee
Rivers, in Maine, moved to that re
gion when it was yet a wilderness.
The father of Mr. Felch embarked in
mercantile life at Limerick. He was
the first to engage in that business in
that section, and continued it until
his death. The death of the father,
followed within a year.by the death of
the mother, left thesubject of this sketch, then three
years old, to the care of relatives, and he found a
home with his paternal grandfather, where he re
mained until his death. Mr Felch received his early
education in the district school and a neighboring
academy. In 182 r he became a student at Phillips
Exter Academy, and, subsequently, entered Bowdoin
College, graduated with the class of 1827. He at
once began the study of law and was admitted to
practice at Bangor, Me., in 1830.
He began the practice of his profession at Houlton,
Me., where he remained until 1833. The severity
of the climate impaired his health, never very good,
and he found it necessary to seek a change of climate.
He disposed of his library and started to seek
a new home. His intention was to join his friend,

Sargent S. Prentiss, at Vicksburg, Miss., but on his
arrival at Cincinnati, Mr. Felch was attacked by
cholera, and when he had recovered sufficiently to
permit of his traveling, found that the danger of the
disease was too great to permit a journey down the
river. He therefore determined to come to Michi
gan. He first began to practice in this State at Mon
roe, where he continued until 1843, when he removed
to Ann Arbor. He was elected to the State Legisla
ture in 1835, and continued a member of that body
during the years 1836 and r837. While he held this
office, the general banking law of the State was enact
ed, and went into operation. After mature delibera
tion, he became convinced that the proposed system
of banking could not prove beneficial to the public
interests ; and that, instead of relieving the people
from the pecuniary difficulties under which they were
laboring, it would result in still further embarrass
ment. He, therefore, opposed the bill, and pointed
out to the House the disasters which, in his opinion,
were sure to follow its passage. The public mind,
however, was so favorably impressed by the measure
that no other member, in either branch of the Legisla
ture, raised a dissenting voice, and but two voted with
him in opposition to the bill. Early in 1838, he was
appointed one of the Bank Commissioners of the
State, and held that office for more than a year. Dur
ing this time, the new banking law had given birth to
that numerous progeny known as "wild-cat" banks.
Almost every village had its bank. The country was
flooded with depressed "wild-cat" money. The ex
aminations of the Bank Commissioners brought to
light frauds at every point, which were fearlessly re-

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ALPHEUS FELCH.

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ported to the Legislature, and were followed by crim
inal prosecutions of the guilty parties, and the closing
of many of their institutions. The duties of the of
fice were most laborious, and in 1839 Mr. Felch re
signed. The chartered right of almost every bank
had, in the meantime, been declared forfeited and
the law repealed. It was subsequently decided to
be constitutional by the Supreme Court of the State.
In the year r842 Governor Felch was appointed
to the office of Auditor General of the State; but
after holding the office only a few weeks, was com
missioned by the Governor as one of the Judges of the
Supreme Court, to fill a vacancy caused by the resig
nation of Judge Fletcher. In January, 1843, he was
elected to. the United States Senate for an unexpired
term. In 1845 he was elected Governor of Michigan,
and entered upon his duties at the commencement of
the next year. In 1847 he was elected a Senator
in Congress for six years ; and at. once retired from
the office of Governor, by resignation, which took
effect March 4, 1847, when his Senatorial term com
menced. While a member of the Senate he acted on
the Committee on Public Lands, and for four years
was its Chairman. He filled the honorable position
of Senator with becoming dignity, and with great
credit to the State of Michigan.
During Governor Felch's administration the two
railroads belonging to the State were sold to private
corporations, — the Central for $2,000,000, and the
Southern for $500,000. The exports of the State
amounted in 1846 to 114,647,608. The total capacity
of vessels enrolled in the collection district at Detroit
was 26,928 tons, the steam vessels having 8,400 and
the sailing vessels r 8,5 2 8 tons, the whole giving em
ployment to 18,000 seamen. In 1847, there were 39
counties in the State, containing 435 townships ; and
275 of these townships were supplied with good libra
ries, containing an aggregate of 37 ,000 volumes.
At the close of his Senatorial term, in March, 1853,
Mr. Felch was appointed, by President Pierce, one of
the Commissioners to adjust and settle the Spanish

and Mexican land claims in California, under the
treaty of Gaudalupe Hidalgo, and an act of Congress
passed for that purpose. He went to California in
May, r853, and was made President of the Commis
sion. The duties of this office were of the most im
portant and delicate character. The interest of the
new State, and the fortunes of many of its citizens,
both the native Mexican population and the recent
American immigration ; the right of the Pueblos to
their common lands, and of the Catholic Church to
the lands of the Missions, — the most valuable of the
State, — wereinvolved in the adjudications of this Com
mission. In March, r8s6, their labors were brought
to a close by the final disposition of all the claims
which were presented. The record of their proceed
ings, — the testimony which was given in each case,
and the decision of. the Commissioners thereon, —
consisting of some forty large volumes, was deposited
in the Department of the Interior at Washington.
In June of that year, Governor Felch returned to
Ann Arbor, where he has since been engaged princi
pally in legal business. Since his return he has
been nominated for Governor and also for U. S. Sen
ator, and twice for Judge ofthe Supreme Court. But
the Democratic party, to which he has always been
attached, being in the minority, he failed of an elec
tion. In 1873 he withdrew from the active practice
of law, and, with the exception of a tour in Europe,
in 1875 has since led a life of retirement at his home
in Ann Arbor. In r877 the University of Michigan
conferred upon him the degree of LL. D. For
many years he was one of the Regents of Michigan
University, and in the spring of 1879 was appointed
Tappan Professor of Law in the same. Mr. Felch is
the oldest surviving member of the Legislature from
Monroe Co., the oldest and only surviving Bank Com
missioner of the State, the oldest surviving Auditor
General ofthe State, the oldest surviving Governor of
the State, the oldest surviving Judge of the Supreme
Court of Michigan, and the oldest surviving United
States Senator from the State of Michigan.

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ILLTAM L. GREENLY
^Governor of Michigan for the
year 1847, was born at Hamil
ton, Madison Co., N. Y., Sept.
18,1813. He graduated at Un
ion College, Schenectady, in
17 31, studied law and was ad
mitted to the bar in 1834. In
1836, having removed to Michi
gan, he settled in Adrian, where
he has since resided. The year
following his arrival in Michigan
he was elected State Senator and
served in that capacity until ^39.
In 1845 he was elected Lieut. Gov
ernor and became acting Governor
by the resignation of Gov. Felch,
who was elected to the United
States Senate.
The war with Mexico was brought
to a successful termination during Gov. Greenley's
administration. We regret to say that there are Only
few records extant of the action of Michigan troops
in the Mexican war. That many went there and
fought well are points conceded ; but their names and
nativity are hidden away in United States archives

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and where it is almost impossible to find them.
The soldiers of this State deserve much of the
credit of the memorable achievements of Co. K, 3d ^ '
Dragoons, and Cos. A, E, and G of the U. S. Inf. fy
The two former of these companies, recruited in this
State, were reduced to one-third their original num
ber. In May, 1846 the Governor of Michigan was noti
fied by the War Department of the United States to
enroll a regiment of volunteers, to be held in readi
ness for service whenever demanded. At his sum-
muns 13 independent volunteer companies, 1 1 of
infantry and two of cavalry, at once fell into line. Of
the infantry four companies were from Detroit, bear
ing the honored names of Montgomery, Lafayette,
Scott and Brady upon their banners. Of the re
mainder Monroe tendered two, Lenawee County three,
St. Clair, Berrien and Hillsdale each one, and Wayne
County an additional company. Of these alone the
veteran Bradys were accepted and ordered into ser
vice. In addition to them ten companies, making the
First Regiment of Michigan Volunteers, springing
from various parts of the State, but embodying to a
great degre the material of which the first volunteers
was formed, were not called for until October follow
ing. This regiment was soon in readiness and pro
ceeded' by orders from Government to the seat of war.

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GOVERNORS.

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HE HON. EPAPHRODI
TUS RANSOM, the Seventh
Governor of Michigan, was a
native of Massachusetts. In
that State he received a col
legiate- education, studied law,
and was admitted to the bar.
Removing to Michigan about
the time of its admission to the
Union, he took up his residence
at Kalamazoo.
Mr. Ransom served with marked
ability for a number of years in' the
State Legislature, and in r837 he was appointed As
sociate Justice of the Supreme Court. In r843 he
was promoted to Chief Justice, which office he re
tained until 1845, when he resigned.
Shortly afterwards he became deeply interested in
the building of plank roads in the western portion of
the State, and in this business lost the greater portion
of the property which he had accumulated by years
of toil and industry.
Mr. Ransom became Governor of the State of
Michigan in the fall of 1847, and served during one
term, performing the duties of the office in a truly
statesmanlike manner. ' He subsequently became
President of the Michigan Agricultural Society, in
which position he displayed the same ability that

shone forth so prominently in his acts as Governo r.
He held the office of Regent of the Michigan Univer
sity several times, and ever advocated a liberal policy
in its management.
Subsequently he was' appointed receiver of the
land office in one of the districts in Kansas, by Pres
ident Buchanan, to which State he had removed, and
where he died before the expiration of his term of
office. We sum up the events and affairs of the State un
der Gov. Ransom's administration as follows : The
Asylum for the Insane was establised, as also the
Asylum for the Deaf, Dumb and Blind. Both of
these institutes were liberally endowed with lands,
and each of them placed in charge of a board of five
trustees. The appropriation in 1849 for the deaf and
dumb and blind amounted to $81,500. On the first
of March, 1848, the first telegraph line was com
pleted from New York to Detroit, and the first dis
patch transmitted on that day. The following figures
show the progress in agriculture : The land reported
as under cultivation in 1848 was 1,437,460 acres; of
wheat there were produced 4,749,300 bushels; other
grains, 8,197,767 bushels; wool, 1,645,756 pounds;
maple sugar, r, 774,369 pounds; horses, 52,305; cat
tle, 210,268; swine, 152,54^ sheep, 610,534; while
the flour mills numbered 228, and the lumber mills
amounted to 730. r847, an act was passed removing
the Legislature from Detroit to Lansing, and tempo
rary buildings for the use of the Legislature were im
mediately erected, at a cost of $12,450.

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GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN.

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obert McClelland,
Governor of Michigan from
Jan. 1, 185 2, to March 8,1853,
was born at Greencastle, Frank
lin Co., Penn., Aug. 1, T807.
Among his ancestors were several
officers of rank in the Revolution
ary war, and some of his family con-
i\ nections were distinguished in the
war of r8i2, and that with Mexico.
His father was an eminent physician
and surgeon who studied under Dr.
Benj. Rush, of Philadelphia, and
practiced his profession successfully
until six months before his death, at
the age of 84 years. Although Mr.
McClelland's family had been in good circum
stances, when he was 17 years old he was thrown
upon his own resources. After taking the usual pre
liminary studies, and teaching school to obtain the
means, he entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle,
Penn., from which he graduated among the first in
his class, in 1829. He then resumed teaching, and
having completed the course of study for the legal
profession, was admitted to the bar at Chambersburg,
Penn., in 1831. Soon afterward he removed to the
city of Pittsburgh, where he practiced for almost a
year. In 1833, Mr. McClelland removed to Monroe, in

the Territory of Michigan, where, after a severe ex
amination, he became a member of the bar of Michi
gan, and engaged in practice with bright prospect of
success. In 1835, a convention was called to frame
a constitution for the proposed State of Michigan, of
which Mr. McClelland was elected a member. He
took a prominent part in its deliberations and ranked
among its ablest debaters. He was appointed the
first Bank Commissioner of the State, by Gov. Mason,
and received an offer of the Attorney Generalship, but
declined both of these offices in order to attend to his
professional duties.
In r838, Mr. McClelland was elected to the State
Legislature, in which he soon became distinguished
as the head of several important committees, Speaker
pro tempore, and as an active, zealous and efficient
member. In 1840, Gen. Harrison, as a candidate for
the Presidency, swept the country with an overwhelm
ing majority, and at the same time the State of Michi
gan was carried by the Whigs under the popular cry
of " Woodbridge and reform " against the Democratic
..party. At this time Mr. McClelland stood among the
acknowledged leaders of the latter organization ; was
elected a member of the State House of Representa
tives, and with others adopted a plan fo regain a lost
authority and prestige.
This party soon came again into power in the State,
and having been returned to the State Legislature Mr.
McClelland's leadership was acknowledged by his
election as Speaker of the House of Representatives

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robert McClelland.

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in 1843. Down to this time Michigan had consti
tuted one congressional district. The late Hon. Jacob
M. Howard had been elected against Hon. Alpheus
Felch by a strong majority ; but, in r843, so thoroughly
had the Democratic party recovered from its defeat
of 1840 that Mr. McClelland, as a candidate for Con
gress, carried Detroit district by a majority of about
2,500. Mr. McClelland soon took a prominent posi
tion in Congress among the veterans of that body.
During his first term he was placed on Committee on
Commerce, and organized and carried through what
were known as the " Harbor bills." The continued
confidence of his constituency was manifested in his
election to the 2 9th Congress. At the opening of this
session he had acquired a National reputation, and so
favorably was he known as a parlimentarian that his
name was mentioned for Speaker ofthe House of Rep
resentatives. He declined the offer in favor of J. W.
Davis, of Indiana, who was elected. During this term
he became Chairman of Committee on Commerce, in
which position his reports and advocacy of important
measures at once attracted public attention. The
members of this committee, as an evidence of the es
teem in which they held his services and of their*
personal regard for him, presented him with a cane
which he retains as a souvenir of the donors, and of
his labors in Congress.
In 1847, Mr. McClelland was re-elected to Con
gress, and at the opening of the 30th Congress be
came a member of the Committee on Foreign Rela
tions. While acting in this capacity, what was known
as the " French Spoliation Bill" came under his spe
cial charge, and his management of the same was such
as to command universal approbation. While in
Congress, Mr. McClelland was an advocate of the
right of petition as maintained by John Q. Adams,
when the petition, was clothed in decorous language
and presented in the proper manner. This he re
garded as the citizens'constitutional right which should
not be impaired by any doctrines of temporary expe
diency. He also voted for the adoption of Mr. Gid-
dings s bill for the abolishing of slavery in the District
of Columbia. Mr. McClelland was one of the few
Democrats associated with David Wilmot, of Penn
sylvania, in bringing forward the celebrated "Wilmot
Proviso," with a view to prevent further extension of
slavery in new territory which might be acquired by
the United States. He and Mr. Wilmot were to
gether at the time in Washington, and on intimate
and confidential terms. Mr. McClelland was in sev
eral National conventions and in the Baltimore con
vention, which nominated Gen. Cass for President,
in 1848, doing valiant service that year for the elec
tion of that distinguished statesman. On leaving
Congress, in r848, Mr. McClelland returned to the
practice of his profession at Monroe. In r85o a
convention of the State of Michigan was called to
revise the State constitution. He was elected a

member and was regarded therein as among the ablest
and most experienced leaders. His clear judgment
and wise moderation were conspicuous, both in the
committee room and on the floor^ in debate. In 1850,
he was President of the Democratic State convention
which adopted resolutions in support of Henry Clay's
famous compromise measures,, of which Mr. McClel
land was a strong advocate. He was a member of
the Democratic National convention in 1852, and in
that year, in comrjany with Gen. Cass and Governor
Felch, he made a thorough canvass of the State.
He continued earnestly to advocate the Clay com
promise measures, and took an active part in the
canvass which resulted in the election of Gen. Pierce
to the Presidency.
In r85i, the new State constitution took effect and
it was necessary that a Governor should be elected
for one year in order to prevent an interregnum,, and
to bring the State Government into operation under
the new constitution. Mr. McClelland was elected
Governor, and in the fall of 1852 was re-elected for
a term of two years, from Jan. 1, 1853. His admin
istration was regarded as wise, prudent and concilia
tory, and was as popular as could be expected at a
time when party spirit ran high. There was really
no opposition, and when he resigned, in March, r853,
the State Treasury was well filled, and the State
otherwise prosperous. So widely and favorably had
Mr. McClelland become known as a statesman that on
the organization of the cabinet by President Pierce, in
March, 1853, he was made Secretary of the Interior, in
which capacity he served most creditably during four
years of the Pierce administration. He thoroughly
re-organized his department and reduced the expend
itures. He adopted a course with the Indians which
relieved them from the impositions and annoyances.
of the traders, and produced harmony and civilization
among them. During his administration there was
neither complaint from the tribes nor corruption among
agents, and he left the department in perfect order
and system. In 1867, Michigan again called a con
vention to revise the State constitution. Mr- McClel
land was a member and here again his long experi
ence made him conspicuous as a prudent adviser, a
sagacious parliamentary leader. As a lawyer he was
terse and pointed in argument, clear, candid and im
pressive in his addresses to the jury. His sincerity
and earnestness, with which was occasionally mingled
a pleasant humor,' made him an able and effective
advocate. In speaking before the people on political
subjects he was especially forcible and happy. In
r 870 he made the tour of Europe, which, through his
extensive personal acquaintance with European dip-
lomates, he was enabled to enjoy much more than
most travelers.
Mr. McClelland married, in 1837, Miss Sarah
E. Sabin, of Williamstown, Mass. They have had
six children, two of whom now survive.

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GOVERNORS OF" MICHIGAN.

NDREW PARSONS, Gover
nor of Michigan from March
1853 to Jan. 3, 1855, was
born in the town of H'oosick,
County of Rensselaer, and
State of New York, on the 2 2d
day of July, 1817, and died June
6, 1855, at the early age of 38
years. He was the son of John
Parsons, born at Newburyport,
(Mass., Oct. 2, 17.82, and who was the
sonof Andrew Parsons, a Revolutionary
soldier, who was the son of Phineas
Parsons, the son of Samuel Parsons,
a descendant of Walter Parsons, born
in Ireland in 1290.
Of this name and family, some one hundred and
- thirty years ago, Bishop Gilson remarked in his edi
tion of Camden's Britannia: "The honorable family
of Parsons have been advanced to the dignity of
Viscounts and more lately Earls of Ross."
The following are descendants of these families :
Sir John Parsons, born 1 481, was Mayor of Hereford;
Robert Parsons, born in 1546, lived near Bridgewater,
England. He was educated at Ballial College, Ox
ford, and was a noted writer and defender of the
Romish faith. He established an English College at
Rome and another at Valladolia. Frances Parsons,
born in ^56, was Vicar of Rothwell, in Notingham;
Bartholomew Parsons, born in 1618, was another
noted member of the family. In 1634, Thomas Parsons
was knighted by Charles r. Joseph and Benjamin,
brothers, were born in Great Torrington, England,

and accompanied their father and others to New
England about 1630. Samuel Parsons, born at Salis
bury, Mass., in 1707, graduated at Harvard College in
1730, ordained at Rye, N. H.,Nov. 3, 1736, married
Mary Jones, daughter of Samuel Jones, of Boston,
Oct. 9, 1739, died Jan. 4, 1789, at the age of 82, in
the 5 3rd year of his ministry. The grandfather of Mary
Jones was Capt. John Adams, of Boston, grandson
of Henry, of Braintree, who was among the first set
tlers of Massachusetts, and from whom. a numerous
race of the name are descended, including two Presi
dents of the United States. The Parsons have be
come very numerous and are found throughout New
England, and many of the descedants are scattered
in all parts of the United States, and especially in
the Middle and Western States. Governor Andrew
Parsons came to Michigan in 1835, at the age of 17
years, and spent the first summer at Lower Ann
Arbor, where for a few months he taught school which
he was compelled to abandon from ill health.
He was one of the large number of men of sterling
worth, who came from the East to Michigan when it
was an infant State, or, even prior to its assuming
the dignity of a State, and who, by their wisdom,
enterprise and energy, have developed its wonderful
natural resources, until to-day it ranks with the proud
est States of the Union. These brave men came to
Michigan with nothing to aid them in the conquest
of the wilderness save courageous hearts and strong
and willing hands. They gloriously conquered, how
ever, and to them is due all honor for the labors
so nobly performed, for the solid and sure foundation
which they laid of a great Commonwealth.

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ANDREW PARSONS.

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In the fall of 1835, he explored the Grand River
Valley in a frail canoe, the whole length of the river,
from Jackson to Lake Michigan, and spent the following
winter as clerk in a store at Prairie Creek, in Ionia,
County, and in the spring went to Marshall, where he
resided with his brother, the Hon. Luke H. Parsons,
also now deceased, until fall, when he went to Shia-
wasse County, then with Clinton County, and an almost
unbroken wilderness and constituting one organized
township. In r837 this territory was organized into
a county and, at the age of only r9 years, he (An
drew) was elected County Clerk. In 1840, he was
elected Register of Deeds, re-elected in 1842, and
also in r844. In 1846, he was elected to the State
Senate, was appointed Prosecuting Attorney in r848,
and elected Regent of the University in r85i, and
Lieutenant Governor, and became acting Governor,
in r853, elected again to the Legislature in 1854, and,
overcome by debilitated health, hard labor and the
responsibilities of his office and cares of his business,
retired to his farm, where he died soon after.
He was a fluent and persuasive speaker and well
calculated to make friends of his acquantances. He
was always true to his trust, and the whole world
could not persuade nor drive him to do what he con
ceived to be wrong. When Governor, a most power
ful railroad influence was brought to bear upon him,
to induce him to call an extra session of the Legisla
ture. Meetings were held in all parts of the State
for that purpose. In some sections the resolutions
were of a laudatory nature, intending to make him do
their bidding by resort to friendly and flattering words.
In other places the resolutions were of a demanding
nature, while in others they were threatening beyond
measure. Fearing that all these influences might
fail to induce him to call the extra session, a large
sum of money was sent him, and liberal offers ten
dered him if he would gratify the railroad interest of
the State and call the extra session, but, immovable,
he returned the money and refused to receive
any favors, whether from any party who would at
tempt to corrupt him by laudations, liberal offers, or

by threats, and in a short letter to the people, after « f
giving overwhelming reasons that no sensible man
could dispute, showing the circumstances were not
"extraordinary," he refused to call the extra session.
This brought down the wrath of various parties upon
his head, but they were soon forced to acknowledge
the wisdom and the justice of his course. One of
his greatest enemies said, after a long acquaintance :
"though not always coinciding with his views I never
doubted his honesty of purpose. He at all times
sought to perform his duties in strict accordance,
with the dictates of his conscience, and the behests
ofhis oath." The following eulogium from a politcal op
ponent is just in its conception and creditable to its
author: " Gov. Parsons was a politician of the Dem
ocratic school, a man of pure moral character, fixed
and exemplary habits, and entirely blameless in every ^ *)
public and private relation of- life. As a politician he K
was candid, frank and free from bitterness, as an ex- ^j
ecu tive officer firm, constant and reliable." The *jx
highest commendations we can pay the deceased is »
to give his just record, — that of being an honest man. $u
In the spring of 1854, during the administration of <
Governor Parsons, the Republican party, at least
as a State organization, was first formed in the United
States " under the oaks " at Jackson, by anti-slavery
men of both the old parties. Great excitement pre
vailed at this time, occasioned by the settling of
Kansas, and the issue thereby brought up, whether
slavery should exist there. For the purpose of permit
ting slavery there, the " Missouri compromise " (which
limited slavery to the south of 360 30^ was re-
repealed, under the leadership of Stephen A, Douglas.
This was repealed by a bill admitting Kansas and
Nebraska into the Union, as Territories, and those who
were opposed to this repeal measure were in short
called "anti-Nebraska" men. The epithets, "Ne
braska" and "anti-Nebraska," were temporally em
ployed to designate the slavery and anti-slavery w/
parties, pending the desolution of the old Democratic )&
and Whig parties and the organization of the new ®)
Democratic and Republican parties of the present.^

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GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN.

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Kinslky ©. Bingham.

INSLEY S. BINGHAM,
Governor of Michigan from
1855 to 1859, and United
States Senator, was born in
Camillus, Onondaga County,
N. Y., Dec. 16, 1808. His
father was a farmer, and his own
early life was consequently de
voted to agricultural pursuits, but
notwithstanding the disadvan
tages related to the acquisition
of knowledge in the life of a farmer
he managed to secure a good aca
demic education in his native State
and studied law in the office of
Gen. James R. Lawrence, now of
Syracuse, N. Y. In the spring of
1833, he married an estimable lady
who had recently arrived from Scot
land, and obeying the impulse of a
naturally enterprising disposition,
he emigrated to Michigan and
purchased a new farm in company
with his brother-in-law, Mr. Robert
Worden, in Green Oak, Livingston County. Here, on
the border of civilization, buried in the primeval for
est, our late student commenced the arduous task of
preparing a future home, clearing and fencing, put
ting up buildings, etc., at such a rate that the land

chosen was soon reduced to a high state of cultivation.
Becoming deservedly prominent, Mr. Bingham was
elected to the office of Justice of the Peace and Post
master under the Territorial government, and was the
first Probate Judge in the county. In the year 1836,
when Michigan Lecame a State, he was elected to the
first Legislature. He was four times re-elected, and
Speaker of the House of Representatives three years.
In 1846 he was elected on the Democratic ticket, Rep
resentative to Congress, and was the only practical
farmer in that body. He was never forgetful of the
interest of agriculture, and was in particular opposed
to the introduction of " Wood's' Patent Cast Iron
Plow " which he completely prevented. He was re
elected to Congress in 1848, during which time he
strongly opposed the extension of slavery in the
territory of the United States and was committed to
and voted for the Wilmot Proviso.
In 1854, at the first organization ofthe Republican
party, in consequence of his record in Congress as a
Free Soil Democrat, Mr. Bingham was nominated
and elected Governor of the State, and re-elected in
1856. Still faithful to the memory of his own former
occupation, he did not forget the farmers during his
administration, and among other profits of Iris zeal in
their behalf, he became mainly instrumental in the
establishment of the Agricultural College at Lansing.
In 1859, Governor Bingham was elected Senator in
Congress and took an active part in the stormy cam
paign iq the election of Abraham Lincoln. He wit-

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KINSLEY S. BINGHAM.

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nessed the commencement of the civil war while a
member of the United States Senate. After a com
paratively short life of remarkable promise and pub
lic activity he was attacked with appoplexy and died
suddenly at his residence, in Green Oak, Oct. 5, i86r.
The most noticable event in Governor Bingham's
first term was the completion of the ship canal, at the
Falls of St. Mary. In 1852, Angust 26, an act of
Congress was approved, granting to the State of Mich
igan seven hundred and fifty thousand acres of land
for the purpose of constructing a ship canal between
Lakes Huron and Superior. In 1853, the Legislature
accepted the grant, and provided for the appointment
of commissioners to select the donated lands, and to
arrange for building the canal. A company of enter
prising men was formed, and a contract was entered
into by which it was arranged that the canal should
be finished in two years, and the work was pushed
rapidly forwajd. Every article of consumption, ma
chinery, working implements and materials, timber
for the gates, stones for the locks, as well as men and
supplies, had to be transported to the site of the canal
from Detroit, Cleveland, and other lake ports. The
rapids which had to be surmounted have a fall of
seventeen feet and are about one mile long. The
length ofthe canal is less than one mile, its width one
hundred feet, depth twelve feet and it has two locks
of solid masonary. In May, 1855, the work was com
pleted, accepted by the commissioners, and formally
delivered to the State authorities.
The disbursements on account of the construction
of the canal and selecting the lands amounted to one
million of dollars ; while the lands which were as
signed to the company, and selected through the
agency at the Sault, as well as certain lands in the
Upper and Lower Peninsulas, filled to an acre the
Government grant: The opening of the canal was
an important event in the history of the improvement
of the State. It was a valuable link in the chain of
lake commerce, and particularly important to the
interests of the Upper Peninsula. k
There were several educational, charitable and re
formatory institutions inaugurated and opened during-
Gov. Bingham's administrations. The Michigan Ag
ricultural College owes its establishment to a provision
of the State Constitution of 1850. Article 13 says,
"The Legislature shall, as soon as practicable, pro
vide for the establishment of an agricultural school."
For the purpose of carying into practice this provision,
legislation was commenced in 1855, and the act re
quired that the school should be within ten miles ¦ of
Lansing, and that not more than $15 an acre should
be paid for the farm and college grounds. The col
lege was opened to students in May, 1857, the first of
existing argricultural colleges in the United States.
Until the spring of i86i,it was under the control
of the State Board of Education; since that time it
has been under the management 0/ the State Board

of Agriculture, which was created for that purpose.
In its essential features, of combining study and
labor, and of uniting general and professional studies
in its course, the college has remained virtually un
changed from the first. It has a steady growth in
number of students, in means of illustration and
efficiency of instruction.
The Agricultural College is three miles east of
Lansing, comprising several fine buildings ; and/there
are also very beautiful, substantial residences for the
professors. There are also an extensive, well-filled
green-bouse, a very large and well-equipped chemical
laboratory, one of the most scientific apiaries in the
United States, a general museum, a meseum of me
chanical inventions, another of vegetable products,
extensive barns, piggeries, etc., etc., in fine trim for
the purposes designed. The farm consists of 676
acres, of which about 300 are under cultivation in a
systematic rotation of crops.
Adrian College was established by the Wesleyan
Methodists' in 1859, now under the control of the
Methodist Church. The grounds contain about 20
acres. There are four buildings, capable of accom
modating about 225 students. Attendance in 1875
was 179; total number of graduates for previous year,
121 ; ten professors and teachers are employed: Ex
clusive of the endowment fund ($80,000), the assets
of the institution, including grounds, buildings, furni
ture, apparatus, musical instruments, outlying lands,
etc., amount to more than $137,000.
Hillsdale College was established in r855 by the
Free Baptists. 'The Michigan Central College, at
Spring Arbor, was incorporated in 1845 , It was kept
in operation until it was merged into the present
Hillsdale College. The site comprises 25 acres,
beautifully situated on an eminence in the western
part of the city bf Hillsdale. The large and impos
ing building first erected was nearly destroyed by fire
in 1874, and in its place five buildings of a more
modern style have been erected. They are of brick,
three stories with basement, arranged on three sides
of a quadrangle. The size is, respectively, 80 by 80,
48 by 72, 48 by 72, 80 by 60, 52 by 72, and they con
tain one-half more room than the original building.
The State Reform School. This was established
at Lansing in 1855, in the northeastern portion of the
city, as the House of Correction for Juvenile Of
fenders, having about it many of the features of a
prison. In r859 the name was changed to the State
Reform School. The government and dicipline, have
undergone many and radical changes, until all the
prison features have been removed except those that
remain in the walls of the . original structure, and
which remain only as monuments of instructive his
tory. No bolts, bars or guards are employed. The
inmates are necessarily kept under the surveillance of
officers, but the attempts at escape are much fewer
than under the more rigid regime of former .days,

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GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN.

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OSES WISNER, Governor of
Michigan from r 85 9 to 1861,
was born in Springport, Cayu
ga Co., N Y., June 3, 1815.
His early education was only
what could be obtained at a
common school. Agricultural labor
and frugality of his parents gave
thim a physical constitution of unus
ual strength and endurance, which
was ever preserved by temperate hab
its. In 1837 he emigrated to Michi-
yr? gan and purchased a farm in Lapeer
County. It was new land and he at
once set to work to clear it and plant
crops. He labored diligently at his
task for two years, when he gave up
the idea of being a farmer, and removed to Pontiac,
.Oakland Co. Here he commenced the study of law
in the office of his brother, George W. Wisner, and
Rufus Hosmer. In r84i he was admitted to the bar
and established himself in his new vocation at the
village of Lapeer. While there he was apppointed
by Gov. Woodbridge Prosecuting Attorney for that
county, in which capacity he acquitted himself well
and gave promise of that eminence he afterward at
tained in tlie profession. He remained at Lapeer but
a short time, removing to Pontiac, where he became
a member of a firm and entered fully upon the
practice., In politics he was like his talented brother, a Whig
of the Henry Clay stamp, but with a decided anti-
slavery bias. ' His practice becoming extensive, he
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took little part in politics until after the election of
Mr. Pierce to the Presidency in r852, when he took an
active part against slavery. As a lawyer he was a
man of great ability, but relied less upon mere book
learning than upon his native good sense. Liberal
and courteous, was he yet devoted to the interest of
his client, and no facts escaped his attention or his
memory which bore upon the case. He was no friend
of trickery or artificeln conducting a case As an ad
vocate he had few equals. When fully aroused by the
merits of his subject his eloquence was at once grace
ful and powerful. His fancies supplied the most
original, the most pointed illustrations, and his logic
became a battling giant under whose heavy blows the
adversary shrank and withered. Nature had be
stowed upon him rare qualities, and his powers as a
popular orator were of a high order.
On the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of
1854, repealing the Missouri compromise and opening
the Territories to slavery, he was among the foremost
in Michigan to denounce the shamful scheme. He
actively participated in organizing and consolidating
the elements opposed to it in that State, and was a
member of the popular gathering at Jackson, in July,
1854, which was the first formal Republican Conven
tion held in the United States. At this meeting the
name " Republican " was adopted as a designation of
the new party consisting of Anti-slavery, Whigs,
Liberty men, Free Soil Democrats and all others op
posed to the extension of slavery and favorable to its
expulsion from the Territories and the District of
Columbia. At this convention Mr. W. was urged to
accept the nomination for Attorney General of the

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MOSES WISNER.

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State, but declined. An entire State ticket was nom
inated and at the annual election in November was
elected by an average majority of nearly r 0,000.
Mr. W. was enthusiastic in the cause and brought to
its support all his personal influenc'e and talents. In
his views he was bold and radical. He believed from
the beginning that the political power of the slave
holders would have to be overthrown before quiet
could be secured to the country. In the Presidential
canvass of r856 he supported the Fremont, or Re
publican, ticket. At the session ofthe Legislature of
T857 he was a candidate for United States Senator,
and as such received a very handsome support.
In r858, he was nominated for Governor of the
State by the -Republican convention that met at De
troit, and at the subsequent November election was
chosen by a very large majority. Before the day of
the election he had addressed the people of almost
every county and his majority was greater even than
that of his popular predecessor, Hon. K. S. Bingham.
He served as Governor two years, from Jan. r, 1859,
to Jan. 1, 1 86 1. His first message to the Legislature
was an able and statesman-like production, and was
read with usual favor. It showed that he was awake
to all the interests of the State and set forth an en
lightened State policy, that had its view of the rapid
settlement of our uncultivated lands and the devel
opment of our immense agricultural and mineral re
sources. It was a document that reflected the highest
credit upon the author.
His term having expired Jan. r, r86r, he returned
to his home in Pontiac, and to the practice of his
profession. There were those in the State who
counselled the sending of delegates to the peace con
ference at Washington, but Mr. W. was opposed to all
such temporizing expedients. His counsel was to
send no delegate, but to prepare to fight.
After Congress had met and passed the necessary
legislation he resoh ed to take part in the war. In
the spring and summer of 1862 he set to work to
raise a regiment of infantry, chiefly in Oakland
County, where he resided. His regiment, the 2 2d
Michigan, was armed and equipped and ready to
march in September, a regiment whose solid quali
ties were afterwards proven on many a bloody field.
Col. W's. commission bore the date of Sept. 8, 1862.
Before parting with his family he made his will. His
regiment was sent to Kentucky and quartered at
— @7

Camp Wallace. He had at the breaking out of the
war turned his attention to military studies and be
came proficient in the ordinary rules and discipline.
His entire attention was now devoted to his duties.
His treatment of his men was kind, though his disci
pline was rigid. He possessed in an eminent degree
the spirit of command, and had he lived he would
no doubt have distinguished himself as a good
officer. He was impatient of delay and chafed at
being kept in Kentucky where there was so little
prospect of "getting at the enemy. But life in camp,
so different from the one he had been leading, and
his incessant labors, coupled with that impatience
which was so natural and so general among the vol
unteers in the early part of the war, soon made their
influence felt upon his health. He was seized with
typhoid fever and removed to a private house near
Lexington. Every care which medical skill or the
hand of friendship could bestow was rendered him.
In the delirious wanderings of his mind he was dis
ciplining his men and urging them to be prepared for
an encounter with the enemy, enlarging upon the jus
tice of their cause and the necessity of their crush
ing the Rebellion. But the source of his most poig
nant grief was the prospect of not being able to come
to a hand-to-hand encounter with the "chivalry."
He was proud of his regiment, and felt that if it could
find the enemy it would cover itself with glory, — a
distinction it afterward obtained, but not until Col. W.
was no more. The malady baffled all medical treat
ment, and on the 5th day of Jan., 1863, he breathed
his last. His remains were removed to Michigan and
interred in the cemetery at Pontiac, where they rest
by the side of the brave Gen. Richardson, who re
ceived his mortal wound at the battle of Antietam.
Col. W. was no adventurer, although he was doubtless
ambitious' of military renown and would have striven
for it with characteristic energy. He went to the war
to defend and uphold the principles he had so much
at heart. Few men were more familiar than he with
the causes and the underlying principles that led to
the contest. He left a wife, who was a daughter of
Gen. C. C. Hascall, of Flint, and four children to
mourn his loss. Toward them he ever showed the
tenderest regard. Next to his duty their love and
welfare engrossed his thoughts. He was kind, gen
erous and brave, and like thousands of others he
sleeps the. sleep of the martyr for his country.
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USTIN BLAIR, Governor
of Michigan from Jan. 2,
i86r, to Jan. 4, 1865, and
ko'wn as the War Governor, is
and illustration of the benifi-
cent influence of republican in
stitutions, haying inherited neith
er fortune nor fame. He was born
in a log cabin at Caroline, Tomp
kins Co., N. Y., Feb. 8, 18 18.
His ancestors came from Scot
land in the time of George I, and
for many generations followed the
'Sj§ pursuit of agriculture. His father,
I George Blair, settled in Tompkins
County in r8o9, and felled the trees and erected the
first cabin in the county. The last 60 of the four
score years of his life were spent on that spot. He
married Rhoda Beackman, who now sleeps with him
in the soil of the old homestead. The first r7 years
of Mr. Blair's life were spent there, rendering his
father what aid he could upon the farm. He then
.spent a year and a half in- Cazenovia Seminary pre
paring for college; entered Hamilton College, in
Clinton, prosecuted his studies until the middle of
the junior year, when, attracted by the fame, of Dr.
Nott, he changed to Union College, from which he
graduated in the class of 1839. Upon leaving col
lege Mr. Blair read law two years in the office of Sweet
& Davis, Oswego, N. Y., and was admitted to practice
in r84r, and the same year moved to Michigan, locat

ing in Jackson. During a temporary residence in
Eaton Rapids, in 1842, he was elected Clerk of Eaton
County. At the close of the official term he returned to
Jackson, and as a Whig, zealously espoused the cause
of Henry Clay in the campaign of 1844. He was chosen
Representative to the Legislature in 1845, at which
session, as a member of the Judiciary Committee, he
rendered valuable service in the revision of the gen
eral statutes ; also made an able support in favor of
abolishing the color distinction in relation to the elec
tive franchise, arid at the same session was. active in
securing the abolition of capital punishment. In 1848
Mr. Blair refused longer to affiliate with the Whig
party, because of its refusial to endorse in convention
any anti-slavery sentiment. He joined the Free-soil
movement, and was a delegate to their convention
which nominated Van Buren for President that year.
Upon the birth of the Republican party at Jackson,
in 1854, by the coalitipn of the Whig and Free-soil
elements, Mr. Blair was in full sympathy with the
movement, and acted as a member of the Committee
on Platform. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney
of Jackson County in 1852 ; was chosen State Senator
two years later, taking his seat with the incoming Re
publican administration of r855, and holding the
position of parliamentary leader in the Senate. He
was a delegate to the National Convention which
nominated Abraham Lincoln in r86o. Mr. Blair
was elected Governor of Michigan in r86o, and re
elected in r862, faithfully and honorably discharging
the arduous duties of the office during that most mo-

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mentous and stormy period of the Nation's life. Gov.
Blair possessed a clear comprehension of the perilous
situation from the inception of the Rebellion, and his
inaugural address foreshadowed the prompt executive
policy and the administrative ability which charac
terized his gubernatorial career.
Never perhaps in the history of a nation has a
brighter example been laid down, or a greater sacri
fice been made, than that which distinguished Mich
igan during the civil war. All, from the "War Gov
ernor," down to the poorest citizen of the State, were
animated with a patriotic ardor at once magnificiently
sublime and wisely directed.
Very early in r86i the coming struggle cast its
shadow overthe Nation. Governor Blair, in his mes
sage to the Legislature in January of that year, dwelt
very forcibly upon the sad prospects of civil war; and
as forcibly pledged the State to support the principles
of the Republic. After a review of the conditions
of the State, he passed on to a consideration of the
relations between the free and slave States of the
Republic, saying: " While we are citizens of the State
of Michigan, and as such deeply devoted to her in
terests and honor, we have a still prouder title. We
are also citizeas of the United States of America. By
this title we are known among the nations ofthe earth.
In remote quarters of the globe, where the names of
the States are unknown, the flag of the great Republic,
the banner of the stars and stripes, honor and protect
her citizens. In whatever concerns the honor, the
prosperity and the perpetuity of this great Govern
ment, we are deeply interested. The people of Mich
igan are loyal to that Government — faithful to its con
stitution and its laws. Under it they have had peace
and prosperity ; and under it they mean to abide to
the end. Feeling a just pride in the glorious history
of the past, they will not renounce the equally glo
rious hopes of the future. But they will rally around
the standards of the Nation and defend its integrity
and its constitution, with fidelity." The final para
graph being :
" I recommend you at an early day to make mani- |

fest to the gentlemen who represent this State in the Vf
two Houses of Congress, and to the country, that te
Michigan is loyal to the Union, the Constitution, and *!••
the laws and will defend them to the uttermost ; and
to proffer to the President of the United States, the V
whole military power of the State for that purpose.
Oh, for the firm, steady hand of a Washington, or a
Jackson, to guide the ship of State in this perilous
storm ! Let us hope that we will find him on the 4th
of March. Meantime, let us abide in the faith of our
fathers— *' Liberty and Union, one and inseparable,
now and forever.' "
How this stirring appeal was responded to by the
people of Michigan will be seen by the statement
that the State furnished 88,rir men during the war.
Money, men, clothing and food were freely and abun
dantly supplied by this State during all these years of
darkness and blood shed. No State won a brighter
record for her devotion to our country than the Pen
insula State, and to Gov. Blair, more than to any 5=
other individual is due the credit for its untiring zeal •£
and labors in the Nation's behalf, and for the heroism 5y
manifested in its defense.
Gov. Blair was elected Representative to the (.)
Fortieth Congress, and twice re-elected, to the Forty-
first arid Forty-second Congress, from the Third Dis
trict of Michigan. While a member of that body he
was a strong supporter of reconstruction measures,
and sternly opposed every form of repudiation. His
speech upon the national finances, delivered on the
floor of the House March 21, r868, was a clear and
convincing argument. Since his retirement from Con
gress, Mr. Blair has been busily occupied with his ex
tensive law practice. Mr. Blair married Sarah L.
Ford, of Seneca County N. Y., in February, T849.
Their family consists of 4 sons— George H., a law
partner of A. J. Gould ; Charles A., a law partner with
hir father, and Fred. J. and Austin T. Blair, at home.
Governor Blair's religion is of the broad type, and

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centers in the "Golden Rule." In 1883, Gov. Blair $
was nominated- for Justice of the Supreme Courl
of the State by the Republican party, but was defeated
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ENRY HOWLAND CRAPO,
Governor of Michigan from
1865 to 1869, was born May
24, r8o4, at Dartmouth, Bris
tol Co., Mass., and died at
Flint, Mich., July 22, 1869.
He was the eldest son of Jesse
and Phcebe (Howland) Crapo.
His father was of French descent
and was very poor, sustaining his
1 family by the cultivation of a farm in
Dartmouth township, which yielded
nothing beyond a mere livelihood.
His early life was consequently one
of toil and devoid of advantages for
intellectual culture, but his desire for
an education seemed to know no bounds. The in
cessant toil for a mere subsistence upon a compara
tively sterile farm, had no charm for him ; and, longing
for greater usefulness and better things, he looked for
them in an education. His struggles to secure this
end necessitated sacrifices and hardships that wOuld
have discouraged any but the most courageous and
persevering. He became an ardent student and
worker from his boyhood, though the means of carry
ing on his studies werf exceedingly limited. He
sorely felt the need of a dictionary ; and, neither having
money wherewith to purchase it, nor being able to
procure one in his neighborhood, he set out to compile
one for himself. In order to acquire a knowledge of
the English language, he copied into a book every
word whose meaning he did not comprehend, and
upon meeting the same word again in the newspapers
and books, which came into his hands,, from the

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

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HENRY HOWLAND CRAPO.

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a severe examination. Receiving a certificate that
he was qualified, he walked back to his home the
same night, highly elated in being possessed of the
acquirements and requirements of a master of the
high school.
In r832, at the age of 28 years, he left his native
town and went to reside at New Bedford, where he
followed the occupation of land surveyor, and oc
casionally acted as an auctioneer. Soon after becom
ing a citizen of this place, he was elected Town Clerk,
Treasurer, and Collector of taxes, which office he held
until the municipal government was changed, — about
fifteen years, — when, upon the inauguration of the city
government, he was elected Treasurer and Collector
of taxes, a position which he held two or three years.
He was also Justice of the Peace for many years.
He was elected Alderman of New Bedford ; was
Chairman of Council Committee on Education, and
as such prepared a report upon which was based' the
order for the establishment of the free Public Library
of New Bedford. On its organization, Mr. Crapo was
chosen a member of the Board of Trustee's. This
was the first free public library in Massachusetts, if
not'in the world. The Boston Free Library was es
tablished, however, soon afterwards. While a resident
in New Bedford, he was much interested in horticul
ture, and to obtain the land necessary for carrying out
his ideas he drained and reclaimed several acres of
rocky and swampy land adjoining his garden. Here
he started a nursery, which he filled with almost every
description of fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs,
flowers, etc. In this he was very successful and took
great pride. He was a regular contributorto the New
England Horticultural Journal, a position he filled
as long as he lived in Massachusetts. As an indica
tion of the wide reputation he acquired in that field
of labor, it may be mentioned that after his death an
affecting eulogy to his memory was pronounced by the
President of the National Horticultural Society at its
meeting in Philadelphia, in 1869. During his resi
dence in New Bedford, Mr. Crapo was also engaged
in the whaling business. A fine barque built at Dart
mouth, of which he was part owner, was named the
"H. H. Crapo" in compliment to him.
Mr. C. also took part in the State Militia, and for
several years held a commission as Colonel of one of
the regiments. He was President of the Bristol
County Mutual Fire Insurance Co., and Secretary of
the Bedford Commercial Insurance Company in New
Bedford; and while an officer of the municipal gov-
ernmenthecompiled and published, between the years
1836 and 1845, five numbers of the New Bedford
Directory, the first work of the kind ever published
there. Mr. C. removed to Michigan in r856, having been
induced to do so by investments made principally in
pine lands, first in 1837 and subsequently in 1856.
He took up his residence in the city of Flint, and en

gaged largely in the manufacture .and sale of lumber
at Flint, Fentonville, Holly and Detroit, becoming
one of the largest and most successful business men
of the State. He was mainly instrumental in the
construction of the Flint & Holly R. R., and was
President of that corporation unlil its consolidation
with the Flint & Pere M'arquette R. R. Company.
He was elected Mayor of that city after he had been
a resident of the place only five or six years. In
1862 he was elected State Senator. In the fall of
1864 he received the nomination on the Republican
ticket for Governor of the State, and was elected by a
large majority. He was re-elected in r866, holding
the office two terms, and retiring in January, 1869,
having given the greatest satisfaction to all parties.
While' serving his last term he was attacked with a
disease which terminated his life within one year
afterwards. During much of this time he was an in
tense sufferer, yet often while in great pain gave his
attention to public matters. A few weeks previous
to his death a successful surgical operation was per
formed which seemed rapidly to restore him, but he
overestimated his strength, and by too much exertion
in business matters and State affairs suffered arelapse
from which there was no rebound, and he died July
33, l869-
In the early part of his life, Gov- Crapo affiliated
with the Whig party in politics, but became an active
member of the Republican party after its organization.
He was a member of the Christian (sometimes called
the Disciples') Church, and took great interest in its
welfare and prosperity.
Mr. C. married, June 9, r825, Mary A. Slocum,
of Dartmouth. His marriage took place soon after
he had attained his majority, and before his struggles
with fortune had been rewarded with any great meas
ure of success. But his wife was a woman of great
strength of character and possessed of courage, hope
fulness and devotion, qualities which sustained and
encouraged her husband in the various pursuits of
his early years. For several years after his marriage
he was engaged in teaching school, his wife living
with her parents at the time, at whose home his two
older children were born. While thus situated he
was accustomed to walk home on Saturday to see
his family, returning on Sunday in Order to be ready
for school Monday morning. As the walk for a good
part of the time was 20 miles each way, it is evident
that at that period of his life no common obstacles
deterred him from performing what he regarded
as a duty. His wife was none the less consci
entious in her sphere, and with added responsibilities
and increasing requirements she labored faithfully
in the performance of all her duties. They had
ten children, one son and nine daughters. His son,
Hon. Wm. W. Crapo, of New Bedford, is now an
honored Representative to Congress from the First
Congressional District of Massachusetts.

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ENRY P. BALDWIN, Gov
ernor of Michigan from Jan.
4, r869, to Jan. r, 1873, is a '
lineal descendant of Nathan
iel Baldwin, a Puritan, of Buck
inghamshire, England, who set
tled at Milford, Conn., in 1639.
His father was John Baldwin,
a graduate of Dartmouth Col
lege. He died at North Provi
dence, R. I., in 1826. His
paternal grandfather was Rev.
Moses Baldwin, a graduate of
Princeton College, in 1757, and the
first who received collegiate hon
ors at that ancient and honored institution. He died
at Parma, Mass., in r8r3, where for more than 50
years he had been pastor of the Presbyterian Church.
On his mother's side Governor B. is descended from
Robert Williams, also a Puritan, who settled in Rox
bury, Mass., about 1638. His mother was a daughter
of Rev. Nehemiah Williams, a graduate of Harvard
College.who died at Brimfield, Mass., in 1796, where
for 21 years he was pastor of the Congregationalist
Church. The subject of this sketch was born at
Coventry, R. I., Feb. 22, r8r4. He received a New
England common-school education until the age of
12 years, when, both his parents having died, he be
came a clerk in a mercantile establishment. He re'^
mained there, employing his leisure hours in study,
until 20 years of age.
At this early period Mr. B. engaged in business on
his own account. He made a visit to the West, in
r837, which resulted in his removal to Detroit in the
spring of 1838. Here he established a mercantile
house which has been successfully conducted until
the present time. Although he successfully conducted

a large business, he has ever taken a deep interest in
all things affecting the prosperity of the city and
State of his adoption. He was for several years a
Director and President of the Detroit Young Men's
Society, an institution with a large library designed
for the benefit of young men and citizens generally.
An Episcopalian in religious belief, he has been
prominent in home matters connected with that de
nomination. The large and flourishing parish of St.
John, Detroit, originated with Governor Baldwin, who
gave the lot on which the parish edifice stands, and
also contributed the larger share of the cost of their
erection. Governor B. was one of the foremost in
the establishment of St. Luke's Hospital, and has
always been a liberal contributor to moral and relig
ious enterprises whether connected with his own
Church or not. There have been, in fact, but few
public and social improvements of Detroit during the
past 40 years with which Governor B.'s name is not
in some way connected. He was a director in the
Michigan State Bank until the expiration of its char
ter, and has been President of the Second National
Bank since its organization.
In i860, Mr. Baldwin was elected to the State
Senate, of Michigan ; during the years of i86i-'2 he
was made Chairman of the Finance Committee, a
member of Committee on Banks and Incorporations,
Chairman of the Select Joint Committee of the two
Houses for the investigation of the Treasury Depart
ment and the official acts of the Treasurer, and of
the letting of the contract for the improvement of
Sault St. Marie Ship Canal. He was first elected
Governor in 1868 and was re-elected in 1870, serving
from 1869 to 1872, inclusive. It is no undeserved
eulogy to say that Governor B.'s happy faculty of es
timating the necessary means to an end — the knowing
of how much effort or attention to bestow upon the
thing in hand, has been the secret of the uniform

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HENRY P. BALDWIN.

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success that has attended his efforts in all relations
of life. The same industry and accuracy that dis
tinguished him prior to this term as Governor was
manifest in his career as the chief magistrate of the
State, and while his influence appears in all things
with which he has had to do, it is more noticeable in
the most prominent position to which he was called.
With rare exceptions the important commendations
of Governor B. received the sanction of the Legislat
ure. During his administration marked improve
ments were made in the charitable, penal and reforma
tory institutions of the State. The State Public School
for dependent children was founded and a permanent
commission for the supervision of the several State
institutions. The initiatory steps toward building the
Eastern Asylum for the Insane, the State House of
Correction, and the establishment of the State Board
of Health were recommended by Governor B. in his
message of ^73. The new State Capitol also owes
its origen to him. The appropriation for its erection
was made upon his recommendation, and the contract
for the entire work let under this administration.
Governor B. also appointed the commissioners under
whose faithful supervision the building was erected in
a manner most satisfactory to the people of the State.
He advised and earnestly urged at different times
such amendments of the constitution as would per
mit a more equitable compensation to State officers
and judges. Thelaw of r869, and prior also, permitting
municipalities to vote aid toward the construc
tion of railroads was, in 1870, declared unconstitu
tional by the Supreme Court. Many of the munici
palities having in the meantime issued and sold their
bonds in good faith, Governor B. felt that the honor
and credit of the State were in jeopardy. His sense
of justice impelled him to call an extra session of the
Legislature to propose the submission to the people a
constitutional amendment, authorizing the payment
of such bonds as were already in the hands of bona-
fide holders. In his special message he says : "The
credit of no State stands higher than that of Michigan,
and the people can not afford, and I trust will not
consent, to have her good name tarnished by the repu
diation of either legal or moral obligations." A spe
cial session was called in March, 1872, principally for
the division of the State into congressional districts.
A number of other important suggestions were made,
however, ar.d as an evidence of the Governor's la
borious and thoughtful c^re for the financial condition

-^g^ — ^j-^hik

of the State, a series of tables was prepared and sub
mitted by him showing, in detail, estimate&of receipts,
expenditures and appropriations for the years 1872 to
1 87 8, inclusive. Memorable of Governor B. 's admin
istration were the devastating fires which swept over
many portions of the Northwest in the fall of i87r.
A large part of the city of Chicago having been re
duced to ashes, Governor B. promptly issued a proc
lamation calling upon the people of Michigan for
liberal aid in behalf of the afflicted city. Scarcely had
this been issued when several counties in his State
were laid waste by the same destroying element.
A second call was made asking assistance for the suf
fering people of Michigan. The contributions for
these objects were prompt and most liberal, more than
$700,000 having been received in money and supplies
for the relief of Michigan alone. So ample were
these contributions during the short period of about
3 months, that the Governor issued a proclamation
expressing in behalf of the people of the State grate
ful acknowldgment, and announcing that further
aid was unnecessary.
Governor B. has traveled extensively in his own
country and has also made several visits to Europe
and other portions of the Old World. He was a pas
senger on the Steamer Arill, which was captured and
bonded in the Carribean Sea, in December, 1862, by"
Capt. Semmes, and wrote a full and interesting ac
count of the transaction. The following estimate of
Governor B. on his retirement from office, by a leading
newspaper, is not overdrawn: "The retiring message
of Governor B., will be read with interest. It is
a characteristic document and possesses the lucid
statement, strong, and clear practical sense, which
have been marked features of all preceding documents
from the same source. Governor B. retired to private
life after four years of unusually successful adminis
tration amid plaudits that are universal throughout the
State. For many years eminent and capable men
have filled the executive chair of this State, but in
painstaking vigilance, in stern good sense, in genuine
public spirit, in thorough integrity and in practical
capacity, Henry P. Baldwin has shown himself to be
the peer of any or all of them. The State has been un
usually prosperous during his two terms, and the State
administration has fully kept pace with the needs of
the times. The retiring Governor has fully earned
the public gratitude and confidence which he to-day
possesses to svich remarkable degree,"
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OHN JUDSON BAGLEY,
Governor of Michigan from
1873 to 1877, was born in
Medina, Orleans Co., N. Y.,
July 24, r 83 2 . His father, John
Bagley, was a native of New
Hampshire, his mother, Mary M.
Bagley, of Connecticut. He at
tended the district school of Lock-
port, N. Y., until he was eight years
old, at which time his father moved

to Constantine, Mich., and he at
tended the common schools of that
village. His early experience was
like that of many country boys whose
parents removed from Eastern States
to the newer portion of the West.
His father being in very poor circum-
|Wf| stances> Mr. B. was obliged to work
as soon as he was able to do so.
Leaving school when 13 years of age
he entered a country store in Constan
tine as clerk. His father then re
moved toOwosso, Mich., and he again
engaged as clerk in a store. From
early youth Mr. B. was extravagantly fond of reading
and devoted every leisure moment to the perusal of
such books, papers and periodicals as came within
his reach. In 1847, he removed to Detroit, where he
secured' employment in a tobacco manufactory and
remained in this position for about five years.
In r853, he began business for himself in the man
ufacturing of tobacco. His establishment has become
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one of the largest of the kind in the West. Mr. B.
has also been greatly interested in other manufactur
ing enterprises, as well as in mining, banking and in
surance corporations. He was President of the
Detroit Safe Company for several years. He was one
of the organizers of the Michigan Mutual Life Insur
ance Company of Detroit, and was its President from
r867 to r872. He was a director of the Amer
ican National Bank for many years, and a stock
holder and director in various other corporations.
Mr. B. was a member of the Board of Education two
years, and of the Detroit Common Council the same
length of time. In 1865 he was appointed by Gover
nor Crapo one of the first commissioners of the
Metropolitian police force of the city of Detroit, serv
ing six years. In November, 1872, he was elected
Governor of Michigan, and two years later was re
elected to trie same office, retiring in January, 1877.
He was an active worker in the Republican party, and
for many years was Chairman of the Republican
State Central committee.
Governor Bagley was quite liberal in his religious
views and was an attendant ofthe Unitarian Church.
He aimed to be able to hear and consider any new
thought, from whatever source it may come, but was not
bound by any religious creed or formula. He held
in respect all religious opinions, believing that no one
can be injured by a firm adherence to a faith or de
nomination. He was married at Dubuque, Iowa, Jan.
16, 1855, to Frances E. Newberry, daughter of Rev.
Samuel Newberry, a pioneer missionary of Michigan,
who took an active part in the early educational mat
ters of the State and in the establishment of its ex
cellent system of education, It was principally
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through his exertions that the State University was
founded. Mr. B.'s family consists of seven children.
As Governor his administration was charac
terized by several important features, chief among
which were his efforts to improve and make popular
the educational agencies of the State by increasing
the faculty of the University for more thorough in
struction in technical studies,by strengthening the hold
of the Agricultural College upon the public good will
and making the general change which has manifested
itself in many scattered primary districts. Among
others were an almost complete revolution in the
management of the penal and charitable institutions
of the State; the passage of the liquor-tax law, taking
the place of the dead letter of prohibition; the estab
lishing of the system of dealing with juvenile offend
ers through county agents, which has proved of great
good in turning the young back from crime and plac
ing the State in the attitude of a moral agent ; in se
curing for the militia the first time in the history of
Michigan a systematized organization upon a service
able footing. It was upon the suggestion of Gov. B.
in the earlier part of his administration that the law
creating the State Board of Health, and also the law
creating a fish commission in the inland waters of the
State, were passed, both of which have proved of great
benefit to the State. The successful representation
of Michigan at the Centennial Exhibition is also an
honorable part of the record of Gov. B.'s adminis
tration. As Governor, he felt that he represented the State
—not in a narrow, egotistical way, but in the same
sense that a faithful, trusted, confidential agent rep
resents his employer, and as the Executive of the
State he was her " attorney in fact." And his intelli
gent, thoughtful care will long continue the pride of
the people he so much loved. He was ambitious —
ambitious for place and power, as every noble mind
is ambitious, because these give opportunity. How
ever strong the mind and powerful the will, if there
be no ambition, life is a failure. He was not blind to
the fact that the more we have the more is required
of us. He accepted it in its fullest meaning. He
had great hopes for his State and his country. He had
his ideas of what they should be. With a heart as
broad as humanity itself; with an intelligent, able and
cultured brain, the will and the power to do, he
asked his fellow citizen to give him the opportunity to
labor for them. Self entered not into the calculation.

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

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HARLES M. CROSWELL,
Governor of Michigan from
Jan. 3, 1877 to Jan. 1, 1881,
was born at Newburg, Orange
County, N. Y., Oct. 31, 1825.
He is the only son of John and
Sallie (Hicks) Croswell. His
father, who was of Scotch-Irish
extraction, was a paper-maker,
and carried on business in New
York City. His ancestors on
his mother's side were of Knicker
bocker descent. The Croswell
family may be found connected
with prominent events, in New York
and Connecticut, in the early exis
tence of the Republic. Harry Cros
well, during the administration of
President Jefferson, published a pa
per called the Balance, and was
prosecuted for libeling the President
under the obnoxious Sedition Law.
He was defended by the celebrated

Alexander Hamilton, and the decis
ion of the case establised the important ruling that
the truth might be shown in cases of libel. Another
member of the family was Edwin Croswell, the fam
ous editor of the Albany Argus; also, Rev. William
Croswell, noted as a divine and poet.
When Charles M. Croswell was seven years of age,
his father was accidentally drowned in the Hudson
River, at Newburg ; and, within three months preced
ing that event, his mother and only sister had died,^-
thus leaving him the sole surviving member of the
family, without fortune or means. Upon the death
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of his father he went to live with an uncle, who, in
1837, emigrated with him to Adrain, Michigan. At
sixteen years of age, he commenced to learn the car
penter's trade, and worked at it very diligently for
four years, maintaining himself, and devoting his spare
time to reading and the acquirement of knowledge.
In 1846, he began the study of law, and was ap
pointed Deputy Clerk of Lenawee County. The du
ties of this office he performed four years, when he
was elected Register of Deeds, and was re-elected
in 1852. In r854, he took part in the first movements
for the formation of the Republican party, and was a
member and Secretary of the convetion held at Jack
son in that year, which put in the field the first Re
publican State ticket in Michigan. In r8s5, he
formed a law partnership with the present Chief- Jus
tice Cooley, which continued until the removal of
Judge Cooley to Ann Arbor.
In r862, Mr. Croswell was appointed City Attorney
of Adrian. He was also elected Mayor of the city
in the spring of the same year ; and in the fall was
chosen to represent Lenawee County in the State
Senate. He was re-elected to the Senate in 1864,
and again in 1866, during each term filling the posi
tions above mentioned. Among various reports made
by him, one adverse to the re-establishment of the
death penalty, and another against a proposition to
pay the salaries of State officers and judges in coin,
which then commanded a very large premium, may
be mentioned. He also drafted the act ratifying the
Thirteenth Amendment to the Federal Constitution,
for the abolishment of slavery* it being the first
amendment to the instrument ratified by Michigan.
In r863, from his seat in the State Senate, he de
livered an elaborate speech in favor of the Proclama-

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CH ARLES M. CROSWELL.

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tion of Emancipation issued by President Lincoln,
and of his general policy in the prosecution of the
war. This, at the request of his Republican associ
ates, was afterwards published. In 1867, he was
elected a member of the Constitutional Convention,
and chosen its presiding officer. This convention
was composed of an a*ble body of men ; and though,
.in the general distrust of constitutional changes
which for some years had been taking possession of
the people, their labors were not accepted by the pop
ular vote, it was always conceded that the constitu
tion they proposed had been prepared with great care
and skill.
In 1868, Mr. Croswell was chosen an Elector on
the Republican Presidential ticket; in X872, was
elected a Representative to the State Legislature
from Lenawee County, and was chosen Speaker of
the House of Representatives: At the close of the
session of that body his abilities as a parliamentarian,
and the fairness of his rulings were freely and form
ally acknowledged by his associates ; and he was pre
sented with a superb collection of their portraits
handsomely framed. He was, also, for several years,
Secretary of the State Board for the general supervis
ion of the charitable and penal institutions of Michi
gan ; iri which position, his propositions for the amel
ioration of the condition of the unfortunate, and the
reformation of the criminal classes, signalize the be
nevolence of his nature, and the practical character
of his mind.
In r876, the general voice of the Republicans of
the State indicted Mr. Croswell as their choice for
Governor; and, at the State Convention of the party
in August of the same year, he was put in nomination
by acclamation, without the formality of a ballot. At
the election in November following, he was chosen to
the high position for which he had been nominated,
by a very large majority over all opposing candidates.
His inaugural message was received with general
favor ; and his career as Governor was marked with
the same qualities of head and heart that have ever
distinguished him, both as a citizen and statesman.
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Governor Groswell has always prepared his ad-.
dresses with care ; and, as his diction is terse, clear,
and strong, without excess of ornament, and his de
livery impressive, he is a popular speaker ; and many
of his speeches have attracted favorable comment in
the public prints, and have a permanent value. He
has always manifested a deep interest in educational
matters, and was foryears a member and Secretary of
the Board of Education of Adrain. At the formal
opening of the Central School building in that city,
on the 24th day of April, 1869, he gave, in a public
address, an " Historical Sketch of the Adrian Public
Schools." In his private life, Governor Croswell has been as
exemplary as in his public career he has been suc
cessful and useful. In February, r852, he was mar
ried to a daughter of Morton Eddy, Lucy M. Eddy,
a lady of many amiable and sunny qualities. She
suddenly died, March 19, 1868, leaving two daugh
ters and a son. Governor Croswell is not a member
of any religious body, but generally attends the Pres
byterian Church. He pursues the profession of law,
but of late has been occupied mainly in the care of his
own interests, and the quiet duties of advice in
business difficulties, for which his unfailing pru
dence and sound judgment eminently fit him. Gov
ernor Croswell is truly popular, not only with those of
like political faith with himself, but with those who
differ from him in this regard.
During Gov. Croswell's administration the public
debt was greatly reduced ; a policy adopted requiring
the State institutions to keep within the limit of ap
propriations ; laws enacted to provide more effectually
for the punishment df corruption and bribrery in elec
tions; the State House of Correction at Ionia and the
Eastern Asylum for the Insane at Pontiac were opened,
and the new capital at Lansing was completed and
occupied. The first act of his second term was to pre
side at the dedication of this building, The great riot
at Jackson occured during his administration, and it
was only by his promptness that great distruction of
both life and property was prevented at that time.

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G0 VERNORS OF MICHIGAN.

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DAVID H. JEROME, Gover-
|knor of from Jan. r, r88i, to
Jan. r, 1883, was born at De
troit, Mich., Nov. 17, r829.
His parents emigrated to
Michigan from Trumansburg,
Tompkins Co., N. Y., in 1828,
locating at Detroit. His father
died March 30, 1831, leaving
nine children. He had been
twice married, and four of the
children living at the time of his
death were grown up sons, the off
spring of his first union. Of the
five children by his second marriage, David H. was
the youngest. Shortly after Mr. Jerome's death, his
widow moved back to New York and settled in
Onondaga County near Syracuse, where they remained
until the fall of 1834, the four sons by the first wife
continuing their residence in Michigan. In the fall
of 1834, Mrs. Jerome came once more to Michigan,
locating on a farm in St. Clair County. Here the
Governor formed those habits of industry and ster
ling integrity that have been so characteristic of the
man in the active duties of life. He was sent to the
district sdhool, and in the acquisition of the funda
mental branches of learning he displayed a.precocity
and an application which won for him the admiration
of his teachers, and always placed him at the head
'd of his classes. In the meantime he did chores on
<^ the farm, and was always ready with a cheerful heart
and willing hand to assist his widowed mother. The
heavy labor of the farm was carried on by his two

older brothers, Timothy and George, and when r3
years of age David received his mother's permission to
attend school at the St. Clair Academy. While attend
ing there he lived with Marcus H. Miles, now de
ceased, doing chores for his board, and the following
winter performed the same service for James Ogden,
also deceased. The next summer Mrs. Jerome
moved into the village of St. Clair, for the purpose of
continuing her son in school. While attending said
academy one of his associate students was Sena
tor Thomas W. Palmer, of Detroit, a rival candidate
before the gubernatorial convention in 1880. He
completed his education in the fall of his 16th year,
and the following winter assisted his brother Timothy
in hauling logs in the pine woods. The next summer
he rafted logs down the St. Clair River to Algonac.
In 1847, M. H. Miles being Clerk in St. Clair Coun
ty, and Volney A. Ripley Register of Deeds, David
H. Jerome was appointed Deputy to each, remaining
as such during 1848-49, and receiving much praise
from Jiis employers and the people in general for the
ability displayed in the discharge of his duties. He
spent his summer vacation at clerical work on board
the lake vessels.
In r 849- '50, he abandoned office work, and for the
proper development of his physical system spent
several months hauling logs. In the spring of 1850,
his brother "Tiff" and himself chartered the steamer
"Chautauqua," and "Young Dave" became her mas
ter. A portion of the season the boat was engaged
in the passenger and freight traffic between Port
Huron and Detroit, but during the latter part was
used as a tow boat. At that time there was a serious
obstruction to navigation, known as the "St. Clair
Flats," between Lakes Huron and Erie, over which

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vessels could carry only about ro,ooo bushels of grain.
Mr. Jerome conceived the idea of towing vessels
from one lake to the other, and put his plan into
operation. Through the influence of practical men, —
among them the subject of this sketch, — Congress
removed the obstruction above referred to, and now
vessels can pass them laden with 60,000 or 80,000
bushels of grain.
During the season, the two brothers succeeded
in making a neat little sum of money by the sum
mer's work, but subsequently lost it all on a contract
to raise the "G$n. Scott," a vessel that had sunk in
Lake St. Clair. David H. came out free from debt,
but possessed of hardly a dollar of capital. In the
spring of r85 1 , he was clerk and acting master of the
steamers "Franklin Moore" and "Ruby," plying be
tween Detroit and Port Huron and Goderich. The
following year he was clerk of the propeller "Prince
ton," running between Detroit and Buffalo.
In January, 1853, Mr. Jerome went to California,
by way of the Isthmus, and enjoyed extraordinary
success in selling goods in a new place of his selec
tion, among the mountains near Marysville He re
mained there during the summer, and located the
Live Yankee Tunnel Mine, which has since yielded
millions to its owners, and is still a paying investment.
He planned and put a tunnel 600 feet into the mine,
but when the water supply began to fail with the dry
season, sold out his interest. He left in the fall of
1853, and in December sailed from San Francisco for
New York, arriving at his home in St. Clair County,
about a year after his departure. During his absence
his brother "Tiff" had located at Saginaw, and in
1854 Mr. Jerome joined him in his lumber operations
in the valley. In 1855 the brothers bought Black-
mer & Eaton's hardware and general supply stores,
at Saginaw, and David H. assumed the management
of the business. From 1855 to r873 he was also ex
tensively engaged in lumbering operations.
Soon after locating at Saginaw he was nominated
for Alderman against Stewart B. Williams, a rising
young man, of strong Democratic principles. The
ward was largely Democratic, but Mr. Jerome was
elected by a handsome majority. When the Repub
lican party was born at Jackson, Mich., David H.
Jerome was, though not a delegate to the convention,
one of its "charter members.' In 1862, he was com
missioned by Gov. Austin Blair to raise one of the'

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six regiments apportioned to the State of Michigan.
Mr. Jerome immediately went to work and held
meetings at various points. The zeal and enthusiasm
displayed by this advocate of the Union awakened a
feeling of patriotic interest in the breasts of many
brave men, and in . a short space of time the 23d
Regiment of Michigan Volunteer Infantry was placed
in the field, and subsequently gained for itself a bril
liant record.
In the fall of 1862, Mr. Jerome was nominated by
the Republican party for State Senator from the 26th
district, Appleton Stevens, of Bay City, being his op
ponent. The contest was very exciting, and resulted
in the triumphant election of Mr. Jerome. He was
twice renominated and elected both times by in
creased majorities, defeating George1 Lord, of Bay
City, and Dr. Cheseman, of Gratiot County. On tak
ing his seat in the Senate, he was appointed Chair
man of the Committee on State Affairs, and was ac
tive in raising means and troops to carry on the war.
He held the same position during his three terms of
service, and introduced the bill creating the Soldiers'
Home at Harper Hospital, Detroit.
He was selected by Gov. Crapo as a military aid,
and in 1865 was appointed a member of the State
Military Board, and served as its President for eight
consecutive years. In 1873, he was appointed by
Gov. Bagley a member of the convention to prepare
a new State Constitution, and was Chairman of the
Committee on Finance.
In r875, Mr. Jerome was appointed a member of
the Board of Indian Commissioners. In I876 he was
Chairman of a commission to visit Chief* Joseph, the
Nez Perce Indian, to arrange an amicable settlement
of all existing difficulties. The commission went to
Portland, Oregon, thence to the Blue Hills, in Idaho,
a distance of 600 miles up the Columbia River.
At the Republican State Convention, convened at
Jackson in August, 1880, Mr. Jerome was placed in
the field for nomination, and on the 5th day of the
month received the highest honor the convention
could confer on any one. His opponent was Freder
ick M. Holloway, of Hillsdale County, who was sup
ported by the Democratic and Greenback parties.
The State was thoroughly canvassed by both parties,
and when the polls were closed on the evening of
election day, it was found that David H. Jerome had
been selected by the voters of the Wolverine State to
occupy the highest position within their gift.

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GC VERNORS OF MICHIGAN

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OSIAH W. BEGOLE, the
present (1883), Governor of
Michigan was born in Living
ston, County, N. Y.,- Jan. 20,
18 15. His ancestors were of
French descent, and settled at
an early period in the State of
Maryland. His grandfather, Capt.
Bolles, of that State, was an offi
cer in the American army during
the war ofthe Revolution. About
the beginning of the present cent-
f (£h ury both his grandparents, having
become dissatisfied with the insti
tution of slavery, although slave
holders themselves, emigrated to
Livingston County, N. Y., then
a new country, taking with them a
number of their former slaves, who
volunteered to accompany them.
His father was an officer in the
America^ army, and served during
the war of 181 2.
Mr. B. received his early education in a log school-
house, and subsequently attended the Temple Hill
Academy, at Geneseo, N. Y. Being the eldest of a
family of ten children, whose parents were in moder
ate though comfortable circumstances, he was early
taught habits of industry, and when 2 1 years of age,
being ambitious to better his condition in life, he re

solved to seek his fortune in the far West, as it was
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then called. In August, ^36, he left the parental
roof to seek a home in the Territory of Michigan
then an almost unbroken wilderness. He settled in
Genesee County, and aided with his own hands in
building some of the early residences in what is now
known as the city of Flint. There were but four or
five houses where this flourishing city now stands
when he selected it as his home.
In the spring of 1839 he married Miss Harriet A.
Miles. The marriage proved a most fortunate one ,
and to the faithful wife of his youth, who lives to en
joy with him the comforts of an honestlyearned com
petence, Mr. Begole ascribes largely his success in
life. Immediately after his marriage he commenced
work on an unimproved farm, where, by his perse
verance and energy, he soon established a good home,
and at the end of eighteen years was the owner of a
well improved farm of five hundred acres.
Mr. Begole being an anti-slavery man, became a
member of the Republican party at its organization.
He served his townsmen in various offices, and was
in r856, elected County Treasurer., which office he
held for eight years.
At the breaking out of the Rebellion he did not
carry a musket to the front, but his many friends will
bear witness that he took an active part in recruiting
and furnishing supplies for the army, and in looking
after the interests of soldiers' families at home. The
death ofhis eldest son near Atlanta, Ga., by a Confed-
rate bullet, in r864, was the greatest sorrow ofhis life.
When a few years later he was a member in Congress

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Gov. Begole voted and worked for the soldiers'
bounty equalization bill, an act doing justice to the
soldier who bore the burden and heat of the day, and
who should fare equally with him who came in at the
eleventh hour. That bill was defeated in the House
on account of the large appropriation that would be
required to pay the same.
In 1870, Gov. Begole was nominated by acclama
tion for the office of State Senator, and elected by a
large majority. In that body he served on the Com
mittees of Finance and Railroads, and was Chairman
of the Committee on the Institute for the Deaf and
Dumb and Blind. He took a liberal and public-
spirited view of the importance of a new capitol
building worthy of the State, and was an active mem
ber of the Committee that drafted the bill for the
same. He was a delegate to the National Republi
can Convention held at Philadelphia in r872, and
was the chosen member of that delegation to go to
Washington and inform Gen. Grant and Senator
Wilson of their nominations. It was while at that
convention that, by the express wish of his many
friends, he was induced to offer himself a can
didate for the nomination of member to the 43d Con
gress, in which he was successful, after competing for
the nomination with several of the most worthy, able
and experienced men in the Sixth Congressional Dis
trict, and was elected by a very large majority.- In
Congress, he was a member of the Committee on
Agricultural and Public Expenditures. Being one of
the r7 farmers in that Congress, he took an active
part in the Committee of Agriculture, and was ap
pointed by that committee to draft the most impor
tant report made by that committee, and upon the
only subject recommended by the President in his
message, which he did and the report was printed in
records of Congress ; he took an efficient though an
unobtrusive part in all its proceedings.
He voted for the currency bill, remonetization of
silver, and other financial measures, many of which,
though defeated then, have since become the settled
policy of the country. Owing to the position which
Mr. Begole occupied on these questions, he became a
"Greenbacker." In the Gubernatorial election of 1882, Mr. Begole
was the candidate of both the Greenback and Dem
ocratic parties, and was elected by a vote of ^4,269,
the Republican candidate, Hpn, David H. Jerome,

receiving ^9,697 votes. Mr. Begole, in entering
upon his duties as Governor, has manifested a spirit
that has already won him many friends, and bids fair
to make his administration both successful and pop
ular. The very best indications of what a man is, is what
his own townsmen think of him. We give the fol
lowing extract from the Flint Globe, the leading Re
publican paper in Gov. Begole's own county, and it,
too, written during the heat of a political campaign,
which certainly is a flattering testimonial of his ster-'
ling worth :
" So far, however, as Mr. Begole, the head of the
ticket, is concerned, there is nothing detrimental to
his character that can be alleged against him. He
has sometimes changed his mind in politics, but for
sincerity ofhis beliefs and the earnestness of his pur
pose nobody who knows him entertains a doubt. He
is incapable of bearing malice, even against his bit
terest political enemies. He has a warm, generous
nature, and a larger, kinder heart does not beat in
the bosom of any man in Michigan. He is not much
given to making speeches, but deeds are more signif
icant of a man's character than words. There are
many scores of men in all parts of the State where
Mr. Begole is acquainted, who have had practical \)>
demonstrations of these facts, and who are liable to *
step outside of party lines to show that they do not
forget his kindness, and who, no doubt, wish that he
was a leader in what would not necessarily prove a
forlorn hope. But the Republican party in Michigan
is too strong to be beaten by a combination of Demo
crats and Greenbackers, even if it is marshaled by so
good a man as Mr. Begole."
This sketch would be imperfect without referring
to the action of Mr. B. at the time ofthe great calamity
that in i88r overtook the people of Northeastern
Michigan, in a few hours desolating whole counties
by fire and destroying the results and accumulations
of such hard work as only falls to the lot of pioneers.
While the Port Huron and Detroit committees were
quarreling over the distribution of funds, Mr. Begole
wrote to. an agent in the "Iburnt district" a letter, from
which we make an extract of but a single sentence :
" Until the differences between the two committees
are adjusted and you receive your regular supplies
from them, draw on me. Let no manvsuffer while I.
have money." This displays his true character.

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'USSELL A. ALGER, Governor
of Michigan for the term com
mencing Jan. i, 1885, was
born in Lafayette Township,
Medina Co., Ohio, Feb. 271
1836. Having lived a tem
perate life, he is a comparative! -
young man in appearance, and pol^
sesses those mental faculties that are
the distinguishing characteristics of
robust, mature and educated man
hood. When 1 1 years of age both
his parents died, leaving him with a
younger brother and sister to sup
port and without any of the substan
tial means of existence. Lacking the opportunity of
better'employment, he worked on a farm in Richfield,
Ohio, for the greater part of each of the succeeding
seven years, saving money enough to defray his ex-
expenses at Richfield Academy during the winter
terms. He obtained a very good English education,
and was enabled to teach school for several subse
quent winten. In 1857 he commenced the study of
law in the offices of'Wolcott & Upson at Akron, re
maining until March, 1859, when he was admitted
to the Bar by the Ohio Supreme Court. He then
removed to Cleveland and entered the law office of
Otis & Coffinbury, where he remained several
months. Here he continued his studies with in

creased zeal, and did much general reading^ Hard
study and close confinement to office work, however,
began to tell on his constitution, and failing health
warned him that he must seek other occupation. He
therefore reluctantly abandoned the law and re
moved to Grand Rapids, Mich., to engage in the
lumber business.
When Michigan was called upon lo furnish troops
for the war, Mr. Alger enlisted in the Second Mich.
Cav. and was mustered into the service of the United
States as Captain of Co. C. His record as a cavalry
officer was brilliant and honorable to himself and his
company. He participated in some of the fiercest
contests of the rebellion and was twice wounded.
His first injury was received in the battle of Boone-
ville, Miss., July 2, 1862. rlis conduct in this en
gagement was so distinguished that he was promoted
to the rank of Major. On the same occasion his
Colonel, the gallant Phil. Sheridan, was advanced to
the rank of Brigadier General. A few months later,
on the 1 6th of October, Major Alger became Lieu
tenant-Colonel of the Sixth Mich. Cav., and was
ordered with his regiment to the Army ofthe Potomac. .
After marked service in the early campaign of 1863,
he was again advanced, and oil June 2 received his
commission as Colonel of the Fifth Mich. Cav. •His
regiment at this time was in Custer's famous Michi
gan cavalry brigade. On the 6th' of July occurred
the battle of Boonesboro, Md. In this conflict he

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was 'again wounded. His health received a more
than temporary impairment, and in October, 1864,
he was obliged to retire from the service. His career
as a soldier included many, of the most celebrated
contests of the war. He was an active character in
all the battles fought by the Army of the Potomac
from the time ofthe invasion of Maryland by Gen.
Lee in r863 up to the date of his retirement, with
the exception of those engagements which occurred
while he was absent from duty on account of wounds.
In all he took part in 66 battles and skirmishes. At
the close he was brevetted Brigadier General and
Major General for "gallant and meritorious services
in the field."
Aside from regular duty, Gen. Alger was on private
service during the winter of 1863-4, receiving orders
personally from President Lincoln and visiting nearly
all the armies in the field.
Gen. Alger came to Detroit in r865, and since that
time has been extensively engaged in the pine tim
ber business and in dealing in pine lands. He was
a member of the well known firm of Moore & Alger
until its dissolution, when he became head of the firm
of R. A. Alger & Co., the most extensive pine timber
operators in the West. Gen. Alger is now president
of the corporation of Alger, Smith & Co., which
succeeded R. A. Alger & Co. He is also presi
dent, of the Manistique Lumbering Company and
president ofthe Detroit, Bay City & Alpena Railroad
Company, besides being a stockholder and director of
the Detroit National Bank, the Peninsular Car Com
pany and several other large corporations.
While always an active and influential Republican,
Gen. Alger has never sought nor held a salaried
office. He was a delegate from the First District to
the last Republican National Convention, but aside
from this his connection with politics has not ex
tended beyond the duties of every good citizen to his
party and his country.
Gen. Alger is now 49 years of age, an active, hand
some gentleman, six feet tall, living the life of a busy
man of affairs. His military bearing at once indicates
his army life, and although slenderly built, his square
shoulders and erect carriage give the casual observer
the impression that his weight is fully 180 pounds.
He is a firm, yet a most decidedly pleasant-appearing
man, with a fine forehead, rather a prominent nose,
an iron-gray moustache and chin whiskers and a full
head of black hair sprinkled with gray. He is usually

attired in the prevailing style of business suits. His
favorite dress has been a high buttoned cutaway frock
coat, with the predominating cut of vest and trousers,
made of firm gray suiting. A high collar, small cra
vat, easy shoes and white plug hat completes his per
sonal apparel. He is very particular as to his appear
ance, and always wears neat clothes of the best goods,
but shuns any display of jewelry or extravagant em
bellishment. He is one of the most approachable
men imaginable. No matter how busy he may be, he
always leaves his desk to extend a cordial welcome
to every visitor, be he of high or low situation. His
affable manners delight his guests, while his pleasing
face and bright, dark eyes always animate his hearers.
Gen. Alger is a hard worker. He is always at his
office promptly in the morning and stays as long as
anything remains that demands his attention. In
business matters he is always decided, and is never
.shaken or disturbed by any reverses. He ha$ the
confidence of his associates to a high degree, and all
his business relations are tempered with those little
kindnesses that relieve the tedium of routine office •
life. Although deeply engrossed in various business
pursuits, -Gen. Alger has yet found time for general
culture., He owns a large library and his stock of
general information is as complete as it is reliable.
His collection of paintings has been selected with
rare good taste and contains some of the finest pro
ductions of modern artists. His special enjoyment is
in the driving of horses. His team of bays are per
haps the handsomest that grace the roads of Detroit,
and usually lead the other outfits when their owner
holds the reins.
Gen. Alger has an interesting family. His wife
was an Annette H. Henry, the daughter of W. G.
Henry, of Grand Rapids, to whom he was married
April 2, 1861. She is a slender woman of fair com
pletion, bright and attractive, and a charming hostess.
She is gifted with many accomplishments and ap
pears quite young. There are six children. Fay, a
lively brunette, and Caroline A., who is rather tall
and resembles her mother, have comoleted a course
at an Eastern seminary and durinB the past year
traveled in Europe. The remaining members of the
family are Frances, aged 13 ; Russell A., Jr., aged 1 r ;
Fred, aged 9, and Allan, aged 3. All are bright and
promising children. Gen. Alger makes his home at
his handsome and large new residence on Fort Street,
at the corner of First Street, Detroit.

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|HB value of history lies, in a
great degree, in the biogra
phy of the personages con
cerned therein. The annals
of the settlers delineate the
pioneer period, while those
of the later residents exhibit
the progress of the country and the
status of the present generation. '
Osceola County gives a vivid illus
tration of these statements; but its
wonderful pioneer era laps upon
its present period in a manner so
gradual that there is really no dis
tinctive line of demarcation. Many
of those whose efforts gave the
country its earliest impetus may
still be seen upon its thoroughfares; many of the
characters in the day of its first things are still on
the stage, and watch with keen-eyed alertness the
manipulations, successes and reverses ofthe present
day, still jealous for the reputation of the county and
eagerly solicitous for her substantial and permanent
progress. The compilers of these records strive to establish
their claim for biographical integrity, preparing the
matter from the stand-point of no man's prejudice.
The full scope of the personal record here is to

demonstrate the exact relation of every individual
represented to the generations of the past and of the
present.
1 Succeeding ages sweep away the debris of human
errors and perpetuate the real greatness of a com
munity. Character stands out statuesque, and events
cluster about individuals, forming the grandest and
truest historical structure of which any age is capa
ble. Only biography can fitly represent the founda
rion, progress and ultimatum of local history, and
portray with perfect justice the precise attitude and
relation of men to events and conditions.
Osceola County is justly proud of her pioneer record,
and, so far as possible, the publishers have endeav
ored to honor the representatives of that period as
well as those of to-day. _ Labor and suffering, under
gone in the light of hope and the earnestness of
honest effort and toil, established this county in per
manent prosperity, and is rounding up a period of
glorious completeness. Her villages are creditable,
her agricultural community is composed of the best
class, and her professional men are of marked in
tegrity. In collecting the following sketches the purpose
has been to collect the main points of personal
record, through which the enterprise of decades to
follow may complete a perfect and continuous his
torical outline from the earliest settlement of the
county to the present time.

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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HARLES H. HOLDEN, of
Reed City, Mich., the sub
ject of this sketch, was born
April 18, 1832, at Groton,
Grafton Co., N. H. His
father, Josiah Rhodes Hol
den, was born in Groton, Feb. 22, 1797,
and was married to Joanna Reed Dan-
forth, Jan. 24, 1824. She was born in
Londonderry, N. H., March 10, 1800.
Of their six children but three survive :
Hon. E. G. D. Holden, of Grand
Rapids, Mich.; Mrs. Fannie L. Fowler,
wife of a prominent lawyer and capital
ist at Manistee, Mich.; and C. H, of
this sketch. When the latter was, an infant of two
months his parents matured a long considered plan
of removing West, and set out for Illinois. Reach
ing Buffalo, they took passage for Cleveland, having
learned of the disturbed condition of the country in
that then undeveloped and remote section, where
fabled resources awoke the smoldering fires of dor
mant ambitions, and lured the footsteps of the young
and ardent towards its goals of promise. The diffi
culties with the Sacs and Foxes culminated in the
coniict known in history as the "Black Hawk War."
The rumors which found their way easterly, at first
vague and filled with an undefined terror, gradu
ally assumed the tangibility of fact, and the tide of
immigration stayed its waves in the nearer and more
peaceful commonwealth ofthe Buckeye State. The
summer sped on and various complications detained
those who had paused to await the end ofthe Indian
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trouble, and when the region of the Northwest was
again free from the turmoil of strife it was too late to
press on to the original destination.
The approach of autumn portended winter which
with its associations bore little of encouragement to
navigators to untried regions, and many families
clung to the ties which, though so recently formed,
borrowed from circumstances an added strength,
and settled to await the advent of another spring.
Josiah R. Holden was among the heads of families
who had gained a foothold, but born of a sorrow
which to him seemed irreparable. In one short
week the grim messenger, death, invaded that happy
family and took to its icy embrace two boys, one-half
of his family group, — the first and third, — leaving the
second and the subject of this sketch, then an in
fant. In 1834 they started from Cleveland for Chicago,
which then comprised Fort Dearborn and two trad
ing posts. They made the trip, on the first steamer
that made the the passage of the Straits at Mackinaw.
Ten days after reaching Chicago they went to Will
Co., 111., and located on 160 acres of prairie and tim
ber land situated on the Du Page River in the vicin
ity of Joliet.
The senior Holden entered into the work of the
pioneer settler with all the vigor, hopefulness arid
energy of purpose he inherited from his ancestral
stock and which associations of the place of his birth
had fostered and preserved in their native strength.
He erected a hotel and had succeeded in establish
ing a line of business connections which promised
future realizations in proportion to the spirit and_

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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deserts of their originator, when the financial crisis
of 1837 supervened, and by its reduction of values,
aided by the complications attendant upon the mis
cellaneous currency, appropriately styled "wild-cat
money, " overwhelmed the relations of business, and
Mr. Holden was forced to dispose of his estate at a
sacrifice, which was synonymous with financial ruin.
1 Leaving his family settled at Plainfield, in Will
County, he went to Arkansas to retrieve his losses,-
and after an absence of three years returned and
removed his family to Moorsville, near New Albany,
Indiana. In 1845 they came to Michigan and set
tled on a farm of 160 acres situated twelve miles
from the city of Grand Rapids. The territory of
Kent County, which is now one of the finest samples
of the probabilities of Michigan, as well as a mani
fest ofthe character of her pioneers and their efforts,
was then undeveloped, and Mr. Holden of this
sketch, then a boy of 13, was the father's assistant in
the work of clearing the home farm. The parents
yet. survive and reside in Grand Rapids, aged respect
ively 87 and 84 years. Their two sons are in the
fullness of their manhood and have crowned the am
bitious hopes of the father and the unfaltering trust
of the mother with the honors of their distinguished
and successful careers. Hon. E. G. D. Holden, of
Grand Rapids, isone ofthe " eminent men of Mich
igan," and wrought every step of his upward career
by hard, systematic work,- until he has a record which
reflects luster on his entire generation. His election
to the position of Secretary of State of Michigan is
among the most signal triumphs in the register ofthe
Peninsular State.
Charles H. Holden has descended from illustrious
ancestry, and belongs to a race that has been made
conspicuous by distinctive traits. The student of
history may always Kirn from his futile and bewil
dering guest in search 'of a reliable basis whereon to
found a just opinion of a large majority of the char
acters of history to the records of the Puritans.
Though they have been the objects of derision, con
tumely and vituperation, no assault has availed to
hurl the class from its position. It has stood stat
uesque in the history of the world since the days of
Elizabeth, and its appellation is the synonym for
sound morality and unswerving purpose. The
records of business since the period of the earliest
dissenters, in all avenues, exhibit traces of their in

flexible methods. They have been the founders of
some of the most substantial and popular financial
projects; they have shone peerlessly in literature ;
they, have walked unflinchingly to the block and
bared their throats to the headsman's ax with firm
fingers, and invited the fatal blade with the same
calmness in which they were wont to stretch them
selves for repose on luxuriant couches in palatial
homes. It is a grand type of humanity, and its fineness of
grain is still inbred in our own composite nationality.
It is like the essence of the cassava, preservative
and antiseptic, and from its reproduction in suc
ceeding generations it receives a fresh impetus, and
takes in renewed vitality.
The name of Holden first appears in the records
of the New World in r6o9, when Richard Hol
den, a refugee Puritan, from the town of Leyden,
came to America, followed in r6rr and in r6i2
respectively by Justinian and Randall Holden, of
the same persecuted fraternity.
The earliest traceable ancestors of the family of
C. H. Holden was John Holden, born in 1692, from
whom the line is intact. In the maternal line he is
of Scottish origin; his mother being descended from
the Greggs of Ayrshire, and traced to r6go.
The earliest independent individual purpose of Mr.
Holden, of this sketch, was to obtain an education,
and he availed himself of every advantage of the
public schools in the sections of Illinois' where his
parents resided, and after their removal to Kent
County, Michigan, alternated his seasons of labor
with study at the terms of winter school. He served
the family interests faithfully and well, and at 18
his father gave him all the aid he could toward the
accomplishment of his plans, — the control of his time,
— that he might pursue his educational project un-
trammeled. He had sufficient means to enter the
academy at Plainfield, 111., where he spent a year pre
paratory to becoming a student at Oberlin, Ohio. At
the latter place he took a classical course of study, in
which he was occupied three years, earning money to
defray his expenses by teaching winters; the fourth,
or final, year of his collegiate course was passed at
Knox College, 111.
On leaving college he was free from debt ; his in
dustry had earned all he needed, and his frugality
had expended his earnings to the best possible

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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advantage, and best of all he had the eminent satis
faction of knowing that what he had accomplished
was his own work, and at the cost of no sacrifice at
home. He entered the office of Patterson & Champlin at
Grand Rapids, Mich., as a student of law, and read
under their supervision two years, gaining much
advantage from their office relations ; after which one
year was spent in Columbia Law College, Washing
ton, D. C, where he was graduated. After a year's
practice in Grand Rapids he finally located at Grand
Traverse, and in the fall of 1858 was elected Pros
ecuting Attorney and Circuit Court Commissioner for
that county. The territory then embraced within its
limits now comprises the counties of Leelanaw,
Antrim, Kalkaska and Benzie. The district politically
was Democratic, yet he was elected over his com
petitor, Frank Stevens, by 23 majority, being the only
one on the Republican ticket that was elected in
the county that year.
He was re-elected in i860 and officiated until the
President's second call for troops, when he felt the
need of arduous service in behalf of the national in
tegrity, and he abandoned a prosperous business and
raised a company of volunteers, afterwards known as
the " Lake Shore Tigers," Co. A, 26th Mich. Vol.,
and was mustered as its First Lieutenant on the nth
day of September, 1862. During the spring of 1863
his regiment participated- in the Blackwater campaign
near Suffolk, Va., against Longstreet. During the
draft riots at New York City in July, 1863, his regi
ment was ordered to New York, and Mr. Holden was
placed on the staff of Gen. Canby, as Commissary of
Subsistence. The arduous work of providing for 30,-
000 troops hastily concentrated at the city of New
York during this emergency required rare executive
skill and prompt action in meeting and providing for
the wants of the soldiers. How well he discharged
the duty of this trust may be inferred from the fact
that he, a volunteer officer, was retained in prefer
ence to old line regular officers, who never looked
with favor upon the volunteer service. During this
period Mr. Holden handled millions of dollars for the
Government in purchasing supplies for the army and
in disbursements to the various hospitals in and
about the city, and, be it said to his credit, every dol
lar was accounted for to the last farthing, as the rec
ords ofthe Department will show. On the 15th of

October his regiment was ordered to join the Army of
the Potomac and became a part of the First Brigade,
First Division, Second Corps, under Gen. Hancock,
in which capacity the regiment remained until the
close of the war. The cessation of the hostilities
afforded opportunities to retrieve errors and for the
recognition and acknowledgment of meritorious ser
vices. Mr. Holden received two brevets first as
Major, and lastly Lieutenant Colonel. On being re
lieved of his obligations as a soldier, he was appoint
ed to a position by the Secretary of the Treasury in
the Loan Branch, Treasury Department, where he
was attached to the bureau for printing and disburs
ing the 7-30 bonds. Later he was attached, to the
Second Auditor's office, where he remained until 1870.
In June, 1869, he was chosen to represent the 5th
Ward, afterwards 20th District, Washington, D. C,
in the City Council: he was re-elected in 1870, and
chosen President of the Board of Common Council,
being the 69th and last Council of said city. During
his administration and management of the trust re
posed in him by his constituency, he advocated and
perfected many plans, such as parking the avenugs
and a system of drainage, which has since been
adopted, placing the city upon a plane its founders
intended it should occupy and become the hand
somest city on the continent. The plan here in
augurated was taken up and carried forward by the
new life which had been infused by the new order of
things, and Washington of to-day is the pride of the
nation and the most beautiful city in the world.
During the years 1869-70-71-72, Mr. Holden con
tributed tothe city in beautiful brick blocks, aggre
gating over a hundred residences, with an outlay of
capital involved of more than half a million dollars.
He was also largely engaged in the purchase and
sale of real estate. It is said of him that he rarely,
if ever, made a mistake in buying real estate ; his
purchases always panned out -with a profit, and in a
few years he had risen to the foremost rank among
the live business men in Washington City.
But success in any vocation is not absolutely as
sured. The panic of 1873 had its depressing effect
on values, and with it the consequent roll of disaster,;
the business men of the entire country were the chief
sufferers; fortune vanished as if by m-agic, and lack of
confidence and general distrust pervaded the busi
ness world. Mr. Holden was not alone in adversity,

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and when the storm had spent its fury he found him
self bereft of his entire fortune !
In 1878 he visited the West, determined to retrieve
past losses, by commencing again at the bottom in
new and untried fields, unaided save by the light of
experience. Reed City, Osceola Co., Mich., was the
point selected, and in the month of June, the follow
ing year, he opened an office for the transaction of
busines's as an attorney and dealer in real estate, and
continued the management of his relations alone
until Oct. 31, 1 88 1, the date of the admission of
Charles A. Withey, the firm style becoming Holden
& Withey. This firm is now the most prominent in
Northern Michigan and is largely interested in real-
estate operations in connection with a large and
lucrative law practice. Mr. Holden has done much
to improve, enlarge and beautify Reed City ; he has
been instrumental in adding additions and a beauti
ful park to the city ; last season he purchased the
Heath-House Block, and more than doubled its di
mensions and leased it for a term of years to Norman
Johnson, M. D., Manager of the Michigan, Wisconsin
and Minnesota Hospital Company. This institution
is now one of the largest and best conducted hos
pitals in the State. It is also a sanitarium. The
edifice is brick, four stories in height above the base
ment and covers a little over an acre of land, and is
the most attractive structure in the city. The firm
own a large amount of village and farm property ;
they also issue a monthly, the title of which is Real
Estate Bulletin.
In the year 1869, while a resident of the National
Capital, Mr. Holden became a member of the Ma
sonic fraternity, and is now a member of Lafayette
Chapter; also Columbia Commandery, No. 2,
Knights Templar, and Knights of Pythias, all local
organizations of Washington City. In 1883 he was
elected Commander of Stedman Post, No. 198, G. A.
R., of Reed City, and is now serving his second term ;
he is also Commander of the Soldiers and Sailors'
Association of Northwestern Michigan, an organiza
tion including within its limits the northwest quarter
of the State.
Mr. Holden was married Feb. 9, 1859, to Fannie
E. Brooks, daughter of Horatio and Elizabeth Brooks,
of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Four children born to
Mr. and Mrs. Holden died in infancy.
The portrait of Mr. Holden which is presented on

a preceding page is a fitting accompaniment to the
biographical annals of Osceola County. His youth's
first endeavor was as a pioneer laborer in the develop
ment of Northern Michigan, which has supplied some
of the best elements in the progressive history of this
country; and to it he has brought the energies of his
manhood's prime, which are among its most valuable
factors in its present condition of promise, — fast ap
proaching fulfillment and the fullness which charac
terizes adjacent, as well as remote, sections of the
Peninsular State.

