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I1   -I - tL



A


Twentieth Century History
OF
CASS COUNTY, MICHIGAN


L. H. GLOVER,
Secretary Cass County Pioneers' Association,
EDITOR.
ILLUSTRATED.
THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY
CHICAGO:: NEW YORK
1906




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




PREFACE.
The History of Cass County has been completed after more than
a year of unremitting effort on the part of the publishers and the editor
and his staff. That the work will bear the critical inspection of the
many persons into whose hands it will come, and that it measures up to
the highest standards of modern book-making, the Publishers confidently believe. Also, through the diligent co-operation of Mr. Glover,
the editor, the history has become a record of enduring value and
dignity.
It is not the purpose of the Publishers to delay the readers with
a long preface. It is sufficient to acknowledge their indebtedness to
many who, have contributed of personal knowledge, of time and patience
in their cordial endeavors to preserve and extend the fund of historical
knowledge concerning Cass County. It would be impossible to mention
the names of all who have thus assisted in making this work. Yet
we cannot omit mention of the assistance rendered by the county officials, especially County Clerk Rinehart, Judge Des Voignes, Register
of Deeds Jones, County Treasurer Gard, County Commissioner of
Schools Hale. Naturally the newspapers of the county have been drawn
upon, and Mr. Allison of the National Demlocrat, Mr. Berkey of the
Vigilant, Mr. Moon of the Herald, have never failed to supply us with
exact information or further our quest in some helpful way. These and
many others have helped to compile a trustworthy history of Cass
County.
THE PUBLISHERS.




I




TABLE OF CONTENTS.
CHAPTER. I.
Description................................................
CHAPTER II.
Original Inhabitants............................      14
CHAPTER III.
The County's Southern Boundary............................    22
CHAPTER IV.
Early Settlement.................................. 37
CHAPTER V.
"Pioneers of Cass County".....................;.....  53
CHAPTER VI.
Organization.............................................     9
CHAPTER VII.
Growth and Development................................       IOI
CHAPTER VIII.
Centers of Population.1..........................     19
CHAPTER IX.
Cassopolis..i.......................1..................... I42
CHAPTER X.
City of Dowagiac.............................,...........     54
CHAPTER XI.
Communication and Transportation.............................  163
CHAPTER XII.
Industries and Finance......................1................. i8o
CHAPTER XIII.
Agriculture....1.......................................... I98




vi                         CONTENTS
CHAPTER XIV.
Court House and Other County Institutions...............0..... 207
CHAPTER XV.
Education in State and County................................ 215
CHAPTER XVI.
City and Village Schools...................................... 228
CHAPTER XVII.
Libraries...........................................   244
CHAPTER XVIII.
The Cass County Press....................................... 249
CHAPTER XIX.
Medicine and Surgery...............................  257
CHAPTER XX.
Cass County Bar..................................... 270
CHAPTER XXI.
Cass County the Home of the Races........................... 284
CHAPTER XXII.
Military  Records.................................................  297
CHAPTER XXIII.
Military Organizations........................................ 329
CHAPTER XXIV.
Social Organization................................... 334
CHAPTER XXV.
Cass County Pioneer Society.................................. 349
CHAPTER XXVI.
Religion and the Churches.................................. 371
CHAPTER XXVII.
Official Lists............................................  389




IINIDEIX.


Abolitiolnists.-54, 112, 290.
Adams, Sterling.-124.
Adamsport.- (See Adamsville.)
Adamsville.-io9, 124, I25, i65, i86, 258.
Agnew, Hugh E.-253, 750.
Agriculture.-8, i98-206.
Agricultural Implements.-io, iii, i90 et
seq.; 198 et seq.
Agricultural Society, Cass County.-2o5,
206.
Aikin, Charles C.-442.
Air Line Rail Road.-I29, 131, I36, 175 et
seq.
Akin, Perry.-448.
Aldrich, L~evi.-262.
Allen, Green.-29I.
Allen, Reuben.-io9.
Allison, C. C.-250, 251, 255, 765.
Amber Club.-339.
Amsden, Charles T. —674.
Anderson, T. W.-265.
Andrus, Henry.-255, 503.
Ann Arbor Convention.-35, 36.
Anti-Horse Thief Society.-2o6.
Aigus, The.-254, 255.
Arnmstrong, A. N.-454.
Arnold, William.-614.
Atkinson, John. —655.
Attorneys- (see Lawyers) prosecuting, 391.
Atwell, F. J.-276.
Atwood, Frank.-i97, 729.
Atwood, James.-756.
Atwood, W. H.-I59.
Austin, Edwin N-94
Austin, Jesse H.-522.
Bacon, Cyrus. —93.
Bacon, Nathaniel.-17.
Bailey, Arthur E.-565.
Bair, John.-97, ii6.
Baker, F. H.-I93.
Baker, Nathan.-129.
Bald Hill.-i.
Baldwin, John.-5o, 126.
Baldwin, William.-135.
Baldwin's Prairie.-7, 125.
Ball, C. P.-13I.
Banks.-194-I97.
Banks, Charles G.-772.
Baptist Churches.-I46, 378, 379, 380.
Bar Association.-283.
Bar, Cass CountY.-270-~;83.


Barney, John G. A.-372.
Barnliart, Andrew.-66i.
Barnhart, Peter.-337.
Barnum, Edwiln.-I39.
Barren Lake Station.-131.
Beardsley, Elam.-ii6, 126; Darius, ii6.
Beardsley, Ezra.-45, 49, 93, I09, 121.
Beardsley, Othni.-95, 126, i86.
Beardsley's Prairie.-7, 114, 115, 121, 374,
38i.
Beckwith, E. W. —6o7.
Beckwith Memorial Theatre.-247, 248.
Beckwith, Philo D.-i6i, 190 et seq.; 245,
69o.
Becraft, Julius 0-159, 191, 253, 745.
Beebe, Bruce.-583.
Beeman, Alonzo P.-I36, 476.
Beeson, Jacob.-I55, I56, 162.
Beeson, Jesse G.-io8, 197.
Bennett, William P.-273.
Benson, Henry C.-599.
Berkey, W. H -252.
Berrien County, Attached to Cass.-94.
Bigelow, Hervey.-134.
Big Four R. R.-177.
Bilderback, John. —666.
Birch Lake.-386.
Bishop, George E.-746.
Black Hawk War.-io2, 107, I66, 170, 297.
Blackman, iDaniel.-I46, 148, 274.
Blacksmiths.-i84 et passim.
Blakeley, T1. L.-265.
Blood, J. V.-4I5.
Bly, Kenyon.-760 -Bogue, Stephen.-48, 49, 131, 289.
Bogue, William E.-7o9 -Bonine, E. J.-259.
Bonine, James E.-I95, 386.
Bonine, Lot —51.
Boundaries.-22 et seq.; of Cass county,
92; of townships, 93 et seq.
Bowen, Henry H.-566.
Boyd, James.-i84 -Brady.-14I.
Brick.-13, 110.
Bridge, Leander.-564.         28
Brown, David and William.-128
Brown, jonathan.-135.
Brownsville. —8, 128, i8,7.
Buell, B. G.-2o6.
Bughee, Israel G.-262.
Bulhand, Dr.-26i.
Bunn, C. W.-291.




viii


INDEX


Burney, Thomas.-I37.
Bushman, Alexander.-286.
Business.- (See under village names.)
Byrd, Turner.-29i.
Byrnies, Daniel K., 464.
Calvin Township.-5o, 96, 112, 113, 223,
287-296; 377, 396.
Campbell, Malcom A.-722.
Canals.-I2I, 172.
Carey Mission.-ii, i6-I9, 40, 165, i85,
372.
Carnegie Library.-246.
Carr, J. R.-278.
Carr, L. J.-332.
Cass County Advocate.-249, 250.
Cass County.-Formed, 92; boundaries,
92; named, 92; civil organization, 92.
Cass, Gen. Lewis.-29, 92.
Cassopolis.-99, 103, io8; 142-153; 177,
183, 184, i8g, 228-.23I;:244, 374,
375, 379, 382, 401, 402, 403.
Cassopolis Milling Co.-i89.
Cassopolis Woman's Club.-338, 339.
Catholic Church.-285, 37I, 372, 373.
Caul, Andr'ew F.-455.
Cavanaugh, Lawrence.-47.
Centers, of Population.-ii9 et seq.; in
Volinia township, 138.
Chain Lakes. — 8.
Chapman, Franklin.-479.
Chapman, H. Sylvester.-592.
Chapman, J. B.-153.Charles, Jacob.-126, 138.
Charleston.-I38, 337.
"Charter Citizens," of CassoPolis.-15o.
Cheesebrough, Nicholas.-155.
Chicago Road. —8, I19, 120, 121, 124, 137,
i164, i 66, i167.
Chicago Trail.-i64.
Chicago Treaty.-i9, i66.
Chipman, John S.-272.
Chipman, Joseph N.-272.
Choate, N. F.-93, 196.
Christiann Creek.-7, 124, 128, 1.31, 132,
x86, 187.
Cdristiann Drainage Basin. —8.
ChurcheS.-123, 125.  (See under names
of villages), 37I-388.
Circuit Court.-39I.
Circuit Court Commissioners.-39i.
Circuit J udges.-39o.
Civil War.-297 et seq.
Clark, Geo. Rogers.-22.
Clark, Walter.-540.
Clarke, J. B.-275.
Clarke, W. E.-263.
Clendenen, John. —692.
Clerks, County.-39i.
Clisbee, C. W.-275.
Clothing, of Early Days.-i~i et seq.
Clubs.-338 et seq.
Clyborn, Archibald.-45.