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J. Terrill, merchant and Postmaster at
Avondale, and farmer, section 26, Hart-
wick Township, was born July 23, r837, in
His father, Ezra Terrill, was
Mountain State, where
was born in the town of Middletown in

J>S- Middletown, Vt.
*¦ a farmer in the Green

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Rutland County.
In early life he was a miller. Later he went with
his family to the State of New York, where he
reared his family. In 1865, the Terrills, father and
son, came to Michigan, where they remained at that
time but a year, going in 1866 to Jones County, Iowa.
There the mother, Orra (Newland) Terrill, died, June
n, 1870. She was born in Vermont. In March,
1881, Mr. Terrill, of this sketch, removed his family
to Hartwick Township, whither he came a month
earlier and bought 40 acres of land, on which some
improvements had < been made. He afterwards
erected a building for a store, put in a stock of
goods worth $1,200, and has since transacted a
fairly good business as a merchant. On the estab
lishment of the postoffice at this point he was ap
pointed Postmaster.
The senior Terrill died at the home of his son,
March 9, 1883.
Mr. Terrill is a Republican in political sentiment.
He was married Feb. 20, 1862, at Potsdam, St.
Lawrence Co., N. Y., to Bertha Bachelor, and they
have the following named children : Orra L., born
July 2, 1863; Inez M., March h, 1867; Irma L.,
Aug. 23/1869, and died Oct. 8, 1870; Albert K,
Nov. r8, 1872. The mother is the daughter of

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Nathaniel and Lucretia (Ward) Bachelor. Her
parents were natives respectively of Vermont and
Massachusetts, and they located in North Amherst,
Mass., where the mother died. The father went to
St. Lawrence" Co., N. Y., married a second time, and
died there in March, 1862. Mrs. Terrill was born
in Conway, Franklin Co., Mass., and was 12 years of
age when she was taken by her father to the State
of New York.
Mr. and Mrs. T errill are members of the Baptist
Church.

W acob Swarthout, farmer, section 32, Sher
iff man Township, was born in Waterloo,
Seneca Co., N. Y., Aug. 16, 1843. John
Swarthout, his father, was born at Seneca Falls,
N. Y., and has been a farmer and blacksmith
during his active life. He is of German ex
traction and married Amanda Taylor, a native of
Wayne Co., N. Y. She died in 1848, in Seneca
County. The father is a resident of Ionia County,
and is 84 years of age. Soon after the death of his
wife he removed with his family to Hillsdale Co.,
Mich., removing later to his present location.
After the death of his mother when he was five
years of age, Mr. Swarthout was under the care of
his father until he was 1 1 years old, when he took
the control of his course of life into his own hands.
He found home and employment among the farmers
of Hillsdale County until he became a fireman on
the Michigan Southern Railroad. He " fired " about
13 months, after which he was entrusted with an
engine on the same road, although he was not yet 15.
He served in that capacity three years.
He enlisted Aug. 21, 1861, under the second call
of President Lincoln for men to aid in the restoration
of a " solid " Union, enrolling in the First Michigan
Cavalry, under Colonel Broadhead, who was killed
in the second battle at Bull Run. Mr. Swarthout
was in the cavalry 15 months, and was a participant
in all the fights in which his regiment was involved,
among which were Winchester, Oliver Heights and
the capture of Harper's Ferry. He was discharged
for disability, but soon re-enlisted in Battery F, Light

Artillery, from Flint, Mich. His command accom
panied Sherman through the Georgia campaign, and
he fought in the following engagements : Resaca,
May 14; Pine Hill, June 10; Lost Mountain, June
15; around the Kenesaw Mountains, June 22;
Atlanta, July 21, 22 and 27. (These were con
tests of 1864.) Aug. 4, 8, 9 and n, the forces were
in action near Atlanta, where Battery F had the
honor of throwing the first shell. Mr. S. also took
part in the battle near Kingston, N. C, March 10
1865. He received his discharge July 8, 1865, at
Jackson, Mich., and returned to Hillsdale County.
He resumed his former occupation of farmer, in
which he continued four years.
In October, 1869, he came to Osceola County,
where he made a homestead claim of the real estate
he has owned ever since, situated on section 32,
Sherman Township, and consisting of 80 acres of
land. The entire acreage was in its forest condition,
and he has now 55 acres under most creditable cul
tivation, and forming one of the most desirable and
valuable farms in the township. He has recently
built a large barn. He is a skilled farmer and a
trusted, respected citizen. Politically he is a Repub
lican, and has served as Township Treasurer.
He was married Nov. 26, 1868, in Hillsdale Co,
Mich., to Emma Convis. They have one child —
Ethel — born April 23, 1870. Mrs. Swarthout was
born Aug. 22, 1849, in Wheatland Township, Hills
dale County, and is the daughter of Philo D. and
Huldah (Halleck) Convis. The father still resides
on the homestead where the mother died, in July,
1867.

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illiam W. Cushman, farmer and lumber.
man, resident on section 22, Middle Branch
Township, was born Jan. 25, 1843, in
Penobscot Co., Maine. He was reared on a
farm and remained on the family homestead
until he was 20 years of age. In 1863 he be
gan to operate as a saw-mill assistant on the Penob
scot River.
Two years later he came to Michigan and engaged
in lumbering in the region of the head-waters of Cass
River in Tuscola and Sanilac Counties, proceeding

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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thence to Rouge River in Kent County, where he
was similarly interested. Later he went to the State
of Wisconsin, returning afterward to Michigan. In
1869 he made, a claim of 160 acres of land in Mid
dle Branch Township, on which he at once settled
permanently, and engaged in lumbering. To this
he has added 150 acres by later purchase. His lum
bering operations have been transacted on the Mid
dle Branch and Muskegon Rivers, and have chiefly
occupied his time. The improvements on his farm
are still limited. He is a Democrat in political
preference, and has served as Road Commissioner
and School Inspector.
Mr. Cushman was married Sept. 1, 1872, in Hart-
wick Township, to Laura E. Coil. She was born
Nov. 6, 1847, in Mercer Co., Ohio, and accompanied
her parents to Osceola County when she was 1 2 years
old. The children born to herself and husband are
six in number: Sumner, Linwood, Mark W., Lucretia
J. and James W. An infant died unnamed.

_s3-____3__j-#fi }avid Shadley, farmer, lumberman and
, stockman, resident on section 24, Hart-
wick Township, was born Dec. 26, 1841,
$J*T in Hardin Co., Ohio. He is of German and
fa Irish descent, and his parents were natives of
the State of Virginia. They came later to Ohio,
and are now buried in the family burial place in
Hardin County.
Mr. Shadley was sent to school while a child, but
on acquiring sufficient growth and strength he was
called to make practical use of both on his father's
farm, where he continued his efforts until his mar
riage, Feb. 26, 1863, to Elizabeth J. Clark. Her
parents, Thomas and Mary (Judah) Clark, were born
in Fairfield Co., Ohio.
She was born May 7, 1 841, in Fairfield Co., Ohio,
and soon after her parents removed to Seneca
County in the same State. Ten years later, in 185 1,
they went to Hardin County, where they now reside
and manage extensive farming interests. They are
aged 67 and 70 years, and are prominent members
of the community to which they belong. Mrs.
Shadley was educated in Hardin County, and
resided with her parents until her marriage at 19.

Her six children were born in the following order :
Clement L., Dec. 27, 1863; Llewellyn M., Aug. 9,
1865; Samantha A., Nov. 8, 1866; Lewis L., May
10, 1869; Esther R., July — , 187 1; Homer O.,
Nov. 28, 1876.
In March following his marriage, Mr. Shadley
located on a farm in Hardin County, which he con
ducted four years.. They set out from thence in
April, 1867, and traversed the entire distance to
Hartwick with a team, coming in a pioneer wagon,
and consuming 23 days in the trip. There was no
thoroughfare built over the last six miles of their
route ; snow lay four feet deep on the ground, and
they had to cut their road into the bush. Their
rate of travel was so slow that they were obliged to
sleep in their wagon in the dense woods. They had
brought with them their household effects, and on
arrival at their destination they had no shelter for
either themselves or their belongings, and they lived
in their wagon until it was possible to construct a
rude house. Mr. Shadley had made a homestead
claim of 160 acres, and later bought 160 acres addi
tional, making a splendid farm of a half section in
extent, of which 200 acres is in a cultivated con
dition. Since his arrival and settlement, Mr. Shadley has
operated extensively in several branches of lum
bering, and has arrangements completed for " put
ting in " about 2,000,000 feet in the winter of
1884-5. He is a Prohibitionist in political opinion, and has
been Township Supervisor several years; is now a
member of the School Board.
Mrs. Shadley is a member of the sect known as
Seventh-Day Adventists.

-+§=45

irthur J. Blanchard, farmer, section 29,
[ Hersey Township, was born in Onondaga,
^™ N. Y.,Oct. 15, 1857, and is the son of Loren
and Esther (Marsh) Blanchard. The parents
are residents on section 32 in Hersey Town
ship. The father is a farmer and works to
some extent as a carpenter. The family came to
Michigan in i860, first fixing their home in Sharon

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Township, Washtenaw County. The father bought
1 60 acres of land, where he operated as an agricul
turist until 1872. On selling the place he removed
to Ann Arbor, returning thence to a second farqj in
Sharon Township, of which he became the owner,
comprising 80 acres. In 1877 he again sold out and
purchased 80 acres in Hersey Township. In 1882
he bought 80 acres additional. Father and son are
in partnership, and both equally interested in paying
for their joint property, the second purchase of land
being in the son's name.
The latter was married Aug. 28, 1881, to Anna
Richards. Alice A., only child, was born June 8, 1882.
Mrs. Blanchard is the daughter of William R. and
Lydia A. (Edwards) Richards. Her father was a
soldier in the Union service and was captured by the
rebels at Olusta, Florida, Feb. 12, 1864, and incar
cerated in the stockade prison at Andersonville,
where he died July 19, 1864, from the combined ef
fects of exposure, hardship and hunger. He was
born Aug. 23, 1813, in Monmouthshire, England,
was married in his native country and in 1844 emi
grated with his family to the United States, locating
primarily at Hopkinton, Mass., where he operated as
a blacksmith. The mother died in New England.
Mrs. Blanchard was born Jan. 12, 1852, at Hopkin
ton. She is a lady of more than ordinary intellectual
abilities and culture, and during 1881-2 was School
Superintendent-of Hersey Township. Mr. Blanchard
is a Republican in the truest sense ofthe term.

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(;jf«; hilip jEaslam, farmer on section 32, Rich-
i_ mond Township, is a son of John and Ann
Haslam, natives of Ireland. His father
i^5 died in that country, and his mother emigrated
V to America, and died in Noble County, Ind.
The subject of this sketch was also born on
the " Emerald Isle," the date of his birth being Jan.
6, 181 9. He came to this country in 1849 and lived
in the city of Rochester about eight years, then in
Auburn, same State, for awhile, then some time in
Lenawee Co., Mich., then in Indiana, and finally, in
the fall of 1858, he came to this county, taking pos
session of 80 acres of land where he now resides and
sigy o^^flfl

has 60 acres in cultivation and good productive con
dition. Mr. H. has served as Overseer of Highways ; in
political science he takes the views of the " National "
party, and in religion he is a member of the Roman
Catholic Church, of which Mrs. H. is also a member.
He was married in Auburn, N. Y., to Julia O'Neil,
and they had seven children, viz.: John J., Sarah,
Catheripe, Mary J., Julia, Elisha and Abigail:
the last two are deceased. Mrs. H. died, in this
county, in May, 1878, and Mr. Haslam was again
married, in Auburn, N. Y., to Mrs. Ellen, nee Loven,
widow of John Chester, who died in Auburn. She
has two children by her first husband, — Maria and
John. • 4—

saac Smith, farmer, section 30, Burdell
Township, was born May 8, 1834, in rluron
Township, Wayne Co., N.Y. Daniel Smith,
his father, was born in Ontario, and descended
from New England parentage. He was a
mechanic in early life, but entered the ministry,
and although more than 80 years of age is still
actively engaged in parochial labor, in Kansas.
Isaac's mother, Grata A. (Stage) Smith, was born in
the State of New York, of New England parentage,
and spent her whole life in the Empire State. She
died in August, 1847, in Huron, Wayne County. Her
six children outlived her, and are still living, with one
exception. Mr. Smith was 13 years of age when his mother
died. Later, his father went to Wisconsin, where the
son accompanied him and remained with him until
he reached the age of 19, when he came to Manistee,
Mich. There was at that date — 1858 — scarcely a
settlement at that point. He continued to operate
there three years, meanwhile purchasing in Berrien
County 40 acres of land, located in Three Oaks
Township. In June, 1854, he settled on his farm,
where he' resided some years, and combined his farm
ing operations with the manufacture of brick and tile.
He enlisted in the 25th Mich. Vol. Inf., and was
wounded in the lower right leg by a rifle shot, at
Tubb's Bend, on Green River, Ky. He was sent
to the hospital at Louisville, and thence to Madison

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Wis., on sick leave, where he officiated as nurse,
nearly a year, and was transferred from there to
Indianapolis to guard rebel prisoners. He received
his discharge July 8, 1865, and returned to Three
Oaks, resuming his agricultural operations.
He was married Sept. 18, 1865, to Barbara A.
Sevice. Their children are Mabel and Lucas H. In
the spring of 187 1 Mr. Smith removed with his family
to Osceola Co., Mich., and entered a homestead claim
of 160 acres in Burdell Township. The settlers were
few in number, remotely situated, and the forest was
unbroken where he settled. He has improved his
farm until it is one of the finest in the township, and
includes 100 acres cleared and tillable land.
His first wife died, and he was again married April
21, 1878, in Dover Township, Lake County, Mich.,
to Mrs. Sarah E. (McNary) Hicks, daughter of Isaac
and Lucretia (Rellyea) McNary. She was a widow
and by her former husband she had one child, —
James W., — born May 7, 1861. She was born in
Bingham ton, Broome Co., N. Y., Sept. 19, 1840, and
came with her parents to Chicago when she was
seven years of age. They remained there but two
years, becoming alarmed by the appearance of
cholera. They went to Elgin, III., whence her father
went two years later to Iowa. The family settled in
Fayette County, where she was educated. She was
first married at Brush Creek, in May, i860. Her
father is a farmer in Nebraska and is 73 years of age.
Her mother died in Iowa, in 1868, at the age of 54.
Mr. Smith is a Republican in political sentiment,
has been Justice of the Peace and held the various
school offices. The family attend the Christian
Church, of which the parents are members.

'nthony Wenzel, of the manufacturing firm
1 of Wenzel Bros, at Le Roy, was born June
*a IQ) 1848, in Austria. His parents, Joseph
and Caroline Wenzel, removed their family
and interests from Austria to the United States
in 1850 and located in Auburn, N. Y., the

father obtaining his first employ in this county from
— ^ft- — @7H>nn®nn^A^

Barber & Sons, woolen manufacturers in that city.
Seven years later he again transferred his family to
Wisconsin, settling on a farm T3 miles northwest of
Milwaukee. After one year of agricultural effort
they returned to Auburn and the senior Wenzel
again engaged with his former employers, remaining
in their service about six years. In 1864 the family
came to Dorr, Allegan Co., Mich., where the home
stead is still retained. They were among its earliest
pioneer settlers.
Mr. Wenzel operated as his father's assistant un
til he was 20 years of age, when he obtained a situa
tion in a shingle-mill in the township of Dorr. After
pursuing this occupation some time, the manufactur
ing firm of Werizel & Sons was established with the
father at its head. A year later the organization be
came Wenzel Brothers. The partnership existed
five years and its business transactions were managed
chiefly in Ensley Township, Newaygo Co., Mich.
The firm dissolved in 1879, and in the spring ofthe
following year Mr. Wepzel came to Osceola County
and engaged in stocking a mill which was managed
by his brother. In the fall of 1882 the present as
sociation was instituted, which has since prosecuted
the manufature of lumber and shingles, and is doing
an extensive business in hard-wood planing. They
have producing capacity for 40,000 feet of lumber
daily, and 40,000 shingles, and they own 200 acres
of timber land easily accessible from their works.
Mr. Wenzel is the individual owner of 1 1 improved
lots in Le Roy village. He was formerly a Republi
can, but is now an adherent of the Prohibition ele
ment. He was married at Dorr, April 22, 1870, to Ellen
Burke, and they have had four children : Harry F.,
who was born Feb. 8, 1873: Caroline R., Oct. 10,
1874; Irvin L., Dec. 22, 1877; and Albert, born
April 18, 1880, who died July 9, 1881. Mrs. Wen
zel was born Oct. 15, 1852, in Medina Co., Ohio.
She is the daughter of Thomas and Betsey (Quinn)
Burke, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to the
United States after their marriage, and who located
in the Buckeye State. In 1867 they removed thence
to Allegan Co., Mich., where the father died May 6,
1880. The mother is still a resident there.
Mr. Wenzel holds the office of Trustee in the
Baptist Church at Le Roy, and is Sunday-school
Superintendent.

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

191

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saac Grant, liveryman and proprietor of the
Upton Avenue Mills, at Reed City, was
P" born Jan. 25, 1846, near St. John's, Clinton
Co., Mich., and is the son of Charles" and
Emmeline (Gillett) Grant. His earliest known
paternal ancestor, Ebenezer Grant, was born in
Scotland, at an unknown date. Isaac Grant, son of
the latter, was born April 4, 1760, in Goshen, Conn.,
and became a soldier in the Continental Army before
he was 17 years of age, serving under "Mad"
Anthony Wayne, and participating in the bayonet
charge at the ford of Stony Point. His command of
40 men were captured at Fort Washington and
placed on the prison ship " Grosvenor " in New York
Harbor. The entire number were seized with small
pox. A surgeon visited them and left a dose for
each man. All but four took the medicine and died.
Isaac Grant vvas one of the survivors. After the
close of the war he went to Lenox, Mass., and
studied medicine. He married Hannah Tracy, of
that place, and settled at Colerain in the same State,
removing later to Whitingham, Vt. He went thence
in 1801 to Chenango Co., N. Y., where he practiced
his profession and was one of the founders of the
first medical society of that county. He continued
a practitioner there until compelled by advancing
years to withdraw from active life, and removed to
Genesee Co., N. Y., and later to Albion, Mich.,
where he died Nov. 9, 1841. His wife died Oct. 30,
1841, ten days preceding his own demise. They
had nine children. Charles, fifth son and child, was
born Oct. 2, 1794, in Colerain. He was a drafted
man in the war of 181 2, and served throughout the
contest. He married Peggy Hines, March 26, 1816, and
they had three children. The first wife died, and
Feb. 1, 1831, he married Matilda Closs. They be
came the parents of two children. The mother died
Aug. 26, 1833. Mr. Grant was a third time mar
ried June 10, 1838, to Emmeline Gillett, and they
had eight children.
Mr. Grant was reared on the home farm in Clinton
Co., Mich. He was 15 years of age when the Civil
War stirred the patriotism of young and old, and he
experienced from the first the common enthusiasm.

The fault of his youth was one that time was gradu
ally and surely remedying, and he enlisted Oct. 3,
1863, at St. John's, as a private in Co. I, 10th Mich.
Cav., Captain Ayres. His command was assigned
to the Army of the Cumberland and took part in the
Stoneman raids, serving until Nov. n, 1865. Mr.
Grant was a participant in 52 battles, of more or
less importance.
On leaving the army he returned to Clinton
County for a time, and removed thence to St. Louis,
Gratiot Co., Mich., and there engaged in the flour
and feed business, operating in that avenue at that
point about two years. In 1870 he went to Mount
Pleasant, Isabella County, where he established him
self in general trade. A year and a half later he
transferred his locality to Baldwin, Lake' Co., Mich.,
and there pursued the same vocation for a year. At
the end of that time he entered a claim of 160
acres of land near Baldwin, where he located and
commenced active operations. In 1874 he was
elected Sheriff of Lake County on the Republican
ticket and served his term. In 1880 he was re
elected to the same position. He also held other
official positions, and officiated as President of the
County Agricultural Association two years. In Feb
ruary, 1883, he went to Chase, Lake County, and
bought a livery stable, which he continued to manage
until Sept. 3, 1883, the date of his sale of the
property. Sept. 9, he became the proprietor of his
livery business. His stables contain about a dozen
horses on an average, and are fitted with necessary
and suitable livery equipments.
He purchased his mills of T. V. Childs, in the
fall of 1884 (current year). They include saw, grist
and planing mills, and are fitted with the best
quality of modern appurtenances. They derive a
special value from their central location.
Mr. Grant is a member of the Grand Army of the
Republic, Post Stedman, No. 198, and he belongs
also to the Sons of Industry. ,
He was married Oct. 25,. 1868, at Salt River,
Isabella County, to Daney Clark. She was born
Aug. 11, 1850, in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., and is
the daughter of Robert and Martha Clark. The
children of Mr. and Mrs. Grant were born as fol
lows: Rena M.. May 11, 1870; Alda M., Aug. 29,
1873; Clark D., April 25, 1875; Howard, June 1,
1879; and Annie, May n, 1881.
The portrait of Mr. Grant is given on a preced-
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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

ing page. He is an active, enterprising man and
possesses the quality and degree of business energy
which guarantees the future solidity of Osceola
County. He is a fine specimen of physical man
hood, is six feet one and a half inches in height and
weighs 215 pounds.

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ev. John Farsberg, Pastor of the Lutheran
Church located at Tustin, was born Nov.
9, 1834, in Sweden. His father, Johan
Farsberg, died when he was in early child
hood, and thereafter, until the age of eight
years, he was cared for by his mother, Chris
tiana Farsberg, in the home of his maternal grand
father. In 1842 he went to live with an uncle to be
instructed in the business of a blacksmith, and later
he worked as a puddler in a foundry.
When he was about 30 years of age he was ap
pointed Government Inspector of the machine shops
throughout the kingdom of Norway. He spent one
year in the traverse of the country in the discharge
of the trust. On the expiration of his commission in
1866, he came to the United States and remained
about a year in the city of Chicago, where he ob
tained employment as an axle-filer in various car
riage factories. He became at the end of that time
a missionary among his countrymen, and after labor
ing among them some months he returned to his
trade as a mechanic, and operated three years in the
manufacture of 'plows. He went thence to Moline,
111., where he officiated in the Lutheran ministry one
year. He went thence to Henry County in that
State, and preached two years in the country. In
1874 he returned to his former field in the city of
Chicago, where he acted as a missionary about three
years. He next proceeded to Rock Island, 111., and
spent a year in study at the Swedish seminary, and
at the close of his course was regularly ordained a
minister. In 1877 he took a final leave of his people in
Illinois, and, answering to an urgent call from
Osceola County, he located at Tustin. On his arri
val he found the society without organization or place
of worship, and he at once entered vigorously into

the work of remedying the deficiency. He has
organized churches ofhis faith at Tustin, Reed City,
Cadillac, Hobart, Morley and Bounds' Mill, all' of
which are now included in his circuit save at Reed
City. At Tustin he has added 125 members to his
society, and the membership over which he has
charge, aggregates 500 in round numbers. Since
his arrival in Osceola County he has been instru
mental in erecting five church edifices and a parson
age. He has been indefatigable and unremitting in
his parochial labors, and has often labored both day
and night in his periods of effort. He is an earnest
and zealous promoter of the principles ofthe Repub
lican party.
Mr. Farsberg Was married in 1866, in Norway,
and three months after he came to Chicago, where
his wife died six months later, leaving no child. He
was again married Dec. 26, 1878, in Chicago, to
Betsey Kunoson, who was born Oct. 22, 1845, in
Sweden. She was well educated in her native land,
and when 18 years of age came to Chicago with her
parents, who went later to Minnesota, where they
are farmers. Mr. and Mrs. Farsberg have had four
children, one of whom, John, is not living. Those
who survive are Antony W., Anna M. and Joseph T.

,artin W. Westfall, proprietor of the hotel
at Leroy which bears his name, was born
April 17, 1843, ]'n Lyons, Wayne Co., N.
Y., and is the son of James and Elizabeth
Westfall. When he was 16 years of age, his
parents removed from his native State to Lena
wee Co., Mich., and settled at Hudson. He took
possession of a rented farm a year later, which he
conducted several years, coming thence in August,
1866, to Osceola County. He located on a farm and
was one of the first settlers north of Reed City. He
lived on the place where he made a claim five years,
and improved 20 acres. Meanwhile, he operated
on the road grade of the track of the Grand Rapids
& Indiana Railroad, between Ashton and Leroy, and
he " got out " 10,000 ties for the road. Subsequently
he bought out a man who was making preparations

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to erect a block-house hotel, but before his arrange
ments were complete he changed his plan and drew
the lumber 1 2 miles for the building of a frame
structure for the same purpose, which was the first
building at Leroy. He had a large number of board
ers, chiefly railroad men, and at one time numbering
nearly 100. He has since built two structures for
hotel purposes, the first having been consumed by
fire. In 1872 he took possession of the Westfall
House, of which, together with three village lots, he
is the proprietor. He owns, besides, 80 acres of land
under good cultivation, in Newaygo County.
Politically he adheres to the present principles of
the Democratic party. He has been Treasurer of
his township two years, and is present Village Mar
shal. He was married Dec. 25, 1864, to Frances E. Fair-
child. She was born Oct. T2, 1841, in Bath, Steuben
Co., N. Y., and came with her parents to Hillsdale
Co., Mich., when she was two years old. Robert M.
Westfall is an adopted child.
When 17 years old Mr. Westfall enlisted, en
rolling as a soldier in the Union Army, Nov. 29,
1861, in the 27th N. Y. Inf., and was assigned to
Co. B. The regiment joined the Army of the Poto
mac, and was discharged in June, 1863. Mr. West-
fall participated in eleven battles and some minor
skirmishes, escaping unhurt from battle casualties.
He took a severe cold which settled in his head and
caused permanent loss of hearing. Four of his
brothers enlisted, and all escaped injury save two
who received slight wounds.

4**

oseph Patterson, founder of the Osceola
j^ County Democrat, the pioneer Democratic
journal published in Osceola County, and

still its editor, was born April 26, 1855, in the
il township of Raisin, Lenawee Co., Mich. He
is the son of Hon. J. H. Patterson, member of
the first Constitutional Convention of Michigan.
In 1866 the family removed to Jefferson, Cass Co.,
Mich. Mr. Patterson received a good common-
school education, supplemented by a thorough course
of study at the High School at Kalamazoo, where he
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was graduated in 1879. He subsequently studied
law with Howell & Carr, attorneys at Cassopolis,
Mich., and in the spring of 1881 he was admitted to
the Bar.
He removed to Evart in the fall of 1884, and
founded the journal with which he is connected as
owner and editor.

«iMj2j2'©'S@'*-

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g^benezer M. Braden, farmer on section 13,
Leroy Township, is the proprietor of 80
acres of land lying adjacent to the village
of Leroy and justly considered one of the most
valuable places in the township in point of
merit. He was born Dec. 19, 1831, in Seneca
Co., N. Y.
Louis Braden, his father, is a native of Seneca
County, where he has spent his entire life, and is
still a resident. His mother, Electa (Moore) Braden,
is a native of the same State. Their family com
prises nine children, all of whom are living. The
parents are each 76 years old, and are in fine health.
Mr. Braden is the oldest of his parents' children,
five of whom reside in the State of New York, the
remaining four being residents of Michigan. He
remained at home until he was 22 years of age, and
was instructed in all the details of farm labor.
He was married in the winter of 1856, in Victor,
Ontario Co., N. Y., to Mary S. Pound. She was
born in August, 183 1, in the State of New York,
and died Sept. 21, 1869, in Allegan Co., Mich.,
leaving four children, three of whom still survive
her, — -Cornelia, Charles D. and Clarence A.; Frank
is deceased. Mr. Braden was a second time mar
ried April 19, 187 1, in Texas Township, Kalamazoo
Co., Mich., to Sarah A. Angeli. One child has been
born of this marriage, — Ewell L. Mrs. Braden was
born Nov. 30, 1838, in Galen, Wayne Co., N. Y.,
and is the daughter of James and Lucy (Tabor)
Angeli. Her parents were natives respectively of
Rhode Island and New Hampshire. They came to
Michigan in t868, settling in Kalamazoo County.
They passed the closing years of their lives in the
home of their daughter in Osceola County. The
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father died July 12, 1879, the mother, April 28, 1877.
They had 10 children.
Mr. Braden removed his family to Leroy Town
ship May 6, 1873. He operated as a saw-mill
assistant three years, and in 1876 bought 80 acres of
land on which he has since established himself as
one of the leading farmers in this portion of the
county. He is a decided Republican, and has been
Supervisor one year.
He is a Baptist in religious faith and connection.

--<-HNHN->"

ideon A. Estes, merchant, formerly of the
mercantile firm of Bevins & Estes, oper-
'" ating at Tustin, was born May 21, 1844,
in Madison Co., N. Y. His parents, John
and Jane (Allen) Estes, were natives of the
same State, and were of New England origin
and English ancestry.
The latter died in her native State in 1849. The
father was a farmer and died in 1865, in Madison
County. Mr. Estes was under the protection of his father
after the death of his mother until the decease of
the former, soon after the son attained his majority.
The latter set out for Michigan and secured a home
stead claim at the land office in Ionia, located in
Leroy Township, Osceola County. On turning his
face toward the wilds of Northern Michigan, he
found himself the possessor of a cash capital of 56
cents, wherewith to begin the world. His surplus
assets were his manhood's energy and determination
to get on in the world, and his young wife.
On reaching section 28, Leroy Township, they
found themselves in the depths of the wilderness,
with no communication with the world at large save
by the trails which temporary sojourners had made
all over the county. They made a clearing, erected
a shelter and entered courageously upon the pains
and pleasures of pioneer life, meeting success and
comfort from the untried and almost trackless forest
acres. Mr. Estes labored assiduously, and at the
date of his change of locality, his farm manifested
the character of the labor and energy he had ex
pended in its improvements and in a frame farm

house, which was the work of his own hands. In
1876 he sold the place to William Hooper, came to
Tustin and formed a business relation with George
W. Bevins, which continued to exist five years, and
was altogether prosperous and satisfactory. In r88i,
Mr. Estes entered into the enterprise in which he
has since operated, with gratifying results. He is
the owner of some valuable property at Grand
Rapids, and also of several improved lots in Tustin.
Mr. Estes was the incumbent of nearly the entire
list of local official positions while a resident in
Leroy Township.
In political connection and opinion, he belongs to
the National Greenback element.
He was married Jan. 15, 1867, in Madison Co.,
N. Y., to Lotta Lyon, who was born Aug. 24, 1844,
in the same county where her parents lived and died.
She accompanied her husband to Osceola County,
and aided him in the accomplishment of his pioneer
plans in the township of Leroy. She died May 28,
1878, at Tustin. One of her two sons survives her,
namely, Clayton, who was born June 18, 1875.
Clifford was born July 25, r87o, and died Jan. 31,
1875. Mr. Estes was again married July -6, 1879,
at Elkhart, Ind., to Mrs. Barbara N. (Dunn) Wellner.
She was born June 30, 1841, in Paisley, Scotland,
where her father was a weaver. She was about three
years of age when the family emigrated to the United
States, settling in Auburn, N. Y., where she was first
married. George W., elder son, is a resident of
Buffalo. N. Y.; and John T. the younger, lives at
Tustin. With her husband, she is a member of the Baptist
Church.

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eorge W. Minehin, of the firm of Minchin
Bros., proprietors of the Evart Review, is
K a native Michigan man, born at Pontiac,
Mich., Aug. 3, 1854, and is therefore now in
his 31st year. Born of humble parents who
gained their living for themselves and family
by hard labor, young Minchin soon had to begin to
look around for himself; and in the fall of 1869,
after receiving a common-school education at Pon
tiac, he entered the printing-office of the Pontiac

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1 95

Bill-Poster, then owned by Wm. P. Nisbett, now of
the Big Rapids Herald. From office " devil " he rose
to be foreman before the expiration of his apprentice
ship. In the spring of 1873 he left Pontiac to take
the position of foreman in the Ludington (Mich.)
Appeal office, founded at that time, and held that
position over two years, when he resigned and went
to Reed City, and accepted the position of local
editor upon the Reed City Clarion, in the spring of
1875. From here he went to Toledo, where he
worked at his trade in the Commercial job-printing
room for nearly two years. Then, with his brother
Jesse T., he purchased the Reed City Clarion from
Mr. T. D. Talbot. This they found in very bad
condition, financially and otherwise, but succeeded
in putting it upon a first-class footing, — upon equal
standing with the best of country papers.
In September, 1879, Mr. Minchin received the
commission of Railway Postal Clerk from the Gov
ernment of tlie United States, which position he still
holds, to the credit of both himself and the service.
Minchin Bros, sold the Clarion to Charles E.
Barnes in 1880, and bought the Evart Review,
George W. still retaining a half interest, while his
brother continues as editor. The latter is also Pres
ident of the village of Evart.
Mr. George W. Minchin, the subject of the above
outline, was married at Ludington, Sept. 14, 1880, to
Miss Alice Bennett, of that city, and now has a
pleasant home of his own at Evart.

~<-HMNN-»~*-

Coseph H. Powell, farmer, section 6, Orient
JJf Township, was born April 13, 1840, in
1 ^ T>if*-f 1 .,i v/. X>o ni-,/. ic fV,_» c-in -if TT r. V, ,- ¦_ 1 1

Pittsburg, Pa., and is the son of Ephraim
and Catherine (Connor) Powell. His father
was born Oct. 31, 1806, and died Dec. 24,
1867. His mother was born in May, 1810,
and died in 188 1. Their deaths took place in the
city of Pittsburg.
Mr. Powell lived in the place of his maturity until
he was 20 years of age, when he went to Greenwood
Township, Crawford Co., Pa., settling there in i860.
He enlisted in the Union service Feb. 26, 1864, en
rolling in Co. G, 14th Pa. Cav. The command was

assigned to AveriU's Division in the Valley of the
Shenandoah. The first battle in which Mr. Powell
was aA active participant, took place May 15, 1864,
at Newmarket. He was again under fire June 5, at
Piedmont. June 16, he was engaged in a skirmish
at Buchanan on the James River, and fought at
Lynchburg on the two days following. He was in
action at Liberty on the 20th, and at Salem on the
day thereafter. The command came down the
valley to Parkersburg, went thence to Martinsburg
and advanced to Winchester, where it was engaged
June 22, 23 and 24, after which it fell back across
the Potomac at Williamsport and pursued General
Imboden after he had burned Chambersburg, follow
ing him until he was driven from Virginia. General
Sheridan succeeded to the command, arid on the
17 th of September, the battle of Acquia Creek was
fought. Two days later an engagement at Winches
ter took place. On the 21st occurred the fight at
Fisher Hill, and on the 23d Mr. Powell was wounded
in the shoulder of the left arm, by a pistol shot at
Mount Jackson. He went thence to Port Republic,
and from there was sent to the hospital at York, Pa.
His recovery was speedy and he rejoined his regi
ment at Winchester.
He received his final discharge Aug. 17, 1865, and
returned home to Crawford Co., Pa. He resumed
the occupation of farmer, operating as a laborer by
the month and also as a renter. In 1868, he deter
mined to seek a later settled portion of the country,
and accordingly made his way to Michigan, driving
a horse-team through to Snow's Corners, Ionia
County, reaching there April 20.
After a residence of one summer at that place, he
came, Oct. 20, 1868, with his family, to Orient
Township. He had made a homestead claim on the
Fourth of July previous, and in September made a
clearing and built a log house, to which he removed
his family on the day stated, arriving at their home
after dark.
About 60 acres of the farm is now improved and
cultivated, and a good frame house replaces the log
cabin of the pioneer days.
Mr. Powell is independent in political views and
favors the Prohibition element. He was appointed
Township Treasurer in 1873, and was elected to the
office in the spring of 1874. In the spring of 1876,
he was elected Supervisor and was subsequently re-

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

elected in 1877, and in 1880. , He acted six years as
School Moderator.
His marriage to Catherine Carroll took place Feb.
26, i860, in Pittsburg, Pa., and they have had three
.children: Margaret Ann was born Nov. 19, i860,
and was married July 4, 1881, to James McDonald;
an unnamed infant died at the age of six months ;
Ephraim J. was born May 17, 1863. Mrs. Powell
was born Feb. 2, 1840, in Greenwood Township,
Crawford Co., Pa., and is the daughter of William
and Margaret (Brooks) Carroll. Her parents died in
Crawford County.
Mr. and Mrs. Powell are members of the Meth
odist Episcopal Church.

(,

iharles M. Rich, civil engineer and lum-
IpPfip berman, resident at Tustin, Burdell Town
ship, was born Feb. 8, T848, in Piscataquis
Co., Maine. He is the son of Charles W. and
^ Albina S. (Kittredge) Rich, both natives of
Massachusetts. In 1864 they removed to
^ Ohio, and are now living near the village of Elyria in
(< ) the Buckeye State.
Mr. Rich went to that State five years previously,
and during that time was in charge of his uncle, I.
S. Metcalf, residing at Elyria, LOrain County. He
attended the Union School at that place until / the
removal of his parents to Lorain County, and after
he was again an inmate of the parental household
he continued his studies until he completed a full
course and was graduated' at the High School. At
the age of 2 1 he determined to acquire a practical
knowledge of the profession of civil engineering, and
to that end he devoted his time, working for a
while for his board ; but soon, by close application and
diligence, secured positions of trust and profit. Con
tinuing in the service, he obtained employment on
different engineering works in Ohio, Pennsylvania
and Baltimore, Md., until the year 1876, the date
of his removal to Tustin. He came here' primarily
in the real-estate interest of his uncle, E. W. Met-
^ calf, of Elyria, Ohio.
In the spring of 1877 he purchased 240 acres
on section 24, Burdell Township, and in the same

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year he platted one-half of the village where he
resides, locating 48 lots. He has since made sale
of nearly the entire number. He is the proprietor
of a fine residence in Tustin village, and owns 160
acres of land on section 26, in Burdell Township.
He has recently purchased 560 acres located on
sections 2, 12 and 24 of the same township, and
is operating as a lumberman and dealer in real
estate in his own behalf. Since his first removal
to Michigan he has spent three years in Ohio in his
professional capacity.
The marriage of Mr. Rich to Callie Meloy oc
curred Dec. 25, 1873, at New Lexington, Perry Co.,
Ohio. They have one child — Wilder M'. — born Aug.
9, 1884. Mrs. Rich was born Sept. 23, 1848, in
New Lexington, and is the daughter of William and
Sophia (Thomson) Meloy. Her father was born in
Pennsylvania and was by vocation a cabinet-maker.
He was a man of prominent standing in Perry Co.,
Ohio, and during his life-time held several positions '
of responsibility and trust, among which were those
of County Auditor and Treasurer. He died in Peny
County, in the fall of 1882, aged 73 years. Her
mother was born in Ohio and descended from Ger
man ancestors. She is still living, in Perry County,
and is 64 years of age. Mrs. Rich was carefully
educated, and at the age of 18 years commenced
teaching, which profession she pursued with suc
cess five years.
Politically, Mr. Rich is a Republican. In religi
ous preference he is a Presbyterian, while his wife
adopts the tenets of the Baptist faith.

illiam H. Alien, lumberman at Evart, was
born Dec. 3, 1837, in Ontario Co., N. Y.
His father, Albert A. Allen, was a native
of the Empire State and was for some years
a minister of the Methodist Church. He
J died in Holly, Oakland Co., Mich., Feb. 9, 1882,
at 77 years of age. William's mother, Laura (Oys- ¦
terbank) Allen, was born in May, 1806, in Green Co.,
N. Y., and is a member of the household of her son
at Evart. Three of six children of whom she be
came the mother are livings — Laura M., wife of
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OSCEOLA COUN2 Y.

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Andrew Seeley, at Palmyra, N. Y.; Alpheus D., book
keeper in Detroit; and William H.
Mr. Allen began to prepare for the vocation of
machinist when he was 16 years of age. In 1855
he came to Michigan, where he worked at'his trade,
and later conducted abstract business in the counties
of Kent, Genesee and Muskegon. He was one of
the earliest to enlist in the service of the United
States, entering the army of the Union in April,
1 86 1, enrolling for three months under the first call
for troops. He became a member of Co.' F, Second
Mich. Vol. Inf., and soon after re-enlisted for three
years, as a private. He fought at the First Bull Run,
at Fair Oaks, Williamsburg, Yorktown, Malvern Hill,
in skirmishes without number and also served on
detailed duty. At the end of two years he was dis
charged, on' account of ill health, at Philadelphia, and
returned to Flint. After working a short time at his
trade, he went to Muskegon and operated in real-
estate and abstract business. Going thence to Big"
Rapids, he was employed two years as clerk in a
drug store.
In 1870 he came to Evart and resumed his occu
pation of drug clerk, which he pursued about tvro
years, meanwhile becoming interested in lumbering
in the behalf of capitalists at Muskegon, buying tim
ber and logs. He has since been continuously en
gaged in the same line of business. He is the owner
of a residence and two lots at Evart, and of several
tracts of farming land variously located in different
parts of the county.
Mr. Allen was married Nov. 26, 1867, in Muske
gon, to Sarah J. Dale. They have two children,
namely: William J., born Jan. 1, 1870, at Big Rap
ids, and Bessie C, born May 5, 1881, at Evart. Mrs.
Allen was born Oct. 9, 1840, in Monroe Co., Mich.

illiam Edwy Bellows, senior member of
the law firm of Bellows & Stone , of Reed
WgxfO' city' was born Jan' I4' l8s8' at Misha_
^l\ waka, Ind. Charles Fitz Roy Bellows, his
father, who lives at Ypsilanti, Mich., was born
Nov. 29, 1832, near Bellows Falls, Vermont, a
place founded _md named by Col. John Bellows, a

paternal ancestor of Mr. Bellows of this sketch. The
family is an old New England one, the first member
of which, John Bellows, came from England in the
year 1635, and his descendants were distinguished
in Colonial matters and in the Revolutionary War.
In 1837, when five years of age, Mr. Bellows'
father removed with his parents from Vermont to
Michigan, making almost the entire journey in a pio
neer wagon with ox team, and settled on Climax
Prairie in Kalamazoo County, where his father made
a large claim of land. The grandfather of the Mr.
Bellows of this sketch is still living, at the age of 85,
on the land he located when he came to this State,
still farming, having nearly 400 acres under a high
order of cultivation. His wife died on the farm,
about the year 1866, leaving a large family, of which
Charles F. R. Bellows was the oldest child and only
son. From the date of the removal of the family to
Michigan, the boyhood of Charles F. R. Bellows was
spent on the farm, employed in clearing and improv
ing it in a then almost unsettled country, having but
few advantages of society or schools, and leading the
well-known life of the pioneer boy. He afterward
attended the college just established at Olivet, and
the State Normal School, and, leaving the farm,
entered upon the life of a teacher, successively at
Constantine, Mishawaka and at Decatur. At these
places he was Principal of academies and graded
schools, and devoted his entire time, not otherwise
employed, in the study of mathematics, for which he
had an unusual adaptation and faculty, enabling him
to enter the advanced course in civil engineering at
the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. After
graduating with honor at the University he continued
teaching, and by his industry and ability has placed
himself at the head of the profession which he has
pursued since. He is at present Professor of Mathe
matics in the State Normal School at Ypsilanti, a
position he has filled for 1 8 years. As an author of
a number of text books on mathematics, and a life
long teacher of wide acquaintance, he is well known
as a leading educator of the State. He has beeri
prominent as well in political and journalistic cir
cles, and founded the first Republican paper in Van
Buren County. He is a Mason of eminence, and in
1883 was the Grand Master of the State of Michigan.
The mother of Mr. Bellows was Julia E. nee

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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Walker, whose family were early settlers in Oakland
Co., Mich., and were also identified with the early
growth of the State.
Being the son of a teacher, William E. Bellows
enjoyed every advantage of education and training
being a pupil in the graded schools under his father's
supervision and at the age of 12 years entering the
State Normal School. He was a member of the
Classical Course until his graduation, in the class of
1877, being particularly proficient in mathematics
and ancient languages, his especial delights, and the
study of which he keeps up to the present time in his
active professional life. While in school he spent his
summer vacations on the farm, encouraging a strong
physical as well as mental growth. In 1878, after
teaching district schools several winters while finish
ing his course, he became Principal of the Union
School at Saugatuck, Allegan Co., Mich., where he
remained three years, and afterward assumed control
ofthe graded schools at Allegan in the same capacity
for two years. As a teacher, he was practical, en
thusiastic and devoted to thorough instruction and
systematic management, and was held in high esteem
by pupils and patrons.
At the age of 23 he began the study of law, at first
during the leisure he could get from school work, and
afterward in the law office of P. A. Latta at Allegan
and Capt. E. P. Allen at Ypsilanti. He was admit
ted to the Bar at Ann Arbor, in the Washtenaw Cir
cuit, July 25, 1882, but continued teaching and the
urther prosecution of his legal studies until the
spring of 1883, the date of his selection of Reed City
as his field for the practice of his profession. The
formation of his present partnership relation was
entered into 'a short time afterward, and the firm are
already engaged in an extensive and prosperous
practice. Besides legal business proper, they deal
extensively in real estate, solicit fire and life insur
ance and lend money. As a young lawyer his in
dustry and native ability are making an impression
in the community, which is the source of much im
portant and profitable business.
Mr. Bellows is a Republican in politics, born and
bred, takes a deep interest in public affairs and is a
rising man in local politics. He did effective work in
the campaign of 1884 in his county for the Repub
lican ticket, and his services as a campaign speaker
are appreciated.

He was married Sept. 3, 1879, at petroit, to Ade
laide E. Weir. They are the parents of three chil
dren : Bertha C, born July 23, 1880, at Saugatuck;
Lewis Fitz Roy, Feb. 11, 1882, in Allegan; and
Florence A., born Sept. 29, 1883, at Reed City. Mrs.
Bellows was born Dec. 25, i860, at Manchester,
Washtenaw Co., Mich., and is the daughter of Lewis
H. and Susan Weir.

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:| eter Bittner, M. D., resident physician at
_ S Reed City, was born Jan. 17, 1850, at East
igp^ Zorra, Oxford Co., Ont. He is the son of
ij J Henry and Mary (Alles) Bittner, and his father
1^ is a prominent land-holder of Osceola County,
having 200 acres in a fine agricultural condi
tion in Richmond Township, and also is the propri
etor of other tracts in the county, and of lots in the
corporation of Reed City.
Dr. Bittner was reared on a farm and studied win
ters, attending school at Big Rapids and also at
Grand Rapids. At the age of 18 years he entered
the office of Fred Wood, M. D., at Big Rapids and
studied medicine under his instructions two years
and three months. Meanwhile he attended two full
courses of lectures at Bellvue Medical College, N. Y.,
where he was graduated in the spring of 187 1. Im
mediately after, in April, he came to Reed City. His
father owned 280 acres of land, of which a plat of 1.20
acres is now in the city limits and known as " Bitt-
ner's Additions." (To the first, the second and
third additions have since been made.) These in
terests required the personal supervision ot interested
parties, and Dr. Bittner came here to attend to the
accumulating business.
In 1872 he opened an office for the practice of his
profession, which he prosecuted three years. In 1874
he took charge of a Church of the Evangelical Asso
ciation at Owosso, and officiated as its Pastor one
year, going successively to Marshall, where he was
occupied in a similar capacity one year, to St. Joseph
two years, and to Lansing one year. In 1879 he re
sumed his medical practice at Reed City, which he
continued two years, and, at the expiration of that

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time assumed charge of a Church at Ionia, officiating
there two years. His health becoming impaired, he
again returned to Reed City, where he is engaged in
office practice and prescriptions.
In 1883, associated with his brother, Josiah
Bittner, he built a mill-dam, situated on section 14,
Richmond Township, and located on the Hersey
River. They built a flouring mill, with a capacity of
80 barrels of flour daily besides custom work. The
mill is fitted with 10 pairs of rollers and all modern
improvements. The brothers have a joint ownership
in 40 acres of land, constituting the mill-site. Mr.
Bittner is the proprietor of the property where he
resides, and 16 acres of land in village lots at Reed
City. He was married in Fredonia, Calhoun Co., Mich.,
Nov. 9, 1 87 1, to Barbara Gutekunst. Their seven
children were born in the following order : Lidas H.,
Oct. 1, 1872; Lottie M., Jan. 19, 1874; Austin H.,
Dec. 6, 1875; Adolph, Sept. 28, 1877; Simon P.,
Sept. 15, 1879; Omar N., Aug. 24, 1881 ; Almira B.,
Nov. 9, 1883. Mrs. Bittner was born Oct. 14, 1847,
in Fredonia, Washtenaw Co., Mich.

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F. Proctor, farmer, section 24, Hersey
|r Township, was born Aug. 6, 1834, in
'' Barton Township, Orleans Co., Vt. " He

is the son of Dan and Augusta (Mason)
Proctor. His father was born Feb. 14, 1807,
in Manchester, Eng., and emigrated to the
United States in 1820. He first located in Boston,
Mass., and removed thence to Craftsbury, Orleans
Co., Vt., setting up his business there as a black
smith. He owned a small farm in Michigan, whither
he removed in 1849, and died Feb. 28, 1855, in
Keene, Ionia County. The mother was born in
Craftsbury, Vt., Feb. 15, 1804, and died at the home
of her son, Sept. 30, 1883. Cynthia M., Alfred A.,
J. F., Helen E. and Benjamin Franklin, their five
children, are all living.
Mr. Proctor was married soon after becoming of
age, and settled in an unorganized portion of Mont
calm Co., Mich., whence he removed, Jan. 1, 1856,

to section 16, Crystal Township, together with his
eldest brother. They each made a claim of 40
acres of land, on which Mr. Proctor remained six
years, and removed to North Shade, Gratiot Co.,
Mich. Three years later he made another transfer
of his home and family, to Hubbardston, Ionia
County. Not long afterward he embarked in the
grocery trade at Matherton, combining that business
with hotel-keeping and conducting both about one
year. His venture proved disastrous, and as he
suffered almost total loss of his resources except his
ability to labor, he engaged as head-sawyer in the
mill of Cogswell & Aldrich, with whom he operated
in that capacity three years. He next managed a
saw-mill at Langston, Montcalm County, three years,
and in the spring of 1872 he came to Hersey and
operated as head-sawyer, scaler and foreman in the
lumber camps of D. A. Blodgett. In the spring of
1875 he took possession of the farm on which he
has since pursued his agricultural interests, and he
also for some years continued the work of scaling,
prosecuting that business eight winters. He owns
120 acres of land, on which there was a small im
provement when he took possession. He has passed
three winters near Harrison, Clare County, acting as
foreman in the shingle-mill of D. F. Diggins, and
removed his family there.
In the fall of 1863 Mr. Proctor was drafted intc
the Union service from Gratiot County, But on re
porting at Corunna, Shiawassee County, was released
being the only dependence of his widowed mother
The law was afterward changed, and he determined
to enlist, as he considered the prospects of his being
again drafted were more than likely to be realized.
He decided to enroll in the Third Michigan In
fantry. On meeting the recruiting officer at Pewamo,
he stated his circumstances, his large family, and the
necessity of his presence to secure their well-being.
The officer informed him that he could enlist him
and administer the oath in such cases made and
provided, give him custody of his papers, and should
he be drafted he could report for duty to the regi
ment as an enlisted man. He escaped the draft,
and the necessity never arose.
Mr. Proctor was married Sept. 16, 1855,10 Mary
W. Smith, and they have eight living children, and
four deceased. Fred was born Jan. 21, 1857 ;
Frank, March 7, 1858; Charlie, Jan. 5, i860; Dan,
Aug. 25, 1861; Viola. April 14, 1863 (died March
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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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19, 1864); Clyde, born Jan. 12, 1865, died May 13,
1882; Louisa was born April 11, 1867; Willie,
March 17, 1870; Ralph, Feb. 28, 1872 (died March.1*
3d following); Verne, born May 13, 1873, died
Sept. 24 of the same year; Arthur C. was born
Sept. 25, 1875; Albert E., April n, 1877. Mrs.
Proctor was born May 23, 1833, in Novi, Oakland
Co., Mich., and is the oldest of four children born
to her parents. She has one brother and two sisters
— Edgar, Abigail R. and Emily. Her father and
mother, A. C. and Lorinda (Simmons) Smith, reside
at Easton, Ionia County, where the former is a citi
zen of prominence. He has served several terms as
Sheriff, and has been County Surveyor some years.
Mr. Proctor is present Supervisor (1884) of his
township. In political opinion he is a Democrat.
His paternal grandfather was in somewhat straitened
circumstances in England, and, leaving his family
there, all save his oldest son, he set out with him in
a sailing vessel for th.e United States. Adverse
winds drove them into the Northern Ocean among
the icebergs, where their food gave out and they were
in danger of starvation as well as shipwreck. But
'other vessels in the same vicinity, with more abund
ant stores, shared with them, and after six months
of storm arid stress they landed in Nova Scotia.
The senior Proctor was a blacksmith and moreover
was bent on proceeding to the United States, but
was deterred by an English law enacted after the
war of 181 2, prohibiting mechanics belonging by
nativity to Great Britain from going to the States.
He fixed his location as near the boundary line as
he could, and under cover of becoming a permanent
settler he took up 200 acres of land, on which he
settled and commenced active life as a blacksmith.
After a year he succeeded in getting on board an
American sloop with his tools, but he was discovered
by the British authorities and all the most valuable
portion of his equipment was confiscated, leaving
him only the commonest sort of an outfit to com
mence his work of carving out ways and means to
secure the comfort and presence of his family. A
month later he succeeded in his purpose and reached
Boston. He went thence to Lowell, in the Old Bay
State, where he produced the first lace-making
machinery in this country.
His maternal grandmother, Mrs. Mason, was a
descendant of the Howards, whose names are

associated with the earliest colonial history of Mass
achusetts. His grandfather, Elder Mason, was the first Bap
tist clergyman in Craftsbury, Vt. At the date of his
settlement there, the most primitive methods of
travel prevailed, and he once drew his wife on a
ltand-sled nearly 50 miles, she carrying in her arms
their oldest child.
The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Proctor appear on
other pages. That of Mr. Proctor is especially
valuable to this volume, as he represents the ele
ments on which this country was founded and which
has perpetuated its institutions. He is a pioneer
by inheritance and in his own experience.

saae W. Howe, M. D., practicing physician
at Ashton, Lincoln Township, and a prom
inent resident in, that vicinity, was born in
Potter Co., Pa., May 8, 1835, and attended the
common school until about 19 years of age.
He then began the study of medicine in his
native county, under Dr. Willard Whitney, and ap- 1\
plied himself to .his chosen studies with great assidu- ty
ity. In due time he became qualified to pursue his
calling successfully.
In the fall of 1868, he came to Michigan, resided
in Wayland, Allegan County, about a year, and then
came to Osceola County, locating in Lincoln Town
ship about half a mile west of Ashton. It was his
intention to engage in mercantile business, and he
sold the first goods in the township. About a year
afterward he went to Lake County, this State, and
took possession of 80 acres of land, under the pro
visions of the homestead laws, in Ellsworth Town
ship. After residing there until the spring of 1879,
he returned to Ashton, where he has since re
sided and followed the practice of his profession. He
has erected a fine residence, which he now occupies.
Besides the 80 acres of land which he owns in Lake
County, he also owns some village property at
Ashton. In regard to religion, the Doctor, as well as his
wife, is a member of the Baptist Church, and has

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been a devoted worker for the cause of Christianity
for 26 years. He is a Republican in his political
views ; has held the office of Township Treasurer in
Lake County for a year and a half, resigning that
office on account of being elected ' Sheriff of that
county. This office he had two years ; was also
Under-Sheriff four years, and Superintendent of the
Poor of the same county for' a term.
Dr. Howe was married in Potter County, in his
native State, Jan. 18, 1855, to Miss Emeline Harvey,
who was born in Tioga Co., N. Y., Feb. 16, 1834.
Her parents, Joel and Polly (Gee) Harvey, were also
natives of the same~county. The children in the
family of Dr. Howe have been Florence D., Iva G.
and Elmer W. The first mentioned died when a
year and eight months old. The Doctor's father,
William Howe, was a native of the Empire State,
and his mother, Abigail, nee Kibbie, of the State of
Massachusetts.

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B. Winsor, attorney, member of the law,
real-estate and insurance firm of Cooper &
Winsor, at Reed City, was born Jan 24,
1858, in Providence, R. I. His father, James
W. Winsor, Was born Aug. 31, 1813, in Rhode
Island, and married Ann C. Chillson, who was
born Nov. r2, 1817, near Elmira, N. Y. Three of
their seven children are still living.
When Mr. Winsor was obout five years of age his
parents became residents of Hillsdale, Mich. On
reaching suitable age he became a student at the
college there, studying in the scientific course, and
was graduated in the spring of 1877. He entered
the Law Department of the University of Michigan
at Ann Arbor, immediately after terminating his
course at Hillsdale, and was graduated in 1879. He
had previously acquired a fundamental knowledge of
law in the office of Dickerman & St.TJJohn, of Hills
dale, Mich.
In the fall of 1880 he came to Reed City, where
he became an associate with Ransom Cooper, and
their business relations are still in existence. They
have established a satisfactory practice in the legal
profession, and represent the Liverpool & London &

Globe Fire Insurance Company, the Phoenix, Orient,
British American and American.
In the spring of 1880 Mr. Winsor was elected City
Attorney, and has been successively re-elected to the
same position. He is connected by membership
with the Masonic fraternity, and belongs to Blue
Lodge, No. 363, at Reed City, to Royal Arch Chap
ter, No. 112, at Reed City, and to Pilgrim Command-
ery, No. 23, at Big Rapids.

alter M. Davis, dealer in boots, shoes,
harness, furniture, etc., at Evart, was born
Aug. 31, 1847, in Washington Township,
|> Macomb Co., Mich. His father, Stephen
H. Davis, was born in the State of New
'. ' York and is an early settler of Macomb County.
He is engaged in the sale of agricultural implements
at Romeo in that county. His mother, Sarah Maria
(Scott) Davis, is a native of the State of New York.
They are the parents of nine children.
At the age of 18 years, which period of his life he
had passed on his father's farm, Mr. Davis went to
Ray, in his native county, to prepare for the business
of a harness-maker. He served a period of three
years, and in 1868 he opened a shop for the trans
action of business in that avenue at Ray, which he
conducted two years. In October, 187 1, he came to
Evart, accompanied by his brother — Henry A. Davis
— and they erected buildings beside each other for
the prosecution of their respective enterprises — har
ness-making and the sale of furniture. The death
of H. A. Davis occurred in December, 1878, and, in
company with M. C. Williams, the surviving brother
purchased the stock of furniture, becoming sole owner
three years later by purchase. His business has
continued to expand, and he has increased its con
nections by the addition of boots and shoes, and also
keeps a full line of undertaker's goods. He also
owns a hearse. Mr. Davis owns the building in
which he established his business primarily, which is
20 x 62' feet in dimensions, rents the structure built
by his brother, which exceeds his own in size, and
lso occupies a large store house opposite, 20 x 80

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feet in size. He erected the building in which the
postoffice at Evart is located and where he formerly
operated. His stock in the various departments of
his business averages a value of $10,000. He owns
his village property, consisting of a house and three
lots, and also a-5o-acre farm situated adjoining the
village of Sears. Mr. Davis is a member of the
School Board and is the present Village Treasurer,
in which position he is serving his seventh term.
He was married in Grand Rapids to Elizabeth
Wolf, a native of the city of Buffalo, N. Y. Their
children were born in Evart as follows : Earl S ,
June 12, 1881, and Glenn S., Sept. 23, 1883. Po
litically he is an out and out Republican.

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harles K. Edwards, farmer, section 20,
.,. a Orient Township, was born Jan. 29, 1846,
b> on the Isle of Wight. His father, John Ed

wards, was born Nov. 9, 1803, in Wales, and
is of mixed English and Welsh origin. He
married Elizabeth Kinver, a lady of English
birth, born in 1793, and in 1855 emigrated with his
family to Oakwood, Victoria Co., Ont., where he is
now living, in advanced age. The mother died there
June 3, 1877.
Mr. Edwards was educated in the public schools
of Victoria County chiefly, and was sent for a few
months to a school of higher grade. He was reared
to manhood on a farm, and, on obtaining his major
ity, rented a farm in, the vicinity of his boyhood's
home, which he conducted two years. Soon after he
determined to test the rumored advantages of the
Peninsular State, and in December, 1870, he came to
the township of Orient, where he made a homestead
claim of 40 acres of land, to which his family re- <
moved in March, 187 1. He has made a later pur
chase of 60 acres additional, and of the whole has
improved 50 acres ; has also erected a frame barn of
good quality, and suited to the increasing demands
of his farm,
On coming to Orient Township, Mr. ' Edwards
drove an ox team from Lake Station on the Flint &
Pere Marquette Railroad, which then terminated

there, and worked between seven and eight days to
cut a road to his present place of residence.
He was married Jan. 29, 1867, to Mary E. Toole.
She was born Feb. 24, 1845, in Oakwood, Ont., and
is the daughter of William and Finette (Pillen)
Toole. The former is a native of Pennsylvania and
is of American birth and Irish and German descent.
He was born in, December, 1814, and is living in
Oakwood, Ont. Her mother was of German extrac
tion, born in Portland, Ont., and died in Oakwood,
Jan. 24, 1869, aged 47 years and four weeks. The
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Edwards are recorded
as follows : Finette S., born Oct. 5, 1869; William
W., May 28, 1872; Cecil W., June 27, 1874 (died by
accidental drowning May 19, 1877); Sidney J., June
28, 1876; Clarence B., Dec. 3, 1878; and Percy B.,
Sept. 2, 1882.
Mr. Edwards is an adherent and sustainer of the
principles of the Republican party. He served a
vacant term as Justice of the Peace, and was elected
to the position twice successively, discharging its in
cumbent duties 11 years. He has been Highway
Commissioner three years, School Inspector five
years and Moderator three years. Mrs. Edwards
belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. ,

~~ |[ndrew C. Adams, merchant at Ashton, was
born in Erie Co., Pa., Nov. 22, 1844. His
=sa father, Elijah Adams, was a native of the
State of New York; and his mother, Eunice,
nee Van Tassel, was born in Pennsylvania.
Andrew received a good common-school edu
cation until he was 16 years of age, when, Aug. 31,
1 861, his patriotic ardor led him to enlist in the ser
vice of the Government for the suppression of the
great insurrection and for the common weal of his
country. He joined the Eighth Mich. Vol. Inf. and
served four years, duringthis period being a partici-
. pant in at least 20 general engagements, and came
out of them all without having received a " scratch ',
of injury !
He was honorably discharged from the service, af
ter the close of the direful contest, and until 1875 he
was employed in different saw and shingle mills in

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various parts of this State. He then came to Ashton
and engaged in mercantile business, where he has
since continued. His store is a fine one and would
do credit to a much larger place. He has a com
plete stock of general merchandise and is enjoying a
good patronage and fair success every way. On the
13th of February, 1884, his store took fire, and the
building, with the contents, was entirely consumed ;
not even his books were saved. The loss was esti
mated at $2,000 over all insurance. But he is
not the man to be discouraged in life's noblest ambi
tions by disaster. As sure as he continues to have
average health and strength, he will be industrious
and economical, and begin again to accumulate.
Mr. Adams has held the office of Township Treas
urer six years, also the positions of School Director
and School Assessor, and in the winter of 1883 he
was appointed Notary Public. In his principles con
cerning national government he is identified with the
Republican party.
He was married at Wayland, Allegan Co., Mich.,
Jan. 1, 187 1, to Augusta E. Dillabough, a native of
Canada. There are two children in the family of
Mr. and Mrs. Adams, namely, Frederick C. and Rob
ert E.

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ohn Witt, farmer, section 22, Lincoln Town
ship, is a son of Lui and Catherine Witt,
natives of Germany, where also John was
born, Nov. 14, 1840. When 24 years of age he
emigrated to England and thence to Canada,
living one year in Quebec and spending one
summer in Detroit.
He came to this county in 1864 and took posses
sion of 80 acres of land under the provisions of the
homestead law, since which time he has added 80
acres more. One-half of his whole landed estate he has
in a condition of good cultivation, and upon the pre
mises he has erected a fine dwelling, also good barns,
etc. Indeed, they are among the best in the county.
Politically, Mr. Witt is a Republican, and in a public
capacity he has served his fellow citizens as School
Assessor. He was married at Big Rapids, Mecosta Co., Mich.,
June 4, 187 1, to Miss Matilda Morty, a native also

of Germany. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Witt are
Ida, born March 13, 1873; Agnes, June 21, 1874,
and died Dec. 9, 1875 ; Ella, July 13, 1877; Matilda,
Jan. 30, 1880; Otto, Dec. 31, 1881 ; and Paul, March
11, 1884.

feenry W. Carson, better known to his gen-
(KiSiP* eration as " Kit Carson," proprietor of the
#fi& hotel and boarding-house at Sears, Orient
Township, was born Nov. 3, 1837, in Yates
Township, Montgomery Co., N. Y. His father,
Stephen Carson, is deceased. He died Dec. 7,
'1883, aged 85 years. The mother, Elizabeth (Will
iams) Carson, is living in Crawford Co., Pa., where
her husband died, and is 75 years old. The family
went to that section of Pennsylvania in 1852, where
the father engaged in farming. In earlier life he was
a carpenter. Mr. Carson was 15 years of age when he went to
the Keystone State with his parents. Sept. 23, 1865,
he came to Genesee Co., Mich., and located at Clio,
where he spent seven years engaged as a lumber
manufacturer. He built four saw-mills at Clio,
Genesee County. Later on he removed to Osceola
County, arriving Sept. 2, 187 1, and locating at Big
Lake, two miles south of Sears. He built two miles
of railway with iron track, running from Sears to Big
Lake, for facilitating lumber manufacture and trans
portation. It was the first piece of locomotive rail
road constructed by a single individual in the United
States, and was designated the " Orient, Big Lake &
Chippewa Road." Mr. Carson operated it five and
a half years.
At the end of that time he sold out and located on
his farm for a time, while he was building a saw-mill
between Loomis and Coleman. Six months after its
completion he sold it, and in 1879 built a mill at
Chippewa, which he managed a year. On disposing
of that he again resided for a time on his farm which
had been occupied by his family since their removal
to the county. In 1880 he established a lumber
yard at Harrison, which he conducted 20 months,
and lost the property by fire, which entailed a loss of
$t,ooo. He then built a mill at Big Lake, which he

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managed three months and sold. His next venture
was the renting of the hotel which he is now con
ducting. When he first came to Sears in 187 1 it
contained six buildings, five of them engaged in the
sale" of liquor.
Mr. Carson is a Republican in political principles
and connections. He has officiated as School
Director and Highway Overseer. He is everywhere
known as "Kit Carson," all his social and business
correspondence being addressed to him under that
style. He was married April 27, 1863, in Crawford Co.,
Pa., to Melvina Collins, and they have had five chil
dren: Minnie E., who was born April 14, 1865, in
Crawford Co., Pa., married Frank Jeffs, Dec. 7,
1881 ; Alice M. was born Sept. 15, 1867 ; Laura M.,
Dec. 21, 1870; Henry H., May 27, 1878, in Orient,
and died June 15, following; Mattie E., Sept. 3,
1879. Mrs. Carson is the daughter of John P. and
Abigail (Robinson) Collins. The former was born
Jan. 21, 1820, in Pennsylvania, and resides in Craw
ford County in that State. Her mother was born in
1823, in the State of New York, and died July 29,
1869, in Crawford County. Mrs. Carson was born
Sept. 23, 1847, in the county where she was reared,
and is one of nine children born to her parents, —
four sons and five daughters.

*-*  «-

If rank H. Nix, photographer at Reed City
jlQ was born March 29, 1854, in Fulton Co.,
N. Y. His parents, Frederick and Hattie
(Heidner) Nix, are natives of Prussia, where
the former was born, Feb. 26, 1818, the latter
in 1826. The father resided in West Bend,
Wis., where the mother died, in 1865. Four of their
eight children are living, namely : Emuel, who is a
farmer near Mitchell, Dakota; Theodore, who is a
photographer at Evart ; and Lizzie, who is the wife
of Henry Lenn, Principal of Schools at Oshkosh,
Wis. Mr. Nix was a farmer until the age of 16, when he
came to Michigan and engaged as a salesman at
Manistee for George Nungesser, general dealer in
merchandise, continuing in that employment five

years. He then came to Cadillac and became in
terested in the book and stationery business ; a year
later he came to Reed City, and opened the business
of a photographer on a small scale. He has now a
fine gallery and an extensive business. Mr. Nix is
a member of the Order of Odd Fellows and of the
Patriarchal Circle.
He was married ac Cadillac, Mich., Nov. 7, 1873,
to Sarah F. Baker. She was born Feb. 4, 1852, in
Decatur, Mich. Their children were born as fol
lows: Edwin, Nov. 28, 1874; Harry E., Oct. 2, 1876;
and Mabel A., June 16, 1880. Mr. Nix owns his
residence, which he built, and other village prop
erty. He and his wife belong to the Methodist
Episcopal Church.

-^S-

illiam A. Higbe, of the real:estate firm of
J. M. Reed & Co., resident at Reed City,
was born Jan. 20, 1854, in Newark Valley
N. Y. Charles Higbe, his father, is a prorn-
inent farmer of Newark Valley ; he was born
' in the State of New York, in August, 1816-
William's mother, Caroline (Lincoln) Higbe, was
born in November, 1820.
At the age of 18 years Mr. Higbe entered the
Wyoming Seminary at Kingston, Pa., and after two
years of study was graduated in the business depart
ment. He engaged as a clerk in Newark, and
operated in that capacity until 1876. In 1856 his
father made a hunting tour through Northern Michi
gan, and, judging favorably ofthe outlook, he formed
the association since known to business circles as
" J. M. Reed & Co.," with J. M. Reed (after whom
the city is named), Ozias J. Slosson, F. H. Todd and
himself as members. They made claims including
about 4,000 acres of land, most of which seemed and
proved favorable for agriculture. Mr. Todd is de
ceased, and his interest lapsed to his associates. Mr.
Slosson is also deceased, and his sons — Willis M.
and Arthur — inherit his claim. Mr. Higbe. represents
his father, and is a heavy owner in his own behalf.
The firm platted a considerable amount of the ter
ritory they held, including the main portion of the
town and J. M. Reed & Go's First Addition. They

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still hold a large amount of farming land and village
property on sale.
In 1882 Mr. Higbe built Higbe's Opera House
Block at Reed City, a brick structure 55 x 80 feet in
extent, with two business apartments on the ground
and Opera House above. Mr. Higbe is associated
with T. W. Adams, of Big Rapids, in the management
of the " Northern Michigan Theatrical Circuit," in
cluding the towns of Big Rapids, Stanton, Reed City,
Cadillac and Manistee, and- they control the places
of amusement in those towns. Mr. Higbe owns his
residence and considerable other village property.
In company with L. B. Avery, he built the skating
rink at Reed City, a building 52 x 120 feet in dimen
sions, with a solid maple floor in excellent condition.
He was married July 11, 1876, in Newark Valley,
to Emma, daughter of John Butler. She was born in
Tioga Co., N. Y., Nov. 22, 1857. One child — Euge
nia — was born April 1, 1877, to Mr. and Mrs. Higbe.

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Joseph A. Braden, farmer and teacher, re-
||- siding at Leroy, was born July n, 1840, in
^ Seneca Co., N. Y., and is the son of Lewis
and Electa (Moore) Braden (see sketch of E.
M. Braden). He obtained his elementary
education in his native county, and in the
spring of 1866 came to Texas Township, Kalamazoo
Co., Mich., and became interested in farming. He
remained there until his removal in 1875 to Osceola
County. He engaged in the employ of Kellogg,
Sawyer & Co., for a time, and in 1878 he purchased
80 acres of land lying within the corporation of the
village of Leroy, nearly all of which is under im
provement. Mr. Braden obtained a thorough education and
preparation for the teacher's profession at Kalamazoo.
He began to teach in i860, and has for some years
made it his business in the winter seasons. He be
came a soldier in the Union service during the war of
the rebellion, enlisting April 30, 1861, in Co. D, 27 th
Reg. N. Y. Inf., under Col. Slocum. His command
was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and he
was a participant in the first battle of Bull Run and
in,allthe engagements of the McClellan campaign.

He passed through his period of service uninjured S>

and received an honorable discharge at Elmira, N.
Y., in June, 1863, having won the earnest esteem
and appreciation of his comrades and officers. He is
a Republican in political principle and record.
His marriage to Lucy Angel took place March 23,
1864, in Galen, Wayne Co., N. Y. They have had
two children, — James L. and Adriance. The latter
is not living. Mrs. Braden was born March 20, 1845,
in Wayne Co., N. Y.

]|»lias Smith Richardson, M. D., practicing
physician and surgeon at Reeci City, was
born April 11, 1842, in Kent Co., Ont.
His grandfather, Edward Richardson, was a
pioneer of Michigan, and died in Detroit in
1810, where he was in the hotel business. After
his death, his family removed to the homestead in
Kent Co., Ont. Isaac M. Richardson, the father of
Dr. Richardson, was born July 2, 1805, in Detroit,
and died in May, 1882, near St. Charles, Saginaw Co.,
Mich. The mother, Mary A. (Smith) Richardson,
was born in 1813, in Niagara Co., Ont., and died in
1865, in Oakland Co., Mich. Their family comprised
14 children, eight of whom survive.
Dr. Richardson is the eighth of his parents' children
in order of birth. He was reared on a farm and ob-.
tained a fair, education, which he utilized in the pro
fession of teaching, engaging in that vocation five
years and attending the union school at Pontiac be
tween the terms of labor. In October, 1868, he
entered the Medical Department of the University at
Ann Arbor, where he was graduated with the class of
1870. On obtaining his credentials he opened an
office at Pontiac as preliminary to a medical career.
After a trial of six months he decided on a change of
locality and went to the Saginaw Valley, operating in
that region four years. Becoming convinced of the
deleterious effects of the malarial climate, another
change of location was inevitable, and Dr. Richard
son, in 1874, fixed upon Osceola County as a desir
able field for his business, and also to re-establish

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the vigor he had lost in the miasmatic climate of the
Saginaw region. He began his practice at Evart, re
moving thence in 1876 to Reed City and established
himself permanently as a practitioner. He is the
oldest resident physician at that point, and has se
cured a substantial recognition of the genuineness of
his merits in his professional capacity ; and by his
conscientious discharge of duty, his abilities and skill,
and his character as a cultivated, self-respecting
gentleman he has won the confidence which is the
crown of his manhood. He possesses traits of de
cision and independent judgment which place him
beyond the pale of modern empirics, and he repudi
ates the pretensions and criminal tendencies of the
schools of quackery in medical practice with all the
disgust and contempt which are their inherent and
fundamental deserts.
In 1873 Dr. Richardson was made a member of the
State Medical Society of Michigan, and in 1883, by
special invitation, attended the American Medical
Association at Cleveland. He was at one time a
regular correspondent of the Medical Summary, and
is still an occasional contributor to its columns. He
is a member of 'the Union Medical Society of North
ern Michigan ; and belongs to the Reed City Lodge,
No. 316, I. O. O. F. He has officiated five years as
Meteorological Observer in behalf of the State Board
of Health, and two years as Observer for the United
States Signal Service. Dr. Richardson has been
County Physician one year, and has officiated two
years as Coroner.
He was married Sept. 1, 1869, in Romeo, Macomb
Co., Mich., to Clarinda M. Waugh, and they have
fourchildren: Merari A., who was born June 15, 1870,
in Pontiac; Judson E., July 29, 1872, in Saginaw;
Clare W., Dec, 22, 1877, at Reed City, where also
Don Dio was born, Feb. 24, 1881. Mrs. Richardson
was born July 10, 1841, in Bloomfield, Oakland Co.,
Mich., and is the daughter of Sheldon and Charlotte
Waugh. Her parents came from New York to Bloom-
field in 1825, where they joined the pioneer agricul
tural element. Her father died Aug. 18, 1874, at
Pontiac; her mother is yH living, in Oakland
County. The period through which the country was passing
during the later youth of Dr. Richardson and which
awoke in him a conscientious interest, shaped his
convictions on general topics after radical methods.

He was a staunch Republican from the outset of his
active political career, and also of decided temper
ance principles. He believed politics to be the
medium to secure redress from all immoral griev
ances, and felt compelled to change his convictions
regarding the integrity of the pretentions of the Re
publican party concerning prohibition of the liquor
traffic. Accordingly, in December, i860, associated
with others of similar opinions, he organized a Pro
hibition Club for the purpose of awakening a local
interest in the matter. After the organization of the
Union party at Jackson, Jan. 9, 1884, he moved that
the club adopt its principles and operate in harmony
with its object. At the first local election thereafter
a temperance ticket was Dut in the field, which was
defeated by the joint action of the Democrats and
Republicans. The indignation, disgust and con
tempt of Dr. Richardson over this result led him to
the renunciation of the old party and to become its
bitter opponent in all its temperance pretensions.

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elson A. Ferguson, farmer, section 6, \S
f Orient Township, was born Sept. 9, 1828, s
in Chautauqua Co., N. Y. His father, ( 7
Michael Ferguscm, was born in Schoharie Co.,
N. Y., and was chiefly engaged in agricultural
pursuits during his life. His wife, Eunice
(Packard) Ferguson, was, a native of the State of
New York, and of Scotch and Welsh lineage. In
1830 they removed with their three children to
Marion Co., Ohio; there' they bought a farm, which
was their abiding place for a time. Later they went
to Lucas County in that State, coming thence about
1848 to Ionia Co., Mich., where father and son set
tled on a farm in Ronald Township. The mother
died in that township in March, i86r, aged 76 years.
The death of the father occurred in Fairfield, Mont
calm Co., Mich., in 1870. He was 88 years of age.
Mr. Ferguson, the subject of this sketch, was
reared to the vocation of his father. He was mar
ried May 25, 1847, in Ohio, to Anna E. Jones. She ,
was born near Lebanon, Ohio, in 1831, and is the )\
third child of Samuel B. and Eliza (Peterson) Jones.
The latter was born in Pennsylvania, "and died in

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1848, in Henry Co., Ohio.. The former is a resident
of Bushnell, Montcalm Co., Mich. He was born in
1797, in New Jersey. His family included four sons
and three daughters. The children born to Mr. and
Mrs. Ferguson were named Waterman, Walter,
Perry A., Franklin P., Emma J., Flora J., Eva E.,
Georgiarina, Henry A., Nelson E. and Fred E. Nine
children yet survive.
Mr. Ferguson became a soldier during the Civil
War, enlisting in Co. A, 21st Mich. Vol. Inf. He
was in action only at the battle of Perryville, in which
he encountered a degree of hardship which completely
exhausted his endurance. On the second night after
the engagement he was seated in a chair near a fire,
and becoming unconscious from over-fatigue he fell,
and was so badly burned as to cause his discharge
from the service.
He is a Democrat in political connections. He
officiated three years as Superintendent of the Poor,
nearly five years as Supervisor, several terms as Jus
tice of the Peace, two terms as School Inspector and
one term as Township Treasurer.
He removed to his present location in Orient
Township Dec. 12, 1868, and made a homestead
claim of 40 acres of land, on which he has since re
sided.

infield Scott Gerrish, deceased, son of
the Hon. N. L. Gerrish, of Cadillac, and
brother of Mrs. Rose Quigley, of Evart,
was born Feb. 15, 1849, in Lee, Penobscot
Co., Maine. He was early trained in the
details of the lumber business in all its branches^
his father being engaged in that business in Maine
during his early boyhood. In 1857 he accompanied
his parents to Wisconsin, whence, in 1861, they re
moved to Croton Township," Newaygo Co., Mich.
Hon. Nathaniel L. Gerrish, now of Cadillac, was
born in Dover, Maine, Feb. r 6, 1819. He grew to
manhood amid the influences of the leading industry
ofthe Pine-Tree State, and was a born and bred
lumberman, passing his entire life thus far in the
various ' avenues of . that branch of business. He
was married Feb. 12, 1843, in Lee, Penobscot Co.',

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Maine, to Caroline Gatchell, and they became the
parents of four sons and three daughters, namely :
Ebenezer W., Rose A. (Mrs. Quigley), Winfield
Scott, Leslie F., Mary A., Abner H. and Esther C.
The son, W. S., when 12 years of age, was in
strong and active boyhood, eager to begin his share
in the work of the world, and, with his inherited
tastes arid inclinations, was trained by association
and circumstances in the business- to which his
father devoted his life and ambitions. Young Ger
rish was primarily educated in the public schools,
and in 1864, when 15 years old, was sent to Grand
Rapids, to the academy, where he remained one sea
son, receiving meanwhile an appointment as cadet
in the naval school at Annapolis. He matriculated
there in 1865, but, finding the career of a midship
man distasteful and irksome, with his father's ap
proval he abandoned the position at the end of his
first year, and returned to Michigan to enter upon an
active business career as a lumberman.
He was 18 years old in the winter of 18^7, and
during that season he began operations as a lumber
man on his own responsibility, and took a contract
to "put in logs " on the Muskegon, along which line
he operated during the remainder of his life. In
1869 he settled at Hersey, where he was a resident
eight years. In the autumn of 1873, he made an
extensive logging contract with Messrs. Avery &
Murphy, to put in a large amount of logs on the
Tom and Dock Creeks, in which he experienced
difficulties of an unusual character, chief of which
was the shrinking of the streams to the proportions
of a rivulet, an obstacle which required the building
of dams and draining of lakes to raise the creeks to. a
height necessary for the accomplishment of the busi
ness. The terms of the contract were finally ful
filled, and the reputation Mr. Gerrish won for perse
verance under embarrassments that would have
daunted and baffled men of larger experience, was of
infinite value to his future career. John L. Woods,
the veteran developer of the lumber interests of the
north of Michigan, becoming interested in the pluck
and perseverance of the young lumberman, and re
cognizing the value of his predominating traits of
character, made him a proposition to take an interest
in a tract of 12,000 acres owned by him on the up
per waters of the Muskegon, which he accepted, be
lieving it to be the opportunity of his life, and which

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afforded a broad field for the exercise of his abilities.
In 1874, associated with E. H. Hazelton and
others, he purchased a large tract of timber land in
town 18 north, 5 west, Clare Co., Mich., a location
considered practically worthless for lumbering, as it
lay remote from the river. While attending the
Centennial at Philadelphia, in 1876, he observed in
Mechanics' Hall a small Baldwin locomotive, whose
operations suggested to his practical mind its feasi
bility as an accessory to the achievement of a lumber
project in Clare County. A vivid picture of a horse
that could draw logs without snow painted itself on
his imagination, and he returned home with per
fected plans for the accomplishment of the enter
prise. In January, 1877, the first logging railroad in the
United States was built, and connected Lake George
in town 18, 5, with the Muskegon River, a distance
of six miles. Within the following year the road was
extended. During the first year it was operated, the
"put" was 20,000,000 feet; with the new facilities
in 1879 the " put " reached a maximum of 1 14,000^,-
000. In the spring of that year Gerrish & Woods
bought an interest in the Hamilton mill at Muske_
gon, where the former fixed his residence in 1880.
Mr. Gerrish, within that year, purchased a share of
the Wilson mill at Muskegon and continued to hold
a proprietary interest in several shingle-mills. In
1880, also, he made a purchase of the Saginaw Bay
& Northwestern Logging Railroad, buying the route
in company with W. J. Miller. During the next two
years the firm transported 90,000,000 feet of logs an
nually on its track.
' In 1879 Mr. Gerrish pissed the most active year
of his business career. He banked and put into the
Muskegon River 130,000,000 feet, and in the year
following put in 100,000,000 feet. During these two
years he was recognized as the champion individual
logger of the world. The maximum number of men
employed by him in his varied interests in 1 880 was
4,000 in round numbers.
Mr. Gerrish was married July 1, 1869, to Lina W.
Probasco, of Croton, Mich. He died in Evart, May
19, 1882, at the residence of his sister, Mrs. Rose A.
Quigley. He was a man of the keenest moral sens
ibilities, and an earnest advocate and promoter of
temperance principles. He was himself an ab
stainer from the use of liquor in the strongest sense,

never tasting it in any form. At the time of his
death he was engaged in the construction of an ele
gant residence at Muskegon, sat a projected cost of
$30,000. The publishers of this work take a peculiar satis
faction in presenting the portrait of Winfield Scott
Gerrish. It is a perpetual memorial to the life and
influences of its prototype, and adds a special value
as does the record of his busy career. See the page
preceding the commencement of this sketch.

vS|Lavid Weigel is the oldest of the perma-
ili nent pioneer settlers of Orient Township,
4,

|(3jJr and is a resident on section 4, where he
jmfi, entered a homestead claim, and of which he
X took possession April 19, 1867. He has placed
? 52 acres under good improvements.
Mr. Weigel was born Nov. 8, 1838, near Carlisle,
Cumberland Co., Pa. His parents, Jacob and Cath
erine (Ressler) Weigel, were of German descent, and
were educated in both English and German. The
former was born in 1806, and died in Wilmot, Ind.,
aged 42 years. The latter was born Aug. 17, 1810,
and still resides where her first- husband died. Both
were natives of the Keystone State.
Mr. Weigel was but ten years of age when his
father died, and his mother was again married a few
years afterward. He was educated with some care
in early youth, and completed his education by at
tending school from the age of 18 years to the attain
ment of his majority, at Goshen, Ind. He has been
occupied at various times in teaching, engaging in
that business during two terms in Iowa and four
terms in the State of Indiana.
On the 27th of July, 1862, he enlisted in Co. E,
r24th 111. Vol. Inf., his command being assigned to
the First Brigade, Third Division and Seventeenth
Army Corps, under General Logan, Corps Com
mander. After the action at Vicksburg the regiment
was transferred to the Sixteenth Corps, under Gen
eral McPherson. His regiment was engaged in the
fight at Fort Gibson, Baker's Creek, Jackson, Cham
pion Hills and Vicksburg. After the transfer to the
Department of the Gulf, Mr. Weigel was in action

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at Mobile, and went thence to Montgomery, where
he was discharged, Aug. 15, 1865, and went to Wil
mot, Ind. He was wounded in Mississippi while on
scouting duty. The detail was lying on the ground
and a six-pound Parrott ball, on a voyage of discov
ery, dropping in among the men, cut off one man's
arm and also one knee-pan belonging to the same
individual, passed over to Mr. Weigel who lay next
behind, and inflicted a severe injury to his right arm.
He was yet incapacitated when discharged from the
army, and engaged during the following winter in
teaching school.
Mr. Weigel is independent in political views and
action.

orenzo A. Barker, editor and proprietor of
the Clarion at Reed City, was born Aug.
16, 1839, in Naples, Ontario Co., N. Y.
George W. Barker, his father, was born March
1815, in Deerfield, Mass., and was married
Sept. 7, 1835, to Weltha Tyler. She was born
June 21, 1816, and they became the parents of five
children. Their first born died on the day of birth,
April 6, 1837 ; Lorenzo, born Aug. 16, 1839, is the
oldest living child; Bruce, born Jan". 13, 1842, died
March 11, 1845 ; Alida, born Aug. 4, 1844, died Jan.
14, 1846 ; Eugenia, born Jan. 31, 1850, is the wife of
Monroe Dickinson, a merchant at Boyne Falls,
Charlevoix Co., Mich., and they have one child, Vera
lone. The father was during a number of years a
merchant in the State of New York, and later trans
ferred his family and mercantile interests to Italy
Hollow, Yates Co., N. Y. In 1853 another transfer
was made, to Battle Creek, Mich., where the senior
Barker engaged in the daguerreotype business, and is
now a photographer at South Arm, Charlevoix
County. The mother of the subject of this sketch
died at Italy Hollow, in 1852.
Mr. Barker passed a year in farm employment af
ter the removal ofthe family to Michigan. In 1854,
he entered the office of the- Battle Creek Journal to
learn the art of printing, and was an attache of the
Journal until the year in which rebellion started
abroad in the land in its blind and misguided fury.
All through the course of the earlier months after the

attack upon the Federal fort at Sumter, while his
fingers recorded the disasters of the opening cam
paign and also the varied literature which arose from
the exigences of the time, he was awakening to the
fact that men with the true fire of patriotism blazing
in their breasts were surely needed at the front, and
he was led by the growing impulse to throw himself
early in the contest into the heat of the fray. He
enlisted at Battle Creek, Sept. 28, 1861, in Co. E,
Berger's Sharpshooters. The style of the organiza
tion was changed to Company D, of the same regi
ment, which was known as the 66th Illinois Western
Sharpshooters. Mr. Barker was in action at Mt.
Zion, Mo., Dec. 23, 1861; Fort Donelson, Tenn.,
Feb. 13, 14, 15, 16, 1862; Shiloh, April 6-7 ; siege
of Corinth, April 20 to May 30; Iuka, Sept. 19; Cor
inth, Oct. 3-4, — after which he was occupied in
camp duty and guerrilla warfare until his discharge
Dec. 23, 1863. He immediately re-enlisted on the
same date at Pulaski, Tenn., in the same command,
returning home on a veteran's furlough of 30 days.
On the expiration of his leave of absence he rejoined
his command at the front, and the regiment marched
to Chattanooga to join General Sherman in the
Georgia campaign. Mr. Barker was under fire at
Ball's Knob, May 9, 1864, and Resaca, May 14; and
at Rome Cross Roads, May 16, was wounded in the
left foot, but recognized no disabling injury and went
into battle at Dallas May 27 ; Kenesaw Mountain,
July 3; Nickajack Creek, July 4; before Atlanta,
July 22; Jonesboro, Aug. 31; Atlanta, Sept. 2; Love-
joy Station, Sept. 3; Nashville, Dec. 16, 17, 18 ; Big
Salt Creek, Dec. 21 ; Columbia, S. C, Feb. 17, 1865 ;
Bentonville, N. C, March 2; Kingston, March 10;
Goldsboro, March 24 ; Rolla, April 12; Richmond,
Va., May 13, and thence he went to Washington, D.
C, for the final scene, the Grand Review. He was
mustered out of the service of the United States at
Louisville, Ky., and received his discharge at
Springfield, III, July 7, 1865. He retained owner
ship of his rifle, which he had carried from 1862 — a
Henry Repeater, 1 6-shooter — and having the names
and dates of the battles engraved beside the lock.
He was discharged as Sergeant. He came to St.
John's, Clinton County, whither his parents had re
moved. In 1867 he went to Sioux City, Iowa, and became
an employe of the Journal published at that place.
Later he engaged on the Sioux City Times, where he

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continued until he founded the Sibley (Ojceola Co.,
Iowa) Gazette, issuing its first number July 5, 1872.
He continued its publication until May 30, 1873,
when he sold the journalistic enterprise to Messrs.
Riley & Brown. May 26, 1875, he assumed the
management < of the Chelsea (Iowa) Bugle, and his
connection with that paper ceased in October of the
same year. In 1876 he came to Michigan and took
charge ofthe Hastings (Barry Co.) Banner, which he
conducted as foreman and manager until April 27,
1877, when he established the Lake City (Missaukee
Co.) Journal, whose publication he continued until
May, 1884. He then sold the paper to H. N. Mc-
Intyre, and bought the Reed City Clarion. He
issued the first number May 30, 1884, and has al
ready a fine circulation and a steady growing popu
larity. He has a large and increasing job patronage.
The office facilities include two presses, comprising
an improved C. B. Cottrell & Sons cylinder press,
fitted for hand and steam power, and is the only
power press in the county. The other is adapted to
the requirements of job work. The Clarion is a
nine-column folio.
Mr. Barker is a Republican, and is deservedly
popular in the local ranks of the party, was elected
Presidential Elector in the Blaine & Logan cam
paign of 1884, and is a member of the West Michi
gan Press Association, of the I. O. O. F., the Knights
of Pythias and the G. A. R., Stedman Post, No.
198, Reed City.
Mr. Barker was married April 16, 1876, in Shen
andoah, Iowa, to Mrs. Eliza Jane (Reagan) Grant.
She was born May 20, 1843, in Jackson Co., Mich.

jCoseph Giles, liveryman and drayman, resi-
r dent at Hersey, was born Oct. 17, 1844,
-^^ near London, Ont. His parents, Stephen
and Ann (Evans) Giles, removed when he was
] jf four years old to St. Clair, Mich. When he
was 1 2 years of age Mr. Giles left home to make
his own way in the world. He found ready employ
ment as a saw-mill hand and was a sailor on the
lakes several seasons. In 187 1 he came to Hersey
and engaged in driving logs on the river through one

-season, and subsequently engaged in his present oc
cupation on a limited scale. He has five horses, and
is the only representative of his line of business at
Hersey. He owns his barn and fixtures and three
lots therewith ; also his residence and two lots con
nected with it.
He was married in Lexington, Sanilac Co., Mich.,
July 3, 1870, to Hannah Scollay. She was born in
Lexington, Oct. 22, 1855, and is the daughter of
Abel and Abbie Scollay. Three children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Giles — Harry A., Jan. 7, 1872;
Charles, Sept. 27, 1876; and Lewis, June 16, 1878.

sa G. Buck is one of the pioneer business
4 men of Reed City, where he established
himself as a marketman in the fall of 1873.
He was born-July r9, 1846, in Wayne Co., N. Y.
He has been a resident of Michigan since in
fancy, when his parents rernoved from the
State of New York, and settled on an 80-acre farm in
Ingham County, situated five miles from Lansing.
His father, Loren W. Birck, was a native of the Em
pire State and married Louisa Smith, who was born
in the same State. He was a builder by vocation,
and aided in laying out the grounds of the old capital
structure and in erecting the edifice. Later the
family removed to Lenawee County, and afterward
to a farm in the township of Noble, Branch County.
Meanwhile, in 1858, the father went to California,
and while there occurred the upheaval of interests
and issues of the country by the advent of the civil
war, and he enlisted from the Golden State in Co.
I, First Cal. Vol. Inf., and spent three years in the
military service of the United States, serving chiefly
in frontier warfare in New Mexico. Asa and Adolph-
us entered the army from Michigan, the enlistment
of the former occurring at Coldwater in March, 1863,
in Co. I, Ninth Mich. Cav., Capt. J. H. McGowan.
The Ninth Michigan Cavalry is distinguished in
more than one particular. Its record of march is one
of the most remarkable in the history of the war, as
it traversed more than 3,000 miles of territory by
battalion the first year of its services, exclusive of
skirmish and deploy service. The regiment fired the

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

last volley at the rebels prior to the surrender of
General Johnson. The preservation of this fact is
due to a published notice by a Southern lady in a
book of which she was the authoress, and her knowl
edge of it was due to her appreciation of the gallantry
of the officers of the Ninth, who had paid willing
tribute to her beauty and enjoyed the hospitality their
sincere admiration of her character and position won
from her, though she belonged to the losing side.
The fact is authentic, as she was in a situation to Ob
serve the progress of events, and her interest in her
friends of the Ninth preserved one of the most valu
able facts in the record of the regiment. The Ninth
was also the only cavalry regiment of Michigan that
marched through to the sea with Sherman, and took
part in the closing actions of the campaign under
General Kilpatrick. Mr. Buck was a participant in
the varied experiences of the historic progress across
the States of Kentucky, Tennessee and the Carolinas.
His brother Adolphus enlisted in the same company
and regiment, and they served together until the close
of the war. The father and two sons joined their
savings from the war and purchased 211 acres of
land in Branch County. Of this, Mr. Buck of this
sketch held a claim of 60 acres.
In 1870 he went to Angola, Ind., and passed two
years in the meat business, and also operated as a
carpenter. In the. fall of 1883 he came to Reed
City, accompanied by his parents. Associated with
his father, he engaged in the meat business, their
partnership existing until the father's death in De
cember, 1883. Mr. Buck continued the prosecution
of his business alone until March, 1884, when he
rented his stand and retired. On coming to Reed
City he bought the site of his business building and
built a market. He also owns a store building, situ
ated on the west side of his first property. He and
his father erected the fine and substantial brick block
on the corner of Upton Avenue and Chestnut Street,
of which he is still one-half owner. Their business
was successful from the outset, with the exception of
one disaster by fire in January, 1875, when they met
a loss of $700, partially covered by an insurance of
$500. Besides, the property enumerated, Mr. Buck
owns two residences, nearly eight acres of land ad
joining Reed City on the northwest and 37 acres a
little more than a mile north. He belongs to the
subordinate lodge of Odd Fellows and to the En

campment, is a member of the Patriarchal Circle and
of the Princes of the Orient and of Post Stedman,
No. 98, G. A. R. He has served two terms as mem
ber of the Council.
The marriage of Mr. Buck to Lydia M. Wood oc
curred July n, 1869, in,Ovid Township, Branch Co.,
Mich. Mrs. Buck was born in November, 1850, in
Bethel Township, Branch Crunty, and is the daughter
of Dyer and Mary Wood. The children of Mr. and
Mrs. Buck were born as follows: Bertha, Aug. 3,
1871; Charles, Feb. 27,1878; and Lee, Nov. 18,
1882.

¦sus J Robert A. Allured, of the Evart Hardware
Company, was born March 7, 1849, in the
ftSPcT' ' "ty °f London> EnS- H's father, John
f \\\ Allured, was a native of England and a book
maker by trade. He married Elizabeth
Daggs and died in the land of his birth. , In
1855 his widow, with one son and two daughters,
and her parents, emigrated to the State of New York,
and settled in Monroe County near the city of Roch
ester, where the subject of this sketch was reared on
a farm, and later was in the employment of a butcher
in the beautiful city of the Genesee Valley, where he
passed three years.
Emma, youngest sister of Mr. Allured, is the wife
of William Wallace, of Rochester. Her sister Eliza
beth is an inmate of her home.
In 1868 he came to Flint, Mich., and entered the
hardware house of Newton & Hubbard as salesman.
He remained an employee in the business until July,
1873, the firm changing four times within that period.
In that year he came to Evart and, associated with
O. M. Brownson, founded a trade in hardware. The
relation was in existence five years, when the busi
ness and its connections became the sole property of
Mr. Allured. The establishment where the business
was instituted was built by Mr. Brownson, and con
sisted of a single structure 24 x 60 feet in extent.
He made two additions, 20 x 60 feet, at a later date.
The dimensions were increased by Mr. Allured in
1881, the building now being 44 x 132 feet, with a
cellar, and two stories in height. The incorporated
company originally comprised R. A. Allured, M. E,

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

jljfo Parkinson and Elmer F. Birdsall. Mr. Parkinson
withdrew from the firm Aug. 20, 1884. The stock
in trade is valued at an estimate of $15,000, and in-
, eludes all articles common to that branch of business,
Os/ besides agricultural implements, among which the
Champion Mower and Reaper is made a specialty.
Mr. Allured was married March 23, 1876, in
Evart, to Alice L. Brownson. Two children have
been born to them, one of whom died in infancy.
Karl B. was born March 10, 1883. Mrs. Allured
was born May 25, 1852, in Pontiac, Oakland Co.,
Mich,, and is the daughter of Oscar M. and Lucy
M. Brownson. She and her husband are members
of the Presbyterian Church.