Coates, James R.-io8.
Colby, H. F.-I54, i6i, 193; Colby Mills,
I54, 193; G. A., 193.
Collins, John R.-613.
Commissioners, County Seat. —98, 99, 143,
144, 146, 147.
Communication.-ioo, 120, 121; i63-179.
Condon, John.-9q.
Cone, C. E.-278, 554.
Congregational Churches.-383.
Conklin, Abram.-725.
Conklin, E. S.-458&
Coftklin, Gilbert.-68i.
Conklin, Simeon.-719.
Conkling, W. E.-233.
Coolidge, H. H.-12I, 123, 273.
Cooper, Alexander.-445.
Cooper, Benj.-i6o.
Corey, 136.
Coulter, John F.-443.
Coulter, William H.-636.
Counties.' Erection of.-9i.
County Normal.-223, 224, 232.
County Offlcers.-390-393.
County Seat, Location of.-98 et seq.; io8,
129, 132, 142, 143, 144, 145.
Court House.-(See -County Seat.) 146,
147, 151, 187, 207-212.
Court House Company.-I47, 207, 208.
Courts, Established.-93; county, 93; Circuit, 93; 207, 271, 279.
Craine, Orlando.-I54.
Crawford, George.-45.
Crego, H. A. —678.
Criswell, M. H.-265, 509.
Crosby, Nelson J. —646.
Curry, Joseph Q.-460.
Curtis, C. J.-263.
Curtis, jotham.-96, I16.Curtis, Solomon.-707.
Cushing Corners.-139.
Cushing, Dexter.-I39, 687.
Cushing, William.-I39.
Customs, EarlY.-334 et seq.
Dailey.-I28, 129.
Dana, CharleS.-272.
Davis, Alex.-134.
Davis, C. A. —6.
Davis, C. E.-267.
Davis, H. C.-526.
Davis, Job.-133, i86.
Denike, G. H.-624.
Denman, H. B.-195.
Dennis, Cassius M.-439.
DentiStS.-268.
Des Voignes, L. B.-278, 294, 769.
Dewey, Burgette L.-i6i, 332, 712.
Diamond Lake.-2, 8, 39, 49, 98, 103, 129,
140.
Diamond Lake Park.-14o.
Disbrow, Henry. —99.
Disciples Churches.-383, 384.