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arrah D. De Goit, assistant salesman with
G. W. Bevins, merchant at Tustin, was
K born Nov. 4, 1859, in Van Buren Co.,
Mich. His father, William De Goit, was born
on the Atlantic Ocean while his parents were
en route to the United States from France,
their native country. He grew to manhood in the
State of New York, married Lavinia Dennis, and re
moved to Michigan, where he is living in retirement,
settling later in life at Tustin. The mother is of
French parentage and was born in the province of
Ontario. Mr. De Goit accompanied his parents in extreme
childhood to Grand Rapids, where he obtained his
earliest education. Later, in 1874, he went to Ionia,
and there he added materially to his acquisitions of
information by attending the High School for two
years, returning at the end of that time to Grand
Rapids, again entering the excellent schools of that
city as a student. After completing his education,
he was variously occupied until 1878, the date of his
making a location in Osceola County. On coming to
Tustin he spent two years as printer in the Tustin
Advance. He obtained employment' as a laborer for
a few years, and in 1882 he secured his present situ
ation. He is a Republican of decided principles.
He was married Dec. 30, 1883, in Tustin, to Addie
. Cool. She was born Dec. 6, 1 861, in Cato, New

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York, and was educated at Weedsport.
reside in Burdell Township, whither they removed in
i.879. After coming to Michigan she engaged in
teaching until her marriage.

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fames C." Corbin, lumberman, resident at
sf Leroy, was born June 10, 1845, in Van
Buren Co., Mich. He was left an orphan
in early childhood by the death of his parents,
the demise of his mother occurring when he
was but two weeks old, and that of his father
a few years after his birth. He was in the care ot
one family from the death of his mother until 1853,
being then eight years old. He lived in various
families until he was 17, and in the fall of 1862 he
enlisted in Merrill's Cavalry, as it was known, being
an independent organization, doing guard duty and
being on scouting service. Mr. Corbin was in battle
only in the action at Little Rock, Ark., and was hon
orably discharged at Nashville Tenn., after the war
was closed in 1865. After being mustered out, he
returned to Michigan and went to Holland, Ottawa
County, and obtained employment during three suc
ceeding years.
He was married Sept. 13, 1868, in Wayland, Alle
gan Co., Mich., to Julia A. Hill. She was born' in
1850, in Grand Rapids, and died Dec. r, 1878, in
Leroy. One daughter— Hattie May — died before
her mother. Burt E. is the only surviving child.
Mr. Corbin was married June 26, 188 1, in Ithaca
Gratiot Co., Mich., to Miss L. Meade. Mrs. Corbin
was born and educated in Gratiot County.
The family came to Leroy Township in the fall of
1874. Mr. Corbin purchased r6o acres of land on
section 17, and a little more than a year after he ex
changed it for 80 acres located in another part ofthe
township, of which he was the owner two years, lum
bering meanwhile in the interest of Hood, Gale &
Co., of Big" Rapids. In the fall of 1879 he sold his
farm and embarked in a drug enterprise, which he
prosecuted between two and three years, selling in
1882 to his associate in the business. He then en

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OSCEOLA

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tered quite extensively into the manufacture of lum
ber, running a saw and planing-mill. The former
establishment was burned in August, 1883, and he
has since reconstructed the planing-mill, in which he
is doing an extensive business. He is independent
in politics.

—4,

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.oshua W. Matthews, Treasurer of Osceola
|p County, was born Feb. 3, 1826, in the
township of Troy, Oakland Co., Mich. His
father, Solomon J. Matthews, was born in
Livonia, Livingston Co., N. Y., June 6, 1799.
He was a farmer and removed to Oakland Co.,
Mich., in 1822. He died in Troy Township, Aug.
14, 1850. Susan (Whitney) Matthews, the mother
of the subject of this sketch, was born in Livonia, in
1800, and died in Troy Township, in 1864. They
had nine children, eight of whom lived to maturity
and seven of whom still survive: Almeron S. is
Deputy U. S. Marshal at Pontiac, Oakland County-
Jane (1st) is deceased; Jane Ann, Mrs. Nathaniel
Voorhies, resides in Troy Township; Susan C. is the
wife of F. C. Voornies, of the same place ; Enos R.
is a produce merchant at Rochester, Oakland County;
Solomon S. is U. S. Marshal at Pontiac; Cordelia,
Mrs. Lewis Hickox, is deceased ; Mary married
James C. Voorhies, a carriage-maker at Rochester,
Oakland County.
Not long after the death of his father, Mr. Mat
thews purchased the family homestead, comprising
120 acres of well improved and cultivated land, of
which he continued resident until 1866, when he re
moved to Pontiac to discharge the duties of Assistant
Revenue Assessor, to which position he had been
appointed, and in which he officiated more than five
years. Associated with Henry Nichols and E. C.
Martin, in 1879, he bought a half interest in a sash,
door and blind factory at Pontiac, the firm style be
coming Martin, Matthews & Nichols. The relation
existed actively about two years, when he interested
himself in the manufacture of hoisting machines for
building purposes, selling the products in Chicago.
In the fall of 1872, he came to Evart, Osceola
County, and bought a- half interest in a steam saw

mill, forming the manufacturing firm of Lamb &
Matthews, which existed until January, 1877.
In the fall of 1876, Mr. Matthews was elected
Sheriff of Osceola County, on the Republican ticket,
and in the fall of 1878 received a re-election. He
was elected County Treasurer in the fall of 1880,
and in 1882 was re-elected. In 1861 he was elected
Supervisor of Troy, Oakland Co., Mich., and he has
served three years in succession in the same office in
Osceola Township. In 1883 he was elected Presi
dent of Hersey village.
He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and be
longs to Evart Lodge, No. 320, located at Evart.
Mr. Matthews was married Oct. 22, 1848, in
Bloomfield Township, this county, to Hannah E.
Beach. Their children were three in number. The
first born and youngest died in early infancy. Chloe
Ann, born Aug. 17,. 1850, is the wife of Justus H.
Prall, a builder in Pontiac. Mrs. Matthews was
born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., and is the daughter of
Thomas C. and Lodema (Ford) Beach.

ansom Cooper, Prosecuting Attorney of
Osceola County and member of the firm
of Cooper & Winsor, attorneys, real-estate
and loan agents at Reed City, was born May
12, 1854, near Corunna, Shiawassee Co.
Mich. His father, Andrew H. Cooper, was a
native of New York, and a farmer by vocation. The
son was but six months old at the date of his father's
death. After that event his mother, Sarah (McGil-
vrey) Cooper, returned to Sterling, Cayuga Co., N.
Y., where she lived with her children seven years,
returning when Mr. Cooper, of this sketch, was seven
years old, to Caro, Tuscola Co., Mich. She died in
1879. Ransom was a pupil in the common schools of
Tuscola County until he was 17 years old. He be
came a teacher, which pursuit he followed until he
was 20, when he entered the Literary Department
of the" University at Ann Arbor, where he studied
two years. He went thence to Port Austin, Huron
Co., Mich., where he followed the business of teach
ing three years, meanwhile studying law under the

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instructions of the Hon. Richard Winsor and his
partner, Horace G. Snover, a leading law firm of the
Huron Peninsula. He was admitted to the practice
of law at the Bar of Michigan at Bad Axe, Huron
County, in August, 1879, and in the following month
established his legal business at Reed City. He
formed a partnership under the style of Colgrove &
Cooper, which relation continued one year, when the
present firm was established by the substitution of L.
B. Winsor,, and its connections are still operative. The
house has founded a substantial law business, deals
to a satisfactory extent in real estate, and represents
the following fire-insurance companies: Liverpool &
London & Globe, American, British, Phoenix of
Brooklyn, and the Orient.
Mr. Cooper was nominated on the Republican
ticket in the fall of 1880 for Prosecuting Attorney,
and made a successful campaign- against the candi
date of the opposition element, scoring a triumph of
700 majority. He was re-elected in 1882, without
opposition. Mr. Cooper is a member, of the Masonic fraternity.
He is prominently interested in local school matters.
His marriage to Lillian B. Colgrove occurred Dec.
31, 1878, at Charlotte, Eaton Co., Mich. Edith
Belle, only child, was born at Reed City, Nov. 20,
1882. Mrs. Cooper was born March 20, 1857, and is the
daughter of Charles H. and Catherine Colgrove.

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'"ohn A. Lindstrom, salesman for G. W.
'-'r Bevins, general merchant, is a native of
Sweden, where he was bom Sept. 30, 1853,
in Wermland. He is the son of Nels and Kate
Lindstrom. His mother dying when he was a
child of eight years, he was cared for by others
until he was 17, when he returned to the home ofhis
father. A year later they came to the States, and lo
cated on a farm in Sherman Township, in Osceola
County. The senior Lindstrom is a successful
farmer ofthe same township.
Mr. Lindstrom succeeded in obtaining an excellent
and thorough knowledge of the use of the English
language, and for some time, while acquiring an un-

derstanding of the custofns of American people, was
occupied as a common laborer. In 1880 he entered
upon the duties of his present position, which he has
discharged with ability and fidelity. He is a sup
porter of the tenets of the Lutheran religion and is a
Republican in political adherence.
He was married in Tustin Aug. 5, r88i, to Hul-
dah M. Olson, who was born Jan. 16, 1858, in
Westevrik, Sweden, where her father is a merchant.
She grew to womanhood in her native land, coming
to the United States in 1880. She is the mother of
two children, — Alfdis S. and Florence I.

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|j}lanson J. McCarn, farmer and lumberman,
located on section 8, Sylvan Township, was
born March 17, 1842, in Plymouth, Wayne Co.,
N. Y. Jonas McCarn, his father, was a na
tive of New York and removed his family in
1856 to Perry, Shiawassee Co., Mich., where
he died, Sept. 11, 1884, aged 75 years. His mother,
Abbie McCarn, was. born in the Mohawk Valley, in
New York, and is living in Shiawassee County, aged
72 years.
Mr. McCarn was a pupil in the common schools of
his native place until the removal of the family to
Perry, when he was 14 years old. A year later he
took the direction of his career into his own hands
and when 17 years of age began teaching. He pur
sued that calling as a vocation until the second year
of the war, when he entered the army. He enlisted
Oct. 31, 1862, in the Seventh Mich. Cav., Co. G, in
which he was appointed Sergeant. His company
was under Lieut. Geo. W. Hill, and the command
was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He was
in some of the hottest and hardest fought battles of
the war, among which was the action at Gettysburg,
where he received severe wounds. A shot passed
through the right lung, emerging from his body under
his right arm and crashing through the muscles of
that member. He was transferred from the field
hospital at Gettysburg to Finley Hospital, Washing
ton,. D. C, whence he was discharged June 2, 1865.
Soon after his return he was married and rented a
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OSCEOLA COUNTY

223

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farm in Perry Township, which he occupied about
six years. In 1876 he sold his farming interests and
bought village property at Perry 'Center, and estab
lished a mercantile enterprise which he continued to
conduct until his removal to Evart in the autumn of
1874. He embarked in the same business at that
place and managed its relations one year. At the
end of that time he purchased 200 acres of unbroken
forest land in Sylvan Township, becoming one of the
earliest settlers north of the Muskegon River. He
has since sold a small portion of his place and added
80 acres in Hartwick Township to his possessions.
He has made many improvements on his property.
In 1883 he became the proprietor of a saw-mill and
has since managed an extensive lumbering manu
facture. In political preference he is a Republican
of decided opinions. He has held several important
local official positions, as Supervisor, Treasurer, etc.,
and is present School Inspector. He is a member of
the Order of Odd Fellows at Perry Center.
Mr. McCarn was married June 26, 1865, to Evelyn
M. Durant. Their children were born as follows:
Charles, May 14, 1866 ; Ernest, Jan. 8, 1872 ; Lynn,
April 26, 1881. Their mother is the daughter of
Nathaniel and Harriet (Bridger) Durant, and was
born Nov. 3, 1842. Her father died in Huron Co.,
Ohio, when she was four years of age. Her mother
was born in England and died in 1881 in Perry.
Mrs. McCarn was carefully educated and began
teaching when 18 years of age.

-**4#£**-

illis M. Slosson, member of the business
firm of J. M. Reed & Co. at Reed City,
was born May 25, 1849, in Newark Valley,
Tioga Co., N. Y. Ozias J. Slosson, his father,
was born in 1805, at Great Barrington, Mass.
Associated with James M. Reed and Charles
Higbe, he came to Northern Michigan in 1856 and
aided in the location of Reed City, the firm consisting
of Messrs. Reed, Higbe and Slosson, becoming by
purchase the proprietors of more- than 4,000 acres of
land lying in Osceola and Newaygo Counties. They
platted the city, and two of its thoroughfares — Slos
son Avenue and Higbe Street — now perpetuate the

memory of their names. The senior Slosson retained
his citizenship in Tioga Co., N. Y., but aided in the
development of this portion of Osceola County, and
at the date of his death was still one of the leading
property-holders in the county. He died in Newark
Valley, Feb. 11, 1862. The demise ofhis wife, Mrs.
Ann F. (Fisher) Slosson, took place Feb. 7, 1872.
She was a native of Francistown, N. H. Their family
consisted of five children — three sons and two daugh
ters. Mr. Slosson of this sketch is the youngest son.
Arthur B., the oldest, is present Deputy Sheriff of
Osceola County, and resides at Reed City, Edwin
Slosson, second son, is a grain merchant at Sabetha,
Kan. Willis M. Slosson was reared to manhood and
trained in the business habits of his father, remaining
on the homestead at Newark Valley until the age of
22 years, when he went to Kansas, and in partner
ship with William B. and Samuel Slosson, his cousins,
established the business to which his brother Edwin
succeeded by an exchange of interests, the younger
brother taking his place in the real-estate firm at
Reed City, where he is engaged in furthering the in
terests of the business house of which his father was
one of the primary members, and which is engaged
in the sale of its landed tracts. (The brothers Slos
son purchased the claims of their sisters.)
Mr. Slosson owns also individual property at Reed
City, including a business building on Upton Avenue,
occupied as a drug store and photograph gallery, a
half interest in the lot and building leased as a law
office by Messrs. Bellows & Stone, attorneys, and
other village property. He is officiating for the sec
ond time as President of the village, of which he has
been Trustee two years. He is prominent in the
Order of Masoniy, belonging to the several bodies, —
Blue Lodge, Royal Arch Chapter and Commandery.
He is also connected with the American Order of
United Workmen.
His marriage to M. Ella Butler occurred May 20,
1874, in Newark Valley. She was born Nov. 20,
1854, and is the daughter of John and Jane Butler.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Slosson were born as
follows: Leonard B., April 13, 1875 ; Lawrence M.,
Oct. 25, 1878; and Edna E., April 21, 1880, at Reed
City. The two elder children were born at Sabetha,
Kan. The portrait of Mr. Slosson, which is presented on
the opposite page, is eminently fitting and appropriate

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as an accompaniment to his biography, as he repre
sents a name inseparably connected with Reed City
from its incipiency.

eorge Halladay, merchant and farmer, re
siding on sec. 10, Lincoln Tp., was born in
Leeds Co., Ont., March 8, 1820. When he
was six years of age his father died, and at the
early age of eight years he went to live with
' his brother-in-law, remaining with him until
about 17 years of age. He then started out in the
world to take the management of his affairs into his
own hands. He learned the trade of carding and
dressing cloth, worked at that business for five years,
next engaged in farming for a period of seven years,
and then returned to his trade, which he followed for
10 years.
In 1870 he came to Michigan, settling at Ashton,
Osceola County, where he took possession of 80 acres
of land under the regulations of the homestead law,
and where he now resides. He has also bought 40
acres on section 9. During the spring following his
settlement here he built a store in Ashton and began
business, in company with his son, Frayer, with $1,000
worth of dry goods and groceries. Their business so
increased that they had to enlarge the store building
and add largely to their stock. During the spring of
1884, Mr. George Halladay sold his interest in the
mercantile business to his son and retired to the farm
in Lincoln Township, where he now owns 160 acres
of land, and has about 70 acres in a state of good
cultivation. Mr. tl. has held the office of Township Treasurer
one year, and Overseer of Highways eight years. In
his political views he is identified with the Republican
party, and in religion he is a member of the Method
ist Episcopal Church, as is also his wife.
He was first married in Canada, Dec. 3, 1844, to
Miss Mary White, a native of Ontario. They have
had four children, namely, Frayer, Nancy, Samantha
and Adelia. ,Mrs. H. died July 22, 1852, and Mr.
H. was again married, in Ontario, March 9, 1853, to
Phebe Wing, who also was a native of Canada. By
this marriage four children were born, viz.: Annetta,

Ida, Wright and Burton. The second wife died
Sept. 30, 1 88 1, and Mr. Halladay chose for his third
wife, in Cedar Springs, Kent Co., Mich., Oct. it,
1883, Mrs. Elizabeth (nee Robinson), widow of David
H. Wightman, who died Feb. 15, 1880. By her
former marriage she has had eight children, as fol
lows : William J., Henry H., Clarinda C, Lewis D.,
Mary E., George S., Louisa, Isabella and Louisa'
Arabella (twins). Mrs,- H. was born in Otsego Co.,
N. Y., Sept. 23, 1827.

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onrad V. Priest, merchant at Sears, was
born-at Bath, Ontario, Jan. 5, 1847, and
is the son of Ezra D. and Alatheria
'&>' (Shorey) Priest. The senior Priest was born
?S? in 1809, in Vermont. His earlier business
life was passed in the manufacture of car
riages in Bath, whither he removed from his native
State, and where he was a pioneer. He engaged in
a mercantile enterprise there, which he conducted
23 years. A few years before his death he went
to Ernesttown, Addington Co., Ont., where he died.
The mother was born in Addington County, in April,
181 1, and resides in Napanee, Ont.
Mr. Priest passed his childhood, youth and early
manhood in Bath, coming thence to Osceola County
in 1873, reaching Evart July 3, and proceeding in
September of the same year to Sears. He estab
lished his mercantile business at first in company
with George Hume, who sold two years afterward to
William Belfour, the firm style becoming Priest &
Belfour. In the winter of 1879 Mr. Belfour was
crossing the bay of Quinte on the ice, when the
horse they were driving broke through and disap
peared, dragging the sleigh and its occupants into
the water. The horse was drowned, but the men
saved their lives. Mr. Belfour took cold, which re
sulted in quick consumption, and he lived but a few
months. Since his death Mr. Priest has conducted
his business affairs alone. His average stock repre
sents a cash value of $10,000, and his annual trans
actions aggregate $40,000. He buys every variety
of farm produce, and sells everything required by
farmers and other patrons. He buys and presses

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about 500 tons of hay annually, which he sells to
lumbermen. His business location is one ot the best in this
section of country.
Mr. Priest is thoroughly educated, and possesses
fine scholarly tastes. He obtained a comprehensive
knowledge of common branches at the district
schools, and of classics and higher mathematics in
an academy. He has a special liking for geography
and history, and is a discriminating reader, keeping
himself informed in business channels and current
events. He was married April 15, 1872, to Elizabeth J.
Belfour, and they have • been the parents of five
children, the two oldest of whorfi died in infancy un
named. Lillian Irma was born July 13, 1879;
HattieH., Dec. 18, 1881 ; Nettie M., April 12, 1884.
Mrs. Priest is the daughter of Gabriel and Ann
(Armstrong) Belfour, both of whom were natives of
the north of Ireland. Her mother was killed in
October, 1868, near Bath, Ont., by a train of cars
while crossing a railroad on her return from a
provincial fair. Her father resides in Bath, and is
72 years of age. They had six children, of whom
Mrs. Priest is fifth in order of birth. She was born
in Bath July 16, 1847. She has one sister and
three brothers. One brother lost his life, as stated
in the account of William Belfour.
Mr. Priest is a Republican in political principle
and action.
He is an honored and trusted citizen, and has
been Postmaster four years, Justice of the Peace
six years, and Township Treasurer five years.

fames W. Turner, liveryman and proprietor
Jf" of sale and feed stables at Evart, was born
i*"^' April 3, 1843, in Medina, Orleans Co., N.
Y. His father, Edward Turner, was born in
Norfolkshire, Eng. His mother, Hannah
(Starns) Turner, was a native of England, and
their family included five children. In 1844 they
moved to Batavia Township, Genesee Co., N. Y.,

where he worked as a blacksmith for a time. There
the father became an invalid and never resumed
active business life.
Mr. Turner was the oldest child of his parents,
and when he was twelve years of age went to live
with Hiram Hunn, in the township of Alexandria,
with whom he remained four years. His father's
falling into ill health when he was 12 years of age,
threw upon him the support of the family. He
was occupied in farm labor by the month six years,
when he rented a farm and operated in that method
of agricultural pursuit five years. In March, 1866,
he came to Bushnell Township, Montcalm Co.,
Mich., where he was engaged in farming two years.
While residing there his father died. He went
thence to Palo, Ionia County, where he was a
farmer and butcher, coming to Evart in the fall of
r872, and there engaged in butchering, in partner
ship with Rowland S. Comstock, a few months. In
the spring of 1873 the latter sold his interest to
Frank E. Turner, and the brothers managed the
business jointly until 1878, operating also in real
estate, buying tracts ot land and putting them in
good condition for farming; after which they were
sold. In 1878, Mr. Turner purchased his brother's
claim and continued farming, and also embarked in
the purchase and shipment of horses.
In 1880 he founded the business in which he is
at present engaged. On his arrival at Evart he
bought the property he now owns, and established
his meat market, which he removed in 1880, and
erected the buildings where is now operating. They
are constructed of brick, main portion being 40 x 113
feet in dimensions and with an addition 20x92 feet
for a carriage room. A wash-room 20x30 feet is
connected therewith, also a large frame barn. He
keeps about twenty horses with necessary livery
fixtures of a good grade, and combines a consider
able traffic in buggies and wagons with his other
operations, dealing specially in the Big Rapids
wagons and the Columbus baggies. He has an
extensive livery business and deals largely in horses.
His farms are on an extensive scale, and he has
235 acres under cultivation. He has bought and
sold cattle, sheep and horses since he was 18 years
of age. There is a brick-yard on his farm near the
village of Evart, where, in company with E. C.

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Cannon, he has been engaged in the manufacture of
brick. Mr. Turner belongs to the Masonic fraternity and
to the A. O. U. W.
His marriage to Julia A. Case; took place March
i, 1864, in Alden Township, Erie Co., N. Y. They
have two children, — Susie E, born Aug. 30, 187 1,
in Palo, Ionia Co., Mich., and Nina A., born Sept.
21, 1874, in Evart. Mrs. Turner was born June
7, 1843, in Millgrove Township, Erie Co., N. Y.,
and is the daughter of James E. and Susan (Dixon)
Case. The mother of Mr. Turner resides at Evart.
Carrie M. is a widow and resides in the village of
Gaines, Genesee Co., Mich.; Henry D. is a butcher
at Evart; Frank E. is a liveryman at Chase, Lake
Co., Mich.; Rose resides at Evart.

ohn Q. Patterson, attorney, insurance
f agent and Notary Public at Reed City;
was born Aug. 26, 1827, in Wayne Town
ship, Steuben Co., N. Y., and is the son of
John and Ellinor Patterson, both of whom
were natives of the Empire State. The father
was a ship carpenter by vocation, and in 1835 set
tled with his, family in Putnam Township, Livingston
Co., Mich., where he bought a farm of 80 acres.
The mother died there. The senior Patterson died
in Stockbridge, Ingham Co., Mich. Ten children
were born to them: William, Mary A., Zera, Jane,
Delilah, Ellinor, John Q., Martha, David and Henry.
The oldest and youngest are deceased.
Mr. Patterson was brought up on a farm, and at
2 1 years of age entered Michigan Central College at
Spring Arbor, where he remained four years, teach
ing in the winter seasons.
In 1855 he engaged in traffic in stock and produce
at Ovid, Clinton County, and operated in that line
until the date of his enrollment in the military ser
vice of the United States. Dec. 20, 1863, he en
listed at Ovid, and was assigned to a company as
Second Lieutenant, the chief officer being Capt. A.
B. Wood, and the company being attached to the
27th Mich. Vol. Inf. in March, 1864. The com

mand was assigned to the Ninth Army. Corps, First
Brigade and Third Division, and on the 29th of April
became a part of the Army of the Potomac. The
regiment participated in the 14 days' fight in the
Wilderness, and in the engagements ofthe campaign
through to Petersburg, including North Anna,, Cold
Harbor and Bethesda Church ; and at the siege of
Petersburg, June 18, 1864, Lieutenant Patterson
was wounded by grape shot in both lower limbs, an
injury which consigned him to the hospital for sev
eral weeks. On recovery he was detailed for recruit
ing service and served in that capacity, recruiting
for the 30th Mich. Reg. Inf. He returned to Wash
ington in charge of a detachment of men, and pro
ceeded thence to. the front. He was in the siege of
Petersburg; and at Hatcher's Run, Oct. 27 and 28,
1864, while in charge of a front line of pickets, he
was wounded in the left shoulder by a sharpshooter's
bullet, which ranged down through his chest, cut
ting off three ribs and emerging from his body at
the angle of the ninth rib. He was sent to the field
hospital, where he remained five weeks, and was
transferred to the City Point Hospital, whence he was
sent, two weeks later, to Washington. He remained
there some time and afterwards went to Gebrgetown
Seminary Hospital, where he lay ill twenty days with
lung fever.
He returned to his home in February, 1865, and
received an honorable discharge for disability April
28, following. He was made First Lieutenant of
his company May 5, 1864, and maintained that rank
until he was discharged from the service.
After reaching his home he continued some time
in precarious health, and as soon as sufficiently. re
covered, studied law. He began the practice of his
profession at Ovid, and was admitted to the Bar of
Michigan in 1868. In 1873 he removed to Reed
City, where he continued his law practice. Later he
became associated with W. H. Palmer, with whom
he remained about two years, and operated singly, in
a ^ satisfactory practice, until 1882, when he pur
chased the National Hotel, put it in thorough repair,
and conducted its affairs as a hostelry until the
spring of 1884, when he leased the property and re
sumed the business of an attorney. In September,
1884, he sold his interest in the hotel.
In his insurance connections, he represents the
Home, of New York, the North British and Mer-

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cantile. He is the proprietor of considerable village
property. Mr. Patterson belongs to the Order of Odd Fel
lows, to the Grand Army of the Republic, and has
served two terms as member of the Village Board
of Trustees.
He was married July 4, 1855, at Dexter, Washte
naw Co., Mich., to Ellinor S. Torry, and they are
the parents of five children, namely: Emma, who is
the wife of Peter A. Auer, clerk in the Treasury De
partment at Washington. Mr. and^Mrs. Auer have
two children, Harry and Nellie. De Ette married
Charles K. Esler, foreman on the Grand Haven
(Mich.) Herald; Lee and Dana are the names of
their children. Wilber is a clerk at Reed City. Ezra
D. is an assistant teacher in the Spencerian Business
College at Washington, D. C, where he was grad
uated as valedictorian of his class in 1883. Bertha
is the youngest daughter. Mrs. Patterson is the
daughter of Seth B. and Eliza Torry.

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eorge Reed, merchant and farmer at Mil
ton, Lincoln Township, is a son of Joseph
"^ and Mary (Crawford) Reed, the former a t
native of England, and the latter of Ireland.
In their family were three children, namely :
Mary, now the wife of G. Wilson, and resides
in Lincoln Township; George, the subject of this
sketch, and James.
Mr. Reed was born in Canada, Jan. 22, 1838,
and lived in the Dominion until 1865, when he made
a tour of the Western States in search of a place to
locate. In 1867 he came to this county and took
possession of 80 acres of land in Lincoln Town
ship, under the regulations of the Homestead Law,
settled upon the place and resided there nearly
seven years. He then sold that place and purchased
another 80-acre tract, in the same township, which
he still owns. He made this place his residence
until the -spring of 1884, when he commenced busi
ness in the mercantile line at Milton June. He has
a satisfactory trade. In connection with his store,
he has a restaurant and a hotel, suited to the de

mands of the transient public. Thirty acres of his
farm are cleared and in good cultivation.
Mr. Reed is a Republican in his views of national
government, enjoys the esteem of his fellow citizens,
and as to local official positions he has been High
way Commissioner two years.
He and his wife are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.
The marriage of Mr. Reed took place in Berrien
Co., Mich., Dec. 18, 1878, taking for his wife Mrs.
Miranda, nee Smith, widow of Adolphus Griffin. By
her first marriage her children were Stella, Nettie
and Dolphie. By her present marriage there was
one son, Joseph by name, who died when three days
old. -I  #-#  *~

ark Ardis, merchant at Evart, and a
prominent landholder and business man
of Osceola County, was born Oct. 20,
1843, in Newtown-Hamilton, County Ar-
rriagh, Ireland. His parents, William and Mary
(Boyd) Ardis, are still residents of their native
land. Mr. Ardis was bred to the occupation of a farmer
until he was 14 years of age, when he became a
clerk, .and was employed in that capacity until he
came to the United States. He reached Ionia,
Mich., in January, 1867, and entered the insurance
and brokerage office of Fred Hall & Co., where he
operated as book-keeper until the fall of the same
year, when he came to Hersey, and engaged as a
salesman in the mercantile establishment of James
Kennedy, continuing in the position until he en
tered the employ of D. A. Blodgett, in 187 1. In the
fall of the same year he established his business at
Evart, first instituting a general mercantile enterprise,
in which he is still operating, his business requiring
a stock valued at an average of $15,000, and com
prising all articles of merchandise suited to his
patronage. He also conducts a private banking
business, buys and sells exchange, makes collections,
etc. He first established his business in a building
which he still owns, located opposite the postoffice
at Evart, and later removed to his present stand,

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yjf also his property. He owns a fine residence, the

grounds comprising four lots and 30 acres of land in
the northwest part of the corporation, 40 acres of
land on section 3, Evart Township, 160 acres on
section 18, Middle Branch Township, and 80 acres
on section 32, Osceola Township. Mr. Ardis has
served two terms as Village Treasurer.
He was married May 21, 1872, in Brooklyn, N.
Y., to Annie, daughter of Philip and Mary Red
mond, a native of Ireland.
Their children were born as follows : Minnie E.
B., Aug. T4, 1873; Emma M., May 17, 1875;
Jennie H.,.July 13, 1876; William F. S., July 31,
1879; Walter R., Oct. 20, 1883.

I

harles G. Loase, banker at Reed City,
was born Feb. 4, 1842, in Detroit, and is
15?^ the son of John G. and Margaret (Keiser)
Loase. In early life his father was a car-
builder, and later a merchant in Detroit,
where he died. Mr. Loase obtained his early
education in the " City of the Straits," and operated
there to some extent as a clerk.
In 1859, when he was 17 years of age, he went to
California and became interested in mining, in which
he was engaged five years. Returning to Michigan,
he passed a year in Jackson County, next a period
of time at Greenville, Montcalm County, and en
gaged in building. In 1873 he embarked in a mer
cantile enterprise at Altona, Mecosta Co., Mich.,
which he prosecuted until his removal to Reed City
in 1879. Jan. 1, 1880, he established his banking
business, and has since been engaged in the trans
actions common to such institutions. He owns a
residence at Greenville, and a valuable farm of 80
acres in Deerfield Township, Mecosta County, all
under cultivation.
Mr. Loase was married Sept. 3, 1867, at Green
ville, to Frances Norton. She was born Feb. 27,
1846, and is the daughter of Myron H. and Sarah
(Skinner) Norton. Her father was born in Oakland
Co., Mich., was extensively engaged in farming, in
Ionia Co., and for a number of years engaged in
banking in Greenville, and is 70 years of age. The

mother was born April 12, 1816, in Vermont. Mr:
and Mrs. Loase have four children : Mertie was born
March 26, 1872, in Greenville; Ernest was born
July 26, 1876, in Altona, where the third child,
Blanche, was born, July 22, 1878; Clara was born
April 1, 1 88 1, at Reed City.

>?5-«*S-

, enry A. Clark, Register of Deeds of Osceola
If County, resident at Hersey, was born July
10, 1850, in Seneca Co., Ohio, at a point
two miles south of Tiffin. His father, Thomas
Clark, was born in April, 1819. He married
Mary Judea and settled on a farm in Seneca
County, whence he removed with his family, about
1853, to Hardin Co., Ohio, buying a tract of land
containing 280 acres. He is the proprietor of r6o
acres, in fine and valuable agricultural condition.
The mother was born in 18 14. Seven of their nine
children are living: Catherine, now deceased, mar
ried Josephus Mustard, a farmer and hotel-keeper in
Mason Co., Mich.; Ann M. married R. G. Hubbell,
of Ada, Hardin Co., Ohio; Ebeft died in Hardin
Co., Ohio; Elizabeth J. is the wife of David S.
Shadley, a farmer in Osceola County; Lloyd H.
resides in Preston, Hardin Co., Ohio; Oliver is a
farmer in Middle Branch Township ; Henry A. is
next in order of birth; Littleton G. is a farmer in
Hartwick Township ; Mary S. married George Demp^
ster, traveling salesman, and resides in Hardin Co.,
Ohio. '
In 1867, when he was 16 years of age, Mr. Clark
came to Hartwick Township in company with his
brother-in-law, D. S. Shadley, who was the first set
tler in the township, and is still a resident there, on
section 24.
Youiig Clark aided him two years in clearing and
improving his farm. March 9, 1870, Mr. Clark
located 143 acres of land in Middle Branch Town
ship, section 30, and cleared 80 acres, remaining
there until the fall of 1880, when he was elected
Register of Deeds, on the Republican ticket, defeat
ing the candidate of the opposition by a majority of
721 votes. He was re-elected in the fall of 1882,
scoring a triumph by 576 votes.

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He removed to Hersey in December, 1880, where
he is the owner of a residence and three lots, also of
119 acres of farm land on section 21, Osceola Town
ship. He also owns an interest in several hundred
acres of wild lands, variously located.
He was Supervisor of Middle Branch Township
six years, and has served as Justice of the Peace,
and in other official positions. He is a member of
the Masonic Order and belongs to Lodge No. 31 r, at
Hersey. Mr. Clark was married Nov. n, 1869, in Grand
Haven, Mich., to Mary A. Muschawaeck, and they
became the parents of three children : Mary Estella
was born Oct." 4, 1871, and died Feb. 5, 1872;
Rosella J. was born Feb. 8, 1874; and Walter C.
was born April 12, 1876, and died Aug. 4, 1878.
Their mother died in Middle Branch Township
March 15, 1879. She was born Jan. 23, 185 1, in
Germany, and is the daughter of Wolfgang and
Walberga Muschawaeck.
Mr. Clark was a second time married in Dearborn
Township, Wayne Co., Mich., March 3, 1880, to
Mrs. Mary E. Butler, widow of John R. Butler, by
whom she had one child, Herbert R.

»*-»-._ -

fohn N. Allen, grocer and provision mer
chant at Evart, was born April 19, 1833, in
Monroe Co., N. Y. He is the son of Jere
miah and Charlotte Allen, and was reared to
the age of 16 years on a farm. His first inde
pendent movement in business was as a travel
ing salesman, in which capacity he operated 13 years.
In 1864 he bought a farm situated near Pontiac,
Oakland Co., Mich., whence he went to Port Huron
and from there engaged in exploring for oil in the
Dominion of Canada, and speculating in oil stocks at
Port Huron and Detroit. He went next to Southfield,
Oakland County, where he bought a 40-acre farm, on
which he operated three years, going thence to North-
ville, Wayne Co., Mich., where he became interested
in a large peach orchard.
In the fall of 1872 he came to Evart and bought
the site of the building where he is now transacting
his business, and erected the structure in which he

continued to prosecute the grocery trade without in
termission. He is the owner of 160 acres of land on
section 10, Evart Township, with 35 acres under
culture. He is serving his eighth term as Township
Clerk of Evart.
Mr. Allen was married July 14, 1864, at New
Market, Canada, to Jennie C. Hoag, and their chil
dren were born as follows: Cora, Sept. 20, 1865, near
Pontiac; Annie, June 2, 1867, at Port Huron; Edith,
March 17,1873; John, Sept. 21, 1877, and died June
2, 1884. The two last children were born at Evart.
Mrs. Allen was born Dec. 6, 1843, m Somerset,
Niagara Co., N. Y., and is the daughter of Aaron and
Marinda (Bennett) Hoag. Her parents were natives
of the State of New York.

-***§#**•-

kmos G. Tennant, farmer, sections 17 and
20, Orient Township, was born April 4,
1831, in Venango Co., Pa. His parents,
John R. and Lydia A. (West) Tennant had
four sons — Elisha A., William M., Amos and
John G. Their father was born of English
parentage Feb. 2, 1798, and in 1833 went to Ashta
bula Co., Ohio. In 1844, the family removed to St
Clair Co., Mich., and thence to the county of Ma
comb, where the mother died, in May, 1870. She
was born April 10, 1800. The father was a farmer
all his active life, and after the death of his wife he
still continued to live with his son Amos till his
death, which occurred March 28, 1877.
In 1855, Mr. Tennant went to South Saginaw,
where he engaged as a saw-mill hand, and later be
came superintendent of a saw-mill, in which capac
ity he operated two years. He was occupied in a
similar capacity in East Saginaw two years, going
thence to Galesburg, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., where
he was engaged in the manufacture of lumber from
1858 to 1864.
On the first of September, in that year, he enlisted
in the Union Army, enrolling in Co. I, 28th Mich.
Vol. Inf., and going with his regiment to the front
as First Sergeant. May 8, 1865, he was promoted to
the rank of Second Lieutenant, and Sept. 12 of the
same year he was made First Lieutenant, serving in

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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that capacity until he was mustered out of the service
June 5, 1866. His first battle was at Nashville, the
regiment being under the command of General
Thomas, and afterwards assigned to the 23d Army
Corps. Mr. Tennant was never in the hospital on sick
leave, and was in all the active duty where his regi
ment was engaged. On being mustered out he re
turned to Richmond, Macomb Co., Mich. He be
came interested in his former employment, and
remained in Macomb County until the last days of
March, 1872, when he started with a team for Osceola
County, where he arrived April 3, and found the
snow two feet deep on the ground. The contrast
was rather disheartening, as the farmers of Macomb
County were plowing when he left that section a
few days earlier. The family reached their new
home by the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad from
Saginaw. He settled on section 17, where he pur
chased 40 acres of land. He has improved 50
acres, has an excellent frame barn, and a gdbd log
house. He was married Jan. 1, 1858, to Albina U.
Warner. She was born Sept. 9, 1839, in St. Clair
Co., Mich., and is the daughter of John and Han
nah (Wilkins) Warner. The latter was born in St.
Alban's, Vermont, in 1818, and' died at Galesburg,
Mich., in February, i860. Her father was also born
in St. Alban's in 1811, and died in Wayne Co., Mich.,
about 1875. They had two children. Celia, now Mrs.
Andrews, only sister of Mrs. Tennant, lives in Orient
Township. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Tennant were
born as follows: Florence M., Dec. 17, 1858 (died
May 17, 1881); Ida H., June 14, i860; John R.,
Oct. 7, 1861; Gerald E., April 9, 1863.
Mr. Tennant is a Republican in political affilia
tion, and has served a term as Justice of the Peace.
Mrs. Tennant is a member of the Disciples' Church.

j3\&4rtn.iitf '""" athaniel Clark, Register in the United
States Land Office, is a pioneer resident of
^ Reed City. He was born Oct. 2, 1821, in
New Jersey, and is the son of John and
Amelia (Decker) Clark, both of whom were born
in the same State and were of English and Ger
man lineage. His father was born July n, 1799,

and died Sept. 6, 1867; the birth of his mother oc
curred Nov. 30, 1798, and her demise took place Jan.
19,1878. They were married Sept. 2, 1820. His
father moved to Livingston Co., N. Y., in the fall of
1825, where he purchased a farm.
Mr. Clark was reared to manhood on the farm. He
was married Sept. 10, 1844, in Brush ville, Livingston
Co., N. Y., to Maria Hanford. She was born March 2,
1824, in Parma, Monroe Co., N. Y., and is the daugh
ter of John and Polly Hanford. Mr. and Mrs. Clark
have been the parents of 1 1 children, nine of whom
are living: Nelson B. was born July 4, 1845, in
Sparta, Livingston Co., N. Y., and deals in hemlock
bark at Fremont Center, Newaygo Co., Mich. ; Annis
A. was born Feb. 8, 1847, and lives in Santa Barbara,
Cal. ; George S., Jan. 1, 1849; Mary E., Feb. 14,
1851; Emma F., Jan. 12, 1853; Ellen T., March 21,
1855; Irvilla, March 11, 1857, and died Nov 26,
1859; John H., Nov. 9, 1858, and died Nov. 26,
1859; Percy H., Sept. 20, i860; Lillian M., Aug. 16,
1863; Myrtle M., May 10, 1867. The mother of
Mrs, Clark was born March n, 1794, and she died
July 21, 1832. Her father was born Jan. 28, 1789,
and died in the spring of 1862.
In 1847 Mr. Clark went to Jefferson Co., Pa., and
engaged in farming, lumbering arid merchandise,
conducting his combined interests 13 years. In i86p,
he came to Michigan and became interested in lum
bering at Vassar, Tuscola County, operating in that
line of business for some time. In the year preced
ing the close of the war he entered the military ser
vice of the United States, enlisting in August, 1864,
as si private in the 29th Reg. Mich. Vol. Inf. He
served primarily as a wagon-master of the regiment
and afterwards, as brigade wagon-master, and re
mained in the army until the close of the war. His
oldest son was Orderly. On obtainipg his discharge
he returned to Tuscola County, to the present site of
Cass City, where he engaged in mercantile business
and erected the first building for trading purposes in
the place. He established his business in the same
avenues in which he had operated at the outset of
his independent career, and trafficked extensively as
a merchant and lumberman, and also carried on his
farming interests. During a portion of the time he
was a member of the mercantile firm of Craw &
Clark, located at Caro. He sold his interests there
and came to Reed City in 187 1. At that place he

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founded a mercantile and lumber trade, which was
in active existence two years, and in 1873 he went to
Chase, Lake Co., Mich., and operated in general
merchandise. In the fall of 1876 he Secured a sol
dier's claim of 160 acres of land in Custer Township,
Mason County? which he proceeded to place in good
agricultural condition, with good buildings, orchards
and other farm appurtenances, and with 65 acres
wholly cleared. He sold the property in the spring
of 1881 and settled at his home at Reed City, where
he had continued to maintain his residence. In 18 —
he was elected Supervisor of Richmond Township,
which he resigned in April, 1884, to accept the posi
tion under the United States Government of which
he is still the incumbent. The duties of Receiver
are discharged by W. H. C. Mitchell. At Reed City,
Mr. Clark owns a residence and two lots, and is also
the proprietor of 10 acres of land in the southwest
part of the village. He is a Republican in politics
and belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic.
At the time Mr. Clark made his location where he
resides at Reed City, he had to clear the lot, cut
brush and build a road through one square to Upton
Avenue.

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illiam P. Tule, farmer section 21, Orient
Township, was born Feb. 3, 185 1, in
'!£."' North Toronto, Can., and is the son of
!' George D. and Anna (Darlington) Tule.
1 The father was born in Pennsylvania, of Ger
man parentage. He was a farmer by occupa
tion. The mother was born in Ireland and died in 1855,
in North Toronto. Their family included four
children, all of whom are living, and in 1872 they
left the Dominion and settled in Osceola County, on
an unimproved tract of land in Orient Township,
which the father bought of the Flint & Pere Mar
quette Railroad corporation. The death of the
father occurred Dec. 21, 187.2, within the year ofthe
arrival of the household in Orient Township.
Both partjes were members of the Methodist Epis
copal Church.
Mr. Tule's sisters, three in number, are married.

Caroline C. is the wife of Albert Van Ness, residing
on section 16, Orient Township, and was married
May 5, 1873; Charlotte N. was married March 4,
1878, to W. D. Strait, and resides in Sylvan Town
ship; Harriet E. was married Oct. 8, 1884, to Wil
liam D. Clapp.
Mr. Tule is a Republican. Since his father's death
he has remained on the homestead.

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illiam R. Mapes, capitalist and speculator
at Evart, was born March 9, 1827, ten
miles north of Tunkhannock, Pa., and is
the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Miller)
Mapes. His father was a lumberman and
farmer in the Keystone State, and in 1844
changed his residence to Ridgebury Township,
Bradford Co., Pa., where he conducted a hotel one
year, going thence to Southport, N. Y.
Mr. Mapes accompanied the family in their
changes of locality, and was 18 years of age when
they went to reside at the place last named. There
he engaged in farming and teaming, and also learned
the business of a millwright, which he followed
several years. In 1855 ne came to Berrien Co.,
Mich., where he pursued his trade a year, and in
1856 interested himself in lumbering. In 1862 he
became a member of the construction corps in the
service of the Government, and continued in that
employment until the termination of the war. On
returning he came to Lawrence, Van Buren County,
where he owned a saw-mill and passed two years in
lumbering. In 1867 he removed the mill to Bangor,
in the same county, and after another two-years
pursuit of the same business at that point, made
another removal of his property, to Deerfield Town
ship, also in Van Buren County. He continued his
operations there until the fall of 187 1, when his mill
burned. He then sold his property in March, 1872,
and transferred his residence to Evart. He bought
a business stand, and, associated with William A.
Wightman, established a hardware store. At the
end of two years he sold his stock but retains own
ership of the building. He at once interested him
self in lumbering, which he has handled to greater

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

or less extent ever since, and has gradually com
bined the other lines of traffic in which he is en
gaged. He is connected with the Order of Masonry, and
is a member of Lodge No. 320, at Evart. He is
serving a second term as Treasurer of Osceola Town
ship. He is a staunch and active Republican, and is
one of the Trustees of Evart, to which position he
has been elected three times.
He was married in Watervliet, Berrien Co., Mich.,
to Lydia Warren, daughter of John Warren and a
native of Niagara Co., N. Y. The portraits of Mr.
and Mrs". Mapes appear on other pages.

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eorge W. Morris, of the firm of Morris &
Martin, proprietors of the Reed City' Flour
ing Mills, was born March 22, 1835, in
the township of Ray, Macomb Co., Mich.
Benjamin Morris, his father, was born Oct. 24,
1809, in Morrisville, Madison Co., N. Y., and
in 1833 came with his father (the mother having
previously died) to the township of Ray, in Michi
gan, where the family settled on 80 acres of Govern
ment land, which was purchased at the rate of $1.25
per acre, and is still known as the " Morris farm."
Jacob Morris was born March 20, ^85, in Mass
achusetts, and died Aug. 4, i860. His parents went
to Madison Co., N. Y., where their place of settle
ment grew to large proportions, and was named for
the family, Morrisville, which is the county seat of
Madison County. The grandmother was born July
26, 1785, and died Oct. 10, 1816. Benjamin Morris
died April 25, 1881, at Reed City. His wife died
Jan. 15, 1869, at Orion, Oakland Co., Mich'.
In 1856 the family removed to a farm near Birm
ingham, Oakland County, where they resided about
seven years. In 1863 the farm in Bloomfield Town
ship was sold, and a grist-mill in the same county
purchased, in company with W. W Martin. This
connection continued three years, when R. W. Nye
became interested in the same enterprise. Eventu
ally, Mr. Morris became sole proprietor by purchase,
and conducted the affairs of the mill singly until

1877, when it was sold, and he came to Reed City,
where, associated with E. B. Martin, he built the
mill now managed by Messrs. Morris & Martin. It
is 48x56 feet in dimensions and three stories in
height above the basement. It is fitted with four
sets of double rollers and three pairs of buhrs, with
other modern fixtures. Its capacity per day is 100
barrels of flour, and incidental custom work. The
site of the mill includes about 10 acres of land.
Mr. Morris is the owner of 40 acres of land in
Richmond Township, in an excellent agricultural
condition, and also owns his residence and three
village lots therewith. His marriage to Lovinia
Martin occurred in the. township of Bloomfield, Sept:
27, i860. She was born July 25, 1841, in Troy
Township, Oakland County, and is the daughter of
William W. and Samantha (Stockwell) Martin. The
former was bom in January, 1806, in Cayuga Co.,
N. Y., and in 1825 became a pioneer of Oakland
County, where the family was among the earliest of
the permanent settlers. He is now living in Reed
City. The mother was born in the State of New York
and died in Birmingham, July 27, 1879. Mr. and
Mrs. Morris have two children : Samantha A.,' who
was born Sept. 25, 1861, and is the wife of Maurice
W. Stevenson, real-estate broker of Grand Rapids ;
and Hettie E. was born April 25, 1864, and married
George S. Preston, liveryman at Big Rapids.

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liver L. Millard, Clerk of Osceola County,
Wk resident at Hersey, was born June 26, 1845,
in Lockport, Niagara Co., N. Y. His father,
Junius A. Millard, was born in November,
18 1 7, in Niagara County, and is now a farmer
in Pittsford Township, Hillsdale Co., Mich.
His mother, Narcissa (Haroun) Millard, was born in
October, 1827, in the city of Syracuse. Two of y
their three children are now living : Bertram J. is a
traveling salesman and grocer at Vicksburg, Kala
mazoo Co., Mich. Emma L. died at the age of n
years. In 1829 the family located in Pittsford Township,
the father buying 80 acres of land which has since

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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been the homestead. Mr. Millard was reared to
manhood on the home place, and was a member of
the parental household until his marriage Jan. i,
1867, to Maria J. Miner. She was born iri the same
township, March 1, 1844, and is the daughter of
James H. and Phebe Miner. The children of Mr.
and Mrs. Millard were both born in Pittsford Town-
ship. Herbert A. was born April 8, r868, and
Emma L., Nov. 7, 187 1.
Mr. Millard continued a resident there until his
removal to Osceola County in February, 1873, when
he secured 80 acres of land on section 6, in Rose
Lake Township, of which he took possession and
commenced the labors of a pioneer, clearing and
otherwise improving his land, erecting necessary
farm buildings, and placed 60 acres in good agricul
tural condition, with excellent orcharding. While a
citizen of Rose Lake Township, he was alternately
elected to the Offices of Clerk and Supervisor, hold
ing one position or the' other every year he was a
resident there, with one exception. While in Hills
dale County, he served two terms as Township
Treasurer. In the fall of 1882 he was elected County Clerk,
on the Republican ticket, by a majority of 424 votes
over the opposition candidate. In December fol
lowing he removed to Hersey, to facilitate the dis
charge of the duties pertaining to his position.
He owns his house and lot, and, in company with
Henry A. Clark, is the proprietor of 320 acres of
land in Richmond and Marion Townships.
He is. a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, as is also his wife.

gallery C. Cannon, merchant at- Evart, was
born Dec. 28, 1842, in the township of
Shelby, Macomb Co., Mich. The family
to which he belongs is one ofthe most promi
nent in the history of the development of
Northern Michigan, with which it has been in
separably connected from the Territorial days of the
Peninsular State. His father, Rev. John Cannon,
was born Sept. 22, 1808, in Saratoga Co., N. Y.,
whence he removed with his family in 1834 to Ma

comb County. He is the proprietor of 60 acres of
land in Shelby Township, and occasionally officiates
in his capacity of minister of the Christian Church.
Geo. H. Cannon, his uncle, has made the family
patronymic prominent in his position of surveyor, in
which he has been engaged for a long period of
years, and has operated over a wide-spread territory
in Michigan, in the employ of the United States
Government. The mother of Mr. Cannon, Sallie
(Cook) Cannon, was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y.
She is the mother of seven children.
Mr. Cannon was reared on a farm in his native
township, and was occupied in the quiet pursuits
pertaining to agriculture, when the nation was sud
denly convulsed by the advent of civil war. He
enlisted Aug. 9, 1862, at Washington Corners, Ma
comb County, in Co. B, 22d Regt. Mich. Vol. Inf.,
Captain Keeler. He was discharged at Detroit July
20, 1865, after the close of the war. He was an ac
tive participant in the various battles in which his
regiment was engaged, and encountered the arduous
service which characterized the field record of the
"Twenty-second," passing safely through the'hard-
fought battle of Chickamauga, where his regiment
went into action with 600 equipped men, only 50 of
whom afterward responded to their names at roll-
call. On being discharged from military service, Mr.
Cannon returned to his father's farm. In 1868, as
sociated with his brother, John W., he founded a
mercantile enterprise at Washington Corners, and
there managed a successful business. In September,
1 87 1, he came to Evart and opened a branch store
under the same firm relations which existed until
January, 1876, when it became S. B. & G. H. Can
non, the former being sole and resident manager.
In partnership with Geo. F. Andrus, he owns a farm
of 190 acres, situated on the Muskegon River, three
miles north of Evart, 50 acres being cleared and cul
tivated. Mr. Cannon is a Republican in political connec
tion. He has been Treasurer of Osceola Township
two years, Supervisor four years (is present incum
bent), member of the Village Board four years, has
served three terms as Chairman of the Board of Sup
ervisors and in various other positions. He was the,
first Treasurer of Evart village, and occupied the po
sition three years. He is the Treasurer of the Osce
ola County Agricultural Society and has held the

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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position eight years. Mr. Cannon has served as
Treasurer of the Masonic Lodge at Evart, of which
he is a member, since its organization. In the fall
of 1884 he was elected a member ofthe lower House
of the Legislature of Michigan.
Mr. Cannon is one of the leading business men in
Osceola County. He is justly accorded first rank in
ability, integrity and reliability of judgment and
character. His marriage to Harriet N. Sybrandt occurred
Dec. 28, 1868, at Washington Corners. Their only
child — Emma E. — was born at the same place,
March 8, 1870. Mrs. Cannon was born Jan. 12,
1 84 1, in Niagara Co., N. Y.

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rayer Halladay, merchant at Ashton, is a
son of George and Mary (White) Halla
day, who were natives ofthe Dominion of
Canada, married and settled in Leeds Co.,
Ont. Mr. George Halladay remained in Can
ada until the fall of 1870, when he came to
Osceola County and settled in Lincoln Township,
where he still is a resident. He had a family of
eight children, named in the following order : Frayer,
Nancy, Samantha, Adelia, Annetta, Ida, Wright and
Burton. The subject of this biographical outline was born
in Leeds Co., Ont., Oct. 15, 1846, and received as
he grew up a common-school education, remaining
at home until t8 years of age, after which he at
tended the commercial college at Hamilton, Ont., for
three months. On leaving home he went to New
York State and " worked out" one summer, and then
returned to his father's in Canada. Soon afterward
he went to Wentworth County, in the Dominion,
where he was employed two years as engineer in a
saw-mill. In the spring of 1869 he came to Michi
gan and remained at Grand Rapid^ until the follow
ing fall, when he came to Osceola County and took
possession of 80 acres of Government land in Wex
ford County, but did not finally " prove it up." The
following spring he opened a general store at Ashton,
where he now keeps a stock of merchandise in all
the branches suited to the demands of the country.

His is the largest store in the place, and he enjoys
an extensive patronage, doing a business of about
$25,000 yearly. Besides, he owns 760 acres of land,
most of which is located in Lincoln Township. He
has about 80 acres under cultivation. Until May,
1884, his father, George Halladay, had an interest in
the store, and the firm was known as " Halladay &
Son." During the month named Mr. H. bought out
his father's interest, and thenceforward has carried
on the business alone.
Mr. Halladay has held the office of Supervisor of
Lincoln Township for five years, being re-elected to
the position in the spring of 1884. He has also held
the position of Township Treasurer three years, and
all the minor official trusts in the town. In his
views of political affairs he is a Republican, and since
April, 1877, he has been Postmaster ofthe village of
Ashton. He was married at Mound City, 111., Nov. 30,
1875, to Miss Elizabeth Mclllmurry, who was born in
Canada. To Mr. and Mrs. H. have been born three
children, namely : Grace M., LeRoy W. and Eva.

If esse T. Minchin, editor of the Evart Re
view, was born July 25, 1856, at Pontiac,
Oakland Co., Mich. His father, Thomas
Minchin, was born Sept. 1, 1826, in Winch-
come, Gloucestershire, Eng., and became a
citizen of the United States and of Michigan in
1850. The mother, Elizabeth Minchin, was born
Oct. 14, 1 81 6, at Baisingstoke, Hampshire, Eng., and
came thence in 1857 to Michigan.
Mr. Minchin acquired a common-school education
at Pontiac, where in 1874 he entered the office of a
local newspaper and obtained a thorough and practi
cal knowledge of printing in all its details, and of the
" ins and outs " of journalism. He speedily took
foremost rank in the guild and operated as foreman
of the Pontiac Bill Poster, his Alma Mater, during
1876-7-8. In July, 1878, he went to Reed City, and,
associated with his brother, George W. Minchin, pur
chased the Clarion, which they conducted jointly
until December, 1880. At that date the proprietors

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

239

sold the paper and purchased the Evart Review,
which they have since managed and are still con
ducting in co-partnership.
In 1879 Mr. Minchin served as Clerk of Reed City.
He was elected Secretary of the Osceola County
Agricultural Society, in 1881, and discharged the
duties of the position three years. Since removing
to Evart he has served as a member of the Board of
Education, on the Board of Water Commissioners,
and is the present (1884) President of the village.
He was married Nov. 14, 1877, to Minnie M.
Murray, of Pontiac, Oakland Co., Mich. She was
born Nov. 11, 1863, and is the daughter of Seth T.
and Jennie M. (Collier) Murray. Mr. and Mrs.
Minchin are the parents of three sons, born as fol
lows : Jesse M., March 24, 1880; Eber W., July 2,
1883; and George B., June 24, 1884.

imothy farmer,

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V. Childs, retired miller and
resident at Reed City, was born
Jan. 29, 1820, in Genesee Co., N. Y., and
is the son of Elias and Tamar (Vincent)
Childs, both of whom were natives of Ver
mont, where they were married. A few years
after that event, they removed to the State of New
York, going thence to Medina Co., Ohio. Later
they came to Kalamazoo, Mich., and there the
father died, Nov. 3, 1847. He was born April 23,
1780. The mother died in Livingston Co., Mich.,
Aug. 13, 1865. She was born Aug. 12, 1781. Their
family comprised 13 children, only two of whom are
living. Asa Childs is 82 years of age, and resides in
Tiffin, Ohio.
Mr. Childs is the youngest of the family, and was
reared under the personal care and supervision of
his parents, working as a carpenter with his father
and also on the farm. He accompanied his parents
in their removals, and was the custodian of their
comfort in their declining years. He was married
Oct. 8, 1840, to Sarah E. Jones. She was born Aug.
16, 1816, in Geneva, Ontario Co., N. Y., and is the
daughter of Frederick and Polly Maria Jones. After
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Childs resided in Medina
Co., Ohio, a number of years and Mr. Childs was

there engaged as a farmer. In 1844 he came to
Yorkville, , Kalamazoo Co., Mich., removing thence
to Otsego, Allegan Co., Mich., where he became the
proprietor of the Exchange Hotel. The house was
burned about two years after and Mr. Childs entered
the grocery and provision store of S. D. Foster as a
salesman. Two years later he engaged in the same
business independently, and two years after ex
changed his business for a stage route and necessary
equipments, the line running between Kalamazoo
and Allegan. He managed its affairs eight years
and bought a farm of 120 acres in Allegan County,
in the township ofthe same name. In April, 1873,
Mr. Childs came to Osceola County and founded a
grocery, provision and general supply business suited
to the necessities of the then embryo village, which
is now Reed City. About five years later he erected
a saw, grist and planing mill, located on Upton Ave
nue in a central situation. He continued their pro
prietor until December, 1884, when he exchanged
his claim in them for a farm of 200 acres of land
near Baldwin, Lake Co., Mich. The place is valu
able both in fact and promise, 70 acres being in first-
class agricultural condition.
Mr. Childs is a Republican; he was a Whig in the
days of Harrison, for whom he cast his first vote, and
he has since acted consistently with his political
convictions, and voted straight with the element to
which he has belonged throughout. Mrs. Childs is
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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tllen Campbell, cashier of the bank at Evart)
„. was born March 4, 1844, in Columbia Co.,
N. Y. His father, John Campbell, was born
in Argyle, Scotland, and learned his trade of
machinist at Aberdeen, in the "land of heather
and mist." His mother, Barbara (Russel)
Campbell, was also born in Scotland. Both are de
ceased. On emigrating to this country they settled
in the State of New York, where they became farmers
and reared their family.
Mr. Campbell was occupied during the years of his
minority preceding the age of 18 years in obtaining
his education and on the family homestead. He

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

came to Michigan in 1855, and enlisted at Fenton,
Genesee County, Sept. 15, 1861, as a private in Co.
F, First Regiment Michigan Engineers and Mechan
ics. He soon received promotion to the position of
Quartermaster's Sergeant, and later was made Sec
ond Lieutenant of Co. D, in the same regiment. He
was in the service until the close of the war, partici
pating in the engagements at Mill Springs, Perryville,
Stone River (where 600 of his regiment withstood a
charge made by 2,000 rebels), and was under fire in
all the fights in which his regiment was involved in
the famous march through Georgia to the sea, and
fought at Chattanooga, Atlanta, Savannah, Averys-
boro and at Bentonville. The command went to
Washington for the Grand Review, whence Mr.
Campbell came to the township of Groveland, Oak
land Co., Mich. He bought T40 acres of land, of
which he made a model farm, with superior orcharding
and stocked with numerous varieties of fruit. At the
same time he began to operate in loans to some ex
tent. He was prominent in politics and a zealous,
declared Republican. In 1882 he was placed in
nomination by his party to represent his district in
the Legislature of Michigan, but " achieved defeat "
from the well-known strength of the Democratic ele
ment in that section of the Peninsular State.
In the fall of 1883 he removed to Evart and es
tablished a private banking house. His range of
business includes the transactions common to similar
institutions. Mr. Campbell is a member of Post
Sedgwick, at Holly, Mich., Grand Army of the Re
public. He was married May 17, 1866, in Grove-
land Township, to Mary L., daughter of John S. and
Mary L. Warrin. Mrs. Campbell was born in the State
of New York.

ilbert M. Clark, farmer, section 4, Lincoln
Township, is a son of James M. and Han
nah B. (Collister) Clark. His parents, who

were natives respectively of Massachusetts and
New York State, had a family of six chil
dren, the second of whom was the subject
of this sketch. He was born in Lorain Co., Ohio,
July 14, 1845, attended common school until he was
— ^A^ffl B® BDf^A^  s^i

20 years of age, and also for a time the preparatory
department of Oberlin College.
After quitting school Mj. Clark engaged in farm
ing, which has been the chief occupation of his life.
He came to Osceola County in the spring of 1881
and purchased 380 acres bf land in Lincoln Town
ship, where he now is a resident and has a fine farm
of 100 acres in cultivation.
In his political views Mr. C. is a Republican, and
was once elected Justice of the Peace, but did not
qualify. He was married in Ashland Co., Ohio, Feb. 22,
187 1, to Miss Lydia A. Biddinger, who was born in
that county, May 2, 1849. Her parents, David and
Fanny (Peck) Biddinger, were natives respectively of
Ohio and Pennsylvania.

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illiam Tennant, farmer, section 20, Orient
Township, has been a resident of Osceola
County since r868, and of Michigan since
September, 1844. He removed hither from
Ionia with an ox team, camping out one
¦J night, two and a half miles west of Evart, the
snow being two feet in depth. He crossed the Mus
kegon River on an old scow one mile west of Evart,
or where that village now stands, its location being
then covered with pine. From thence Mr. Tennant
cut his way through to the farm of his son-in-law,
John Smith, with whom his family remained from
March to July. Meanwhile he located the farm he
has since occupied, went to the land office at Ionia
and placed his first papers. He built a log house on
the place, to which he removed his family and where
they took up their abode, living the first three weeks
without a floor in their cabin. The nearest trading
point was Hersey, 20 miles away, and there was the
only postoffice in the county. Those who desired to
cross the river were obliged to wade the stream or
impel themselves across it on a species of raft made
of two logs fastened together with a plank or slab.
Mr. Tennant came near drowning on one occasion
when crossing in this primitive manner.
Flour was $16 to $18 per barrel, and pork 25 cents
per pound. The woods abounded in deer, bear and

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

245

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his present position. He owns also his residence
and lot on Main Street.
He was married at Evart, Nov. 5, 1878, to Lucy
Lancashire, a native of England.

eorge W. Bevins, Postmaster and merchant
at Tustin, was born Aug. 30, 1851, in Liv
ingston Co., N. Y. His father, John Bev-.
ins, was also a native of the Empire State,
and in 1859 removed with his wife and chil
dren to Kent Co., Mich., settled on a farm and
was continuously a resident there until his death in
1866. The mother, Mary (Sabin) Bevins, was born
in the State of New York, and died in Kent Co.,
Mich., in the same year in which the demise of the
husband and father occurred. Their family com
prised five children, — three daughters and two sons.
Mr. Bevins is the fourth child of his parents in
order of birth, and is the elder son. He was eight
years of age when he accompanied the family to
Michigan, and he was educated principally in Kent
County. When he was 15 years of age his parents
were both removed by death, and he went to Smyrna,
Ionia Co., Mich., and became a member of the family
of his uncle, where he worked on the farm summers
and went to school winters. He came to Leroy, in
Osceola County, where he attained his majority and
became a salesman in the store of his uncle, J. E.
B;vins (see sketch), where he operated in the same
capacity four years. In 1876 he came to Tustin and
established a mercantile business, associating G. A.
Estes with himself in its prosecution. In 1878, the
prosperity and extension of the relations of the firm
requiring more commodious quarters, they erected a
building 36 x 60 feet in dimensions. Five years after
the organization of the firm Mr. Bevins succeeded to
the sole proprietorship, and since that date he has
made an addition to the structure, 22x40 feet in ex
tent, for the accommodation of the postoffice. His
stock of merchandise is varied and extensive, and
represents a cash value of about $7,000 — annual
sales amounting to $25,000 on an average. Mr.
Bevins is the owner of several improved village lots.
He is also the proprietor of 126 acres of land, situ

ated in Burdell Township. Of this, 30 acres are
under improvements. '
He is a born and bred Republican, a thorough
going, active, energetic business man, and has in
variably aided and sustained all measures for the
permanent well-being of the community of which he
is a member. He has served ten years as Notary
Public, and six years as Postmaster, to which post he
was appointed in 1878.
He was married June 4, 1876, to Laura L. Moon,
and they are the parents of two children— Eva M.
and Elton, born respectively May 14 1877, and May
22, 1882. Mrs. Bevins was born July 5, 1852, in
Erie Co., Penn., and is a farmer's daughter. Her
parents are quite advanced in years, but are enjoying
a hale and hearty old age.. She acquired a good
education and officiated some years as a teacher.
The portrait of Mr. Bevins on the opposite page is
a valuable addition to the Album of Osceola
County, in view of his efficiency as a public man
and as a representative of a family to whom the
county owes much.

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yman W. June, farmer, section 5, Cedar
Township, was born Dec. 29, 1845, in
Huntington, Lorain Co., Ohio. He dates
his origin back to the period of the colonial
settlement of America, and is of unmixed
descent. His parents, William C. and Mary
S. (Whiton) June, are living in Lorain Co., Ohio.
The former was born in Vermont, the latter in Mass
achusetts. They are aged respectively 76 and 60
years. They had nine children, all of whom attained
adult age save one, who died in infancy. They are
named Edwin, Olivia, Louisa, John, William, Lyman
(deceased), Lyman (2d), Henry and Milo.
The Civil War was upon the people of this country
before Mr. June was 15 years old. He enlisted as
a Soldier for the Union Dec. 10, 1863, in Co. E,
128th Ohio Vol. Inf. His regiment belonged to the
20th Army Corps, but he was detailed for provost
guard duty and had his headquarters as custodian
of the prison of commissioned officers at Johnson's

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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Island, where he operated during his entire period of
service. He was stationed there at the time of the
attempted liberation of the prisoners by the rebels.
On being mustered out of the military service he be
came a carpenter and soon acquired an excellent
reputation as a craftsman. He continued to operate
as a builder five years, and at the age of 22 years
he attended Baldwin University, remaining there one
year, when he went to the Western Reserve Seminary
and continued as student and teacher one year.
Afterward he went to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, where
he was a student one year at the Wesleyan Univer
sity. After operating four succeeding years as a
teacher in the same institution, he returned to Ohio
and became interested in the lumber business, which
he pursued five years. Next, he came to Greendale
Township, Midland Co., Mich., and passed two years
as a lumberman and millwright. At the end of that
time he was burned out and lost all his personal
property. He owned 160 acres of land, which is
yet in his possession. After his disastrous loss by
fire he operated some time as a millwright and head-
sawyer, and then came to Osceola County and bought
80 acres of land in Cedar Township, of which he
cleared several acres.
He was married June 8, 187 1, to L. Melvina
Mills, and they have had five children : Mary E.
was born April 19, 1874, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa;
Bartholomew was born Dec. 15, 1876; Martha J.,
Sept. 3, 1879; Eva Pearl, Jan. 19, 1882, in Mid
land. The second and third children were born in
Huntington, Ohio. One child is deceased. Mrs.
June is the daughter of ' Galen A. and Elizabeth
(Stratton) Mills, both of whom are living in Berea,
Ohio. Her father has been a merchant, but has re
tired from active business. The family contained
nine children, born in the following order : Priscilla
A., James, Margaret, Mrs. June, Artemus, Daniel,
Samantha, Ida and Inez. The great-great-grand
father of Mrs. June, James Parks, lived to the age
of in years. He was a renowned Indian hunter,
and was much dreaded by the red-skins who infested
the frontiers during the early history of the Colonies.
Six of the savage family made their appearance to
him at one time, when he was in the forest splitting
rails to fence his garden. They placed themselves
between him and his gun and informed him that he
was about to die. He acquiesced in the decision

making one proviso, that they should assist him in
splitting the remainder of the rails, so his wife could
have the fence as intended. They assented, 'and he
instructed them how to take hold of the log with
their fingers to expedite the rail-splitting ! He took
the maul and, speedily knocking out the wedge in
the log, they were all prisoners in a moment. He
obtained his gun and slaughtered the entire party !
Mr. June is a Republican in political sentiment,
and is actively interested in school matters.
He and his wife are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.

John Isaacson is a farmer on section 5,
Richmond Township. He was born in the'
kingdom of Sweden, April 16, 1854; his
parents, Allen and Eureka (Daniel) Isaacson,
were also natives of that country. He emi
grated to the "land of opportunity " in 1871,
coming directly to this county and purchasing 80
acres of railroad land, where he now resides, and has
about half his landed estate in a condition of good
and productive cultivation.
He was married in Big Rapids, Mich., to Chris
tiana Anderson, who also was a native of Sweden.
Mr. and Mrs. Isaacson have become the parents of
two children, namely, Alice S., one who died in in
fancy, and Ida C.
In his principles concerning the welfare of this
nation, Mr. Isaacson, as well as nearly all Swedes,
sympathize with the Republican party.

|jj tephen R. Jones, Postmaster at Hersey,
was born Oct. 15, 1826, in Yates Co., N.
jff^ Y. His father, William B. Jones, resides
in Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y., and is in his 83d
year. His mother, Abiah (Raplee) Jones, was
a native of New York, and died in 1833. The
family removed from Yates to Steuben County when
Mr. Jones was a small boy.

When he was 19 years of age he returned to his

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native county to acquire a knowledge of the builder's
business, which he pursued some years. He was
married in Milo, Yates County, April 20, 1852, to
Alvira Miller, and they are the parents of a daughter,
-J-Adell M., — born Feb. 18, 1855. She is well edu
cated and has been engaged in teaching in Hersey
and vicinity. Mrs. Jones is the daughter of Daniel
and Susan Miller, and was born Dec. 23, 1827, in
Yates Co., N. Y.
In the spring of 1865 Mr. Jones became a resi
dent of Matherton, Ionia Co., Mich., where, in com
pany with George Lance, he rented a building and
put in a sash, door and blind factory, which they
managed jointly three years. At the end of that
time Mr. Jones sold his interest to his partner, on
account of impaired health. He established his resi
dence at Hersey in the spring of 187 1 and brought
his family hither in the fall of the same year. His
first business venture was. in the management ofa
planing-mill for D. A. Blodgett, which he conducted
four and a half years. His further operations as a
mechanic were interrupted by an accident received
from one of the saws in the mill, which deprived him
of his left hand. He was appointed Postmaster of
Hersey in January, 1884. All the members of the
family belong to the Baptist Church.

trade in his line with success. He deals in watches,
jewelry, plated ware and all articles suited to his
trade. His stock averages an estimated value of
$4,000, and he transacts a considerable business in
repairs. In February, 1884, he founded a branch
store at Meredith, which is conducted by his brother,
Charles E. True. The stock at that point is valued
at $2,000.
Mr. True was married Oct. 15, 1879, at Evart, to
Harriet A., daughter of Hon. John C. Dexter. She
was born Feb. 23, 1852, in Ionia, Mich., died June
29, 1880, at Evart, and is buried at Ionia.

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rank A. True, jeweler at Evart, was born
Sept. 27, 1855, at Flint, Mich. His
'" father, William W. True, is a native of
Montrose, Pa., and has been in the business of
a silversmith about 35 years, and is still en
gaged in it at Flint. His mother, Rowena
(Blair) True, was born in Vermont, and is still living.
Mr. True entered his father's store when he was
13 years of age, to learn the business, and was en
gaged in the acquisition of its details until he was
20. He had meanwhile obtained an excellent edu
cation, which he completed at the schools of higher
grade. In 1875 he went to Cleveland to enter upon
the duties of foreman in the jewelry establishment of
Jerry W. Coon, where he operated one year. In
1876 he came to Evart and bought the business of
William Livingston, and has since prosecuted the
— <^A^B!i®nn^M=}

«t ohn B. McFarlane, lumberman and farm-
™ er, section 2, Sylvan Township, was born
July 9, r835, in Beauharnais Co., Quebec.
Andrew McFarlane, his father, was a native of
Scotland, and came to America soon after his
marriage to Jane Bryden, settling in the Do
minion of Canada. Later he came to Lapeer Co.,
Mich., where he died, about the year 1869. The
mother was born in Ireland, and is still living, in La
peer County, aged 82 years. They had 10 children.
Mr. McFarlane has been a resident of the Penin
sular State since the age of 1 2 years. Hls nrst labor
was in the lumber woods at Mill Creek, Lapeer
County, in the employ of Wm. Ellison. Subse
quently he went to Wisconsin and later to Minne
sota, where he was occupied in lumbering. In 1854
he made a trip down the Mississippi River on a raft
of logs, stopping at Vicksburg. He commenced op
erations there as a wagon-maker, which business he
prosecuted until the secession of the State. He was
one of the first to enter the Confederate service as a
measure of policy and safety, and enlisted in Co. I,
20th Miss. Vol. Inf., known as the " Jasper Rifles,"
under Colonel Russel, General Floyd, Brigade Com
mander. He was in active service until the fall of
Fort Donelson, when he was taken prisoner and sent
to Camp Douglas, Chicago. He made his escape
from that place by scaling its walls, and returned to
Lapeer County, glad to find himself once more under
the protection of the Stars and Stripes, and with no
love for the Confederacy. Soon after his return he

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came up the Muskegon River and resumed his
wonted occupation as a lumberman in the interests
of Green & Mason, of Mecosta County.
He was married in 1864, and, with his wife, went
to Wisconsin. From there he returned a few months
later to. Osceola and Mecosta Counties, where he has
since operated extensively in timber lands and in
lumbering as a jobber and contractor. He was en
gaged some years in the manufacture of lumber at
Evart, but the crisis of 1873 caused such a shrink
age bf values that it crippled his business at that
point of operation. He is the owner of 4,000 acres
of land situated in various portions of Osceola
County, which includes 220 acres of improved land,
nearly all of which is comprised in the homestead
estate. Mr. McFarlane is a Republican in political
preferences. He was one of the first Supervisors in
Osceola County, and has officiated in that position
two years in Middle Branch Township.
He was married March 20, 1864, in Barton Town
ship, Newaygo County, to Hattie S. Marsh. They
have had six children, — Archibald L., St. John, Ed-
mond P., Aloney C, an infant (deceased) and Win
nie M. Mrs. McFarlane was born Jan. 7, 1846, in
Dundee, Monroe Co., Mich. She is the daughter of
Carlos Marsh, a native of Vermont, and the first per
manent settler in Barton Township, Newaygo County.
He died in Middle Branch, June 25, 1879. The
mother, Phoebe Ann (Palmer) Marsh, is still living.

S'heron F. Nix, photographer at Evart, was
born May r, 1848, in Bleeker Township,
Fulton Co., N. Y., and is the son- of Fred
erick and Etta (Heidner) Nix. He was reared
on a farm and obtained his education chiefly
by attending school during the winter seasons.
He left the shelter of the parental roof at the age of
20, and was variously occupied at Milwaukee and
Manistee five years.
In July, 1879, he came to Evart and purchased
the business of Eli Wightman, photographer. His
business has been prosperous from the outset. He
owns his residence and the lot connected on Oak
Street. His marriage to Cynthia M. Bauslaugh occurred at

Paris, Ont., May 22, 1883. The have a daughter —
Matie — born March 8, 1884. Mrs. Nix is the
daughter of Henry and Maria Bauslaugh, and was
born in Paris, Brant Co., Ont.
Mr. Nix belongs to the Order of Odd Fellows.

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27, in

j;J ufus F. Morris, farmer, section 32,
mond Township, was born Feb. 8, 1
Medina Co., Ohio. His father and mother,
John and Sally (Jennings) Morris, were born
respectively in Virginia and Ohio. On the
event of their marriage they settled in Medina
County, subsequently resided in various counties and
botli died in Geauga Co., Ohio. They had eight sons
and four daughters.
Mr. Morris is the oldest son, and during the years
of his life until he was 22 he attended the schools of
the Buckeye State and labored on his father's farm.
The subsequent year he worked in a grist-mill, spend
ing the year following in working the homestead farm
on shares. He conducted a rented farm one year,
and in 1854 came to Allegan Co., Mich., and bought
80 acres of land, on which he was occupied in agri
cultural pursuits until the fall of 1862. On selling
out he came to Osceola County and entered a claim
of Government land in Richmond Township. On
this he has since resided with the exception of nearly
four years while discharging the duties of the office
of County Treasurer, when he was a resident of Her
sey village. He owns about 50 acres of his original
purchase and has cleared and placed under excellent
tillage about 30 acres.
Mr. Morris adheres to the principles upon which
was grounded the National Greenback political or
ganization. He was elected County Treasurer in
1869 and served one term and part of a second. He
has been Supervisor of Richmond Township two
years, and has held in succession nearly all the posi
tions of trust pertaining to the control of local town
ship affairs.
Mr. Morris is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. His marriage to Esther Hazen took place Nov. n,
185 2, in Geauga Co., Ohio. Four children were born

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to them : Francis, John, Elnora and George F. The
first named died when but three weeks old. Mrs.
Morris was born Feb. 27, 1834, in Geauga Co., Ohio,
and is the daughter of Francis W. and Polly (Giles)
Hazen. She is the third child of six born to her
parents. In 1862 the shadow of a dread calamity fell upon
the happy and united household. The mind of the
wife and mother became unsettled and for three
months her reason left its high citadel. She was
taken to the asylum at Kalamazoo, whence she re
turned to her home perfectly restored, as was hoped
and believed. In the fall of 1870 the cloud again
lowered over her intellect. She was again removed
July 22, 187 1, to Kalamazoo, and the same experi
ence has been repeated over and again. She returns
at intervals to her home and hope is again lighted,
but in a brief time the darkness and unrest of un
balanced reason again hold her in their grasp, and
she is conveyed to the asylum, where she receives
^every tender consideration that can be brought to
bear for her welfare. In 1873, Elnora, in the promise
of her late girlhood, became similarly afflicted, and
finds with her mother a retreat at Kalamazoo, where
all that skill and patient treatment can devise for her
recovery is being done. It is a merciful decree of
Almighty God that the clouded intellect experiences
little of realization of its own misfortune.

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eonard Reed, farmer, section 22, Lincoln
Township, is a son of Truman and Lucy
(Hicks) Reed, who were natives of the
State -of Vermont, married and settled in New
York State, and came to Michigan about the
year 1846, first settling in Washtenaw County.
They afterward made their residence in various
counties in this state. Mr. Truman Reed died at
the residence of his son Leonard in Osceola County,
Dec. 23, 1876; his widow is still living.
Of their family of eight children the subject
named at the head of this sketch was the eldest.
He was born in Erie Co., N. Y., Oct. 18, 1832, and
has resided in Michigan since he came hither with

his parents. He came to this county in the fall of
1867, taking possession of 80 acres of land where he
now resides. Here he settled and began improve
ment, with a view to making a desirable home. He
now has 30 acres in good tillable condition. Some
time after his purchase of the land he disposed of
40 acres.
Mr. Reed has held the office of Highway Com
missioner, School Director for nine consecutive years,
and School Inspector. In his views of national af
fairs he is a Republican, and both himself and wife
are members of the Disciples' Church.
The marriage of Mr. Reed took place April 6,
185 1, in Berrien Co , Mich. His wife, Mary A., was
born June 2, 1832, in Brown Co., Ohio, and is a
daughter of John and Elizabeth Hanover. (See
sketch of John Hanover.) Mr. and Mrs. Reed have
nine children, namely : Mary E., Rose, Frank, Wes
ley F., Ida, Walter, Lena, Clyde and Charles.

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Newton Crocker, Postmaster at Reed
jjf City, was born March 23, 1836, in Lock-
^ port, N. Y. Joseph Crocker, his father,
was a native of Cape Cod, Mass., and was born
in 1 801. He married Sarah Pomeroy, who was
born in 1806 in Hamilton, N. Y. Their family
comprised six children, of whom Mr. Crocker of this
sketch was third in order of birth. They were named
Charles, Daniel P., J. Newton, Hannah, Orpha and
Robert L. Their father died in Lockport.
Mr. Crocker was reared on the patarnal homestead,
and on reaching his majority acceded to the posses
sion of 60 acres of the farm where he had passed the
previous years of his life. He came to Michigan in
March, 1867, and began business as a stave and
heading manufacturer in the village of Allegan, in
the county of the same name. He operated at that
point four years. In December, 1872, he transferred
his interests to Reed City, and,- associated with Henry
Lonsbury, founded a grocery and provision trade,
their relation existing one year. On its termination,
he became a salesman with R. B. Simpson, and was
occupied in that capacity about three years.
He received the appointment of Postmaster in Sep-

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tember, 1877, and has conducted the business ofthe
position with satisfaction to the general public. He
was elected Justice of the Peace in the spring of
1873, and in his position as magistrate is engaged in
the transaction of a large amount of business. He
owns the postoffice building and the lot where it is
located, also two tenant houses. Mr. Crocker is a
member of the Odd Fellows Order. He was a mem
ber of the Village Board for four years upon the first
organization, and upon the resignation of Charles
Clark as President of the village, he was appointed
by the Board to fill the vacancy. He served two
. terms as Township Clerk and one as Village Asses
sor, and for four years was agent for the American
Express Company, while acting as Postmaster and
Justice of the Peace ; and was also a member of the
School Board upon the organization of the district.
He was married Jan. 8, 1862, at Lockport, to
Thankful Stedman. They have had three children :
Joseph, who was born Aug. 6, 1863, and is a mail
agent on the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Rail
road; Lena, who was born July 21, 1866 ; and Valie,
who was born Sept 9, 1876, and -died Feb. 4, 1881.
Mrs. Crocker is the daughter of Ferrand and Thank
ful Stedman, and was born in Newfane, Niagara Co.,
N. Y.

"ohn Finkbeiner, dealer in general mer-
j^ chandise at Hersey, and sewing-machine
agent, was born Dec. 5, 1842, in Wurtem-
berg, Germany, and is the son of Daniel and
Agnes Finkbeiner. He was reared to agricul
tural pursuits in his native country, and in 1868
emigrated to the United States. On landing he pro
ceeded directly to Hersey, and on arriving obtained
employment as a farm assistant two months, after
which he engaged as a clerk in various establish
ments. In the spring of 1874 he instituted the busi
ness enterprise in which he has since been interested.
His stock includes dry goods, groceries, sewing-ma
chines and other merchandise suited to the demands
of his patrons. He is agent of the Howe, American
and Victor Companies, and has a fine trade.
Mr. Finkbeiner was married June 16, 1874, at
Hersey, to Elizabeth Balzer. They have had six

children, namely : William, Julia and Albert are
deceased ; the surviving children are John Ezra and
Emma. Their mother is a native of Canada.
Mr. Finkbeiner owns his store and lives over his
sales-rooms. He is the owner of four village lots.1
He is a member of the Village Council, and, with his
wife, belongs to the Evangelical Church.

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rank S. Postal, of the firm of F. S. Postal
Q & Bro., proprietors and managers of the
Evart House, located at Evart, Mich., was
born Oct. '8, 1843, in Avon Township, Oak-
l^ land Co., Mich., and is the son of William F.
and Eliza (Gray) Postal. His father was born
near Bath, Genesee Co., N. Y., April 6, 1817, and
resides with his son at Evart. The mother was
born Sept. 23, 1817, in the same place, and died
Jan. 17, 1880, in Sterling, Macomb Co., Mich.
Four of their children are living: Charles was
drowned when two years old ; Wellington resides
at Evart, and is employed by his brother ; Frank S.
is third in order of birth; George is deceased; Au
gusta is the wife of Philo Hamlin, a miller in Paris,
Mich.; Thomas is deceased, and Fred is associated
with his brother in the management of the Evart
House. When he was 25 years old, Mr. Postal owned a
farm containing 80 acres in Sterling, Macomb Coun
ty, on which he resided three years and which he
partially improved, putting it in fine condition. In
November, 187 1, he sold the place and came to
Evart. The hotel of which he is now the owner was
then in process of erection by James H. and Wil
lard G. Trowbridge and Bela Davis. He bought-
the interest of the latter, and the house continued
under the management of Trowbridge Brothers &
Postal eight years. In 1878 Mr. Postal purchased
the entire property, which he conducted singly until
August, 1882, when he formed his present business
relation with his brother. They have greatly in
creased the facilities and accommodations, which
are now adequate for the comfort and welfare of
nearly 100 guests. The fixtures of the house are
in every way calculated to meet the requirements of

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the traveling public and patrons. The hotel is the
leading establishment of its class at Evart, and con
trols the traveling patronage. There are stables in
connection with every appurtenance for caring prop
erly for 50 horses, and there are first-class barber
and bath rooms attached.
Mr. Postal is a member of the Evart Land Com
pany, Which is doing an extensive local business in
real estate, and also in the Upper Peninsula, in
Wisconsin, Minnesota and Canada. The office of
the company is in the Evart Bank Block, adjoining
the hotel, and the firm transacts a large amount of
business both in their own property and on com
mission. Mr. Postal is also connected with the
Northwestern Casket Company, located at Minne
apolis, where the firm have a large factory for the
production of undertakers' merchandise, and em
ploy two traveling salesmen. He is the owner of a
considerable amount of real estate at Evart, com
prising two dwellings and lots in the western part of
Evart, the site of the skating rink and two stores on
the southwest corner of Main and Seventh Streets,
in Osceola Township, also 640 acres of land on sec
tion 5, 80 acres on section 35, Hartwick Township,
80 acres, section 36, Osceola Township, 40 acres on
section 13, Evart Township, and 80 acres in Antrim
County, near Mancelona.
Mr. Postal is a member of the Masonic fraternity,
Royal Arch Chapter, and Pilgrim Commandery at
Big Rapids.
He was married March 22, 1883, to Ellen Wright,
a native of Durham Township, Grey Co., Canada.
A son — James R. — was born to them in Evart, March
§, 1884.

rederick Kaphaem, farmer, section 33,
... Richmond Township, was born Dec. 2,
1830, in Germany, his parents, John and
Henrietta Kaphaem, being also natives of the
same country, where they passed the entire
course of their lives. When he was 23 years
of age, in 1853, ne emigrated from his native land to
the Dominion of Canada, where he was a resident
20 years, engaged in farming. In the fall of 1873
he came to Osceola County and became a land-
^^^  ^b^AH1.

holder in Richmond Township, by the purchase of
80 acres of land on section 33, on which he has
expended his energies tj the best purpose, and has
placed 50 acres already under a good order of culti
vation. He was married June 24, 1855, in Erie Co., N.
Y., to Ida Oberlin, and they have had eight children
— -Minnie, Charles, William, John, Wesley and
David. Two children died in infancy. Mrs. Kap
haem was born in Germany. She and her husband
are members of the Evangelical Association.

oseph W. Ash, farmer, section 6, Lincoln
j- Township, is a son of George and Maha'la
(Bradley) Ash, natives of Canada, who

married and settled in Niagara Co., N. Y.,
where Mr. Ash, senior, was born May 25, 1800,
and died Nov. 9, 1839. His widow, after his
death, was married to Joseph Cardinal, moved to
Osceola County, and died in Lincoln Township, April
18, 1880. By her first marriage she was the mother
of three children, and by the last, of two, namely :
Joseph W., Elizabeth A., Hiram L., Huldah C. and
George D., — in the order here named.
Mr. Ash, the first of the above mentioned children,
was born July 22, 1830, in Niagara Co., N. Y., and
received his education mostly in the common schools
of his native State. When he came of age he
learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, which he
followed until the year 1868. In 1853 he came to
Michigan and settled in DeWitl, Clinton County,
and a year afterward he removed to St. John's, that
county ; and three years still later he went to Kan
sas with an emigration company, where, in company
with several others, he laid out the village of Geneva,
Kan. After remaining with them about a year, he
returned to Niagara Co., N. Y., and a year later to
St. John's, Mich., where he resided until 1868. Then
he came to this county and took possession of 80
acres of land in Ashton, under the provisions of the
homestead laws. It was the east half of the south
east quarter of section 4, which is now the principal
portion of the site ofthe village of Ashton. He
platted the town in company with Simeon Vanakin
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and Spencer Preston. In 1875 he purchased 80
acres of land on section 6, where he has since lived
and at present has about 40 acres in a good state of
cultivation. As a man of executive talent and well adapted to
serve his fellow citizens in a public capacity, Mr.
Ash has been entrusted with the office of Supervisor
eight years, and that of Sheriff of the county in
187 1-2. He has also taken an active and prominent
part in all the educational interests of his commun
ity. In all matters pertaining to the welfare of the
neighborhood, township and county, he is consulted
by those who know him, with great confidence in his
foresight and judgment. He has also held the office
of Notary Public for a period of eight years, • and
from 1875 to 1880 he was President ofthe Osceola
County Agricultural Society. He was Postmaster at
Ashton from 1872101876. Politically he is identi
fied with the Republican party, and religiously with
the Methodist Episcopal Church, as is also his wife.
He was married in Lewiston, Niagara Co., N. Y.,
July 3, 1853, to Eliza A. Leggett, daughter of Elijah
Leggett, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
She was born in Porter, Niagara Co., N. Y., April 6,
1835. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Ash are seven
in number, namely: ZoaE., George F., Mabel (who
died in infancy), Glen E., Delia A., Eddie E. and
Alta M.

ylvester Ross, farmer, section 21, Hersey
Township, was born May 14, 1852, in Nor
wich, Oxford Co., Ont. His father, Hop
kins Ross, was born April 6, 1808, and married
Mary Mustard for his first wife. She has been
dead more than 20 years, and the senior Ross
is now living with his second wife in the township of
Hersey. He is a farmer and carpenter, and has
passed many years in the prosecution of these call
ings. Mr. Ross of this sketch came to Osceola County
with his father in 1864. In April, 1876, he settled
on the place he now occupies. He has been en
gaged in lumbering, and has operated several years

as foreman of a lumber camp. He is a Republican
in political convictions and action.
He was married May 14, 1878, to Eva M. Cutter,
and they have three children, born as follows : Flor
ence J., March 16, 1879; Sylvester R., Jan. 9, i88"i;
Adelberf Clyde, Aug. 10, 1883. Mrs. Ross was
born Feb. 25, 1855, in Richburg Township, Alle
gany Co., N. Y., and is the daughter of William O.
and Matilda B. (Satterlee) Cutter. Her father was
born April n, 1811, and died July 1, 1880, in the
village of Stanwood, Mecosta Co., Mich. . Her mother^
was born in Allegany Co., N. Y., April 17, 1826, and
is living with her daughter, Mrs. Ross. Their family
consisted of four children. One daughter died when
she was four years of age.. William B. Cutter and
Adelbert S. Cutter are living. Mr. Ross is one of
seven children born to his parents, — William Hop
kins, Nelson A., Mary J. and Sarah J. (twins), Syl
vester, Daniel (deceased) and Martha M.

acob J. Reik, liveryman and dealer in lum-
£ ber, horses, buggies and real estate, at
Evart, was born July 11. 1849, in Seneca
Co., Ohio. His father, Welch Reik, was born
in Germany, also the native place of Jacob's
mother, Regina, nee Librandt. They became
the parents of eight children. In 1852 the family
removed to Coldwater, Mich., where the father
bought 80 acres of land, on which they were resident
five years. In 1857 they removed to the village of
Coldwater, and the father opened a grocery trade, in
which he operated about ten years. The mother
died in Coldwater in 1866. Mr. Reik's father is a
member' of his family, and is aged 78.
On attaining size and understanding sufficient,
Mr. Reik entered his father's store as an assistant, in
which capacity he aided until the business termi
nated. At the age of 13 he established a grocery
business on his own responsibility at Branson, Branch
County, which he conducted four years. He then
entered Hillsdale College to secure a satisfactory ed
ucation, and was a student there three years.
In the fall of 1 87 1 he came to Evart and opened a
bakery and grocery together, which he continued to

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prosecute eight years. In 1879 he established the
livery business, and gradually, as opportunity has
served, has added the other lines of traffic in which
he is engaged. He owns several farms, including
180 acres of land, with about 80 acres under cultiva
tion. He raises horses, making specialties of the
breeds known as Magna Charta and Hambletonian.
In his real-estate transactions he buys and sells pine
and farming lands. Mr. Reik is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, and belongs to Lodge No. 320, at
Evart. He was married Nov. 23, 1877, at Evart, to Isadora
Pepper. They have one son — Charles M., born at
Evart, Oct, 13, 1881. Mrs. Reik is the daaghter of
Charles and Nancy Pepper, and was born near De
troit, in Wayne Co., Mich.

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uther M. Tozer, farmer, section 6, Rich
mond Township, is a son of Benj. N. and
Jedediah (Woodworth) Tozer, who were
natives of the Green Mountain State. His
J^ father was a Captain of the war of 181 2, and
took part in the battle of Lake Champlain.
After the close of that war he removed to Canada,
where he spent the remainder of his life. He had
six children.
The gentleman whose name heads this sketch was
born in the Dominion of Canada, Nov. 18, 1819. He
emigrated to the State of New York, lived there
awhile and also in other States of the Union until the
fall of r867, when he came to Osceola Co., Mich.,
and, under the provisions of the Homestead Laws,
took possession of 80 acres of land on section 6,
where he has since lived and now has about 50 acres
in a fine state of cultivation.
Mr. T. has served his fellow citizens in the capac
ity of Commissioner of Highways ; in political mat
ters he is a Republican, and both himself and wife
are members of the Baptist Church. He was married
in Canada, Feb. 12, 1850, to Fanny E. Clayton, who
was born in, New Brunswick, Oct. 11, 1826. Her
parents, Archibald and Zilpah Clayton, were also
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natives of the same province. Mr. and Mrs. Tozer
have been the parents of seven children, namely,
Eusebia L., Morland W., Emily B., Eunice M., Ben
jamin N, Luther E. and William H. The last
named died when he was five and a half years of age.

ilfred V. Harrington, farmer, section 28,
Lincoln Township, is a son of William
and Miranda (Adams) Harrington, both of
whom were natives of Rutland Co., Vt.
Soon after their marriage in that State they
J removed to Niagara Co., N. Y., and in 1840 to
Jackson Co., Mich., where she died, Nov. 7, 1856,
and Mr. H.. Nov. 13, 1865. They had a family of 11
children, namely : Alberto, Caroline, Harriet, Diton,
Lerona, Pulaski, Susan, Esther, Irwin, DeKalb and
Wilfred V.
The last named, who is the subject of this sketch,
was born in Jackson Co., Mich., Nov. 3, 1844; was
12 years old when his mother died, and was then
"bound out" by his father for three years to learn
the mason's trade. Soon after he completed his term
of apprenticeship, the great civil war was inaugurated
by the impetuous " fire-eaters "«of the South, and he
patriotically concluded that "laying" the insurgents
was more important than laying stone, until the in
surrection was wholly suppressed. Accordingly, .in
July, 1 861, he joined the First Mich. Inf. This first
term of service, however, was comparatively short,
and the next year he re-enlisted, in the nth Mich.
Vol. Cav., and served one year, when he was dis
charged for disability. After recruiting his physical
abilities at home for about five months, he enlisted
for the third time, in the cavalry regiment denomi
nated " Merrill's Horse," and served until the last
insurgent " laid " down his arms. He was wounded
three different times : first, at the battle of Corinth,
by a spent ball, in the left arm: secondly, at Inde
pendence, Mo., by a bayonet thrust in the right knee
and thirdly, at Eastport, Miss., by a throw from his
horse. The last injury was a serious one.
After receiving his discharge, he returned to Jack
son Co., Mich., but (his health was so poor that he
was unable to prosecute any kind of business for
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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

more than a year. On convalescence he resumed
his trade and followed it until 1875, when he came
to Lincoln Township, this county, and, in company
with John H. Freeland (see sketch of the latter), he
bought 80 acres of land where he has since resided.
In company with Mr. F., he owns 70 acres, most of
which is under cultivation and in good agricultural
condition. Mr. Harrington has held various public offices in
his township, being at present Chairman of the School
Board, and has been Constable two terms. In his
views of national policy he acts with the Repub
licans.

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harles ___. Gray, senior member of the firm
of Charles L. Gray"& Co., manufacturers

of and dealers in lumber and shingles of all
grades and lengths, and merchants, at Evart,
was born Oct. 22, 1849, in Lancaster, Ohio.
He was reared on a farm near Marion, Linn
Co., Iowa, from the age of six to eighteen years.
In the spring of 187 1 he came to Evart and entered
the employment of Dermont & Co. as a clerk, the firm
operating in the same building in which his own busi
ness is now transacted. Later he became a book
keeper for J. B. & P. C. McFarlane, lumber dealers.
He began to traffic in lumber products, and event
ually was admitted- to a partnership in the lumber
firm of Davis, Berry & Co. A year later this asso
ciation was succeeded by a partnership bearing the
present style, which was followed by the firm of Mc
Farlane & Gray, a relation which existed about two
years, when the present business connection was es
tablished, its members being Charles L. Gray, B. G.
Colton and William Latta. Their mills are located
at Evart, Hartwick and Sunrise Lake. The capacity
ofthe two last named is T25,ooo shingles daily, and
about 5,000 clapboards. They employ about 75 men.
Previous to forming his present business relations,
Mr. Gray was interested in the firm of Gray & Spires
in the manufacture of lumber, shingles, etc. He is a
member of the firm of Gray & Curtis, lumber and
shingle manufacturers at Evart, their works being

capable of\ producing 25,000 feet of lumber daily,
35,000 shingles and 2,000 broom-handles. They
employ 20 men and run a planing-machine in con
nection with the mill.
Mr. Gray is a member of the Evart Land Com
pany, which is engaged in the transaction of general
real-estate business in the interests of its members
and on commission, and control large tracts of land
in Michigan and in Canada, Wisconsin and Minne
sota. The firm includes F. S. Postal, J. C. Creith,
Allen Campbell and C. L. Gray. This is one of the
stanchest real-estate business houses in Northern
Michigan, and has an enviable and wide repute for
reliability. The warehouses of the business concerns
with which Mr. Gray is connected are located at
Evart, near the depot. His individual property in
cludes his residence and about 3,000 acres of fine
farm lands. He also owns an exceptionally good
farm of 80 acres on section 14, Evart Township.
Mr. Gray is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
He has served three terms as a member of the Vil
lage Board of Evart, one term as Township Clerk,
and three terms as Township Treasurer. In 1880
he acted as Census Enumerator of Evart Township.
Mr. Gray was married Oct. 19, 1872, at Evart, to
Charlotte M. Bennett, and they now have three chil
dren : William L., born Oct. n, 1874; Blanche L.,
April 20, 1877; and Elizabeth T., Dec. 6, 1880.
Mrs. Gray was born June 16, 1849, near Montreal,
Can.

oseph H. Jenkins, farmer, section 20, Her
sey Township, was born Dec. 10, 1831, in
Parma, Monroe Co., N. Y. His father,
M& J°hn Jenkins, was born March 17, 1795, in
Pennsylvania, and was of Yankee extraction.
He was a farmer and mechanic, and followed
those callings jointly all his active life. He married
Catherine Whitaker, and in 1835 moved to North-
field, Washtenaw Co., Mich., where he bought 120
acres of land and resided eight years. In 1843 he
sold the place and bought 220 acres of land in Port
land, Ionia Co., Mich., where he died, March 17,
1856. The mother of Joseph H. was born Feb. 28,
1798, in the State of New York, descendant of Ger

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man ancestors. She died in Clinton Co., Mich., at
the home of her son. They had seven children, —
Palmer, Philetus, Sylvester L., Joseph H., Margaret,
Catherine and Sally A.
Mr. Jenkins was the custodian of his parents dur
ing the latter years of their lives, and when he came
to Osceola County for the benefit of his health in
1877 he transferred the care of his mother to another
brother. He reached Hersey village in January of
the same year named, and rented a house for three
months. At the end of that time, early in April,
1877, he bought the farm which he has since occu
pied. It comprised 120 acres, with a small clearing
of four acres, a log barn and a shanty for shelter. He
has eleared in eight years 65 acres, built an excellent
frame house and has fitted the place with modern
'fixtures, including a wind-mill. He is a Democrat in
political connection and opinions, and has been
Highway Commissioner three terms.
He was married Sept. 16, 1857, to Mary A. Kin
ney. They became the parents of two children. A
son was born Sept. 9, 1858, and died when three
days old. Emma A. was born Dec. 10, 1859, in
Portland, Ionia Cc.,Mich., and was married Dec. 25,
1879, to Albert Sturdevant, and resides at home. The
mother was born Aug. 28, 1839, in DeWitt Township,
Clinton Co., Mich., and is the daughter of Fernando
C. and Huldah (Clark) Kinney. The mother died
April 4, 1875, in Portland. She was born in i8i8,in
Rutland Co., Vt. The father was born May 1, 181 2,
iri Cleveland, Ohio, and resides in the township of
Hersey. Mrs. Jenkins is the oldest of her parents'
children. Sarah, Sylvester, Delilah, Jerome and
Hattie are the names of her brothers and sisters.

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i.harles H. Coles, jeweler at Reed City, is
" the son of William F. Coles. The latter
^ was born July 31, 1821, near the city of
Rochester, N. Y., and married Celestia L.
Harris, a native of Heath, Mass., where they
were married Jan. 17, 1858. Oliver Coles,
of William F., was a native of Belchertown,
, and married a native of the same place, who
in Pembroke, N. Y., aged 68 years. Her hus

band was a farmer and died in Bedford, Mich.,
when he was 68 years old. Mr. Coles is one of four
children, three of whom are living. Jennie C. mar
ried Luman Foote, a farmer in Charlotte, Mich ;
Charles is next in order of birth ; William H. is
deceased; Katie C. is the youngest and only daugh
ter. The family came, when Mr. Coles was six
years of age, to Union City, Branch Co., Mich.,
where they resided two years. The father was in
the jewelry business for 40 years, and taught the
trade to his son in all its details. The latter came
to Reed City, Jan. 28, 1882, and opened his present
establishment. He has the leading jewelry business
in town, and deals in all articles common to the
traffic. His stock is valued at an estimate of $3,500.
Mr. Coles is a member of the Sons of Industry.
His father removed with his family to Reed City in
the fall of 1883.

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oseph Ellis, farmer, section 16, Hersey
Township, was born Jan. n, 1816, in
Colchester, Chittenden Co., Vt., and is the
son of Andrew and Hannah (Mack) Ellis.
The family included eight sons and two
daughters. The father and two sons — William
and Lyman — were soldiers in the war of 1812, and
were in the battle of Plattsburg. The others were
named Cornelius, Andrew, Apollos, Freeman, Mary
and Hannah. The parents died in Essex, Chitten
den Co., Vt., aged respectively 82 and 62 years.
Two of the sons made their way to Ohio, one of
them traversing the entire distance of 700 miles on
foot. At 16 years old Mr. Ellis left home and ob
tained employment during the summer of 1832 on
the Erie Canal, and in the fall proceeded to Erie Co.,
Ohio, where he joined his brothers. He worked by
the month for one of them for a year, when he
learned the business of a cooper, which was his oc
cupation for 40 years, working at it from 1834 to
1854 in the Buckeye State. In the year last named
he removed to Woodbridge Township, Hillsdale Co.,
Mich., owning a farm there he purchased before
ieaving Ohio. He was a resident there 21 years,
working as a cooper and improving his land. At

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the time he took possession, there were three acres
chopped and the clearing contained a plank house.
The remainder of the tract was in a wild condition.
In 1865 Mr. Ellis sold the place and bought another,
two miles distant. He occupied the latter farm un
til 1872, when he sold it and bought a residence in
the city of Hillsdale. Three years later he made an
exchange of his house and lot for 148 acres of land
in Hersey Township. The place comprised 20 acres
of cleared land,' 30 acres chopped, and was supplied
with a log house and barn.
Mr. Ellis is a Republican, and while resident of
Woodbridge was Township Treasurer. Owing to
deafness he has never held office in Hersey Town
ship. He was married Sept. 21, 1844, to Emmeline
Pearl. Their children were born as follows : Bur
ton J., Dec. 26, 1846; Ida, Nov. 10, 1848; Edward,
March 10,' 185 1; Dora, Dec. 1,1858. Mrs. Ellis
was born Dec. 16, 1.821, in Berlin Township, Erie
Co., Ohio, and is the daughter of Oliver and Mary
(Sexton) Pearl. Her mother was born in Connecti
cut, and died in Ohio, May 15, 1884, aged 88 years
and five months. Her father was born in Ellington,
Tolland Co., Conn., Dec. 5, 1796, and died in May,
1835. Their children were Oliver S., Ansel H.,
William, Albert, Addison H., Jerome, Mary A., Mar-
ilia M., Harriet and Mrs. Ellis, who was fifth in order
of birth.

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frames G. Robbins, fanner, section 34, Rich
mond Township, was born March 12, 1818,
in Tompkins Co., N. Y., and is the fourth
son Pf David and Mary (Burleigh) Robbins.
His parents were born in Connecticut and had
a family of nine children.
Mr. Robbins was a resident of the State of New
York through his youth and early manhood, remov
ing when 23 years of age to Potter Cq., Pa. In May,
1835, after a residence in the Keystone State of 14
years, he came to Big Prairie Township, Newaygo
Co., Mich. In February, 1856, he bought 160 acres
of land, a part of which has since constituted his
homestead. He is the owner of 69 acres of the

original tract, and has 55 acres under cultivation and
improvements. Mr. Robbins is a Republican in
political bias and has been Township Clerk, High
way Commissioner and Overseer.
His marriage to Olive E. Slade took place in
Whitesville, Allegany Co., N. Y., Jan. 17, 1841, and
they had eight children, viz.: Nancy M., who married
Anson Berger, of Richmond Township (see sketch) ;
Franklin S. (see sketch), Charlotte E., wife of A.
McFarlane (see sketch); Ellen, who married John
Sims, and died in Richmond Township, in July,
1869; Ada, Mrs. L. F. Gerish, of Duluth, Minn.;
Charles W.; Mary, wife of E. C. Baurngardner (see
sketch); and an infant who died unnamed. The
oldest daughter is the first white child married in.
Osceola County, and Mary is the first white girl born
in its limits.

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eorge Hicks, farmer, section 23, Hersey
Township, was born Dec. 2, 1842, in Alle
gan Co., Mich., and is the son of John and
Elizabeth (Eady) Hicks. His father was born
May 26, 1793, in Oxfordshire, England, and
was a soldier in the British service; he was
on the route to America in 18 13 to take part jn the
second struggle between the Colonies and Great
Britain, when the vessel foundered on the coast of
Newfoundland, and the soldiers were ordered back
to England, arriving there seasonably to take part
in the battle of Waterloo.
The father came to Canada in 1815, and took
up a farm near Ottawa, where he resided until
March, 1837, the date of his coming to Michigan.
He first reached Detroit and came thence on foot
to Allegan County, where he secured his claim of
land from the Government, returning to Canada for
his family, whom he brought to this State in 1838.
He died on his farm in Watson Township, Sept. 14,
1877. The molher was born Jan. r, 1804, near London,
Eng., and died in Trowbridge, Allegan County, in
February, 1884. They had 14 children — Thomas,
Mary, Joyce, John, Jane, Elizabeth, Delilah (de-

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ceased), Ann, George, Robert (deceased), Hannah,
Emily, Robert (2d) and Martha.
On removal to Michigan, the senior Hicks found
himself at Detroit with his wife, six children, and
one dollar in money. On leaving the place in Alle
gan County, where he had built a small log house to
shelter his family, he had engaged a man to meet
him at Detroit with a team, to transport them to
their home, but nothing was to be .seen of either
team or man, and the father, mother and . six little
ones walked to Battle Creek, a distance of nearly
100 miles, where they met the expected assistance.
Mr. Hicks was educated in the public schools of
Allegari County. When he was 17 years of age he
came to Osceola County and engaged in lumbering
on the Muskegon River, arriving here in September,
1859. He combined that vocation with that of a
hunter and trapper, in which he became expert and
successful. The avails of the. last season in which
he was engaged in that line of business, were $1,200.
He left Hersey May 10, 1861, less than a month
after the assault on the Federal flag at Fori Sumter,
an event that awoke in him a deep interest, to Which
he gave unmistakable expression by enrolling in the
military service of his country. He enlisted July 29,
1861, in Co. A, 16th United States Infantry. The
command was assigned to the 14th Army Corps, and
the regiment was under fire at the first battle of
Shiloh, General Rosecrans, commander. The brigade
included the 16th United States Inf., the Louisville
Legions, the 19th United States Inf., and the 6th
Indiana. Mr. Hicks was also in action at Perryville and
Stone River, and at Chickamauga sustained two
wounds ; a bullet passing through one arm above the
elbow, and a second through the right side of his
neck. He was captured late in the day of the same
action. The regiment went into battle 700 strong,
and at roll-call only one officer and 47 men responded
to their names !
The rebels took 42 prisoners belonging to the reg
iment. Mr. Hicks was sent to the famous Libby
prison at Richmond, whence, after nearly eight
months of captivity, he was paroled, May 7, 1864.
The date of his capture was Sept. 20, 1863. One
sacred remembrance of that day was a sight of Gen
eral Garfield in action on the field.
On being paroled, he came to Annapolis, Md

When he was taken prisoner he weighed 240 pounds,
and on reaching Annapolis his weight was only 100
pounds! After his health and strength were restored
he rejoined his regiment, once more taking up arms
for the flag, July 26, 1864, his command being
stationed near Atlanta, Ga. He received his final
discharge Aug. 9, 1864, the period of his enlistment
having expired.
After a brief tarry at his home he went to Helena,
Montana Territory., accompanted by his brother. At
St. Cloud, Minn., they bought two yoke of oxen and
proceeded to Fort Abercrombie, joining a train en
route for Helena. Arriving there, he engaged in
prospecting, in which avenue of occupation he
operated six years. He went north, and his brother
took a southerly route. He found gold to some
extent, but not in startling quantities, and in 1872 he
made his way back to Osceola County.
He was married March 16, 1873, to Alice A.,
daughter of Ebenezer and Rosamond (Buttrick)
Jones. Her father was born in 1787, in New Hamp
shire, and died in Allegany, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y.,
Aug. 11, 1859. He was of Welsh descent and was
for many years a lumberman on the Alleghany River
in the State of New York. His family removed
from the Granite State to Wyoming Co., N. Y., in
18 17, before canals or railroads existed, even in
imagination, traveling in pioneer wagons with two-
horse teams.
The mother of Mrs. Hicks was born Oct. 10, 1809,
in Hawley, Franklin Co., Mass., and died March 4,
1884, in Hersey Township. Mrs. Hicks was born
Dec. 17, 1849, in Allegany. Her mother was twice
married. Of the first union, James E., Charles B.
and Isabel Humphrey were born. After she mar
ried Ebenezer Jones, she became the mother of
Ebenezer, Henry T. and Mary A.
Mr. Hicks is a Republican and a Prohibitionist in
political connection and views.

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ra H. Whitney, editor and proprietor of the
Union Banner, published at Reed City, was
born in the township of Hartland, Livings
ton Co., Mich., March 12, 1856. His parents,
John W. and Elizabeth (Davis) Whitney, are
still residents of Hartland. The former is a
native of Massachusetts; the latter was born in

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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Rhode Island. Their family included five sons and
three daughters.
Mr. Whitney was occupied in the avenues of em
ployment in which the sons of Michigan farmers are
trained, and in the acquisition of his education, until
he was 18, and at that age abandoned agriculture in
order to put into practical effect a determination to
prepare for the career of a printer. He entered the
office of the Milford Times, published at Milford,
Oakland Co., Mich. After becoming familiar with
the details of the craft he was made foreman and
officiated in that capacity until he went to Ludington
in 1883, to take a similar position on the Ludington
Record, where he operated about four months.
In 1883 he came to Reed City, and for a few weeks
was employed as foreman on the News, when, asso
ciated with H. E. J. Clute, he established the journal
known as The People. Its first issue appeared Nov.
24, 1883, and it was managed by Messrs. Whitney
and Clute about four months, when they dissolved,
and the former, in company with his brother, John
M. Whitney, founded the Banner, published in the
interest of prohibition principles. It is a folio of five
columns, published weekly, and is steadily growing
in influence and popularity.
The marriage of Mr. Whitney to Katie A. Fralick
occurred Dec. 20, 1882, at Brighton, Livingston Co.,
Mich., and they are the parents of one child — Cecil
— born April ,25, 1884, in Hartland, Livingston
County. Mrs. Whitney was born May 16, 1858, and
is the daughter of John and Catherine Fralick, of
Brighton, Livingston County.

ardam Wilson,. farmer, section 32, Lincoln
Township, is a son of Shepherd and Eliza-
,; beth (Gardam) Wilson, natives of Eng

land, who emigrated to Canada in 1832 and
lived there the remainder of their life, Mrs.
W. dying Feb. 29, 1880, and Mr. W. Jan. 19,
In their family were eight children, namely:
Ann, Gardam, Samuel S., Elizabeth, John C, Albert
C. and Marietta.
The eldest son, the subject of this sketch, was

born in Canada, July 7, 1832. He received a com
mon-school education, which was rather limited ;
but, being a diligent reader, he has advanced himself
to a considerable extent. He remained at the pa
rental home until about 25 years of age, when he
started out into the world for himself. He first
rented a farm, on which he resided for eight years,
and then for three years he acted as agent for the
Massey Manufacturing Company, of New Castle,
Ont. In February, -867, he came to Osceola County
and took possession of 80 acres of Government land
under the regulations of the Homestead Law, in
Lincoln Township, and the following autumn he
moved his family from Canada to the place, which
was then an unbroken wilderness. Here he com
menced the struggles and tedious trials and priva
tions characteristic of frontier life. He at once built
a log house and began the arduous task of clearing
his land; and, to know how well he has succeeded,
one has to visit his place, as the improvements, the
present condition of the farm, and the initial outlines
for future advantage are too elaborate for descrip
tion here. Of his present possession of 80 acres,
about 60 are improved. His wife also owns 80 acres,
on section 30, of which 14 acres are improved.
In reference to political affairs, Mr. Wilson is iden
tified with the Prohibition party. He has held the
office of Township Clerk one year, School Director
two terms, School Inspector three terms, Township
Treasurer one year, Supervisor of Lincoln Township
1883-4, and during the latter year was Census
Enumerator. In the fall of 1884 he was nominated
on the Prohibition ticket for County Treasurer. He
was Secretary of tl^e first county convention held in
Osceola County.
In 1857 Mr. Wilson was licensed to preach the
gospel, and during the earlier settlement of this
county he was a tireless worker in the cause of
Christianity. He nearly always preached two times
each Sunday during his residence in Canada. Often,
after working hard during the week, he would ride
20 miles to fill an appointment; but in the course of
time age and enfeebled health forbade such arduous
duties in a great measure, and he gradually confined
his energies to his farm work. Both himself and his
wife have been active and prominent members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church for a great number
of years.
Mr. Wilson was married in Ontario, Oct. 7, 1856

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

259

to Miss Mary Reed, a daughter of Joseph and Mary
(Crawford) Reed. Her mother died Sept 24, 1883,
and her father, still surviving, is a resident of Lin
coln Township. Mrs. W. was born in Canada, Dec.
6, 1836. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are
seven in number, born as follows: Alice A., Sept.
23, 1857 ; Albert G, April 15, 1859; Florence A.,
Oct. 8, i860; John J., June 10, 1862; George S.,
Oct. 29, 1863; Adelia M., June 27, 1867 ; and Eliz
abeth M., May 11, 1878. The first mentioned is
now the wife of Robert Gamble, and resides in Lake
Co., Mich.

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fenjamin R. Cole, carpenter and joiner, at
b Reed City, is one of the oldest settlers of
Osceola County, of which he became a
resident in 1866, when he located on section
6, Richmond Township. He was born Aug.
n, 1832, in Hornellsville, Steuben Co., N. Y.
His parents, Solomon and Laura (Rathbun) Cole,
were natives of the same place, where they were
engaged in agriculture. In 1839 the family removed
to Lenawee Co., Mich., and the father bought a farm
of 80 acres, and made another removal to a farm in
Ottawa County, where he died, Nov. 13, 1849. The
mother died there, June 4, 1864.
When he was 23 years of age Mr. Cole was well
settled in life, and was the owner of a farm of 80
acres in excellent agricultural condition, but lost his
hard-earned property through dishonest trickery;
and, his wife dying about the same time, he decided
to enter the army, and accordingly enlisted, July 30,
1861, at Grand Rapids, enrolling in Battery E. The
command was assigned to the Army of the Cumber
land. Mr. Cole was in the service until March 18,
1863, when he was discharged as Second Sergeant.
Among his e igagements were Mill Springs, Pitts
burg Landing, Lookout Mountain and Stone River.
At the last named he was injured by a leap from a
wounded horse belonging to his battery, three of his
ribs being broken and other injuries resulting, which
caused his discharge and disablement for a period of
two years. In 1866 Mr. Cole secured a homestead
claim of 80 acres on section 6, Richmond Township,

on which he settled June 19 of the same year. He
cleared 70 acres and placed the farm in excellent
condition. He was one of the movers in the sep
aration of Osceola from Mecosta County, and also
in the organization of the townships of Lincoln, Sher
man and Hersey. In 1880 he built his residence at
Reed City and took possession, where he has since
resided. He belongs to the Masons and to the Grand
Army of the Republic. He is a Republican of de
cided standing: has officiated as Justice of the Peace
four years, as Highway Commissioner six years and
eight years as School Inspector.
' Mr. Cole was married Dec. 5, 1857, in Grand
Rapids, to Sarah A. Camp, and they had two chil
dren, — John S., now a herder in Montana Territory,
and Zuleika, now deceased. His wife died in Otta
wa Co , Mich., and he was again married Oct. 22,
1865, in Hornellsville, N. Y., to Elizabeth Robins.
She was a native of that place, and died Oct. 19,
1880, at Lansing. Mr. Cole was again married, at
Hornellsville, to Jennie Donnelson, a native of Hor
nellsville, where she was born May 1, 1853.. Mr.
and Mrs. Cole are members of the Methodist Epis
copal Church, Reed City.

K ewton S. Gwynne, farmer, section 22,
Hersey Township, was born Jan. 6, 1857,
in Kent Co., Mich., and is the son of
Thomas and Jane (Saunders) Gwynne. His
parents were both natives of England. His
mother died in Kent County, in i860 ; his father
entered the military service of the United States, and
died of fever in {864, in a hospital at Nashville,
Tenn. In 1869 the grandparents of Mrs. Gwynne, who
were residents of Iowa, disposed of their property
there, came to Kent County and removed with him
and his only sister to Hersey Township, when they
bought the farm now owned by the grandson. The
sister married William Engle and resides at Fisher
Station, six miles from Grand Rapids. The grand
father died July 20, 1881 ; the grandmother's decease
occurred Aug. 20 of the same year. The former was
the guardian and custodian of two farms left to his

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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children by the father of Mr. Gwynne of this sketch.
The latter was married April 12, 1881, to Rosetta,
daughter of William and Elizabeth (Saunders) Smith,
both of whom reside in Hersey Township. Mrs.
Gwynne was born March 18, i860, in South Haven,
this State. She has a brother, Franklin S. Smith.
The family are Congregationalists in religious prin
ciple.

¦.st3^- — ««> — — j^i — •— 19_»-

illiam S. Davis, of the manufacturing firm
of Beardsley & Davis, was born March
p 18, 1846, in Camden, N. J., and Js the
{ son of Bartholomew and Hettie (Hunt) Davis.
His father was born in September, 1819, in
Maidstone, Kent Co., Eng., and emigrated to
this country about 1840. He went back to England
in 1847 with his wife and two children, and returned
alone in 1859 to Pennsylvania, expecting to send for
his family. His wife died in Maidstone, and the
two children, William, a boy of 13, and his sister,
aged 1 1 years, came alone across the ocean. A friend
met them in New York and took them in charge to
the city of Pottsville, Schuylkill Co., Pa., where they
joined their father. The latter now resides on a farm
in New Cambria, Mo.
Mr. Davis obtained his education chiefly in the
night schools of the section of Pennsylvania where
he resided in his youth, and when 14 years old was
apprenticed to learn the trade of shoemaker. After
working three years he determined to become a
soldier in the Union service, and enlisted in 1863, in
the 39th Pa. Vol. Inf., to serv^ 100 days. On being
discharged from that service he enlisted in Co. A,
12th Pa. Vol. Cav. The regiment was in the Army
of the Shenandoah, under Sheridan, and was in the
service at the date of the precipitated flight of Gen.
Early up the Valley of the Shenandoah, and was left
at Charleston, Va., when Sheridan joined General
Grant on the James River. Mr. Davis was in battle
at Monocacy, Cedar Creek, Winchester and Berry-
ville. Jusl before the surrender of Lee the regiment
to which Mr. Davis belonged was transferred to Gen.
Hancock's Division. He received his discharge July
17, 1865, and returned to Pottsville, whence he went

a few months later to Philadelphia and fitted himself
for a machinist and engineer. He passed two years
111 his preparations, and followed his trade until he
engaged, in 1880, in the manufacture of hoops at
Edgerton, Kent County, in which he was occupied
one year. In 1882 he formed a partnership with W.
L. Beardsley, in the manufacture of shingles, a- rela
tion which still exists. The mill has a daily produc
ing capacity of 55,000, and as a rule is run nearly to
its maximum. They employ a working force of 22
assistants, including two packers. Three teams are
required to put in logs, and the pine resources will
keep the mill operating about two years, or until
1886. Mr. Davis was married Feb. 9, 187 1, to Mary E.
Alexander. Gertie A., adopted daughter, was born
Feb. 11, 1870. Mrs. Davis was born Jan. 31, 1847,
and is the daughter of William G. and Amanda
(Margrum) Alexander. Her father is a mechanic.
After marriage Mr. Davis was in charge four years of
the machinery of the Huntsville Coal Co. in Ran
dolph Co., Mo. He is a Republican in political
sentiment, and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal
Church, as also does his wife.

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t ohn Hanover, farmer, section 28, Lincoln
f Township, is a son of Isaac and Susan
(Marquiss) Hanover. The parents, who
were natives of Pennsylvania, removed after
their marriage to Ohio, and spent the remainder
of their life there. In their family were three
children, namely, Rebecca, John and William.
The eldest son, the subject of this sketch, was born
in Adams Co., Ohio, Nov. 15, 1810. When very
young his father died and the'three children were all
" bound out " till of age ; but John started out in the
world to lake care of himself when he was 1 8 years
of age. He worked in various capacities and in
different places for nearly four years. Shortly after
ward he bought a farm in Highland Co , Ohio, which
he carried on about two years. Some five years later
he came to the Peninsular State and settled in Ber
rien County, where he remained almost 12 years.
He then sold his farm there, spent a short time in

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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Iowa, returned to Berrien County, this State, and,
after residing there until the fall of 1865, he came to
Osceola County and took possession, under the home
stead law, of 80 acres of land in Lincoln Township,
where he has since lived. He now owns 67 acres,
and has - almost 50 acres improved and in a state of
good cultivation.
With regard to national issues, Mr. H. is a mem
ber of the Republican party.
He was married in Brown Co., Ohio, to Elizabeth
Marquiss, who is a native of that county, born Jan.
11, 181 1. Mr. and Mrs. Hanover are the parents of
11 children, viz.: Isaac P., Mary A., William H.
Cyrenus, Eliza E., Francis M., Charlotte J., John A.,
Sarah E. and Jacob G. W., who are living, and Lu-
cinda, who died at the age of one year.

^*H&-*^

iilton Moffitt, farmer, section 30, Cedar
Township, was born April 2, 1 841, in
Wayne, Erie Co., Pa., and is the son of
Jesse and Dorothy (Wheeler) Moffitt. His
paternal grandparents were Scotch and Ger
man by birth, and his father was born in Attica,
N. Y. He was a shoemaker by trade, but passed
most of his life in the vocation of farmer. He was
about 50 years of age at the time of his death in 1849.
The mother is yet living, in Pennsylvania.
Mr. Moffitt was reared to the profession of farming
in his native State, and on becoming of age learned
the blacksmith's trade, which he followed at Corry,
Pa., until his removal in 1875 to Osceola Co., Mich.
He rented a farm in the vicinity of Ashton, Leroy
Township, which he conducted three years. In 1878
he bought 80 acres, on which he has since operated.
It was wholly unimproved, and he has placed 20
acres under cultivation. He is the mail-carrier be
tween Hersey and Penasa, the latter office being
stationed in his house. His wife is the Postmistress.
Mr. Moffitt was married April 8, 1863, to Martha
A. Stone, and their children were born as follows :
Eva E., Frank A., Dora I., Hubert M. (deceased);
Walter G. (deceased), Ernest (deceased), Isaac B.,

April 8, 1837, in Lottsville, Pa. Her father, David
Stone, is living in Cherry Valley, Ohio. Her mother
died in Corry, Pa. Mr. Moffitt has served during the
last four years as School Director, and is a Repub
lican in political views. He belongs to the Method
ist Episcopal Church, .as does also his wife.

illiam Horner, proprietor of the planing-
mill at Reed City, was born in St. Cath
erines, Ontario, Aug. 23, 185 1. His father,
Samuel Horner, was born in 181 7 in the
North of Ireland, and emigrated to the United
States, landing at New York. He afterward
went to Canada, where he taught school, and in the
State, of New York more than a score of years. His
mother, Elizabeth (Walker) Horner, was born in 1819,
in Ireland, and is now living at Stratford, 0nt-, with
her youngest son. The ancestral origin of the
Horner family dates to the French Huguenots who
fled to the North of Ireland to escape religious perse
cution. The father of Mr. Horner died at Brockville, Ont.,
on the St. Lawrence River, when his son was but 1 1
years old. He was then under the necessity of con
tributing to the support of the four young children,
who were deprived of the father's care and protection.
After the death of the father the family removed to
Baltimore, Md., where Mr. Horner engaged as a
telegraph messenger and operator until he was 15
years of age. They then removed to Stratford, Ont.,
and he became an assistant in a mercantile estab
lishment, and was occupied in that line of business
until he was 19 years of age. He commenced
operating as book-keeper with Scismgeour Bros., of
Stratford, continuing in that capacity six years. In
1877 he went to Desoronto, Ont., and was there
employed by H. B. Rathbun & Son, as contractor in
their lumber and ship-building interests, in the manu
facturing department in which he refuired the aid of
20 assistants.
In 1880 he went to Warren Co., Pa., in the Capac
ity of superintendent of a wholesale sash, door and
blind factory, owned by L. D. Wetmore & Co. In
January, 1882, associated with S. E. Cormany, he

Archie C, Bertie and Daisy. Mrs. Moffitt was born
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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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bought the site of an old saw-mill at Reed City, con
taining one and a fourth acres of land. They re
moved the ancient structure and rebuilt, constructing
a building 65 x 200 feet in extent, with a brick engine-
house attached. The producing capacity of the es
tablishment is 60.000 feet daily of matched and
planed lumber. They also manufacture two car
loads of boxes weekly and employ an average work
ing force of 15 men. The partnership existed six
months, when Mr. Horner purchased the interest of
his partner and later admitted W. W. Foster, the
latter association continuing operative until July,
1884, when the entire interest became the property of
Mr. Horner by purchase. The works are being
operated at present (1884) to their full capacity, Tun
ing about 15 hours daily.
The marriage of Mr. Horner to Maggie Pullar took
place Dec. 30, 1874, at Stratford, Ont. Their chil
dren were born as follows : Samuel, May 28, 1876;
Mamie E., Sept. 24, 1878; Anna L., Jan. 12, 1882;
and Frank, Feb. 19, 1884. Mrs. Horner was born
Jan. 15, 185 1, in Scotland, and is the daughter of
Andrew and Mary Pullar.
The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Hornei may be found
on pages 262 and 263 of this volume, just preceding
this sketch.

-*-**4#-fc*«-

j illard Gould, farmer, resident on section
5, Hersey Township, was born March 14,
1837, in Percy Township, Northumberland
Co., Ont. His father, Jewett Gould, mar
ried Mary A. Park. He connected himself
with the Mormons, with whom he was living in
Utah when last heard from. The mother is a resident
0/ Belleville, Ont.
Mr. Gould was reared on the farm of his maternal
grandparents.' Before he attained his majority he
was apprenticed^ to a shoemaker for five years, but he
found the confinement irksome and the plan was
abandoned. On reaching the age of 21 years he
learned the builder's trade, but finding it distasteful
he bought a farm in Canada, which he managed eight
yeats. He sold out in 1869 and came to Lake

County in Michigan, where he bought 160 acres of
land, and was its occupant seven years. In 1876 he
removed to a tract of land in Hersey Township,
which he had purchased while living in Lake County,
and twb years previous to removal thereto. He owns
120 acres with 45 acres under excellent improve
ments. He is a Republican,, and has always been
active in the educational matters of his township.
He was married Oct. 31, 1857, in Percy, Canada,
to Louis Ireland. Three of their children are de
ceased, — Martha E., Alfred S. and Purcilla. Esther
A., William A., John, Charles H. and Mabel C. are
living. Mrs. Gould is the daughter of Isaac and
Hester (Tallman) Ireland, both of whom died in
Canada. She was born April 20, 1845, ln Percy,
Ont.

*-<*

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|oah Terpenning, farmer, section r8, Rich
mond Township, is a son of Merenes and
Peggy Terpenning. The latter were na
tives of Orange Co., N. Y., where they resided
for a time after marriage, and then removed to
Cortland County, same State ; here they lived until
their death. They had a family of nine children, of
whom the subject of this sketch was the fourth in
order of birth.
He was born in Cortland Co., N. Y., Jan. 27., 1820,
and remained at home until 25 years of age, when he
started out in life for himself. He occupied and
managed a rented farm for nearly 20 years, and then
purchased a farm, in the same county, on which he
remained till April, 1883, when he came to this
county and bought 73 acres of land where he is now
making his home. He has all his land cleared and
well improved.
He was married in Tompkins Co., N. Y., May 4,
1843, to Miss Christean Butts, who was bom Nov.
29, 182 1, and whose parents were Michael ahd Ada-
line (Searles) Butts, natives of New Jersey. Mr. and
Mrs. T. are the parents of three children,— Cyrus,
Arthur and John. The first named is a carpenter
and joiner, and resides in Cortland, N. Y.; Arthuris a
carpenter and owns a farm and resides in Virgil, same
county ; they both served in the war of the Rebel
lion, Cyrus enlisting in Co. I, i22d Reg. N.'Y. Inf.,

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

and serving three years. He was wounded twice on
the same day at the battle of the Wilderness. Arthur
enlisted in Co. F, i82d Reg. N. Y. Inf., serving seven
months. Both received an honorable discharge at
the close of the war. John is a farmer, and is living
with his father, having an interest in the farm.
As to political affairs, Mr. T. is a Prohibitionist.

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Ifi-FS-i

kmmet R. White, dealer in drugs, medi
cines, books, stationery, etc., at Reed City,
was born at Elk Creek, Pennsylvania, Sept.
_|^-- 27, 1852, and removed to New York, in 1862,
with his parents, Welcome W. and Abbie
(Hoard) White. He went West in 1877, and
in 1879 came to Reed City and engaged as clerk for
his brother in the drug store. He entered the busi-

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f scar M. Brownson, dealer in real estate and
loans, at Evart, was born Aug. 6, 1826, in
Somerset, Niagara Co., N. Y. His parents,

Luman and Lucy (Barbour) Brownson, were
natives of Vermont. The former was born
Dec. 26, 1800, the latter, Feb. 5, 1801. They
had five children, of whom Mr. Brownson, of this
sketch, is the oldest. Amanda E. married C. C.
Farrar, a capitalist of Flint, Mich. Their children
are Lucy D., Frank L. and Edward B. Sopronia L.
married Geo. H. Holman, of Flint, a dealer in grain,
lime, coal, etc. They have two children, Arthur B.
and Harriet, wife of George Bishop. Mr. and Mrs.
Bishop are both graduates of the High School at
Ann Arbor, and are farming in Dakota. Samuel N.
Brownson, second son, is a farmer and stockman in
Greenwood Co., Kan. He married Mattie Adams,
of Pontiac, Mich., and they have five children —
Edith M., Frank L., Freddie O., Clara and Mabel.
The fifth child in the family of the senior Brownson
died unnamed.

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Mr. Brownson remained under the paternal roof
until he was 25 years of age. He acquired the edu
cation of the common schools in early youth, after
wards passing a year at the famous school at Ober-
lin, Ohio, and a like period of time in the High
School at Romeo, Mich. After completing his edu
cation he began teaching, in which he was occupied
eleven terms. In 1853 he bought a small tract of
land containing 40 acres in Oakland County, four
miles west of Pontiac, where he devoted his energies
to the nursery business, and also engaged in raising
fruit, being occupied there 13 years. At the end
of that time he removed to a farm situated eight
miles north of Pontiac, on which he was resident
four years. In 1869 he went to Flint,,where he be
came interested in the hardware business as a
member of the firm of Holman, Farrar & Co. After
four years of business connection with his brothers-
in-law, Mr. Brownson came to Evart, where he ar
rived July 1, 1873, and, in company with Robert A.
Allured,, opened a hardware store. He erected a
brick building for the transaction of their business,
and a few months later doubled its capacity by build
ing an addition of the same dimensions, to which he
made another addition between three and four years
later. The business relations of Messrs. Brownson
& Allured were in existence about six years, when
they were terminated by the sale of the senior
partner's interest to his associate, and Mr. Brownson
began to operate in real estate and loans sufficiently
to retain his interest in active business life. He is
a Notary Public, and transacts the business common
to the position. He owns 250 acres of farming land
in Osceola County, and in 1882 built his fine resi
dence at Evart, and has two village lots connected
therewith. He is also the owner of a tenement
house and several village lots, variously located.
Mr. Brownson was married June 19, 185 1, in
Almont, Lapeer Co., Mich., to Lucy M. Johnson.
They have had two children, only one of whom sur
vives — Alice L., wife of Robert A. Allured (see
sketch). She was born May 25, 1852. Charles H.
was born Nov. 8, 1855, and died in the prime of
his young manhood, Aug. 16, 1880. He married
Mira Spaulding. Mrs. Brownson was born in Wales
Township, Erie Co., N. Y., Jan. 26, 1824, and is
the daughter of Samuel and Sally Johnson. The
parents came from the Empire State to Almont
in 1834, when that portion of Michigan was in its
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earliest pioneer period and when the State was in
its Territorial days. Mr. Johnson was born Sept. 20,
1797, in the State of New York. Mrs. Johnson was
born Oct. 28, 1793, in Whitehall, N. Y., and died
in Almont, Dec. 30, 1865. Mr. Johnson died in
the same place, Feb. 15, 1845. They had four
children. Dr. Hosmer A., oldest son, was born Oct. 6, 1822.
He has risen to a distinguished position, 1 solely
through his own efforts, working his way through the
University at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated in
1849, with the degree of B. A. In 1850 he went to
Chicago and entered Rush Medical College, grad
uating there as one of its most accomplished
students. He is one of the founders of the Chicago
Medical College, of which he has been a Professor,
since its establishment, and has held the Chair of
Physiology. ¦ In 186 1 he was made a member ofthe
Board of Medical Examiners for the State of Illi
nois, of which body he became President. He
married Margaretta A. Seward, niece of Hon. Wm.
H. Seward, of distinguished memory.
Mrs. Brownson is the second of her parents'
children. Emmeline L. married E. B. Hough, a
farmer of Almont, and died Jan. 25, 1867. James
F. is a farmer in Kansas. He married Emma Fish
of Flint, sister of a prominent physician of Flint,
and of Dr. Fish, of California.
Mrs. Brownson began teaching when 16 years of
age, and continued in the profession until 27 years
old. Mr. Brownson is a gentleman of decided moral
convictions, and acts fearlessly in consonance with
his views.
He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian
Church, and he is officiating as a Ruling Elder in
that body, to which position he was elected in 1875.
He donated liberally to the building of a church
edifice for the benefit of the denomination to which
he belongs, and aided personally in its erection. The
entire cost of the structure was $5,000, to which
sum Messrs. Brownson and Allured contributed

Mr. Brownson is one of the most prominent actors
in the cause of Prohibition in the State of Michi-
He is earnestly interested in the progress of

the party as antagonistic to the liquor traffic, and
has aided in the organization of eight local Prohibi

tion clubs. He was delegate to two State Conven
tions of 1884, and to the County Conventions of the
same year. He attended the National Convention
held at Pittsburg, July 24, 1884, in the capacity of
delegate from his State, and was nominated on the
Prohibition ticket of Michigan for Presidential
Elector from the Ninth Congressional District.

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iPHij eter Cody, farmer, section 21, Hersey-
j. Township, was born April 4, 1816, in the
¦Is* County Carlow, Ireland, and is the son of

J James and Mary (Dunne) Cody, both of whom
^ are natives of Ireland. June 22, 1830, they
sailed from Dublin, with their family, includ
ing four sons and six daughters. All are yet living
but two of the latter. They were born as follows :
Mary A., Peter, Hanora (deceased), Margaret (de7
ceased), John, James, Ellen, Bridget, Andrew and
Jane. Their father bought a farm in Simcoe Co.,
Ont., on which he resided about 15 years, when the
place was sold, and another purchased where the
family removed, and where the father died. The
township was named Tassarontio. The mother also
died there.
Mr. Cody was in charge of his parents during
the last years of their lives. After they were de
ceased he bought a farm in the county of Bruce, in
the Dominion, where he resided 15 years, coming
thence in 1869 to Osceola Co., Mich., where he
bought 80 acres of land in a wholly wild state,
from the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Company;
in Hersey Township. He has cleared and placed
65 acres under culture, has erected a good frame
barn, and is rapidly approaching assured compe
tency. On removal here he left his family at Big
Rapids, took possession of his farm Oct. 17, 1869,
and built a log house.
He was married Sept. 8, 1843, t0 Loretto Doyle,
and they are the parents of 13 children, born as
follows: James, July 15, 1847; Margaret, Dec. 15,
1849; Maria, March 13, 185 1 ; Loretto, Sept. 5,
1852; Elizabeth, May 16, 1854; Peter, Aug. 12,
1855; Bridget, Jan. 18, 1857; Andrew, June 11,
1858; John, June 24, i860; Daniel, Feb. 2, 1862;

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Ellen, Oct. 13, 1863; Edmond, June 23, 1865 ; Ann,
Feb. 9, 1867. Mrs. Cody was born about the first
of April, 182 1, in County Carlow, Ireland, and is the
daughter of James and Bridget (Dunn) Doyle. Her
father was born in the same county, and died in
Canada.- Her mother was born in Queens Co.,
Ireland, resides with Mrs. Cody, and is nearly 89
years of age. They came to America with four sons
and two daughters, having buried two sons in their
native land. They are named Daniel, Edward,
James, Matthias, Bridget (deceased) and Loretto.
The family are Roman Catholics.
Mr. Cody is a Democrat in political affiliation.

#-#

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JRacobW. Thomas, farmer, section 18, Cedar
H| Township, was born Nov. 11, 1815, in
v»,. *? Gettysburg, Pa. He has been a resident
of Osceola County 15 years without intermis
sion, having settled on his farm May 15, 1869.
He entere'd the claim for his land under the
provisions of the Homestead Law. His father,
Charles Thomas, was a stone mason by trade, and
descended from Welsh ancestry.
He married Elizabeth Schroder, a German. Their
children were named Hannah, Jacob, John, Susan,
Mary, William, Catherine, Elizabeth and Joel. Mr.
Thomas has one sister living, Elizabeth, by name.
She resides in Lincoln Township. The father died
in 1844, at the age of 63 years, in Logan Co., Ohio.
The mother died in i860, in Hardin Co., Ohio, aged
60 years. They were natives of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Thomas was instructed in farming and in
the calling of his father. He followed the latter
business about 40 years before he settled perma
nently to the vocation of farmer. His parents re
moved to Champagne Co., Ohio, when he was 15
years of age, and he accompanied them later to
Logan County, and subsequently to Hardin County.
He was married in July, 1842, to Jerusha Hutchin
son. They had two children, only one of whom is
living, P. S., born Aug. n, 1844, in Logan Co.,
Ohio. Ellen was born in 1850.
Mr. Thomas is independent in political opinions
and connections. He is serving his eighth term as
Supervisor, in which position he has acted consecu-

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tively since 1876, with the exception of the year Skl>
1883. He has discharged the duties of Township /^
Treasurer two years, Highway Commissioner three
years, and has been a long time Justice of the
Peace.

ohn H. Auer, merchant tailor and Notary
Public at Reed City, was born Oct. 16, 1823,
in Nickenich Rhein, Prussia. His par
ents, Anton and Margaret Auer, were also born
in Prussia, and celonged to the farming com
munity. In 1837, when he was 14 years of
age', and had fulfilled the requirements of the law of
his native land in his attendance at school, he en
tered upon an apprenticeship to acquire a knowledge
of the trade of tailor, serving two years, after which
he managed his relations in the capacity of a jour
neyman. He opened business in his own behalf in
the place where he learned his trade,- in wliich he
met with success.
He left the land of his nativity in 1854, and came
to Schenectady, N. Y., where he engaged with a
tailoring house as cutter. In 1858 he went thence
to Perry, Wyoming Co., N. Y., and founded a busi
ness in his own interest. Next he went to Moscow,
Livingston Co., N. Y., and established himself there
in the same calling. He went next to Mount Morris,
where he remained two years. In 1863 he came to
Almont, Lapeer Co., Mich., where he operated sim
ilarly until September, 1868. Two years previous
he came to Lincoln Township on account of ill
health, and entered a claim of 80 acres of land on
section 32.
In 1868 he abandoned his professional business
and removed to his farm, and he operated as a
pioneer farmer, made an extensive clearing and re
sided thereon until his health was re-established and
his farm in comparatively fine condition. He is still
its proprietor.
In the fall of 1875 he again commenced the pur
suit in which he has since been engaged at Reed
City. He is doing an excellent business, which re
quires several assistants. Arthur J., his son, acts as

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the cutter for the establishment, and also, on occa
sion1, operates as traveling salesman. He owns his
place of business, his residence and other village
property. He served four years as Justice of the- Peace in
Lincoln Township, as Superintendent of Schools of
Richmond Township, and as member of the City
Council two years.
He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of
the Sons of Industry.
The marriage o'f Mr. Auer took place in Germany,
Nov. 22, 1848, Mary Schuld becoming his wife. Two
of their six children were born previous to their
emigration to America. Peter A. is a clerk in the
Treasury Department at Washington ; Mary married
William B. McDonald, a farmer of Lincoln Town
ship; Catherine was born iii Schenectady, and mar
ried P. T. Morris; Elizabeth married L. C. Dill,
station agent at Traverse' City; she was born in
Schenectady; Henry was born in Moscow, N. Y., and
is clerk in a store at Cadillac ; Arthur J. was born in
Mount Morris, Dec. 7, 1862. Their mother died
March 24, 1863, in Utica, N. Y. While living .at
Almont, Mr. Auer was married at Detroit, Feb. 22,
1866, to Laura Jane White. She died Jan. 19,
1883, at Reed City. Mr. Auer was again married
in April, 1883, to Lena Houseman, born in Baden,
Germany.

I'ames H. Drake, farmer, section 18, Lincoln
[|- Township, is a son of Cornelius and Polly
"» (Boggs) Drake, who were natives of the

State of New York, and had a family of 1 2 chil
dren. All of these, with the exception of a
daughter, grew up to years of maturity. The
subject whose name heads this paragraph is the eld
est son and third child in the family of his parents.
He was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., Feb. 1, 1833,
made his home with his parents u'ntil 29 years of age,
and then worked out until the fall of 1857, when he
J? came to Osceola County and took possession of 80
acres of Government land where he now lives, and
settled upon it one year later. At present he has

about 32 acres under cultivation, and is laying well
the foundation of a good home.
Mr. Drake is independent in his political views,
and has served his community as Overseer of High
ways. Both himself and wife are members of the
Baptist Church. He was married in Le Roy Town
ship, this county, Dec. 5, 1872, to Miss Mary Boyer,
daughter of William and Elizabeth Boyer. Her
father was a native of the. State of New York, and
her mother of New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. D. have
one child, Millie L. by name, who was born Jan. 28,
1875-

homas H. Peacock is the pioneer manu
facturer of Reed City, where he located in
1876. He manufactures and deals in
sash, doors, blinds, frames, store fronts, mold
ings, brackets, dressed lumber, lath, shingles,
etc. His business establishment is situated at
the junction of the Grand Rapids & Indiana and
Flint & Pere Marquette Railroads, both roads hav
ing side-tracks running into the mill and constituting
one of the best possible points of shipment, exceeded
by no other in Northern Michigan. When running
to their full capacity, the works require 27 assistants.
Mr. Peacock was born Aug. 7, 1847, at Stockton-
upon-Tees, county of Durham, Eng. His parents,
Isaac and Jane (Smith) Peacock, are natives of the
same shire, and in 1855 emigrated with their family
to the United States, settling in Canandaigua, On
tario Co., N. Y. Their family comprised six chil
dren, three of whom survive. Joseph is a machinist
at Shorts ville, N.V. Sarah is the wife of Frank
Jessup, a machinist of Shortsville. Thomas Peacock
had a natural taste for the profession of his father,
by whom he was instructed in its • details, entering
the shop for that purpose when he was 12 "years of
age. He soon obtained a practical knowledge of it,
which he perfected at Silby's Island Works at Seneca
Falls, N. Y., remaining there three years to complete
his apprenticeship in his chosen business.
Previous to his 17th birthday he entered the mili
tary service of the United States, enlisting Sept. 6,
1864, at Canandaigua, in Company K, Second New
York Cavalry, and was mustered in as Sergeant

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Immediately upon going to the front he became act
ing Sergeant-Major. His regiment was assigned to
the First Brigade and Third Division, commanded
by General Custer, under whom Mr. Peacock passed
the entire period of his military life. He was first in
action at Cedar Creek, where his regiment was in a
position next the " right front." The cavalry charge
of Oct. 19, 1864, is one of the most celebrated events
of the Civil War, and Mr. Peacock was a participant
in the action in which it is recorded that Sheridan
snatched victory from defeat and drove the Confed
erates from the Shenandoah Valley. He was also
in the fights at Five Forks and at Dinwiddie Court-
House, and was present at the surrender of General
Lee at Appomattox Court- House. Besides the prom
inent actions in which the cavalry was engaged, it
was in almost unintermitted skirmish fighting and
deploy duty,, and participated in the final Grand Re
view at Washington, D. C. Mr. Peacock received
his discharge at Alexandria, Va., July 26, 1865.
The family of Mr. Peacock, senior, remained in
Ontario Co., N. Y., until 1872, 'the father operating
as a machinist and manufacturer of agricultural im
plements. , After the return of Thomas Peacock from
the war, he proceeded after a short delay to Jones-
ville, Hillsdale Co., Mich., and passed two years in
the labor of a machinist. In 1867 he went to the
city of Rochester, N. Y., and worked in the foundry
and machine shop of Woodbury & Booth several
years. In the spring of 1872, associated with his
father, he came to Greenville, Montcalm Co., Mich.,
and under the firm name of I. & T. H. Peacock,
they engaged in the successful manufacture of agri
cultural implements until December of the same
year, when their works were destroyed by fire. The
loss entailed was $6,000, which was total, owing to
their being wholly without insurance. They rebuilt
and were soon again in working order on borrowed
capital, but the financial stringency of 1873 inflicted
another disaster, and both father and son abandoned
their project and operated' as journeymen until 1876.
Within that year Mr. T. H. Peacock resolved to
make another venture in the way of operating inde
pendently, and after prospecting a short time fixed
upon Reed City as presenting a possible fair field for
effort, and father and son again embarked in the tide
of manufacture. They again borrowed the necessary
capital and established a foundry. Disaster again
threatened them from circumstances and the times,

as the locality had then no demand for their wares,
and with exactly the correct judgment their estab
lishment was converted into the line of productions
in which it has since been utilized. Iu 1878 Mr.
Peacock of this sketch purchased his father's interest
and has since managed the business alone. The
senior Peacock is engaged as a machinist and gen
eral. blacksmith at Reed City.
Mr. Peacock was made a Mason at Reed City,
and belongs to Blue Lodge No. 351, and to Royal
Arch Chapter No. 6t,. He is a member of the Sted
man Post, No. 98, G. A. R., and instituted the
Lodge of Odd Fellows at Reed City. His residence
is located adjoining his place of business, where he
owns 11 lots, in Block No. 1, near the Junction of
the Grand Rapids & Indiana and Flint & Pere Mar
quette Railroads.
He was first married 1864, at Manchester, N. Y., to
Mary A. Metcalf, and they became the parents of two
children: Herbert was born April 26, 1869; and
Gladis May died in infancy. Their mother died
March 18, 1878, in Reed City, this county. Mr.
Peacock was a second time married Oct. 2,
1879, in Hastings, Barry Co., Mich., to Eugenia J.
Cole. They have two children, — Thomas I., born
Sept. 18, 1881, and Florence May, born Oct. 30,
1884. Mrs. Peacock was born in Seneca Co., N. Y.,
and is the daughter of John and Jane Cole.

»*_»—

illiam Purchase, hotel proprietor and
farmer at Ashton, is a son of Samuel and
Huldah (Parsall) Purchase, natives of
New York. In their family were eight chil
dren, six sons and two daughters, the third
son being the subject named at the head of
this sketch.
He was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., July 28, 182 1,
and received a moderate common-school education.
His advantages for education were somewhat limited
by the fact that the family lived in a new country,
and as soon as the boys were old enough they were
put to manual labor upon the farm, to aid in sup
port of the household. Young William was indus
trious, and was in the habit, even after a hard day's

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work, of taking his book by fire-light and poring over
the problems that seemed to promise utility in the
battles of life. He lived at home until 24 years of
age, when he struck out among strangers for himself,
namely, in Hillsdale Co., Mich. There he purchased
a piece of wild land, and after residing upon it about
five years, he removed to Ottawa County, this State,
and followed farming there for nearly 30 years, that
is, until 1880, when he came to this county and be
came proprietor of the hotel at Ashton, which he is
now conducting. He also purchased 70 acres of
land, 20 of which are under cultivation.
Mr. Purchase is a Republican in his views of
national issues, and both himself and wife are mem
bers of the Wesleyan Methodist Church.
He was married in Hillsdale County, this State,
April 13, 1849, to Emeline Hungerford, and they
had two children, named Lucretia and Louisa ; the
latter died in infancy. Shortly before her death,
however, Mrs. P. died, of consumption, and Mr.
Purchase was again married, July 7, 1852, in the
same county, to Mary Eastway, who is a native of
England, and was brought to this country when an
infant. The children by this marriage are Leroy T.,
Emeline and Lorenzo.

%g^___
" g^nos H. Marvin, farmer, section 16, Rich
mond Township, is a son of Stiles and
Almeda (Merlatt) Marvin. His father was
_|S. a native of the State of New York, and his
A mother of Michigan. In their family were
j seven children, namely, Enos H, the subject
of the sketch, Ida, Guy, Minnie, Nora, Myrtie and
Ray. Mr. Marvin, whose name heads the above para
graph, was born in Wright, Ottawa Co., Mich., Jan.,
1, 1853. He lived at home until 21 years of age,
attending school and working on his father's farm.
After he became of age he labored upon the same
farm, on shares with his father, for one year. He
continued to reside in his native county until the
spring of 1881, when he came to Osceola County
and purchased 160 acres of partly improved land,
where he now resides. He keeps 1 2 cows, and is

engaged in supplying the people of Reed City with
milk ; he has a good patronage and is enjoying sat
isfactory success.
The mairiage of Mr. Marvin to Miss Ida Powell,
a native of the State of Illinois, took place Jan. 1,
1874, in Berlin, Ottawa Co., Mich. Mr. and Mrs.
M. have four children. Their names are Lula, Roy,
Visa and Orisa.

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^oni'ad W. Fulmenshauser is an agricul
turist on section 20, Richmond Township.
He was born Dec. 25, 1834, in Germany,
of which country his parents, Conrad and
Margaret Fulmenshauser, were also natives.
The latter passed all their lives in their native
land. When 18 years old, Conrad W. emigrated to
this country and first located in Canada. He lived
there until 1863 and then moved to this county,
taking possession of 80 acres of land under the
regulations of the homestead laws. Here he is now
a resident. To his original entry he has added by
purchase 120 acres more, and he has about no
acres in productive cultivation.
In national affairs M. F. is identified in his prin
ciples with the Republican party.
He was married in Canada in 1854, to Catherine
Schultz, who was born in Germany in 1832. They
have had six children, namely : Maggie, Conrad,
John, Henry, Catherine and William.
Mr. F. has been Overseer of Highways in his
township, and is esteemed as a worthy citizen.

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i nthony Poulliott, blacksmith, resident on
Ijjj^f^ljj section 18, Hersey Township, was born in
'||®f 1846, in St. Bernard, Canada. He is the son
"¦jiaT ol Peter and Catherine (Octo) Poulliott, of
'(» French lineage, and residents of Chanla, Ont.,
j where they belong to the agricultural class.
Mr. Poulliott learned his trade in the Dominion, and
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is accounted a master of his business, which he is
prosecuting with success.
In 1857 he went to Montreal, whence he removed
to Montcalm Co., Mich. In September, 1873, he
came To Hersey Township. He passed the entire
season in lumbering. Besides his homestead he
owns 40 acres of land on section 16 and 120 on sec
tion 5. His premises where he resides are in first-
class order, with excellent buildings.
He was married Dec. 14, 1868, to Nancy Maher,
and the following is the record of their children :
Edward 'was born Aug. 16, 187 1, in Grand Rapids,
and died on his birthday in 1873, Big Rapids ; France
was born Sept. 16, 1873; Margaret, Oct. 26, 1875;
Mary, Nov. 2, 1878 ; and Anna, Sept. 26, 1882. Mrs.
Poulliot is the daughter of James and Mary (Whal,en)
Maher. Her father died Nov. 13, 1871, in Bloomer,
Montcalm Co., Mich., when, about 67 years of age.
They had 12 children, six of whom are living, —
James, Mary E., Elizabeth, John, Edward and Mrs.
P., who is the oldest of the family and was born Aug.
29, 185 1, in Chili, Monroe Co., Mich.

feolomon Hoflfine, farmer on section 4 of
Richmond Township, is a native of the
" land of Penn and of the honest Quakers,"
being born in York Co., Pa., Aug. 14, 1830.
His parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Grone)
Hoffine, were also natives of the same State.
On arriving at the age of legal responsibility, Solo
mon left home and struck out into the world for him
self. First he spent three years as a farm laborer,
and then for 12 years he managed a rented farm;
next, he bought a' farm of 40 acres in Wayne -Co.,
Ohio, which he afterward sold, and bought 50 acres
in Summit County, same State. On the latter he
lived and labored for 10 years, and then sold it and
came tp this county, in the fall of 1879, and pur
chased a tract of 120 acres in Richmond Township,
where he has made it his home. Since first purchas
ing, however, he has disposed of-80 acres.
In his views of national questions Mr. Hoffine

served his fellow citizens in the capacity of Overseer
of Highways.
He was married in Wayne Co., Ohio, July 5, 1856,
to Mary J. Bartell, who was a native of that State,
and was born Jan. 28, 1834. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffine
have had three children, namely : George E., Me-
dora, who died when three months old, and Clara A-

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ranklin S. Robbins, farmer, section 34,
Richmond Township, is the son of James
G. and Olive E. (Slade) Robbins. (See
sketch of J. G. Robbins.) He was born May
5, 1843, in Potter Co., Pa., and is the oldest of
seven children born to his parents. They re
moved to Osceola County when he was 12 years old,
locating there in February, 1855.
He obtained little education save the practical
variety that comes from early acquaintance with
labor and effort, and he passed his youth in farming
and lumbering. In 1862 he became a soldier in the
service of the United States, enlisting in the Third
Mich. Inf. He served two years, and was a partici
pant in all the important engagements of the Penin
sular campaign and in smaller affairs without
number. On obtaining his discharge he became
sutler's clerk for William H. Gomersall, and was in
his employ until the surrender of General Lee at
Appomattox Court-House and the collapse of the
Rebellion. He accompanied his employer in a
similar capacity to Fort Ringgold, Texas, and after
a year of service there formed a partnership with
him in mercantile business. A year later he dis
posed of his interest by sale and returned to Osceola
County, with the intention of giving his attention
exclusively to agriculture. To this end he purchased
80 acres of land in the township of Richmond, where
he established his homestead. In 1869 he opened
his house for the accommodation of the traveling
public, such an establishment being a necessity of
the times. The place was known as the " Osceola
House." In the same year he began lumbering and
has continued that business ever since. He con-
ducted'the hotel seven years, and in 1876 rented it.
He has handled a considerable amount of real estate

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sympathizes with the Republican party. He has
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in various parts of the county, and is present owner
of 320 acres within its limits, and of 80 acres in
Mecosta County. His homestead farm contains 240
acres, including 200 acres in an advanced stafe of
cultivation. His elegant residence was built in 1879.
His home surroundings are considered the finest in
Osceola County. His stock includes 31 head of
cattle, 18 horses and 50 hogs, and his farm is sup
plied with all the best modern agricultural imple
ments. He is also the owner of valuable real estate
in the city of Grand Rapids. His farm products
for 1884 included 714 bushels of wheat, 1,277 bush
els of oats, and 2,500 bushels of corn. His cut of
hay amounted approximately to 80 tons.
He was married (in Rio Grande, Texas, June 14,
1866, to Emma B. Haymond. Their children are,
Howard G., born April 3, 1868 ; Hattie L., born Feb.
n, 1870; Minnie M., born May 19, 1871. Mrs.
Robbins was born May 28, T848, in Fairmont, West
Virginia, and is the daughter of Jonathan and Har
riet (Wilson) Haymond. Her parents were born and
married in West Virginia, where her father operated
some years as a merchant. In 1857 he went to Cen
tral America, where he made his home ever after,
save at brief intervals when he returned to the Uni
ted States. He returned there for the last time in
September, 1881, since which time no trustworthy
intelligence of him has reached his family. His wife
died in Richmond, Va., in December, 1865. Six of
their ten children attained adult age, — Mary, Ben
jamin, Louisa L., William P., Emma B. and George
H. Louisa L. was bom in Virginia, in 1843. She
went with her father to Central America in 1866,
whence she returned to Texas in 187 1. In 1873 she
became the wife of Capt. B. B. Scott, and removed
to Brownsville, Texas, her husband being appointed
Attorney of the 15th Judicial District of Texas. She
died at her home in Belton, Texas, Jan. 7, 1878,
leaving two children. She was a woman of very
lovely character and her loss was deeply deplored by
her family and friends..
Mr. Robbins is a leading citizen ofhis county and
township. Although popular and possessing to an
unusual degree the confidence of the community of
which he is a member, he has persistently refused to
hold office. He has so managed his business inter
ests as to develop the section where. he resides, and
is widely honored and respected. His influence is

felt and exercised in all laudable enterprises of gen
eral importance, and he secured the postoffice station
at Crapo in 1869, naming it after the Governor. He
was the first incumbent of the position of Postmaster,
which he held many years. In 1884 he spent some
time in travel on the Pacific coast, visiting Colorado,
California, Oregon and Washington Territory."

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lf ohn H. Freeland, farmer, sectiorf 28, Lin
coln Township, is a son of Jonathan C. and

Sophronia (Crawford) Freeland. His father
was a native of New Brunswick and his mother
of Canada. They married and settled in Mich
igan, and he died at Bunker Hill, Ingham
County, this State, Jah. 20, 1880: his widow is still
living. They had six children, viz.: Saloma, Erwin
J., Henry C, John H, Hartman A. and Drusilla.
The subject of this biographical outline was born
in Lenawee Co., Mich., July 16, 1843, and remained
at home until 23 years of age, when he purchased a
tract of land in Ingham County, this State, on which
he lived a year. He then concluded that he could
better his fortunes by a removal to the frontier, and
accordingly came to Newaygo County and took pos
session of 80 acres of land under the provisions of
the homestead law, in Barton Township; but after
a residence there of two years he moved to Big
Rapids and followed the mason's trade for about
two years; he next came to Reed City and worked
at his trade four years ; and finally he came to Lin
coln Township, this county, in the spring of 1875,
and, in. company with W. C. Harrington, purchased
80 acres of land, where he settled and has since
resided. He also owns, in company with Mr. H,
40 acres on section 29, and in his own right one-half
of 70 acres more, all of which is under good cultiva
tion. Mr. Freeland has risked his life on the camp
grounds, skirmish lines, battle-fields, etc., of the
army in defense of his country, enlisting Sept. 4,
1864, in the 12th Mich. Vol. Inf., serving one year
and returning home without having received serious
injury. He has held the office of Highway Commis-

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sioner four terms. In his views of governmental
policy he is a Republican.
Mr. Freeland was married at Leslie, Ingham Co.,
Mich., Oct. 13, 1866, to Miss Rozilla, daughter of
George and Ada (Whitmore) Hull, — her father a
native of Vermont and her mother of Massachusetts.
She was born in Pike Co., Ind., July 3, 1850. Mr.
and Mrs. F. have been the parents of one child,
Clarence L., who was born1 Aug. 6, 1868, and died
Sept. 15, 1882.

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S5bhristian Frohlich is a farmer on section
r8, Richmond Township. He is a native

of Germany, as was also his father, Jacob
Frohlich. He was born in 1824, and in 1855
came to Canada ; after living in that Domin
ion seven years, he'came to Osceola County
and took possession, under the provisions and regu
lations of the Homestead Laws, of 80 acres where
he now resides. He has added to his homestead
80 acres more by further piirchase, and he now has
about 60 acres improved and in a good productive
condition. In religion he and his wife are members
ofthe Lutheran Church.
He was married the first time in Germany, to
Mary Bram, in 1855, and they were the parents of
four children : Anna, Henry, John and Albert.
Their mother died in Canada. Mr. Frohlich was
again married, in Osceola County, in 1866, to Doro
thy Hopp, who is a native of Germany. Mr. and
Mrs. Frohlich have been the parents of four children :
Jacob, Mary, Reka, and Freddy.

illiam Berger, farmer, section 35, Rich
mond Township, was born Dec. 12, 1829,
If."' in Germany. When about five years old
'¦' his parents, John and Catherine (Lux) Ber
ger, left their native country with their
family and emigrated to the State of New York,
they settled in Wayne County. Mr. Berger
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remained there until the spring of 1855, the date of
his removal to Osceola County. He settled in the
township of Richmond, and is one of the earliest
permanent settlers. He bought 240 acres of land,
established his residence there and has been its oc
cupant continuously ever since. He has brought to
bear the best quality of thrift and energy, and has
about 180 acres under excellent improvements. He
affiliates with the Republican element in polities, has
held the offices of Justice of the Peace and High
way Commissioner, and has officiated two years as
Township Treasurer.
He was married Nov. 12, 1859, in Mecosta County,
to Abigail Montague, and their seven children were
born as follows: Harvey W., Charles E., Ida M.
(married Abraham Seeley, April 11, 1883, and resides
in Crapo), George W., Hattie M., John J. and Laura
A. Mrs. Berger was born March 30, 1840, in Kent
County, and is the daughter of James and Laura L.
(Hungerford) Montague. Her parents were natives
of New England.

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ndrew J. Johnson, deceased, formerly
farmer and blacksmith, resident on section
26, Hersey Township, was born May 28,
1840, in Trumbull Co., Ohio. He is the son
of Ichabod and Mary A. (Whitmore) Johnson.
The latter survives, and resides in Farwell,
Clare Co., Mich., with her son. His father died oh
his farm in Hersey Township, in 1876. He was a
mechanic and blacksmith by vocation, and taught
his son the latter trade. He was a resident of Cali
fornia some years, and meanwhile Mr. Johnson of
this sketch was under the care of an uncle.
He spent some years in hunting and trapping in
Northern Michigan, and in 1861 he enlisted in the
Third Michigan Infantry. He was wounded twice in
his left leg, and also received an injury to his scalp
and was mustered out in 1864 for disability, having
participated in about a dozen heavy engagements.
After the war he took possession of his present farm,
consisting of 80 acres, and has improved 15 acres.
He was married Jan. 6, 1866, to Mary A. Jones,.
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and they have been the parents of seven children,
born as follows: Alice May, Jan. 12, 1867 (died
Sept. 1, 1868); Charles A., Oct. 12, 1868; Mary E.,
March 4, 187 1 ; George W., Dec. 13, 1873; Wm. P.,
June 8, 1877 ; Courtland W., Oct. 24, 1880. Mrs.
Johnson is the daughter of Ebenezer and Rosamond
(Buttrick) Jones, and was born June 7, 1846, in
Allegany, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. She has two
brothers and one sister living, — Ebenezer H., Tyler
and Alice A.
Andrew J. Johnson died Feb. 23, 1880. He was
the oldest of 13 children born to his parents, several
of whom died in infancy. Those who attained ma
turity were Ann, Richard M., Sidney, Ichabod B.
and Ellen Martha. William, Martha (1st), Mary,
Ella and Joseph are deceased.
The mother of Mrs. Johnson lived with her about
10 years and died March 5, 1884. Her father died
when she was a child, in Allegany, Cattaraugus Co.,
N. Y.

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j/.enry Walker, farmer, section 8, Richmond
^ Township, is a son of Samuel and Sarah
(Schoonover) Walker, who were natives of
the honest old State of Pennsylvania. In their
family were seven children, — five sons and two
daughters, — the subject of this sketch being the
third son.
He was born in Tioga County, in the State of
New York, Aug. 25, 1824. He remained at the pa
rental home until 24 years of age ; then, being natur
ally skillful with tools and mechanical work, he
commenced in the world as a carpenter and builder,
and followed that trade exclusively for ten years.
He then bought a saw-mill in Pennsylvania, which
he operated for two years, when he sold out - and
moved to Illinois, and entered into partnership with
his uncle in a steam saw-mill in Kendall County,
that State. After continuing in that relation for two
and a half years, he returned to the Keystone State
and for a time engaged in carpenter work. Next,
he went back to the old farm in Tioga Co., N. Y.,
resided there four years, and then went to Elmira,
N. Y., resuming his trade there for one year. Next,
he returned to farming, in the same State and in
Bradford Co., Pa.
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Finally, in the spring of 1875, he came to this
county, and purchased 100 acres of partly improved
land (having about 20 acres cleared) on the section
where he has since made his residence. He now
has about 65 acres improved and in a good condi
tion of cultivation, with fine farm buildings, etc., and
in 1883-4 he built a commodious residence, which
he now occupies.
Mr. Walker has held the several school offices in
his community, and in his views of the common
weal he sympathizes with the Prohibition element.
He was first married in Bradford Co., Pa., Nov.
24, 1852, to Sarah J. Carner, who was born in the
same county, in 1837. By this marriage there were
two children, named Mary E., who was born Jan. 1,
1853, and Horace P., Oct. 7, 1855. Mrs. Walker
died June 18, 1858, in Illinois, and Mr. W. was
again married, in Waverly, Tioga Co., N. Y., Jan. 9,
1863, to Julia Walker, who was born July 17, 1841.
By this union three children were born, viz. : Fred,
April 14, 1865; Lewis, June 15, 1867; and Alvah
J., Sept. 6, 1858. Mrs. Julia Walker died Feb. 23,
1874, and Mr. W., in Delaware Co., N. Y., chose for
his third wife Hannah C. Hinckley, who was born in
that county, May 13, 1838. Her parents, Birch and
Mary (Traverse) Hinckley, were also natives of the
Empire State.

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"oseph Earnest, farmer, section 21, Rich-
|f mond Township, was born Jan. 5, 1842, in
Germany. His parents, John and Caroline
Earnest, emigrated thence to Canada in 1849,
settling in Oxford Co., Ont, where they were
residents during the remaining years of their
lives. They had 16 children, eight of whom died
in infancy. Five sons and three daughters reached
mature years.
Mr. Earnest was seven years of age when he bid a
final farewell to the land of his birth. He lived in
Ontario until his removal to Michigan in the winter
of 1 861, the date of his locating in Mecosta County.
He remained in the township of Wheatland one
year, proceeding in 1862 to Osceola County. He
became a farmer and lumberman and operated at
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various points some years. In the autumn of 187 1,
he bought 80 acres of wild land in Richmond
Township, of which he is still proprietor, and of 80
acres additional acquired by later purchase. His
property is situated on sections 21 and 28, and he
has cleared, improved and put under cultivation,
1 15 acres. His farm is skillfully managed, and the
buildings, of recent erection, do credit to the town
ship, and compare favorably with farm structures
throughout the county.
Mr. Earnest is a Republican and has acted in the
capacity of Overseer of Highways.
He was married Feb. 3, 1863, in Richmond Town
ship, to Mrs. Elizabeth (Waylerter) Nakle, and they
have had two children, — -Joseph and Daniel. The
latter died July 15, 1883, when 11 years of age.
Mrs. Earnest was born Dec. 17, 1838, in Germany.
Her first husband, Philip Nakle, died in 1862. They
became the parents of five children. Two died
when in infancy. Adam died June 5, 1883, aged
22 years. Philip and John survive.
Mrs. Earnest is a member of the Methodist Epis
copal Church.

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eorge W. Troyer, farmer, section 4, Her
sey Township, was born. May 13, 1856,
near Toronto, Canada. His parents, Chris
topher and Margaret (Clark) Troyer, came
from the Dominion to Ionia Co., Mich., in
1862, his father buying a farm in Lyons. In
the fall of 1878 they came to Hersey Township,
where the father and son bought 40 acres and 120
acres respectively, on which they have since lived
and labored. The senior Troyer was born March
31, 1827, and is living with his son. The mother
was born in 1834, and died in Canada in 1863.
Mr. Troyer began life independently when 14
years old, working as a farm assistant by the month,
which sort of labor he continued until 1878, when
he learned the business of a carpenter; and in this
he has been more or less occupied ever since. Since
his removal here he has also engaged in farming and
lumbering. He was married March 22, 1881, to Nettie E.,

daughter of James and Mary R. (Scranton) Coakley.
They have two children, — Frank J., born Sept. 19,
1882, and Harvey C, born Sept 13, 1884. Mrs.
Troyer was born Aug. 15, 1859, in Grattan Center,
Kent Co., Mich. Her father was born July 24, 1834,
at Verban, Kings Co., Ireland, and was married Jan.
19, 1859. His wife was born Dec. 21, 1834, in
Washington, Macomb Co., Mich. She died in Grat
tan, Aug. 24, 1863.
Mr. Troyer is a Republican in political principles,
and is actively interested in the educational matters
of his township.

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|j|[ lexander McFarlane, farmer, section 26,
K Richmond Township, was born Aug. 4,
: ^ 1832, and is the son of Andrew and Mar
garet (Gray) McFarlane. His parents were
born in Scotland and emigrated to Canada
about the year 1830, where the family resided
until the death of the father. After that event the
mother removed with the five surviving children to
Mecosta County, where she is still a resident. Five
of their children died in infancy.
Mr. McFarlane was a resident of the Dominion
until 1855, the year of his removal to Michigan. He
passed some months as a laborer in Newaygo and
Mecosta Counties, and in the spring of 1858 he
bought 160 acres of land on section 26, of Richmond
Township. At that date the settlers were like
angels' visits, — few and far between, — and the entire
county in the most primitive condition, as but three
years had elapsed since the first permanent settler
had established his residence here. He has placed
about one-half of his acreage under tillage.
Mr. McFarlane was appointed one of the Inspect
ors of the first election held in Osceola County, has
been Justice of the Peace, Treasurer, Overseer of
Highways and Commissioner of the same, and has
officiated as one of the County Superintendents of
the Poor.
He was married Jan. -, i860, in Crapo, Richmond
Township, to Charlotte R. Robbins. Their children
were born as follows: Andrew, April 28, 1862;
Franklin P., April 8, 1864; Jennie A., April 1, 1866;

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Neil G., May n, 1867; Ethel M., May 2, 1869;
Bertha E., Sept. 18, 1872; LenaB., June 18, 1878.
Jennie died May 27, 1866 ; Neil died Sept. 10, 1881.
Mrs. McFarlane is the daughter of James G. and
Olive E. (Slade) Robbins. (See sketch of J. G.
Robbins.) She was born Jan. 27, 1845, in Potter Co.,
Pa., and was n years of age when her parents set
tled in Osceola County, where they were among the
earliest settlers. Mr. and Mrs. McFarlane are
members of the Congregational Church. -He is an
ardent Republican, a man of clear understanding,
safe judgment and possesses an abundant store of
information gleaned from extensive reading.

ohn F. Radcliffe, owner, manager and edi
tor of the Osceola County Outline, agent of
the American Express Co., Coroner and
Justice of the Peace, located at Hersey, was
1 1 born Feb. 26, 1829, in the township of Perry,
I? Lake Co., Ohio. His parents, William and
Margaret (Kelley) Radcliffe, were both natives of
the Isle of Man, in the Irish Sea. After their mar
riage they emigrated to the United States arid set
tled in Lake Co., Ohio. Later the family removed
to Mentor, Ohio, where the senior Radcliffe pursued
his vocation of tailor until his death in 1856, at the
age of 61 years. The mother was born Sept. 6,
1804, and still resides at Mentor. She is in the pos
session of the activity and firm health of her years of
prime. Mr. Radcliffe decided early in youth on the pur
suit of a machinist as a calling, and at 17 entered
upon a course of preparation in a machine shop, and
persevered in operating in that line to the fulfillment
of his purpose three years, when failing health com
pelled him to permanently abandon the project, and
he obtained a position on the literary staff of the
Painesville Telegraph, to whose columns he had
been a miscellaneous contributor since the age of 15
years. In 1853 he commenced a series of contribu
tions to the local department of the Detroit Tribune,
and wrote stories for its literary columns, continuing
his connection with that journal about 18 months.
In 1855 he was made local editor of the Toledo

Blade, the first incumbent of the department after
the establishment of the paper, operating in that
avenue about two years, and working successively
on the Commercial and Herald, contemporaneous
journals published at Toledo. Meanwhile he
officiated two years as clerk in the postoffice of that
city. In 1858 he went tq Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and su
perintended the publication of the Cedar Valley
Times, remaining in the position until the advent of
civil war. In 1861 he received notification of his
military obligations as a member of the 14th Regi
ment Ohio Militia, to which he belonged, and was
summoned by the superior officer ofthe organization,
Colonel (afterwards General) Stedman, to report for
duty and rejoin " Company A." He arrived in Ohio.
too late, the regiment having obtained its quota and
gone to the front. At the urgent request of Colonel
Stedman he went to Waterloo, De Kalb Co., Ind.,
and took charge of the Waterloo Press, a local Union
journal, which he managed four months, and at the
end of that time he leased the office, fixtures and re
lations of the paper for a year, after which he as
sumed the management of the Kendallville (Ind.)
Standard, his family remaining at their home in
Waterloo. In 1863 he bought the Press, and con
tinued its publication until the destruction of his
office in 1867 by fire, a disaster which involved the
proprietor in considerable loss. He resumed opera
tions after a short delay, continuing but a brief pe
riod when he established the Air Line in the same
place. In the fall of 1870 he came to Hersey, having
fallen into precarious health, to take control of the
paper now known as the Osceola Outline, coming
here for the purpose at the solicitation of D. A.
Blodgett and Dr. Norman Teal, the latter at that
time acting as editor. Mr. Winchell, later the
founder of the Plain well (Allegan Co.) Independent,
and subsequently elected to the Legislature of Mich
igan, came simultaneously to aid, in establishing the
Outline on a permanent basis. The first copy was
issued Jan. 5, 187 1. In May, 1872, Mr. Radcliffe
succeeded to the sole control by purchase, and in
1881 changed the name of the paper to its present
style. At the date ofhis removal to Hersey the site
of the place was chiefly in its natural condition, and
the present location of his residence and office was
covered with primeval forest. In 1873 he purchased

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" block 68," cleared a small " patch " and erected a
building for his business. His residence is on the
same tract. He is the owner of 80 acres of land on
section 13, Richmond Township, and holds 240
acres additional in different parts of the county. In
1877 he was appointed express agent.
Soon after coming to Hersey he was elected Jus
tice of the Peace, and has continued the incumbent
of the position. In the fall of 1880 he was elected
County Coroner, and has been successively re
elected. In the fall of 1884 he was elected Treas
urer of-Osceola County, by a majority of 633.
The marriage of Mr. Radcliffe to Mary French oc
curred in 1855, at Painesville, Ohio. She was born
in Perry, Lake Co., Ohio, and is the daughter of Na
thaniel and Abigail French, a family of Vermont
origin. They have two children, — Harriet, the wife
or George W. Moore, lumberman in Missaukee Co.,
Mich. She is a graduate from the female Seminary
at Painesville, Ohio. Lucy E. is at home with her
parents. Mrs. Radcliffe is an able assistant in the
mechanical department of the Outline.

!ohn Mitchell, an old settler of Richmond
Township, was born in Germany, March
12, 1835, and when he was 15 years of age
emigrated thence with his parents, Frederick
and' Frederica Mitchell, to Hamilton, Ontario,
and later to London. His father was a farmer
in "das Faderland," and followed the same vocation
after reaching the New World.
Mr. Mitchell's first important move in the world
was his settlement in a matrimonial enterprise. He
was married Sept. 15, 1859, near Stratford, Ont., to
Elnoia Ruppert. She was born Nov. i\ 1837, in
Prussia. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have nine children,
namely : Adam, Maggie, Annie, Mary, Grace, Cath
erine, John, Lewis and William. Adam is married.
and is a farmer in Richmond Township ; Maggie
married Jerry Golkey, a hotel-keeper at Chippewa
Lake; Anne is the wife of John Roth, at Reed City.
Mr. Mitchell came to Michigan in June, 1862, and
located a claim of 80 acres on section 22, Richmond

Township, of which he is still the proprietor, and
also 80 acres respectively on sections 27 and 28, and
120 on section 29 of the same township. He has
about 200 acres under cultivation and in fine farm
ing condition.
In 1882 he opened a bar and billiard-room at Reed
City, where he traffics in the articles common to sim
ilar establishments. He built the building where he
operates in [882, and retains his residence on his
farm two miles south of Reed City.

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jf©(§| illiam L. Stiege, farmer, section 10, Rich-
_»™a\w mond Township, was born in Buffalo, N.
Y., June 29, 1835; his father, Carl Stiege,
was a native of Germany. In the fall of
1865 the subject of this sketch came to Osce
ola County and took possession of 80 acres of
land on section 10, under the regulations of the
Homestead Laws, and has since resided there. He
has 45 acres under good cultivation, and a comfort
ably equipped home. He also is in possession of
some village property.
Mr. Stiege was married in Newaygo Co., Mich.,
Oct. 3, 1867, to Miss Mary Roberts, and they are
the parents of six children, namely : Sanford, Lewis,
Louisa, Josephina, Albert and Benjamin.

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| iram Wetherell, farmer, section 17, Hersey
Township, was born April 20, i8i6,in Con.
quest, Cayuga Co., N. Y. He is the son of
Noah and Betsey (Mott) Wetherell, both of
whom are deceased. The father was born in
Massachusetts, was a soldier of the war of 18 12,
and fought at the battle of Lundy's Lane. The par-
entsdied about the year 1840, in Cayuga Co., N. Y.,
and were separated in their deaths only six days.
The mother was born in the near vicinity of the Cats-
kill Mountains in New York.
In 1840 Mr. Wetherell removed from his native

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State to Livingston Co., Mich. He purchased 80
acres of land in the township of Conway, removing
thence to Grand Blanc, Genesee County, in 1861.
He was in the hotel business there 18 months, in
which he was fairly successful. He exchanged the
property for 80 acres of land in the township of
Montrose in the same county, coming thence to
Hersey, in 1880. He bought nearly 67 acres of land>
on which he established his homestead. He is a Re
publican in principle and has held the Supervisorship
of every township in which he has lived, except
Hersey. He was one of the delegates to the Conven
tion in Livingston County when the party was or
ganized. He was Treasurer of Montrose seven years,
was Justice of the Peace and State Road Commis
sioner. He opened the road from Chesaning to
Clio in 1875.
He was married June 19, 1834, in Conquest, Cay
uga Co., N. Y., to Mahala Ferdig. Their children
were born as follows: Cynthia, Sept. 4, 1835 (died
March 24, 1857); Hannah J. was born Dec. 15, 1837;
Mary E., April 24, 1840; Eri H, Oct. 18, 1842;
Hiram, Jr., Nov. 6, 1846 (died Nov. 8, 1852); Helen,
Dec. 15, 1852. The mother was born Dec. 4, 1815,
in Conquest, and is the daughter of John and Han
nah (Waters) Ferdig. Her parents died in Middle-
ville, Barry Co., Mich., aged respectively 60 and 55
years. The golden-wedding anniversary of Mr. and
Mrs. Wetherell was celebrated by their children in
June of the current year. Two of their daughters
reside in Osceola County.

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ienry K. Smith, harness and trunk maker
x at Reed City, was born July 27, 1848, in

Truro, Colchester Co., Nova Scotia. His
parents, William C. and Renew (Nelson)
Smith, were natives of the same province, where
his father died, in May, 1872. The mother is
still living there, aged 76 years.
Mr. Smith is the ninth of ten children born to
his parents, and passed the first 17 years of his
life on a farm. He served from that age until he
was 21 years old, at Truro, in acquiring his trade.
He opened his business at Woburn Center, Mass.,

and after a trial of six months' duration he re
turned to his home and soon after opened a shop
at Maitland, 12 miles from the place of his birth.
Two years later he went to Lowell, Mass., and
operated there and at Bath and in other towns. .He
came to Reed City in 1876, and established him
self in the business of harness-making. Meanwhile
he erected the building in which he is now mana
ging his business, which is twb stories in height
above the basement, is 23x55 feet in height, and
constructed of brick. His business relations require
the aid of four assistants.
Mr. Smith was married Sept. 26, 1877, to Julia
E. Stoddard, and their three children were born as
follows: William R., July 31, 1878; Mary R., de
ceased, and Mabel, born Aug. 26, 1883. Mrs.
Smith was born in Detroit in June, 1847, and is the
daughter of Rodman and Mary Stoddard.

Sames H. Hope, farmer, section 20, Hersey
|" Township, was born Feb. 17, 1842, in Kal
amazoo, Mich. His parents, Edward and
Amelia A. (Stevens) Hope, are both natives of
the State of New York. His father is of mixed
English and Scotch parentage; his mother de
scended from Irish and Dutch ancestry. They were
early settlers in Kalamazoo County, where the father
erected the first frame barn built in the township of
Texas. They live on a farm two miles trom the vil
lage of Edmore, Montcalm Co., Mich.
Mr. Hope was reared on a farm, and Aug. 7, 1862,
he enlisted in Co. H, 25th Mich. Vol. Inf. His reg
iment was assigned to the First Brigade, Second Di
vision and 23d Army Corps, General Schofield
commanding, and was mustered out of the military
service ofthe United States June 24, 1865, at Salis
bury, N. C. Mr. Hope fought at Franklin and
Nashville, Tenn., and his regiment was in breast
works at the time of the surrender of General John
ston. They came to Jackson, Mich., where they
were paid off, and after reaching home Mr. Hope
spent a year in recovering his former state of health.
He became interested in farming, and .operated
two years as manager of his father's farm. He next
went to Nebraska and worked one season by the

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month, returning thence to Kalamazoo County, re
maining there one year. In 1871 he came to Hersey
Township and secured a claim of 80 acres of land
by purchase from the individual who had become
its proprietor under the Homestead Law. Mr. Hope
found himself obliged to go back to first principles to
protect his title and re-entered the claim. About .15 v
acres were partially improved, and the clearing hid
a small log house. The latter is now their home,
and the entire place manifests the care and energy
of the owner.
Mr. Hope was married Jan. 29, 1870, to Sarah J.
Ross, and they have one child — Cora B. — bom June
3, 1872. Mrs. Hope was born June 7, 1850, in Nor
wich, Ont. Her mother, Mary (Mustard) Ross, died
in Norwich when her daughter was about nine years
old. Her father, Hopkins Ross, is living in the vil
lage of Hersey. The brothers and sisters of Mrs.
Hope are named Wm. H, Nelson A., Mary J. (twin
sister of Mrs. H.), Sylvester, Daniel (deceased), and
Martha A. Three brothers and a sister of Mr. Hope
are all living. They are Charles E., Mary A., Isaac
H. and Chauncey C.

N—

genjamin F. Gooch, farmer, section 25,
Richmond Township, is one of the earliest
settlers in Osceola County and is as close
ly associated with the history of the "first
things " of the county as any other member
of its pioneer element. He has been a resi
dent of Michigan since early, childhood, his father,
Benjamin Gooch, having removed from his native
State to the Territory of Michigan in 1834. He was
a merchant and lumberman in Maine, where he was
born, and married Lucy Boyington.
In the year named they set out with their family
of nine children to found a home in Michigan. They
traveled westward on the Erie Canal, and while in
the immediate vicinity of Rochester, in the middle
of the night, the wife and mother rose from her
berth, made her way to the deck, and as the watch
man observed her she suddenly walked overboard
and sunk from sight ! The watchman roused the
occupants of the boat, and in half an hour her life-

less body was rescued from the cold waters. Every
effort at resuscitation was made, but in vain, and she
was buried in the beautiful cemetery of Mount
Hope in the southern suburb of the city of Roches
ter, and the bereaved family pursued their sad jour
ney to their destination. The senior Gooch had
disposed of all his business interests on leaving the
Pine-Tree State, and the money realized — all in gold
— was in a belt clasped around the body of the wife,
and was the means of her death, as its weight pre
vented her rising to the surface. The family located
in Wayne Co., Mich., where, later, the father mar
ried Phebe Sherman, and they became the parents
of four children. In 1848 they removed to Kent
Cft., Mich., where the father died of small-pox. His
wife died in 1847, in Plymouth, Wayne County.
Mr. Gooch of this sketch was born March 20,
1831, in Machias, Washington Co., Maine. He was
but three years old when he was deprived of his
mother's care. Until he was 16 years of age he
passed his life in the manner common to farmers'
sons in a pioneer period. He was a level-headed
boy, having a well-balanced temperament, formed of
the excellent traits of a mixed Scotch and English
ancestry, the former predominating and descending
to him in the maternal line. The element of active
effort is his leading characteristic and has marked
all his life. He is an embodiment of the principle of
doing a duty himself instead of delegating what
needs to be done to the chance of a transferred
duty. His education consisted chiefly of a compre
hensive knowledge of Daboll's Arithmetic, obtained
by resolute braving of the wintry winds daily a dis
tance of nearly two miles, where he was a pupil in
a log school-house with horizontal windows, stone
fire-place, " stick " chimney and slab seats. But in
this instance, as in thousands of others, the achieve
ments of Mr. Gooch attest the value of rugged train
ing and lack of the effeminating appurtenances of
the life of to-day, which fosters, weakness and ex
tracts the vigor and fire from tlie human composi
tion. The capital was removed from Detroit to Lansing
at a time when that portion of Ingham County was
a wilderness, and in three localities the eager citizens
began to build with all haste. A Mr. Randolph,
who owned a foundry, engaged the senior Gooch to
draw a load of stoves to Lansing, and Benjamin was

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

sent with the team. Mr. Randolph gave him in ad
dition a quantity of cast-iron boot-jacks to peddle in
the city on commission, which he did, and sold them
when there was not a painted building in the place.
All finishing material had to be drawn from Detroit
with teams, and the people waited for the advent of
winter and snow in order to facilitate transportation
of heavy merchandise.
In 1849 Mr. Gooch went to Virginia, where he
worked by the month in- a steam saw and grist mill,
and also aided in the management of a carding-
machine. He operated in that capacity until 1853,
when he returned to Michigan and engaged as a
farm assistant and as a lumberman in the woods
near Grand Rapids. •
In the fall of 1855, in company with three other
men and driving an ox team, Mr. Gooch proceeded
to the northern extremity of the thoroughfare in Me
costa County, tp a point four miles north of the
\- ' present city of Big Rapids, when the site of the plucky
^ and prosperous city was not marked by a single
fy*. structure. On the fifth day of September he began
est cutting a road northward into the wilderness, crossing
® the boundary of Mecosta County into Osceola County
.^ on the 14th day of the same month. This was the
>e)? the first wagon road in Osceola County. A few
^ settlers had come in the previous spring, and had
{<¦ ) utilized the water routes, coming hither by means of
canoes on the Muskegon, the general method of
travel in Nbrthern Michigan previous to the day of
railroads and State thoroughfares. The line of road
constructed by Mr. Gooch extended to Cat Creek, a
distance of 16 miles. The party were joined by
Delos A. Blodgett, who made a permanent settle
ment and became inseparably connected with the
development of Osceola County, but who removed to
Grand Rapids, where he is now a resident. Nicholas
Rescoe also came with them. He is still a resident
of the county.
In the latter part of November, Mr. Gooch hired
a Mr. and Mrs. Dildine and their daughter — eleven
fcS years old — at Grand Rapids, and moved - them to
Cat Creek. It is believed these were the first white
women within the county limits.
In that winter Mr. Gooch shot a large number of
deer, and a lynx. He has still in his possession a
robe made from the pelts of six wolves which he
killed the same winter. The exigencies ofthe time

in which he became a resident of Northern Michigan
developed his abilities as a hunter, and he has shot
deer in the counties of Kent, Newaygo, Mecosta,
Osceola, Missaukee and Clare, at a date "when the
present sites of Big Rapids, Reed City, Hersey and
Evart were fair fields for the hunter's harvest, which
he gathered with his rifle on more than one occa
sion. Mr. Gooch passed the winter in the discharge of
his duties as foreman of a logging party and lumber
camp, and in the spring ,of 1856 pre-empted 160
acres of Government land where he has since main
tained his residence. Later, he bought, 40 acres ad
ditional. He made a small clearing on his original
purchase, built a log shanty and entered with char
acteristic vigor and energy into the work of clearing
his farm. He is now the proprietor of 200 acres of
land, of which no acres are free from stumps and
in valuable farming condition.
In the spring of 1857 he set out 100 apple-trees
on his farm, which he bought from John Foxbury, of
Walker Township, and drew from Grand Rapids '
with an ox team, a distance of 75 miles, as the road
was constructed. Many of these trees are still in a
flourishing condition, some of them having branches
15 feet long. When these trees were planted the
ground was still the resort, of deer, wolves and foxes.
The orchard scheme of Mr. Gooch was the source of
much comment among the farmers of Grand Rapids
and vicinity, as-^it was firmly believed that apples
could not be raised so far north as Osceola County.
He was told by one distinguished gentleman that
some of his trees .would live and blossom on the
south side and perhaps one or two apples might
mature on the south side of the core, but the sever
ity of the climate would prevent the sap circulating
all around the apple. The apple crop of the orchard
in 1884 (current year) is 400 bushels. The fact is,
the fruit is more perfect and hardy than in re
gions farther south.
A prominent faculty of Mr. Gooch, and one which
has been of inestimable value to him as a pioneer
and in other capacities, is his superior abilities as a
pedestrian. In the fall of 1857 he was troubled by
a decayed tooth. The only available instrument in
the settlement was an old-fashioned pair of turnkeys,
and on their application to the tooth it was crushed,
proving only an aggravation of the difficulty. Mr.

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Gooch retired with a determination, to endure the
suffering, but it proved too much for his endurance,
and hq ^rose before" morning and started afoot for
Grand Rapids, walking the entire distance to that
city, wh,ere he procured the services of L. D. Rogers,
who is still living and pursuing his profession in the
same place. Traversing the distance from Rich
mond Tfl^nship to Grand Rapids in those early days
was a cqrnmon practice with Mr. Gooch, who has
preserve^ no record of the number of times he has
made th$ |rip — "hundreds of times."
The first school-house in Osceola County Was built
on the nQ^hwest quarter of section 25, Richmond
Township, and was donated by Mr. Gooch for the
purpose tQ which it was devoted.
The first official dignity borne by Mr. Gooch was
that of Highway Commissioner, his jurisdiction in
cluding tli§ entire county, which was then attached
for municipal purposes to' Mecosta County, and
known as Green Township. In the spring of r86i
the townshjp of Richmond was organized, the meet
ing for that purpose being held at the house of D. A.
Blodgett. Nine votes were cast. Mr. Gooch was
elected Town Treasurer, Justice of the Peace and
School Inspector. Mr. Gooch was one of the Judges
of Election. <
The echoes of the shot at Sumter in their journey
round the world aroused the spirit that actuated the
pioneers of Psceola County in their toil and priva
tion, and Mr. Gooch, in May, before the wave of
patriotism had surged across the continent, made
another journey on foot to Grand Rapids to search
for a recrnifjng officer, full of an invincible determina
tion to lenj| his aid to preserve intact the integrity of
his country. He went thither alone, and was the
first enlisted man from his county. He enrolled in
Co. F, Third Mich. Vol. Inf. The regiment was
mustered in r,o4o strong, Col. Daniel McConnell
commanding. Mr. Gooch was under fire in all the
important engagements in which his regiment was
involve^, and in the common experiences of skirm
ishes and deploys. He was in the first battle of
Bull Run, and afterwards, while stationed at Arling
ton Heights, to guard against rebel invasion, he had
some interesting experiences.
On one occasion, whe%i foraging in the corn and
potato fields beyond the line of Union pickets, the
party was discovered by the rebels, who sent a shell

into the field they had just left. No one was injured,
but they returned to gather the potatoes dug by the
missile, which they ate with a grim relish, in consid
eration of the ^murderous intent which failed of its
purpose and added to their stores.
During his period of military service, Mr. Gooch
received four wounds. At the battle of Fair Oaks he
sustained an injury to his right arm from a gunshot,
and in the same conflict a piece of shell struck his
right shoulder; but he remained in the ranks. The
regiment went into the second fight at Bull Run
with about 500 men. The command was deployed
to make a feint attack upon the main line of the
rebel army, a movement which depleted the ranks of
the " Third " to a fearful extent, roll-call showing
that 20 more than half the number who went into
action were either killed or wounded. All the color-
bearers and color guards were killed or wounded.
Mr. Gooch Bad borne the regimental standard pre
sented by the ladies of Grand Rapids since the siege
of Richmond, and during the second fight at Bull
Run he was shot through the right thigh. Afte'r
spending two months in the hospital he came to
Grand Rapids on recruiting service, for which he
was specially detailed. He rejoined his regiment
previous to the battle of Gettysburg, where he was a
fourth time wounded, by a minie-ball, in the calf of
the right leg. This injury was so severe as to cause
him to be sent lo the hospital, and his life was ser
iously imperiled by the appearance of gangrene in
the wound, and from which he remained eight
months in ths hospital. He was discharged June
21, 1864, and returned to his farm. He is a mem
ber of Post John J. Bagley, Grand Army of the Re
public. In the spring of 1865 he was elected Supervisor of
Richmond Township, which then comprised the
entire county. In the fall of 1866 he was elected
Surveyor of the territory of Osceola and Mecosta,
then included in one county, and held the position
two years. Since the organization of the county he
has officiated as Superintendent of the Poor, a num
ber of terms as Justice of the Peace, and has served
several times as. Director of the County Fair. He
has been also a Director of the Farmers' Mutual
Insurance Company of Osceola, Lake and Wexford
Counties. Mr. Gooch is a Republican in the com-
pletest sense of the term. He did not vote for Pres-

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s.f ident on becoming of suitable age, being 90 miles
from his polling place. His first Presidential vote
was cast for John C. Fremont, and his suffrage has
been cast in an undeviating line for the nominees of
the Republican National Convention. He took an
active part in the Blaine and Logan campaign. He
is a member of the fraternity of Masons and belongs
to the "Old Settlers' Union " of Mecosta County.
A fact worthy of note is that Mr. Gooch, D. A.
Blodgett, and Luther O. Schofield, the three first
settlers in the vicinity of Hersey, used neither
whisky nor tobacco in any form, Mr. Gooch brought
the first cow, pig and hens into the county.
His portrait appears on another page, and will re
ceive a hearty welcome from the pioneer patrons of
this work, as well as from later settlers of Osceola
County, who have learned his worth as a man,
neighbor and citizen.
He was married Oct. T7, 1865, in Ionia, Mich., to
Desdemona Harrington. Sylvia E., adopted daugh
ter, was born June 8, 1868, in the State of New
Yfcrk. Mr. and Mrs. Gooch are of the class who grow old
gracefully. They rank among the bon camarades of
their generation, as is exemplified by an account of a
maple sugar frolic which transpired in their " sugar
bush" in the season of 1884, and at which were
present representatives from all classes, conditions
and generations. The assembly disposed of the
proceeds of nine barrels of sap in the course of two
hours ! The central source of enjoyment was the
complete< manufacturing system of the works, con
sisting of pipes, pans, syphons and firs-arches. Mr.
Gooch has 600 buckets and hundreds of trees, and
the gathering is done by horse-power. The occasion
was one of the most satisfactory of local county en
tertainments. Mrs. Desdemona Harrington Gooch was born in
Charleston, N. H., one chilly day in October, the
17th, more than 50 years ago (1830 or 31), but was
born in the day-time, however, and has loved the
light ever since and kept cool.
When a child of seven or eight years her parents
left their Eastern home and moved West and com
menced pioneer life in the near vicinity of Grand
Rapids. There were no district schools in those
days in that region, and she was taught at home with
her younger sister and brother by an elder sister who

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}iad been educated in the East. Before she was 16
she had read Rollins' Ancient History and Josephus,
besides Scott's and Byron's poems, and worse yet,
Young's Night Thoughts, Milton's Paradise Lost and
other similar productions. Her mind did not give
way, however, as might be supposed. She didn't
even die, but came very near it ; was very sick for
more than a year, and was only saved by a kind
mother's intelligent care.
She recovered, and went to Grand Rapids, which
had grown somewhat, and attended Prof. Everett's
Academy. The Professor was a man of gigantic
intellect, and she nearly worshiped him for his
knowledge. Mrs. Everett taught the female department, was
remarkably sweet-tempered and agreeable, as gentle
and considerate as a kind mother to all her pupils.
Both of them understood making learning a delight,
and she loved them both, and does yet. She left the
academy to teach a district school, but returned
again in company with her younger sister, after which
she taught the village school of Newaygo a year,
rode thither from home, a distance of 36 miles, on
horseback (rfo stage-coach_ nor railroad' from Grand
Rapids to Newaygo then), — rode a vicious black
horse belonging to Benj. Wright, who then carried
the weekly mail between the two places. Nearly
every foot of the road led through dense, primeval
forest, but she enjoyed its gloomy grandeur, also the
spirited paces of the horse. He would pace, trot or
gallop, at the behest of his rider. And here let it
be stated, the same horse carried home the teacher
in addition to the weight of the mail bags, when
the school term was done.- Then she attended the
union school on the east side one term to study
French and the higher mathematics. She also
taught one term in the same school while Rev.
James Ballard was Principal. Meanwhile Grand
Rapids had become" an incorporated city. After
wards she taught two years in succession in the
upper department of the same school when Prof.
Chesebro was Principal. Her health began to fail ,
went home to rest, then taught the village school at
Laphamville (now Rockford) several terms, after
which she taught the winter term of school in 1 860-1
in Big Rapids. She returned home and com
menced the study of medicine with Dr. Henderson,
of Grand Rapids. Helped run a soldiers' aid so-

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ci^ty during the war of the Rebellion (being Secre
tary of the same) and continued teaching off and on
till the close of the war, when she was married.
Mrs. Gooch is the daughter of John and Phebe
(Field) Harrington. Her parents were natives of
Vermont, where they were married, and after a resi
dence of some years removed to New Hampshire,
coming thence in 1838 to Kent Co., Mich.
Daniel Field, the maternal grandsire of Mrs.
Gooch, descended from an ancient English family,
whose record was traceable back to its two Norman and
Saxon sources. He- married Hannah Whitman, and
they became the parents of 13 children, all of whom
are deceased. The sturdy, independent traits which
distinguished the stocks in which their families had
their origin, have marked each successive genera
tion and are faithfully reproduced in the character
of Mrs. Gooch.
Her portrait is presented on another page.