INDEX


ix


Distillery.-i83, 184; et passim; 187.
Doane, William   H-u.I3.
Donnell's Lake.-13.
Dool, Robert.-5i6.
Dowagiac.-97, 132, I5L; 154-i62; I77,
I88, I89 et seq.; 231 et seq.: 245,
375, 400, 401, 404, 405, 406.
Dowagiac Creek.-io, II, 132, 134, 154.
Dowagiac Manufacturing Co.-i6i, i88,
192, I93.
Dowagiac Swamnp.-io.
Drainage.-2, 7, 8; 9-I0; commissioners, 9.
Drift, Covering Cass Co.-3; distribution
o f, 5.
Driskel, Daniel..-iI7.
Dunn, Frank.-136, 465.
Eagle Lake.-I4I.
East, Settlement.-iI12; family, I 12.
Easton, Edd W.-669.
Easton, W. W.-266.
Eby, Daniel.-765.
Eby, Gabriel.-I27, 620.
Eby, Peter.-537.
Eby, Ulysses S.-279, 536.
Eby, William.-I27.
Edtication.-(See Schools.) 120, 2I5-243,
295.
Edwards, Alexander H.-I2I.
Edwards, J. R.29
Edwards, Lewis.-44.
Edwards, Thomas H.-46, 49, 121.
Edwardsburg.-45, 120, 121, 122, 143, 151,
i67, 169, 170, I72, 184, 196, 237, 258.
374, 378, 380, 381, 382.
Electric Railroads.-I77.
Elevation of Surface.-4.
Emerson, J. Fred.-588.
Emmons, George.-438.
Emmons, James M.-56i.
Engle, Frank.-573.
Erie Canal.-54, 121.
Evangelical Churches.-387.
Factories.-I87 et seq. (See Mills, Manufacturing.)
Fairs.-2o5, 206.
Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Co.-I97.
Farming. (See Agriculture.)
Farr, Willis M.-i6i, I94, 332, 724.
Fields, George M.-279, 629.
Fiero, Byron.-577.
Fiero, John P.-I87, 710.
Finance.-i94-197.
Fish, A. M.-758.
Fish Lake.-14I.
Flax.-i8x.
Fletcher, Don A.-542.
Follett, Henry.-258.
Forest Hall Park.-i4o.
Fosdick, John.-95; George, 131.
Fowle, Charles.-193.
Fowler, H. H.-9o8, 129, 130, 143, 257.


Frakes, Joseph.-48.
Fraternal Orders.-123', 348.
French, D. L.-I53.
Freuch, Explorers.-37.
French, Henry J.-585.
Friends, Settlement.-48; societies, 385,
386.
Fr'iost of 1835-103.
Frost, William M.-7i6.
Fruit Cuilture.-203.
Fulton, Alex. and David.-i38.
Funk, C. H.-654.
Gage, John S.-i9o.
Gage, JUStulS.-205.
Gard, Edgar J.-484.
Gard, George W.-2o6, 210, 513.
Gard, 1. N.-2o6.
Gard, Jonathan.-5r, 206.
Gard, Josephuts.-95.
(Gard, M. J.-2o6.
Gard's Prairie.-52.
Gardner, A. B.-i9i.
Gardner, S. C.-ii6.
Garrett, H ugh P.-048.
Garver.-46.
Garvey, M. T.-I29, 159.
Garwood, AlOnIzo.-26o.
Garwood, Benjamin 1-535.
Garwood, Levi.-I28, 137.
Garwood, William K]-4-25.
Gas.-13, I58.
Geneva Village.-98, 129, 143, 184, 257.
Gibson, J. E.-2io et seq.
Gilbert, Eugene B.-738.
Gilbert, Samuel H. —6or.
Glaciers, Action of.-2 et seq.
Glenwood.-139.
Glover, L. H.-279, 781.
Goble, Elijah.-51, 138, 337.
Goff, Frederick.-i 17.
Goodwin, Fairfield.-265.
Goodwin Hotise.-I45.
Graduates, from SchoolS.-224, 229, 230,
234, 240, 242.
Graham, Sidney J. —6i8.
Grain, Planting and Harvesting.-2oi, 202,
203.
Grand Army PoStS.-329, 330, 331, 332.
Grand Trunk R. R.-2; 7, I2-2, 130, 136,
137, I152, 176, 177.
Grange, The.-204, 205.
Griffin, Robert S5-262.
Grindstone, First inl COutltY.-47.
Grubb, Pleasant.-128.
Hadden, George M.-587.
Hadden, M. 0-751 -Hadden, Samuel B.-541.
Haight, Joseph.-I17.
Hale, William H. C.-2I5 et seq.; 642.
Halligan, Raymond S-572.
Hamilton, Patrick.-155, 156.