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rank Shields, farmer, section 17, Rose
Lake Township, is a son of Alexander and
^" Jane (Robertson) Shields, the former a
native of Ireland and the latter of Scotland.
Some time after1 their marriage in Scotland the
parents emigrated to the American continent,
and after a residence for a time in Canada they came,
in 1864, to the Peninsular State and settled in Kala
mazoo County. Mr. Shields, senior, died in Canada
while on a visit to his daughter.
The subject of this sketch was born on " Scotia's
Isle," Feb. 22, 1841, and was almost 12 years old
when the family emigrated to America. In 1861 he
came to Kalamazoo County, lived about two years
there, and then went to Allegan County, this State,
where he was employed about 13 years by Kellogg,
Sawyer & Co. In the spring of 1876 he came to this
county and purchased 80 acres of land in Rose Lake
Township, but remained in the employment of
Kellogg, Sawyer & Co. until the spring of 1880, when
he settled upon his land, which he now occupies, and
where he has 48 acres in a good tillable condition.
Mr. Shields is a citizen of high standing in his

community, and has been honored with the office of
Township Treasurer for a term of two years. In his
political views he sympathizes with the Prohibition
ists, and as to religion both he and wife are members
ofthe Baptist Church.
The marriage of Mr. Shields to Miss Belle Mc-
Gonegal took place at Battle Creek, Mich., June 7,
1 87 1. She was born in Scotland Sept. 15, 1852.
Her parents, William and Mary C. McGonegal, were
natives of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. S. have four chil
dren, namely, Nellie M., Anna M., Frank C. and
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eorge H. Bassett, farmer, section 22, Le
Roy Township, was born Sept. 16, .1845,
in Licking Co., Ohio. His father, William
Bassett, was a native of Martha's Vineyard,
and descended from French ancestry, who
came to this continent in the early Colonial
days in search of freedom from religious persecution.
He married Permelia Skeels, a native of the State of
New York, of English and German extraction. The
family removed to Licking Co., Ohio, where the
father died, in 1850, aged 40 years. The mother
died in Ohio, in January, 1879.
Mr. Bassett began his struggle for an independent
livelihood at the age of 14 years, and operated as a
laborer in various avenues until the advent of the
rebellion. He was early awakened to the dangers
which assailed the Federal Government, and enlisted
June 21, 1861, in Co. C, 39th Ind. Vol. Inf. The
regiment was afterwards mounted and became the
Eighth Ind. Vol. Cav., and was assigned to the Army
of the Cumberland, Gen. Buel, Corps Commander.
Among the battles in which Mr. Bassett was in action
were the celebrated engigements at Shiloh, Corinth,
Bridgeport, Ala.; and at the conflict of Stone River^
Dec. 31, 1862, he was wounded by a rifle ball, the
shot entering the joint of the left hip, whence it was
extracted three weeks later. In September, 1863,
he rejoined his regiment in Tennessee and continued
in active service until the war was over. He re
ceived an honorable discharge June 24, 1865, at
Madison, Ind. He was a second time wounded in

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the arm, in North Carolina, which was but a slight
injury, and did not wholly disable him from duty.
On finding himself at liberty to resume the life of
a civilian he came to Bluffton, Wells Co., Ind., where
he was employed in a saw-mill until 1867, when he
came to Saginaw County, Mich. In the spring of
1868 he made a homestead claim of 80 acres of land
in Le Roy Township, and later entered a similar
claim on section 8. He was one of the first of the
permanent settlers in the township previous to its
organization, which he was largely instrumental in
effecting. In the fall of 1878 he exchanged the tract
of land on which he had resided more than 10 years
for 80, acres of land which is now his homestead, and
of which 30 acres is under improvement. He is a
Republican in political preference, and from the be
ginning of his residence in Le Roy Township has
been active in the promotion of its local interests.
He has officiated as Supervisor seven years, as Town
ship Clerk one year, Treasurer two years, and in other
positions of less importance.
Mr. Bassett's marriage to Alice Randolph took
place Dec. 25, 1875. They have no children, but
adopted two, — Lennie and Edith. The latter is not
living. Mrs. Bassett was born in Allegany Co.,,N. Y.,
in March, 1855, and is the daughter of Jonathan F.
and Almina (Eastwood) Randolph. Her father is
deceased. He was born in Pennsylvania! and was a
pioneer settler of Osceola County. Mr. and Mrs.
Bassett belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

illiam HofFmeyer, farmer, sec. 17, Rich
mond Tp., was born in Allen Co., Ind., April
22, 1846. His parents, Lewis and Catherine
Hoffmeyer, were natives of Germany. William
spent his life in his native State until the fall
of 1869, when he came to Mecosta Co., Mich.,
and lived there until the fall of 1875. He then came
to Osceola County, where he has since resided. At
present he owns 80 acres of land, of which he has 20
acres' subdued to cultivation and in good condition.
He has held the office of School Moderator. Both

himself and wife are members of the.
Church. ' .
Mr. H. was married in the village of Big Rapids;
Mich., on the 21st day of April, 1873, to. Frederika
Trapfrow, who was born in Germany, Aug. 14, 1847.
Mr. and Mrs: Hoffmeyer have had six children^ one
of whom died in infancy. The names of the living
are Fred, Susanna, Ida, May and Emma.

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eter Carlson, farmer and stockman, resi-
 dent on section 27, Le Roy Township, was
Ep^ born Sept. 29, 1832, in the southern part of
:>3 the kingdom of Sweden. His father was a
farmer in that country and died when the son
was about three years old. His mother re
mained the guardian of her seven children, and Mr.
Carlson was in her maternal care until her death,
when he was 15 years of age. He then found him
self thrown on his own resources, and he engaged as
a farm assistant. He was occupied in that manner
until i860, when he was married, in Sweden, to
Betty Swantson. They have had 10 children, three
of whom are deceased, — Tilda (1st), John (1st) and
Nannie; Ida, Charles, August, John (2d), Tilda (2d),
Alma and Francis yet survive. Mrs. Carlson, was
born in July, 1835, in Sweden.
After marriage Mr. Carlson purchased a farm in
Sweden and was its -manager until his removal to the
United States in 1870. He sold the place before
setting out for America. Landing at the port of
Boston he resided there a brief time and proceeded
to Troy, N. Y., whence he went to the State of In
diana. Later he made another removal, to Lamont,
111., where he was employed in quarrying stone.
He arrived with his family in Osceola' County in
1872 and purchased a farm of the Grand Rapids ,&
Indiana Railroad Company, which included 40 acres
of land, and was situated on section 27, Le Roy
Township. Some time after, he sold' the place and
purchased 80 acres located in a different part of the
same section. To this he has added 80 acres by

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subsequent purchase, and has improved 50 acres and
erected excellent farm buildings.
Mr. Carlson is a Republican of decided character
and, with his wife, belongs to the Lutheran Church.

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ames B. Sprague, farmer, section 30, Rose
f Lake Township, is a son of Harlow C. and
Angeline (Sayles) Sprague, the former a
native of New York State and the latter of
Canada. They married and settled in Ionia
Co., Mich., but afterward moved 'to Indiana,
and, after a residence there for a time, to the State of
Iowa. In 187 1 they came to Osceola County and
located in Rose Lake Township, where they still re
side. Of their eight children, three are deceased, —
Sarah, Rebecca and Silas. The living are Jasper,
Francis, Amelia J., Almeria and James B.
The latter, the youngest of the family and the sub
ject pf this biographical outline, was born Feb. 24,
1862, in Lake Co., Ind., and remained with his par
ents until the present time. In the spring of 1884
he was elected Township Clerk, having served in
that capacity a short time previous to his election, by
appointment. In his views of national issues he ad
vocates the principles of the Republican party.

aniel S. Taplin, M. D., practicing physician
, and surgeon, at Reed City, was born in
Orleans Co., Vt., July 31, 1844. His par
ents, Richard and Susan (Ordway) Taplin,
were life-long residents of the Green Mountain
State. The former died Feb. 9, 1853, in Orleans
County, aged 38 years. The mother died in the same
place, in November, 1865. Five of their seven chil
dren are living, — Julia, George, Mary, Daniel and
Merrick. At the age of 22, Dr. Taplin followed the fashion
of his forefathers and bought a farm in Irasburg in his
native county. In 1870 he disposed of his landed

interests and engaged in the business of cotton manu
facturing for some years, after which he became a
student in the office of Dr. J. Conant at Great Falls,
N. H , where he read medicine preparatory to attend
ing lectures, three years. He entered Detroit Medi
cal College, and continued his studies and afterwards
entered upon his career at Manton, Mich., and prac
ticed six years. In the winter of 1879-86 he attended
the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati^ Ohio,
where he was graduated in the spring of 1880. He
established his permanent business at Reed City in
September, 1881, and has secured a fair recognition
in his profession. He is a member of the Masonic
fraternity. Dr. Taplin was married June 2, 1876, to Mary
Abbott, daughter of Sheldon and Sarah (Cawley)
Abbott, natives of Vermont, where Mrs. Taplin, the
fifth child of a family of six, was born, at Barton,
Dec. 28, 1841, and where the father is still living, at
the age of 88 years. He is an extensive farmer and
lumberman. The mother died at that place in 1853.

illiam L. Hooper, mechanical engineer
and farmer on section 28, Le Roy Town-
jjR3^p ship, was born Aug. 13, 1837. His father,
' Richard Hooper, was born in .England and
bred to the vocation of ship carpenter. , He
married Augusta Lancaster, and later emigrated
to Oxford Co., Ont. Soon after their arrival in the
Dominion of Canada their son was born. The father
became Superintendent of the Canada Ship-building
Company, in which capacity he operated many years.
He is now 84 years of age, and resides in Woodstock,
Oxford Co., Ont. The wife and mother is 80 years
old, and the pair of octogenarians are in the posses
sion of perfectly preserved faculties of mind and
body. Both grandsires of Mr. Hooper passed most
of their lives in the British naval service. His ma
ternal grandfather died from the effects of a fall from
a ladder while on duty, breaking his neck thereby.
He was 94 years of age. The mother was born on
shipboard in Plymouth Harbor, and was brought up
on the sea.
Mr. Hooper remained in the place of his nativity

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until he was 20 years of age. On the 17th of Feb
ruary, 1861, he left his home for San Francisco, Cal.,
and operated a short time as a miner in the Golden
State, but on the outbreak of the gold excitement in
British Columbia he proceeded there and entered
into a company for mining purposes ; but, the ven
ture proving unprofitable, the relation was soon dis
solved, and Mr. H°°Per engaged in the capacity of
engineer, of which he had acquired a practical knowl
edge in San Francisco, entering the employment of
J. G. Jackson, a prominent miller and lumberman of
Mendocino Co., Cal. He continued in the same
position 12 years, obtaining a large salary. Mean
while he made seven visits to his parents in Canada.
He was a prominent musician, and connected with
several brass bands. The exposure to which he was
subjected in his business resulted in a partial paraly
sis of his lower limbs, and by medical advice he de
termined to come East. May 8, 1876, he started for
the city of Philadelphia, but on reaching Ann Arbor,
Mich., the home of the parents of his wife, a change
in plans was made, and they went to Ontario. By
advice he decided to come to Northern Michigan,
and he accordingly bought 80 acres in the township
of Le Roy. The place has since been his homestead,
and from a slightly improved state when he became
its owner he has brought nearly all the acreage into a
valuable condition, having 56 acres under good cul
tivation. Dec. 27, 1883, his residence and a part of
its contents were destroyed by fire, and in its place
he has since erected a large frame house, at a cost of
$1,500. He is a Democrat in political persuasion.
Mr. Hfooper was first married in January, 1867, in
Woodstock, Ont., to Margaret Cumming. She was
born in Scotland, and died March 17, 1869, in San
Francisco, of heart disease, aged 36 years, leaving a
daughter, — Margaret A. The latter was born in
California Aug. 20, 1868, and resides with her grand
parents in Canada. She is a cultivated young lady,
and is on the eve of receiving her third diploma from
the Ontario College, which completes her course of
study. Mr. Hooper was again married, March 13, 1872,
in Dexter, Mich., to Lizzie H. Edwards. Six chil
dren- have been born of their union, — Percy W.,
Emma G-> Daisy M., Charles R., Eugene L. and
Alice E. Mrs. Hooper was born Aug. 14, 1851, in
Ann Arbor, and is the daughter of Thomas and

Louise (Kellett) Edwards. Her parents were born
in New York State, and are both deceased. She was
educated in the schools of Ann Arbor, and. is a mem
ber of the Baptist Church. Mr. Hooper was brought
up in the Church of England.

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elah G. Moulton, farmer, section 18, Rose
S Lake Township, was born in the county of
Jefferson, State of New York, on the 14th
of February, 1 846. He was brought up at
the home of his parents, and was 12 years of
age when his parents removed to this State
with their family.
At the early age of 18, Mr. Moulton demonstrated
his willingness to sacrifice his health and even life
for the support of the legitimate Government of his
country, by enlisting, Feb. 26, 1864, in the 13th
Mich. Vol. Inf., and serving honorably until the close
of the war. He then returned to Allegan Co., Mich.,
where he purchased a farm and engaged in agricul
tural pursuits. He continued there until the fall of
187 1, when he came to this county and settled upon
a quarter section of land in Rose Lake Township, of n
which he had taken possession under the provisions
of the homestead laws the previous spring. At the
present time he owns a fine farm of 320 acres, and
has almost 200 acres in a state of good cultivation.
In 1881-2 he erected a magnificent barn, 38 x 76
feet in dimensions, with a wing 32 x 64 feet. The
horse barn is 30 x 40 feet in size. In quality these
buildings are second to none in all this county.
Mr. Moulton 's business capacity and integrity have,
been attested by his election to the offices of County
Superintendent ofthe Poor for four years, Supervisor
of Rose Lake Township four years, Township Treas
urer three years, etc., etc. In respect to political
issues he is classed with the Republican party, and
in religion he, as well as his wife, is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. M.'s parents, Belah D. and Corinda J. (Walls)
Moulton, were natives ofthe Empire State, and their
children were, in order, Irving L., Belah G. and Ida
J. The subject of this sketch was married in Mar
tin Township, Allegan County, Dec. 6, 187 1, to Miss

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Mary C, daughter of Cortland B. and Clarissa (Sny
der) Smith. She was born in Otsego Co., N. Y.,
May 4, 185 1. Her father was a native of Vermont
and her mother was born in New York State. They
came to Michigan in 1854, settling in Allegan
County, locating in Rose Lake . Township, where
they now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Moulton are the
parents of seven children, namely : Forest R., Be
lah D., Charley B., Myrtle M., Earl L., Verne V.
and Harry G.

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lbert E. Sawyer, lumberman at Sawyer-
ville, Rose Lake Township, was born in
Charlemont, Franklin Co., Mass., Oct. 4,
1820, the youngest son in the family of six
children; from the age of 6 to 18 years he
lived away from home, his mother having died
when he was young. He was brought up on a farm,
and from the age of 18 to 22 he worked out in that
vocation by the month. According to his inherited
nature as a Yankee, he then struck out as a ped
dler, in which business he continued for a period of
six years. About the year 1850 he moved to Ohio
and remained in that State about two years, engaged
in the stove business. This he sold out, and came
to Michigan, locating in Wayland, Allegan County.
During the following year he was engaged in differ- ¦
ent occupations, and then he was employed by
Israel Kellogg for almost nine years, stocking the 1
mill and piling lumber. Next, he returned to the
village of Heath, in the same county, and formed a :
partnership with David Coy in the business of run
ning a steam saw-mill. Two years afterward Mr.
Coy sold out his interest in the mill to Israel Kel
logg, Mr. Sawyer's former employer at Wayland.
They continued together some two or three years,
when Mr. Kellogg made his son, J. E. Kellogg, a
present of his interest in the business. This rela
tion continued about five years, when they closed in
that county.
In 187 1 Mr. Sawyer came to Osceola County and
purchased 3,000 acres of timbered land. In the
spring of that year, in company with J. E. Kellogg,
he commenced the erection of the steam saw-mill at

" Sawyerville," named in his honor. Here they em
ploy, on an average, 40 men the year round, the
mill having a capacity of 100,000 feet of lumber
daily. In 1872 they also built a tram road from
Sawyerville to LeRoy, for the purpose of conveying
their lumber to the railroad. In the fall of the same
year, Mr. Sawyer erected a fine residence, which he
has since occupied. When he located his mill here,
not a stump was to be seen between Sawyerville and
Le Roy. He cut the way through in order to get in
his boilers and heavy machinery for the mill. Dur
ing the winter seasons they put in large numbers of
logs, sometimes exceeding 10,000,000 feet. In their
work they have 50 horses and oxen. They also own
two stores, one at Sawyerville and one at Le Roy,
where they have art extensive trade.
In politics Mr. S. is a staunch Republican.
His parents, Elias and Harriet (Williams) Sawyer,
were natives of Massachusetts, married in Charle
mont, and resided there during their lives, the father
a carpenter and joiner by trade. They had six
children, namely, Ellsworth, Ethan, Charles, Emily,
Albert E. and Persis.
Mr. Sawyer was married in June, 1861, to Ann
Ritchey, of Martin, Allegan Co., Mich. They have
five children, — Mary Jane, Willard W., Alice, Isa
bella and Albert B.
In the portrait of Mr. Sawyer, on the opposite!
page, the Portrait and Biographical Album of
Osceola County has the likeness of a representa
tive lumberman of Northern Michigan. The works
at Sawyerville, of which he is the proprietor, present
a fine picture of the extent and merits of the lumber
business. A series of photographs taken on the
premises, contain views worthy of permanent repro
duction in oil.

l^harles M. Pierson, farmer, section 31, in
Hersey Township, was born March 6,
l^?s v 1855, at Pierson, Montcalm Co., Mich.,
where his parents, George M. and Nancy E.
(Peck) Pierson, are now living. They have
been residents of Montcalm County since the
fall of T854, when they removed there from the State
of New York, and made a home in the depths of a 1

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wilderness, so unbroken and new that they were
obliged to cut their road to their location from the
main route of travel for several miles. The father
was twice married and has three children by his first
wife, viz.: Theodore M., Florello J. and George J.
Charles M., Thomas P., Mary E., Albert L. and
Minnie L. are the children ofthe second marriage.
Mr. Pierson is the eldest of the children born of'
the second marriage and remained under his father's
care until he was of age, when, in 1876, he came to
Hersey Township and bought 116 acres of land of
the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Company.
He has improved about 33 acres and erected a good
farm house, and is rapidly establishing his property
in the most desirable condition. Mr. Pierson is a
Democrat in political sentiment.
He was married Dec. 25, 1877, to Eva E. Hast
ings, and they have two children, — George E., born
Aug. 17, 1882, and Grace E., born June 19, 1884.
Mrs. Pierson was born April 27, 1856, in St. Law
rence Co., N. Y., and is the daughter of Edward H.
and Mary E. (Streeter) Hastings, who are now resi
dents of Lakeview, Montcalm Co., Mich. Their chil
dren — Eva E., Etta A. (see sketch of F. T. Turner),
Ethan E. and Ina May — are all living.

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ilhelm Blank, dealer in dry goods, grocer
ies, boots and shoes, flour, feed, corn, oats,
, 1 lath, shingles, lime, cement and other
building materials; also wines, liquors, beer,
tobacco and cigars, at Reed City. He was
-._, born May 20, 1845, in Natzton, Germany. He
was a herder and farmer in his native country, and
emigrated in 1868 to the United States. He passed
the first two months after his arrival on this con
tinent in Baltimore, coming thence to a locality
in the vicinity of Chicago, tarrying there but a brief
time, and proceeding to Wisconsin, 'and eventually
to Michigan. He went to Morley, Mecosta County,
engaged in railroad construction, from May,
to 1870. In 1870 he came to Reed City, and
une, 187 1, opened a saloon which he conducted
1874, when he added the balance of the stock,

the entire catalogue representing a value of about
$6,000. Mr. Blank was an early comer to Reed City, and
in company with E. Trout bought a railroad shanty,
which they managed jointly six months, since which
time Mr. Blank has operated alone. He also owns,
besides his store, 1 60 acres of land near Reed City,
and two houses and lots in the city.
His marriage to Bertha Kuehl occurred Jan. 19,
1875, at Reed City, and they have two children:
Charles, born Nov. 15, 1876, and William, born
March 11, 1878. Mrs. Blank was born in Germany,
Jan. 16, 1848.

"ohn Riggs, farmer, section 22, Le Roy
Township, was born Feb. 14, 1834, in
Bourbon Co., Ky. His father was of New
England parentage and of English lineage,
was a mechanic in Kentucky and in 1840 re
moved his family to Shelby County and later
to Mercer Co., Ohio. The mother, Rachel (Plum-
mer) Riggs, was born in 1805, and is a descendant
from genuine "Blue-Grass " ancestry. She resides
with her daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth J. Bailey, in Le
Roy village.
Mr. Riggs was a child of six years when his par
ents moved to the Buckeye State, where they resided
for a time in Pickway, Shelby County. After the
death of his father, he succeeded to the cares and
responsibilities of the family, being the oldest of
three children left fatherless, and has since cared
principally for his widowed mother.
He was married in Auglaize Co., Ohio, to Sarah
A. Bennett. She was born in Shelby County, and
reared there and in the county where she was mar
ried. Her parents were well-to-do farmers in the
Buckeye State. Eight children have been born to
herself and husband, four of whom are deceased —
Elizabeth, Thomas G., an infant and Rachel. Those
surviving are Permelia F., Emma A., Ida F. and
Martha J.
After marriage Mr. Riggs followed the trade of a
shoemaker until the folly of the Southern States cul
minated in armed rebellion, and he entered the

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army before the war had passed through the first
year of its existence. He enlisted March 22, 1862,
in the 57th Ohio Inf., Co. C, and the regiment was
attached to the command of General Sherman. He
was a sharer of the chances of war in some of the
most hotly contested battles in which the corps of
General Sherman was involved and was wounded
June 22, 1864, at Kenesaw Mountain, receiving a
gunshot wound in the left eye. He remained in a
hospital until the close of the war. "After receiving
his discharge he resumed his trade at Coldwater,
Mercer Co., Ohio, remaining there until the date of
his removal to Michigan. In 1869 he came to Paris,
Mecosta County, where he worked as a shoemaker a
few years, coming meanwhile to this township and
county, where he located the farm on which he now
resides, and of which he took possession in 1870. He
owns 80 acres of land, of which he has improved all
but 10 acres, and placed it in fine farming condition.
He adheres to inflexible Republican principles in
his political views. He has been Justice of the
Peace and has also discharged the duties of minor
official positions.
The family are members of the Methodist Episco
pal Church.

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Sylvester Bowker, a farmer on section 32,
' Rose Lake Township, was born in Cayuga
f§pW*Co., N. Y., on the fourth day of February,
in the year 1847. He received a common-school
education and remained in his native State
until 1867, when he came to Barry Co., Mich.
Residing there until the spring of 1869, he came to
this county and homesteaded 80 acres of land in
Rose Lake Township, where he has since made it
his residence. He now owns 120 acres of land, and
^. has 74 acres ofthe same in a fair state of cultiva
tion. He thus has a very fine farm, for this pioneer
country. Mr. Bowker has been entrusted with, public office
of some responsibility, having been School Director,
Overseer of Highways, Vice President and Director
of the Osceola, Lake and Wexford Farmers' Mutual
Insurance Company. $£  Q-A^>|]fl

The marriage of Mr. Bowker to Miss Carrie Brog
den took place Feb. 6, 1867, in Cayuga Co., N. Y.
She was the daughter of Abraham and Catherine
(Gay) Brogden, and was born in Cortland Co., N. Y.,
July 16, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. B. now have two chil
dren, namely, Katie S. and Clifton. The parents are
members of the Methodist Episcopal, Church, and
Mr. B., in his principles of national government, is a
Democrat. His parents, Jefferson and Sophronia (Henderson)
Bowker, were natives of the State of New York, and
married and settled in Tompkins County, that State.
The former died in Cayuga County, in the Empire
State, in 1857, and the latter is still living.

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orton B. Peck, dentist at Reed City, was
born Dec. 8, 1828, in the township of But
ler, Wayne Co., N. Y. Horace Peck, his
father, was born May 24, 1789, in Connecticut,
and died in Butlerj Nov. 15, 1865, aged 77
years. His mother, Anna (Burch) Peck, was
born April 1, 1793, in Washington Co., N. Y., and
died in August, 1878, in Butler. They had nine
children. Mr. Peck learned the jeweler's business when he
was 17 years of age, and after completing his term
of service went to the academy at Clyde, Wayne Co.,
N. Y., and spent a year there as a student. On the
termination of his studies he engaged as a salesman
in a drug store, where he was occupied six months.
In November, 1848, he began to prepare for his pro
fession, and after five years of practice he opened an
office at Wolcott, Wayne Co., N. Y., pursuing den
tistry there 13 years. He went thence to South
Butler, in the same county, and operated there
jointly in the drug business and as a dentist. In
August, 1866, he came to Lowell, Kent Co., Mich.,
and entered upon his profession of practical dentist,
operating at that point six years. He moved to
Middleville, remaining six months, going thence to
Caledonia and entering the drug business. He set
tled at Reed City in 1875. His office was the first
in the line of dentistry established at that point, and

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Dr. Peck has succeeded in establishing a first-class
trade. Dr. Peck is a charter member of the first lodges of
Masons and Odd Fellows at Reed City. He was
Town Clerk in the township of Butler, Wayne
County, and has officiated two years as Treasurer of
Reed City. His marriage to Phebe J. Calkins oc
curred April 20, 1854, in Westbury, Wayne Co., N.
Y. Mrs. Peck was born Feb. 4, 1835, in Butler
Township. The family includes five children :
Annie J., born in Wolcott, N. Y., March 22, 1857,
married Cornelius Crawford, a druggist in Caledonia,
Kent Co., Mich.; Nathaniel W. was born Aug. 28,
1859, in Wolcott, N. Y., and is a jeweler at Reed
City; Bethiah C, born July 15, 1864, in Wolcott,
N. Y., married Clark Williams, of Reed City, baggage
master in the employment of the Grand Rapids &
Indiana Railroad " corporation ; Sarah C. was bora
April n, 1867, in Lowell, Mich.; Fred L., born May
16, 1872, in Lowell, is the youngest child.

rank T. Turner, farmer, section 29, Her-
C sey Township, was born Aug. 27, 1852, in
'" in Foxcroft Township, Piscataquis Co.,
Maine. His parents, Bradman A. and Fidelia
Turner, are natives of Maine and still reside in
the county above named. They have four
sons,— Charles P., Frank T., Walter L. and George
A., all of whom are living.
Mr. Turner passed the years ofhis minority on his
father's farm. In the fall of 1872 he came to Mich
igan and worked two winters in the lumber woods,
after which he returned to his native State, where he
operated as a farm assistant by the month, nearly
two years. In March, T875, he came to Detroit,
going thence after a brief stay to Montcalm County,
where he operated the winter subsequent in the lum
ber woods. In March following, he engaged in farm
ing in the same county, becoming interested also in
lumbering in its various branches.
He came to Hersey Township in the spring of
1881 and purchased the property on which he has
established his homestead. It comprised 40 acres of
land in a wholly wild condition, of which he has

cleared and improved T5 acres. Mr. Turner is ^f
present Township Treasurer (1884), in which position a^
he is serving his second term. He is also School »fc
Assessor. He was married June 3, 1878, to Etta A. Hastings, iC
and they have one child — Ethan Altan — born May
12, 1882. Mrs. Turner was born Jan. 15, i860, in
St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., and is the daughter of Ed
ward H. and Mary E. (Streeter) Hastings. They are
residents of Montcalm County and are the par
ents of four children. Mr. Hastings was born in
Vermont;- his wife is a native of St. Lawrence Co.,
N. Y.
Mr. Turner ' is a Republican in political opinion,
and, with his wife, is a member of the Methodist
Church.

oren Blanchard, farmer, resident on section
32, Hersey Township, was born Jan. 27,
1 83 1, in the town and county of Onon
daga, N. Y. His father was English by de
scent, and was a farmer all his life and married
Susan Fellows, of New England origin.
Mr. Blanchard was a resident of Onondaga until
he attained to man's estatje, when he bought a farm
in Marcellus Township. Four years later he sold
the place and returned to his native town, became a
land-holder and lived there nearly seven years. In
the spring of 186 1 he bought 160 acres of land in
Washtenaw Co., Mich. In 1867 he sold the place
and removed to Ann Arbor to obtain better educa
tional advantages for his children. A year later he
returned to the neighborhood whence he had re
moved, and bought a farm which he occupied seven
years. In the spring of 1877 he came to Hersey
Township, whefe he made a permanent location.
He was in financial difficulties when he came to Os
ceola County, and he bought his farm, teams and
cows on time, relying on energy and industry to en
able him to overcome his indebtedness, which he has
accomplished, and has added 80 acres to his pos
sessions in company with his son Arthur.
Mr. Blanchard was married in the fall of 1 85 2 to
Esther Marsh. She was born Jan. 5, 1833. They
have three children: Augusta M., born Aug. 24,
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1853; Arthur J. (see sketch); Irving B., born Sept.
3, i860. Mrs. Blanchard is the adopted daughter of
Ebenezer and Rebecca Carr. The former died in
Manlius; N. Y. ; the latter died in 1878, in Washte
naw Co., Mich. Mr. Blanchard is a Republican,
and, with his wife, is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.

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H^avid G. Mason, deceased, formerly a farmer
on section 32, Richmond Township, was
ifff-^ bom 0ct* i2' i82g' in Essex c°'N- Y-
TOt He married Sally Fairbanks and settled in
¦fc Chautauqua County, in the Empire State.
Later he removed to Pennsylvania, and came
thence in the spring of 1877 to Osceola County. He
purchased 80 acres of land on which he operated
until his death. Three children constitute the issue
of his first marriage, — Frank A., Flora and an infant
who received the name of the surviving sister, and
who died in extreme infancy. The mother died in
Chautauqua County, and Mr. Mason subsequently
married Christina Albord, a resident of the same
county. Two children — Lynn A. and Alice M. —
were born to them.
Mr. Mason was an influential and leading citizen
of Richmond Township, where he was an early set
tler in the history of the township. He died March
4, 1884, and ten days later was followed by his wife,
who died March 14, 1

fohn Johnson, farmer, section 27, Le Roy
Township, was born Nov. 6, 1844, in Wex-
shire, Sweden. His father, John Johnson,
senior, is living in the same place in the "old
country," and is 85 years of age. His mother,
Augra (Guhands) Johnson, has attained the
same age. They have been farmers all their lives
and reared their sons to the same calling.
Mr. Johnson became self-sustaining when he was

12 years old. He came to the United States with a
brother. They made their first stop at Muskegon,
where they were employed in a saw-mill ; they went
thence to Grand Rapids and found employment as
laborers in the construction of a railroad. They
made their way next to Indiana and from there to
Illinois, where they labored together on the Green
River Canal. They returned to Grand Rapids,
where they operated a year, and in 1869 purchased
80 acres of land of the Grand Rapids & Indiana
Railroad Company together. They purchased 80
acres additional at a later date, of which they are
still the joint owners, and which is in excellent
farming condition, with fine buildings, including a
valuable residence.
Mr. Johnson was married Dec. 19, 1877, at Le
Roy, to Johanna Carlyle, and they have three chil
dren, — Johanna E., Charles A. and Amanda. The
mother was born in Sweden, Oct. 13, 1859. Her
parents were farmers in that country and in 1870
emigrated with their family to the United States, lo
cating in Illinois. They became residents of Le Roy
Township in 1873.
Mr. Johnson is a Republican in political faith and
principles and sustains the issues of that element.
He and his wife belong to the Lutheran Church.

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arren S. Denniston, farmer, section 32,
Hersey Township, was born Oct. 8, 1854,
in Eckford Township, Calhoun Co., Mich.
His parents, Samuel and Rosanna (Fenton)
Denniston, are members of the community of
farmers in Eckford Township, Calhoun County.
His father was born on Grand Island in the Niagara
River, and is about 65 years of age. His mother is
55 years old. They had eight children, — Alice,
John M., Warren S., Asahel A., Rosanna (deceased),
Mary, Emory (deceased) and Elmer.
Mr. Denniston was married in 1874, when he was
20 years of age, and remained at home until he at
tained his majority. On reaching that period he as
sumed the management of his father's farm, which
he conducted two years. In 1877 he purchased a
small tract of land, on which he resided about 1"

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months. At the expiration of that time he sold his
home and again became interested in the manage
ment of the family homestead, continuing to operate
thereon two years, when, in December, 1880, he came
to his present location in Osceola County. He
bought 40 acres, which included 10 acres already
chopped, three acres logged and without buildings.
He erected a log domicile in which he resided one
year, and it is now utilized as a hen-house. Within
the short time he has been a resident of the place he
has placed 36 acres under thorough cultivation, doing
nearly all the necessary work himself. He is a Re
publican in political faith and action.
Mr. Denniston was married July 20, 1874, to Elva
F. Hart. Two children have been born td them, —
Melinda S., April 12, 1875, in Walton Township,
Eaton Co., Mich., and Ora L., June 19, 1884, in
Hersey Township. Mrs. Denniston was born Nov.
c) 5> 1^S4> m Walton, and is the daughter of William
, and Judith A. (Stone) Hart, the former of whom was
born Dec. 10, 1814, and the latter in 1820, — both in
the State of New York. They died near. Olivet,
Eaton Co., Mich. The children of Mr. and Mrs.
Denniston were born in the order here named : Ada
M., Alanson M. (deceased), Eber D., Carrie, Elva F.
and Eunice A.

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[nson Berger, farmer, section 34, Richmond
' Township, was born Oct. 13, 1835, in Ger
many, and is the son of John and Catherine
Berger. The parents emigrated to the United
States from Germany, and settled in Wayne
Co., N. Y.; where the mother died in 1861, and
where the father still resides, aged 84 years. They
had a family of eight children.
Mr. Berger is the youngest son, and wasin infancy
when his parents became residents of the State of
New York. He has lived in Osceola County since
1856, when he bought 80 acres of land in Richmond
Township. His farm now includes 85 acres, of which
all but 20 acres is in tillage. Mr. Berger is politically
identified with the Republican party. He has been
Constable three years, besides having officiated as
School Assessor and Overseer of Highways.

He was married in the township of Richmond, July
24, 1859, to Nancy M. Robbins. Their children are
eight in number, — Anna L., Carrie J., Etta V., Eva-
line K, Ada R., Franklin H., Leona M. and Nina M.
The first daughter is the wife of James W. Gregg, of
Pennsylvania. Carrie married Clarence A. Whitney,
and lives at Duluth, Minn. Mrs. Berger was born
Dec. 8, 1840, in Potter Co., Pa., and is the daughter
J. G. Robbins. (See sketch.) Mr. and Mrs. Berger
are the first couple married in Osceola County.

*-*

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| eter Gunkel, farmer, section 22, Le Roy
(! Township, was born May 25, 1830, in
HS*^ Prussia. He obtained the education re
quired by the laws of his country, remaining at
school until 14, when he was apprenticed to
acquire the blacksmith's trade, serving nine
years and six months. He afterward entered the
German army and was in the military service three
years. In 1856 he came to this continent, locating
in Hamburg, Ont. In May, 1857, he was married,
in Ontario, to Mrs. Catherine (Bentley) Bender. She
was born in Hesse Darmstadt Aug. 2, 1S32, and
came to the American continent when 14, her father's
family locating in the Dominion of Canada. Her
first husband died there about 1855, leaving her with
one child, Katie. Six children have been born of
her second marriage, namely: Caroline, Oct. 25,
1859; August, July 5, 1861; Minnie, Feb. 28, 1863;
Charles, Nov. 26, 1865; Eliza, Sept. 12, 1875; John,
born Nov. 25, 1865, died Oct. 14, 1883.
After his marriage Mr. Gunkel followed his trade
in Ontario until 1869, the year in which he removed
his family to Michigan. He was a pioneer settler in
Le Roy Township, locating a homestead claim on
which he has since been resident. The period in
which he became a citizen of the township was one
of the severest in point of hardship for the settlers in
the early history of Osceola County. There was no
work to be had. For weeks, no salt could be ob
tained, and often there was no bread. Sometimes a
few potatoes could be procured, and only the abund
ant wild game in the forest prevented general suffer
ing from actual starvation, which for a long period

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

301

was imminent. Mr. Gunkel succeeded in keeping
" the wolf from the door," and as his family main
tained good health he weathered the season of priva
tion. His farm is in excellent condition, with good
and suitable farm buildings.
Mr. Gunkel is a Republican of the genuine stamp,
realizing the full value of republican institutions to
this generation. He has educated his children, and
his family are honored and respected, as they de
serve. The parents are members of the Lutheran
Church.

j_S_3£_K rank A. Mason, farmer on section 32,
,, Richmond Township, is the son of David
" G. and Sally (Fairbanks) Mason. (See
sketch of D. G. Mason.) He was born Jan. 16,
185 1, in Chautauqua Co., N. Y. He attended
the schools of his native county until he was 13
years of age, and since that time he has been actively
engaged in agricultural pursuits, working as a lum
berman in the seasoms of that business. He owns
40 acres in Mecosta County, including 15 acres of
improved land. In political faith and connection he
is an adherent ofthe Republican party.
He was married June 10, 1876, at Big Rapids, to
Cynthia, daughter of Abner Joslin. She was born in
Pennsylvania, Aug. 3, 1844.

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||.enry L. Watson, Secretary and member of
||~ the Ashton Lumber Company, located at
Dewing's Station, Le Roy Township, was
born April 9, 1857, in Onondaga Co., N. Y.
His father, John Watson, was a descendant
from New England ancestry and was born in
New York. He came thence with his family to
Grand Ledge, Mich., where he was extensively en
gaged in lumbering. His mother, Rebecca J. (Lee)
Watson, is also a native of the Empire State, and
both parents are now resident at this place.
Mr. Watson was 10 years of age when his father

transferred his family and interests to Michigan,
where they settled in Eaton County, in the vicinity
of Lansing. Thence they went later to Grand Ledge,
where Mr. Watson completed his education. When
he was 19 years of age he became self-sustaining and
engaged as a saw-mill assistant in Ashland Town
ship, Newaygo County. He went thence to Baldwin,
Lake County, where he engaged in teaching in the
public schools. Eventually he engaged with Dewing
& Sons in the lumber business at Baldwin, their in
terests being transferred to Le Roy Township, this
county, in the fall of 1880. In the spring of 1883
the Ashton Lumber Company was organized, of which
Mr. Watson was made Secretary, holding equal shares
in the profits of the business. Since the organization,
he has acted as resident manager. He is an adher
ent of the Republican party, and is Justice of the
Peace. He was married Sept. 23, 1877, at Grand Ledge,
to Myra J. Lamson, and they have three children, —
Edward H., Flora E. and Lee. The parents of Mrs.
Watson, Henry and Harriet (Robinson) Lamson,
were born respectively in Vermont and New York,
and were farmers. The father is deceased. Mrs.
Watson was born June 11, 1858, in Grand Ledge,
where she was reared to womanhood.

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eter A. Auer, Clerk in the Second Comp
troller's Office in the Treasury Department
^ at Washington, D. C, was born April 15,
849, on the Rhine, Prussia. His parents,
¦.li^ John H. and Maria Auer, are natives of Prus- .
sia, and removed with their family in 1853 to
the city of New York, and afterwards resided suc
cessively in Schenectady, Perry, Moscow and Mount
Morris, in the Empire State, where his father pursued
the business of tailor, later removing to Almont,
Mich., and afterwards to Reed City. (See sketch of
J. H. Auer.)
Mr. Auer was carefully educated, and at 17 be
came a clerk in Almont. He attended school after a
year's service in that calling, and continued his
studies a similar period. In 1868 he interested him- 1
self in insurance business, in which he operated two ,

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302

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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years. In 1870 he engaged in teaching, in which he
was occupied two years. In October, 1872, he came
to Reed City and entered upon th.e pursuit of the
same calling; also for a year was Deputy Postmaster.
He obtained a position as Clerk in the Treasury De
partment at the National Capital, and attended the
Law Department of the Columbian University, where
he was graduated, in the spring of 1877. Since that
date he has discharged the duties of his position in
the Department, and at intervals has practiced as an
attorney. Mr. Auer was married in 1875, to Emma L. Pat
terson, daughter of J. Q. Patterson, of Reed City.
(See sketch of J. Q. Patterson.) Mr. and Mrs. Auer
have two children, namely: Harry, born May 10,
1878, and Nellie, born April 19, 1881.
In March, 1882, Mr. Auer was admitted to practice
in the Supreme Court of the United States, and is also
qualified to practice in the Circuit Courts of Mich
igan, to which privilege he was admitted at Hersey.
He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging
to the Blue Lodge and Chapter.

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lliamuel A. Wells, a farmer on section 32 of
Rose Lake Township, was born in Fayette
Co., Ind., June 17, 1844. Until 1870 he
lived in his native State, except what time he
was in the-army. He enlisted in August, 1862,
in the 75th Ind. Reg. Vol. Inf., served three
years and came home unharmed. In the year 1870
he came to Osceola County and " took up " 160 acres
of valuable land in Rose Lake Township, under the
special act of Congress relating to lands for soldiers.
Here he settled and has since lived, having 50 acres
improved and in good tillable condition.
He was married in Huntington Co., Ind., to Lydia
J. Shields, a native of that State, and they have one
child, Mary Alice. Mr. Wells' parents, John and
Susanna Wells, were natives of North Carolina, who
married and settled in the State of Indiana. While
working in a well, Mr. W. received injuries from
which he died. Mrs. W., his widow, is still living.

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ill L. Beardsley, shingle-maker, resident
in Hersey, mills on section 29, Cedar
|25JL " Township, was born Aug; 21, 1842, in
vf Albany, N. Y. He is the son of Leonard
"N and Gertrude (Lamphier) Beardsley. His
father was a merchant in Albany and died there
in 1852. Both parents were natives of the State of
New York. The mother is" still living, in Cannons-
burg, Kent Co., Mich. She was born in August,
7824, and has beep the mother of three children.
One daughter, Catherine C, is living; another
daughter, Carrie, is deceased.
Mr. Beardsley came with his mother when 11
years of age, in 1853, the year succeeding the death
ofhis father, to Grand Rapids, removing the follow
ing year to Cannonsburg. His mother bought a
farm and established thereon a mill for carding wool,
in which pursuit, combined with farming, Mr. Beards
ley was engaged about seven years. Within the
first year ofthe war he enlisted, in Co. H, 21st Mich.
Inf. The regiment was assigned to the Third Brig
ade, Second Division and in the corps of General
McCook, attached to the Western Army. Among
the most important battles in which he was under
fire were those of Perryville, Chattanooga, Chicka
mauga and Lookout Mountain. He was in service
throughout the war and received an honorable dis
charge in May, 1865. He returned to Cannonsburg
and resumed the occupations of former years. In
1866 he began to operate as a land locater in the
northeastern part of Michigan, in which he met with
success until the financial stringency of 1873, which
terminated his labors in that direction. He engaged
a year in farming, and in 1875 he opened a mercan
tile enterprise at Ada, Kent County. He sold his
business at the end of a year and became interested
in lumbering at a point 15 miles north of Grand

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Mr. Wells, the subject of this sketch, has been y&
honored with the public offices of Highway Commis- f}
sioner, Justice of the Peace and School Assessor. In
political matters he sympathizes with the Repub
licans. \

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V Rapids. Four years later he erected a steam
' shingle-mill at the same point, where he operated a
year, removing the mill thence in 1880 to Cedar
Township, where it is still operating. The business
(bi is prosperous and bids fair to be a permanency.
Mr. Beardsley is a Republican in political princi
ple and action. He served four years as Township
Clerk while resident in Cannonsburg.
He was married Jan. 1, 1868, to Victoria Bell Liv
ingston, and they have four children, viz.: Orlo M.,
Adazell, Ella Bell and Retta M. Mrs. Beardsley
was born Sept. 16, 1848, in , Canada, and is the
daughter of John and Malinda (Woods) Livingston.
Her parents died in Richmond, Ont. Their other
children were named as follows : Nancy M. (de
ceased), Sarah, Carrie E., Happy L., Ada, Harvey
and John V.

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avid M. Tillman, farmer, section 33, Rich-
s mond Township, was born Feb. 13, 1852,
"1 Allen Co, Ind. John Tillman, his

father, was born in Pennsylvania and married
Sarah Gastleman, a native of Ohio. After their
marriage they settled in Allen County, and are
now resident there. In their family have been six
children, — Delilah, David, John, Margaret, Henry
and a child that died in infancy.
Mr. Tillman of this personal account is the, oldest
son. He studied in the public schools until he was
nearly 20 years of age, when he became a student in
the Normal School at Valparaiso, in his native State.
At the age of 23, in 1877, he came to Osceola Coun
ty. He worked as a farm laborer by the month a
short time, when he rented a farm, which he con
tinued to manage two years. In the summer of 1 882
he bought the farm which now constitutes his home
stead, and which contains 80 acres of land. It was
under some improvements, and at this writing — two
years later — 50 acres ofthe place are subject to the
plow. Mr. Tillman is in affiliation with the Demo
cratic party and its issues. He has officiated as
School Director of the District in which he resides.
He was married Sept. 2, 1877, in Richmond Town

ship, to Ida M. Noyer, and their two children were
born as follows: Lee C, Sept. 28, 1880, and Fred
erick E., May 21, T883. Isaac J. and Catherine
(Ole) Noyer, the parents of Mrs. Tillman, were na
tives of Pennsylvania. She was born May 4, i860,
in Randolph Co., Ind.

*^_M__B_s* Ifndrew H. Brandow, lumberman and dealer
\t in real estate at Evart, was born April 5,
b',W^ l846> in Green Co> N- Y- His fatlier>
John H. Brandow, was in early life a farmer
1^* He was born in Greene Co., N. Y., Feb. 24,
I 1820, and was married June 8, 1844, to Abi
gail Hornbeck, a native of Sullivan Co., N. Y., born
Feb. 28, 1824. Andrew H. is the oldest of their
children; Eli is a farmer in Hartwick Township;
Nelson A. operates at Muskegon in the interests of
William A. Daugherty, buying timber and logs;
William B. died when 20 months old.
In March, i860, the family came to Newaygo Co.,
Mich., where the father engaged in lumbering, and
in 1865 formed a partnership with his son, in the
prosecution of lumbering interests. He is now re
tired and resides on a valuable farm comprising 120
acres in Croton Township, Newaygo Co., Mich.
In 1868 Mr. Brandow closed his business rela
tions with his father and came to Osceola County,
embarking as a contractor, putting in logs in the in
terest of non-residents, in which he operated ex
tensively, the " put " amounting some years to 15,-
000,000 feet. He was considered the heaviest
operator for his age on the Muskegon at that date.
He formed a partnership with John A. Bell, which
was in existence and operative about seven years.
At the same time he owned a half interest in, a saw
mill at Evart, associated with W. A. Wightman, and
also owned a shingle-mill located four miles north of
Evart in Osceola Township. His real-estate pro
prietorship includes about 7,000 acres, a third of
which is in pine timber. He owns a valuable farm
in Algoma Township, Kent County, which is included
in the limits of the village of Rockford, and is the

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

proprietor of a farm of 80 acres in Missaukee Co.,
Mich. In 1883 he formed a business association with
Stephen F. Dexter, which continued one year. In
addition to his more important occupations, he deals
in all variety of lumber products.
He is a member of the Order of Masonry.
Mr. Brandow was married June 13, 187 1, in Rock-
ford, Kent County, to Mary A. Pierson. They have
had one child, Arthur C, born April 10, 1874, in
Evart, and died Aug. 8, of the same year. Mrs.
Brandow is the daughter of Aaron B. and Clarissa
M. Pierson, and was born Nov. 25, 1852, in the State
of New York.
The portrait of Mr. Brandow, accompanying this
sketch, deservedly embellishes this Album, being
that of a representative business man of this enter
prising county.

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ngus McKay, farmer, section 28, Hersey
f Township, is the proprietor of 200 acres of
Jgg*? *» land where his homestead is located, on
which he settled in March, 1882. The farm
was in a wild condition with the exception of
a small "slashing." He was born Sept. 1,
1854, in Oxford, Ontario Co., Ont., and is the son of
William and Christina (Graham) McKay. His
father was a soldier in the British Arrqy and belonged
to the 93d Highlanders, and after his removal from
Scotland, his native country, to the Dominion of
Canada, he was appointed a militia Captain. He
died Jan. 4, 1868, in East Zorra, Oxford Co., Ont.,
at the age of 75 years. The mother is a native of
Scotland and resides on the homestead in Ontario.
Mr. McKay was educated in the common schools
of Canada, and was reared on a farm. After reach
ing his majority he managed a portion of his father's
farm, which had been divided into shares. In March,
1882, he sold his interest and came to Hersey Town
ship. He has cleared and otherwise improved 32
acres of his farm. He is a Republican in political
sentiment and action. His marriage took place Jan.
16, 1878, to Anna McKay, and they are now the
parents of two children, — Agnes M., born May 18,

1880, and George A., June 4, 1882. Mrs. McKay
was born Sept. 19, 1856, in Oxford Co., Ont. Her
parents, Alexander and Dorothy (McDonald) McKay,
were residents of West Zorra, where the father died
Feb. 4, 1 88 1 ; the demise ofthe mother occurred in
May, 1863. They had five sons and six daughters,
all of whom are living.

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obert W. Hall, hardware merchant at Her
sey, was born Oct. 20, 1853, in Oxford Co.,
'W& Ont., and is the son of William and Mary
iXy (Pavey) Hall. His father was a native of
England, and after his emigration from the
land of his birth he was a farmer in the Do
minion of Canada, where he died about i860.
Mr. Hall became an assistant in a mercantile es
tablishment at Bell's Corners, on the Ottawa River,
in Canada, where he operated three years, subse
quently passing three years as a farm laborer. In
August, 1874, he came to Michigan, and operated
two years as a lumberman in Osceola County, after
which, in company with his brother John, he opened
a store for the sale of general hardware merchandise,
which they managed jointly five years. At the end
of that time Mr. Hall became the sole owner by pur
chase, and has since continued its management
singly. His stock of stoves, ranges, agricultural im
plements, etc., averages about $5,000. He makes a
specialty of the sale of Jewel stoves, deals in spout
ing and other building fixtures, and manages a fully
equipped repair shop. In 1880 he started a furni
ture store, associated with H. T. Lewis. They were
burned out in March, 1884, sustaining a loss of
$1,000. Mr. Hall has established a small furniture
and undertaking business over his hardware store,
and is doing a satisfactory business. In 1881 he
opened a harness shop, which is constantly stocked
with an assortment of all goods common to similar
establishments. In 1884, with John H. Manning,
he bought a saw and shingle mill in Hersey, with a
capacity for the daily manufacture of 40,000 feet of
lumber and 35,000 shingles, and requiring the assist
ance of 35 men. During the season he has a thresh-

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OSCEOLA COUNTY:

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in charge of a competent manager. Mr. Hall owns
his residence and two lots therewith, and three other
village lots; also 160 acres of pine land in Cedar
Township. He is a member of the Masonic frater
nity, — Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery. He
is also an Odd Fellow. He has officiated two years
as Village Councilman, and is present President of
Hersey village. He was Treasurer of Richmond
Township two years.
Mr. Hall's marriage to Maggie Beers occurred Jan.
2, 1882, in Baldwin, Lake Co., Mich., and they have
one son, William, born June 4, 1884. Mrs. Hall is
the adopted daughter of Dr. Beers, who died near
Hersey in 1878. She was born in Portland, Mich.,
in 1862.

^aniel W. Gould, farmer, section 8, High
land Township, was born July 13, 1843, in
the State of New York. His parents went
when he was six months old to Stark Co.,
Ohio, and four years later removed to Calhoun
Co., Mich. His father, Rev. Joseph Gould, was
for a long period of years a minister in the Baptist
Church. After growing old in the exercise of his
parochial efforts, he retired, and at the time of his
death was an inmate of the family of his son, James
Gould, at Kalamazoo. He died in 1876, aged 86
years. Abigail Gould, the mother of Daniel W., was
bom in New England and was of English descent.
She died in Athens Township, Calhoun Co., Mich.,
April 2, 1 86 1, aged 65 years.
Mr. Gould is the youngest of four children born to
his parents, and he was under parental control and
attended school until the age of 18 years.
He entered the army of the Union during the first
year of the Civil War, enlisting July 28, 1861, in the
44th 111. Vol. Inf., enrolling in Co. H. The regi
ment was commanded by Colonel Noblesdoffs, and
was assigned to the Army of the West. Mr. Gould
was in six different campaigns and 36 battles, among
them Pea Ridge, Farmington, Perryville, Stone River,
Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Resaca and others of
equal importance. He was present at the siege of
Murfreesboro, Jonesboro and Franklin. At the last

he received a gunshot wound in the left side, which
inflicted permanent injury. He escaped capture by
the rebels and was mustered out of service at Gal
veston, Texas, in September, 1865, after a period of
active military service including four years and two
months. He returned, after his discharge, to Athens
Township, Mich., and became a farmer, pursuing
that profession there two years. He set out for Os
ceola County in September, 1867, and entered the
papers securing a homestead claim of 160 acres of
land in Highland, — the second settler who came into
the township, — and made a permanent location. The
stillness and qaiet of the unbroken forest pervaded
the entire surroundings, and he set himself vigor
ously to the task of converting the wilderness into a
home. He has since sold 80 acres, and has about
seven-eighths of the remainder under improvements.
Mr. Gould is a Republican and true to the princi
ples for which he braved the fate of war. He has
been Highway Commissioner and Treasurer of his
Township. His marriage to Jane Teal occurred July 3, 1865,
in Battle Creek, and they are the parents of three
children, — Edith, Frank and Jennie. Mrs. Gould
was born in September, 1845, in Jefferson Co., N. Y.
Her father has been deceased some years. Her
mother resides in this township. Mrs. Gould came
to Michigan in 1861. She and her husband belong
to the Baptist Church, of which society Mr. Gould is
Clerk.

ohn B. Byers, farmer, section 36, Burdell
Township, was born April 29, 1838, in Ba
varia. At the age of eight years he found
himself thrown on his own resources, and he
earned his own living thenceforward as well
as he could, until his marriage, which occurred
21, 1 85 1, to Wealthy Bigameyer. They have
nine children, — Henry, Mary, William, John,
Charles, Anna, Ella, Frank and Della. The mother
was born June 21, 1831, in Bavaria.
Two years after marriage Mr. Byers came to
America. He landed at the port of New York with
his little family, and resided iri that city about two
years ; he went thence into the country and passed

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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four years as a general laborer. In 1856 he went
to Geauga Co., Ohio, where he operated as a farm
laborer until the breaking out of the Rebellion,
which afforded' him an opportunity to better his for
tunes and to prove the spirit in which he adopted
the issues of the country for which he had aban
doned the home of his birth. He enlisted Dec. 20,
1861, in the 128th Ohio Vol. Inf., Co. E, under Col.
C. W. Hill. The duty of the regiment was chiefly
to guard the rebel officers taken prisoners of war
and confined on Johnson's Island in Sandusky Bay.
He received an honorable discharge Jan. 17, 1865.
He returned to Geauga County, where he continued
to reside until the fall of 1868, the date ofhis com
ing to Michigan.
He secured a claim of 80 acres on section 36,
where he established his homestead permanently.
The condition of things was primitive ; there were no
roads and the township of Burdell was for some time
afterward unorganized. He has made extensive im
provements on his . farm, and erected excellent
buildings. In. political faith he is a Republican,
and in religion the family are Catholics. His chil
dren are all unmarried, and there has been no death
in his family.

M^-s*s-

feharles D. Francisco, farmer, section 28,
py^l Hersey Township, was born Sept. 25,
1857, in Ontario Co.., N. Y. His parents,
Henry D. and Charlotte (Chaffee) Francisco,
are natives of the State of New York. They
came thence in 1861 and located in Grattan
Township', Kent Co., Mich. In 1868 they removed
to the township of Bown in the same county, whence,
in 1876, they came to Hersey Township and located
on section 33, where they are now resident. (See
sketch of H. D. Francisco.)
Mr. Francisco accompanied his parents in their
several removals, and was 18 years old when they
came to Osceola County. He was married Sept. 23,
1882, to Alta Sturdevant, and they are now the par
ents of one child, Orra V., born Jan. 8, 1884. The
mother was born June 19, 1858, in Yates Co., N. Y.,
and is the daughter of Sheppard and Olivia (Cooper)^

Sturdevant. Her parents are living in Reed City,
and her father is estimated to be one of the best
mechanics in Osceola County. John, Francis and
Alta are their three children.
Mr. Francisco belongs to the Republican element
in politics.

[mosB. Perrin, Superintendent of the Grad
ed Schools at Reed City, was born May 22,
J^gf 1847, in Sherman Township, St. Joseph Co. 1
Mich. He is the fourth child of his parents,
Andrew and Eliza (Burch) Perrin. His father
was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., and resides
in Park Township, St. Joseph Co., Mich., in retire
ment, his youngest son being in charge of the man
agement of the farm. The mother of Amos B. was
born April 6, 1822, in Niagara Co., N. Y., and died
in St. Joseph Co., Mich., Sept. 18, 184- Five of
their eight children are living.
Mr. Perrin was a pupil in the common schools and
an assistant on his father's farm until he was 17
years of age, when he entered the preparatory de
partment of Hillsdale College, where he was a stu
dent four years, teaching winters to secure means to
defray his expenses. He passed the school year of
1873-4 at the State Normal School at Ypsilanti, and
on leaving that institution he went to Benzie Co.,
Mich., and took charge of the schools at Frankfort,
as Superintendent, officiating in that capacity four
years. He passed the year following at Parkville,
St. Joseph Co., Mich., and in 1878 entered upon his
present incumbency. The assistant teachers are
seven in number, and the department individually
controlled by Mr. Perrin contains 82 pupils. The
school is in a prosperous condition, and under the
management of Mr. Perrin is advancing to a grade
commensurate with the progress of Reed City. The
first class graduated at any school in Osceola County
took their diplomas in June, 1883. He is a member
of the Patrons of Husbandry and of the Odd Fellows,
and during the last two years has officiated as a
member of the County Board of School Examiners.

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He was married June 26, 1877, at Frankfort", Ben
zie Co., Mich., to Clara, daughter of Lucius and
Betsey Marvin. She was born Aug: 5, 1858, in Tus
cola Co., Mich. Her father is a merchant.

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1 illiam H. Hawkins, of the firm of Haw
kins Bros., grocers at Reed City and Ash
ton, was born in Ashtabula Co., Ohio,
Sept. 15, 1849. His parents, Joseph and
Lucy (Hill) Hawkins, were natives respect
ively of New Hampshire and Ohio. William
H., the subject of this sketch, lived at home with his
parents until 12 years of age, and then worked upon
a farm for three years ; next, he was apprenticed for
two years to learn the mason's trade, and followed
this occupation until 1882, when he formed a part
nership with his brother, Harvey W., at Reed City,
for the purpose of carrying on the grocery business.
In this line they succeeded well, and last spring
(1884) they established a branch store at Ashton,
where Mr. Hawkins, of this sketch, is in charge, and
having a good trade.
In his political principles Mr. H. acts with the
Prohibitionist party, and he is a member of the
Masonic Order and of the A. O. U. W.
In Genesee Co., Mich., April 18, 1875, Mr. Haw
kins married Miss Flora Graham, daughter of R. W.
and Sarah J-. (Warner) Graham. She was born in
Flint Township, that county, Sept. 20, 1855. The
children now in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins
are three in number, namely: Lulu F., Daisy G. and
Ralph W.

• elson J. Tabor, farmer, section 4, Sherman
Township, was born Dec. 13, 1847, in
Franklin Co., N. Y. He was educated in
the common schools, and instructed in the
Jfc> duties of farm labor, in which he engaged inde
pendently at the age of 19, and on attaining his
majority he came to Michigan and secured a home
stead claim of 80 acres in Sherman Township. He

devoted himself without delay to it's reclamation from
a state of nature, and settled permanently, becoming
a resident thereon in 1869. He has accomplished a
good, degree of successful effort and has 50 acres
under cultivation and supplied with all necessary
farm buildings and fixtures. Mr. Tabor is a Demo
crat. He was married March 23, 1883, in Cadillac, to
Fanny Barton/ and they are the parents of two chil
dren — Ernest and Orion W. Mrs. Tabor was born
July 20, 1854, in Big Prairie Township, Newaygo
County, and is the daughter of William and Dorothy
(French) Barton, natives respectively of the North of
Ireland and of France. She is niece of Judge James
Barton, whose abilities, position and public services
in Newaygo County have acquired for him a fame
which will live as long as the county has an organic
existence. Mrs. Tabor has been educated with care,
and when she was 20 years of age she entered the
State Normal School at Ypsilanti, where she com
pleted a course of study and was graduated. She
has been a successful and popular teacher.

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ihristian J. Fleischhauer, grocery and pro-
-,-, vision merchant at Reed City, was born
June 6, 1842, at Waterloo, Ont. His parents.
John and Mary (Youngblut) Fleischhauer,
are natives of Germany and are still living at
Gad's Hill, Ont., where the father is enjoying
a retired life.
Previous to the age of 17 years he was reared on a
farm, and in 1859 he commenced his career in mer
cantile life as a salesman in a general store. Later,
he established himself in the same business in com
pany with Joseph Schaeffer in Waterloo. Two years
after, his partner purchased his interest, and he
operated as a clerk in the employment of B. Devitt
as book-keeper and salesman for some time. In 1870
he became book-keeper in L, Breithaupt's leather and
shoe finding house at Berlin, Ont., where he was em
ployed about two years, when he engaged as a travel
ing salesman for the same house, operating in that
capacity more than five years. In July, 1877, he
moved from Berlin, Ont, to Reed City, Mich., and

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founded his business at Reed City in the same
month. In the fall of 1882 he took possession of his
present quarters in the Opera Block. His stock is
valued at $3,000, and comprises a well-selected as-
(&J sortment of groceries .and provisions, crockery and
glassware, and his business also includes a jobbing
trade in kerosene oil. He requires the aid of three
assistants. He is the owner of his residence, four
lots therewith, a dwelling and lot in another part of
the city, a business building opposite his stand and
three lots variously situated' in the city.
He was married Oct. 18, 1864, in New Hamburg,
Ont., to Elizabeth Gingrich. Their children were
born as follows: William G., Aug. 20, 1865 ; Alfred
M., March 31, 1867, at Waterloo* Ont.; Mary A., at
Berlin, Dec. 28, 1870; Arthur E., atBerlin, June 27,
1874 (died Oct. 15, 1880), at Reed City; David S.,
at Berlin, Ont., Jan. 27, 1877. Mrs. Fleischhauer was
f\ ) born in Wilmot Township, Waterloo Co., Ont., and is

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the oldest daughter of Michael and Mary Gingrich,
and have both died since she was married.

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|Lamuel J- Lyon, farmer, section 2, Sherman
Township, was bom June 24, 1849, in
Madison Co., N. Y. He was subject to the
parental control until he was 21 years of age
and acquired a common-school education. On
attaining his majority he engaged in farm labor
as opportunity served, in which avenue he was occu
pied until his marriage, April 10, 1872, at Utica,
Oneida Co., N. Y., to Delia J. Cooper. They have two
children — Lena M., born Dec. 12, 1874, and Frank
S., Dec. 2, 1880. Mrs. Lyon was bom Jan. 26, 1851,
in Madison Co., N. Y. Her parents, Isaac and Mary
Miller, were born in the same county and belonged
to the farming community. Her father died in 1873
in the Empire State. The mother is 60 years of age,
and is a resident of Sherman Township.
Immediately after his marriage he was tendered
and accepted the supervisorship of the agricultural
laborers on the farm owned by the famous Oneida
Community, and officiated in that capacity between
two and three years, but sustaining no other relation
^H0%^ 

to the order than that of one who had skilled labor
to sell, — a commodity the society had occasion to
purchase. Leaving his position at Oneida, he set out
westward with his family and commenced lumbering
in the woods of Chippewa Co., Wis. He was occu
pied there in that field of effort until his removal to
Osceola County in the spring of 1876. He pur
chased immediately 51 acres of land, where he
established his homestead'. Later, he added by pur
chase a similar acreage and at present (1884) the
two farms have a combined amount of land under
cultivation aggregating 65 acres, which has been
brought up to the quality of farming common to the
section where it is located. He is a Democrat in
political faith and action. He is present Justice of
the Peace, and has held other positions of minor im
portance.

g rastus A. Carroll, proprietor of the Na
tional Hotel at Reed City, was born Sept.
26, r832, in Utica, N. Y., and is the son
of Chauncey and Harriet (Gibbs) Carroll. His
father was a farmer and a cooper, and reared
his family on a farm in the Empire State.
His first cusiness enterprise was as a farmer, and
he afterwards combined with his agricultural rela
tions the operations of a stock dealer. He began
butchering afterward, and pursued that business eight
years in East Bloomfield. He passed three years
afterward in the hotel business.
In March, 1884, Mr. Carroll came to Bay City,
Mich., to prospect. In April following he came to
Reed City and rented the National Hotel for five
years. It is one of the principal hotels in Reed City,
and has accommodations for 75 guests, and is fitted
with the necessary accompaniments suited to the
demands of the traveling public. Mr. Carroll is a
member of the A. O. U. W. and of the order known
as the Select Knights. ,
His marriage to Charlotte Barnes took place Oct.
20, 1857, in Farmington, N. Y. She was born Nov.
25, 1831, in that place, and is the daughter of Ste
phen and Rachel Barnes. Stepheh B. Carroll was

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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born Feb. 18, i860, and is a farmer in East Bloom
field, Ontario Co., N. Y., on a fine farm of 155 acres.
Gertrude A. Carroll was born April 5, 1863. These
are the two children of Mr. and Mrs. Carroll.

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&larence H. White, M. D., practicing phy
sician and surgeon at Reed City, was bom
June 12, 1848, in Erie Co., Pa. When he
was 12 years old his parents, Welcome W-
and Abbie (Hoard) White, removed from the
Keystone State to Chenango Co., N. Y. On
the paternal side of his descent he is of mixed Eng
lish and Irish origin. On his mother's side he
descended fron Henry Hoard, who went with his
family in 1800 from Connecticut to the Holland
Purchase in Western New York. He was a soldier
of the Revolution and fought at its initiatory battle
at Lexington, where he carried an old " Queen's
Arm," a munition of war immortalized in the " Biglow
Papers," and undoubtedly a fac-simile of the one
that " Gran'ther Young brought back from Concord
busted." It is a Queen Ann musket, and was issued
by the English Government to the Indians in Can
ada to fight the French in their war with that people
in 1754. The son of Henry Hoard, also named
Henry, the maternal grandsire of Dr. White, enlisted
in the service of the United States when the British
made the attack on Buffalo, in 1812, and presented
himself for duty armed with the musket that did ser
vice in the war of the Revolution. The weapon that
bore a part in three wars is now in the possession of
Dr. White.
On the removal of his parents to Chenango County,
he became a student at the old Sherburne Academy
and was graduated in 1867. On leaving school he
began the study of homeopathy in the office of J. C.
Owen. He came thence to St. John's, Clinton Co.,
Mich., two years later, and began to read for his pro
fession with his uncle, Oliver C. Joslin, remaining
under his instructions until 187 1. He attended one
course of lectures in the Medical Department of the
University at Buffalo, and subsequently completed
his studies at the Medical College at Fort Wayne,

Ind. In 187 1 he came to Paris, Mecosta County,
then the terminus of the Grand Rapids & Indiana
Railroad, where he began his practice and also en
gaged in the sale of drugs. He removed in 1877 to
Hersey, and he continued his practice two years, sold
his business and came to Reed City in the fall of
1878. Associated with his father, he erected the
building in which he has since transacted his busi
ness. Dr. White is a member of the Order of Odd Fel
lows and of the Masonic fraternity. He has served
the county four years as Coroner, and has been
Mayor of Reed City one year. He is the United
States Pension Examining Surgeon, and in 1883,
when the Board of Examining Surgeons was institu
ted, he was made its President, and still occupies
the position. He is a member of the Northern
Michigan Medical Society and the Surgeon of the
Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad corporation.
He was married July 1, 1877, to Anna M. Hardy.
They have one child, Floyd G., born March 12,
1879, at Hersey. Mrs. White was born in 1856, at
Cooperstown, N. Y., and is the daughter of William
and Maria Hardy.

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'oseph Shank, farmer, Sherman Township,
fe- resident on section 14, was born Jan. 26,
'^•V -,321, in Portage Co., Ohio. His father
was a native of New York, lived most of his
life in Virginia, and died in 1842, in Portage
Co., Ohio. His mother, Mary (Cliff) Shank,
was born in Virginia, and died in May, 1870, in Al
legan Co , Mich.
Mr. Shank remained under the paternal care
through his minority and attended school most of
the time until he was 22. After arriving at that
age he was occupied as a farm laborer by the ag
riculturists in the vicinity where he was reared, and
operated in that capacity until his marriage, in March,
1848, to Sarah Crow. Nine children have been
born to them, two of whom are deceased, — Joseph
L. and Samuel B. Those who survive- are Martha
M., Alonzo M., John W., William, Nicholas B., Mary

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

A. and Albert M. The mother was born July 31,
1827, in Portage Co., Ohio, and is the daughter of
Samuel and Martha (McCullough) Crow. Her
father was born in Virginia and died in Ohio. Her
mother lives with her children in Osceola County.
She is 84 years of age and was born in Pennsylvania.
Mr. Shank was for some time after his marriage a
farmer of Portage County. He came thence in 1 85 1
to Allegan Co., Mich., where hi was a resident a
number of years, and while there exchanged his farm
for another in the same county. In 1867 he secured
a homestead claim of 80 acres in Sherman Town
ship. Three families only preceded their settlement
in this part of Osceola County, and the nearest mar
ket for necessary supplies was Big Rapids. Mr.
Shank has improved 40 acres of his farm. He was
active in establishing the municipal regulations of
the township, of which he was elected second Super
visor. He has been Highway Commissioner and
held minor official positions. He is a Democrat in
political views, and is regarded as an upright and re-
fyi liable citizen. He is a member of the Methodist

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ellington J. Law, M. D., practicing physi
cian and surgeon at Le Roy, was born
July 29, 1850, in York Co., Ont. Dr.
5> Law is a descendant from ancestors -of
Scotch and English extraction, his immediate
progenitors beingof American origin. The race
is remarkable for tenacity of life, particularly in the
maternal line of descent. ' His parents,  and
Elizabeth (Klinck) Law, are living in retirement near
Toronto, andare aged respectively 77 and 70 years.
His maternal grandmother is yet living, at Peoria,
111., and is 105 years old!
Dr. Law obtained a good fundamental education
in the Dominion of Canada, and on attaining his
majority, he matriculated at the Detroit Medical Col
lege, where he completed a full medical course, and
was graduated in 1881. On receiving his credentials
as a physician he established his busines.s at Le
Roy. His earnestness in his profession, his integrity
and conscientious fidelity to the important trusts con-

fided to his skill and judgment, have won for him a
merited popularity, and he is steadily advancing to
prominence as a medical practitioner. He is a Re
publican in political proclivity, and has officiated as
Health Officer of the village and Township of Le
Roy. He is the' owner of four village lots.
Dr. Law was married July 29, 1884, at Manistee,
Mich., to Miss E. Norine La Croix. She was born
in the State of Illinois, Jan. 26, 1862, and is a mem
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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lwbb''li^ """"uenry D. Francisco, farmer, section 33,
Hersey Township, was born Dec. 10, i832j
in Ontario Co., N. Y. His father, John H.
Francisco, was born in Ontario County, in ,
1797. His ancestors were Spaniards and the
descendants in the United States had their
origin in one individual who came here 50 years, or
thereabouts, previous to the War of the Revolution,
married among the Hollanders of the Mohawk Val
ley in the State of New York, and became the father
of seven sons of stalwart stature. One son, six and
a half feet in height, became a soldier of the Revolu
tionary War and was in action at the battle of Still
water, near where his family had settled. John H.
married Nancy Kinsman, who was born in Benning
ton Co., Vt., in 1807. .-She was of mixed Welsh and
New England lineage. Two of the brothers of
Henry D. lost their lives while in the military service
of the United States — one being killed in the battle
of Winchester ; the other died in the hospital from
sun-stroke. Mr. Francisco was a resident of Ontario County
during his minority. He taught school winters,
working meanwhile as a carpenter during the inter
vening seasons. In December, 1861, he came to
Grand Rapids, where he purchased land and resided
14 years. In the spring of 1876 he removed to an
improved farm in Hersey Township, which comprised
60 acres. He has cleared and otherwise improved
45 acres.
He is a Republican in political sentiment, and
while resident in Kent County was Justice of the
Peace, a position to which he was elected in Osceola

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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County and in which he has served altogether 18
years. He acted as Supervisor in 1878.
Mr. Francisco was married July 23, 1854, to Char
lotte Chaffee, and they have been the parents of six
children : Charles D. was born Dec. 25, 1857; Kate
C, Sept. 23, 1864; Orville Grant, Nov. 5, 1868;
Jennie M., March 25, 1870; Frank C, Jan. 25, 1875;
one is deceased. The mother was born Dec. 29,
1837, in Yates Co., N. Y., and is the daughter of
Ephraim and Jane (Blair) Chaffee. Both died in
Middlesex, Yates Co., N. Y. They were natives of
New York, and their ancestors were French Hugue
nots, who settled in Massachusetts.

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Edward H. Woods, book-keeper for Kel-
|J||g logg, Seymour & Co., at Sawyerville, was
Ip5® born in New Baltimore, Stark Co., Ohio,

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*KJjL March 31, 1858. In his early life he attended
the common schools and also Mount Union
College in his native county; but the greater
portion of his life, prior to his coming to Osceola
County, was spent in Pprtage Co., Ohio. On his
arrival in this county in the spring of 1879, he en
gaged in teaching for a short time ; then for two
years he was engaged as book-keeper for James E.
Bevins, and since that time for the firm of Kellogg,
Seymour & Co.
Under the old school law Mr. Woods has served
as Township Superintendent of Schools, and under
the new law as member of the County Board of
School Examiners, being Secretary of the Board dur
ing the last year of his term. In his views of national
policy he is a stalwart Republican.
In Reed City, May 13, 1880, Mr. Woods was mar
ried to Miss Mary I. Tomlinson, who was born in
Portage Co., Ohio, Oct. 1, 1859, and they have had
three children, namely: Nellie, Berenice B. and Rae
Dean. The first mentioned died at the age of 14
months. Mr. Woods' father, Hiram F., was a native of
Ohio, and his mother, Lydia H., nee McBride, was a
native of Pennsylvania. After their marriage they
settled in Pennsylvania, and afterward removed to

Stark Co., Ohio, thence to Portage County, where
Mr. W., senior, died, July 30, 188 1. Mrs. W. after
ward, in the summer of 1881, came to this county,
and finally departed this life at Le Roy, Feb. r, 1882.
They had seven sons and seven daughters, in which
family Edward H., the subject of this sketch, was
the youngest son.

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JLnthony M. Sample, farmer, section 14,
Hersey Township, is the proprietor of 120
acres of land, including 80 acres cleared
improved and in fine agricultural condition.
He was born March 6, 1810, in Beaver Dams,
Schuyler Co., N. Y., and is the son of David
and Margaret (Latta) Sample. They removed to
the Dominion of Canada in 1822, and died near
Belleville, the father's decease occurring about
1842 ; that of the mother took place about 1854.
At the age of 18 years the father of Mr. Sample
placed him to learn the business of a carpenter,
which he pursued, as opportunity served, about T5
years. He remained a resident of Canada until 1865,
the year of his removal to Hersey. On coming here
he bought 80 acres of land, to which he has added
materially by later purchase until he owns his pres
ent fine estate, and has given each of his six sons
land enough to make a start in the world for him
self. He was married Jan "8, 1831, to Mary A. Potts.
She was born April 3, 1816, in County Fermanagh,
Ireland, and died Nov. 3, 185 1, leaving 10 chil
dren, born as follows: Eliza E., April 12, 1834;
Juliana, Feb. 5, 1836; John G. W., June 19, 1838 ;
Sally, April 19, 1840.; Nancy E., Aug. 2, 1842;
Henrietta, Aug. 22, 1844; Prince A., July 14, 1846;
George M., May 26, 1848; Anthony W. and- Mary
A. (twins) June 13, 1851. The mother was the
daughter of Thomas and Sally Potts.
Mr. Sample was a second time married Jan. 12,
1853, to Lettie A. Lucas, who was born in 1825,
and died June 23, 1874, leaving two children,—
Daniel W., born in August, 1854, and Chauncy M.
born in September, 1855.
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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

The third marriage of Mr. Sample, to Susan Lucas,
occurred Aug. 23, 1874. She is a sister of the
second wife, and was born Dec. 22, 1838, in Canada.
Their parents, Daniel and Catherine (Goslin) Lucas,
were natives of Canada. The father died in July,
1878, and was 80 years of age at the time of his
decease. The mother was born Jan 14, 1804, and
resides in Canada. Four children have been born
ofthe third marriage :¦ Lettie A., April 9, 1875;
Margaret C, Sept. 6, 1877; Elijah, June 28, 1879;
Lovicy J., Jan. 1, 1881.
Mr. Sample is independent in political principle,
and has taken much interest in school matters.
His portrait, on another page, is that of a repre
sentative farmer of Osceola County.

Lemert, miller and farmer on sec
tion 27, Osceola Township, was born Oct.
6, 1823, in Cohocton Co., Ohio. Lewis
Lemert, his father, was born Aug. 5, 1802, in
London Co., Va., of Holland Dutch parentage
and was taken to Ohio when he was five years
old, residing there until 1828. In that year he went
to Crawford County, in the same State, where he
died, Aug. 5, 1882, being 80 years old. The mother,
Ruth (Purdus) Lemert, was born in Bedford Co.,
Pa., of French ancestry, and went to Ohio about
1808 with her father's family. She died May 12,
1880. Of their family of nine children, six attained
adult age, and there are four survivors at this writing
(1884). Joshua is a merchant at Nelson ville, Ohio.
Eliza — Mrs. Rouse — is a widow and resides at Up
per Sandusky, Ohio. Wilson C. is a prominent
business man living at Bucyrus, Ohio. He has been
interested in the construction of the Nickel Plate
Railroad in Kansas, and is the owner of t,2oo acres
of land in Iowa.
Mr. Lemert, of this sketch, is the oldest born ofthe
family. He grew to manhood on his father's farm,
and acquired a very thorough and practical knowl
edge of agricultural pursuits. At 21 he devoted his
time and attention to the acquisition of an education
and attended the university at Delaware, Ohio. His
first employment afterward was as a clerk and book-
'¦&3S

keeper in a mercantile establishment at Matherton,
Ionia Co., Mich. Soon afterward he became owner
of the stock and business relations by purchase, and
he continued the management of the business there
13 years, operating after the first two years as Post
master also. , He disposed ofhis affairs at Matherton
Oct. 9, 187 1, and proceeded to Osceola County. He
arrived at the latter date at Evart, and 15 days later
received the appointment of Deputy Sheriff. He
held the position until April, 1872, when he was
elected Supervisor of the township and Justice of
the Peace, and also received the appointment of
Postmaster at Evart. He was the chief instrument
in securing the establishment of the office at that
point. In the fall of 1873 he built a grist-mill near the
village site on Chippewa Creek. He began its prac
tical operation in December, T874, which he has
since prosecuted. He is the owner of 84 acres of
land adjacent to the mill, on which he has made
great improvements. He is a Republican of most
decided proclivities.
Mr. Lemert was married Dec. 30, 1849, in Wyan
dot Co., Ohio, to Phebe Bentley. Mrs. Lemert is
the daughter of Andrew and Eliza (Brownell) Bent
ley. Her parents were both natives of New York,
and came to Ohio in 1838, settling in Wyandot
County, whence they removed in 1854 to Ionia Co.,
Mich. Her father died there in the spring of i860.
The mother died Feb. 13, 1855, in the same county.
Mr. and Mrs. Lemert have a daughter, Alta, now
Mrs. Samuel E, Clay, and resides at Williamstown,
Ingham Co., Mich.

lharles Johnson, farmer, section 27, LeRoy
aps^a Township, was born Oct. 18, 1837, in

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Sweden, and, accompanied by a younger
brother, he came to the United States. They
obtained employment in different locations
until 1868, when they came to Osceola County
and located 160 acres of land, on which they have
lived and operated together-, sharing mutually the
benefits accruing.

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Mr. Johnson was married Aug. 17, 1884, to Ida
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Petersen. She was born in Sweden and came to
Michigan from the land of her birth in June, 1883.
Her parents are living in their native country.
Politically Mr. Johnson is a Republican. He is a
member of the Lutheran Church, as is also his wife.

yron G. Colton, member of the business
t. house of Charles L. Gray & Co., mer
chants, manufacturers and dealers in lum
ber, shingles, etc., at Evart, was born Aug.
17, 1856, in Genesee Township and County,
Mich. His parents, Elon and Harriet
(Begle) Colton, are natives of the State of New York,
where the former was born July 9, 1822, the latter,
March 6, 1829. The families of which they were
members came to Macomb Co., Mich., when they
were young. After their marriage they settled in
Genesee County, where they are still resident. Seven
of their ten children are yet living.
Mr. Colton is the sixth child in order of birth, and
was reared on his father's farm during his childhood
and early youth. He abandoned agricultural pur
suits when 17 years of age and learned telegraphy,
which he pursued as an occupation seven years.
He came to Evart in the spring of 1879 and officiated
as telegraph operator in tne office of the Flint &
Pere Marquette Railroad Company. Two years
later — in 1881 — he opened a store where he is now
doing business, and after six months he admitted
George V. Seeley to a partnership. A year after
ward the latter sold his interest to the original owner,
and not long after Charles L. Gray purchased the
interest he has since held, and consolidated his ex
tensive lumbering relations with the mercantile con
nections. Jan. 1, 1884, William Latta was ad
mitted to an interest in the business, the firm style
becoming Charles L. Gray & Co., and the relations
of the house are steadily expanding and increasing.
One mill is situated on River Street at the foot of
Sixth, where 15 men are required as assistants in
the manufacture of lumber and broom-handles. At
another mill, located in Hartwick Township, they
employ 15 men, and manufacture shingles and four-
foot clap-boards. A third mill, at Sunrise Lake, re
quires a complement of 20 assistants and is devoted

to the manufacture of shingles and other lumber
products. Their stock of merchandise represents
from $8,000 to $10,000 in value, and includes dry
goods, groceries, and all articles suited to their trade.
The mill site at Evart occupies several acres, and
the company owns two large warehouses near the
depot for storage purposes. Mr. Colton is a member
of the Masonic fraternity.
His marriage to Nettie Tupper occurred at Grand
Blanc, Genesee Co., Mich., April 15, 1877, and they
are the parents of one child, Etta May, born in
Evart, April 12, 1882. Mrs. Colton was born at
Grand Blanc, Nov. 12, 1855, and is the daughter of
Benajah and Charlotte Tupper.

'rthur V. Sunderlin, resident at Reed City,
,, was born Feb. 11, 1853, in Potter Co., Pa.
jfegK-n-li His father, Cyrus Sunderlin, was born Jan.
OMr 8> l8l4, at Wayne Junction, Steuben Co., N.
*M Y. The latter passed his early life as a
J farmer, and later became a merchant. In
1876 he came to Reed City and leased the Ever
green House, which he managed some time, and
afterwards assumed charge of the St. Elmo House,
in which he died, March 3, 1884. The mother,
Sarah M. (Barnes) Sunderlin, was born Feb. 11,
1822, in Troy, Bradford Co., Pa., and is now a resi
dent of Reed City. Their six children lived to
mature age; but Mr. Sunderlin, of this sketch, is the
only survivor.
He was brought up as a farmer's son, attending
school winters until the age of 18 years, when he
became a teacher and taught two terms of winter
school. He studied during three terms in the Wood-
hull Academy in Steuben County, and, when 20,
entered the State Normal School at Edinboro, Pa.,
where he pursued a defined course of study and
was graduated in the spring of 1875. He went to
Oberlin, Ohio, and passed a few months as a student
at the famous college there, after which he again en
gaged in teaching in his native State, where he was
occupied in that profession two years. In 1877 he
came to Reed City and officiated as Principal of the
schools two years, entering meanwhile upon the

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study of law, in which he is still engaged. In 1879
-80, he discharged the duties of Superintendent of
Schools of Richmond Township, and in the spring
of 1880 was elected President of Reed City. At the
Senatorial Convention of the Prohibition party, held
at Reed City, Sept. 16, .1884, he was placed in
nomination for the incumbency.
Mr. Sunderlin was married Dec. 27, 1877, at
Home Wood, Beaver Co., Pa., to E. Jennie Coffin,
and they have two children, — Louis K., born Oct. 2,
1880, and one born Dec. r, 1883. Mrs. Sunderlin
is the daughter of John D. Coffin/1

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"'liver Clark, farmer, section 30, Middle
Branch Township, was born Aug. 28, 1848,
in Tiffin, Seneca Co., Ohio. His parents,
Thomas and Mary Clark, are natives of the
Buckeye State and removed from Seneca'
County to Hardin County in the same State in
1 85 1. They have been farmers all .their lives and
have reached advanced age.
Mr. Clark was three years old when his parents
located in Hardin County. He obtained his educa
tion in the common schools, and worked on his
father's farm until he was r7 years of age. His first
independent action was his enrollment in the military
service of the United States. He enlisted Aug. 23,
1864, in the 1 80th Ohio Vol. Inf., Co. A, Captain
Howell, the regiment being commanded by Colonel
Warner. After six months he was seized with ill
ness, and was assigned to the hospital at Newbern,
N. C. A month later he was transferred to the hos
pital on David's Island, New York Harbor, where he
was discharged in June, 1865. After his return to
Ohio he remained a year with his parents, and after
wards was occupied at various points as a farm
laborer, until he was married. In 1867, the year fol
lowing that event, he made a homestead claim in
Middle Branch Township, securing 140 acres of land.
At that date this section of Osceola County was
wholly unsettled ; not a road had been built nor a
tree cut. He had hardly settled in his new home
when his house and its contents were burned. He
again erected a log house, and with his wife and

child managed to obtain the barest livelihood. There
was no work to be had. Swamp hay was $40 per
ton, and could not be afforded even for a bed, and
they slept on hemlock boughs. The famous salt
famine of Northern Michigan occurred at this time,
and the family were destitute of that sanitary article
for seven weeks. Many other necessities were
equally scarce, and their only food for nearly a year
was potatoes, eaten from a borrowed tin plate ! A
barrel of salt, the first brought in, by a man named
David Shadley, was sold in the vicinity for $18. The
wife worked during the winter of 1868, and earned
the money to buy their first cow. Mr. Clark is still
the owner of the first purchase of land he made in
the township, and of 160 acres additional. He has
150 acres under excellent improvements and sup
plied with good and necessary farm buildings. He
is a Republican of fixed and earnest principles, has
been Township Clerk two years, and has held vari
ous other official positions.
He was first married Sept. 24, 1867, in Hardin
Co., Ohio, to Lydia E. Connor. She was born in the
same county and there grew to womanhood. She
died in the Hospital for the Insane at Kalamazoo,
Mich., leaving three children, — John W., Thosia B.
and Byron L. Mr. Clark was again married Oct. 23,
1877, in Middle Branch Township, to Agnes Mitch
ell. She was born July 3, 1858, in Bruce Co., Ont.,
and is the daughter of Joseph and Mary A. (King-
shott) Mitchell. Her parents were born respectively
in England and Ontario, and are both of English
parentage. They reside on section 4, Middle Branch
Township.

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'homas P. Pierson, farmer, section 29. Her
sey Township, was born Dec. 11, 1856, in
°* Pierson Township, Montcalm Co., Mich.
His father, George M. Pierson, was born in
Naples, Ontario Co., N. Y., has been a car
penter most of his life, and is also a farmer.
He came in early life to Michigan and married
Nancy E. Peck, a native of the Empire State. The
parents yat reside in Pierson.
Mr. Pierson remained under the guidance of his

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father until he was of age, when he obtained employ
ment ina shingle-mill, continuing in that occupation
six years in various parts of the State. In 1883 he
took possession of the farm which has since been his
field of operation. About five acres were under im
provement at the time of his purchase, and he has
cleared 17 acres, built a frame house, and by his
vigorous industry is fast putting his affairs into pros
perous condition. He is a Democrat in political
views and relations.
He was married May 6, 1883, to Martha Jacobus,
who was born Feb. 22, 1862. She has two brothers
and two sisters and a half-brother — Frank E., George
E., Elizabeth, Minnie E. and Warren. Her father,
Edward Jacobus, resides at Vistula, Ind., where her
mother, Christina (Daun) Jacobus, died, July 26,
187 1. '%«_»—

illiam J. Mcllwain, farmer, located on
section 26, Evart Township, was born
May 12, 1849, in Newtown-Hamiltcn,
County Armagh, Ireland. His father, Isaac
Mcllwain, was a native of the same county
and married Margaret Scott. She died April
12, 1862, and was about 50 years of age when her
decease occurred. The senior Mcllwain is still a
resident of the Green Isle, and is 62 years old.
Mr. Mcllwain, of this sketch, landed at the port
of New York, May 21, 1873. After a delay of one
week, he came to Evart, where he arrived May 28.
His first employment was as a clerk in the store of
Mark Ardis. He afterwards formed a partnership
with his employer, which continued two years. After
their dissolution he resumed his former relation as
salesman, in which he still continues. In 1877 he
bought his farm, with only five acres under culture.
The place is- now in fine condition, with 70 acres
under the plow and with excellent farm buildings of
all varieties necessary to a high order of agriculture.
He was married Sept. 19, 1876, to Ida M. Wight-
man. They have had five children : Mary M. was
born July 4, 1877; George J., July 3, 1878; Mag
gie E'., July 19, 1882 ; William Joseph, June 5, 1883,
and Allie Louise, June 23, 1884. One child is de
ceased. Mrs. Mcllwain is the daughter of George

R. and Mary (Crandall) Wightman, who were born in
Homer, Cortland Co., N. Y. Her father was born
Oct. 18, 1808. He is a physician by profession, and
is now resident at Wayland, Allegan Co., Mich. Her
mother was born Aug. 31, 1815, and died June 17,
1883, in Evart. They had 12 children. Mrs. Mc
llwain was born Sept. 22, 1855, in Galesburg, Kala
mazoo Co., Mich. The brothers and sisters of Mr.
Mcllwain are George, James, John, Mary, Jane and
Samuel.

*H*

raneis D. Lacy, of Nirvana, Lake Co.,
I,,, Mich., was born in Western New York on
0 the 5th day of May, 1838. He is the
youngest son of Eli Lacy, who raised up a
family of six boys and four girls. His father
moved to this State in the year 1840, and set
tled in the wilds of Oakland County upon 120 acres
of land, marsh and lake, about one-third of which
was upland of an inferior quality, and the remainder
entirely worthless.
Eli Lacy was a man of respectability and fair in
telligence, but his financial abilities were lacking,
and had it not been for the wonderful qualities of his
wife, her good physical health and untiring ambition,
it is hard to say what would have been the result in
raising up a family of ten children, and in what con
dition they would have been launched out upon the
world. As it was, the family passed" through many
privations and was forced to exercise a frugality
which has scarcely a parallel on record. Thousands
have passed through a more degraded poverty, but
the cases where a family of such high order of in
telligence has been forced to so low ja condition of
destitution, are certainly uncommon. Imagine what
a burden of anxiety must have rested upon the inad
equate abilities of parents, struggling to their utmost
to furnish food and raiment and educate so large a
family, and at the same time somebody standing
ready to snatch the last dollar at hand to pay the
interest on an old calloused mortgage which held a
death grip upon the freedom of the household!
Children attending school in cold winter weather,
wearing blue drilling trousers without lining or
drawers, and otherwise lightly clad, and suffering

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with the cold as the children of this family were often
compelled to, have learned to demonstration what
" hard times " mean. An older brother, now a wealthy
citizen residing in Reed City, went bare-foot the
winter through, and did chores in the barn, and often
slid down hill as a pastime ; and in relating the fact,
remarks that it was not so much a matter of romance
as of stern reality. This brother, V. E. Lacy, al
ways bore his privations with fortitude, and labored
for the comforts of others, denying himself; being
half way from the oldest to the youngest, he was last
to be provided for; and yet he doubtless did more for
the comforts of home than all the others together;
and even since leaving home for himself, he has
rendered much for the comforts of parents and sis
ters, as also has Francis, of whom we are narrating.
These blessings have doubtless been showered back
upon both of them, as they are both well situated in
life, with happy families around them. In those boy
hood years, it required but little to constitute a
luxury. A toy like a penny jewsharp, a slate pencil
or goose-quill pen, or stick of candy, were all worthy
of remark, and well relished by children of such
poverty. A new garment made by that industrious
mother, or a new pair of shoes, would make the lucky
wearer the center of attraction for a time, and let
those only who have experienced the situation judge
how "good " the red leather "looked."
Francis was mentally bright and physically active.
He became a good scholar, and at the age of 16 en
gaged as a teacher. This vocation he followed for
several years, " until," as he expressed it, "he became
unfit for anything else, and a few more terms would
make him totally unfit for that!" At intervals, dur
ing the years of his teaching, he learned the printer's
trade, and, having a taste for literature, indulged in
writing considerable for the press, and acted at times
in the capacity of editor. Having quite a fondness
for poetry, he wrote occasional pieces, and in the
year i860, published his first pamphlet, entitled-
"Leisure Hours." In 1862 he published " The Ray
of Light," and in 1863 a treatise on mental philoso
phy, to be used as a phrenological chart in giving
delineations of character. Engaging in this profes
sion, he followed lecturing for a time, but having an
opportunity of studying more carefully the anatomy
of the human brain, and the nature of its convolu
tions, he rather concluded that the old theory of

phrenology as advocated by Fowler & Wells was
somewhat a farce, and therefore dropped the subject
to engage in the study of legerdemain. In this he
soon became proficient, and, being without money to
start with, constructed his own apparatus, and bought
on credit a horse, buggy and harness. He now
boldly struck out in his new profession, and, meeting
with good success, soon paid for these, and con
tracted for 8o acres of land, costing $r,4oo, near
Laingsburg in this State.
Wearying of this business, after following it for
about three years, he engaged as a partner with his
brother, V. E. Lacy, near Lapeer, this State, in the
manufacture of shingles. This business prospered,
the same as anything else that V. E. ever took hold
of, and at the end of three years they dissolved part
nership, each buying a mill for himself; and in the
year 1874 Francis shipped his mill arid household
goods to Nirvana and established himself there for
making shingles, and ¦ also engaged in merchandise,
where he will be found comfortably situated at the
present time. Since he has been at Nirvana he has
suffered some severe losses. His mill was burned,
and at the time when the loss fell most heavily upon
him, and in other way> lias had numerous financial
set-backs ; yet he has passed through them with
scarcely a riffle to disturb his good humor ; and, being
surrounded by a beautiful Wife and four sparkling-
eyed children, he has but little to regret. He still
continues to ply the pen, and within the last two
years has published two works, — "Nature's Harmony,"
a philosophical treatise, and " Star Lake Romance,''
a poetical story — both of which do credit to the
author. And thus we have narrated the history of
one who commenced in the lowest degree of poverty,
and has arisen to a fair height in both fame and
fortune. When he had made some progress in the accumu
lation of property, and was standing well in society,
he thought favorably of taking a wife. . Some there
were of the gay and fashionable circles, and some
who were wealthy, among the ladies, whom he flat
tered himself that he could win; but being interested
with a beautiful child 13 years old, Eunice A.
Stevens, the daughter of William and Delilah Ste
vens, who lived far back in the lowest of poverty, he
took pleasure in providing her with nice clothing and
furnishing her with books for intellectual culture.

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She bore the appellation of " The Rustic Angel " and
" Lacy's Gypsy Princess" until 1872, at which time
she had reached her 14th year; and on the 8th day
of November, of that year, in the presence of a pleas
ant circle of friends at Lapeer, Mich., he married her.
She was arrayed like a princess on the occasion, much
to the admiration of those present, but greatly to the
contempt of many who envied her.
Eunice A., nee Stevens, the wife of Francis D.
Lacy, was born on the 28th day of October, 1858.
On the 19th day of August, 1874, she gave birth to
her first child. Lately before this ordeal, they moved
from near Lapeer to Nirvana, and it is thought her
fatigue proved fatal to the child: it lived but 12
hours. His name was entered upon the family
register as Herbert Emmanuel. Arthur Jay, the sec
ond son, was born Sept. 30, 1876; Rollo Guy was
born Jan. 27, T879; Plato Ray, April 17, 188 1 ; and
Florence May, March 17, 1884.

, illiam Lambert, woolen manufacturer at
Reed City, was born Nov. 23, 1837, at
Cavan, Ont., and is the son of Richard
and Elizabeth (Amos) Lambert. His father
was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1808, and
his mother in Dalkeith, Scotland, in 1818. They
moved to Ontario in 1832, settling in Cavan, and are
now living in Ailsa Craig, in the Dominion, to which
point they moved in 1859.
Mr. Lambert left the parental home in 1856, going
to the township of London, where he resided most of
the time until his removal to Reed City, arriving
June 2, 1883. Here he purchased a building a mile
and a quarter from the city for the purpose of con
verting it into a woolen mill ; but, finding that a poor
investment after a, nine months' trial, he purchased
the building he now occupies in Reed City, where he
is setting but in good earnest in his chosen business.
He was married Oct. 9, 1858, in the city of Lon
don, Ont., to Miss Ann Waugh, the daughter of
Robert and Margaret (Robson) Waugh, the former a
native of Scotland and the latter of the North of
England. Mrs. L. was born in Lobo Township,

Ont, May 13, 1841. To Mr. and Mrs. L. have been
born six children, as follows: Robert A., Sept. 9,
1859, ln the 15th concession, Land Township, Ont.;
Margaret, Jan. 3, 1861, at the same place ; Isabella,
June 1, 1863, at Varna, Ont.; William A., May 11,
1865, in Carlisle, Ont.; Elizabeth M., July 24, 1867,
in London Township, Ont.; and Richard A., Nov 28,
1868, in the same township.

~<-HHHN'*->~

Charles Carmell, farmer, section 3, Sylvan
tod-ga Township, was born Dec. 31, 1836, in
Marine City, St. Clair Co., Mich. His father,
Moses Carmell, was born in the Dominion of
Canada, and descended from French ances
tors. He was a carpenter and joiner, and
pursued his vocation at Marine City until his death
in 1867. Julia (Cushway) Carmell, his mother, was A,
born, married, and passed the entire course of her
life at Marine City. She was of French descent,
and died about 1848, leaving seven children. Two
of her children's deaths preceded hers.
Mr. Carmell remained in the protecting care of his
father until about 17 years old. At that age he be
came a saw-mill assistant in -the lumber mills of his
native county and acquired superior skill in the po
sition of sawyer. He pursued that business during
the winter seasons and through the summers of
several years he was a sailor on the lakes, operating
at first as a common seaman, and later as first
mate. In 1856 he went to Saginaw City, where he
was a sawyer in the extensive lumber mills for some
years. Meanwhile he purchased a home in South
Saginaw and resided there until 1872, working at his
trade, and as foreman for a boom company. He
went thence to Lowell, Kent County, where he re-
jxiained n months, going from that place to Evart,
Osceola County. In the spring of 1877 ne pur
chased 40 acres in Sylvan Township, all in timber
and situated on the line of the Flint & Pere Mar
quette Railroad, where he established a permanent
home, went vigorously to' work to reclaim his land
from its wild state, and he now has 20 acres under
cultivation, with comfortable buildings.
Mr. Carmell was married April 24, 1859, in East

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Saginaw, to Mary A. McNally. She was born Aug.
26, 1838, in County Down, Ireland. Her parents,
Thomas and Mary A. (Forley) McNally, came from
Ireland to America in 1852, and located primarily in
Albany Co., N. Y., where the entire household were
employed in the cotton factories situated at Cohoes.
After a stay there of four years, they came to Mich
igan and settled in the forest on the Flint River, 16
miles from East Saginaw, and at so early a period
that it was still an unbroken wilderness and inhab
ited by Indians. Later, the daughter went to East
Saginaw, where she was soon after married. Three
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Carmell :
Lizzie (Mrs. Birdsall), Josephine and Willie; the
latter died in infancy.

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uther T. Elmore, farmer, section 32, Syl
van Township, was born April 5, 1840, in
Ontario Co., N. Y. His father was a tailor
by profession and reared his family on a farm.
The son, who is the subject of this sketch, was
under his father's care until the period of his
majority, when he entered the ' Union Army, the
Civil War having broken out just after he arrived al
his 21st birthday. He enlisted in Co. F, 26th Mich.
Inf., under Capt. Lemuel Saviers, now of St. John's,
Mich. He was in the service throughout the re
mainder of the war, and was honorably discharged
June 4, 1865, at Washington, D. C. He went to
Jackson, Mich., whence he enlisted, and later was
assigned to duty at the Government bakery at Alex
andria, Va.
In May, 1867, he came to Osceola County, and
made a homestead claim of 160 acres in Sylvan
Township. He is one of the pioneer settlers of
this portion of the township, and has improved
about 60 acres of his land. He was the leading
active mover in securing the organization of the
township, and has been Clerk and Notary Public.
He is a Republican in political creed and con
nections. The marriage of Mr. Elmore to Clarissa E. Jones
took place Dec. 25, 1869, in Orient Township. She
was born in Ronald Township, Ionia Co., Mich., May

13, 1852; and came with her parents to Osceola
County in 1868. Her parents were the first settlers
of Orient Township, where they are still living. Mr.
and Mrs. Elmore are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. They have two children, Lizzie
M., born Aug. 17, 1812, and Rosie V., born March
18, 1875.

-- .sgl-

fames A. Lunney, farmer, Osceola Town
ship, section 14, was born Nov. 7, 1847, in
iv^s" Halton Co., Ont. His father, Hugh Lun
ney, was born in the north of Ireland! He
married Ann Noble in his native land, and
when 22 years of age came to Ontario., where
he became a lumberman of prominence, and resided
until his death, Sept. r9, 1868, at the age of 49
years. The mother is 58 years old, and lives in
Gaylord, Mich.
Mr. Lunney was sent to the public schools of
Ontario until he was 16 years old, and he passed
three succeeding 'years assisting his father in lum
bering. In 1866 he came to Saginaw and became a
member of the lumber firm of J. Henry & Co. The
relation existed seven years, the company transact
ing extensive operations in lumber and shingles at
Hemlock City, Saginaw County. In 1877 he came
to Osceola County and purchased 160 acres in
Osceola Township, a part of which was under cul
tivation. He has added by later purchase to his
home place until he holds 300 acres, and he also
owns 700 acres in Clare County, Mich., which is
principally in timber. He has been engaged to a
considerable extent in lumbering operations since he
settled in this county. The mill of the firm with
which he is connected, situated on section 2, Hart
wick Township, was recently destroyed by fire, en
tailing a loss of several thousand dollars. Mr. Lun-'
ney has improved 115 acres of his homestead, and
is now erecting an elegant residence designed to cost
$5,000, and finished throughout the interior in hard
wood of beautiful grain. He aims to put his entire
surroundings over which he has control in the best
possible condition. His business firm owns r,4oo
acres of land, in which he holds an interest. It

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comprises both pine and hard wood, and is all sit
uated in Osceola County. Politically Mr. Lunney is
a Republican. He was married Sept. 1 1, 1869, in Holly, Oakland
Co., Mich., to Mary 'Ennes. They. have had two
children: Vernon H. was born May 11, 1873, in
Hemlock City; and Elmer M., Sept. 26, 1880, and
died Feb. 29, 1884. Mrs. Lunney is the daughter
of James R. and Catherine (Reed) Ennes, natives of
New York. They reside at East Saginaw, where her
father is manager of a carriage factory. Mrs. Lunney
was born Nov. 5, 1846, in Erie Co., Ohio. Her
parents became residents of Holly in 1869.

Mfc-

r lonzo M. Shank, Sheriff of Osceola County,
f and proprietor of the Hersey City Flouring
,$|pf" Mills, was born May, 2, 1850, in Hancock
w Co., Ohio. Joseph Shank, his father, was
jjr born in the same county, Jan. 6, 1822. In
1 1853 he removed his family and interests to a
farm in Heath Township, Allegan County, coming
thence in 1867, to Sherman Township, Osceola
County, locating on an 80-acre farm, now in fine
condition for agricultural purposes. The mother,
Sarah (Crow) Shank, was born July 31, 1828, in
Hancock County. Seven of their nine children are
living. Martha married Ashley Babbitt, a farmer in
McPherson Co., Kansas. Mr. Shank, of this sketch,
is the second in order of birth. John is a farmer ;
William Nicholas is a shingle manufacturer; Mary
married Charles Marvin ; Albert is still at home.
With the exception of the first and second they are
residents of Sherman Township. Joseph and Sam
uel are deceased.
In 1872 Mr. Shank secured 80 acres of land on,
section 10, Sherman Township, and he now owns 80
acres situated on the same section, having added
80 acres by later purchase. In 187 1 he began the
manufacture of shingles in Heath Township, oper
ating in that line of business two years. In 1873 he
took possession of his property in Sherman Town
ship, where he has 130 acres of his land under cul
tivation, and is largely' engaged in the raising of hay
for the Cadillac market. In the spring of 1878, he

moved into Hersey, to manufacture shingles for W.
S. Gerrish, running two mills, one within the corpor
ation, the second situated one and a half miles east
Of the depot. He continued their management four
years. In 1882 he bought a meat market and
grocery, to which he gave his personal supervision
one year, and then rented the stand. In September,
1883, he bought a half interest in the Hersey City
Flouring M'Us, owned by A. Root. Their joint
ownership continued until Aug. 22, 1884, when Mr.
Shank became sole proprietor by purchase. The
mill has three runs of stones, two sets of rollers, and
a producing capacity of 70 barrels, besides the
custom grinding of feed, etc. Two assistants are
employed. Mr. Shank is a Mason, and belongs to the Blue
Lodge, Royal Arch Chapter and Cdmmandery.
He was elected to the position of Sheriff of
Osceola County in the fall of 1882, on the Repub
lican ticket, receiving a majority of 500 votes over
the nominee of the opposition element.
He was married June 19, 1870, in Sherman Town
ship, to Essie E. Deffenbaugh. Their children were
born as follows: Bessie, Jan. 27, 1873; Cora, Feb. 6,
1875; Byron L., July 3, 1883. Mrs. Shank was
born May 4, 1853, in Morrow Co., Ohio, and is the
daughter of Jacob and Hannah Deffenbaugh.
In the portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Shank, on other
pages of this work, may be seen the fair types of the
element on which the assured progress of Osceola
County is based. Intelligent, energetic, trustworthy,
and public-spirited, Mr. Shank may be considered
a representative of the spirit which gives the county
an impetus in an onward course, notwithstanding
the depression of the times, which have not yet cor
roded nor dimmed the luster of the era of the present
of Osceola County.

ndrew J. Mapes, farmer and joiner, resident
'i on section 14, Hartwick Township, was
born Dec. 3, 1836, in Mayfield Township,
Cuyahoga Co., Ohio. His father, Rufus Mapes,
was born in the State of New York, was a
farmer, and died in 1875, in Ohio. His
mother, Abigail (Allen) Mapes, was a native of
Maine and related to the celebrated Ethan Allen of <

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Revolutionary fame, better known as the " Hero of
Ticonderoga." She died in Cuyahoga County, Jan.
14, 1882, and was the mother of 17 children, nine of
whom are still living.
Mr. Mapes represents number 14 in the list of his
parents' children, and he passed his minority under
the parental roof. On being released from his filial
obligations he began to serve an apprenticeship for
his trade, and after he had acquired a thorough
knowledge of its details, he engaged in its prosecu
tion and continued to pursue it as a vocation until
1866, the date of his removal to Michigan. He set
tled in Osceola (now Hartwick) Township, securing
a homestead claim of 120 acres of land on section
26 and purchasing 160 acres on section 14. He
lived on the first named property six years, working
meanwhile at his trade in connection with farming.
In 1876 he removed to the farm situated on section
14, where he has improved 70 acres. Politically he
is a Republican of a decidedly radical type, and has
served his township as Clerk.
He was married Nov. 27, 1869, in May field, his
native place, to Atnah M. Hawkins, who was born
March 25, 1837, in Otsego Co., N. Y., and is the
daughter of Smith and Lucy V. (Gardner) Hawkins.
She celebrated her 30th birthday dressing the first
white child born in the township of Hartwick : this
was Miss Emma, daughter of Loyd and Sarah Clark.
At that period her neighborhood was about 40 miles
from the nearest physician or drug store, and Mrs.
Mapes was for many years the only attendant upon
the sick for many miles around. In 1879, the only
year she kept a record, she spent 200 days in this
service. July 3, 1883, while she was riding horse
back, she was thrown off and nearly killed, the injury
being so great as to fracture the hip bone. In her
religious views she is a close-communion Baptist,
with which Church she first connected herself, re
maining with them as long as she was within con
venient distance of their places of worship; she is
now a member of the Disciples' Church.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Mapes are: Rufus
S., born Dec. 3, 1864, and Melvin A., March 25, 1870.
Mr. Hawkins was born Nov. 4, 1809, in Otsego
Co., N. Y. His father, Rufus Hawkins, was born in
Rhode Island, of English parents. Mr. Hawkins re
mained in New York until he was 27 years old, when
he came to Michigan and settled where Battle Creek

is now situated, and moved thence to Ohio in 1851,
where he remained until 1866. He then moved to
Hartwick Township, settling on 160 acres on section
24, clearing 35 acres with his own hand. He was a
man of poor health and had not been able to do any
labor, having been a school-teacher for 21 years.
The school-room being too confining for him, he start
ed out with a wagon load of dry goods and crockery,
which he peddled through the country, selling goods
all the way from Ohio to this township. He had
located his land here the year before. His mother
was born in Rhode Island in 1759, of German and
English descent, and went to New York in 1800,
where she remained until her death.
Mr. Hawkins was the first settler in Hartwick; was
the first Supervisor of the township, holding the posi
tion for many years. A man had come in here before
him, but Mr. Hawkins' was the first land located.
Himself and wife were members of the Baptist
Church, joining in 1841. They came to Michigan in
i83'7, settling where Battle Creek now stands and re
siding there 14 years. They then moved to. Cuyahoga
Co., Ohio, and after 14 years' residence there, in
1866, they came to this county, where they both have
since died, he at the age of 73 and she at the age of
63 years, and they are buried on the farm of Mr.
Mapes, where is located the little grave-yard desig
nated by the family name.

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. ohn J. Arndt, one of the first settlers and
most widely known citizens of Osceola
'* Township, is a resident on section 23, and
is the proprietor of 260 acres of land. He was
born Oct. 21, 1824, in Prussia. He was a pu
pil in the schools of his native country until he
set out alone without money to make his way to
America. He shipped on a sailing vessel as a deck
hand, and worked his passage, which consumed ((g)
eight weeks.
This was in 1837, and he landed at the port of
New York. He proceeded soon after to Waterloo,
Ont., where he found occupation as a farm assistant
on the estate of John Eyte, and continued in that
gentleman's employment eight years. After leaving

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his service he bought ioo acres of forest land in
Perth County, on which he began operations in his
own behalf, and placed the entire acreage under im
provements. In 1873 he s°ld the place and came
to Osceola Township, buying 340 acres of land on
section 23. He has sold 80 acres and placed nearly
all the remainder under improvements. The farm
is justly ranked among the most valuable in this
section of the county. It is supplied with three
flowing wells. He is a Republican of an unmistak
able and inflexible stamp, and has held local official
positions for 12 years. In 1858 he connected him
self with the Evangelical Church, in whose interests
he has been an unremitting and zealous laborer. He
has discharged the duties of all its offices and has
lieen for many years Superintendent of the Sunday-
school, for whose welfare he has labored untiringly.
He was first married in Perth Co., Ont., in 1849,
to Barbara Riffer. She was born about 1828, in
Germany, where her parents passed their entire
lives. She came in youth to Perth Co., Ont., where
she died Jan. 13, 1863. Of six children of whom
she became the mother three are deceased — Eliza
beth, Maggie and Lizzie. Henry, Christina and
Mollie survive. Mr. Arndt was a second time mar
ried in '1864, in Perth Co., Ont., to Rebecca Leibert.
She was born in Ontario, of German parentage, and
died in October, 1868, in Osceola Township, aged
33 years. Of her six children, two preceded her to
the land of the hereafter, — William and Betsey.
John, Katie, Mary and Simon are living. The wives
of Mr. Arndt were both members of the Evangelical
Church.

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ohn Hoover, farmer, section
Township, was born June it

14, Evart
, 1837, in

Stark Co., Ohio. His parents, Solomon
and Margaret (Ringley) Hoover, removed from
the Buckeye State in the fall of 1837, to the
city of Wabash', Ind., where his father died
6, 1854. Mr. Hoover was 16 years old, and
was made executor of the estate by the will of his
father, which entailed upon him the care of his

mother, and he discharged the duty until the close
of her life, Aug. 7, 1881. She was born March 29,
1792, and was the mother of nine children. Four
sons and a daughter survive her: George, Mary,
David, William and John. Daniel, Adam, James
and Elizabeth are deceased.
Mr. Hoover grew to manhood in Wabash, and in
March, 1867, came to Osceola County, where he had
entered a homestead claim of 80 acres the year
previous. Besides improving his farm, he has en
gaged in lumbering during the winter seasons. He
affiliates with the Republican party.
He was married Feb. 10, 1859, in Wabash Co.,
Ind , to Eva Lenon. Their children were born as
follows: Charles E., March 30, 18,60; Elizabeth,
Nov. 24, 1861 ; Araminta, Feb. 23, 1863; Mattie,
July 3, 1864; Daniel W., Feb. 12, 1866; George
W., Nov. 19, 1867; John H, Dec. 26, 1868; Nettie
S., Dec. 8, 1876. Mrs. Hoover is -the daughter of
Daniel and Sophia (Saunders) Lenon. Her father
was a native of Miami Co., Ohio, and was a soldier
in the Union service. He died of diarrhoea, June 19,
1864, in the hospital at Chattanooga.- Her mother
died Dec. 13, 1880, in Wabash Co., Ind. Their
family included seven daughters and one son, born
as follows: Sarah C, Elizabeth, Eva, Ruth C,
Martha, Barbara, Phebe E. and John W.

aniel Oaks, owner of the Oaks House at
Reed City, and a saloon-keeper in that
place, was born Nov. 24, 1835, in Worces
ter Co., Mass. His father, Joel Oaks, was
born in New Hampshire and died in Massa
chusetts, which was the native State of the
mother, Abbie (Pierce) Oaks, who died at East Sagi
naw in 1880.
Mr. Oaks is the youngest of nine children born to
his parents. He was reared on the farm in the Bay
State until he was 15 years of age, after which he
obtained employ in the factories about five years,
He came to Detroit in 1855, and there became in
terested in the traveling entertainment business, in
which he was occupied a long term of years. He
came to Reed City Jan. 1, 1872, and erected a small

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building on the south end of the lot which is his
present location, and which was designated the
"Blue Front." In 1882 he built the hotel which
bears his name. It has a frontage of rod feet and
and is 75 feet deep, is three stories high and can ac
commodate a large number of guests. The house
commands a liberal share of the best patronage.
The first floor, has three store apartments. Mr.
Oaks built his present place of business in 188 1. It
is constructed of brick, 80x50 feet in size, and is
two stories in height above the basement. He deals
in the merchandise common to similar establish
ments. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity
and is one of the Council. Mr. Oaks' is public-
spirited and takes a considerable interest in local
politics. He was married in August, 1876, at Bowen's Mills,
in Barry Co , Mich., to Mrs. Ellen E. Gates. She
was born in Allegan Co., Mich.B and has a son by
her former marriage, McGinley Gates.

ohn H. Lanphear, farmer, resident on sec-
r tion 30, Sylvan Township, was born Dec.
12, 1836, in Columbia Co., N. Y. His

parents, James A. and Rebecca R. (Shufeldt)
Lanphear, were natives of the State of New
York, and were descended from parents born
in New England of English and German origin.
They are, now in advanced years and reside in
Columbia County.
Mr. Lanphear is the oldest of five children born to
his parents, all of whom are living. Two reside in
the State of New York and two live in Massachu
setts. At the age of 19 he began to serve an ap
prenticeship in a machine shop, and spent 10 years
in that business in Chatham, N. Y. In 1877 he
came to Jackson, Mich.; coming a year later to
Osceola County, he located on 160 acres of land in
Sylvan Township, ef which he is still the owner of
all but 40 acres which he has since sold. He
bought 40 acres on section 29 adjoining his home
stead, and has placed 100 acres under improve
ments. His farm buildings are creditable and
suited to the needs of his farm. He is a Republi

can in political opinions, and has served four years
as Supervisor, Clerk two years, also as Treasurer and
Highway Commissioner, and ¦ is at present a School
Inspector. He was married in Columbia Co., N. Y., to Hattie
M. Messenger. Their children are Frank G, James
I., Carrie A. and Anna M. Two died in infancy.
Mrs. Lanphear was born in Massachusetts, and re
moved in her childhood to New York.

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ohn H. McMullen, farmer, section 26,
Evart Township, was born Jan. 16, 183 1,
in Kilkenny Co., Ireland, of which county
his parents were also natives. His mother was
born Nov. 2, 1809; his father, April 22, 18 10.
They emigrated to America in 1832, with two
children — John and Mary Ann — (the latter is now
deceased) and located at West Guillemsbury, Simcoe
Co., Ont. They purchased 100 acres of land, and
soon after sold a portion of the property to a rela
tive. The remainder was sold soon afterward, and
they entered a claim of 200 acres in the township ot
Mara, Ontario Co., Can. They maintained a resi
dence thereon about" 18 years, when the father sold
the farm and engaged in a mercantile enterprise in
the same township, combining therewith the manu
facture of potash. He was Postmaster at that point
for 18 years. 1
In 1865 Mr. McMullen sold his Canadian prop
erty entire, and in the fall of the same year came to
Ottawa Co., Mich., where he remained three years
on a farm, of which he became the owner. He was
not satisfied with the place, and in 1868 sold out
and removed to Evart Township, where he bought
80 acres of wild, unimproved land. He has cleared
away the forest and has 62 acres in excellent farm
ing condition, with good and valuable farm building's.
He now owns 160 acres. He is a Democrat in polit
ical connection and views.
He was married in Orillia, Ont., in 1864, to Jessie
Elder, and they are the parents of eight children,
viz.: William J., born Oct. 22, 1864; Harry, Oct. 7,
1866; Julia, Oct. 19, 1868; David D., July 18,

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1871; George M., Dec. 29, 1873; May, May 12,
1877 ; Ernest O., Feb. 29, 1880; Ada E., Nov. 6,
1882. Mrs. McMullen is the daughter of James E.
and Jeannette (Wilson) Elder, who reside in Mara,
Canada. She was born March 25, 1847. The
record of her brothers and sisters is as follows:
Mary H, Jane L. (deceased), Wilhelmina, John E.,
James T., David W., Christina F., George M. and
William M. Following is the record of the brothers
and sisters of Mr. McMullen : Mary Ann (deceased),
Ada, William A., Margaret A., Louisa" (deceased),
George M., Jane E. (deceased), David and Emma.
William C. and Margaret (Nesbitt) McMullen, the
parents of Mr. McMullen of this sketch, removed to
Osceola County in 1868 and reside on section 26,
Evart Township. The family are in sympathy with
the Episcopal Church.

I!

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Sflfred Davis, farmer and merchant, located
If on section 8, Hartwick Township, was born
Feb. 18, 1844, in Steuben Co., N. Y. His
father and mother, George and Nancy (Hol
den) Davis, were natives of New England, of
English descent, and were farmers by calling.
The county of -Steuben was the scene of nearly the
entire course of their earthly career, and there they
both died, the former in October, 1866, the latter in
1880. They had three children. Vincent resides
in Steuben County; Matilda died in her native
county in 1879.
Mr. Davis is the eldest, and attended the common
schools until he was 16 years of age. He remained
at home until he was 22, when he engaged in gen
eral farm labor. He was married March 22, 1862, in
Steuben County, to Elida E. Robinson, a native of
the same county, bom April 9, 1844, of New England
parentage and origin. Wilbert, Emery, Benjamin,
•Denis and Daniel are the names of their children.
All but one are attendants at the public school of
the district in which the family reside. Mr. Davis
was a farmer in his native county until 1870. In
the spring of that year he secured the homestead
where he has since resided, which included 160
acres of land, then entirely wild and unbroken. Of

the original acreage he owns 79 acres, most of
is improved. He is engaged in the sale of articl
of merchandise, for which there is a local dema
and he manages his store in conjunction with
postoffice, of which he is the official, to which pos
tion he was appointed in 188 1. He is independent
in political views and actions, and-is Justice of the
Peace and Township Treasurer.
His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.

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telos A. Blodgett, lumberman and farmer,
was born March 3, 1825, in Otsego Co.,
itete^ n y. He is the son of Abiel D. and
~©C Susan (Richmond) Blodgett. His father was
X born in Plymouth, N. H, April 21, 1794,
was Sheriff of Otsego Co., N. Y., two terms, and
otherwise a prominent citizen of that county. His
mother was born in Pittsfield, Berkshire Co., Mass.,
Nov. 19, 1796. They were both of English descent.
There were five children born to them, namely : Albert
A., Delos A., Ellen C, Helen R. and Harriet E.
Delos A., the subject of this biographical sketch,
was named for Dr. Delos White, of Cherry Valley, N.
Y., then his father's family physician, and was always
called by his parents and schoolmates " Doc : " hence
the cognomen of to-day. When he was four years of
age his father sold out his farming interests in Ot
sego County and settled in Erie Co., N. Y., near
Springville. Here Delos was reared and educated,
going to school betimes, and helping his father on the
farm. When he was of sufficient age he was sent to
the Springville Academy, where he remained, pursu
ing his studies during the school months, until the
age of 20. At this period — the spring of 1845 — his
father sold his farm, to be delivered to the purchaser
the following year, with the intention then of going
West and settling in Illinois.
Having a desire to see something of the world,
Mr. Blodgett then formed his plans to make what
was then considered an extensive tour. Accordingly
he set out from his parental home, and, having a
preference for Western navigation, 'descended the
Alleghany River. From this he went- down the Ohio

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waters" was carried to New Orleans. Here and at
Vicksburg, he spent most of his time, working at
whatever would favorably present itself, until the fall
of 1846, when he joined his parents, who had in the
meantime purchased and settled on a farm in Mc
Henry Co., 111. Here he remained for two years,
working with his father on the farm and attending
school winters at the Geneva (Wis.) Academy.
In the fall of 1848, believing that by age and
knowledge he was able to take care of himself, and
probably do something more, he again left his home
and started out to seek his fortune, arriving at Mus
kegon village, his objective point, soon thereafter.
At this place he worked a year and a half at
lumbering. In July, 1850, he formed a partnership with Thos.
D. Stimson, " pooling their issues," for the purpose of
engaging in the lumbering or logging business up the
Muskegon River. They bought them a canoe, and
loading it with supplies, haying implements, etc.,
started up the Muskegon. With this canoe, they
paddled, pushed and worked their way up the river,
camping out nights and often wading, one pushing
and the other pulling their little barge, which con
tained all their earthly possessions, up the rapids or
over shoals until they reached a point 200 miles from
their starring point, which was some miles above any
other lumbering camp. This was at the place where
the little river — which has since become historical
and known as the " Doc and Tom," deriving its
name from the given names of these two pioneers —
effects a confluence with the Muskegon River.
One of their night camps was made at the mouth
of the Hersey branch of the Muskegon River. Here
Mr. Blodgett was struck with admiration of the
beautiful level of land bordering these rivers on the
west side, and the magnificent elm forests, and made
up his mind that if fortune favored him he would
some day be the owner. They arrived at their des
tination in August, looked up their beaver meadows
and cut their hay for their coining winter's work. This
accomplished, they returned to Muskegon on foot.
Buying their oxen, supplies and other camp equip
ments, and hiring their men, they returned, driving
their oxen before them. From Big Rapids (which
was then an unbroken wilderness) they had to drive
their oxen through the thickest of woods, without
any road or even a trail, to the mouth of the Doc and

Tom, their future lumbering camp. Here they labored
through the winter, getting out their logs.
In the spring of 185 1 they constructed some canoes,
and when the river opened put in their camp outfit
and started down the river, driving their logs before
them, until they reached the rear of the main
"drive." Then Mr. Blodgett returned to Croton,
purchased some potatoes, which he hauled to Big
Rapids. These he loaded into his canoe and started
for the mouth of the Hersey, the place that had so
captivated his fancy the previous summer. The
land all about here then belonged to the Govern
ment. On arriving here he availed himself of the squatter's
right, selected his land and chopped and logged off a
piece by hand and planted his potatoes. This was
the first crop planted, and Mr. Blodgett was the
first settler in the territory now embraced by Osceola
County. Tljis land lay near the Muskegon River on
the south side of the Hersey branch, and is embraced
in the present village plat of Hersey and his now ad
joining farm. When done with his planting he looked
up more pine lands in this and Muskegon County, and
from this began his afterward extensive lumbering
operations. In 1852, he cleared up more ground, en
larging his potato crop, purchased the first 40 acres
from the Government, which was the beginning' of
the farm now known as the " Blodgett Farm," in
Hersey. Mr. Blodgett continued to lumber winters and farm
summers, purchasing additional lands from time to
time, until the spring of 1858, when, with L. O. Scho-
field, of Branch Co., Mich., he erected a saw-mill and
grist-mill at Hersey. Before these mills, liowever,
were fully completed, he purchased the interest of
Mr. Schofield. All the lumber used up to this time
in putting up farm buildings was drawn from Ne
waygo County, a distance of 60 miles.
In the fall of 1859, he was married to Miss Jennie
S. Wood, daughter of John and Clara L. Wood, of
Woodstock, 111. She was born Aug, 26, 1841, at
Jersey Shore, Lycoming Co., Pa. He returned to
Hersey with his bride, where they settled down to
domestic life. Of this marriage there were two
children : John Wood, born July 26, i860, and Susan
Richmond, born May 261 1865.
In .1861, Mr. B., with B. F. Gooch and others, or-

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ganized the first township, which then embraced the
entire territory of the county, and which was called
Richmond, from his mother's family name. At this
first election Mr. Blodgett was chosen Supervisor. He
was instrumental in bringing about the organization
of the county, which was effected in 1869, and caused
the county-seat to be located at Hersey, where it
still remains. Upon the advent of the railroads, he
platted the village of Hersey, in and about which his
farm lands were located-. In 1870, he commenced the
erection of his large and handsome residence, which
was completed in 187 1. In this beautiful home he
resided until the fall of 1881, when he removed to
Grand Rapids, where he now res'des.
Mr. Blodgett started out in life with a purpose and
worked up to it. During the last 15 years, Mr.
Blodgett has been extensively engaged in lumbering
in Osceola, Missaukee and Clare Counties. He is
also the surviving member of the firm of Blodgett
& Byrne, who are largely engaged in lumbering in
Roscommon and Crawford Counties. Here they
have an extensive tract of fine pine timber, and op
erate a steam railroad, the track of which is laid with
steel rails. With this road they put in at the head
ofthe Muskegon River from 25,000,000 to 30,000,000
feet of logs a year, which is floated down to Muske
gon where they have their mills.
Mr. Blodgett has a natural taste for farming, and
takes great pride in it. He has several farms in
different parts of the State ; but. his best farm, and
the one to which he has given the most attention and
in which he has the most pride, is at Hersey. Here
he is breeding the Norman and Percheron stock,
having first imported this breed of horses direct from
France. Mr. B. has been eminently successful in his business
operations, and is to-day one of the largest lumber
operators in the State. While this has been the result
ofhis labors, it is gratifying to know that his successes
have not been accomplished at the expense of his
manhood, or his humanity, which is too often the re
sult. His hand is ever ready to help the poor or aid
the deserving, while his heart always welcomes an
old friend or acquaintance. He is a pronounced
Republican, and has been active and prominent in
the politics of the county, as well as that of the
State. He has been a leading figure and an import
ant factor in the growth and development of Osceola
^flfl

Coijmty from its first settlement to the present time ; V>
his individuality is clearly wedded to its annals and fbk
traditions; his life is a part of its history, which ^J,
would be incomplete without this, his biography. V§)

eorge F. Taylor, farmer, section 29, Her
sey Township, was born May 15, 1846, in
Portland, Ionia Co., Mich., and is the son
of Charles and Mary .(Olmstead) Taylor. The
latter died in April, 1859, in Portland. His
1 father was born in 1817, and in 1836 came to
Plymouth, Wayne Co., Mich., where he remained a
year, going thence on foot to the township of Port
land, at that date containing but four settlers. , He
arrived there in the spring, when the roads were
impassable ; and as all supplies were brought from
Detroit subsistence was a matter of some difficulty.
For two weeks Mr. Taylor's food consisted of greens
and fish. He was unmarried and made his way into
the wilds of Michigan to establish himself prepara
tory to his founding a home. He returned to New
York, and was married.
Mr. Taylor remained with his father five years
after attaining his legal freedom. He was then
married and rented a farm, which he conducted one
year, going thence to Portland villagej where he was
employed three years on the railroad. He passed
the year subsequent as a farm assistant, working by
the month, when he became interested in the busi
ness of boring wells, and followed that calling two
years. In 1878 he came to Hersey Township, but
did not take possession of the farm on which he now
operates until 1883.
He was married April 22, 1872, to Delilah Kinney,
daughter of Fernando C. and Huldah (Clark) Kinney.
Her mother died April 5, 1875, in Portland, and was
nearly 64 years of age. Her father has married again
and resides on a farm in Hersey Township. She was
born June 10, 1846, in Portland, and is the third child
of six born to her parents. Mary A., Sarah A., Je
rome and Harriet arejiving. Sylvester was a soldier
ofthe 27th Mich. Vol. Inf., was wounded at Peters
burg and was burried at City Point, July 6, 1864.
He sustained a flesh wound in the thigh, a bullet

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passing entirely through the limb, from the effects of
which he died at the City Point Hospital four days
later. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have been the parents of
three children. Elroy B. was born June 4, 1876,
and died March 1, 1877. An unnamed infant died
when four days old. Ray B. was born Jan. 27, 1883.
Mr. Taylor is an adherent of the Democratic party.

«*~#

illiam Bennett, farmer, section 14, Evart
Township, was born Oct. 14, 1833, in
JT"" Steuben Co., N. Y., and is the son of
SC§!.> Thomas and Angeline (Jamison) Bennett.
' The former was born April 5, 1810, in Steu
ben County. In 1869 he came to Michigan
and is now a resident oh section 28, Evart Township.
The mother of William was born June 14, 1809, and
died Feb. 9, 1865, in Steuben County.
In the maternal line of descent Mr. Bennett is of
Scotch lineage. His father came of Dutch ancestry.
He was reared on a farm in his native county and
during his minority remained under his father's con
trol. On reaching the period of his legal freedom
he went to Oconto Co., Wis., and engaged as foreman
for the lumber firm of Eldredge & Balcom, with
whom he continued a year. At the end of that time
he returned to the county where he was born, and
again engaged for a time in agricultural pursuits. He
went back to the employment of Eldredge & Balcom
in the Badger State, and after a service of six months
he went to Butler Co., Iowa. He bought a farm
which he owned three years. Meanwhile he went
to Pike's Peak, there interesting himself in mining.
He came back to Iowa, sold his farm, and in May,
1868, came to this State and settled near George
town, Ottawa County, on Grand River, for two years,
then one year in New York State, then for a time on
Grand River again, and finally came to the township
of Evart, where he bought the farm he now owns.
In the fall he went again to the State of New York,
and during the winter which succeeded he managed
a lumber camp in Pennsylvania. In the spring of
1869 he returned to Osceola County and engaged as
foreman in the lumber interests of Edward Cole, for

whom he operated three years. In 1*872 he came to
this township and commenced lumbering for Wright
& Grove, and continued one year in their employ
ment, his family meanwhile residing on the farm on
which there were no improvements except a log
house. He has now 30 acres under the plow and a
good frame house and barn.
Mr. Bennett is a Democrat in political conviction
and action. He has acted through four _terras as
Supervisor, has been School Director since he came
here, and has served one year as Highway Commis
sioner. He was married Dec. T4, 1858, to Frances
A. Benaway, and they are the parents of seven chil
dren : Thomas was bom Oct. 1, 1859; Alonzo, June
16, 1861; Elliott L., May 4, 1864; William, April 8,
1866; Carrie, Feb. 1, 1869; Jennie," June 23, 187 1 ;
Mortimer, April 23, 1873. Mrs. Bennett is the
daughter of Thomas and Lettia (Brewer) Benaway.
Tlie former was born Jan. 9, 1813, in Dutchess Co.,
NY.; the latter April 15, ^809, in New Brunswick,
N. J. They had five children: Esther A. and Mor-,
gan M. are living; Andrew and Sarah A are de
ceased. Mrs. Bennett was born Feb. 9, 1838, in
Steuben Co., N. Y. Mr. Bennett has two brothers-
Benjamin R. arid John J. Thomas is deceased.
Mary A., Addie and Permelia are his surviving sis
ters. Nancy, Eliza and Sarah are not living.

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gji L. Hayes, Supervisor of Richmond Town-
Isl! ship, was born Jan. 25, 1852, in New
1 Haven, Conn. His father, Eli D. Hayes,
was born Sept. 25, 1825, and is still pursuing
the business of wood engraver and landscape
painter, in which he has passed his life. His
mother, Cordelia (Lewis) Buck, was born April 6,
1828, in Newton, Fairfield Co., Conn.
Mr. Hayes was a resident of New Haven and at
tended school until he was 17 years old, when he
engaged as a surveyor with his brother, and acquired
a practical knowledge qf the business, which he fol
lowed several years. At the age of 18 years, he en
gaged in surveying for wall maps for F. W. Beers &
Co. and C. O. Titus, following the calling in portions
of Michigan and in Osceola Couiity. In 1879 he

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settled in Reed City, and in company with a man
named Lewis, founded a grocery and crockery trade,
under the style of Hayes & Lewis, the relation ex
isting five years, and including a traffic in builders'
materials. They afterward sold their entire interests
and are now arranging and settling their business
affairs. Mr. Hayes is the proprietor of a considera
ble amount of property at Reed City, and owns ten
acres of land in the vicinity of New Haven, Conn.
He was married Sept. 17, 1879, at Reed City, to
Anna Lewis, and they have one child, Eli, born July
2, 1880. Mrs. Hayes was born Sept. 14, 1856, in
Sanilac Co., Mich., and is the daughter of William
and Emmeline Lewis.

ohn Hoffmeyer, farmer, section 24, Osceo
la Township, was born May 8, 1833, in
Perth Co., Ont. His parents were born in
Germany, where his father pursued the voca
tion of millwright. They emigrated from the
fatherland in early life, settling in Canada.
father died there about 1863. In 1866 the
mother became an inmate of the family of her son.
She died in 1883, aged 81 years.
Mr. Hoffmeyer was a pupil in the common schools
until he was 19 years old. He began his career of
independence as a teamster, which was his business
about three years. In the fall of 1855 he went to
Toledo, Ohio, where he obtained employment in the
ship-yards. He continued to work there and as a
carpenter two years. In 1857 he went to work in
the machine shops ofthe railroad at Toledo, and in
the switch-yard, and was appointed fireman on the
Michigan Southern Railroad. Six months of service
in that position was succeeded by an appointment as
engineer for the same corporation, in which capacity
he operated two years. He next engaged as engi
neer on the Cleveland Railroad, where he was occu
pied three years. Ip 18 — , associated with another
man, he purchased a canal boat. After 18 months
of canal experience he disposed ofhis interest in in
land navigation property and returned to Toledo,
where he again engaged in the ship-yards. One
year later he came to Osceola County and labored a

year in the saw-mills of D. A. Blodgett. At the end
of that time he located on the Muskegon River, at a
point now included in Osceola Township. This was
in 1866, and he was the first permanent settler in the
township, his nearest neighbor being 16 miles dis
tant. He secured his farm under the regulations of
the homestead law, including 160 acres of land. He
is now the owner of 270 acres of land in Osceola
Township and 510 acres in the county. He has a
choice and valuable farm, now comprising 110 acres
of improved and cultivated land. He is a decided
Republican and radical in his political views. He
has officiated five years as Justice of the Peace and
held several other official positions in Osceola Town
ship. He was married Oct. 7, 1855, in Toledo, to Mary
A. Dane. They have had eight children. Two
died when infants. Edward, Frank, Charles, Laura,
Alonzo and Ella M. are living. Mrs. Hoffmeyer was
born Sept. 28, 1833, in England, which was the na
tive country of her parents, Richard and Ann Dane.
The family came to Ontario in 1841, where the
father died about 1850, and the mother July 25,
1884. The death ofthe father left a family of six
children dependent upon the exertions of the older
members. Mrs. Hoffmeyer was the oldest and de
voted herself to the maintenance of the family until
her marriage.

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harles Peel, farmer, section 23, Hartwick
f Township, was born Oct. 12, 1838, in
fjip^O Leicestershire, England. His father, Wil

liam Peel, emigrated from his native country
W with his wife and children in 1842, locating in
Avon, Lorain Co., Ohio. Mr. Peel was three
years of age when his parents became residents of
the Buckeye State, where he remained during the
years of his minority and obtained his education in
the common schools. On attaining his majority he
came to Michigan, making his first location at James
town, Ottawa County, where he engaged in farming
on 40 acres of land, of which he became the pro
prietor by purchase. In the second year of the War
of the Rebellion he enlisted at Grand Rapids in the

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First Regiment, Mechanics and Engineers, enrolling
in Co. H, Capt. W. P. Ennis. His command joined
the Army of the Cumberland and Mr. Peel was a
participant in the battles of Perryville, Lavergne,
and Bentonville, besides being in various minor
affairs. He escaped without wound or capture, and
was honorably discharged Juna 19, 1865, after a
military service of more than two years. He was
made Corporal, and in August, 1864, was promoted
to Second Sergeant. He returned on leaving the
army to Oakfield, Kent Co., Mich., where he en
gaged as assistant in a saw and shingle mill, spend
ing three years in that employment. In 1867 he
purchased 40 acres of land in that township, on
which he operated two years, going thence to Green
ville, MontcalnTCo., Mich. Some months later he
sold his interests there, and in the same year, 1868,
he purchased 40 acres which has since been his
home. He is now the owner of 120 acres, and 80
acres of the tract are under improvements and cul
tivation. He is an exceptionally good farmer.
Mr. Peel was formerly a Republican, but is now
a supporter of the principles of the Prohibition ele
ment. He has officiated in his township as Treasurer
and School Assessor.
He was married Jan. 1, i860, in Paris, Kent
County, to Lucy A. Leman, and they have had
seven children, — William A., Albert W., Elnora,
Percy J., Harvey F., Howard E. and Frank E. Mrs.
Peel was bom July 6, 1840, in Newfane, Niagara Co.,
N. Y., and was 12 years of age when she came
with her parents to Paris, where she was reared and
educated. She is a member of the Baptist Church.

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eorge W. Shay, liveryman, at Reed City,
was born Oct. 12, 1834, in Schoharie, N.
s Y., and is the son of William and Anna
(Diver) Shay. His father was a miller and
owned a mill on Foxen Creek, a stream which
flowed through the township. In 1844 the
family removed their residence to Cleveland, Ohio,
where Mr. Shay was employed in the Cuyahoga
Works, and acquired a knowledge of engineering,
in which he was occupied several years. He came

to Salem Township, Michigan, and bought a small
farm on which he was resident until his removal in
1875 to Isabella County, where he owned 40 acres of
land, and there maintained a residence two years.
He came to Reed City in the spring of 1877 and
founded his present business. He has about 15
horses generally in his stables and livery appoint
ments suited to his patronage. He is a member of
the Masonic fraternity, and of the A. O. U. W. He
has officiated six years as member of the Village
Council. Mr. Shay owns his business premises, resi
dence and other village property.
His marriage to Martha M. Higginson took place
April 15, 1857, in Superior, Washtenaw Co., Mich.
She was born Oct. 16, 1837, in Detroit. Their chil
dren are, William, Emma and Ida.

eorge W. Leeman, farmer and lumberman,
resident on section 23, Hartwick Town
ship, was born April 26, 1840, in Albany
Co., N. Y. His father was born in the north
of Ireland, of Scotch parentage. He came to
the United States with his parents when he
was two years old and resided in Albany Co., N. Y.,
many years. He was married there and soon after
ward came to Michigan and settled in the township
of Paris, in Kent County, and afterward to Oak-field,
where he lives now, aged about 78 years. The
mother, Sallie A. (McKinley) Leeman, was of Scotch
descent, and was born in Albany Co., N. Y. She
died Sept. 19, 1883, at the home of her daughter,
Mrs. Sarah E. Mowitt, whom she was visiting.
They had 12 children. -
Mr. Leeman is the fifth child , in order of birth.
He came to Kent County when he was 14 years .of
age. After securing a good practical education and
living at home with his parents until he was 24 years
of age, he became, in 1864, the owner of 80 acres of
land, which he increased to r2o. acres by later pur
chase in the township where his father was a land
holder. In 1867 he sold his property and removed
to Osceola County, purchasing 40 acres of land on
section 23, Hartwick Township, on which he settled,
and later purchased a like quantity of land in addi

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tion. He afterward sold the latter to E. J. Terrill,
and has placed all the remaining portion — his origi
nal purchase — under improvements. In political
affiliation Mr. Leeman is a Republican with prohibi-
(b. tion principles, and he has officiated as Highway
Commissioner in his township and as Justice of the
Peace. He was married Nov. io, 1864, in Greenville,
Montcalm Co., Mich., to Hannah M. Huff. They
have one child,— Gracie Bell, born Feb. 22, 1876.
Mrs. Leeman was born June 23, 1839, in Orion, Oak
land Co., Mich. She attended the common schools
of her native county until she was 15 years old, and
after her parents removed to Greenville she com
pleted her education in Montcalm County. She
began teaching there, and continued that calling un
til she had served 17 terms successful labor as an
educator. Her parents, John and  (Fuller) Huff,
\ are still living in Montcalm County, and are aged
respectively 72 and 67 years. They are of German
descent, he a native of the State of New York, and
she of Vermont.

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rederiek J. Fleischhauer, wagon and car
riage manufacturer, general blachsmith at
Reed City, and manager of the Clifton
House, was born Sept. 23, 1854, in Waterloo,
-^L, Ont. He is the son of John W. and Mary
Fleischhauer, and was reared on his father's
farm in Waterloo Co., Ont. He was 17 years of age
when he began to acquire the knowledge necessary
to the prosecution of the business in which he has
been actively engaged for many years, and he served
an apprenticeship of three years at Wellesley, in his
native county, afterwards becoming a journeyman
and operating in that method eight years. In 1881
he went to Milwaukee, Wis., and, three months later,
proceeded to Reed City, where he opened his shop in
December, 1881. He is doing a successful business,
requiring two assistants in the various departments
except in wood work, all of which is made by his own
hands. He purchased the Clifton House in October, 1883.

The establishment accommodates a limited number
of guests and has a restaurant attached. The prop
erty belongs to his wife. He is the owner of his
shops and their sites.
Mr. Fleischhauer was married Oct. 19, 1883, at
Reed City, to Ernestine Treptow. She was born in
Canada Sept. 13, 1857. One child, Edward F., was
born of their union, at Reed City, Sept. 23, 1884.
Mr. Fleischhauer has one daughter by an earlier
marriage, Caroline, born in November, 1879, in Rich
mond Township.

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1 arren A. Wagrr, Supervisor of Sylvan
, Township and farmer on section 28, was
ISfe-. bom Aug. 17, 1840, in Yates Co., N. Y.
?y Charles Wagar, his father, was a native of the
same State and followed the pursuit of agri
culture in Yates County until his death, which
occurred in 1841, within the first year of the life of
his son. His mother, Sophronia (Wier) Wagar, is a
native of New York, and is now a resident of Wayne
County in that State, and is aged 67 years. After
the death of Mr. Wagar she again married.
Warren was a member of his mother's family until
he was 13 years of age, when he found a home with
a young man named Gage. Between three and four
years later, he became an inmate of the household of
Morgan Gage, father of his former patron, with whom
he remained until he was 22 years of age, attending
school and obtaining a knowledge of the builder's
trade. He was married Aug. 27, 1862, in Yates County,
to Mary A. Green. She was born in that county and
died there in June, 1864, leaving one child, Charles,
who was born Oct. 9, 1863. The wife and mother
when dying urged his speedy union with a friend to
whose care she wished to entrust her infant child, and
in accordance Mr. Wagar was married Feb. 16, 1865;
to Jennie M. Van Liper. She was born Nov. 9, 1845,
in the State of New York, and is the daughter of
Jeremiah Van Liper. One child constitutes the issue
of this marriage, Elnora, born Sept. 23, 1866.
After his marriage Mr. Wagar was occupied at his

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trade, which he pursued with success until 1877 in
his native State. In that year he concluded to seek
a home in Michigan, which he did and made his lo
cation on the place where he- now resides, April 27,
1877. He at first purchased 120 acres of land, to
which he added five acres soon after. Later, he sold
40 acres, and has about 20 acres of the remaining 85
acres under the plow. He is the owner of a half
interest in 80 acres of pine land on section 24.
. Politically he is a Democrat and has been Justice of
the Peace two years ; is the present incumbent.

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ellington Welch, farmer, section 25, Hart
wick Township, was born Aug. 16, 1843,
in Euclid, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio. His par-
!' ents, Sardis and Marinda (Dillie) Welch,
were natives respectively of Connecticut and
J Ohio, and of Scotch and French descent. The
former died in 1857, the latter in 1880.
Mr. Welch is the youngest of the six children in
cluded in his father's family, and was reared at
home. When he was 18 he entered the Union
army to aid in quelling the Rebellion, enrolling in
Co. C, the color company of the 18th U. S. Inf.,
under the command of Lieut.-Col. O. L. Shepherd,
and attached, after being mustered into the service,
to the Army of the Cumberland. He was in active
service in 13 engagements, among them the battles
of Perryville, Stone River, Hoover's Gap, Mission
Ridge, and the campaign under Sherman till the
fight before Atlanta. He received two gun-shot
wounds at Stone River, — one in the arm and one in
the hip. He was hit five times in the same engage
ment, his clothing being severely torn. Among other
casualties it sustained was the scalping of his cap,
the top of which was taken cleanly off! He was dis
charged before Atlanta, Aug. 7, 1864, from Co. B,
First Battalion. The company was so cut to pieces
at the battle of Stone River that a sufficient number
was not left to form as a company, and the remnant
was transferred, Mr. Welch going to Co. B.
He returned to his home and resumed his place as
assistant on the family homestead, his brother, Or
lando B., enlisting in another company and regi

ment. Soon after his return to his home he entered
the commercial college at Cleveland and completed
a course of study in 1866. He spent two years sub
sequently in farming.
His marriage to Cecelia Dillie occurred Oct. 14.
1868, in the place of his birth, and they have one
child, Alice L., born April 21, 1870. Mrs. Welch is
the daughter of Milton and Lauretta (Lilly) Dillie.
Her father was born in Pennsylvania, her mother in
New York. They are now residents of Euclid, Ohio.
In January, 1868, Mr. and Mrs. Welch came to
Michigan to establish a home, and made a home
stead claim of 120 acres of land on section 28, in
Hartwick Township. The place was entirely wild,
and in an unsatisfactory location, and after a year's
residence they decided to make a change, and pur
chased 40 acres, afterwards 40 acres more, in the
the same township, three- fifths of the tract being now
under cultivation.
Mr. Welch is a Republican. He has been Town
ship Clerk four terms, and is now School Director.
He is Clerk of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, of
which himself and wife are members. He has been
connected with the Odd Fellows. ?

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flrohn Smith, farmer, section 12, Evart Town-
i^jjljlj^ ship, was born Sept. 7, 1833, in York,
JtSi^ Washtenaw Co., Mich. His parents, Har
mon and Eliza (Davenport) Smith, are natives
of the State of New York. They removed in
1847 to Ronald Township, Ionia County. His
mother descended from the Davenport brothers, —
John, Isaac and Morris, — whose posterity has kept in
tact the lineage record from their emigration to this
country in the Colonial period, and who were Quakers
in religious sentiment. She was born July 19, 1812,
either in Dutchess or Orange Co., N. Y. The father
was born Sept. 27, 1805, in Lima, Livingston Co.,
N. Y.
Mr. Smith went to Iowa when 23, and after passing
a year in the Buckeye State returned to Ionia. He
came to the township of Evart Feb. 11, 1867, at a
period when the natural condition of the county

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afforded ample scope for the indulgence of his tastes '
and proclivities for hunting and trapping, which he
turned to profit, and which he has pursued more or
less ever since for sport when no necessity urged.
He settled on 80 acres of land, where he has since
resided. He was married, in Orient Township, Dec. 12,
1865, to Mary Ann Tennant. She was born Dec. 29,
1845, in Macomb Co., Mich., and is the daughter of
William and Betsey (Burdick) Tennant, of Orient
Township (see sketch). Mr. and Mrs. Smith have
had six children: Harmon, born Dec. 17, 1867;
Rhoda, Oct. 7, 187 1 ; Alva, March 20, 187- Ida
born Sept. 11, 1869, died Oct. 26, 1879; Alva, born
April 12, 1876, died Nov. 13, 1879; Ethan, born
Dec. 7, 1873, died Nov. 1, 1879. These children
died within three weeks, of diphtheria. Their mother
joined her little ones gone before to the land of the
silent majority April 1, 1881.
Mr. Smith is a Democrat. He has been Treasurer
three terms, and Highway Commissioner and Justice
ofthe Peace one term each.

erman Stephan, farmer, section 20, Rich
mond Township, was born in Germany,
Sept. 15, 1843, of which country his parents,
Gottlieb and Julia Stephan, were also natives.
They emigrated to the Dominion of Canada in
1855, when their -son was 13 years of age. The
latter remained there until 1862, the date of his re
moval to Osceola County. His first homestead
claim of 80 acres is included in the farm of 118 acres
of which he is now the owner, and of which 98 acres
have surrendered to the forces of energy*, judgment
and perseverance that have been brought to bear on
them, and are under creditable and profitable culti
vation. In the fall of 1863 Mr. Stephan enlisted in the
Fourth Michigan Cavalry, and remained in the mili
tary servioe of the United States until the close of
the war. Still true to the principles for which he
braved the fate of the war, he is a supporter and en
dorser of the issues of the Republican party.
He was first married Sept. 19, 1865, in Richmond

Township, to Mary Ruppert, and they had four chil
dren, — Ernest, William, Laura and Julia. Their
mother died Sept. 17, 1875. Mr. Stephan was again
married Nov. 21, 1875, to Elizabeth Schnatz. She
was a native of Germany, as was her predeces
sor, and was born April 4, 1853. Two children born
of the second marriage died in infancy. Four sur
vive, — Mary, Catherine, Herman and Lizzie. The
parents belong to the Lutheran Church.

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„tepharles M. Collins, senior, member of the
s^-jga firm 'of Collins & Amspoker, manufactur-

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»j|jf ers and dealers in furniture and undertakers'
wares, at Reed City, was born July 1, 1844,
in Brant Co., Ont. At the age of 23 years
Mr. Collins took leave of the farm where he had
been brought up, and went to Stratford, Ont., where
he obtained a situation in the agricultural house of
Sharman Brothers as traveling salesman, in which
capacity he passed a year; he then spent two years
in the acquisition ofthe trade of a cabinet-maker at
St. Mary's, Ont. He went then to Atchison, Kan.,
and operated in that line a few months'. He re
moved next to a farm in Brantford, Washington Co.,
Kan., operating as'a farmer and builder until the
date of his coming to Reed City, in the fall of 1876.
He bought the site of his present business stand,
erected a building and commenced the sale of furni
ture. In 1879 he erected a brick building in the
rear of the store, fitted it up with machinery and be
gan the manufacture of the wares in which he deals.
He formed a partnership with T. J. Amspoker, Oct.
1, 1881, and they have a stock which represents a
cash value of about $10,000, and transact annually
an extensive business. The warehouse of the firm
fronts on Higbe Street.
Mr. Collins was married at NorAvichville, Dec. 25,
1866, to Mary Ann Clemmens. She was born in
Bronte, Out., June i,/i845, and is the daughter of
Thomas Clemmens. They have five children : Lil-
lie was born Feb. 25, 1868, in Stratford, Out.; Leland
was1 born April 17, 187 1, in Brantford, Kansas,

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

where Gertrude was born Oct. 20, 1874; Frankie
was born June 18, 1879; and Georgie, May 23,
1 1880. The two last named were born at Reed City.

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I pLtephen H. Allen, farmer, section 36, Bur-
'il dell Township, was born Feb. 22, 1818, in
|^*w j^ents^jrei gng a. the age of 16 he
entered the British sailing service and. became
a sailor on the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
During the 20 years in which he was a sea
man, he was engaged 12 years as a marine, and in the
naval military service during the war with China in
1 840-1, and was on the coast of Africa five years,
engaged in the capture of slave vessels. He sailed
on all the seas and oceans of the Eastern continent
P and visited all the European nations that had a sea-
fa board.
xas He came to the port of New York in 1852, where
ifty he was soon after married to Eliza Conway. They
esi have had seven children : - William E. was born Feb.
ty r5. l8l)3. Joseph P., Nov. 1, 1855 ; Edward E., Sept.
, * 26, 1861; Stephen, Feb. 22, 1862. Stephen H. (1st)
(( ) John and Mary are deceased. Mrs. Allen was born
in County Roscommon, Ireland, Dec. 5, 1832, and
lived in her native country until her marriage.
After that event Mr. Allen established a mercan
tile business in Brooklyn, and also operated as a
ship-rigger, carrying on both branches of business
until 1859, the year of his removal to the West. He
located first in Chicago, where he resided three years.
Among his experiences in the Garden City were two
disastrous fires, which involved heavy loss and incon
venience. He came thence to Plymouth, Ind., where
he was variously employed four years. He removed
his family in 1874 to Kalamazoo, where he left them,
and came to Osceola County. He located a home
stead claim of 80 acres, on which he made some im
provements and returned to Kalamazoo. The Grand
Rapids & Indiana Railroad was then in process of
construction, and he became an employee of the cor-
fporation, and worked on the line until it reached the
vicinity of his home, where he brought his family for
the first time. There the first opening in that part of
the county was made at a time when Reed City was

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but little more than begun, and Cadillac had no ex
istence, either in fact or fancy. His place is now
nearly all improved and has suitable and good farm
belongings. Mr. Allen continued to work on the line
of railroad as it extended north until it reached
Rapid River, when he returned to his farm labor.
He is a Democrat in political persuasion, and is an
Episcopalian in Church connection : Mrs. Allen is a
Catholic. He has been Justice of the Peace nine
years and held the various school offices.

illiam H. Staninger, farmer on section 12,
Osceola Township, was born Oct. n, 1841,
in Mercer Co., I a. He received a com
mon-school education, and at the age of 20
years he began to operate as a farm laborer,
J ' coming to Michigan in 1854. In the course of
the second year of the war he entered the army, en
listing Aug. 6, 1862, from Lenawee County, in the(
1 8th Regt. Vol. Inf. His Captain was Charles R.
Miller, latterly a prominent citizen of Adrian. The
regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cumber
land, and the period of Mr. Staninger's military ser
vice was two years and ten months, or until the
practical close of the war. He fought at Decatur and
Athens, Ala., escaping unhurt, and received his dis
charge May 16, 1865, at Huntsville, Ala.
He returned to Lenawee County, and was occupied
on his father's farm until March, 1870. At that date
he severed his business relations there and proceeded
to Osceola County and Township, securing 200 acres
of wholly unimproved land. All surroundings and
circumstances were of the pioneer order, neighbors
were remote, supplies high-priced and market far
away; but all obstacles were surmounted with cheer
ful courage and unremitting toil, and Mr. Staninger
has 90 acres of well-improved land. He is an ad
herent of the party whose interest he fought for and
to which he clings with perfect loyalty.
He was married March 3, 1866, in Morenci, Lena
wee Co., Mich., to Alida J. Partridge. She was born
March 3, 1850, in Lenawee County, and is the
daughter of Ira J. and Sachra M. (Berger) Partridge.

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Her parents were born and married in the Slate of
New York, and came to Michigan about 1834. Her
father died March 28, 1884, in Osceola County. Her
mother lives in Adrian and is 63 years old. Two
children are included in the family of Mr. and Mrs.
Staninger: Viola, born Sept. 3, 1867 ; and Earl,
April 14, 1884.
-»¦¦ ^^€«w»t^-_ "-
^enry H. Freedman, cigar manufacturer at
Reed City, was born June 16, 1854, in
Hungary, of which country his parents,
Joseph and Lena Freedman, were also natives.
He was brought up on a farm and emigrated to
the United States in 1870. He passed two
years at Cleveland, Ohio, and returned to the land of
his birth in 1873. He visited there six mpnths and
again crossed the sea to America, locating in Cold-
water, Mich. He learned his business of cigar-mak
ing of B. S. Tibbitts of that place, and continued to
operate in Branch County for some years. In Feb
ruary, 1883, he came to Reed City and established
his business, which lias gradually grown in popularity
and increased in extent. He employs eight men,
and is putting upon the market the cigars known to
the trade as the " Unknown," the " Eclipse," " Osce
ola " and " Reed City." He puts out about 35,000
monthly and rolls all kinds of manufactured tobaccos.
Mr. Freedman is a member of the Masons, — lower
body, Royal Arch Chapter and Jacobs Command e'ry,
No. 10, at Coldwater. He also sbelongs to the En
campment. He was married June 27, 1877, in Cold-
water, to Louise Graff, and they have one daughter — •
Blanche — born Feb. 24, 1884, at Reed City. Mrs.
Freedman was born June 17, 1857, in Rochester,
N. Y.

Jl dward C. Baumgardner, farmer, section
;|||f§|| 33, Richmond Township, is the son of
¦IfSJJ?0** Jacob and Catherine (Koutz) Baumgard
ner, natives of Switzerland and Pennsylvania
respectively. After their marriage they settled
in Ohio, and subsequently moved to Van
Buren Co., Mich., going thence to Ionia County,

where they remained until death. They had four
children, — Edward C, Noah and Seymour. One
died in infancy.
Mr. Baumgardner was born Sept. 16, 1852, in Van
Buren Co., Mich. He was a student at public
schools until he was 18 years of age. He remained
at home three years after that age, when he began to
work by the- month, in which method he operated
seven years, farming summers and in the lumber
woods winters. In 1876 he bought 80 acres of land
in Richmond Township, under some improvements,
on which he settled in the spring of 1882. Two-
thirds ofthe place is now in a good state of cultiva
tion. In political connection he is a Republican and has
held the office of School Assessor.
He was married in Richmond Township, April 10,
1879, to Mary J. Robbins, and they have two chil
dren, — L. J., born Jan. 24, 1880, and Leo V., born
Dec. 18, 1882. Mrs. Baumgardner is the daughter
of James G. and Olive E. Robbins. (See sketch of
J. G. Robbins.) She was born June 4, 186 1, in
Richmond Township, and is the first white child born
in Osceola County.

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: obert Nixon, farmer, section 35, Evart
; Township, was born Feb. 11, 1844, in
¦' Belleville, Hastings Co., Out. His parents,
vy John and Margaret Nixon, were natives of
Ireland. They came to America in the early
part of the present century, settling first in Ot
tawa, Can., where they resided a few years, and re
moved to Madock Township, Hastings Co., Ont.,
where they have since resided.
Mr. Nixon commenced the life of a lumberman
when he was 17 years of age, and operated as such
in the Canadian forests, where he spent five winters,
meanwhile passing the summer seasons on the lakes
as a sailor, operating on his last trip as mate. In
1861 he came to Cape Vincent, Jefferson Co., N. Y.,
and in 1865 settled permanently in Osceola County,
since which time he has passed every winter season
in the woods except two. In 1877 he bought an un

improved farm, on which he located, and now has
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342

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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40 acres cultivated and ro acres chopped (1884).
Since coming to Michigan he has operated as foreman
ofthe camps of different parties. His first employment
in that capacity was with Brown & Nestor, on Tobacco
River. He was next with Smith Brothers at Stur
geon Creek, and subsequently with Shaw & Williams
and Mark Fleitze.
Mr. Nixon is a Republican in political sentiment,
and served two years as School Director in Chip
pewa Township, Mecosta County.
He was married Aug. 7, 1874, to Jane McCor
mick, and they are the parents of four children :
Flora, born Jan. 3, 1876: Charles, June 20, 1877;
Wellington, Jan. 26, 1879; Manly, Oct. 13, 1882.
Mrs. Nixon is the daughter of Archibald and Flora
(McCallum) McCormick. Both parents died in
Puslinch. Wellington Co., Ont., the demise of her
father occurring when she was a year old, and she
was wholly orphaned when she was two years of age.
She was born Aug. 7, 1855, in Puslinch, and has two
brothers — John and Archibald. She is a member of
the Presbyterian Church.

athan O. Pettibone, farmer on section 28,
f. Hartwick Township, and civil engineer by
profession, is the son of Roswell and Har
riet (Ball) Pettibone. His father was born
about 1788, in the State of Vermo*nt, and
probably underwent as many years of pioneer
experience as any man who ever lived. Vermont
was admitted as a State in 1790, and the events in
her history immediately preceding that era form
some of the most interesting records of the annals of
the settlement and adjustment of this continent. In
1826 he came to Oakland Co., Mich. At that date
few white men aside from the Indian traders were
permanently settled in the State, and in that section
the " Lo " family were more numerous than agree
able. He secured considerable tracts of valuable
land in that county, whose agricultural facilities are
well known, going later to the county of Monroe.
In 1838 he purchased a small property in Hillsdale
County, where he lived a little more than 30 years
and died, in 1870, aged 82 years. He was a soldier

of 18 1 2, enlisting from the State of New York.
While in Monroe Co., Mich., the famous Toledo
"War" was on the carpet, which served as the
source of much excitement, and he was in a com
munity of Southern Michigan when the place was
greatly disturbed by the chances and apprehensions
resulting from the Black Hawk War. The mother
of the subject of this sketch was born in New Eng
land and died in February, 1835, in Monroe County.
Five children survived to bless her memory, four of
whom are yet living. A daughter, Harriet, was mar
ried in Washtenaw Co., Mich., and is deceased.
John is a farmer in Clare County. Lydia (Mrs.
Duesler) resides on a farm near Hersey. Sarah (Mrs.
Brockway) lives at South Allen, Hillsdale Co., Mich.
Mr. Pettibone was born May 30, 1830, in Farm
ington, Oakland Co., Mich., and was little more than
four years old when his mother died. He was cared
for by the family survivors and reared to the age of
18 years with few school privileges, owing to the
pioneer condition of the country. On approaching
manhood he realized keenly his deficiencies, and
devoted every leisure opportunity to the acquire
ment of information to remedy the defect. Feel
ing that he was and should be in need of a thorough
knowledge of grammar, he procured a copy of
Brown's text-book on that subject, then holding a
place of honor in the common curriculum of study,
and committed not only the " Rules " to memory,
but also nearly the entire work. A thorough famil
iarity with the book is in itself a liberal education.
At the age of 21 he commenced teaching, which
vocation he followed until he entered the military
service of the United States, a little more than a
year after the breaking out of the Rebellion. He ,
enlisted Aug. 28, 1862, at Angola, Steuben Co., Ind.,
in the 74th Volunteer Regiment of that State. The
regiment joined the Army of the Cumberland, and
Mr. Pettibone participated in its chances until his
discharge in the winter of 1864. He was under fire
at Perryville and at Hartsville.
On obtaining his liberty once more he returned to
Southern Michigan, and in the spring following
(1865) he came to Osceola County. He secured a
homestead claim in the township and near the vil
lage of Hersey, situated on the Muskegon River.
At that period there was not a location made north
of his place for many miles along the course of the
river. His education and tastes fitted him to sup-

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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345

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ply a peculiar demand of the place and period, and
he at once gave his attention to land prospecting
and surveying, in both which avenues he has con
tinued to operate with gratifying results.
In 1875 he purchased 100 acres of land in the
township of Hartwick, where he has operated as a
farmer and been active in his professional duties.
In political principle and connection he is a Prohibi
tionist. He has been County Surveyor three terms,
Township Treasurer and Supervisor, and held all
the minor local offices.
He was married in September, 1875, near Inde
pendence, Iowa, to Amelia Roberts. Of their five
children one is deceased. The others are recorded
as follows : Elva, married ; Fred resides in Colora
do ; Emma and Frank live at home. Mrs. Pettibone-
was born in 1833, in Dexter, Washtenaw Co., Mich.,
and is the daughter of George and Temperance
(Monroe) Roberts. Both her parents are deceased.
She is a member of the Congregational Church.

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.ames B. Bevins, judge of Probate and
I?- Postmaster at Le Roy, was born in the
town of Conesus, Livingston Co., N. Y.,
July 27, 1843. He received, a common-school
education by working on a farm in summer and
attending school in the winter: also attended
high school at Bergen Academy, Genesee Co., N. Y.,
two terms. He came to Michigan in the spring of
1866; worked at the carpenter's trade during the
summer in Kent County ; went north in the fall and
worked for J. H. Rogers in Mecosta County one year
in a store. Built a store at Paris in 1867, and com
menced mercantile business in partnership with his
brother under the firm name of Bevins Bros.
Mr. Bevins was married to Miss Alice Haynes,
Oct. 3, 1869. In 1870 he homesteaded in Osceola
County; built branch store at Le Roy in fall of 187 1
and moved on the homestead in Le Roy Township.
He was appointed Postmaster in March, 1872, and
still holds the office. He bought 80 acres of land
where Le Roy stands, and platted the village in
1873. He has served two terms as Supervisor of his
township, once by appointment and once by election.

He was agent for the United States Express Company
four years. Was elected President in 1883, when
Le Roy was incorporated as a village, and re-elected
in 1884, receiving every vote cast at the election.
He voted for Abraham Lincoln in 1864 and voted
the Republican ticket ever since. At- the Republican
County Convention of 1884 he received the nomina
tion for Judge of Probate, and was elected by
773 majority, running ahead of his ticket in the
county and in his own township. In Le Roy he had
130 majority over both the Democrat and Prohibition
candidates, the vote standing : J. E. Bevins, Rep.,
179 ; D. McGovern, Dem., 34; W. A. Lewis, Pro., 15.
Mr. Bevins' parents were John and Olive (nee
Hubble) Bevins. His grandfather on his father's
side came from Wales, and his grandmother was a
German. His mother's people came from Con
necticut and settled in Conesus about the year 1812.
The subject of this sketch is the youngest of 1 2 chil
dren, six boys and six girls. His mother died when he
was six years old, and his father married a Miss Mary
Ann Perry, about 1852, and by her had three chil
dren, — two sons and one daughter, — making a family
of eight boys and seven girls. His father died in
Chili, Monroe Co., N. Y., in 1864, at the age of 72
years, leaving all ofhis 15 children alive at the time
of his death. Four of the children have since died,
all being over 50 years of age at the time of their
death. One of the children (a boy), by his second
wife, was drowned at the age of 27 years.
Mrs. Bevins was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y. Her
parents came from England and moved to Kent Co.,
Mich., when she was 1 2 years old. Mr. and Mrs. B.
have had three children, — two girls and one boy.
They lost their first child, a girl, when she was only
five weeks old. They now have the two : the girl,
Jessie M., is 13, and the boy, John W., 9 years old.
Mrs. B. is the Deputy Postmistress, and has at
tended the postoffice the most of the time for five or
six years.
Ever since Mr. Bevins' advent into Osceola Coun
ty he has been intimately identified with its growth
and progress. In every enterprise looking to the
better development of the country, the material ad
vancement of its wealth and the welfare of its peo
ple, he is ever to be found in the van. Just such
men are required to open up and settle a new coun
try and d evelop its resources to the best advantage

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346

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

While Mr. Bevins is enterprising, he is also cautious,
safe and judicious in all undertakings, bringing to
bear rare good judgment and business ability in
carrying out any plan. While serving himself and
his family, he has also served his neighbors in vari
ous official capacities and always with that same de
votion, earnestness and unselfishness he has served
his own. In public positions he has ever won the
favor and good will of the people, as in private life
he commands the respect and wins the esteem of all
who are fortunate enough to know him. As the sub
ject of the foregoing brief biographical outline has
proved himself a thorough representative of that class
who rise in the world by adherence to good maxims,
the publishers of this Album take especial pleasure
in presenting his portrait in connection herewith, on
the page preceding the commencement of this sketch.

#-#

-5—

"ohn Lennon, farmer on section 25, Hart
wick Township, and lumberman, was born
Aug. 16, 1837, in County Carrol, Ireland.
His parents emigrated to Montreal, when he
was 11 years, of age, in 1848. His father
dying a few years later, Mr. Lennon found him
self at the head of the family, he being the oldest of
10 children deprived of a father's care. He devoted
his efforts to the discharge of the duty until he was
20 years of age, when he came to Michigan. He
became a lumberman at Mill Creek, St. Clair County,
where he operated three years, going thence to
Lapeer County, following the same pursuit until
1876, the date of his coming to Osceola County and
to Hartwick Township. He purchased 120 acres
of land on sections 25 and 26, in a wholly wild con
dition, and later became the proprietor by purchase
of a like quantity of land in addition. He has
cleared and improved 70 acres and erected excel
lent farm buildings. The entire tract in his posses
sion lies in a solid body.
He is a Prohibitionist in principle, and has served
three years as Highway Commissioner.
The marriage of Mr. Lennon to Ellen J. McFar-
land took place at Goodwin, Lapeer Co., Mich., Jan.
27, 1861. They have had 11 children — May J.,

Margaret L., Anna, Deborah, Nancy E., James,
John, Grace, William and Florence. One child died
unnamed. Mrs. Lennon was born Feb. 28, 1844, in
Ontario. Her father, Andrew McFarland, was a
farmer in Lapeer County, where he died, in October,
1858. She was 10 years old when her parents re
moved to Ontario from Quebec, and five years later
they settled in Michigan.

eorge H. Gilbert, proprietor of the Gilbert
House at Reed City, was born in Schuyler,
K Herkimer Co., N. Y., June 19, 1843. His

V.

parents, Josiah and Tilda (Whitaker) Gilbert,
were natives of the Empire State, and-died
there. Mr. Gilbert, when about 14 years of
age, began to operate as a buyer and shipper of cat
tle, in which he was engaged 1 1 successive years.
In July, 1862, he enlisted in Co. C, 121st N. Y. Vol.
Inf., under Capt. Fish, and went to the front as
Third Sergeant. He was in the .service until the
close of the war, and was in the Army of the Poto
mac. He was in the actions of the second Bull
Run, Antietam, Cold Harbor, Wilderness, Spottsyl
vania Court-House, Cedar Creek, Crampton's Pass,
Frederick City, Winchester, Petersburg, Fredericks
burg, Sailors Creek, or Oliver Mountain, and was
present at the surrender of General Lee. Mr. Gil
bert was discharged as Orderly Sergeant, and re
turned to the State of New York and passed two
years in the vicinity of the city of Utica, on a farm.
In the spring of 1867 he came to the village of
Newaygo, in the county of the same name, and en
gaged in the meat business. He officiated as man
ager of the Jarse House two years, and in 187 1 came
to Reed City, where he bought a building ' site,
removed the timber, literally " cleared the bush,"
erected a building and established a saloon and
billiard-room. In the following year he built the ho
tel which he is now managing. It is 24x96 feet
in extent, is two stories in height, with a basement,
and has accommodations for an average of 40 guests.
His hotel was destroyed by fire the morning of Jan.
17, 1885.
Mr. Gilbert is a member of the order known as the

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¦ 347

Princes of the Orient, and also of the Odd Fellows.
Besides his hotel property he owns 90 feet front on
Slosson Street, with a barn, 80 acres of land in Mason
County and also 160 acres of land in Lake County.
He was married in Schuyler Co., N. Y., Aug. 27,
1866, to Amoretta Sterling, and they have two chil
dren: Vara, born in January, 1870, in Newaygo;
and Ira, born in July, 1879, in Reed City. Mrs.
Gilbert was born in August, 1844, in Schuyler, N. Y.

avid J. Hood, Manager and Overseer of
IL the County Poor Farm, located on section
28, Sylvan Township, was born in Craw
ford Co., Pa. He was reared to the age of 18
years on his father's farm and attended the
common schools. On attaining the age named
he devoted his abilities to the acquisition of the car
penter's trade, following it as a vocation in Pennsyl
vania and Missouri until 1876, the year of his
removal to Osceola County. In August he came to
Reed City and a few days later purchased of the
Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad corporation a
tract of land in Richmond Township containing 80
acres. It was in, an unimproved condition, and he
has now 45 acres under the plow. He took charge
of the poor farm in Sylvan Township March 18,
1882. He has succeeded in conducting its affairs
with satisfaction to all concerned. The occupants
ofthe farm have numbered T7, the maximum. There
are eight persons now in his charge. Politically,
Mr. Hood is a Republican, with strong prohibition
.views. He was married June 14, 1850, at Evansburg,
Crawford Co., Pa., to Rosanna Stewart. She was
born in that place Aug. r6, 1831, where in former
days her father was a merchant. Later he removed
to a farm where he passed the remaining days of
his life. Her mother died also in Crawford County.
Mrs. Hood was well educated and previous to her
marriage engaged in teaching. She has been the
mother of 11 children : J. Stewart is a manufacturer
of pumps at Akron, Ohio. Melbourn resides at
Reed City. Ellsworth lives at Rockford, Mich.
Margaret (Mrs. Hoover) lives <it Chase, Mich.. Ray

and Clyde reside at home. Five are deceased, —
Perida, Adelaide, an infant, Burton and Harry; the
two last died at Reed City. Mrs. Hood is a mem
ber of the Congregational Church at Reed City.

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arren A. Wagar, Supervisor of Sylvan
Township and farmer on section 28, was
born Aug. 17, 1840, in Yates Co., N. Y.
Charles Wagar, his father, was a native of
the same State and followed the pursuit of
agriculture in Yates County until his death,
which occurred in 1841, within the first year of the
life of his son. His mother, Sophronia (Wier) Wa
gar, is a native of New York, and is now a resident of
Wayne County in that State, and is aged 67 years.
After the death of Mr. Wagar she again married.
Warren was a member of his mother's family until
he was 1 3 years of age, when he found a home with
a young man named Gage. Between three and four
years later, he became an inmate of the household of
Morgan Gage, father of his former patron, with whom
he remained until he was 22 years of age, attending
school and obtaining a knowledge of the builder's
trade. He was married Aug. 27, 1862, in Yates County,
to Mary A. Green. She was born in that county and
died there in June, 1864, leaving one child, Charles,
who was born Oct. 9, 1863. The wife and mother
when dying urged his speedy union with a friend to
whose care she wished to entrust her infant child, and
in accordance Mr. Wagar was married Feb. 16, 1865,
to -Jennie M. Van Liper. She was born Nov. 9,
1845, in the State of New York, and is the daughter
of Jeremiah Van Liper. One child constitutes the
issue of this marriage, Elnora, born Sept. 23. 1866.
After his marriage Mr. Wagar was occupied at his
trade, which he pursued with success until 1877 in
his native State. In' that year he concluded to seek
a home in Michigan, which he did and made his lo
cation on the place where he now resides April 27,
1877. He at first purchased 120 acres of land, to
which he added five acres soon after. Later, he sold
40 acres, and has about 20 acres of the remaining 85
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acres under the plow. He is the owner of a half in
terest in 80 acres of pine land on section 24. Polit
ically he is a Democrat and has been Justice of the
Peace two years ; is the present incumbent.

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enj. F. Gooch, continued, from page 287.
(The following items, concerning Mr. G.'s
brothers, came too late for insertion in the
proper place.) Amos Gooch volunteered, at
Milwaukee, Wis., for the Mexican War, was
in Gen. Wool's Brigade, and died in his
country's service at Puebla, Mexico, July 30, 1847.
In the great War of the Rebellion Mr. Gooch had
four brothers, besides himself! Charles enlisted in
the 14th W. Va. Vol., at Mannington, Marion

County, and was killed at Winchester, Va., near
Harper's Ferry. Horace enlisted in the Sixth Mich.
Cav. at Grand Rapids, and was killed July 14, 1863,
in Major Weber's charge at Falling Water, Mo.
John volunteered in the Michigan Regiment of En
gineers and Mechanics, served his time and was
honorably discharged. And still another brother
volunteered in the 12th Regulars, was wounded and
taken prisoner, served his time of enlistment and re
ceived an honorable discharge. Six brothers in one
family! Scarcely another family in the whole State of
Michigan can make such an exhibit of patriotisrn as
that. Here are deeds that speak louder than words,
giving evidence of a self-sacrificing heroism not de-
scribable in words ; and all the surviving brothers
still " vote as they shot" by a firm adhesion to the
principles' upon which the Republican party was
founded.

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-HE forests of Osceola County
have been but recently sub
dued by the enterprise of a
civilized race, preparatory
to the establishment of
comfortable and permanent
homes for a dense popula
tion. The early surveyors which
the Government sent out to make
the survey of this part ofthe State
reported that it was an irreclaim
able waste and not fit for cultiva
tion in any quarter, the' soil being
of that character which precluded
the propagation of cereals. The
subsequent rapidity of settlement
and enormous crops of everything
in the line of cereals has demonstrated conclusively
their mistake, for no acreage surpasses Northern
Michigan in productiveness. Notwithstanding the
oft-repeated tales of want and hardships told by their
sires, men of energy, with their families and all their
earthly possessions loaded upon wagons drawn by
oxen, pushed their way step by step, through the un
broken forests of Osceola, until they found suitable
locations. With a spirit of heroism have they toiled
until the forests were laid low, and their herculean
labor is manifest in the broad acres of highly culti
vated land, upon which stand palatial residences and

outbuildings of the most expensive character. Over
the grounds where the red man chased the bounding
deer, and the wildcats and wolves held their nightly
vigils, may be seen herds and flocks feeding and re
posing in content ; where useless weeds and unused
timber cumbered the ground, the husbandman may
now be seen gathering the golden harvests; and
where the savage's miserable wigwam occasionally
appeared, now stands a dwelling which by com
parison is a mansion, with here and there a school-
house or a church, the greatest distinctive feature of
all in contrast with the aboriginal paganism. Trans
portation of goods by ox teams has given way to the
power of steam, and a commerce has been opened up
with all parts of the civilized world. Prosperity in a
high degree has smiled upon her people, who, taking
age into consideration, are fortunate in living in the
most healthful, beautiful and productive States in the
Union. The history of this county is possessed of no small
degree of interest. While other counties were con
nected with the frontier by large bodies of excellent
lands, this seemed for a long time shut off from the
gaze of shrewd speculators by reason of its heavy
growth of timber. They were destined to become
the heritage of an honest, industrious people, and
the income derived from the timber and products of
the soil has given many of the first comers a hand
some competency.

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How Our Fathers Lived.
HE young men and women of to-day have
very little conception of the mode of life
among the early settlers of Osceola County.
In but few respects are the manners of the
present time similar to those of a quarter of a
century ago. The clothing, the dwelling, the
diet, the social customs, etc., have undergone a total
revolution as though a new race had taken possession
of the land. Pioneer life in Osceola County finds its
parallel in almost every county in the' State and
throughout the entire Northwest. The land was to
be cleared of forests, and the skill of human art
used to transplant to the fertile region the civiliza
tion of the East. Cabins were to be erected, wells
dug, and the rivers and creeks made to labor for the
use of mankind.
As many living citizens can well remember, the
pioneers had many difficulties to contend with, not
the least of which was the journey from civilization
to their forest homes. The route lay through a wild
and rough country ; swamps and marshes were
crossed with great exertion and fatigue ; rivers were
forded with difficulty and danger, nights were passed
in the dense forests, with mother earth for a couch
and the trees and foliage for a shelter ; long, weary
days and weeks of travel were endured, but finally
their eyes .were gladdened and their hearts beat
faster when a vision ef their future home burst upon
them. The first thing upon his arrival was to set about
building a cabin. While this was being done the
family slept in the wagons or upon the grass, while
the horses or oxen, tethered to prevent escape,
grazed on the grass around them. Trees of a suita
ble and uniform size were selected, felled and pre
pared for their places. The day for the raising was
announced and from far and near came other pio
neers to assist in the labor. The structure went up,
a log at a time, those engaged in the work stopping
now and then to " wet their whistles," and soon it
was ready for the clapboard roof, which was held on
by huge weight-poles. A door and a window were

cut where the good wife directed, a chimney built,
and the building was ready for its occupants. The
space between the logs was filled with split sticks
of wood, called "chinks," and then daubed over,
both inside and out, with mortar made of clay.
The floor was sometimes nothing more than earth
tramped hard arid smooth, but was commonly made
of " puncheons," or split logs, with the split side
turned upwards. The roof was made by gradually
drawing in the top to the ridge-pole and on cross-
pieces laying the clapboards, which, being several
feet in length, instead of being nailed were held in
place by weight-poles, reaching the entire length of
the cabin.
For a fire-place, a space was cut out of the logs on
one side of the room, usually about six feet in
length, and three sides were built up of logs, making
an offset in the wall. This was lined with stone, if
convenient; if not, then earth was used. The flue,
or upper part of the chimney, was built of small
split sticks, two and a half or three feet in length,
carried a little space above the roof, and plastered
over with clay, and when finished was called a
" cob and clay " chimney. The door space was also
made by cutting an aperture in one side of the room
of the required size, the door itself being made of
clapboards secured by wooden pins to two cross-
pieces. The hinges' were also of wood, while the
fastenings consisted of a wooden latch catching on
a hook of the same material. To open the door
from the outside, a strip of buckskin was tied to the
latch and drawn through a hole a few inches above
the latch bar, so that on pulling the string the latch
was lifted from the catch or hook, and the door was
opened without further trouble. To lock the door it
was only necessary to pull the string through the
hole on the inside. Here the family lived, and here
the guest and wayfarer were made welcome. The
living-room was of good size, but to a large extent it
was also kitchen, bed-room, parlor and arsenal, with
flitches of bacon and rings of, dried pumpkins sus
pended from the rafters.
The old cabins are rapidly being superseded by
modern frame ahd brick structures, yet with almost
tearful eyes we watch them disappear. Every log
and chink has a history; could they speak, they
would tell us of the days of toil and privation under
gone by our fathers, of the days made sacred by the
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birth or death ofhis children, of the religious servi
ces which were held there when no church was yet
built in the neighborhood, or the merry-makings
which the neighbors for miles around attended, when
( ((bi 1°SS were t0 ke ro^e(ii anc* a dance given in the
evening; the whole to conclude with a supper, the
delicacies of which consisted of venison, maple
sugar and corn bread. One by one of the old log
structures are being removed ; but it seems almost a
sacrilege to tear them down, so closely have they
been connected with the success of our pioneers,
many of whom now state that although they are now
wealthy and have every comfort and luxury that
money can procure, yet the days spent in their
primeval home and the kindness which everywhere
prevailed among neighbors, brought more happiness
than is now enjoyed, although their barn:, are filled
with grain, their pockets with gold and their lands
dotted with herds of cattle and sheep.

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Value of Local History.

HE great dread of mankind from the re
motest ages has been to be forgotten. The
means employed to prevent this and to
*(£r> perpetuate his memory has been in proportion
to the amount of intelligence he possessed. It
has been conceded now by scientists that the
principal object of the Egyptians in building their
pyramids was to perpetuate the name and deeds of
their great leaders and rulers. The walls in the ex
tensive apartments beneath those huge stone monu
ments are covered with paintings illustrating the
deeds, both in peace and war, of her illustrious
princes, and in chronological order. These colors
are as bright, apparently, as when they were first laid
on, and the work shows great skill and artistic de
sign. The exhumations made by the.archeologist of
Egypt from buried Memphis indicate a desire of
these people to perpetuate the memory of their
achievements. The walls of these palaces found
buried here are decorated with historical emblems
representing the lives and deeds of these people. In

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Memphis they displayed a higher art. They carved
out in marble elegant and life-like statues bf their
distinguished princes, accompanied with hieroglyph
ics, illustrating their deeds. The erection of those
great obelisks were for the same purpose. Coming * ȣ>)
down to a later period we find the Greeks and Ro
mans erecting mausoleums and monuments, and carv
ing out statues to chronicle their great achievements,
and carry them down the ages. It is evident that
the mound-builders, in piling up their gross mounds
of earth, had but this idea, to leave something to show
that they had lived. All these works, these represent
ations, though many of them costly in the extreme,
give but a faint idea of the lives and character of
those whose meiriory they were intended to perpet
uate, and scarcely anything of the masses of the peo
ple that then lived. The great pyramids and some
of the obelisks remain, objects only for scientists or
curiosity seekers ; the mausoleums, monuments and
statues are crumbling into dust. The monuments,
statues and other relics are being gradually con
veyed to the different museums of the world, and
soon there will nothing remain in these countries to
illustrate the lives of the people who once dwelt in
them. Generation after generation comes and goes like
the leaves of autumn. Nations have been born, have
had their rise and fall, and then passed away leav
ing scarcely a riffle on the great ocean of time to
show that they ever existed, so imperfect and muta
ble has been their means to perpetuate their achieve
ments. It was left to modem ages to establish an
intelligent, undecaying, immutable method of per
petuating this history; immutable in'that itis almost
unlimited in extent, and perpetual in its action ; and
this is through the act of printing. Nations may be
come disintegrated and pass away, monuments and
statues may crumble into dust, but books will live.
This art has been rapidly advancing from its first
inception until now it would seem that there
were no longer any further ground for improvement.
This is pre-eminently an age of printing, an age of
books. To the present generation, however, are we in
debted for the introduction of the admirable system
of local history and local biography. By this system
every man, though he has not achieved what the
world calls greatness, has the means to perpetuate

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his life, his history, through the coming ages; so
alike has every community.
We come now to the work before us. To our
patrons, we say, that the scythe of Time cuts down
all ; nothing of the physical man is left ; the monu
ment which his children or friends may erect to his
memory in the cemetery will crumble into dust and
pass away; but his life, his achievements, the work
he has accomplished, which otherwise would be for
gotten, is perpetuated by this book through coming
ages. Shakspeare has said :
The evil men do lives after them ;
The good is oft interred with their bones.
Our aim in this work has been only to preserve
the good. We have sought to gather from the best
sources of information obtainable, the conditions and
incidents of the early pioneer life, and to present

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that, together with the present development of the
county. Many of the pioneers came into these
primeval forests without a dollar in their pockets,
and with but the ax on their shoulder to carve out
their fortunes and build up a country. With un
daunted hearts, and a courage equal to that of the
great heroes of history, they began life.
The land where the wild animals once roamed
undisturbed, where the Indian later on built his
wickeup, has been transformed into cultivated fields,
or is occupied by business houses, dwellings, schools
and churches. Here now may be seen all the ele
ments of an advanced civilization : the, husband
man at his plow; the artisan at his forge; the
merchant with his stock of goods ; the railroad train
steaming through the country ; the youth gathering
into schools, and the people into their places of
worship.

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NE of the peculiar phases of
this country is the advance
ment of its settlement. Un
like any other country, at
least in modern times, its
founders, and those who followed
them, had a broad, almost unlimited
expanse of territory uninhabited ex
cept by the aborigines. Step by step,
from the Colonial occupation on the
Atlantic shore to the present period,
immigration has moved on its western
march; one by one Territories have
been laid out and States formed with
their accompanying county and township organiza
tions; one by one has that bright galaxy, the Union
of States, been increased in numbers ; and one by
one have the stars been added to that flag which re-
splendently waves over all.
As the polar star has been, and is, to the mariner,
so the Great West is to the adventurer,— the pio
neer,— his hope. As the Mussulman turns to Mecca,.
so does the pioneer turn toward the setting sun. He,
with his bold heart, advances westward, removing
the primeval forests, subduing the virgin soil, and
bringing it under ripe cultivation. Close upon his
footsteps come manufactories and commerce ; and
then civilization, on its luminous wings, with its arts,
its sciences, and its culture, follow, rounding up and
completing the work he so ably began. The advent
of the pioneer into this territory is not unlike that of
others; in the history of this county, the experience of
the early settlers are similar to those who have pre-

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ceded them in the past. They have had their
struggles, privations and sufferings, their defeats and
their triumphs.
The location of Osceola County is in latitude
44 degrees north and longitude 8 degrees and 20
minutes west, in the middle of the Lower Peninsula.
Its elevation is about 400 feet above Lake Michigan,
and some 40 miles east of its shores. Wexford and
Missaukee Counties lie on the north, Clare on the
east, Mecosta on the south, with Lake County on the
west. It was first laid off by an act of the Legisla
ture approved April 1, 1840, and received the Indian
name of Un-wat-tin. It retained this name until
March, 1843, when it was changed by the Legisla
ture to Osceola. Between these years Nathan Her
sey came into the territory. He was a trapper, and
according to tradition was the first white man to
enter. During the years of 1857-9 it was attached
to Newaygo County, for judicial purposes. In 1858
it was organized into a township with a part of Me
costa, and was called Green. In 1861 the Township
of Richmond was organized, which embraced the en
tire county, leaving off that part of Mecosta to which
the county had been attached. The meeting was
held at the residence of D. A. Blodgett, which was
the first election held in this territory. Nine votes
were cast at this important meeting, the result of
which was the election of D. A. Blodgett for Super
visor; James G. Robbins, Clerk, and Benjamin F.
Gooch, Treasurer.
Having so far traced the organization of the
county, we return to some of the first things.
- Delos A. Blodgett was the first man to make a

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settlement in the county, which was on the west side
of Muskegon River, on what is now known as section
19 in the township of Hersey. This settlement was
made in the spring of 185 1. Mr. Blodgett cleared
off a patch of ground and planted it in potatoes (the
long pink-eye), which he brought up in a canoe from
Croton, and this was the first crop of any kind planted
in the county.
Benj. F. Gooch was the next settler to come in,
which was in 1855. He located 160 acres of land
on what is now section 25, Richmond Township, and
has remained there to the present time.
The first women to settle in the county were Mrs.
Dillornie and daughter, who were brought in from
Plainfield by Mr. Gooch in the fall of 1855. They
were hired to cook for a lumber camp.
In the spring of 1856 James G. Robbins, William
and Anson Berger came in.
Mr. Gooch and Mr. Blodgett, with their men,
opened the first road into the county, in the fall of
1855. It was built from north of Big Rapids. The
first State road was constructed from Big Rapids,
entering the township of Richmond in section 34,
and running diagonally through the county along the
west side of the Muskegon River. Mr. Blodgett
carried the chain all the way through the county.
Mr. Gooch paid the first tax in the county, which
was collected from Newaygo County. He also
brought in' the first cow, and the first hens. The
hens were secured in this way: He went to Grand
Rapids to purchase some flour. Arriving there he
found that article very high. He was told if he
would wait a few days he could get it cheaper. Ac
cordingly he went back to his brother's, some eight
miles, and helped him in planting. When he went
away he said he would take his pay in hens, which
he carried off with him.
D. A. Blodgett and L. O. Schofield put up the first
grist-mill in the county. It was a log building and
was located where the bridge now crosses the Hersey
River. Alice Jones taught the first school in the county,
on section 25 in the township of Richmond. This
school-house was put up by Benj. F. Gooch, a little
way west of his residence, on his farm. The old
building is still standing, a relic of the past.
The first child born in the county was Mary,
daughter of J. A. Robbins, in i860.

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In 1856 the pigeons nested in this county; the "air
seemed to be full of them ; so thick were they that
the people could kill them with clubs.
In mentioning first things, it might not be just to
leave out the first theft. There were people in those
days, as well as the present, who liked to possess
themselves of others' property. Farmer Gooch had
secured a stock of meal which was the envy of a
neighbor. A bag of the meal was missed, and the
thief was suspected. Upon searching he found it in
possession of his neighbor. There were no officers
in those days, nor were there any courts in the
county. Mr. Gooch constiluted himself both, and
ordered the man to take the bag on his back and re
turn it to his store-room,- a distaace of three miles,
which he did, Mr. Gooch following him ! He was
then requested to to get out of the county before the
court sat (this was to be held soon), which he did,
selling his farm.
A very good story is told by D. A. Blodgett of
early pioneer days. Jack Daniel came into his camp
to log one winter, and brought with him a negro by
the name of Ike. Jack was a boasting sort of fel
low, and claimed to be a great trapper and hunter,
and one of the best judges of fur about the country.
He had with him a big bear trap. One day he went
into the woods and^set the trap, chaining il to a
tree. He then went off to Croton, telling the negro
to watch it. The next day Ike went into the woods
where the trap was and sprung it, cut off some of
his hair (or wool) and put it in-between the jaws.
He then scratched the bark of the tree, tore up the
ground around it in a fearful way, and went back to
await events, telling the boys what he had done.
The next day Jack came home and his first inquiry
of the negro was if he had seen the trap. Ike re
plied that he had not. Jack then shouldered his
gun and went out into the woods to look after it.
Pretty soon he returned in great excitement bearing
in his fingers the negro's wool, which he showed
around to the camp, bewailing his misfortune in
losing such a splendid piece of bear's fur! The
joke of the negro was too good to keep, and Jack, in
order to have any peace, left the camp.
A bill for establishing a mail route in the county
was, through the efforts of D. A. Blodgett, passed by
Congress in 1865. It provided for weekly service
from " Hersey Branch," as it was then called, to

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Big Rapids. This route was opened in the fall of
1865, and was the first in the county. Mr. Blodgett
was appointed Postmaster for Hersey, who was also
the first man in the county to have charge of the
Government mails.
In March, 1869, the county was finally organized
by the Legislature, which included the east half of
the present county of Lake. The townships at this
time organized were, Richmond, Hersey, Lincoln,
Middle Branch, Osceola and Sherman.
The first meeting of the Board of Supervisors of
Osceola County was July 1, 1869, at Rooney's Hall,
in Hersey. In 1871, the territory of Lake County
was withdrawn, leaving Osceola with 16 townships
and an acreage of 368,640.
Hersey was the first village laid out in the county,
namely, in 1869, by D. A. Blodgett, which was made
the county seat upon the organization of the county.
Judge Giddings held the first Circuit Court in the
county, in June, 1870.
The first murder committed in the county was in
November, 1869, by a man named James Daggett,
who killed a negro of the name of Daniel White.
White had homesteaded a piece of ground on sec
tion 30 in Highland Township. He was killed on
section 36, in Sherman Township, a short distance
from his home. The body was not found until the
following spring, in May, when the snow had melted
away. It was discovered in the northeast corner of
section 36, near the line. It was supposed up to
the time ofthe finding of the body that the negro
had left the country or gone into some lumbering
camp. Some time subsequent to the murder, Dag
gett, probably in a fit of remorse, told his father
about the killing. At one time he drew his shot-gun
on his father, fearing he would expose him. His
father bared his breast and told his son to shoot, who
thought better of it and dropped his gun. T^he
negro had been shot and then his throat wa^ cut.
After the body had been discovered, the father, fear
ing his son, swore out a warrant against him, and he
was arrested. After his arrest, he swore out a war
rant against Isaac Reems, accusing him' of the homi
cide. Re-ems was arrested, and, with Daggett, was
taken to Big Rapids, where they were to be tried.
The people of Sherman and Highland Townships
had no doubt of Reem's innocence, but firmly be
lieved in Daggett's guilt. Daggett had often shown

his prejudice against the African race, and often
boasted how he used, when in the army, to shoot
them down. The impression got abroad that the
court functionaries desired the conviction of Reems.
He was acquitted, however, by a ready and unani
mous verdict of the jury. After the acquittal of
Reems, Daggett made a confession, acknowledging
the killing of While. He was sentenced by the
Court, without trial, to 99 years' imprisonment in the
penitentiary. The first death in the county was that of Pete
Cameron, called " Scotchy," on the farm of Mr.
Blodgett, in 1867. Mr. Blodgett sent to Big Rapids
for a coffin. They sent back to know whether a
preacher was wanted also. Blodgett replied that
they did not. Funeral services were organized, and
they went down to Big Rapids, Mr. Blodgett taking
along with him Mr. Gamage to officiate, who was
employed by him on his farm, and who was a sort of
preacher, a man of considerable ability and a fine
orator, though of eccentric habits. Arriving at Big
Rapids, they held their funeral service, at which there
were many people and several clergymen present.
Mr. Gamage took his text and delivered a most
powerful funeral oration, distinguishing himself
pre-eminently by his brilliant eloquence, his biblical
lore and his oratorical powers. After the services
were over some of the clergy came to Mr. Blodgett
(who is something of a wag and had planned for
and anticipated this surprise), and inquired who this
man was and where he came from. " Oh," said Mr.
B., " I keep him up on my farm for just such occa
sions! "
The first store opened in the county was at Her
sey in 1869, by James Kennedy.
D. A. Blodgett, as Justice of the Peace, married
the first couple in the fall of i860, the contracting
parties being Theodore Lott and Mary McCarty.
Osceola County owes its rapid development to its
grand forests of timber and her water facilities for
transportation, and to the advent of the railroads.
The Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad, which runs
east and west through the lower tier of townships, was
the first to enter the county, which was in 1870; it was
followed in 187 1 by the Grand Rapids & Indiana Rail
road, which enters the county on section 34 in Rich
mond Township, passes through the western tier of
townships northward and goes out on section 6 in Sher-

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man Township. These roads connect the county with
the great commercial world, and have been potential
factors in its growth. By these lines all important
towns can be reached in the county in a few hours,
and those of the State within a day. When the
Toledo & Ann Arbor road comes in, which will be
during the present year (1885), another impetus will
be given to the development of the county. During
its early days, and before the railroads came in, it
was aided very much in its growth by the construc
tion of State roads.
The territory of which Michigan is composed once
belonged to the State of Virginia and extended to the
western boundaries of that State, and was known as
the "Northwestern Territory." In 1787, it was
ceded to the general Government. Osceola County
is of an alluvial formation, and, geologically speak--
ing, of a recent date. Nearly all of the soil of the
county was originally covered with dense forests. It
varies somewhat in composition, from strong clay to
light sand, with slight graduation from tile-clay loam
to sand. But the great body, however, is clay loam.
This loose material, or drift soil, according to the best
geological reports, covers the surface of this territory
from 200 to 300 feet in depth.
The forests of Osceola County were principally
pine, with a liberal admixture in some sections of
elm, maple, oak, ash, cherry, beech, hemlock and bass-
wood. It was thought, before ,the lands were brought
under cultivation, that they would be poor farming
ands; but experience has demonstrated to the con
trary. These lands have been known to produce from
two to three tons of excellent hay to the acre. The
surface of the land throughout the county is generally
rolling; but occasionally there are tracts of from 100
to 500 acres of level land.
Another favorable feature of this soil is its strength.
Crop after crop seems to have no effect in diminish
ing its fertility. The wheat produced is plump, large,
and excellent in quality, weighing above the aver
age per bushel. Forty bushels to the acre have been
raised on new lands. The statistics of 1880 give
5,413 acres of landnn wheat, yielding 79,465 bushels,
averaging 14.68 bushels to the acre. It has been
demonstrated that upon the newest lands a good
crop can be raised every year. The practice of
farmers in the newer portions of the county, or on

the new lands, is to alternate the wheat with corn,
oats, and other spring crops. In the older fields the
practice of " seeding down " is adopted.
Lands are still comparatively low. Unimproved
lands can be had for from $3 to $15 per acre, and
improved for from $15 to $50. A comfortable log
cabin can be built for $50. Where the wood is
burned, lands can be cleared for $10 to $15 an acre.
Where the timber is put into a marketable shape, the
land will more than pay the expense of clearing.
Anotherfavorable feature of this county is its free
dom from destroying insects. Since the first settle
ments there is not an instance known where crops
have been injured by these pests. Some of the
farmers say that the best crop to raise is " almost
everything.'' 'While this might be well enough to
meet the eccentricities of some of the seasons, yet we
believe the best crops for the farmers of Osceola
County to raise are wheat and hay, and the most
profitable branches of farming for them would be
dairying and stock-raising. The latter industry could
be started very cheaply, as stump lands could be got
at very low figures.
D. A. Blodgett, in Hersey Township and at Cadil
lac, has taken the lead in high breeding in the
French, Norman and the Percheron, which he im
ported direct from France ; and in the Short-horns
and Jerseys.
The wheat is generally put into the ground from
the middle to the latter part of September, and be
fore snow falls it usually gets a growth of three or
four inches. The Michigan winter furnishes usually
a heavy covering of snow to protect it, and in the
spring it comes out fresh and green. The White
Winter seed is generally used. As has been stated,
the wheat of this county — and it holds the same
throughout the State — maintains a high rank in
the markets, and has a separate standard. Michi
gan White Winter wheat flour is known in all the
important grain exchanges of Europe.
The climate here is preferable to that of most
of the Northern States. While Michigan is in about
the same latitude as that of Southern France and
Northern Italy, it is colder, on account of its higher
elevation, being about 800 feet above the sea. This
difference in altitude would not make the difference
that exists between those countries and Michigan,
in temperature, were it not for other causes. Scient-

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ists give as another reason, that the climate of
Michigan, like the American climate in general, has
the peculiarities of inland regions, in its not being
modified or controlled by the warm breath of the
oceans. The influence of the large bodies of water
that surround Michigan on three sides, is a source
of protection from the ravages of the fierce storms
and cyclones which afflict other portions of this con
tinent, and serves also to mitigate the excessive
heat and cold, and gives it that soft and balmy
atmosphere.peculiar to salt-water climates. While
the Lower Peninsula is visited occasionally by late
frosts in the spring, it is remarkable for its fine
autumns, and its freedom from early frosts. These
advantages make this country well adapted to fruit
culture. Those who have tried fruit culture have
met with success. Apples, plums, cherries, and all
the small fruits are grown to perfection, and are re
markably free from insects. The wild berries are
exceedingly rich and plentiful, and the harvesting
and shipping of these products constitute during
the summer months an important industry.
. The rainfall about this locality is very evenly
distributed. According to the report of the Agricul
tural College, the mean annual rainfall is a little
more than 31 inches, and is ample for all crops. It
is, according to this report, very evenly~distributed
through the year, though a little more than half falls
during the five months of the most active growth,
that is, from May to October. This equitable dis
tribution of the rainfall is a very important consid
eration for agriculturists. The average fall of snow
in this county during the winter months is four feet,
but there is seldom more than 12 inches on the
ground at any one time. About three months of
good sleighing is generally had during the winter,
which is very advantageous to farmers as well as the
lumbermen. It enables the farmer to do his heavy
teaming with less tax on the strength of his teams ;
and the latter to get his logs to the different water
courses and the mills.
Osceola County is very liberally supplied with
water courses. The great Muskegon River runs di
agonally through the entire county, coming in at the
middle on the eastern line, and going out in Hersey
Township near the southwest corner. Besides this
magnificent river, it has the Hersey, Chippewa, Mid
dle Branch and Pine Rivers, and numerous other

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small streams and lakes. While the large forests
have been somewhat depleted by the heavy draughts
made upon them, yet the lumber business is virtu
ally unceasing. Instead of this lumber passing
down the Muskegon River and going out of the
county, a large portion of it is now held by manufac
tories, and before going out is made up into different
articles of commerce, thus retaining the profits ofthe
manufacturer within the county, and establishing also
a home trade. The estimated cut of lumber in the
county for the year 1883 was 37,000,000 feet.
Most of the townships have lumber mills of one
kind or other, which enable the farmer to exchange
his products for cash or for some article of lumber.
The laborers at these mills receive from $1.50 to
$3.50 per day, according to their skill or* experience,
or the kind of work in which they are employed.
Not;one-tenth of the facilities for manufacture has
been yet utilized. Factories for making up the for
ests of hard-woods, as well as the soft, might be
scattered all along the Muskegon River, which has
an unexcelled water power. No county in the State
can offer finer sites for manufacturing, and no county
can furnish a better article of timber to be worked
up. With such splendid water power, no wheat
should be shipped out of the county until it is ma<Je
into flour. The county has the raw material, the
water power, the best of transportation facilities, and
all that tends to make up a manufacturing com
munity. It is "the great manufactories, and the smaller ones,
that build up communities, towns and counties; and
the people who husband their manufacturing re
sources, who make up their raw material before they
let it go to the outside World, are the ones that will
be prosperous. The manufacturer builds up the
agriculturist and the agriculturist supports the manu
facturer. Without one of these two elements no
country can thrive; without either, a country would
hardly advance beyond the condition of a wilderness.
Osceola County has both ; therefore her future may
be well assured.
Since the first highway, or State road, was con
structed by Commissioner D. A. Blodgett, running
along nearly parallel with the Muskegon, new roads
have been built in every township, and in many of
the townships on almost every section line. It takes
some time to build up good country roads, and many

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counties are old in settlement before this has been
done. But Osceola people have felt the necessity of
good roads and have advanced very rapidly in this
direction. The old log causeways are fast disappear
ing for the bridges and stone culverts ; and the de
lectable corduroy road, that horror of all travelers, is
passing away and giving place to the gravel bed.
For a person of limited means, wishing to secure
a home, there is no county in Michigan more desira
ble to locate in than Osceola. It is not so thickly
settled but that he can find a place to meet his
fancy, and that, too, at reasonable figures. If he
comes in with courage, energy, and staying qualities,
he will win. If he has not these, he had better stay
out, for the people of Osceola County will not want
him. •
Persons settling here have many advantages
which do not accompany the possession of low-priced
lands further West, or in the Territories; ¦ They
have really the benefit of a settled society. They
have all the advantages of good schools, churches
and societies, and are in communication with the
great railways of the country. It is not an unorgan
ized community, nor is the society that of a crude
and wild country. It is in connection with, and has
all the advantage's of, an old and cultured commun
ity, and a prosperous and thoroughly established
state. The laws are enforced, life and property are
protected, a standard of morality is fixed, and the
habits of the people have become settled. No State
in the Union has better educational advantages,
or devoted more care to the education of the young;
and this system is extended and its influence felt in
the remotest settlements. It permeates all parts of
the State,, and one of the first considerations of a
new settlehient after they have constructed habita
tions for themselves, is to provide a school building
and a teacher for their children.
The county is also well provided with religious
societies and places for worship. They are liberally
distributed throughout the county. Some of the
edifices are very elegant in construction, and display
a cultivated taste by the designers.
Osceola County has no special Indian history. A
few of these uncivilized people roamed about the
forests for awhile after the white settlers came in,
and then went out. Only one difficulty occurred
with the Indian, which will be given in the history
af Le Roy.

Having only about a score of people at the break
ing out of the rebellion, the county could not be ex
pected to have much of a war record. There was
one enlistment, that of Benj. F. Gooch, from Rich
mond Township, the account of which will be found
in his biography.
The population of the county is now estimated at
about 15,000, and is increasing very rapidly. All
the towns with but few exceptions are also on the
increase. Dotted all over its territory can be seen fine cul
tivated farms, with good dwellings and farm build
ings. There is not a township now in the county
but has some well established farms in it, and in the
older townships they are quite numerous ; most of
the farmers, too, are out of debt, and are either in
creasing their acreage, their stock, adding to theii
buildings, or putting by a little money.
The people' of the county have been very for
tunate in conducting their municipal affairs, and in
the selection of their officials. Its public buildings,
though not expensive, are good, and meet the wants
of the people, and are all paid for.
Osceola County is in the 28th Judicial District, in
the 9th Congressional, and 27th Senatorial District,
and comprises a Representative District of itself.
It is but a little while^since the first settler came
into the| county ; but a little while since the blow
of the ax first resounded through its forests, and
the wild animals roamed fearlessly and undisturbed
beneath their tall trees. Only a few years have
rolled arourjd since the first log cabin was put up,
and the family altar erected ; and only a few years
since the cry of the first babe was heard with the
low, sweet notes of the mother's lullaby. All is
changed now. The wilderness has disappeared and
in its place broad cultivated fields are seen. The
rudely constructed cabins, with their home-made fur
niture, have given place to fine dwellings, to stately
homes, with elegant and cultured surroundings.
The buzz of the saw, the sound of the artisan's
hammer, the shrill voice of the locomotive are now
heard where once the only sound to break the still
ness of the night was the howl of the wolf.
Some of the old cabins, with their rough articles of
furniture, yet remain as a link between the past and
the present, as a reminder of pioneer life with its
struggles and privations. To their former occupants,
hallowed memories cluster around them. Here were

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their first beginnings ; beneath these humble roofs
they communed with each other, devising and matur
ing their plans for life's journey; and here the first-'
born played around the light of the fire-place, with its
bright, innocent face and chirping, musical attempts
at speech.
As modes of conveyance the old ox-sled and cart,
and the heavy lumber wagon, with most of the peo
ple, are among the things of the past, and fine car
riages, easy road wagons, or sleighs, drawn by good
horses, have taken their places. With many the
elegant railway coach has been substituted. Good
markets are now accessible to almost every farmer as
well as to those who dwell in villages. The in

habitants no longer have to depend on the wild game
of the forest or the fish in their streams for sub
sistence; neither do they have to haul their supplies
from Big Rapids or other distant markets. On the
contrary, now, all that can be had in city markets
can be had almost at their doors.
The settlement has been established, the experi
ment is over, the reality has come, and success is
guaranteed. A complete social and political govern
ment, under American institutions, has been founded.
With the pioneers of this county there is no longer
any doubt pr misgivings as to their venture. The
clouds of uncertainty have passed away and before
them and their children the future is bright.

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URDELL Township was set off from Le
Roy Township by order of the Board of
Supervisors. The first election was held
on the first Monday in April, 187 1, at the
house of Calvin Woodworth, on section 34.
The Inspectors of Election were Calvin
Woodworth, M. B. ^Holton and W. J. Townsend.
Enoch Starks was elected Supervisor, George jW.
Somers, Clerk, and Wellington Starks, Treasurer.
Daniel Hewit, Stephen Allen and George Arnold had
the honor to be the first Trustees, with Lee Alden as
Constable. This township is located in the northwest corner
of the county, and is numbered 20 north, of range 10
west. Its boundaries are, Wexford County on the
north, Sherman Township on the east, Le Roy on the
south, and Lake County on the west. It is very
liberally supplied with school districts, having seven
school-houses, which are located as follows: School
District No. 2, on section 27 ; District No. 3, on sec
tion 25 ; No. 4, on section 31 ; No. 5, on section 23 ;
No. 6, on 9; No. 7, on section 17. Fractional No. 1
is located in Le Roy Township.
The first school meeting was held by the Inspec
tors April 30, 1872, at the residence of George W.
Somers, in Tustin; and the second meeting was held
at the house of Walter Tank, on section 1 3, May 2,
1872. The surface of the land is rolling, and in some
parts it might be called hilly. The soil is generally
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a sandy loam, with a clay sub-soil. Elm, maple,
birch and hemlock are the principal timber, which is
interspersed with some pine. Pine River and its
branches water this township, which, with the rolling
nature of the land, affords ample facilities for drain
age. In these streams there is excellent fishing,
grayling, bass and other fish being plentiful.
Philo Newberry has the credit of being the first
settler in what is now Burdell Township. He located
on section 36, in 1865. The settlers who came in
before 1870 were Stephen Allen, Henry Comings and
John Byers, locating also on section 36 ; Patrick
Downey, on section 34; Calvin Woodworth, William
R. Simington, on section 28; S. Hewit and Enoch
Starks, on section 20.
W. J. Townsend was the first man to bring a horse
into the township. Miss Ida Jones opened the first
school, in a log school-house on section 24, in 187 1.
Following this lady's efforts to impart knowledge to
the young, came the Rev. Mr. Miller to administer
to the religious wants of the older settlers, which was
in the winter qf 187 1-2, holding his services at the
house of John Mitchell, on section 26.
At one time quite an extensive lumbering business
was carried on in the township, the lumber going out
by the way of Lake County. Its means of trans
portation has been and is by the Grand Rapids &
Indiana Railroad, which runs along the eastern line
of the township, and which was completed through it

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in the early part of 1872. The trading place of the
people is Tustin, which is also their postoffice.
The census of 1884 gives the population at 840,
and the assessed value of the property in 1883 was
192,000. There are a few pretty well cultivated farms here,
and the soil is regarded good for vegetables and
grain. Hay and potatoes are the best crops. Fruit
has not been cultivated very much. This part ofthe
county being very heavily wooded, it required a great
deal of hard work to clear up the lands and make
them tillable.
In the early days there were some pretty " slash
ing " feats performed. John Lindburg, who located
on section 30, in 1871, "slashed" 49 acres during
the first twelve months, the timber of which was
mostly hardwood !
As to business in this township, outside of Tustin,
Henry S. Kelley has a saw-mill and shingle-mill lo
cated on section 1. William Bullock has a saw-mill
on section 12; and a water-power grist-mill is operated
on section 21 by McHugh & Bros. James E. Bevins
has a saw-mill and shingle-mill on section 32. Sec
tion 7 has a shingle-mill owned by Mr. Slat; and
section 36 a saw-mill by Allen & Bros.
The following named Supervisors have had the
honor to look after this township's financial matters :

SUPERVISORS.

Enoch Starks,

1871

M. B. Houghton,

1872

O. F. Mcllwain,

i873

W. J. Townsend

1874-7

A. W. Ransom,

1878-9

G. D. Cool,

1880-1

W. J. Townsend,

1882

J. H. Anderson,

1883-4.

Tustin.

HIS village is located on the line of the
Grand Rapids & Indiana Railway, in the
eastern part of Burdell Township. It was
laid out upon the advent of this railroad, the
first train of which gave a happy New Year's
greeting to the pioneers January 1, 1872. Its
site is on rolling ground, which affords the residents
some very fine locations for dwellings. W. J. Town-

send was the enterprising man first to locate here,
who after settling had energy enough to cut the first
tree. In the spring of 1872, a general store was
opened by Daniel McGovern. About this period
the Swedish colony of New Bleking located in and
around here, with headquarters at the village. The
railroad company, to encourage Swedish immigra
tion, gave the colony 40 acres of land here for
church and school purposes, and for building lots.
There were in this colony some 80 families, number
ing in all about 300 persons.
In the spring of 1875, Mr. Townsend erected and
opened the first hotel, which was called the Tustin
House. This building is still used as a hotel.
In 1880, the first Fourth-of-July celebration was
held. A gentleman from Chicago delivered the
oration, which is reported to have been very elo
quent and patriotic. A liberty- pole was raised, games
of various kinds were indulged in, and a grand* old
time was had.
Tustin has a population of about 350, and is a
thrifty, growing town, sustained principally by the
lumbering trade. BUSINESS INTERESTS.
Belsher & McGowan and Truman A. Stephens,
have two good saw-mills in the place, which were
started in 1883.
Sawyer & Knox are manufacturing bowls.
G. A. Estes is one of the old merchants, and has
a large stock of general merchandise, with a thriving
business. Kennedy & Sons are manufacturers and dealers
in flour, feed and grain.
George W. Bevins, who is one of the old settlers,
has an extensive line of general merchandise.
Stokes & Co. deal in groceries, provisions, dry
goods, drugs and medicines.
D. S. Liddle is agent for Ransom & Giles, of De
troit, in general merchandise.
A. J. Thompson has a full line of dugs and medi
cines, and is also a practicing physician.
J. W. Ransom has drugs and medicines.
F. J. Luick deals in confectionery, fruits, tobacco
and cigars.
L. B. Stephens has a real-estate office, and is also
a Justice of the Peace.
Stark Layman looks after the surveying interests.

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S. S. Stephens has a billiard hall, and keeps
drinks." P. L. Compton and J. T. Willner carry on
livery business.
Maxwell & Moore have a wagon and blacksmith
shop, and G. S. Deal does blacksmithing.
O. L. Knox handles groceries and provisions.
Charles Johnson keeps a restaurant, and A. J.
Anderson wines and liquors.
The Commercial House is conducted by S. C.
Jones, proprietor. He has recently purchased this
house, and when completed will be one of.the larg
est hotels in the county. He is an old pioneer of
this part of the State. In early days he was an ex
tensive trapper, and in this business having of neces
sity roughed it much, he now knows how to make
his guests comfortable and at home.
The Tustin House, kept by J. T. Cavanaugh, is
a good hotel, and the first opened in Tustin. Mr.
Cavanaugh also keeps a meat market.
The postoffice was established here in 1872, with
W. J. Townsend as Postmaster. He was succeeded
by George W. Bevins in 1878, who is still in posses
sion of the office.
Tustin has a flourishing and attractive school,
They have a good school build-
1,250. Albert Demory is the pres-

with 85 scholars
ing, which cost I
ent teacher.

CHURCHES.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in
the spring of 1882, with 16 members, namely: L. D.
Cool and wife, Henry D. Mowers and wife, Daniel
McGovern and wife, Wm. E. Walker and wife, John
E. Mitchell and wife, Mrs. Mary Stokes, A. M.
Demory, Mrs. Alice Letson, Mrs. Jane Edgett and
Mrs. Lucy DuBois. It was organized by Rev. Owen
J. Golden, of LeRoy. This society has no church
building, but hold their meetings in the building
formerly occupied by the Swedish Church.
Services are held here every Sabbath by Rev. J.
F. McKinley, of LeRoy. It has a membership at
present of 25.
The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church was
organized April 10, 1874, with 10 members. Arti
cles of faith are those of the Augsburg Confession,
and accepted by the Scandinavian Augustana Synod,
to which body this society belongs. This was the
first Church organized in Tustin. In 1882, they

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erected their new church edifice, which cost $2,500.
At present there are 225 members, having one of the
largest congregations in the county. Rev. John
Forsburg is their Pastor.
Episcopal Church. — This Church was organized
soon after the town was settled, and embraced in its
membership a part of the Swedish colony. Owing
to sonie misunderstanding, the Swedish portion of
the congregation withdrew and organized a separate
society, known as the Swedish Evangelical Lu
theran Church, and erected for themselves a new
church building. This action reduced the member
ship of the Episcopal Church to a very few. The
society, however, still holds together, and is occa
sionally served by Bishop Gillespie, of Grand Rapids.
THE PRESS.
The Tustin Echo is a six-column folio paper, pub
lished and edited by Frank J. Luick. The Echo is
a very neat, newsy sheet. The editor says there is
nothing miraculous about his paper further than that
" it has come to stay." It first presented itself to the
reading public Dec. 18, 1884. The office was for
merly the plant of the Advance, which was estab
lished in 1878. It existed until Oct. 1, 1884, when
its light was withdrawn from the world. Another
paper was published in the office, called the Herald.
It had a brief life and then its flickering light went
out, to be rekindled by the Echo. The Echo will be
independent in politics, enterprising, and faithful to
its patrons. We bespeak for it a successful future.
SOCIETIES.
Col. Stewart Lodge, No. 285, Grand Army of the
Republic, was instituted Oct. 8, 1884. Charter mem
bers — A. Corwin, Daniel McGovern, Stark Lampman,
S. N. Barron, M. B. Houghton, G. F. Naygle, Joseph
G. Fenner, H. B. Chapman, John Byers, John Grove,
John Mitchell, G. C. Taylor, Frank Allen, William
Degart, Frank Edgett, Jerome Morgan, Charles Win-
chell and C. A. Bolin. The lodge has at present 20
members, with the following officers : Commander,
M. B. Houghton; Senior Vice Commander, Stark
Lampman; Junior Vice Commander, George Nay
gle; Quartermaster, John Grave; Adjutant, Ar-
eteus Cannon; Chaplin, Daniel McGovern; Officer
of the Day, H. B. Chapman. This lodge has a good
hall and is in good working order.
Odd Fellows, No. 372, was instituted in October,

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

1S82. Charter members — Oliver Platts, A. M. De
mory, Stark Lampman, Davis Collins, Wm. Laugh -
rae, James H. Anderson, Joseph H. George, A. J.
Morgan, Irael Sherman, S. B. Root, Wm. Gage and
W. J. Townsend. The lodge is in a flourishing con
dition and has now 38 members, with a good, well
equipped hall. Officers — N. G., W. J. Townsend ;
Recording Secretary, D. R. Marvin ; Treasurer, A. J.
Thompson. Rebecca Lodge, Florence, No. 64, was chartered
April 6, 1883. Members— Oliver Platts, D. F. Col
lins, Stark Lampman, David Kennedy, A. J. Thomp
son, Wm. Byers, S. D. Cool, H. A. Morgan,
George Hawkins, J. H. Anderson, George Clark,
Henry Hoover and George W. Davis. Sisters

— Mary R, Collins, Nellie Kennedy, Eunice B.
Thompson, Alta Hoove', Maria George, Mary A.
Townsend, Mary Byers, Lucy B. Cool, Jane Morgan,
Mary M. Somers, Sarah L. Anderson and Elma
Clark. Officers — Mrs. A. W. Somers, N. G. ; Mrs.
K. Anderson, Secretary ; and Mrs. M. A. Townsend,
Treasurer. The lodge of United Workmen was instituted
March 11, 1881. Charter members — Francis Smith,
Daniel McGovern, W. J. Townsend. W. E. Walker,
A. L. Cool, D. T. Jaques, Daniel Buse, H. D. Mau-
er, J. E. Graves and Oran Hewit. Present
membership, 28. Officers — Master, M. W. Perry
Secretary, S. B. Root; Treasurer, A. J. Thompson
Chaplain, Daniel McGovern.

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EDAR Township is number 18 north, of
range 9 west, and is surrounded by the
following named townships: Rose Lake, on
the north; Osceola, on the east,; Hersey, on
the south ; and Lincoln, on the west. It as
sumed the responsibility of self-government
in 187 1, under an order of the Board of Supervisors
made in January, of the same year. The meeting
was held the first Monday in April, at the residence
of T. H. Slaybough. S. S. Reed, G. H. and S. Slay-
bough were the Inspectors. The fallowing officers
were chosen : G. H. Slaybough for Supervisor,
S. Slaybough for Clerk, and Elisha Parker for Treas
urer; for Highway Commissioners, S. Slaybough, S.
S. Reed and E. W. Hayes ; School Inspectors, E.
Parker and E. W. Hayes; Constables, J. A. Worth
and H. C. Parker.
G. H. Slaybough, Elisha Parker, Jacob Thomas
and S. S. Reed are the first settlers in this township.
The township is watered by Cat Creek and branches,
numerous other creeks and several little lakes. The
surface of the land is rolling, with a clay and sandy
soil. The principal timber is pine, which is inter
spersed with the hard-woods. For many years after
the first settlement of this township the population
consisted chiefly of those engaged in the lumber busi
ness. This business has somewhat diminished dur
ing the last few years, on account of the thinning out
of the great forests, and consequently the population
has decreased, being estimated at about 250. The
farming lands are mostly stump lands. Number of

farms in the township, t8, with about 500 acres im
proved. Average number of acres in eacn farm, 88.
Cedar has four school districts, which contain 103
pupils. District No. 1 has a log school-house, cost
ing $150, and located on section 18, iand has 22
pupils on the list. District No. 2 has a frame house,
costing $450, located on section 6, and has 32 pupils
on the list. District No. 3 has a log house, which is
located on section 31, and cost $150, with 16 pupils.
District No. 4 has a frame building, costing $250, is
located on section. 14, and has T3 pupils.
The Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad, running
east and west, and the Grand Rapids & Indiana
Railroad, running north and south, pass within a few
miles of the south and west lines of the township.
On section 29, Beardsley & Davis have a shingle-
mill, with a capacity of 40,000 per day. These
shingles are hauled to Evart and are handled by C.
L. Gray & Co.
At Strawberry Lake, A. Richardson has a saw-mill,
shingle-mill and a box factory. Capacity for lumber,
about 25,000, and shingles, 40,000. Mr. Richardson
has also a saw-mill on section 26.
Cedar Township has been governed by the follow
ing named Supervisors :

SUPERVISORS.

G. H. Slaybough,
Jacob Thomas,
L. W. June,
Jacob Thomas,

187 1-3
1874-82
18831884.

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1 J VART is in the southern tier of townships,
and is numbered 17 north, of range 8 west,
with Osceola on the north, Orient on the
_?S. east, and Mecosta County on the south, and
Hersey Township on the west. The meeting
for the organization of the township was held in
the school-house April 5, 1870, under an order made
by the Board of Supervisors. The Inspectors ap
pointed were J. B. Smith, John Hoover and Stoel J.
Tyler. The 26 votes that were polled elected Will
iam Bennett Supervisor, William C. McMullen Clerk,
and John Smith Treasurer: S. J. Tyler, T. T. Bene-
way and John H. McMullen, Highway Commis
sioners; O. R. Winsor and Stoel J. Tyler, School In
spectors; J. H. Smith, Aaron Winsor, John Smith and
Thomas Bennett, Justices of the Peace ; John Breck-
nor, F. C. Yorks, E. H. Minier, Jeremiah Means and
Thomas Bennett, Constables.
Evart has four whole school districts and one
fractional, namely, No. 3, which is in Evart village.
The school building in District No. 1 is located on
section 14, and cost $700; number of pupils on the
list, 44. In district No. 2 the school-house is located
on section 19, and cost $800; number of pupils, 25.
District No. 4 has the school-house on section 27,
and cost $200 ; number of pupils on the rolls, 23. In
District No. 5, the school-house is located on section
15, and cost $700; number of pupils on the list is 21.
The Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad passes
through the upper portion of Evart Township, com
ing in at the line of the northeast corner, deflecting

northward into Osceola and then southward to
Evart, and passing south to the west between sec
tions 6 and 7, Muskegon River; crossing south, it
enters the township at Evart, and passing through
the northwest part goes out about the middle of sec
tion 7.
Big Stone Creek, with its branches, head in this
township and empty into the Muskegon. Upper
and Lower Big Lakes, Tift, Wright and Saddle
Lakes, with numerous little streams, give a liberal
supply of water, and afford ample facilities for drain
age. Portions of the township are quite rolling, and
others flat. The soil is clay loam, and sandy, with a
clay sub-soil. ' There are some 70 farms, with about
2,500 acres improved. Wheat does very well in the
township, the yield being estimated last year at
about 5,000 bushels; but hay and potatoes are re
garded as the best crop. In agricultural products
it rates the sixth.
The trading point for the inhabitants is Evart, and
to this place they go for their mails.
As to the early settlers, and where they located,
we first mention Edward Manes, who came to the
township in 1865, and located on section 23. J. B.
Smith located on section 22 in 1866 ; John Smith on
section 2 in 1867. Philander Peck and John Hoover
took up homes in 1867, on section 14. Frank Evart
and Wm. C. McMullen located on section 23 in
1867, and Jeremiah Manes on section 22, in 1867.
During their pioneer life they obtained their sup-

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

plies from Big Rapids, and sometimes from the lum
ber camps.
Other incidents connected witty this township will
be found in the history of Evart village.
About one mile below the. village of Evart, J.
Bowley, Jr., has a boom siding with a mill, where he
manufactures lumber, shingles, and clapboards.
Evart Township has a population of some 1,200,
which has been represented by the Supervisors
named below :

SUPERVISORS.

Wm. Bennett,

1870-

t,

Wm. C. McMullen,

1874-

-5

Robert Sherman,

1876

Wm. C. McMullen,

1877

M. L. Stephens,
1878
F. E. McDougall,
1879
Wm. C. McMullen,
1880
M. L. Stephens,
1881-
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Francis York,
1883
W. H. Styker,
—<• • vy-A^&t — '¦—
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— «-»-
Evart.
[, PON the western banks of Michigan's
noblest river, the Muskegon, is situated the
pretty town of Evart, one of the most im
portant commercial places in Osceola County.
Ijf" It was founded by D. A. Blodgett and James
Kennedy, in the early part of 1871, and named
after Frank Evart, one of the pioneers of Osceola
Township. Kennedy afterwards (1873), sold his
interest out to the railroad company.
This village was organized and platted in 1872,
and lies in Osceola and Evart Townships. At first
it embraced section 36 in Osceola, and the northwest
part of section 3 in Evart Township. It was after
wards extended and took in section 35 in Osceola
Township. In 1873 it was incorporated, and rer
incorporated in 1875. On ^e 2d 0I" March, 1872,
the first election was held. Wm. A. Lewis was
chosen President, Joseph Sayles Clerk, and E. C.
Cannon, Treasurer; Trustees — Wm. A. Weightman,
George E. Mills, Eugene L. Griggs, E. C. Martin,
Warren Merritt and N. O. Pettibone ; Assessor, L.
J. Lemert ; Marshal, Richard Holden.
About the middle of September, 187 1, the first
train of the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad
steamed into Evart, and since that date it has had a
steady, healthy growth.
The first store opened, and the first saw-mill
started, were by James Kennedy.
The first Fourth-of-July celebration was held in
r873. Extensive preparations were made for this
event, and for those pioneer days it was a grand
affair. At this time the stumps had all been taken
out of the street. Main was the only street then.
The managers went to the woods, and they did not
have far to go, and brought in a lot of small pine
trees, from which they cut off a portion of the body
and then set them out in rows along each side of
the street. It gave a very pretty appearance to the
town, and those who came in and were not privy to
the arrangement, thought they were trees that had
been planted there.
The first death occurred in the winter of 1872.
There were no prayers said over the body, no ser
mon preached, no funeral rites; no sweet music to
waft the soul across the grim river into the spirit-
land. There was no elegant casket to receive the
corpse, nor any plumed hearse to carry it away; nor
was there any monumental cemetery with broad
avenues, shaded walks and fragrant flowers, in which
to deposit it. It was placed in a rude box, put on
a wagon with a wood-rack, and in this manner it was
silently conveyed to mother earth.
Evart is splendidly located for a large and popu
lous city. The Muskegon River, which penetrates
an almost inexhaustible lumber region, and down
which millions of feet of lumber pass annually,
meanders around its streets, offering the best of facil
ities for manufactories ; and the Flint & Pere Mar
quette (which has recently established a division
here) connects it with th,e railway world. A move
ment is being made by the citizens to secure to this
town the line of the Toledo, Ann Arbor & Northern
Michigan Railroad, which runs through St. Louis,
and is to terminate at Cadillac, or some place >'n
Northern Michigan, The route has been examined
and favorably reported on by the railroad officials,
and in all probability Evart will secure this import
ant auxiliary to her development. Should this be
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-accomplished, it is believed that the county seat,
which sooner or later will be moved, will be located
here. Evart is very advantageously located, and is
surrounded by a good farming country. Her citizens
are wide-awake and enterprising, and in addition to
their mercantile pursuits they are .laying the founda
tion for an extensive manufacturing industry. With
all these combining influences, the future growth of
this city is well assured. Its present present popu
lation is estimated at 1,500.
BUSINESS INTERESTS.
James Trip, lumber manufacturer, operates the
oldest mill in the town, it being the one put up by
Janies Kennedy. Capacity, 10,000 feet per day.
Gray & Curtis are among the leading manufactur
ers of Evart. They have a large saw-mill, planing-
mill and shingle mill ; also a broom-handle factory.
Established in 1871. Capacity in lumber, 25,000
feet; broom handles, 2,000; clapboards, 5,000 feet,
and 30,000 shingles.
Charles Waffle has an extensive planing-mill,
molding, sash and door factory.
F. H. Starkey has a shook factory. These he
ships mostly to Cuba, which are put up into hogs
heads for the sugar trade.
The Novelty Flour Mills are owned by M. Sherk,
who is the pioneer flour manufacturer of the town.
The mill has two run of stone, with a capacity of
300 bushels per day. Mr. Sherk also deals in grain.
L. J. Lemert also has a flouring-mill. It is a
water-power, located on the Maskegon River about
a mile from town. Mr. Lemert is going to adopt the
roller system this year.
John McManus is the enterprising citizen who has
established the Osceola Iron Works. He makes
engines, plows, lumber and shingle machinery, brass
goods, pipe fittings, etc.
Evart has added to its iiumber the enterprising
banker, Allen Campbell, who is cashier and manager
of the Evart Bank.
C. L. Gray & Co., dealers in general merchandise
and lumber, handle about $100,000 in goods an
nually. The Evart Land Company deals in pine and farm
ing lands, and village property. Members — Allen
Campbell, F. S. Postal, C. L. Gray and J. C. Creith.
Real-estate and insurance business is conducted
by S. F. Dexter.

The Evart Hardware Company carry a general
line of hardware, harness, saddles, sleighs, etc. R.
A. Allured, manager.
J. J. Reik is a lumber dealer, and also has a livery
stable. G. H. Cannon & Co., O. M. Bush, J. M. Allen,
Robert Ponsford and E. C. Thompson are general
dealers in groceries and provisions.
A very important and creditable industry to Evart
is the establishment of T. R. Johns, who manufac
tures a very elegant style of cutters, sleighs, wagons
and carriages, and does a general business in black-
smithing. M. Bellanger & Son are manufacturers of cant-
hooks and lumbermen's implements.
Mark Ardis is a dealer in dry goods, groceries,
crockery and hardware.
A. Root is a general dealer in hardware, agricul
tural implements and flour.
Dwight Foston manufactures wagons, buggies,
sleighs, etc.
James H. Valler and F. Hibbard & Co. keep drugs,
medicines and a general line of fancy articles.
Evart is well supplied with an elegant stock of
jewelry and other articles in line, by Frank A. True.
E. F. Shaw keeps a supply of boots and shoes, and
lumbermen's outfits.
Howard & Davy carry a general line of clothing
and lumberman's goods.
Furniture, parlor sets, pictures, sewing-machines
and organs are sold by W. M. Davies.
Wolf & Bros, carry a line of dry goods and
clothing. Miss Maggie McFarlane, Mrs. O. H. Carus and
Mrs. Carrie Benson are the joy of the fair ladies of
Evart, who are supplied by them with millinery
decorations and fancy goods.
George F. Andrews keeps a boot and shoe store •
also Warren Clark.
Thomas Snyder and Luther Russell are manufac
turers of boots and shoes.
Gustave Steinborn and J. Englund are merchant
tailors. Mitchell & Son, James Deacy and Cressey & Lin
coln keep the people well supplied with markets.
B. F. Griffith carries on blacksmithing business.
Jesse Williams keeps a restaurant, and F. A.
Heck a bakery and confectionery.

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F. E. Woodin is a printer and caricaturist.
J. W. Turner and Mark Ardis have livery and
sale stables.
E. C. Martin and Frank Trumbull attend to sur
veying. Evart is well supplied with hotels. The Evart
House, Frank S. Postal & Bro., proprietors, was es
tablished in 187 1, and since then the north wing
and basement have been added. It has 36 rooms
and 50 beds. Attached to the hotel is a bar, cigar
store and fine billiard hall ; also a barber shop. This
hotel is well appointed, the rooms are large and airy,
and the table is supplied with the best that can be
had from the markets. The Postal Brothers are
very popular among the traveling public.
The Commercial House, J. G. McDonald, proprie
tor, is another good hotel, and has a good share of
patronage. The National Hotel, kept by Thomas Ruby, is a
temperance house. The traveler will always receive
good attention at this house, and have a table sup
plied from a good larder.
The St. John candidacy does not seem to have
closed up the saloons in this town, for it is well sup
plied/ 1
Evart has a skating rink for the amusement ofthe
old as well as the young. A town would not be
thought much of in these days that did not furnish a
place to whiz the roller skate.
The legal profession, so essential to the business
man, and to governments, is ably represented by
W. A. Lewis, Sayles & Trumbull, R. A. Bennett and
Charles A. Rose.
The medical profession is represented by Drs. D.
L. Dinmore, J. M. Wilkinson, R. C. Hepburn and F.
S. Sovereen.
The postoffice was established in December, 187 1,
L. J. Lemert being the first Postmaster. He was
followed by Ira R. Ennis and Joseph Taylor, the
present Postmaster, who succeeded Mr. Ennis in
1880. It is a salaried office, with daily mails by
rail, and weekly mails by stage from Millburn and
Marion, and semi-weekly from Avondale.
EDUCATIONAL.
The people of Evart have taken great interest in
educational matters, and the result is that they have
the best school and the finest school building in the
county. The building is an elegant one, with all the

modern improvements, and cost $6,000. Itis heated
by steam, with water conductors to the different
rooms, and has a fire escape. A corps of able teach
ers are employed to instruct the pupils, who number
about 300. In addition to this they have a well se
lected library. J. A. Smith is Principal, Jennie M.
Johnston has charge of the intermediate, Anna Gib-
ney, the grammar, Josephine Roche, the second
primary, and Lizzie McFarlane, the first primary de
partment. All the English branches are taught here.
CEMETERY.
The people of Evart look after the dead as well as
the living. A cemetery has been established, the
grounds improved, walks laid out and trees planted.
Already there are some fine monuments to be seen
upon the grounds. CHURCHES.
The First Presbyterian Church was organized
Oct. 25, 1872, with Wm.'M. Briggs and wife, Elias
C. Martin, Mrs. Mary Bellows, Mrs. Eliza Feshpool,
W. Bostwick and wife and Wm. A. Lewis and wife
as first members. First service was held over Mr.
Cannon's store, and afterwards in what has since
been known as Presbyterian Hall.
As the society increased, the necessity for a .good
church' building was felt. Accordingly, energetic
efforts were made to bring about this result. Ground
was secured and the building finally begun, which
was completed in 1881 and dedicated in April, 1882,
at a cost of $5,000. It is a very pleasing edifice, and
meets all the wants of this society.
Rev. L. M. Berge, of Grand Rapids, organized the
Church. Rev. A. S. Badger^wascalled in 1873, who
came and took charge of the Church for one year.
He was followed by Rev. Edward Dickinson, who
served the society until the fall of 1875. For over
two years the church was without a minister. In
1878, they were served for a few months by James
Reid, a theological student. In 1879, another stu
dent served them for awhile. In June, 1880, the
society was able to secure the Rev. J. N. Crittenden,
who remained with it three years. He was followed
by Rev. Wm. H. Hoffman, who is the present minis
ter, and through whose labors new interest has been
awakened and the membership increased. It has
now 50 members, with a large Sabbath-school.
Methodist Episcopal Church. — On the first Sunday

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in November, 187 1, the followers of this faith as
sembled together and organized their society. Rev.
C. Fleming presided, and preached the first sermon.
Thomas Jeffs, Barlow Davis and wife, Charles Davis,
B. F. Hardy and wife, and Holland Underwood were
the first members, and the nucleus around which was
to gather a large and flourishing society. Services
were first held in a hall. Rev. N. Bray was sent to
take charge of the society in 1872. He was suc
ceeded by Rev. W. H. Spaulding, who served this
charge during the year 1873-4. Next came Rev. N.
Saunders, in 1875. In 1876, Rev. C. H. Howe took
charge. Under his administration it was determined
by the society to commence the erection of a church
building. \
Rev. Wright Barrett succeeded Mr. Howe in 1877,
and remained until 1879. It was under his ad
ministration that the edifice was completed, and was
dedicated Feb. 23-, 1879, by Rev. J. S. Smart, of Bay
City. Considerable enthusiasm was awakened at
this dedication. Mr. Smart is a very eloquent
preacher, or successful pleader. He acquired the
reputation for the latter, at least, for at this meeting
$1,186.79 was raised with which to pay off the
society's indebtedness. This amount left only a
balance due of $750. During the following summer
the edifice was completed, at a cost of $2,500.
Rev. J. C. Floyed was the next Pastor to serve this
Church, who, on account of ill health, was relieved in<
1880 by Rev. J. Berry. In 1881, Rev. C. G. Thomas
took charge, and remained until 1883, when he was
succeeded by Rev. G. Donnaldson, the present popu
lar minister, who presides over a congregation of 150
members. A large and interesting Sunday-school is
one of the attractive features of this Church. A good
and comfortable parsonage has been added by this
society, which is now comparatively out of debt.
Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart — Has had
mission service here for about ten years. In 1880 a
good substantial church building was erected, at a
cost of about $3,000. Membership consists of about
20 families. Services every two weeks, by Rev. M.
T. Nysson, of Reed City.
Evangelical Association has a small membership in
this township. Services every two weeks, by Rev.
E. Weiss, of Hersey. THE PRESS.
The Evart Review.-. — The people of Evart have

been wise in contributing liberally to the support of
newspapers. Through this medium the advantages
of their locality have been made known, and to them
they are largely indebted for their present prosperity
and the growth of their city.
In the brain of W. H. Hess the Review was con
ceived. Its printed sheets were cast into the reading
world Oct. 17, 1872. In May, 1873, I. Chase came
in as a partner. In October, 1874, the firm changed
to I. Chase & Co., Hess going out and W. G.
Cameron coming in as editor, in which capacity he
remained until 1875, when Asahel Chase (father of
I. Chase) took editorial charge. In the fall of 1880,
Minchin & Bro. became proprietors, and continued
the publication ofthe paper until Jan. 1, 1885, when
G. W. Minchin purchased his brother's interest and
became sole proprietor and editor.
, The Review is a six-column quarto weekly paper,
with a circulation of about 700. It is ably edited,
bright and newsy, and Republican in politics.
The Osceola County Democrat — Is published by
J. & L. J. Patterson. Its first issue was made Sept.
26, 1884, and has done remarkably well for the time
it has been published, having at present a circulation
of 500 copies. It is a four-column quarto paper, and
well conducted. In politics, as its name indicates,
it is Democratic, and is fortunate in having the same
political views, and in being in sympathy, with the
party that is soon to have control ofthe Government.
BUSINESS MENS ASSOCIATION OF EVART
Was organized Dec. 13, 1883. President, E. C.
Cannon ; Vice-President, Allen Campbell ; Secretary,
Jesse T. Minchin; Treasurer, Walter M. Davis.
Executive Committee — F. S. Postal, David Wolf,
M. E. Parkinson, C. L. Gray, E. C. Thompson and
D. L. Dumon. Present officers — Allen Campbell,
President; W. A. Lewis, Vice-President : C. L. Gray,
Second Vice-President ; G. W. Minchin, Secretary ;
W. W. Davis, Treasurer. Executive Committee —
Benj. Wolf, F. S. Postal, W. J. Mcllwain and C. L.
Gray. The object of this association is to promote the
business interests of Evart.
OSCEOLA DRIVING PARK ASSOCIATION

Was organized Nov. 15, 1882.
pany, with a capital stock of f
200 shares, par value $10 each.

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2,000, representing

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Mapes ; Secretary, F. A. True ; Treasurer, Mark
Ardis. It was organized with 40 members, and has
now 86 members, and is in a prosperous condition.
Its present officers are — President, L. T. Southwort;
Secretary, F. A. True; Treasurer, W. R. Mapes. It
has a good half-mile track, which is located on the
Osceola County Fair Grounds, and several very in
teresting meetings have been held. The association
has a good work before it.
EVART FIRE DEPARTMENT.
In this department Evart has secured the Holly
system, with the Walker improvement, which were
constructed here in 1879, at a cost of $1 6,000, as
now completed. It is located on Main Street near
the river. The building is well constructed, with
dwelling-house attachments for the engineer and his
family. There are three engines, with three pumps.
The engines can make 355 revolutions a minute,
and throw three gallons of water to each revolution.
One-half of a cord of wood is all that is required
for every 24 hours. Wood pipes are laid through the
town, which form connections with 15 hydrants.
The mains are 8, 6, 4, and 2-inch. Two wells,
which are sunk to a depth of 12 feet, supply the
water for the use of the town. When a fire breaks
out the water is taken from a creek which runs near
by. An alarm is placed in the engine house with
wires connecting with alarm stations about the town.
Edward Sith is the engineer in charge of this de
partment. This is a very superior system for extinguishing
fires, as it is always ready and can be used at a
moment's warning, and the power is sufficient to
throw the water to any height desired.
Evart Hose Company, No. 1 — was organized in
1884. Officers: Foreman, Wm. Phillips; Assistant
Foreman, W. L. Stoddard; Second 'Assistant, G. W.
Griffith; Secretary, W. L. Stoddard; Members-
Thomas ' Snyder, Frank Duning, J. T. Minchin,
Frank Chase, Erwin Chase, Mark Bentley, Haben
Stewart, Wm. Davis and Fred Bowley.
Independent Hose Company, No. 1. — Organized in
1884. Officers: Thomas Sith, Foreman : Fred Mills,
Assistant Foreman; Czar Dexter, Second Assistant
Foreman,, who is also Secretary ; Members — True
Andrews, H. Bush, Nelson Toby, John Carpenter,
Fred Smith, Olem Smith, Sane Ford, Thomas Ford,

James Low, Fred Postal, Blank Quigley, Alden
Shetler, Walter Gaunt and Joseph Gaunt.
These companies have together 1,200 feet of hose,
and were organized to operate with the Fire Water
Works. F. B. Griffith is the Chief of the Fire Depart
ment. SOCIETIES.
Masonic Lodge, No. 320. — Dispensation was grant
ed this lodge, giving it power to organize and work,
June 28, 1873, and the organization was completed
Dec. 27, of the same year. Charter members — -Bar
low Davis, W. H. Luncanshire, Charles F. Loasie,
Joseph Sayles, E. C. Cannon, Thomas Hall, J. B.
Sleezer, Frank S. Postal, John T. Peter, G. J. Ham
ilton, Henry Church, L. E. Cone and Warren Mer-
rit. Officers — Barlow Davis, W. M.; W. H. Lancun-
shire, S. W.; Charles F. Loasie, J. W.; Joseph Sayles,
Secretary; E. C. Cannon, Treasurer ; Thomas Hall,
J. D.; F. S. Postal, Tyler. Officers at present: D.
L Damon, W. M.; C. O. Trumbull, S. W.; C. H.
Rose, J. W.; B. G. Colton, Secretary; E. C. Can
non, Treasurer; G. F. Andrews, S. D.; C. L. Gray,
J. D.; H. A. Tibbets, Tyler.
This lodge is in a good working condition, with a
commodious hall, and is on the increase in member
ship, strength and influence. •
Evart Chapter, No. g?, was instituted Jan. 19,
1876. Officers: Robert Laughlin, H. P.; John T.
Peters, K. ; Charles T. Loasie, Scribe ; John W.
Hyde, C. H ; F. S. Postal, R. A. C. ; John M. Wil
kinson, P. G. ; Henry A. Davis, F. V. ; Thomas
Hull, S. V; N. R. Taylor, T. V.; E. C. Cannon,
Treasurer; Joseph Sayles, Secretary, and R. F. Dun
ning, Guard. Many of the members of the chapter
have moved away, and only 28 members are now
working with it.
/. O. O. F. Lodge, No. 230, was instituted Jan. 9,
1874. Charter members and officers — W. S. Will
iams, N. G. ; W. Nelson, V. G. ; W. R. Livingston,
Secretary; H. Bassingtwaight, Treasurer; Andrew
Miller, Warden ; Charles M. M. Green, Outside
Guard; I. W. Leggett, Inside Guard; E. O. Taylor,
Conductor; Edward J. Cox, R. S. N. G. ; R. R.
Rapp, L. S. N. G. ; Franklin Porter, R. S. V. G.
Present membership, 29. Hall 20 by 50 feet and
well equipped. The lodge is out of debt and in a
good Working condition.

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Grand Army of the Republic, Sedgwick Post, No.
16, was established Aug. 19, 1880. Charter mem
bers : W. A. Lewis, Charles D. Hudson, Orville M.
Bush, C. E. Demont, James A. Ross, Ira 'R. Ennis,
C. C. Mills, Wm. Phillips, Andrew J. Rose, John H.
Chase, W. J. Griffith, Henry S. Briggs, Leonard Sim
mons and J. N. Mapes. Officers : John Hughes,
P. C. ; Moses Jerome, S. V. C. ; Sanford Skath, J.
V.C; Andrew J. Rose, Q. M. ; R. C. Dunn, Sur
geon ; Wm. A. Lewis, Chaplain ; Wm. Phillips,
Officer of the Day; Orro D. Morton, Officer of
the Guard. Present membership, 19. Meetings are
held the second and fourth Monday in each month.
The lodge has a good hall and is prospering.

Evart W C. T. U. was organized in March, V&1

1877. Officers: Mrs. Howe, President; Mrs. Ada
Sluzer, Secretary ; Mrs. Brandow, Treasurer. Mem
bers — Mesdames P. S. McFarlane, O. M. Brownson,
R. A. Allured, Wm. Sealey, Wm. Briggs, O. Spencer,
A. D. Torry, Lucy Mills,' M. E. Parkinson, Frank
Trumbull, W. Bennett, J. E. Hudson, S. L. Gates,
Frank McDougall, L. H. T. Dexter, A. Horton, J.
McPhee, John H. Chase, W. J. Griffith and Thomas
Jeffs. This society was instituted by the ladies of
Evart for the purpose of promoting the cause of tem
perance, or perhaps more properly speaking, to es
tablish prohibition. They meet every two weeks,
and hold their sociables every three weeks, with
Union service every month in the different churches.

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~~ 1^ ARTWICK Township was organized under
'"" authority given by the Board of Supervis
ors dated January 5, 1870. Acting under
this authority the citizens assembled together
at the house of Smith Hawkins the first Mon
day in April of the same year. Smith Haw
kins and W. D. Welch had been appointed by the
Board to preside as Inspectors of this meeting.
Everything being ready, the polls were duly opened,
and the ballots for the township officers were re
ceived. When the polls were closed, and the votes
canvassed, it was found that the following named
citizens had been elected : For Supervisor, Smith
Hawkins ; Clerk, W. D. Welch ; Treasurer, Charles
Peel ; Highway Commissioners, J. W. Ricketts and
L. C. Clark; School Inspectors, Smith Hawkins and
J. Cail; Constables, J. Hoesfull, L. Ricketts and
A. J. Mapes.
This township is numbered 19 north, of range 8
west. Highland lies on the north, Middle Branch
on the east, Osceola on the south, and Rose Lake
Township on the west. Hartwick is watered by the
Middle Branch and the little streams putting into
it, all of which head in the township. Besides these
streams, there are several pretty little lakes — Long,
Hicks, Goose and Heart Lake. There js consider
able flat land in the township, but the major portion
of it is rolling, and often quite broken. The soil
is clay loam, and sandy. It is regarded as good
lands for farming purposes. Originally it was heavily
timbered, with pine and the hard-woods. A great
deal of this timber has been carried off by the lum
bermen, but there yet remains extensive forests of

pine timber awaiting the ax and the saw of the lum
ber operators.
Smith Hawkins is credited with being the first
settler here, which was as early as 1866. Following
him came J. W. Ricketts, W. D. Welch, Charles Peel,
J. Cail, L. C. Clark, A. J. Mapes and J. Hoesfull.
The first child born in this township was Emma,
daughter of L. O. and Sarah Clark, which occurred
March 25, 1867. The event was regarded with con
siderable importance at the time, and Mrs. Clark .
was the recipient of many calls, which were made to
see the "first" baby. Births were not so common
in those davs as to be received with indifference
and consequently, the mother of this child was the
object of no small degree of attention. Its gentle,
sweet face, its soft cooings, may have seemed out of
place out here in this wilderness, and not altogether
in consonance with the wild surroundings ; the fit
tings of nature, its unerring arrangement in properly
blending in harmonious order all things, may have
been seriously questioned by. these people ; this in
fant's cry may have startled the wolf as he was prowl
ing around the cabin during the dark hours of the
night ; nevertheless, here this little stranger was,
here it came to stay, and must be cared for and
protected. Hartwick Township has four school districts, in
each of which is erected very good school buildings.
These buildings are located respectively on sections
23, 8, 2 and 22. School-house in District No. r cost
$600 ; number of pupils in attendance, 68. In Dis
trict No. 2, cost, $500; number of pupils attending,
41. In District No. 3, cost, $225 ; number of pupils

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in attendance, 9. In No. 4, the building cost $200;
number of pupils in attendance, 14.
It is estimated that this township has about 1,500
acres under improvement, with 60 farms ; and with a
production in the year 1884 of 2,500 bushels of
wheat. Average yield per acre, 15. 11. Population
in 1884 was 427, showing an increase of 188 since
1880. The nearest railroad station is Le Roy, on the
Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad.
' There is one postoffice in the township, located
on section 8. Alfred Davis is Postmaster, who also
has a store here, and deals in general merchandise.
C. L. Gray & Co. have a lumber and shingle man
ufactory in this township, located on section 35.
Capacity of shingle-mill, 40,000 per day. On section
36 they have another mill, with a capacity of 40,000
shingles and 5,000 clapboards per day. C. L. Gray

& Co. also operate Cox's lumber and shingle mill on
section 29; capacity in shingles 40,000 per day.
A. J. McCarn has a lumber and shingle mill on
section 35, with a capacity in lumber of 8,000 feet,
and shingles 20,000 per day. C. L. Gray & Co., of
Evart, handle their stock.
The names of the Supervisors, with the terms
served, are given below:

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SUPERVISORS.

Smith Hawkins,

1870-3

D. S. Shadley,

1874-6

Smith Hawkins,

1877

D. S. Shadley,

1878-9

N. 0. Pettibone,

1880

D. S. Shadley,

1881

John Cockerton,

1882

D. S. Shadley,

1883

John Cockerton,

1884.

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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HIS township was granted an organization
by the Board of Supervisors of Mecosta
County April 6, 1868, and was attached to
this county. Its organization was perfected a
year before the county in which it is situated
was formally organized.
P. S. Holdridge, A. J. Johnson and Nathan Petti
bone were appointed Inspectors of the election. John
A. Gamage was chosen as Clerk of the Board. They
met at the residence of D. A. Blodgett, where they or
ganized the meeting, and then adjourned to the house
of S. P. Gamage. The polls were opened and the citi
zens of Hersey exercised their rights of suffrage here
for the first time. It did not take as long then to count
the vote as it does now, yet they might have had as
much weight in shaping the destinies of this town
ship as the more numerous vote of later days. When
the ballot-box was opened, there were found to be
35 votes, which determined the election of the fol
lowing officers : Edwin F. French, Supervisor; John
A. Gamage. Clerk; George L. Laughlin, Treasurer;
Nathan Pettibone, A. J. Johnson and Frank Evart,
Highway Commissioners ; Nathan Pettibone and J.
B. Smith, School Inspectors ; P. S. Holdridge, John
Smith, S. P. Gamage and L. O. Schofield, Justices
of the Peace, and Anthony Sample, John Hoover, C.
J. Graham and Wm. Rose, Constables.
Hersey lies in the southern row of townships, and
is numbered 17 north, of range 9 west. Its bound
ary lines are Cedar on the north, Evart on the east,
Mecosta County on the south and Richmond Town

ship on the west. It has four school districts, with
the school-houses located respectively on sections
32, 23, 18, 4. Nos. 1, 2, and 3 have frame build
ings, and No. 4 is a log house. Values of these
school-houses are as follows : In district No. 1,
$500; No. 2, $700; No. 3, $450, and No. 4, $190.
The pupils on the rolls in No. 1, 26 ; No. 2, 62 ; No.
3, 72, and No. 4, 20. The pupils living in and about
Hersey village, the site of which is taken from Rich
mond and Hersey Townships, attend the graded
school at Hersey, which is in district No. 5, section
24 of Richmond Township.
The first settler in this township was D. A. Blodg
ett, who located on section 17 in the spring of 185 1.
Though Mr. Blodgett was the first settler in the
county and was in the first organization of Richmond
Township, which at the time embraced the entire
county, the first settlement was given to Mr. Gooch,
as he located in the territory now embraced by Rich
mond; and Mr. Blodgett is given Ae first settlement
in Hersey, as his location was made in the territory
now embraced by it.
Following D. A. Blodgett as pioneers, carhe Ed
win F. French, John A. Gamage, L. O. Schofield,
Nathan Pettibone, George L. Laughlin, Frank Evart,
J. B. Smith, P. S. Holdridge, John Hoover, C. J.
Graham and Wm. Rose.
The land in general is undulating. Along the north
side of Muskegon River there is a great deal of level
land. It was originally heavily timbered with pine and
the hard-woods, with some grand elm and maple for-

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ests. The principal business for many years after the
first settlements, was lumbering. The soil is very well
adapted for agriculture, the bottom lands being rich
and fertile.
Hersey is exceedingly well watered, having the
Muskegon, which runs diagonally, with circuitous
courses, through it. Big Stone, Cat, Two Mile and
several other creeks, which head in this and adjoin
ing townships, empty into the Muskegon. This
river was, 'and is still, of great advantage to the lum
bermen of this township.
Special attention has been given by the people of
this township to public roads. Nearly all sections of
the township can now be reached by good graded
roads. It is also crossed by the Flint & Pere Mar
quette Railroad, which enters from the east between
sections i and 12 and goes out westward on section
19. Hersey Township ranks the second in improved
lands and in production.
The best stock and agricultural farm in the town
ship and the best in the county is D. A. Blodgett's,
which lies along the banks of the Muskegon in the
the suburbs of the village of Hersey. But there are
many other fine farms in the township, under good
cultivation and with good buildings. It is estimated
that there are nearly 4,500 acres under improvement,
with about 145 farms. The production of wheat in
1882 was 11,590 bushels from 869 acres. In 1883
the stock statistics of the township showed 194
horses, 214 milch cows, 157 hogs and 141 sheep.
The population, according to the census of 1884,
was 920. It has not increased as rapidly as some of
the townships, owing somewhat to a change in lum
ber camps.
The trading town for most of the people in the-
township is Hersey village, which is also their post-
office. Hersey Township was named after Nathan Her
sey, a trapper, who before T843 came along up the
Muskegon into this territory looking after his trap
ping interests. Something more of this township
will be found in the history of Hersey village.
Hersey Township has honored the following
named citizens with the office of Supervisor :

SUPERVISORS.

Edwin F. French,
L. D. Reynolds,
P. S. Holdridge

r868 1869
1870-1

C. T. Derevage,
P. S. Holdridge,
Jacob Fenning,
Zerah Whitney,
H. D. Francisco,
Jacob Fenning,
A. O. Temple,
Fred Temple,
A. O. Temple,
J. F. Proctor,

1872-31874
I87S-71878187918801881
18821883 1884

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Hersey.

HI9" pretty and interesting village is situa
ted in a valley, surrounded by an elevated
and beautiful landscape in the midst of a
fertile country where the waters of the Muske
gon and Hersey (sometimes called the Hersey
Branch of the Muskegon) effect a confluence.
The waters of the Hersey nearly divide the town
north and south before they become mingled with
those of the Muskegon. It is laid off from the ter
ritory of Richmond and Hersey Townships. It was
founded and platted by D. A. Blodgett in 1869 — the
plat embracing a part of his farm — and after the
route of the railroad had been determined. The
county having been formally organized this year, the
county seat, through the efforts of Mr. Blodgett, was
located here.
Hersey village was incorporated by a special act
of the Legislature passed April 23, 1875, and was
composed of lots 2, 3, 4, and the west fractional
half of the southwest fractional quarter, the north
west fractional quarter of the northeast fractional
quarter, and the northwest fractional quarter, of sec
tion 19, in township 17 north, of range 9 west, and
the east half of section 24 in township 17 north, of
range 10 west — in all, 641^ acres. The election
was held for the organization of the village govern
ment, Monday, May 24, 1875, at the Richmond
House. A caucus was previously held at this house
in the evening of the 20th, to nominate candidates
for the election. Excitement ran high on election
day, and every man that had a ballot to cast was
looked up. Ninety votes were polled, which resulted

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in the election of the following named citizens :
President, Josiah K. Heartt; Trustees — D. A. Blod
gett, Henry Gerhardt, M. C. Burch, A. D. Wood,
R. F. Lewis and Samuel D. Proctor ; Clerk, Charles
Clark; Treasurer, Charles Fuhrman; Assessor, L.
F. Stephens; Street Commissioner, N. L. Gerrish.
SOME FIRST THINGS.
The first settler in the territory embraced by this
village was D. A. Blodgett, as has been stated in the
history of Hersey Township, and he was followed by
those mentioned there.
Blodgett & Schofield put up the first grist-mill,
which was a log building, and was located where the
bridge now crosses the Hersey River. It was started
in r858, but before a grist was ground L. O. Scho
field sold out his interest to D. A. Blodgett.
In 1865, through the efforts of D. A. Blodgett, a
mail route was established from Hersey to Big
Rapids, with service once a week, and compensation
at $100 per annum. About the same time Mr.
Blodgett received his commission as Postmaster.
This was the first mail route established, and he was
the first Postmaster appointed in the county.
The first Church society organized here was. that
of the Evangelical Association, in 1867.
James Kennedy opened the first store in 1869.
During this year the Richmond House was erected
and opened. '
In 1869 the survey records were first opened by
Edward F. French, who was the first County Sur
veyor.
, In June, 1870, the first Circuit Court was held,
Judge Giddings presiding.
During the latter part of this year the Flint &
Pere Marquette Railroad was constructed through
Hersey. A Masonic lodge was instituted at Hersey in 187 1,
which was the first in the county.
In 1875 the Osceola County Agricultural Society
was organized, and held its first fair at Hersey,
with D. A. Blodgett as President. The fair grounds
were afterwards established at Evart. -
The court-house and jail were commenced in
1872 and finished in 1873.
From its foundation Hersey grew quite rapidly for
several years, and was the most important town in
the county. When the lumber camps changed their
base, and the lumber interests were transferred to

other and new localities, its growth was effected, and
Evart and Reed City went ahead, and have now be
come the leading towns of the county. Its popula
tion was estimated on Jan. 1, 1885, to be 450.
Hersey with her splendid water courses, could be
made a large manufacturing town. Its transporta
tion facilities connects it with the best bodies of tim
ber and furnish the means of shipping its products.
The streets are well laid out and adorned with beau
tiful shade trees. Many very fine dwellings may be
seen in different parts of the town. The business
blocks are also good and are well supplied' with
everything necessary to meet the wants of the peo
ple. These attractions, together with its pleasant
surroundings, its railroad facilities, constitute Hersey
a very desirable place of habitation.
BUSINESS INTERESTS.
Hersey City Mills, A. M. Shank, proprietor. This
mill was built by D. A. Blodgett in 1872. It was
operated by him awhile when it passed into the
hands of Mr. Burroughs, who transferred it to Mr.
Root. In 1883 Mr. Shank bought in with Mr. Root.
In September, 1884, Shank bought out Root's inter
est and became sole owner. This flour mill has been
much improved by the present owner. It has now
two sets of rollers and three run of stone, run by
water power. Mr. Shank thoroughly understands
his business, which with his fine mill enables him to
manufacture a first-class article of flour. His capac
ity is now 60 barrels per day, which he proposes to
increase the coming year.
R. W. Hall carries an extensive line of general
hardware, stoves, tin and agricultural implements.
He established himself at Hersey in T875. With
this business he has also a furniture store. He has
a good trade and is thriving.
L. F. Diggins keeps a general line of dry goods
and groceries. Mr. Diggins has a well assorted
stock and with a prosperous business, which was
started in r88o.
Hall & Manning, manufacturers and dealers in
lumber and shingles, are successors to D. F. Diggins.
Capacity, 35,000 feet per day.
O. E. Jones has a general line of drugs and
medicines. Opened in r87o.
H. T. Lewis deals in general merchandise. Started
his business in the spring of 1878.
J. D. Coleman manages the harness and saddlery
establishment of R. W. Hall.

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John R. Ladd, general merchandise, boots and
shoes. J. Faist manufactures boots and shoes, and J.
Quihl, clothing, for the people of Hersey.
James Aikin attends to the blacksmithing.
Joseph Giles has a livery stable.
Meat markets are represented by McFarlane &
Co., and Robert and John Wood.
As to the Bar, Hersey is not excelled fcy any town
in the county. J. B. Judkins, M. A. Lafler, C. M.
Beardsley and Frank Beardsley will ably and faith
fully -attend to all legal matters that may be in
trusted to them.
J. F. Radcliffe attends to land business.
C. M. McCallum is Hersey 's physician and sur
geon. The Richmond House is owned by A. Kincaid,
who is an agreeable and attentive landlord. It is a
spacious hotel occupying a pleasant location on
Main Street, and a home-like place. It was the first
hotel in Hersey > having been opened 1 1 years ago.
It passed through several hands and finally became
the property of Mr. Kincaid.
The Hersey House is another good hotel, where
the wants of the traveler will be attended to. J.
Sweet is the proprietor. A billiard room and bar is
attached. Mr. Sweet is a pleasant landlord, and
has had charge of this house since 1877.
POSTOFFICE.
The first postoffice was opened here in 1865, with
D. A. Blodgett as Postmaster, which was the first
office established in the county. At this time the
only mail was from Big Rapids. The office was held
at Mr. Blodgett's farm-house. D. F. Diggins after
wards became Postmaster. On January 1, 1884,
Stephen R. Jones qualified and took possession of
the office, which he secured through the interest of
the first Postmaster.
Daily mails by rail, semi-weekly mail from Penasa,
and weekly mail from Cedar Township.
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS.
Congregational Church. — In the spring time of
T870, a gathering was had of the followers of this
Church at the house of L. F. Stephens, to take into
consideration the propriety of organizing a Congre
gational society. At this conference there were
present George L. Laughlin, Alex. McFarlane, Mrs.

Clara L. Wood, Mrs. Lydia E. Gamage, Mrs. "Mary
E. Stephens, and Mrs. Harriet K. Dearin. The
meeting was presided over by the Rev. Leroy War
ren, of Pentwater. It was decided at this conference
that an organization should be effected ; and accord
ingly a constitution, confession of faith and
covenants were duly prepared and adopted. Those
coming into the first membership were George L.
Laughlin and wife, Mrs. Clara L. Wood, Alex. Mc
Farlane, Mrs. Mary El Stephens, Henry Dearin,
Rodney W. Page, jMrs. Sarah Page, Mrs. Harriet
Dearin. The society having been organized, Rev. P. B.
Parry was called to serve as Pastor for one year. As
the society had no building, they held their services
in a school-house. An edifice was begun in 1873,
and completed and dedicated in 1874. Mr. Parry
remained as Pastor until April, 1872, when he was
succeeded by Rev. Alex. D. Stowell, who remained
until April, 1873. Rev. Robert Houghton was then
called to the Church, and remained until June. Rev.
Elisha W. Miller took charge in July and presided
over its destinies until July, 1874, when Rev. Otis
B. Waters was called, who served until 1880. Rev.
G. L. Beach was the next Pastor, and officiated until
September, 1881, when he was succeeded by Rev.
J. A. Barnes, who served until June, 1883. Rev.
E. Constant was then called, who is the present
Pastor of the Church, which has now 30 members.
This society has a very elegant little church edi
fice, costing $3,000. A Sunday-school is attached,
in which there is a lively interest taken, with 70
members. The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized
May 2, r868. It belongs to the Michigan Confer
ence, and the Grand Rapids District. Rev. Israel
Cogshall was the Presiding Elder, with Rev. Fred
erick M. Deits Pastor. Members of the first organ
ization — Anselm Farmer and wife, Joseph E. Young
and wife, C. M. Andrews and wife, Rufus Morris,
Esther Morris, John Morris, Elvore Morris, Phillip
Windsor, Wm. H. Miller and wife, Thomas Jefts, J.
W. Hamlin, A. C. Berry and Cyrus Thomson.
Rev. N. Saunders served this charge in 1872-3.
From this time until 1882 the Church was without a
pastor, when Rev. J. F. Mumford was sent by the
Conference to preside. At this time there were some
15 members. They fitted up a hall in which to hold

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their services. Mr. Mumford was succeeded by Rev.
G. H. Lockhart in 1883, who remained until 1884,
when Rev. George Gilleen, the present Pastor, was
appointed. Mr. Gilleen has a charge in Schofield,
services being held there at the school-house every
two weeks, with some 20 members in attendance.
By the zeal of the present Pastor a new interest
has been awakened within the fold of this society,
and the membership is on the increase.
The Evangelical Association was the first religious
society to organize in Hersey, which was in 1867.
It was established by the Michigan Conference, and
served by Rev. Carl Deike. First members — Henry
Bittner, Henry Gerhardt, Adam Rupert, Daniel Faist,
John Pfeffer and families.
The first quarterly meeting was held September 6,
1867, by Rev. Andrew Nickolai, in the house of
Henry Gerhardt. In the spring of 1868, Rev. John
Orth was sent to preside over the society and re
mained two years. He was succeeded by Rev.
Stephen Henne, who remained until 1872. Rev. C.
Roehm then took charge, and under his administra
tion a church building was erected, and was dedi
cated Sunday, May 19, 1872, which cost $3,000.
Rev. L. Brum was the next Pastor, who came in
1873, and remained three years. Rev. T. W.
Shaefer followed, serving one year, and then was
succeeded by Rev. F. F. Meyer, who served two
years. Rev. Wm. Berge then took charge until
1882, when he was relieved by the present Pastor,
Rev. E. Weiss.
At present there are about 32 members. A large
and interesting Sunday-school is connected with the
Church. Services are held every two weeks, the
pastor having other charges. They have a good,
large, substantial edifice, and the society is growing.
THE PRESS.
Osceola Outline. — The first issue of this paper was
sent out to the reading public June 5, 187 1. Nor
man Teal was the editor, and Blodgett & Teal were
the proprietors. This partnership was dissolved in
the fall of the same year, Mr. Blodgett (D. A.) going
out. In 1872, J. F. Radcliffe purchased the paper
and conducted it till 1876, when he leased it to W.
G. Campbell, who had editorial charge one year.
At the expiration of this time, Mr. Radcliffe again
assumed charge, and has since been editor and pro
prietor. It was a folio up to 1875, when it was

changed to a quarto. In politics it is Republican.
Circulation about 600.
The editor, Mr. Radcliffe, is an experienced news
paper man, and understands how to conduct a
journal, giving to the people of Osceola one of the
best papers published in the county. He has lately
been honored by the people of the county, who have
placed him in charge of their exchequer.
SCHOOL.
The people of Hersey have manifested no incon
siderable interest in the education of the young, by
establishing a good graded school. They have
erected a good school building and secured the ser
vices of competent teachers. At this school there
are about 100 pupils in attendance. It is in School
District No. 5. SOCIETIES.
/. O. O. F., Hersey Lodge, No. 311, Was instituted
Jan. 17, 1873. Charter members — R. B. Sherden,
James Rooney, John W. Mills, Jacob Finning and
and D. E. Spring. Officers— R. B. Sherden, W. M. ;
John Mills, S. W. ; A. D. Wood, J. W. ; John East
wood, Secretary ; O. E. Jones, Treasurer ; S. D.
Proctor, Sr. D. ; R. F. Lewis, Jr. D., and Norman
Yorks, Tyler.
Present officers— R. B. Diggins, W. M. ; H. T.
Lewis, S. W. ; A. L. Brooks, J. W. ; James Aikens,
S. D. ; N. Shank, J. D. ; R. W. Hall, Secretary ; A-
M. Shank, Treasurer, and Thomas Taylor Tyler.
This lodge is in good working condition, with 34
members, and a good hall.
Hersey (John J. Bagley) Post, No. gy. — This
lodge was chartered Dec. 27, 1882. Charter mem
bers— Wm. H. Miller, Marcus A. Lafler, G. V.
Chamberlain, George Meyers, Oren E. Jones, M. B.
Houghton, Benj. F. Gooch, E. A. Stephens', A. C
Berge, Henry Rose, Patrick McCann, John Lafayette
A. O. Temple, Z. B. Pease, Charles Huff, Abraham
C. Barkley and John Huff. Officers— N. B. Hough
ton, C. ; Marcus A. Lafler, Sr. V. C. ; A. O. Temple,
Jr. V. C. ; E. A. Stephens, Adj't ; Oren E. Jones, Q.
M.; Benj. F. Gooch, Q. M. Sergt.; A. C. Page,
Officer of the Day ; Harvey Hope, Officer of the
Guard; Abraham -Barkley, Chaplain, and G. V.
Chamberlain, Surgeon.
This lodge is in a prosperous condition, and a
lively interest is manifested in it, which indicates
that Hersey is a patriotic village.

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Highland Township,

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TAN. 5, 1870, the Board of Supervisors made
|r an order for the organization of Highland
#% Township, and appointed George Stump,
W. W. Stewart and J. P. Gould Inspectors to
preside at the election, which was held- in the
school-house. S. C. Jones was elected Super
visor. Highland is situated in the northern tier of town
ships, in number 20 north, of range 8 west. It is
bounded on the north by Missaukee County, on the
east by Marion, on the south' by Hartwick, and on
the west by Sherman Townships. The surface of
the land is rolling, and the soil is a sandy loam. It
is watered by the Middle Branch River and several
streams which empty into it, and the west branch of
the Clam River.
The first settler in this township was S. C. Jones,
who came in the fall of 1866 and settled on section
18. He put up a cabin and the following winter de
voted himself to trapping, at which he was an
experienced hand. He followed his favorite pursuit
that winter on the Middle Branch, Clam, Pine and
other rivers and branches, and on Muscat Lake.
His route was regularly laid out with stations, where
he would have his shanties. He would time it so
as to reach these stations about nightfall, visiting his
numerous traps, killing his animals and taking off the
fur, which he would put into his sack, throw it over

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his back and travel on. In order to make these
stations he would often travel 50 miles a day.
In those early days trapping was a very profitable
business. The principal fur caught was marten,
beaver, mink, and sometimes they would take in a
bear. As other early settlers, Anthony Duddles, George
Stump, Edgar Blaisdell, Joseph Holmes, located in
1867. Duddles on section 8, Stump on 18, Blaisdell
on 20, and Holmes on section 30.
Highland is divided into seven school districts,
with the school buildings located consecutively from
district number 1 up, as follows: section 18,4,25,
27, 30, 12 and 7.
No. 7 is frame, the rest are log buildings. P. W.
Mitchell teaches the school in district No. 5, and has
nine pupils. This township is heavily timbered with
maple, rock elm, black and white ash, beech, bass-
wook, hemlock and some pine, which is being cut
and sent to the different markets. Roads have been,
and are being, built to meet the wants of the settlers,
and schools are opened where there is sufficient
number of pupils to make it worth the while. The
township lies a little out of the line of the rapid set
tlements, yet its population is gradually increasing,
having, according to the census of 1884,311 souls,
an increase since 1880 of 123. Assessed value of
property, $140,000.

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S^ Fruit, as far as it has been cultivated, is reported
/_> to do well. Potatoes are the "best crop for vegetables,
and oats the best crop for grain.
Highland is remarkable for its production of that
medicinal plant known as gentian. Hundreds of
^f pounds ofthe root of this plant are marketed annu
ally. Raymond Bebee has a saw-mill located on sec
tion 34.
The township has two postoffices, one located on
section 26, called Milburn, and the other on section
4, which is known as the Freelingville postoffice.
The trading point for the people is Tustin, in Bur
dell Township, and this place is their nearest railroad
station. In religious matters Highland has been quite pro
gressive, it having established two churches.
The Methodist Church has two organizations, with
services held in the school-house of Districts Nos. 1

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and 2. The meetings are presided over by Rev. Mr.
Green, from Wexford County ; preaching every two
weeks. The Baptist Church has one organization in school
District No. r. Services are held every month at the
school-house, and are presided over by Rev. W. P.
Squiers, of Reed City. The society was formed in
187 1, by Rev. Mr. Stillwell, and services have been
held pretty regularly since. It has now some 15
members. Highland Township, from its organization to the
present time, has been represented by the following
named supervisors :

S. C. Jones,

1870-2

M. W. Stewart,

1 873~5

George W. Culver,

1876

M. W. Stewart,

1877-82

P. W. Mitchell,

1883-4

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HIS township was organized from Lincoln
Township by order of the Board. Its local
government was established April 4, 1870
the election being held at the residence of
Richard Toms. Thirty-two votes were cast at
this meeting, resulting in the choice of Daniel
<§ McGovern for Supervisor, R. D. Simonton for Clerk,
and George H. Bassett, Treasurer ; Highway Com
missioners — Daniel McGovern, Wm. Slaughter and
J. R. Simonton; Justices of the Peace — Calvin
Woolworth, Gideon A. Estes, John Frayer and
Charles W. Worden ; School Inspectors — George H.
Bassett and Frank E. Payne; Constables — Wm.
Snyder, R. D. Simonton, Richard Toms and John
E. Guild ; Overseers of the Highway— Henry Van-
dusen, George H. Bassett and Stephen Allen.
SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS.
Le Roy has five organized school districts. The
school buildings are located as follows: District No.
1 (fractional) on section 1 ; No. 2, on section 9; No.
3, on section 7 ; No. 5, on section 13, and No. 6, on
section 22. No. 1 has 100 pupils on the list; No. 2,
61 ; No. 3, 20 ; No. 5, 178, and No. 6, 58 pupils.
The buildings cost, in No. 1, $600; No. 2, $400;
No. 3, $300; No. 5, $1,500, and in No. 6, $400.
There is no district numbered 4. District No. 5 is
located in Le Roy village.
Le Roy Township is in the western row in num
ber 19 north, of range 10 west. Burdell Township
lies on the north, Rose Lake on the east, Lincoln
on the south, and Lake County on the west. It is
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watered by Beaver Creek — which heads in Rose
Lake Township — and its tributaries; the Hersey
River, which heads in this township ; and the Pine
River, running across the northwest corner. The
country is rolling, and well timbered with beech,
maple, elm, hemlock and a little pine. The soil is
clay loam, and in some localities a little sandy.
The first settlers in the township are, Richard
Toms, Daniel McGovern, R. D. Simonton, George H.
Bassett, Calvin Woolworth, Gideon A. Estes, Charles
W. Worden, John Frayer and E. M. Braden.
Le Roy ranks the fifth in population, and in the
assessed value of property, its population according
to the census of r884 being 1,020,. and assessed
valuation $232,000. It has now about 2,500 acres
of improved land, with 120 farms. In 1882 it pro
duced 3,522 bushels of wheat, 10,635 bushels of
corn, 6,602 bushels of oats, and 10,663 bushels of
potatoes, and 671 tons of hay. In 1883 it had 94
horses, T40 milch cows, 145 hogs, and 190 sheep.
Wool production, 943 pounds. The average yield of
wheat per acre is 1,414 bushels. The soil is re
garded as productive and well adapted for farming
purposes. Good roads are being constructed to
meet the demands of an increasing population.
Tha Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad passes
through the township, entering on section 34, deflect
ing eastward and passing out north on section 1.
The village of Le Roy is the trading place for most
of the inhabitants and also their postoffice address.
At Dewing's Siding the Ashton Lumber Company

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

\f have their lumber mill, and a general store. Capac-
"bR ity of mill, 30,000 per day. The members of this
^ company are Dewing,' Halladay & Watson.
The names of the Supervisors who have repre-
( ;§ sented this township are given below :

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SUPERVISORS.

Daniel McGovern,

1 870-1

T. F. Delzell,

1872

G. W. Bassett,

1873-4

James E. Bevins,

1875

G. A. Estes,

1876

E. M. Braden,

1877

G. H. Bassett,

1878-82

Peter R. Grant,

1883-4

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Le Roy.

I BOUT the time of the advent of the railroad
'. the idea was conceived by some ¦ of the
a business men of the township of Le Roy
of starting a village, and knowing that no
town could prosper in modern times away
' from a railroad, a site was selected on the
line of the Grand Rapids & Indiana. During the
summer of i87r, while the railroad was being con
structed through here, James E. Bevins, W. W. and
Charles G. Westfall, Samuel Kimball, James M.
Brown and H. C. Booth, located here for the pur
pose of engaging in business, and this was the be
ginning of the town. It is situated near the eastern
line of Le Roy Township in section 13, on Beaver
Creek, which is a tributary of the Manistee River,
and about 18 miles north of Reed City. The site is
on rolling ground, and is quite attractive. Exten
sive forests of fine timber surround it, and its loca
tion is in the midst of what will ultimately be a rich
farming country.
The first railroad train came in during the latter
part of November, 187 1, and from that time it be
came quite a lively town.
The village of LeRoy was incorporated by act of
the Legislature passed Feb. 2, 1873, and the election
under this act was held the first Monday in March

following : J. E. Bevins, H. M. Patrick and G. W.
Averill were appointed a board of registration. The
election was duly held, resulting in the choice of
James E. Bevins for President; L. G. Dill, Clerk,
and G. W. Kellogg, Treasurer. G. W. Averill, H.
M. Patrick and Anthony Wenzel were elected as
Trustees ; James C. Corbin, E. M. Braden, Godfrey
Gundrum, George E. Merrill, Street Commissioners ;
Assessor, Walter L. Evans ; Constable, M. W. West-
fall. John Glerum was appointed Marshal, which
completed the village government. The village was
platted by James E. Bevins, its founder, Dec. 30,
1873, the plat embracing 40 acres.
Samuel Kimball was the first man to open a store.
M. W. Westfall, who was the first settler, put up the
first house in the place; and Westfall Brothers
opened the first hotel. This was all done in 187 r.
The first child born here was a daughter to the
wife of Charles G. Westfall, which event occurred
during the latter part of 187 1. ,
MURDER.
One of the noted events of this part of the country
was the murder of Charles G. Westfall, just men
tioned, by two Indians, named Charles Powers
and John Ka-the-way, which occurred Feb. 22, 1872.
Mr. Westfall was thought a, good deal of by every
one who knew him, and this murder threw the en
tire country in this region into the greatest excite
ment. It was only by sober and conservative coun
sels, and probably from the fact that they were
Indians, that saved these murderers (as both were
supposed to have done the deed) from being lynched.
Mr. Westfall had secured himself a homestead in
Lake County, and in company with William A. Bal
com was moving from Le Roy to his new home. He
had an ox team and sled, which was loaded with
their household goods, and which was also their only
means of transportation. Balcom was acting as
driver and was also looking after the little child.
The Indians had been drinking at Le Roy, and had
not started from town with the Westfall party, whose
route took them by the Indians' cabin, and who were
hauling some flour 'for them.'
Some ways out of town and awhile before dark,
the Indians came up, and, asking to ride, were al
lowed to get upon the sled. Soon afterward Powers
became quarrelsome; and as the party proceeded on
its journey, grew more so. About dark they all ar-

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rived at Pine River, and soon thereafter at the point
where the trail to the Indians' wigwam led off from
the main road. Here the Indians' flour was put off
and they still being quarrelsome — particularly Pow
ers — Mr. Westfall stopped to parley with them,
hoping thereby, as it was thought, to placate them.
Balcom, with the team, went on to the house of Mr.
Byam, where they were to put up for the night. The
night wore on and Mr. Westfall not coming in, con
siderable uneasiness was felt in regard to his safety,
particularly as Balcom had made known the condi
tion of the two Indians.
Finally a party, with Balcom, started back in
search of the missing man. They found him nearly
where he had been left by the team by the roadside,
with life almost extinct. He was unable to speak,
and died within a few moments after he was found.
The body was taken to Byam's, and upon examinaT
tion was found to contain 29 stabs! Early next
morning, a posse with guns started out for the In
dians. They were found at their wigwam, arrested
and taken before T. T. Delzell who committed them.
There being no jail in the county, they were taken
to Big Rapids and imprisoned there. Change of
venue was finally obtained for them to Mecosta
County, where they were tried for murder in the first
degree. Exicitement ran high during this trial, and
people gathered to the court-house from all around
the country.
Ka-the-way was acquitted, but Powers was con
victed. He was sentenced by the Court to imprison
ment for life. Before, however, he was conveyed to
the Jackson penitentiary, he committed suicide by
taking poison. This was accomplished by taking
some bed-bug poison found in his cell, which was
largely composed of corrosive sublimate. The people
were ably represented by their counsel, and the de
fense was well conducted. Ka-the-way claimed
that he was unconscious when he committed the
murder, and knew not what he was doing. He bore
himself during the trial with what people are wont,
or more properly speaking, pleased, to call Indian
stoicism, but which is only the absence of conscience,
or a sense of moral responsibility. It was developed
after the trial that some one had, at a time dating
back many months previous to the trial, broken up
the wigwam of these Indians, and that Powers be
lieved that Mr. Westfall had done it, and held a

grudge against him for it. The name of the person
who really did break up the wigwam was afterwards
ascertained, which entirely exonerated the lamented
Westfall of the act which was eventually the occa
sion of his murder. BUSINESS INTERESTS^
Wenzel Brothers are extensive manufacturers of,
and dealers in, lumber and shingles. This firm was
organized in 1882. The business was started here
in 1880, under a different firm. Capacity in lumber,
40,000 feet, shingles, 400,000, per day. They have
200 acres of timber land adjacent to their mills.
J. C. Corbin, planing-mill, molding, matching, etc.
Mr. C. has a large establishment; started his busi
ness in 1883 ; also deals in lumber.
A. Kimball has a flouring mill, and is a general
dealer in flour and feed. Established in 1883, and
has a capacity of 300 bushels per day.
James E. Bevins is a dealer in general merchan
dise, having one of the first stores opened in Le Roy.
Is also an extensive dealer in real estate.
C. F. Walden carries a general stock of merchan
dise. Patrick & Co., have a general line of merchandise.
H. N. Babcock supplies the people with jewelry,
clocks, watches, etc.
A. Shelander has a boot and shoe store.
J. H. Williams keeps a general store.
M. V. Gundrum carries a line of boots and shoes,
crockery, drugs, groceries and dry-goods.
The fair ladies of Le Roy have not been forgot
ten, nor their wants, for Mrs. Wm. Herlan is with
them with a fine stock of millinery goods.
B. S. Niles manufactures boots and shoes.
Le Roy meat market is kept by M. W. Westfall.
Dell Roberts keeps a saloon and billiards.
J. W. Davidson carries on a general blacksmith-
ing business, keeps shingles and does general wood
work. Wm. Herlan, general blacksmithing and horse
shoeing. Drs. J. W. Law and C. H. Andrews look after the
health of the people, and I. H. Corbin attends to
the legal business.
Grant & McQuarrie, contractors and builders.
Le Roy has also a restaurant, a barber-shop and
a skating rink.
The Westfall House, M. W. Westfall, proprietor,

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was opened in 1881, and is located upon the rising
ground a little way from the depot. The house is
well furnished and well kept. Landlord Westfall
gives such attention to his guests that on leaving
they feel like returning to Le Roy just for the pleas
ure of putting up with him.
The American House, H. J. Jenkins, proprietor, is
also a good house. It has been recently re-opened,
newly furnished throughout, and offers good accom
modations. Le Roy contains many good substantial buildings,
has a population of about 350 souls, and is a grow
ing village. Its people are industrious and energetic.
This, together with the rich lands and splendid tim
ber districts surrounding it, furnish all the elements
necessary to a populous town.
Le Roy is the shipping point for the products of
the great lumber mills of A. E. Sawyer at Sawyer
ville, in Rose Lake Township. A tramway is con
structed from this place to Le Roy, a distance of
some three miles, over which his lumber is freighted
to the depot.
There are about or adjacent to Le Roy village
eight shingle mills-, owned by Charles Duray, Mr.
Spere, Metcalf & Noles, H. Gowsey & Sons, L.
Brown, Freeman & Morse, anrLCharles Jepson.
A postoffice was established at Le Roy in the win
ter of 187 1. James E. Bevins was appointed Post
master, and has retained the confidence of Uncle
Sam from that time to the present day. Daily mails
by rail, and once a week from Hartwick by stage.
SCHOOL.
Le Roy has been attentive to the educational in
terests. The citizens have put up a good school
building, at a cost of $1,500, and have provided good
teachers. This is in district number five, and is a
graded school, with 178 pupils on the rolls. W. E.
Jackson is Principal, and Alice S. Brown his assistant.
PRESS.
Le Roy Independent. — This is a five-column quarto
paper, established in September, 1884. Its first
issue was Sept. 13th, and this date is an epoch in the
history of Le Roy as well as in the life of the ener
getic, enterprising and talented editor and proprietor
of this journal. Shakspeare has said that
There is a tide in the affairs of men,
Which taken at the flood leads on to fortune.
Omitted, all the voyages of their lives
Are hound in shallows and in miseries.

Mr. Jackson did not " omit the opportunity," but
" took the tide at the flood." He is now afloat on
the full sea of life, and he has but to keep a firm,
steady course, and his venture will "lead on to for
tune." We wish him the success he so justly de
serves. SOCIETIES.
Osceola Lodge, I. O. O. F, No. 300.— This lodge
was instituted July 26, 1877. Charter members —
R. C. Johnstone, William D. Clark, Frederick Shields,
Charles Bradley, John R. Simonton, Godfrey May,
D. B. Hamlin, Lewis Tupper, Joseph H. Forbes, S.
E. Morris, Octave Decair, Thomas Hood, J. Ran
dolph and J. G. Piper. Present officers — William
Allen, N. G.; Joseph Allen, V. G. ; W. J. Gaw, P.
S. ; John Kelley, R. S. ; Samuel Bush, Warden;
George E. Merrel, I. S. G. ; John Byers, O. S. G. ;
J. G. Piper, R. S. V. G., and A. P. Bailey, L. S. V. G.
Encampment of Le Roy and Rose Lake, No. 6, was
instituted Aug. 2r, 1879. Charter members — W. D.
Clark, Frank Shields, Edwin Smith, Oliver Platts,
Melvin P. May, James E. Bevins, John Gore, John
Kelley, George E. Merrel, Joseph H. Forbes and
John R. Simonton. Present officers of the Encamp
ment: George Merrel, P. T. ; E. S. Bevins, C. W.;
Joseph Allen, J. W. ; Samuel Bush, H. P. ; John
Kelley, Scribe ; A. P. Bailey. Treasurer, and Oliver
Platts, G. D.
Victoria Lodge of Rebecca, No. 73. — This lodge
was organized Sept. 24, 1884, with the following
named charter members: W. J. Law, Miss E. V.
Law, E. S. Bevins, Miss Permelia Bevins, A. P.
Bailey, Elizabeth Bailey, Samuel H. Bush, Miss
Martha Bush, F. Ripley, Miss Mary Ripley, Miss
Julia Olekerk, M. W. Westfall, Miss Frances E.
Westfall, N. J. Archibald and Miss R. H. Archibald.
Officers of Rebecca Lodge : E. S. Bevins, N. G. ; Miss
Frances E. Westfall, V. G. ; Miss E. V. Law.Tt. S.;
A. P. Bailey, P. S. ; Miss Martha Bush, Treasurer ;
S. H. Bush, Warden; W. J. Law, Conductor ; Miss
R. H. Archibald, R. S. N. G. ; N. J. Archibald, R. S.
V. G., and M. W. Westfall, L. S. V. G.
All these lodges have a good hall, are well equipped
and in good working order.
G. A. R. — This lodge was instituted Aug. 3, 1883.
Charter members — Arian Newcomb, M. W. West-
fall, Henry Vandusen, Homer R. Peake, George
Hinkley, Henry M. Evarts, J. E. Scribner, Christian

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

387-

Gugle, Joseph A. Braden, Levi S. Jackson, George
E. Filley, Abraham H. Fox, William A. Boyer, Louis
G. Hall, Reuben H. Bishop, George W. Averill and
George Caslaw. Officers — William A. Boyer, C.
Lewis S. Jackson, Sr. V. C. ; A. H. Fox, Jr. V. C.
Homer R. Peake, Surgeon; J. A. Braden, Q. M.
Lewis J. Hall, Chaplain ; George Averill, Officer of
the Day ; J. E. Scribner, Officer of the Guard ; A.
Newcomb, Adj't; R. H. Bishop, S. M. ; M. W. West-
fall, Q. M. S. This lodge is prospering, is holding
meetings regularly, and a good deal of interest is
manifested. CHURCHES.
The First Baptist Church of Le Roy was organ
ized Feb. 21, 1877. Names of the first members —
William C. .Burke, Mary E. Burke, Elizabeth Bab
cock, John Lockhart, Esther Lockhart, 'Gideon A.
Estes, Lottie Estes, Henry Worden, Ann Worden,

Henry Hale, Mary E. Hale, Martin Burris, Margaret
Burris, C. F. Price, Arln Price, William Wood,
Amanda Miner, Lewis Hall, Angeline Sprague, Mrs.
S. A. Newcomb and Marsena Brown. The first
Pastor was Rev. O. S. Wolfe. He was followed by
Rev. J. J. Martin, who was succeeded by Rev. N.
Stilwell, the present Pastor. A good church build
ing has been erected by this society, which was dedi
cated June 18, 1882, and cost $1,650.
Evangelical Lutheran Church. — This society be
longs to the General Synod of Illinois. It was
organized July 3, 1 883, by Rev. Charles F. Walden,
with 42 members. Services once a month, which
are held in the Methodist church.
There is a Methodist Society here, but, though re
peated efforts were made to the presidifig pastor on
whom we had to depend, we were unable to get any
further information regarding it.

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^ 388 OSCEOLA COUNTY

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INCOLN Township was organized under
special act of the Legislature passed March,
1867. The meeting was held at the resi
dence of T. M. Warren. James R. Carlisle
was Chairman, C. A. Warren, Clerk, and James
S. Donnelly, Moderator. Fifteen votes were
cast at this election which resulted in the choice of
James R. Carlisle for Supervisor, Martin Horan for
Clerk, and Oswald Esner for Treasurer. James S.
Donnelly, W. C. Burgess, James F. Denton and
James R. Carlisle were elected Justices of the Peace ;
W. C. Burgess, James S. Donnelly and George Reed,
Comrriissioners of the Highway ; W. C. Burgess and
T. J. Wilhelm, School Inspectors; Martin Horan,
Asa L. Rice and Fred Media, for Constables.
The township is divided up into eight school dis
tricts, with school buildings located on the following
sections : No. 1, on section 26 ; No. 2, on section 27 ;
No. 3, on section 8; No. 4, on section 2; No. 5, on
section 10; No. 6, on section 16 ; No. 7, on section
20; No. 8, on section 21. They are all good frame
houses, averaging in cost $600. School District No.
1 has on the rolls 26 pupils ; No. 2, 54 ; No. 3, 61 ;
No. 4, 33; No. 5, 74; No. 6, 94; No. 7, 52, and No.
8, 57 pupils.
William and Frederick Media, James Donnelly,
Gardam Willson, Oswald Esner and J. W. Ash were
the first settlers in this township.
It has for its northern boundary Le Roy ; eastern,
Cedar ; southern, Richmond Township ; and on the
west lies Lake County. It is numbered 18 north, of
range 10 east. The township of Lincoln is exceed
ingly well watered, having the Hersey River with its
numerous branches," which meander through it ; also

by several small lakes. It was once very heavily
timbered with pine, hemlock and the hard-woods ;
but the great raid made on its forests by the lumber
men has made them look thin. The surface of the
land is rolling, with a clay loam and a sandy soil. It
is regarded good for farming purposes, and the town
ship contains many fine farms, with good farm build
ings. The Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad runs
north and south nearly through the center of the
township, with a branch road starting from the
junction and running northwest through it to Luther,
which have done much towards its development.
It has three stations within its limits — Ashton,
Milton Junction and Orono. These stations con
stitute the trading places for the people of Lincoln
and furnish them the means of transportation.
In 1884 there were r,269 inhabitants. It is es
timated there are 3,539 acres under improvement,
with 157 farms, each averaging about 68 acres. In
live stock Lincoln Township makes, in comparision
with the others, a very good showing. Horses, 168 ;
horned cattle, 571 ; hogs, 347 ; sheep, 334. At Mil
ton Junction, George Reed and William Tuttle keep
a general line* of merchandise. At Orono, about a
mile south of Milton Junction, C. A. Warren has a
general store.
Below are given the names of the Supervisors who
have represented the township since its organization .

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SUPERVISORS.

Tames R. Carlisle,

1867-8

J. W. Ash,

1869-7O

B. E. Westfall,

187 1-2

J. W. Ash,

l873

Frayer Halladay,

1874

J. W. Ash,
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1875-7

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

Frayer Halladay,
J. W. Ash,
G. Willson,
Frayer Halladay,

1878-801881-21883 1884.

Ashton.

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\ SHTON village is situated on the line of
-jg the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad, in
Lincoln Township, on the north branch of the
Hersey, and about six miles from Reed City.
Its location is pleasant and healthy, sur
rounded by a very good farming country ; but
it is principally sustained by the business. It was
started by Joseph W. Ash in T870, after the Grand
Rapids & Indiana Railroad route had been de
termined. This road was completed here in the
latter part of 187 1. Mr. Ash was the first Post
master of the town, receiving his commission in the
spring of 1870. He held this appointment seven
years, when he was succeeded by Frayer Halladay,
who has held the confidence of Uncle Sam to the
present time. The first store opened in the town
was by Lou & Balch. They were soon followed by
E. G. Raymond, who also opened a store. It is
quite a mart for lumber, shingles, telegraph poles
and tan-bark.
The population is now estimated at 180, and is
on the increase. BUSINESS INTERESTS.
Frayer Halladay, who was one of the first to open
a store here, carries a large stock of general mer
chandise, together with agricultural implements. He
opened his store (then Halladay & Son) in 1870.
His trade has increased from small beginnings until
now he handles about $20,000 worth of goods an
nually. A. C. Adams has a general line of merchandise,
with a good assortment of drugs and medicines. He

cast his fortunes with this people in 1875 ; was
burned out once and rebuilt, putting up a very
recherche establishment, one of the best appointed in
the county.
Arthur Mulholland keeps a general store, with
drugs and medicines.
James Verguson does the blacksmithing for the
community. There are two saw-mills near the village, which
are operated by Purchase & Son, and Brett &
Brothers. The medical profession is represented by Drs. J.
W. House and Herman R. Palmer.
The Exchange Hotel, T. A. Thorn, proprietor, is a
good house for the traveler, and the landlord is pains
taking in looking after his wants.
The Ashton House, Purchase & Son, proprietors,
is the oldest hotel in town, and is well kept. The
guests are well attended to, and everything done to
make them comfortable, and to feel at home.
SCHOOL.
Ashton has a good school building for the accom
modation of its scholastic population, which number
about one hundred. Henry Swem is the present
teacher of this school. CHURCHES.
Methodist Episcopal Church. — The society was
first organized in Ashton in 1870, by Rev. Mr. Deal,
who preached the first sermon here or in the town
ship. The first presiding elder was Rev. H. P.
Peck, who was succeeded by Rev. H. P. Hender
son. Rev. Mr. Russell followed, and after him
came Rev. J. A. Sprague, who is the fourth and
present Presiding Elder. They have a neat little
church edifice, which was erected in 1882, at a cost
of $1,800, and 25 members who worship in it, with a
flourishing Sabbath-school. Rev. James Anderson is
the present Pastor.
The Baptist Church was organized several years
ago, but the society became disintegrated, and for
years had no meetings. It was re-organized about
the first of January, 1884, by Rev. Wrrf* P. Squires,
with a membership of 16. Services are held in the
school-house every two weeks, and are presided over
by Rev. Wm. P. Squires, of Reed City.

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ARION Township was the last to organize
and make up the full quota of town
ships for Osceola County. This was done
by order of the Board of Supervisors made
January 9, 1877. The meeting for the organ
ization was held at the residence of C. Clark
on the first Monday in April following. Ahira
Chapin, J. R. Sawtell, and U. O. Chase presided at
the meeting, which elected Ahira Chapin Super
visor. This township is situated in the northeast corner
of the county, in number 20 north, of range 7 west.
It is bounded on the north by Missaukee County, on
the west by Clare County, and the south by Middle
Branch, and the west by Highland Township. It is
watered by the Middle Branch and its tributaries,
and other feeders of the Muskegon River. The
land is mostly covered with hard-wood timber, there
being but very little pine, except in the eastern part.
It is rolling in the northwest portions, and rather
flat in other parts. Soil, clay loam with some mixture
of sand.
Population in 1884 was 194, showing an increase
since 1880 of about 100.
There are about 700 acres of land improved, with
some 22 farms. Hay is regarded as the best crop.
Potatoes also do well.
Marion has six school districts, with two frame

and three log school buildings, and are located as
follows : No. 1, on section 35, and cost $275 ; No.
2, on section 1, and cost, $300; No. 3 has a log
house and is built on section 30, and cost $75 ; No.
4 has a log building which cost $50, and is situated
on section 17 ; No.' 5, is log, cost $100, and is built
on section 6 ; No. 6 has no building. The scholastic
population in this township is quite limited. District
No. 1 has 20 pupils ; No. 2, 26 ; No. 3, 4; No. 4,
14, and No. 5, 6 pupils on the rolls.
The lumbering business was carried on here at
one time quite extensively. The timber was cut
and hauled to the Middle Branch and from it floated
down to the Muskegon River, and thence onward.
At Chesetopler Creek there is a saw-mill and a
shingle-mill; also a supply store. There is another
mill known as Clark's mill, where there is a post-
office. The nearest railroad station for the people of
Marion is Tustin, on the Grand Rapids & Indiana.
Immigration is coming in and the township is grow
ing slowly.
It has been represented by the following named

supervisors :

Ahira Chapin,
Daniel Marsh,
Ahira Chapin,

1877-8
1879 1880-4

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« Middle Branch Township.

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\ IDDLE BRANCH was one of six to come
into the township organizations before the
county was formally organized. This was
in 1867, with J. B. McFarlane as Super
visor. It is situated in the eastern tier of town
ships, in number 19 north, of range 7 west.
Its boundary lines are Marion on the north, Clare
County on the east, Sylvan on the south and Hart
wick Township on the west.
This township is very thinly settled, and the prin
cipal business by those who have come in has been
lumbering. The timber was pine, hemlock and the
hard-woods. Originally there were some grand pine
forest — unsurpassed by any of the townships — which
have been depleted by the lumberman's ax. This
timber was cut into logs, and then floated down the
Middle Branch to the Muskegon River, and from
along the course of this river they were taken up by
the great saw-mills and manufactured into lumber.
The forests of this township contain some fine cherry,
which so far has been mostly preserved, the owners
holding it for future markets.
Among the early settlers were J. B. McFarlane,
U. O. Chase, H. A. Clark, A. W. Harrington, William
Watson and J. M. Greer.
The surface of the land is rolling, except in the
eastern part, which is flat. The major portion of the
land is sandy loam, with a clay sub-soil ; other parts
— the eastern — is sandy.
There are three school districts in the township,
with about 40 pupils attending. The school building
in No. 1 is frame, located on section 10, and cost
.*22e : number of pupils on list, 17. District No. 2
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has a frame building, costing $300, and is located on
section 13. This district has 13 pupils on the roll.
The building in District No. 3 is located on section
50, and cost $325, and is a frame building ; number
of pupils in attendance, 9.
This township had in 1883, 473 acres of improved
lands, which was divided into 18 farms, with 1,589
acres of unimproved lands. The best crop to raise
in this township is hay, and the next best is potatoes.
The production in 1882 in wheat was 435 bushels,
and in potatoes, 1,970 bushels, with 168 tons of hay.
But very little attention, so far, has been paid to rais
ing stock.
The census of 1884 showed a decrease in the
population from that of 1880, giving only 153. For
the last year, since the census of 1884, it has been
slowly increasing.
The Middle Branch, with several little streams,
meanders through the township and empties into the
Muskegon River. There are four pretty good roads
constructed, which run parallel with the section lines,
and which meet the wants of the present inhabitants.
Their nearest railroad station is Sears, in Orient
Township, and at this place and Evart they do their
trading and get their mails.
It has been represented in the Board of Super
visors ofthe county by the following named citizens:
SUPERVISORS.
J. B. McFarlane,
U. O. Chase,
William Watson,
H. A. Clark,
A. W. Harrington,
J. M. Greer,

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392

OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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: RIENT Township is situated in the south
east corner of the county, and is numbered
|_§lr 17 north, of range 7 west. It has for its
northern boundary, Sylvan ; eastern, Clare
County; southern, Mecosta County; western,
Evart Township. It was organized by order
of the Board of Supervisors, and held its first meet
ing at the residence of Wm. Wescott, April 4, 1870.
Wm. Wescott, Joseph H. Powell and Daniel Weigel
took charge of this meeting, which resulted in the
election of Nelson Ferguson for Supervisor, Lemuel
P. Jones for Clerk, and Wm. Wescott for Treasurer;
David Weigel, Joseph H. Powell and S. H. Gordon
were elected Highway Commissioners; Amos F. Blair,
Obadiah Lloyd, Hosea Brown and Ransler Beck-
weith for Justices of the Peace, and Andrew Noyes
for Constable.
The township has four school districts, with school-
houses located as follows: District No. r, which is
fractional, on section 6; No. 2, on section 21; No.
3, on section n; No. 4, on section 33. In all
these districts there are good frame buildings, costing
from $400 to $800. District No. 1 has 80 pupils on
the rolls; No. 2, has 60; Nos. 3, 19 and 4 have 24
pupils. The school at Sears, which is in District No. 1 , is
taught by J. B. Sleeger.
Orient Township is well drained by Chippewa

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River and its branches. Big and Wright Lakes lie
in the western part. The surface of the land is roll
ing, with a varied soil, — -clayey, loamy and sandy.
About three fourths of the land was heavily timbered
with pine, a great part of which has fallen before the
ax of the lumberman; the balance of the land was
covered with maple, beech, basswood and hemlock.
Hay and potatoes are regarded as the best crop,
though grain does very well. About 2,000 acres are
improved, and the acreage is increasing yearly.
The first settlements were made in the spring of
1868. Lumber camps were established before this
time, but the location on lands for farming purposes
does not regard the lumber camps as bona-fide set
tlements, nor the lumberman a bona-fide settler.
They regard him as a sort of nomad, — here to-day
and gone to-morrow. 1
The following named settlers came in 1868 and
made their locations as given : David Weigel, lo
cating on section 4; John West, on section 18; Wm.
Tennant, on section 20 ; Obadiah Lloyd, on section
8 ; J. W. Powell and Wm. Wescott, on section 6 ;
Amos Blair, on section 8 ; Samuel Gordon and
Hosea Brown, on section 4 ; Andrew Noyes, on sec
tion 10; Nelson Ferguson, Henry Thetky and
Lemuel P. Jones, on section 6.
The first school opened was on section 5, and was
taught by Miss Clara Gordon in a log school-house.
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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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The first marriage that was celebrated in the
township was between Luther Elmore, Sylvan Town
ship, and Clara Jones. The wedding took place at
the residence of the bride's father on section 6.
The first sermon preached was in the summer of
T869, by a Methodist clergyman, and was delivered
at the residence of Samuel Gordon, on section 4.
About the last of September, 187 1, the Flint &
Pere Marquette Railroad was completed through the
township. It runs along the northern line, deflect
ing a little southward and passing out through the
middle of section 12.
The first store opened in the township was at
Sears, by Baker & Pratt, railroad contractors, in the
spring of 187 1.
The lumber camps came in before the early set
tlers, who used to depend on these camps for sup
plies until they could replenish their stock, which,
before the railroad was built, they hauled from Big
Rapids, a distance bf some 30 miles.
More attention is being paid to farming than for
merly, and new lands are constantly being brought
under the plow. The population is estimated to be
about 7 00, and is increasing. The township has two
trading points, Sears and Chippewa, on the Flint &
Pere Marquette Railroad; the latter, however, is
about broken up, owing to the withdrawal or change
in lumber camps.
At Big Lake there is a lumber and shingle manu
factory, operated by V. Chandler, and owned by C.
L. Gray & Co., of Evart. The capacity of these
mills for lumber is 1,200 feet; for shingles, 30,000
feet, per day.
At Chippewa there is a shingle and saw mill,
owned by George Jackson; also a supply store.
Capacity ofthe saw-mill per day is 1 2,000 feet, and
that of the shingle-mill is 30,000. t
Church services are held every two weeks in a
school-house on section 21, by Rev. T. M. Huddle,
of the United Brethren.
Orient has honored the following named citizens as

SUPERVISORS :

Nelson Ferguson
B. N. Kellogg,
M. J. Boreland,
J. H. Powell,
J. B. Slazer,
J. H. Powell,
G. W. Delamarter,

1870-3
1874 1875
1876-71878-9 1880
188 1-4.

-=**-$-*€=

Sears.

HIS little hamlet was started before the ad
vent of the railroad, which came in about
the middle of September, 1870. Barker &
Pratt started the business by putting in a
supply store. They were soon followed by
others, who opened store's, hotels, boarding-
houses, saw-mills, etc. For awhile it was quite a
flourishing place, with ambitious hopes ; but when
the railroad — which makes and unmakes towns — -
passed through and on, carrying its commerce with
it, this hamlet settled back again to a conservative
ambition and reasonable expectations. It is located
near the line of Orient Township, and on section 5.
The site is pleasant and the country surrounding it
is good.
A postoffice was established here in the winter of
187 1-2, with Nelson Ferguson as Postmaster. Mr.
Ferguson was succeeded in 1877 by C. V. Priest,
who still holds the office. Daily mails are received
by rail.
A Fburth-of-July celebration — which was the first
in the township — was held here in 1872. C. Berch
was the orator of the day. It was a great day for
the patriots of Sears and the adjacent country, this
Fourth-of-July, and it is still remembered and spoken
of with pride and pleasure.
BUSINESS INTERESTS.
C. V. Priest carries- a large, general assortment of
merchandise and agricultural implements : is also
dealer in lumber, shingles, telegraph poles and cedar
posts. He established his business in 1872, and
handles about $40,000 annually, in goods.
A. Pierce keeps a general store, which he has re
cently opened.
Henry W. Carsons keeps a hotel for the accom
modation of the general public.
Quite an extensive charcoal manufactory is carried
on at this place, by the Detroit Union Iron Works.
Hard wood is used mostly in making this coal.
A little way from the town there are two saw-mills;
one owned by Manly & Branderberg, located on sec-

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394

OSCEOLA COUNTY.

tion 4; and the other, by J. H. Lanphear on section 5.
Nelson Willoughby and McFadden do the black-
£$L smithing for the community.
Mark L. Borland makes boots and shoes for the
-j. people here, and has done so since 187 1.
SCHOOLS.
Sears is in School District No. r, and the school-
house is in the town. They have a good school, with
some 80 pupils on the rolls.

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CHURCH.
The" Methodist Episcopal Church was organized- in
187 1. First service was held by Rev. E. Fleming.
Preaching has been supplied to this society from the
Evart charge. Some 20 members belong to this con
gregation, who hold their meetings in the school-
house, and have preaching every Sabbath afternoon.
An interesting feature of this Church is its Sunday-
school, which consists of 80 members, and is pre
sided over by G. W. Delamarter.

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:N 1869, on the 5th day of April, the people
of Osceola Township assembled together
for the purpose of electing their. town
officers. At that period, those who could cast
the little ballot for those whom they wanted
for their public iServants, were not quite as
numerous as they are now in this township ; yet they
felt the importance of this action as much as they do
at the present day, if not greatly more. The result
of this meeting was the election of the following
officers: Samuel Fitzgerald, for Supervisor ; Edwin
Hulburt, for Clerk; James Wetson, for Treasurer.
Justices of the Peace — Joseph Young, H. Under
wood, Cyrus Moulton and Smith Hawkins ; Joseph
Staninger, David Shadley and R. H. Coon were
chosen for Highway Commissioners ; and A. J.
Mapes, R. H. Coon, John Rickets and Joseph* Stan
inger, for Constables. This meeting was held at the
house of Isaiah Maiier. H. Underwood, David Shad
ley and Isaiah Mauer were the Inspectors of the
Election, at which there were 34 votes cast. At this
meeting, they also voted a bounty of $5 for old, and
$2.50 for young, wolves, brought in, dead or alive.
This liberal action of the voters was afterwards de
clared illegal.

Osceola is divided into five school districts, with
the location of school-houses as follows : District
No. r, on sections 16 and 21 ; No. 2, on section 26 ;
No. 3 (which is the Evart graded school), on section
34; No. 4, on sections 13 and 14; No. 5, on sec
tions T9, 20, 30 and 29. In District No. 1 there
are 66 pupils enrolled; No. 2, 41 ; No. 3, 434; No.
4, 37, and No. 5, 28. The school building in Dis
trict No. 1 cost $1,200, No. 2, $450; No. 3, $6,000;
No. 4, $100, and No. 5, $470.
This township is numbered 18 north, of range 8
west, and is bounded on the north by Hartwick, on
the east by Sylvan, on the south by Evart, and the
west by Cedar Township.
The Muskegon River runs across the southeast
corner of the township. The Chippewa Creek, and
several other streams heading in the northern part,
course through the township and empty into the
Muskegon. Like most of the pther townships, the
land is rolling, with a clay and sandy soil. For
many years the lumber business was the principal
industry. Its extensive forests of timber was a par
adise to the lumbermen, who reaped from them
golden harvests. Lumber railroads were constructed
in different parts of the township to facilitate trans-

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portation. Most of these tracts have been taken,
and though the great bulk of the timber has been
carried off, yet an extensive business is done in this
line. About 3,000 acres of land is now under improve
ment, with about 100 farms. It stands the fifth in
stock-raising, with a rapid increase in this depart
ment of industry.
Among the earliest settlers were Isaiah Mauer,
Samuel Fitzgerald, H. Underwood, David Shadley,
James Wetson and Smith Hawkins.
James A. Lunney & Co. have a lumber and shingle
manufactory about four miles north of Evart. Most
of the timber now is brought to Evart and there
cut up.
The people of this township do their trading at
Evart, which is also their postoffice.

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The Evangelical Association has a Church about
three miles from Evart, with 40 members. It is
presided over by Rev. E. Weiss. A new church edi
fice was erected last year, and dedicated Nov. 9,
1884. Something more of the history of this township
will be found in that of Evart village on preceding
pages. It has been represented by the following named

SUPERVISORS :

«

Samuel Fitzgerald,

1869

E. H. Underwood,

1870-1

L. J. Lemert,

1872

E. O. Martin,

1873

J. W. Mathews,

1874-6

C. A. Waffle,

1877-80

E. C. Cannon,

188 1-4

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HE territory that is now embraced by Os
ceola County was attached to Mecosta
County for judicial purposes by act of the
Legislature passed in the year 1859. The
Board of Supervisors of Mecosta County, by
resolution passed Jan. 2, 1861, organized this
territory into a township which was called "Rich
mond." Richmond was the maiden name of D. A.
Blodgett 's mother, and the township was named after
her on account of her son, who, with commendable
regard had requested it.
The election was held under the order of the
Board, April 1, 1861, at the residence of D. A.
Blodgett, in said Township. Alex. McFarlane and
D. A. Blodgett were appointed Inspectors of Elec
tion. Sixteen votes were cast at this meeting, which
resulted in electing D. A. Blodgett for Supervisor,
J. G. Robbins for Clerk and Benj. F. Gooch for
Treasurer. D. A. Blodgett arid F. B. Haynes were
chosen School Commissioners; Benj. F. Gooch, Wil
liam Berger and Alex. McFarlane, Justices of the
Peace ; William Berger and Joseph Ryan, Highway
Commissioners ; John McBride, Charles Broth, Anson
Berger and T. B. Haynes, Constables.
Richmond is located in the southwest corner of
the county, is in number 7 north, of range 10 west,
and is bounded on the north by Lincoln, on the
east by Hersey, on the south by Mecosta, and on
the west by Lake County.
Benj. F. Gooch takes precedence as the pioneer of
this township, who located for himself a home on
section 25, in T855. After him came J. G. Robbins,
Anson and Wm. Berger, Alex. McFarlane, T. B.
Haynes, Joseph Ryan and John McBride.

Richmond Township has nine school districts and
two graded schools, — one at Reed City and the
other at Hersey. District No. 1 is located on section
34; No. 2, on section 30 ; No. 3, on section 6 ; No.
4, on section 17 ; No. 5, on section 24 ; No. 6, on
section 3; No. 7, on section 16 ; No. 8, on sections
22 and 27, and No. 9, on section 11.
The land in this township has an undulating con
tour, with some very fine level fields. The soil is
clay loam, and in parts sandy. It was well timbered
with the hard-woods, with pine, hemlock and bass-
wood. Red cherry is quite abundant in some por
tions of this township, which is held in reserve by
its owners for future demands. It is drained by
Hersey River and its branches.
The Flint & Pere Marquette and the Grand
Rapids & Indiana Railroads pass through the town
ship ; the former enters from the east about the
middle and passes out westward on section 7 ; the
latter comes in about midway from the south, and
runs northward nekrly parallel with the county line,
going out on section 4.
Good highways are built on nearly all of the sec
tion lines, and many of them are well graded. It
ranks the first in improvements and in production.
It is estimated that there are 7,500 acres improved,
with about 175 farms. The statistics of 1882, the
latest, gives 1,444 acres in wheat, with a yield of
23,700 bushels. The estimated number of acres
planted last year (1883) in wheat, is 1,700, with a
production of 67,250 bushels. The hay lands in
1882 numbered 1,393 acres, with a yield of 1,344
tons. The stock business is quite extensively car
ried on. In 1883 the number of cattle on hand

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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was 907, and 353 horses. The production of wool
this year was 4,752 pounds, which was sheared from
.974 sheep.
In 1884 the population of the township was 3,510,
and had an assessed valuation of $820,000.
The first school taught in this township (and the
first in the county) was by Alice Jones, on section
25, in 1862, and the first child born was Mary,
daghter of J. G. Robbins, in i860.
In those early days, as well as at the present time,
there were people who liked to take what, did not be
long to them, particularly if they could get it on a
dark night. They wished to -reap whether they
sowed or not, and with them, -as with people from
time immemorial, stolen fruit tasted muoh sweeter
than any other. Mr. Gooch planted and cultivated
with a good deal of care an orchard. . But little ben
efit, however, did he derive from it. Orchards_ and
fruit were scarce in those times. He set his wits at
work finally, after many tedious nights of watching,
and devised a plan which he executed. This was
to string wires about and around his orchard, and
connecting them with a wire running into his house.
To this wire was attached a bell, which was placed
directly over the head of his bed. This scheme
worked admirably ; and it was nq^t necessary either
for him to go out after the bell rang to fire off his
shot-gun, for the fruit thieves fled with precipitate
haste. Though this was before the days of dyna
mite, yet those moonshiners thought these wires con
nected with some infernal machine, and after that
he had the pleasure of gathering his own fruit.
There are many fine farms in this township, with
farm buildings above the average. Usually the
farmers are out of debt, with their lands all paid for,
and many of them in independent circumstances. It
has two very thriving towns, Reed City and Hersey,
where the people do their trading, carry their products
and get their mails. The- history of these two vil
lages contains many incidents connected with Rich
mond Township, to which the reader is referred.
Richmond Township has been represented in the
council halls of the county by the citizens named
below : SUPERVISORS.
D. A. Blodgett,
Rufus F. Morris
S. E. Lane,

William Stiege,

1861-5
1866-8 1869 1870-2

NathanieJ. Clark,

1873

Stephen Kissinger,

1874

R. W. Page,

1875

William Stiege,

1876

M. 0. Green,

1877-80

C. B. Dean,

1881

Nathaniel Clark,

1882-3

W. W. White,

1884.

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Reed City.

|g.P0N the pleasant banks of the Hersey at
the junction of the Flint & Pere Marquette
, - and Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroads, is
R§£ situated the prosperous and rapidly growing
town of Reed City, and, at present, the largest
in Osceola County. The site chosen for this
village was pre-eminently a good one. In the busi
ness portion the land is well adapted for business
blocks, while around the business center, in the
suburbs, are beautiful locations for residences.
No better location than this for a town could be
found in the county, and none with superior advan
tages. With the clear waters of the Hersey mean
dering around it, offering, in addition to its attractions
as a water course, the best of facilities for manufac
turing establishments ; with the junction of the two
great railroads that traverse the State, and the lovely
rolling grounds formed to gratify every taste for the
location of homes, and shaded with grand old forest
trees, it would seem that nature had left nothing
more to be wished for.
While the track of the Flint & Pere Marquette was
in process of construction, and early in the year of
1870, De ven port Brothers came here with a stpck of
goods and opened a general store. This was the
first business house opened in the place. Mr. Gibbs
came soon afterwards and also opened a general
store. He was followed by E. Trout, who opened a
drug store. Win. Blank came along about this time
with a stock of liquors, and, attracted by the business
features of the new town, concluded to cast his for
tunes with it.
Nathaniel Clark, who is among the first settlers,

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came in the fall. He footed it up the railroad track
from Hersey. Arriving at the town, he began the
construction of a home by locating a site, cutting off
the timber, clearing up the ground and building a
dwelling. The railroad was completed to Reed City, and the
locomotive steamed up with its train of cars about
the middle of November.
In the spring of 187 1 Lonsbury & Crocker started
a general store.
About this time the crossing of the Flint & Pere
Marquette Railroad by the Grand Rapids & Indiana
had been fixed at Reed City. This action ofthe
latter company determined the future prosperity of
the town and settled the question of its success, and
from this period commenced its rapid growth. One
business house was quickly followed by another,
together with dwellings, and soon this site, which a
few short months previous was but a wilderness, had
the appearance of a thriving town.
Early in the fall of 187 1 the Grand Rapids &
Indiana completed its track through the village, and
continued its construction northward.
The Baptist society was the first to erect a church
building, which was in the early part of 1872; and
this society was the first to hold religious services.
The first school taught in the town was by Miss
Mary Clark, and was opened in 1872 in the Baptist
church. Reed City village was incorporated by a special
act of the Legislature, passed Dec. 3, 1872. The
act of incorporation having been decided illegal by
the courts, the village was re-incorporated in April,
1875- The officers of the first organization consisted of
Charles Clark, President; J. N. Crocker, D. M. Mc
Clellan, H. C. Stoddard, M. O. Green, J. L. Heath
and John Moore, Trustees ; O. V. Monroe, Clerk ;
and Stephen Kessinger for Marshal.
The' village plat embraces one-half of section 9,
one-fourth of section 10, one-half of section 16 and
one-fourth of section 15. It is located 69 miles north
of Grand Rapids, and 179 miles from Detroit.
The population now is estimated to be over 2,000,
and is increasing very rapidly.
The location of the United States Land Office at
Reed City was of great advantage to it, as it brought
land dealers here and facilitated the settling up of
the country.

At the time the town was platted, which was in
1872', it contained less than a score of people. Com
paring this with the present number of inhabitants,
it will be seen that there is scarcely a town in the
country that has developed faster. It is surrounded
by a finely located and rich farming country, and
these farms are yearly increasing their acreage of
cultivated ground. It has a good water transporta
tion, and by its two railroads it is connected with all
the great business interests of the continent. The
manufacturing industries, though already extensive,
are constantly enlarging. Liberal expenditures have
been made in improving the streets, grading off the
ground, laying sidewalks, elc. There are many first-
class business blocks, and they are well constructed
for elegance and durability. Many of the residences,
too, are conspicuous for their architectural beauty
and the lovely and picturesque grounds which sur
round them. There are also several quite fine
church edifices, and a large and handsome school
building. For sporting men, Reed City is a favorite head
quarters. The grayling and other fish are quite
plentiful in the waters of the Hersey, and the woods
adjacent to the town are abundantly supplied with
game. #
The location is extremely a healthy one, and
malarial and pestilential diseases are unknown. The
people are wide awake and energetic, and endowed
with that enterprise so essential to the building up of
a great city ; they are ready to take advantage of
every opportunity that is presented which will increase
their business or advance the interests of their town ;
they are also liberal-minded and hospitable. With
these elements in her citizens, with her splendid lo
cation and fertile country surrounding her, with her
extensive manufacturing advantages, and ready
transportation facilities, Reed City can only look for
ward to a constant and rapid'growth and a prosper
ous future. BUSINESS.
T. H. Peacock has an extensive planing-mill. He
also manufactures sash, doors, blinds and moldings,
and is a wholesale lumber dealer. He established
his business in 1876, and has now one of the largest
establishments in the county.
The Reed City Roller Mills, Morris & Martin,
proprietors, were first started in 1876, with the old

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buhr system. In 1882, they adopted the roller sys
tem, putting in eight sets of rollers. The machinery
is run by water power, with a turbine wheel, having
a 14-foot water-fall. The capacity of this mill is 100
barrels per day. The machinery of this mill is com
plete, and arranged with the skill which only ex
perience can give. The flour manufactured is as
good as any in the State.
I. Grant has also a flouring-mill, with three run of
stone, where he manufactures first-class flour. Ca
pacity, 300 bushels per day. In connection with this
business Mr. Grant has a saw-mill and planing-mill,
and a livery and feed stable.
William Horner is another pf the large manufac
turers of Reed City. He has a planing-mill, match
ing and molding machine; puts up boxes for
shipment, and is a general dealer in lumber. He
established his business in 1882. He is a young man
and has the energy and strength to manage the large
and increasing business before him.
Collins & Amspoker are extensive manufacturers
of furniture, and is very creditable to Reed City.
They established their business in T876, and employ
at present 15 men.
W. H. Whipple has a planing mill, also an eleva
tor, and is a large dealer in grain.
The Reed City Woolen Mills is one of the prom
inent and valuable industries of the town, and was
established in the spring of 1884, by William Lam
bert. The people of Osceola County can procure at
this factory, at very reasonable rates, the best of
goods in his line of manufacture, such as flannels,
fulled cloths and woolen yarns. Mr. Lambert has
four looms and employs from 12 to 15 men.
P. & J. Bittner have a water-power roller mill,
situated on the Hersey a little below town. They
have four sets of rollers. In town they have also a
flour and feed store, and are dealers in grain.
Stoddard & Bros, are dealers in general hardware
and mill supplies, of which they have a very large
and complete assortment. They opened their busi
ness in 1873, and have now one of the largest hard
ware stores in the county. They put up the first
brick block in town, which was in 1874.
Densmore & Bros, carry a well selected stock of
dry goods and groceries.
Seymour & Smith deal largely in dry goods,
groceries, boots and shoes.

Cook Brothers carry a general line of hardware
and mill supplies.
Muehlig & Huss are dealers in hardware.
William & Kerry deal in groceries.
John M. Cadzow has general merchandise.
C. H. Coles is a jeweler with a well-selected stock
and goods in line.
D. M. McCleUan has a dry-goods and clothing
establishment. Edward Fletcher & Co. keep boots and shoes and
rubber goods.
Fred Ballacker has a boot and shoe store.
Charles G. Loase has a banking house, estab
lished Jan. 1, 1880, and was the first bank opened
in Reed City.
Marble and granite works by C. H. Mason.
The good ladies of Reed City are well supplied
with milliners and millinery goods by Mesdames L.
T. Bayliss, E. Gilbert and Connaut. The Misses
Lamberts are dressmakers, and do fancy work. Miss
Yates is a dress and mantua maker.
C. Rothweller and J. H. Auer are merchant
tailors, and keep the gentlemen of the city well
dressed. There are three first-class drug stores in the village,
which carry a^ine assortment of goods in this line.
They are represented by P. M. Lonsbury, E. R.
White and P. H. Hoonan.
W. H. Smith has a general furniture store.
Another important branch of industry in this town
is the manufacture of brick. This business is car
ried on by L. D. Webster and Wm. Jaching. A good
quality of brick is made by them.
Bowie & Mills have a machine shop, where they
att,end to all business given them in their line.
A. C. Barclay and Hawkins Brothers are dealers in
groceries ; so also is C. J. Fleischhauer.
G. W. Shay has a livery and sale stable.
H. Buergman, jeweler and gunsmith.
William Curtis supplies the town with news.
T. H. Clayton is a dealer in furniture.
R. L. Wilcox keeps a fruit stand.
H. K. Smith and H. Gerhart have a large assort
ment of harness and saddlery, and goods in line.
McCulloch & Haynes carry a general line of
groceries and provisions.
The bakery business is represented by John Rus
sell and R. Reiners.

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William Blank has a grocery (one of the oldest in
town) and a saloon.
John Melvin has a furniture store.
Fred Fleischhauer, B. C. Curtis and C. E. Barnes
have restaurants.
John Howden, H. Kelley and O. S. Buck supply
the town with markets.
D. Adams is a dealer in real estate.
Avery & Williams has a pop factory.
Fred P. Atherson and Frank H. Nix have photo
graph galleries, and are skilled in their art.
There are two skating rinks in town, run by Higbe
& Avery and Hamilton & Titus.
Also there are several saloons, with billiards, and
several barber-shops.
Reed City is liberally supplied with, hotel accom
modations. Among the first of these stands the
National Hotel, with E. A. Carroll as landlord. This
hotel is a three-story building and is located on the
best site in the town. The house is well appointed
throughout ; the cuisine is first-class and the service
is attentive and good. This is one of those favorite
hostelries that make a traveler feel at home and
comfortable. Landlord Carroll is one's ideal of a
host. He is ever cheerful and happy, and is always
around to see that his guests are well^ attended to.
If they are sad and lonely, he will cheer them up ; if
they are homesick* or have the blues, he will, in or
der to comfort them, take a game o'f pedro with
them. This is a great resort for traveling peo
ple, and of those who want good living, good com
pany and good cheer.
The Oaks House is a good hotel and has a fine
location, being near the depot. It is kept by Messrs.
Bradley & Gray. This house is well furnished, sets
a good table and is well spoken of by the traveling
public. The Gilbert House, George Gilbert, proprietor, is
located near the depot. The hotel is a good one,
the landlord is a genial fellow and has many patrons.
,At the depot there is a first-class eating-house,
presided over by D. Adams, who is a very popular
caterer. This is the best point on the railroad for the
traveler to supply the inner wants.
Dentistry is represented by D. C. Felt and H. B.
Peck. Reed City has a very able Bar, which is repre-
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sented by Messrs. Holden & Whitney, who are also
extensive dealers in real estate.
In the same line are Cooper & Winsor, Melville
Stone and W. E. Bellows.
The village is a very healthy place, yet it is well
supplied with the followers of Esculapius. The
M. D.'s are Collins & Nevill, E. S. Richardson, C.
H. White, A. W. Miller, D. S. Taplin and Albert P.
Heckman. Reed City shows her musical taste by supporting
a good brass band. It was organized in 1884, and
has 16 members, with Q. D. Hoyt as leader. Presi
dent, A. T. Amspoker ; William Adams, Treasurer ;
John Auer, Secretary, and L. B. Avery, Drum Major
The United States Land Office is a consolidation
of the Ionia and Traverse Districts, and was trans
ferred to Reed City soon after it was laid out, — or a
few years after, — being established in April, 1878.
Nathaniel Clark is Register and W. H. C. Mitchell is
Receive^. It embraces the western half of the State.
There is yet to be disposed of in this district about
50,000 acres of Government land. The location of
this land office at Reed City was a great benefit to
the town.
The enterprising citizens of this place have organ
ized an industrial association, the object of which is
to further the interests of the town, but more par
ticularly to assist worthy manufacturers who want aid
in extending their business. They are clear-headed
enough to know that if they build up the manufac
tories they are establishing the foundation for the
future growth of their village. The president of this
creditable organization is Charles H. Holden, an able
lawyer and an extensive dealer in real estate, and a
man who is aiding very largely in the growth of Reed
City. The Reed City Hospital and Sanitarium, a branch
established by the Michigan, Wisconsin and Minne
sota Hospital Company, was opened in r884, and is
established on the ticket system. A ticket is issued
for one year and is sold for $5, which entitles the
holder to medical attendance during this period if
sick. They have a large four-story brick building,
centrally located, and constructed with all the modern
improvements. There are no rooms in the estab
lishment, many of them large and elegantly furnished,
and all well fitted up. Each patient has a separate
room, which is carpeted and contains a complete
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chamber set. A large dining hall is on the first floor,
the tables of which are furnished with first-class
table ware and supplied with the best that the
markets afford. Patients that have no tickets are
also admitted, and at reasonable rates. Dr. Norman
Johnson is managing physician, and Dr. H. T. Jones
is the resident physician and surgeon. This hospital
is one ofthe attractive features of Reed City.
The postoffice was established in Reed City in
r872, and E. Traut received his commission as Post
master. He held his position until 1877, when he
was succeeded by James N. Crocker, who is the
present incumbent. This is a salaried office. Mails
daily, by the two railroad lines. This office handles
more mail matter than any other in the county.
EDUCATIONAL.
The people of Reed City have erected for the
education of their children a fine, large two-story
school-building, and secured the services of able and
experienced teachers. This is the school district
No. 7, in Richmond Township. The building cost
$5,500, and has a seating capacity of over 400 ; yet
it is not large enough to meet the wants of the citizens,
as they have to rent rooms outside. There are 412
pupils on the rolls. A full English course is taught
and the school is thoroughly" graded up to eleven
grades. A. B. Perrin is Principal, and is assisted by
Alvira Brown, Mattie Dalzell, Bertie Yorks, Nettie
Thompson, Orell Brown, Euphrasia Johns and Lily
Clark. The Principal seems to be a man born to in
struct the young; if not, he is certainly well adapted
for it, and understands the science of imparting in a
pleasant way the knowledge he possesses to others.
Besides these qualities, he is as much interested in
this large family of children placed under his care for
instruction as though they were his own.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
St. Philip's Church, Catholic. — Mission service has
been held here by this Church for about ten years.
In 1880 they completed their church edifice, which
cost $3,000, and is a good, substantial structure. A
station was established in November, T883, and Rev.
Father M. T. Nyssen was placed in charge. Mem
bership, about 30 families. A parsonage is yet to be
built. Services every other Sunday. Father Nyssen
has charge of the Evait Church, holding service
there every two weeks. The Catholics of Hersey
come to Reed City for worship.

First Congregational Church. — This Church was
organized Dec. 29, 1872. The members that formed
the first organization were Daniel A. Lathrop, J. N.
Crocker, Mrs. T. Clark, Mrs. Harriet Hart, Mrs.
Loretta A. Smith, Mrs. Sarah J. Franklinberger and
P. F. McClelland. The last mentioned was chosen
Pastor. As this society increased in membership,
the necessity of having a place of their own for wor
ship was felt, and accordingly a movement was made
in this direction, which resulted in the construction
of a fine church edifice, at a cost of $3,000. This
was dedicated Jan. 26, T879, by Rev. Wallcot B.
Williams. Present membership is 75, with Rev.
George L. Bench as Pastor. This society has a very
neat church, and is in a thriving condition.
Methodist Episcopal Church. — In 1878 this was in
a circuit embracing Reed City and Crapo, with Rev.
J. Turner as Pastor. Services were held in the Bap
tist church. Mr. Turner was succeeded in 1879 by
Rev. J. B. Knott. In 1880 Mr. Knott was succeeded
by Rev. W. H. Thompson, and during his adminis
tration the foundation of the church was laid. In
1881; Rev. J. W. Hallenbeck was appointed to take
charge, who in 1883 was succeeded by J. W. H.
Carlisle, under whom the church edifice was carried
to its present stage. The next pastor to preside over
this congregation was Rev. G. Daniels, the present
worthy incumbent. The membership now numbers
125, and is increasing. The cost of the building so
far is $7,000. When completed, which is only to
finish up the towers and some minor details, it will
cost $8,000. It is a fine edifice, built of brick, and
constructed with architectural beauty. It is the
finest church building in the county. A large and
interesting Sabbath-school is attached to the Church;
The Baptist Church was organized in 1872. M.
O. Green and wife, George Haycock and wife, Wm.
Johnson and wife, Mrs. N. Clark, Mary, Emma and
Ela Clark were the first members. The society was
founded by Rev. D. L. Deland, of Saginaw. A
church edifice was erected the same year of the or
ganization of the society, and was the first built in
the village. Later members — H. B. Peck and wife,
Theodore Talbert and wife, S. F. Thomas and wife,
Calvin Thompson and wife, and E. N. Traut and
wife.. The first pastor was Rev. Mr. Chapman. They
first organized as a " Church and Society." In 188 1

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they organized under the new statutory law, as a
Church, dropping the " Society." Previous to and
after the change. Rev. O. S. Wolfe was Pastor. Rev.
Wm. P. Squiers is the Pastor now in charge of the
Church, which has a membership of 65. Cost of
church building was $1,500.
The Evangelical Lutheran Association was estab
lished in 1878, with 40 members. They have a
church building under construction which, when
completed, will cost $1,600; lot and property, about
$3,000. The present Pastor is Rev. B, Merg. It
belongs to the "Synod of Michigan." This church
has two schools. — one in the village with about 45
pupils, and is a parochial school, with the other
branches, together with the English. The other
school is in the country four miles, and has 35 pupils.
Evangelical Lutheran, Synod of Missouri (Unal
tered Confession of Augsburg). This society was
organized in July, 1867, by the Rev. John Karrer.
A church building was erected in i88r. Member
ship, 55 voters. Cost of building and property,
$1,500. Rev. H. Juengel is the present Pastor.
The, Evangelical Association was established in
1879, with about 30 members. This society is com
pleting a church which will cost about $3,000, with
the parsonage included. The church building was
dedicated Nov. 28, 1884. Service every two weeks
by Rev. E. Weiss, of Hersey. Present' membership,
80, with an interesting Sabbath-school.
THE PRESS.
Reed City, with all her advantages, would not have
progressed very rapidly without the aid of the news
paper. The people were cognizant of this fact and
have had one of these potent auxiliaries to the de
velopment of a new country with them from the
organization of the village, and this is the Reed City
Clarion, which was established in the spring of 1872,
by C. K. Fairchilds. From that date it passed
through several hands and was finally purchased by
L. A. Barker, who is the present editor and pro
prietor. It is now a nine-column folio paper, pub
lished weekly, with a circulation of about 1,100. Mr.
Barker has lately added a new power press, at a cost
of $r,ooo, and otherwise improved the establishment.
This journal is ably conducted, and the editor is
looking carefully after the interests of his patrons,
and especially those of Reed City This paper is

>V te
OSCEOLA COUNTY.

Republican in politics, and has been so from its
foundation. The Union Banner, J. H. Whitney, editor and
proprietor, is a weekly paper, was established in
1884, sending forth its first issue March 8. It is a
Prohibition paper and has a circulation of about 400.
It is a newsy little sheet. SOCIETIES.
Reed City (Masonic) Lodge, No. 363. — This lodge
was instituted Jan. 21, 1883. Charter members —
L. B. Winsor, Willis B. Slosson, Edwin Trump, John
F. Twitchell, H. B. Peck, J. C. Tobias, Simon Van-
akin, Calvin Thompson, Lewis J. Johnson, Fred M.
Mason, Robert J. Johnson, James F. Hall, James R.
Youngs, Isaac Peacock, Benjamin F. Reynolds, Jacob
Bush, Charles Corwin, I. N. Thompson, Peter T.
Morris and John Quinn. Present membership, 60.
The lodge has a fine hall and is in good working
order. Chapter No. 112. — Instituted Jan. 16, 1884. Char
ter members — L. B. Winsor, Willis B. Slosson, A. B.
Diggins, John F. Twitchell, John Densmore, Robert
W. Hull, Edwin Trump, Lewis J. Johnson, Arthur B.
Slosson, John F. Quinn, Charles I. Bellany, Jeremiah
A. Tobias, Alonzo M. Shank, James A. Ladd, H.
H. Hammond and Thomas Guilmer. This Chapter
meets in the Blue Lodge hall, is well equipped and
in good working condition.
Grand Army of the Republic, Steadman Post, No.
ig8. — This lodge was chartered Oct. 30, 1883, with
the following members : C. H. Holden, I. Grant, A.
G. Buck, G. H. Gilbert, P. M. Lonsbury, H. C. Stod
dard, N. Clark, J. Q. Patterson, P. W. Vaughn, V.
R. Coles, Louis Barrett, L. D. Webster, A. C. Loomis,
Alfred Brown, J. C. Langdon, Isaac Watkins, C. M.
Ferdon, John Mitchell, C. C. Church, E. A. Cross
and Joseph Frankenberger. This post is equipped
with 32 muskets. It has a good hall and is in a
growing condition.
The /. O. O. F. No. 316 was instituted Aug. 12,
1878, with the following charter members: T. H.
Peacock, T. H. Willson, G. H. Gilbert, J. Q. Patter
son, J. F. Radcliffe, R. D. Simonton and George Mort.
Encampment No. gj. — This lodge was established
March 29, 1883. Charter members — T. J. Amspoker,
H. H. Freedman, G. H. Gilbert and C. E. Barnes.
These lodges are well equipped, have a good hall
and are flourishing.

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Patriarchal Circle No. 12 was organized May T2,
1883. Members— J. N. Crocker, H. C. Stoddard, H.
E Buck, Frank H. Nix, T. J. Amspoker, Charles J.
Flinn, M. N. Witherell, J. C. Holden and J. H.
Gilbert. FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Reed City has been progressive in the establish
ment of its fire department. It has adopted the
Holly system with the Dean improvement. Con
nected with this is also the water-works for the
supply of town demands. The works are located on
the banks of the Hersey. Here there is a fine spring
of pure water, with a reservoir into which the spring
water flows for a reserve supply. A pipe is extended
from the pumps to the river for use in case of fire.
Mains (eight-inch) are laid through the principal
streets, with hydrants placed at proper places and
connecting with them. Water is forced direct from
the engine through the different mains, and is so
arranged that all the force, if necessary, can- be con
centrated at any one given point. There are alarm
stations about the town, with wires connecting with

the engine house. The engine is about 45 -horse
power, and is always ready. Cost, about $10,000.
Operating with this system there is an organized
hose department, with three hose companies and one
hook and ladder company, which are organized as
follows :
Cataract, No. 1. — Charles Vaughn, Foreman; Ja
cob Marzoff, Assistant Foreman ; F. M. Mason,
Secretary; John Twitchell, Treasurer.
Eclipse, No. 2. — H. K. Smith, Foreman; John
Hamilton, Assistant Foreman ; Burt Trumbull, Sec
retary, and T. J. Amspoker, Treasurer.
Tempest, No. 4. — Foreman, Miles Callahan ; As
sistant Foreman, Sherman John ; Secretary and
Treasurer, Will Fleischhauer.
Hook and Ladder, No. 3. — Foreman, W. M. Slos
son; Assistant Foreman,-F. J. Tracy; Secretary, L.
B. Winsor; Treasurer, N. A. Stoddard.
These companies have 2,000 feet of hose to oper
ate with in case of fire.
H. C. Stoddard is Chief of the Fire Department ;
T. J. Amspoker is Assistant Chief; L. B. Winsor is
Secretary, and Charles Wolf, Treasurer.

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

Rose Lake- Township.

OSE LAKE was organized under authority
of the Board of Supervisors given Oct. 12,
1870. The first election was held on the
first Monday in April, 187 1, at the house of
Wm. McKinzie. Inspectors of said election
were Wm. Wood, Wm. McKinzie and J. N-
Miner. Officers elected — Wm. Wood, Supervisor;
L. Price, Clerk,, and G. W. Oliver, Treasurer; High
way Commissioners — G. L. Hinkley, D. Lanigan and
S. A. Wells; School Inspectors — G. L. Hinkley and
S. A. Wells ; Constables— W. G. Shepherd and J. N.
Miner. It is numbered 19 north, of range 9 west, and is
bounded on the north by Sherman, on the east by
Hartwick, on the south by Cedar, and the west by
Le Roy Township. It has five school districts, with
three school-houses, located as follows : District No.
1 school-house is located on section 29. Building
is frame and cost
tendance, 79. No.
is built on section 3, and cost $150, with 49 pupils
in attendance. No. 3 has a frame building located
on section 15, costing $300. In this district there
are 34 pupils. Nos. 4 and 5 have no buildings, and
no report of school population.
About one-half of the lands in this township are

$800. Number of pupils in at-
2 has a log school-house, which

what is called stump lands. The pine lands are
sandy, and rather flat ; the hard -wood lands are clay
loam with a rolling surface. It is watered by one of
the branches of Pine River, which forms the outlet
to Rose Lake. This lake is about two miles long,
and from one-half to one mile wide, and is located
in the northern part of the township, which is dot
ted over by numerous other little lakes. The prin
cipal business of this township is lumbering, which
is carried on extensively. Comparatively speaking,
but little farming has been done here yet, and the
farming interests are secondary.
W. M. McKinzie, Wm. Wood, L. Price, G. L.
Hinkley, S. A. ¦Wells, J. N. Miner and A. E. Saw
yer are credited with having made the first actual
settlements. Its railroad station and principal trad
ing place is Le Roy, on the Grand Rapids & Indiana
Railroad, which runs along near the western line of
the township. The population, as shown by the
census of 1884, is 673, an increase of about 200 in
four years.
Business interests are centered principally in Saw
yerville, which is situated by one of the little lakes
on section 32. Here A. E. Sawyer has fhe largest
lumber manufactory in the county. Operations were
begun for this establishment in 1873, by cutting

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roads, etc. During the winter of 1873-4 the ma
chinery was hauled in and a tramway was constructed
from the mill to Le Roy, a distance of three miles.
In the spring everything was completed and the saws
were started. Average amount of lumber cut annu
ally up to t88o, was 5,000,000 feet. In 1880,
another saw and a steam feeder were put in, increas-
the capacity to about 12,000,000 feet annually. The
lumber is transported over the tramway to Le Roy,
and from that place sent to the various lumber marts.
Mr. Sawyer employs at times over a hundred men.
He has a blacksmith shop here, mostly for his own
use, and a general store.
Metcalf & Knowles have a saw and shingle mill
on section 23, with a daily capacity in shingles of
40,000. This mill was moved from Sunrise Lake.
On section 13, Joseph H. Spiers manufactures

'shingles and clapboards: Capacity of shingle-mill,
40,000, and the clapboard-mill, 5,000 feet, daily,
which is handled by C. L. Gray & Co., of Evart.
A Methodist society has been organized at this
place, and is served every two weeks from the Le
Roy charge. Services are held in the school-house.
The following named citizens have served the
township as

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SUPERVISO
Wm. Wood,

rs: 187 1

B_ G. Moulton,

1872-3

Wm. Wood,

1874

B. G. Moulton,

1875-6

Jame's McHugh,

1877

0. L. Millard,

1878

A. J. Archbold,

1879-80

O. L. Millard,

1881-2

B. Monagan,

1882-4

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aHERMAN came into the union of town-
' ships in 1868, with H. Wiest as Supervisor.
Isaac Reems, George and J. E. Grove
were the first settlers in the township, which
was in the year 1866. Isaac Reems located
on section 26, and the Groves on section 12.
Amos Bell came soon after them and settled on sec
tion 24. Oliver Piatt located in 1868. He was a
trapper and devoted his time to this business, catch
ing mink, marten, fishers, etc.
Sherman is situated in the northern tier of town
ships, and is numbered 20 north, of range 9 west.
Wexford County lies on the north, Highland on the
east, Rose Lake on the south, and Burdell Township
on the west.
It is watered by several little lakes, and two
branches of Pine River, one of them sometimes
called " Rose Lake Outlet." The timber mostly is
the hard-woods, such as maple, beech, elm and
cherry, with but little of the soft-woods. In the
eastern part the soil is sandy loam and gravel, and
in the western, clay loam., The surface ofthe coun
try is quite uneven.
Sherman has six school districts, all of which have
organized schools and school buildings. Three of
these buildings are frame and three log, and are lo
cated respectively on sections 1 1, 25, 7, 5, 21, and 20.
The first school taught in Sherman was by Esau
Deffenbaugh, on section 14.
About one-eighth of the land is under cultivation,
which is divided into about 1 20 farms. In wheat
production this township ranks the fifth, and in
potatoes the second ; in hay the third. The average
yield of wheat per acre is T4.14, and the highest
yield is 42 bushels. Stock-raising is receiving some
attention from the people. In 1884 there were

200 milch cows and some 300 of cattle of other
kinds. Fruit culture is increasing, and it does well,
especially in the line of apples.
The early settlers had to cut their way into the
township, by making their own roads through the
wilderness as their settlements advanced. Now they
have pretty good roads connecting with all the sec
tions, and running on the section lines. It ranks the
sixth in population, with a steady increase.
The gentian plant grows quite plentifully in the
woods, which is gathered by the people in large
quantities and sent to the markets.
The trading place for the people is Tustin, in
Burdell Township, and here most of them get their
mails. They have one postoffice in the township,
called Dighton, which was established in the spring of
T884, and is located about four miles northeast of
Tustin, on section 22.
There are some very good farms and farm build
ings in the township. Itis growing steadily, is in a
prosperous condition and has an estimated popula
tion of 850.
The Methodist Church has an organization in the
township, with a church building on section 14. It
was erected in 1882 and dedicated the same year.
Rev. Mr. Green is the Pastor. Services are gener
ally held every Sabbath, with a good attendance.
This township has honored the following named
citizens as

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SUPERVISORS :

H. Wiest,

1868-9

Joseph Shank,

1870
R. H. Jones,
187 1-2
C. O. Edwards,
1873
B. H. Jones,
1874-5
Oliver Piatt,
1876-7
Wm. W. Convis,
1878-84
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LYLVAN Township was organized by order
of the Board of Supervisors made Oct. 12,
1869. The meeting was held on the first
Monday in April, 1870, at the school-house.
John H. Lanphear, M. Kelley and John E.
Dearin, who had been appointed by the Board,
presided at this meeting. J. H. Lanphear was
chosen Supervisor; J. E. Dearin, Clerk; and W. P.
Kelly, Treasurer ; M. Kelly, G. Brooks and L. B.
Bartholomew were elected Highway Commissioners ;
L. H. Gibbins and J. H. Lanphear, for School In
spectors ; C. B. Smith, L. T. Elmore, L. B. Bartholo
mew, for Constables.
Sylvan is in the western tier of townships, within
one of the southern line, and is numbered 18 north,
of range 7 west. Middle Branch is on the north,
Clare County on the east, Orient on the south, and
Osceola Township on the west. The surface ofthe
country is undulating, and in some parts quite
broken, with a mixture of clay, sandy and loamy
soil. It is exceedingly well watered, having the
great Muskegon River, which comes in at the north
east corner of the township and, running in an
oblique course, passes out near the southwest corner;
the Middle Branch, which empties into the Muske
gon, and several other large streams.

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Sylvan Township is timbered principally with pine,
and for many years a large lumber business was car
ried on here. Its numerous water-courses afford
splendid facilities for the transportation of logs, and
this was taken advantage of by the shrewd lumber
man. The pioneer lumbermen in this township were
D. A. Blodgett and Thomas D. Stimpson, who came
up the Muskegon River in 1850 and located their
camp where the Doc and Tom (which derived its
sobriquet from their given names) River effects a
confluence with the Muskegon. This was the be
ginning of the lumber business in this township, and
in fact in the county.
Among the first settlers in this township are John
H. Lanphear, John E. Dearin, W. P. Kelly, L. H.
Gibbins and G. Brooks. It has four school districts
with a fair representation of school children. The
school-houses are located as follows: District No. 1,
on section 31, and cost $700; number of pupils on
the list is 66; No. 2 is located on section 7, and cost
$760; number of pupils represented is 33; No. 3 is
located on section 34; cost $650, and has 62 pupils
on the rolls; No. 4 is on section 4, and cost $250,
with 20 pupils on the list.
Sylvan has about 1,500 acres of land improved
and about 100 farms. Hay is regarded as the best

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crop. The township is better adapted for stock-rais
ing, or dairying, than agriculture.
The first sermon delivered in the township was by
Rev. Mr. Watson, of the United Brethren Church, in
1869. This society has now two organizations in
Sylvan, on section 3r, and on section 33. Services
are held every two weeks in school-houses, and are
presided over by Rev. T. M. Huddle.
Sears is the trading place for the people of Sylvan,
and to this place — which is their nearest railway
station — they come for their mail.
John H. Lanphear has a saw-mill, which is lo
cated about one mile from Sears. About two miles

from Sears, on section 28, the County Poor Farm is
located. Sylvan Township has now a population of some
500 souls, and from its first numbers to the present
time has been represented by the Supervisors named
below: SUPERVISORS.
J. H. Lanphear, 1870-3
L. H. Gibbins, 1874-5
P. A. Ferguson, 1875-7
A. J. McCarn, 1878
P. A. Ferguson, T879-80
L. H. Gibbins, 188 1-2
W. H. Sowles, 1883
Warren A. Wagar, 1884.

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SCEOLA County held its first
general election in 1869. At
this time existed , no schisms
from the two great political
parties in this county, and
the suffragists were held to their
respective political faiths. The county,
from its organization to the present
time, has been most pronounced in its
adherence to the principles of the Re
publican party. At times during the
past decade the Greenbackers and the
Prohibitionists have been recognized
by a few voters "in the county, but in
the main they have had too much political wisdom
to trifle with that great gift to the freeman — the elec
tive franchise — by casting their votes for a party that
could not present, either in the present or any future
time, the shadow of a hope of electing their candid
ates. From the first vote given by the county for
Presidential candidates, which was in 1872, when
Gen. U. S. Grant and Horace Greeley were running,
to the last election, the county has given a large
majority for the Republican candidate. The same
has been the case with the State Governors and other
State Officers, the members of Congress, and county
officials. Osceola County is in the Ninth Congressional Dis
trict, and in the Congressional election of 1882 and
that of 1884 gave its vote for Byron M. Cutcheon,
one of the ablest members from Michigan.
The people in choosing their local officials have

been very fortunate in that they have been invariably
worthy, efficient and honest. During the last cam
paign some interest was manifested by the people in
the Prohibition movement, but the disastrous re
sults of this movement to the country will, it is
thought, prevent it from having any recognition here
after. The list given below represents correctly the vote
given by the county from its organization up to and
including the vote of 1884 :
ELECTION OF APRIL, 1869.
Probate Judge — James M. Foster.
Sheriff — Isaiah Manes.
County Clerk — John A. Gamage.
Register of Deeds — John A. Gamage.
County Treasurer — Rufus F. Morris.
Prosecuting Attorney — S. F. Dwight.
Circuit Court Commissioner— S. F. Dwight.
County Surveyor — E. F. French.
Coroners — J. W. Ash and E. H. Wood.
There were no party lines at that period, nor does
the record give the number of votes each candidate
received. ELECTION OF APRIL, 1870.
Circuit Judge Fourteenth Judicial District — A. H.
Giddings, 283; J. B. Smithy.
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER, 1870.
Governor— Henry P. Baldwin, Rep., 163; C. C.
Comstock, Dem., 78.
Lieut. Governor— Morgan Bates, Rep., 170; J. A.
T. Wendell, Dem., 1.

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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Secretary of State — Daniel Striker, Rep., 170; J.
W. Handers, Dem., 68.
State Treasurer — V. P. Collier, Rep., 170.; A. J.
Bowne, Dem., 68.
Auditor General — William Humphrey, Rep., 170;
Charles W. Butler, Dem., 68.
Commissioner of Land Office — C. O. Edmonds,
Rep., 171 ; John G. Hubinger, Dem., 67.
Attorney General — Dwight May Rep., 170; John
Atkinson, Dem., 68.
Superintendent of Public Instruction — Oramel
Hosford, Rep., 170; Duane Doty, Dem., 68.
Congressman — Thomas W. Ferry, Rep., 169;
Myron Rider, Dem., 69.
State Senator— S. C. Moffat, Rep., T70 ; J. W. Mur-
dock, Dem., 1.
State Representative — E. D. Gray, Rep., 169 ;
James Kennedy, Dem., 1.
Probate Judge — Franklin Cole, Rep., 25 ; no opp.
Sheriff— J. W. Ash, Rep. 109; L., F. Stephens,
Dem., 54.
County Clerk and Register of Deeds — John A.
Gamage, Rep., 185; Joseph Newman, Dem., 68.
County Treasurer — R. F. Morris, Rep., 156; C.
J. Perly, 38.
Prosecuting Attorney — S. F. Dwight, Rep., 156 ;
E. W. Miller, Dem., 90.
Circuit Court Commissioner — S. F. Dwight, Rep.,
156; E. W. Milfer, Dem., 84.
County Surveyor — R. W. Page, Rep., 106; J. J.
Temple, Dem., 127.
Coroners — D. A. Blodgett, Rep., 148; J. E. Smith,
Rep., 148. ELECTION OF APRIL, 1871.
Justice of the Supreme Court — James V. Camp
bell, Rep., 310; D. D. Hughes, Dem., 97.
Congressman — special election — W. D. Foster,
Rep., 313 ; W. M. Ferry, Dem., 104.
Superintendent of County Schools — Norman Teal,
Rep., 314; W. C. McMullen, Dem., 88.
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER, 1872.
President — U. S. Grant, Rep., 546; Horace Greeley,
Lib! Rep., 175; Peter Cooper, Gbk., 27.
Congressman — Jay A. Hubbell, Rep., 542 ; Samuel
P. Ely, Dem., 194.
Governor — John J. Bagley, Rep., 540; Austin
Blair, Dem., 176; William M. Ferry, Gbk., 28.

Secretary of State — Daniel Striker, Rep., 541 ;
George H. House, Dem., 176, T. C. Cutler, Gbk.,28.
State Treasurer — V. P. Collier, Rep., 541 ; J. A.
Hallon, Dem., 165; C. M. Davidson, Gbk., 14.
Auditor General— William Humphrey, Rep., 541 ;
Neil O'Hearn, Dem., 176; Cyrus Peabody, Gbk., 28.
Commissioner State Land Office — L. A. Clapp,
Rep., 541 ; George H. Murdock, Dem., 176; Ira D.
Crouse, Gbk., 28.
Attorney General — B. D. Ball, Rep., 541 ; D. D.
Hughes, Dem., 176; William Allison, Gbk., 20.
Superintendent of Public Instruction — D. D. Briggs,
Rep., 460; Willard Stearns, Dem., 176; A. J. Saw
yer, Gbk., 20.
Congressman — Jay A. Hubbell, Rep., 534; Samuel
P. Ely, Dem., 194.
State Senator — Edgar L. Gray, Rep., 549 ; George
F. Stearns, Dem., 8.
State Representative— E. O. Rose, Rep., 541 ;
George F. Stearns, Dem., 67.
Probate Judge — M. C. Burch, Rep., 410; W. A.
Lewis, Dem., 342.
Sheriff— M. B. Houghton, Rep., 417 ; R. F. Lewis,
Dem., 345.
County Clerk and Register of Deeds — T. T. Del
zell, Rep., 320; J. N. Crocker, Dem., 204; Peter
Doran, Gbk., 174.
County Treasurer — E. G. Raymond, Rep., 281 ;
R. F. Morris, Dem., 259; James Rooney, Gbk., 209,
Prosecuting Attorney — C. O. Trumbull, Rep., 592;
G. M. Holton, Dem., 146.
Circuit Court Commissioner — C. M. Bradley Rep.,
508; W. A. Lewis, Dem., 169.
County Surveyor — N. C. Pettibone, Rep., 455 ; J.
J. Temple, Dem., 308.
Coroners — C. W. Goodale, .Rep., 332 ; Daniel L.
Dumon, Rep., 406.
ELECTION OF APRIL, 1873.
Judge of the 19th Judicial District — S. F. White,
Rep., 573; D. S. Hardy, Dem., 161.
Justice of the Supreme Court — Isaac P. Chris-
tiancy, Rep., 734.
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER, 1874.
Governor — John J. Bagley, Rep., 568; Henry
Chamberlain, Dem., 275.
Secretary of State — E. D. G. Holden, Rep., 570;
George H. House, Dem., 275.

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State Treasurer — Wm. B. McCreery, Rep., 570;
J. M. Sterling, Dem., 275.
Auditor General — Ralph Ely, Rep., 571; J. L.
Evans, Dem., 268.
Commissioner of the Land Office — L. A. Clapp,
Rep., 570; C. W. Greene, Dem., 268.
Attorney General — A. J. Smith, Rep., 570 ; M. V.
Montgomery, Dem., 269.
Superintendent of Public Instruction — D. B. Briggs,
Rep., 570; Duane Doty, Dem., 269.
Congressman — Jay \. Hubbell, Rep., 573: Henry
D. Noble, Dem., 142.
State Senator — E. L. [Gray, Rep., 551; G. F.
Stearns, Dem., 1'.
State Representative — N. L. Gerrish, Rep., 550 ;
G. F. Stearns, Dem., 208; Fitch Phelps, Gbk. 88.
Sheriff — M. B. Houghton, Rep., 802 ; Stark Lamp-
man, Dem., 23.
County Clerk— T. T. Delzell, Rep., 822 (no other
candidate). Register of Deeds — Charles Clark, Rep., 571; Ir
win Chase,- Dem., 256.
County Treasurer — E. G. Raymond, Rep., 827
(no opp.)
Prosecuting Attorney — C. O. Trumbull, Rep., 823
(no opp).
Circuit Court Commissioner — Walter H. Palmer,
Rep., 815 ; S. F. Dwight, Dem , 2.
County Surveyor — R. W. Page, Rep., 1817; S.
Lampman, Dem., 2.
Coroners — J. N. Crocker, Rep., 701; Hezekiah
Brown, Rep., 707.
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER, t876.
President — Rutherford B. Hayes, Rep., 804 ; Sam
uel J. Tilden, Dem., 620; Peter Cooper, Gbk., 297 ;
George C. Smith, Pro., 22.
Congressman — Jay A. Hubbell, Rep., 800 ; J. H.
Kilbourn, Dem., 637.
Governor — Charles M. Croswell, Rep., 793 ; Wm.
L. Webber, Dem., 628.
Secretary of State — E. D. G Holden, Rep., 798;
G. H. House, Dem., 618.
State Treasurer— W. B. McCreery, Rep., 785 ; J.
G. Parkhurst, Dem., 656.
Auditor General — Ralph Ely, Rep., 790; F.M.
Holloway, Dem., 651.
Commissioner bf Land Office — B. F. Partridge,
ReP-» 783 ; J- B. Fenton,' Dem., 635.

Attorney General — Otto Kirchner, Rep., 800;
Martin Morris, Dem., 618.
Superintendent of Public Instruction — H. S. Tar-
bell, Rep., 824 ; I. W. McKeever, Dem., 617.
State Senator— M. C. Burch, Rep., 841 ; J. S.
Lawrence, Dem., 573.
State Representative — W. H. Palmer, Rep., 1373 ;
B. B. Chadwick, Dem., 849.
Probate Judge— Joseph Sayles, Rep., 822 ; Nelson
Ferguson, Demi, 624.
Sheriff— J. W. Mathews, Rep.,, 758; Daniel Mc
Govern, Dem., 685.
County Clerk — R. D. Simonton, Rep., 800; M. W.
Stewart, Dem., 625.
Register of Deeds — Charles Clark, Rep., 900;
Samuel Delzell, Dem., 528.
County Treasurer — E. G. Raymond, Rep., 848;
H. E. Whitney, Dem.; 594.
Prosecuting Attorney — C. M. Beardsley, Rep., 891;
W. A. Lewis, Dem., 544.
Circuit Court Commissioner — J. B. Judkins, Rep.,
789; W. A. Lewis, Dem., 613.
County Surveyor — R.W.Page, Rep., 748; E. C.
Martin, Dem. 682.
Coroners — M. B. Houghton, Rep., 814; G. W.
Miller, Rep., 780.
ELECTION OF APRIL, 1877.
Justice of the Supreme Court — Thomas M. Cooley,
Rep., 708; H. F. Severens, Dem., 176.
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER, 1878.
Governor — Charles M. Croswell, Rep., 598; Or
lando M. Barnes, Dem., 220; Henry S. Smith, Gbk.,
262; Watson Snyder, Pro. 132.
Secretary of State — William Jenney, Rep. 600;
G. H. Murdock, Dem., 218; G. H. Bruce, Gbk., 262 ;
Traverse Phillips, Pro. 132.
State Treasurer — B. D. Pritchard, Rep., 597 ;
Alex. McFarlane, Dem., 222; Herman Goeschell,
Gbk., 260; D. H. Stone, Pro., 132.
Auditor General — W.J. Latimer, Rep., 600; W.
T. B. Schermerhorn, Dem., 218; Levi Sparks, Gbk.,
260; L. L. Farnsworth, Pro., 132.
Commissioner of the Land Office — J. M. Neasmith,
Rep, 597 ; George Lord, Dem., 222; J. A. Elder,
Gbk., 250; W. G. Brown, Pro., 132.
Attorney General — Otto Kirchner, Rep., 582; A.
. B. Morse, Dem., 250; Frank Dumon, Gbk., 254;
D. P. Sagendorph, Pro., 124.

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5\ Superintendent of Public Instruction — C. A. Gow-
er, Rep., 597; Z. Truesdell, Dem., 223; Daniel
Parsons, Gbk., 261; M. V. Rork, Pro., 131.
Congressman — Jay A. Hubbell, Rep., 647 ; John
/§. Power, Dem., 230; George Parmelee, Gbk., 268.
Circuit Judge — A. V. McAlvay, Rep., 709; S. D.
Haight, Dem., 447.
State Senator — W. E. Ambler, Rep., 644 ; S. S.
Conover, Dem., 222 ; Wm. Jefts, Gbk., 258.
State Representative — W. H. Palmer, Rep., 578;
W. J. Morey, Dem., 460; John Giberson, Gbk., 153.
Sheriff— J. W. Mathews, Rep., 726; J. G. Piper,
Dem., 480.
County Clerk — R. D. Simonton, Rep., 7T4; A.
Chapin, Dem., 489. /
Register of Deeds — Charles Clark, Rep., 655 ; W.
W. Stewart, Dem., 423; J. B. Sleezer, Pro., 123.
County Treasurer — E. J. Raymond, Rep., 681 ;
B. B. Chadwick, Dem., 406; W. F. Seeley, Pro.,
124.

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Prosecuting Attorney — C. M. beardsley, Rep., 668 ;
fy} W. A. Lewis, Dem., 413 ; John Q. Patterson, Pro.,
Circuit Court Commissioner — M. A. Lafler, Rep.,
623; W. A. Lewis, Dem., 453; John Q. Patterson,
Pro., 130.
County Surveyor — R. W. Page, Rep., 631 ; E.
C. Martin, Dem., 482 ; N. O. Pettibone, Pro., 3.
Coroners — Truman Sawdy, Rep., 633 ; E. C. Rich
ardson, Rep., 624.
ELECTION OF APRIL, 1879.
Justice of the Supreme Court — J. V. Campbell,
Rep., 846; J. B. Shipman, Dein., 326.
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER, 1880.
President — James A. Garfield, Rep., 1225 ; W. S.
Hancock, Dem., 581 ; James B. Weaver, Gbk, 23;
Neal Dow, Pro., 21.
Congressman — Jay A. Hubbell, Rep., 1234; E. S.
Pratt, Dem. 577 ; George Parmelee, Pro., 20.
Governor — David H. Jerome, Rep., n 80; F. W.
Holloway, Dem., 612; David Woodman, Gbk.. 23;
I. W. McKeever, Pro., 22.
Secretary of State — Wm. Jenney, Rep., 1230 ;
Willard Stearns, Dem., 576; John Evans, Gbk., 21 ;
I. D. Crouse, Pro., 20.
State Treasurer — Benj. D. Pritchard, Rep., 1230;
I. W. Weston, Dem,, 576; A. D. Powers, Gbk., 23,
J. M. Norton, Pro., 23.

Auditor General — W. J. Latimer, Rep., 1231;
Richard Morse, Dem., 574; S. Havollo, Gbk., 15;
W. Snyder, Pro., 23.
Commissioner of the Land Office — J. M. Nea-
smith, Rep., 1230; J. J. David, Dem., 576; Porter
Beal, Gkb., 23 ; J. A. Elder, Pro., 23.
Attorney General — J. J. Van Riper, Rep., 1230;
H. P. Henderson, Dem., 576; M. M. Burnham,
Gbk., 23 ; Wm. Newton, Pro., 23.
Superintendent Public Instruction — C. A. Gower,
Rep, T23o; Z. Truesdell, Dem., 576; W. H. Moore,
Gbk; 23; David Parsons, Pro., 23.
State Senator— W. B. Ambler, Rep., 1266; S. W.
Fowler,. Dem., 562.
State Representative — E. B. Martin, Rep., 1282;
Robert Porter, Dem., 531.
Circuit Judge — J. B. Judkins, Rep., 1296 ; D. Cool,
Dem., 3.
Probate Judge — Joseph Sayles, Rep., 1354; B. B.
Chadwick, Dem., 484.
Sheriff— M. B. Houghton, Rep., 973 ; M. W. Stew
art, Dem., 855.
County Clerk — R. D. Simonton, Rep., 1297; Z.
Whitney, Dem., 539.
Register of Deeds— H. A. Clark, Rep., T27i ; Lu
ther Russell, Dem., 550.
County Treasurer — J. W. Matthews, Rep., 1288
I. J. Noyer, Dem., 546.
Prosecuting Attorney — Ransom Cooper, Rep.,
1253; W. A. Lewis, Dem., 579.
Circuit Court Commissioner — C. H. Rose, Rep.,
1262 ; W. A. Lewis, Dem., 577.
County Surveyor — N. O. Pettibone, Rep., T230; E.
C. Martin, Dem., 607.
Coroners— C. H. White, Rep., 1258; J. F. Rad
cliffe, Rep., 1257.
ELECTION OF APRIL, 1881.
Justice of the Supreme Court — Isaac Marston,
Rep., 819; A. C. Baldwin, Dem., 165.
Circuit Judge, 19th Judicial Dist. — J. B. Judkins,
Rep., 1023 (no opp.).
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER, 1882.

Governor — David H. Jerome, Rep., 731 ; Josiah uy
W. Begole, Dem., 495 ; D. P. Sagendorph, Pro., 125. ^
Secretary of State — H. A. Conant, Rep., 852;
Wm. Shakespeare, Dem., 435 ; M. V. Rork, Pro., 38.

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State Treasurer — E. H. Butler, Rep., 859; L. S.
Connan, Dem., 439; E. S. Brown, Pro., 91.
Auditor General — W. C. Stevens, Rep., 849 ; Jas.
Blair, Dem., 428; J. S. Osborn, Pro., 90.
Commissioner Land Office — M. S. Newell, Rep.,
853; J. F. Van Devanter, Dem., 437 ; E. C. Newell,
Pro., 87.
Attorney General — J. J. Van Riper, Rep., 854 ;
T. C. Tarsney, Dem., 435 ; J. H. Tatem, Pro.. 86.
Superintendent Public Instruction — V. B. Cochran,
Rep., 841 ; David Parsons, Dem., 436.
Congressman — Byron M. Cutcheon, Rep., 950;
Stephen Bronson, Dem., 386.
State Senator — Fitch Phelps, Rep., 880 ; S. W.
Fowler, Dem., 464.
State Representative — E. B. Martin, Rep., 901 !
E. C. Martin, Dem., 444.
Sheriff— A. M. Shank, Rep., 918; Z. Whitney,
Dem., 431.
County Clerk— Oliver L. Millard, Rep., 889 ; J. H.
Anderson, Dem. 465.
Register of Deeds — Henry A. Clark, Rep., 916;
A. Chapin, Dem., 440.
County Treasurer — J. W. Matthews, Rep., 938; E.
C. Thompson. 417.
Prosecuting Attorney — Ransom Cooper, Rep., 930
(no opp.).
Circuit Court Commissioner — C. H. Rose, Rep.,
908 (no opp.).
County Surveyor — Frank Trumbull, Rep., 87 1 ; S.
Lampman, Dem., 484.
Coroners— C. H. White, Rep., 923 ; J. F. Radcliffe,
Rep., 911. ELECTION OF APRIL, 1883.
Justices of the Supreme Court — Austin Blair, Rep.,
862 ; T. J. O'Brien (to fill vacancy), Rep., 868 ; J.
W. Champlin, Dem., 430 ; T. R. Sherwood (to fill
vacancy), Dem., 422.
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER, T884.
President— James G. Blaine, Rep., 1497; Grover
Cleveland, Dem., 792 ; J. P. St. John, Pro., 273.
Congressman— Byron M. Cutcheon, Rep., 1457;

S. S. Fallas, Dem., 801; H. P. Blake, Pro., 285.
Governor — Russell A. Alger, Rep., 1466 ; Josiah
W. Begole, Dem., 768; David Preston, Pro., 324.
Secretary of State — Harry A. Conant, Rep., T466 ;
William Shakespeare, Derm, 785 ; G. Chase, Pro.,
311- State Treasurer — Edward H. Butler, Rep., 1461 ;
James Blair, Dem., 789; A. B. Cheeney, Pro., 310.
Auditor General — W. C. Stephens, Rep., 1466 ;
G. P. Sanford, Dem., 786; O. E. Downing, Pro., 310.
Commissioner of Land Office — M. S. Newell, Rep.,
1464; J. H. Dennis, Dem., 787; W. W; Barcus,
Pro:, 311:
Attorney General — Moses Daggart, Rep., 1467 ;
F. W. Cook, Dem., 784; J. H. Tatem, Pro., 310.
Superintendent of Public Instruction — H. R. Goss,
Rep., 1467 ; David Parsons, 784; J. B. Steere, Pro.,
3"- State Senator — Fitch Phelps, Rep., 1439 ; S. W.
Fowler, Dem., 802 ; A. V. Sunderlin, Pro., 314.
State Representative — E. C. Cannon, Rep., 1382 ;
Stark Lampman, Dem., 691 ; M. L. Stephens, Pro.,
473- Probate Judge — James E. Bevins, Rep., 1481 ;
Daniel McGovern, Dem., 708 ; W. A. Lewis, Pro.,
351- Sheriff— Alohzo M. Shank, Rep., 1235 ; James Mc
Lean, Dem., 1001 ; George Hicks, Pro., 302.
County Clerk — Oliver L. Millard, Rep., 1423 ;
David Redmond, Dem., 703 ; William Hawkins, Pro.,
427. Register of Deeds — Henry A. Clark, Rep., 1415 ;
Luther Russell, Dem., 837 ; J. B. Sleezer, Pro., 294.
County Treasurer — John F. Radcliffe, Rep., 1441 ;
A. Y. Smith, Dem., 808; G. Willson, Pro., 299.
Prosecuting Attorney — Ransom Cooper, Rep., 1544;
Joseph Patterson, Dem., 757.
Circuit Court Commissioner — Frank Beardsley,
Rep., 1484; Joseph Patterson, Dem., 769. ,
County Surveyor — Frank Trumbull, Rep., 1480;
E. C. Martin, Dem., 718.
Coroners— H. P. Lewis, Rep, 1479; A. W. Miller,
Rep., 1481.

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OSCEOLA COUNTY,

Railroads.

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O be away from railroads in
modern times would be to
live away from civilization.
They have become the nec
essary adjuncts to the de
velopment of a country, and
no community now of any
proportions think they can exist
without them. Osceola County has
had the advantages of railroad
communications almost from its
first organization as a county. It
is now traversed by two leading
Michigan lines which run nearly at
right angles with each other, north
and south and east and west, and
intersect at Reed City. These
lines are the Flint & Pere Marquette, and the Grand
Rapids & Indiana. There is another railroad com
ing into the. county, — the Toledo, Ann Arbor &
Grand Trunk, — but its route has not yet been fully
determined. The people of this county are alive to railroad in
terests. They appreciate the advantage of these
potent factors in the development of their resources,
and will do all they can to encourage them. Upon
these transportation companies they mainly depend
for the disposition of their surplus products.

The Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad.

HIS road came through the county in 1870,
passing east and west. It is one of the
w^ longest lines in the State. The main line
commences at Ludington, on the western shore
of Michigan, and passes through the counties
of Mason, Lake, Osceola, Clare, Midland, Sag
inaw, Genesee, Oakland, Wayne and Monroe, to
Monroe City. By adopting this route the road served
a large belt of new country, rich in resources, which
since its construction has been rapidly developing
and increasing the wealth and population of the
State. This line has branches extending from Man
istee to Manistee Junction on the main line; from
East Saginaw to Bay City ; from a point near East
Saginaw to South Saginaw, and from Flint through
Otter Lake to Fostoria. This corporation also oper
ates the Saginaw & Mt. Pleasant Railroad, which is
a narrow gauge, running from Coleman on the main
line to-Mt. Pleasant; and the Saginaw & Clare line
connecting it with PJarrison, the county seat of
Clare. As will be seen, this is one of the most important

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railroads in the State, as it is not used simply as a
means of transit from one State to another, but goes
into a country to develop it, and bring out its prod
ucts. The company holds a large amount of land yet
undisposed of, granted to them by the Government,
under acts of Congress of 1856-7 and 1864, which
they hold at from five to ten dollars per acre, where
they are strictly farming lands. Their terms are
liberal, — one-fourth down and from three to five
years for the remainder. Smaller cash payments are
often received, however, where a settler in good faith
is seeking a home.
The total length of this company's line, including
its branches, is 345 miles.
The Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad Company was
the first company that adopted any practical method
of opening up the northern part of the Southern
Peninsula. The company was organized Jan. 21,
1857. The work of grading the road was begun in
August, 1858, and track-laying was commenced at
East Saginaw, Aug. 11, 1859. There are now sev
eral branches of this road running in many directions
and contains, together with sidings, almost 500 miles
of track.

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Tlie Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad.

" HE road extends from Petoskey, near the
upper end of Lake Michigan, almost due
southward through the counties of Antrim,
Kalkaska, Grand Traverse, Wexford, Osceola,
• Mecosta, Montcalm, Kent, Allegan, Kalama
zoo and St. Joseph to Fort Wayne, Indiana,
where it connects with the great Pennsylvania Rail
way system, leading to the Atlantic coast. From
Petoskey the line has been extended to the Straits of
Mackinac. The Government granted to this company 1,160,-
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382 acres of land for the purpose of constructing this
road. The track was completed through Osceola
County in the early part of 1872, and to Petoskey in
1873. On the 25th of November, the company had
an excursion party, celebrating the completion of
this line, and carried over its road into Northern
Michigan, Governor Bagley, General Cass, Stephen
S. Cobb, the State Railroad Commissioner,' and a
party of distinguished gentlemen from New York,
Philadelphia, Pittsburg and other cities. The track
was examined and found to fill all the requirements
of the law. The grant of the land was transferred
to the company several months in advance of the
time required by the Legislature for the completion
of the road.
This road is the most important of the Northern
Michigan lines, and has been a great factor in the
development of the northwestern portion of the
Lower Peninsula. At the time it was constructed
Northern Michigan was but a wilderness. To trav
erse this country before the construction of this line
was regarded as a heroic task, and one that many
shrank from ; now. the traveler can pass through this
country with ease and comfort. All along this line
now can be seen thriving towns, built up chiefly by
the great lumber interests of the country. This rail
road penetrates a country which for its extensive
forests of timber is unsurpassed by any in the world.
The total length in Michigan of the lines owned
or operated by this company is 341 miles. They
have yet thousands 1 of acres of farming lands, some
of which are in Osceola County, which they hold
from $3.50 to $7.50 per acre. They- require one-
quarter down and the remainder in five equal pay
ments, at seven per cent, interest. Ten per cent.
discount is allowed when the price is paid in full at
the time of purchase.
The Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad is one ot
the leading roads of the State. The enterprise of
building it was inaugurated before the war, but fell
through on the Union Army being defeated at
the first battle of Bull Run. After the war closed the
project was revived and the work commenced, the
objective point, from Fort Wayne, being Little Tra
verse Bay. The work dragged along slowly, meeting
many obstacles, and in 1872 was finally completed
through Osceola County.

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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HERE is no organization, per
haps, that tends more to pro
mote the interests of a
county or a community than
an agricultural society, if
properly conducted. Such
a society is of inestimable
advantage, almost, to farming and
also stock-raising. It brings the
people together with their products
and their stock, to exchange notes
with each other, and to compete
for the prizes tbat may be offered.
This stimulates a laudable ambi
tion and produces a desire to ex
cel, — to have the best butter or the
best cheese ; to have the finest
corn and the plumpest wheat ; to have the largest
potatoes and largest and most luscious fruit; to place
on exhibition the highest breed of cattle or horses,
and to contest around that most charming circle —
the race-course — for the prize awarded to the fastest
racer or trotter. All these things advance farming
and stock interests much more than what is generally
conceded or believed by those who have not been
intimately associated with such matters.
Holding these views, the people of Osceola County

determined to have an agricultural association. A
thing once determined upon, it is said, is already half
accomplished. However, having determined on hav
ing an agricultural association, the people got together
and completed the organization, which was done in
April, 1S75. The officers were, M. L. Swem, Presi
dent; E. J. Raymond, Secretary, and Henry Ger
hardt, Treasurer; W. D. Houghton, H. E. Whitney,
J. K. Hartt, Charles B. Churchell, M. L. Swem and
E. J. Raymond were selected as a Board of Directors.
The first meeting was held at Hersey, Sept. 29
1875. ^ was held at Hersey the following year and
the fair grounds were located at Evart. The first
meeting held at Evart was in September, 1877, with
D. A. Blodgett as ' President. Since the grounds
have been located at Evart, the Association has been
increasing in numbers and interest, and have been
making extensive improvements on their grounds.
In the first place they purchased 20 acres of ground,
near Evart, and inclosed it with a substantial fence.
They have constructed a half-mile course, which is
said by turfmen to be one of the best in the State.
They have also erected buildings, stands, etc., nec
essary to meet the wants of such an association.
Amount expended so far is $4,000, and it has been
well laid out. They have had at these grounds some
interesting meetings by the Driving Park Association,
and some splendid time has been made.

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

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These grounds are centrally located, and are ac
cessible from all parts of the country by the. Flint &
Pere Marquette Railroad. Through the good man
agement of the Directors the financial condition of
this Association is good. Present officers : J. W.

Ash, President; A. Kellogg, Vice-President; E. C,
Cannon, Treasurer, and William L. Stoddard, Secre
tary. Board of Directors — C. V. Priest, A. B. Knapp,
J. E. Bevins, H. E. Dearing, J. A. Lunney and Mil
ton Moffitt.

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County Poor Farm.

tT the annual session of the Board of Su
pervisors in 1872.it was determined, after
a' short conference, that the proper thing for
the county to do was to make some provisions
for its poor. Accordingly a committee was
appointed to select and purchase suitable grounds
for this purpose. Acting upon this authority, the
committee selected and purchased r6o acres on sec
tion 28, in Sylvan Township, about two miles north
of the village of Sears, at a cost of $2,000. The first
building was erected in 1873. Since this time many
improvements have been made, and the farm has
been brought under good cultivation. The rooms
are comfortably furnished, and are amply sufficient
to meet the present demands on the county. The
poor that are sent here are kindly treated, and their
wants attended to. Such institutions speak well for
a county, insomuch as they represent the charity
and benevolence of its people.
We would have been much pleased to give further
details regarding this institution, and made repeated

efforts to secure this information while at Hersey and
since, but failed, because the parties to whom we
applied, and on whom we had to depend, did not re
spond to their promises.

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The Court-House.

ROM the time the county was formally
organized and the county seat located at
nv Hersey to the completion of a court-house,
the county rented a building for a court room
and offices. During the winter of 187 1-2, or
early in the year of 1872, Mr. D. A. Blodgett
(to whom the county is much indebted for many
benefits conferred) proposed to the county, through
its Board of Supervisors, to donate a block of ground
in the town of Hersey and $3,500, -toward the con
struction of a court-house, if the county would give

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OSCEOLA COUNTY.

.the balance. This liberal proposition was accepted :
by the county, and the erection of the Court-house
was begun. It was completed in 1873, about mid
summer, and was formally taken possession of and
the officers duly installed in their respective office
rooms. The cost of this structure is estimated at"
$8,500.* It is a two-story square frame building, with a
commodious court-room and other offices for the
various uses of the county. The County Clerk's and
Register of Deeds' room has a good vault for the
safe, keeping of the records, etc. It is in the cen
ter of the block, and is an ornament to the town.

The Jail.

HIS is a less imposing building, but it is
adequate to meet all the wants of the
county and holds all the" prisoners that
$ have been placed within its walls. The peo
ple of Osceola County are not very criminally
inclined. The structure is located in one cor
ner of the court-house block, is made of wood, and
contains three cells, with family apartments for the
sheriff. It was erected at a cost of $3,500.

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BIOG^pglJISplL

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^3

Adams, A. C . . _  206
Adams, John  23
Adams, John Quincy  39
Alger, R. A   173
Allen, J. N  229
Allen, S. H  34o
Allen, Wm. H  196
Allured, R. A   217
Ardis, Mark   227
Arndt, J. J  328
Arthur, Chester A  99
Ash, J. W  251
Auer, J . H  269
Auer, P. A  301

B

Bagley, John J  137
Bald-win, Henry P  153
Ball, C. W  242
Barker, L. A  215
Barry, John S  113
Bassett, Geo. H  289
Baumgardner, £. C  341

Beardsley, W. L  ,  302
Begole, Josiah W  169
Bellows, W . E  .197
Bennett, William  334
Berger, Anson  300
Berger, William  275
Bevins, Geo. W  245
Bevins, J . E  345
Bingham, Kinsley S  137
Bittner, Dr. P  198
Blair, Austin  145
Blanchard, A. J  186
Blanchard, Loren  „  298
Blank, Wilhelm  2g6
Blodgett, Delos A  331
Bowker, bylvester  297
Braden, E. M  193
Braden, J. A  209
Brandow, A. H.i  '  305
Brownson, O. M.  267
Buchanan, James  75
Buck, A. G  216
Byers, J. B   307

Campbell, Allen  239
Cannon, E. C._  237
Carlson , Peter  2go*
Carmell, Charles  321
Carroll, E. A.../.  310
Carson, H. W   207

Childs, T. V  239
Clark, Gilhert M  240
, Clark, Henry A  228
Clark, Nathaniel  .230
Clark, Oliver  318
Cody, Peter.  268
Cole, B. R  259
Coles, C. H  255
Collins, C. M  339
Colton, B . G  317
Cooper, Ranso'm  219
Corbin, J. C  218
Crapo, Henry H  140
Crocker, J . N.  249
Croswell, Charles M  161
Cushman, Wm. W  185

D

Dahlstrom, Rev. A  241
Davis, Alfred  .331
Davis, W, M  205
Davis, W. S  260
DeGoit,G. D  .218
Denniston, W. S...:  2gg
Drake, James H  »  270

E

Earnest, Joseph  276
Edwards, C. K...T  206

Ellis, Joseph  '  255
Elmore, L. T  ¦ .322
Estes, G. A  194

Farsberg, Rev. John  192
Felch, Alpheus  117
Ferguson, N. A  210
Fillmore, Millard  67
Finkbeiner, John  250
Fleischhauer, C. J  309
Fleischhauer, F.J  337
Francisco, H . D  312
Francisco, Charles D  308
Fraser, Alex  241
Freedman, H. H  341
.Freeland, John H  274
Frohlich, Christian  275
Fulmenshauser, C. W  272

Garfield, James A  95
Gavin, James  242
Gerrish, W. S  213

fa

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INDEX.

#^C^V^|

iffa a a
'$ )-___ _-3
<3

421

ft

1

Gilbert, G. H  346
Giles, Joseph  216
Gooch, Benj. F  285,348
Gould, D. W  307
Gould, W  266
Grant, Isaac  191
Grant, Ulysses S  87
Gray, Charles L  254
Greenly, Wm. L  121
Gunkel, Peter  _.  3-0
Gwynne, N . S  2$g

H

Hall,R.W  ....306
Halladay, Frayer  238
Halladay, George  224
Hanover, John  260
Harrington, W. V  233
Harrison, Wm. H  51
Haslam, Philip  187
Hawkins, W. H  309
Hayes, E. L  334
Hayes, Rutherford B  91
Hicks, George  256
Higbe, W. A  208
HofSne, Solomon  273
Hoffmeyer, John  33s
Hoffmeyer, Wm  290
Holden, C. H  181
Hood, David  347
Hooper, Wm. L  291
Hoover, John  329
Hope, James H  280
Horner, Wm  265
Howe, Isaac W., M. D  204

Isaacson, John  246

Jackson, Andrew  43
Jefferson, Thomas,  27
Jenkins, J . H  254
Jerome, David H  165
Johnson, Andrew  83
Johnson, Andrew J  275
Johnson, Charles  316

Johnson, John  2gg
Jones, S. R.  246
June, L. W  245

K

Kaphaem, F  251

Lacy, Francis D  319
Lambert, Wm  321
Lanphear, J . H  330
Law, Dr. W. J  312
Leeman , Geo . W  336
Lemert, L. J  316
Lennon, John  346
Lincoln , Abraham  79
Lindstrom, J . A  220
Loase, Charles G  228
Lunney, James A  322
Lyon, S. J  310

M

Madison, James  31
Mapes, Andrew J  327
Mapes, Wm. R  '.  235
, Marvin, Enos H  272
Mason, David G  299
Mason, Frank A  301
Mason, Stevens T  105
Matthews, J. W  219
McCarn, A.J  220
McClelland, Robert  129
McFarlane, A . . . \  277
McFarlane, J. B  247
Mcllwain, Wm. J  319
McKay, Angus  306
McMullen, J. H  330
Millard, O.1 L  236
Minchin, Geo. W  194
Minchin, Jesse T  238
Mitchell, John  279
Moffit, Milton  265
Monroe, James  i-- ¦ 35
Morris, G. W  236
Morris, Aufus F  248
Moulton, B. G  292

Nix, X. F  ,...348
Nixon, Robert  341

o

Oaks, Daniel  329

Parsons, Andrew  133
Patterson, Joseph  193
Patterson , J . Q  226
Peacock , T . H  270
Peck, H. B  297
Peel, Charles  335
Perrin, A. B  308
Pettibone, N. O  .342
Pierce, Franklin  71
Pierson , C. M  295
Pierson, T. P.O.  318
Polk,J.K  59
Postal-, F. S  250
Poulliott, A  272
Powell, J. H  .195
Priest, C- V  224
Proctor, J.F  203
Purchase, Wm  271

R

Radcliffe, J. F  278
Ransom, Epaphroditus..  125
Reed , George  227
Reed, Leonard  249
Reik, J . J  252
Rich, C. M-.._  196
Richardson, E. S., M. D....209
Riggs, John  296
Robbins, F. S  273
Robbins, J. G  256
Ross, Sylvester  252

N

Nix,F. H.

Sample, A. M  3>:5
Sawyer.A. E  29s
Shadley, David  186
Shank, A. M  327
Shank, Joseph?   3"
Shay.G.W  336
e^.flfl®BH3>A^—

Shields, Frank  289
Slosson, W. M  223
Smith, H. K  280
Smith, Isaac  187
Smith, John  •-•338
Sprague, J. B  291
Staninger, W. H  340
Stephan, Herman  339
Stiege, William" L  279
Sunderlin, A. V  ^17
Swarthout, Jacob  185

«#>

Tabor,N.J  30Q
Taplin, D. S.,M. D  2gi
Taylor, Geo. F  3„
Taylor, Zachary  g3
Tennant, A . G  22g
Tennant, Wm  240
Terpenning, Noah  266
Terrill, E. J  ...l84
Thomas, Jacob W  ,..269
Tillman, D. M  305
Tozer, L. M  .253
Troyer, G. W  Z77
True,F. A  24?
Tule, Wm. F  23S
Turner, J. W  22S
Turner,F. T  ...2g8
Tyler, John  55

v

VanBuren, Martin  47

0)
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to4 b

w

Wagar, W. A  347
Walker, Henry  276
Washington, George  19
Watson, H. L  301
Weigel, D  214
Welch, W  338
Wells,S. A  302
Wenzel, Anthony  188
Westfall, M. W  192
Wetherell, Hiram  279
White, C. H., M. D  311
White, E. R  267
Whitney, I. H  257
Wilson, G   258
Winsor, L . B  205
Wisner, Moses  141
Witt, John  207
Woodbridge, Wm  109
Woods,E. H  315

^V^BB®BBfl>T^  ^&^-

422

INDEX.

-4*^5?(<

PORTRAITS

*<- •

<•>

!®

Adams, John  22
Adams, John Quincy. ..  38
Alger, R. A  172
Arthur, Chester A  98
Bagley, John J  156
Baldwin, Henry P  152
Barry, John S  112
Begole, Josiah W  168
Bevins, Geo. W  244
Bevins, J . E  344
Bingham, Kinsley S  136
Blair, Austin  144
Brandow, A. H  .... ..304
Buchanan, James  74
Crapo, Henry H  148

to
I

Croswell, Charles M  160
Felch, Alpheus . .  116
Fillmore, Millard  66
Garfield, James A  94
Gerrish, W. S  212
Gooch, Benj. F  283
Gooch, Mrs. D. H  282
Grant, Isaac  190
Grant, Ulysses S  86
Greenly, William L  120
Harrison, Wm. H  50
Hayes, Rutherford B  90
Holden, C H  _...i8o
Horner, William  262
Horner, Mrs. Maggie  263

Jackson, Andrew  42
Jefferson, Thos  26
Jerome, David H  164
Johnson, Andrew  82
Lincoln, Abraham  78
Madison James  -30
Mapes, W. R  234
Mapes, Mrs. Lydia  233
Mason , Stevens T  104
McClelland, Robert  128
Monroe, James  34
Parsons, Andrew  132
Pierce , Franklin  70
Polk, James K  58

HISTORICAL

Proctor, J. F  200
Proctor, Mrs. Mary W  201
Ransom, Epaphroditus  124
Sample, A. M  314
Sawyer, A. E  294
Shank, A. M  325
Shank, Mrs. Essie E  324
Slosson, Willis M  222
Taylor, Zachary  62
Tyler, Tohn  54
Van Buren, Martin  46
Washington, George  18
Wisner, Moses  140
Woodbridge, Williafn  108

I
fa
1
to4
(!)

INTRODUCTORY 35 1
How Our Fathers Lived 352
Value of Local History 353
GENERAL HISTORY 355

TOWNSHIPS Burdell
CedarEvartHartwickHerseyHighland
Le Roy
Lincoln

362-408 362 366
3^7
374
37638!
3«3388

MarionMiddle Branch
Orient
Osceola RichmondRose Lake
Sherman Sylvan
VILLAGES: Ashton
Chippewa
Evart
Hersey

#ss-

^>Bfl®nB<^^

390391
392394

Le Roy
Reed City
SearsTustin

384397 393
3^3

396

POLITICAL

409

404406
407

Election Returns

409

'RAILROADS

414

AGRICULTURAL

416

389

COUNTY BUILDINGS

417

393368
377

Court-House
Jail Poor-House and Farm

417
418417

sA n