x


INDEX


Hampton, Thaddeus.-i39;    stock f arm,
'39.
Hannan, Peter.-727.
Hardy, Alonzo J. —685.
Hardy, George W.-48i.
Harmon, Charles 0.-280., 294, 515. John
B.,:280.
Harper, Joseph.-I48, 207, 562.
Harrington, S. S.-153.
Harris Line.-28.
Harter,' Joseph.-'Ii13.
Hartman, Kleckner W.-456.
Hartsell, Frank L-744.
Harvey, Dan M.-58i.
Hatch, Junius H.-134.
Hatch, Oliver W.-26i.
Hayden, Asa K.-28i.
Hayden, B. W.-435.
Hayden, James G. —664.
Hayden, W. B.-i53.
Hawks, Samuel.-29i.
Henderson, Ira B.-149.
Hendricks, Line.-32.
Hendryx, COY W.-774, 280.
Herald, The.-254.
Herkinmer, George R.-266.
Hess, Joseph.-628.
Hicks, Henry B.-517.
Hicks, Orren V., 478.
Higgins, Cornelius. —96.
Higgins, Thomas T.-4o9.
High Schools.-222, 229, 234.
Highland Beach.-I4I.
Hinkley, Rodney.-48.
Hirons, Edward.-123.
Hirsh, Jacob.-i6o.
Hitchcox, jameS.-I26.
Holland, Marion.-265.
Hollister, Noel B.-i59, i6o, 273.
Hopkins, David.-138, 207.
Hopkins, W. D.-i89.
Hotels. (See Taverns.)
Household Utensils.-i&i et seq.;   see
Houses.
Houses, Pioneer.-42, 43, 104, 105, 114,
i8i et seq.
Howard Township.-I2, 95, 113, II4, 223,
337, 399.
Howard, William G.-276.
Howardville.-I3I.
Howell, David M.-I95, 25I; M. L., 195
280.
Howser, S. M.-447.
Hoyt, W. F.-i93.
Huff, John.-486.
Huff, Otis. —699.
Hughes, G. A.-266.
Hunter, George W.-7o3.
Huntley, G. G.-9.
Hutchings, Nelson A.-468.
Hux, Chris A.-196, 66o.
Ice and Water, Influence on Surface.-2.


Immigration, Sources of.-53, 54; directionl Of, 94, 103.
Indians.-14-2I; school, i8;   in  Silver
Creek, 2o; 102, 103; 284-287; 372
Indian Trails.-8, 102, 163, 164, i65.
Industries.-i8o-197.  (See Manufacturing, iMVills.)
Jail.-146, 147, 212, 213.
James, Isaac P.-13o; Parker, 130.
Jamestown.-7, 130, 177, i84.
Jarvis, Frank P.-775.
Jarvis, William.-7o5.
J arvis, Zadok.-64o.
Jefferson Township-2,4,95      1; early
settlers, III; 223, 398.
Jenkins, Baldwin —4i, 42, 43.
Jewell, Elbridge. —6io.
Jewell, Hiiram.-io8; family, i4:2, 144.
Johnson, Joseph H.-534.
Johnson, Olliver.-i42, 145.
Jones, E. H.-I36.
Jones, George D.-48, i6o, 694.
Jones, George W.-137, 412.
Jones, Gilman C.-i59, i6i.
Jones, Henry.-2o7.
Jones, Horace.-i6i.
Jones, J. H.-266.
Jones, Nathall-529.
Jones, Village.-I36, 265.
Jones, Warner D.-453.
Judd, Mark.-i6i, 663.
judges, Lists of.-39o.
Kelsey, Abner.-I29.
Kelsey, Win. J.-26i; J. H., 26i, 266.
Kentucky Raid.-iii, I1212289.
Kessington.-I25.
Kester, Clinton L.-459.
Ketcham, Clyde W.-280, 332, 7i8.
Ketcham, W. J.-266.
Kimmerle, Catherine.-io8.
Kimmerle, Charles H.-2o8, 212, 432.
Kimmerle, Henry.-778.
Kingsbury, Allen M. —643.
Kingsbury, Asa.-I31, 146, I47, 148, 194,
195, 207, 21I3, 644.
Kingsbury, Charles.-i94.
Kingsbury, David L.-I95, 452.
Kingsbury, George M.-153, 209, 551.
Kinnane, James H.-28i, 743.
Kirby, W. R.-485.
Kirk, William.-42, 113.
Knapp, Amos. —I92, 702.
Kyle, Joseph C.-422.
L'Allegro 'Cluh.-343.
La Grange Prairie.-i i, 12, 46.
La Grange Township.-II, 46 et seq.; 94,
107, Io8, 175, i86, 223, 375, 397.
La Grange Village.-13I, I32, I33, 134,
'54.
Lake -Alone.-131.




INDEX


xi


Lake, J. M.-42I.
Lake View Park.-141.
Lakes.-5, 6; Lilly lake, 7; 136;
Land Sales.-io6.
Lawrence, Levi'.-I09, 138.
Lawrence, L. L.-734.
Lawson, William.-291; Cornelit
Law yers.-270-283.
Leach, James H., 418.
Lee Brothers.-i96.
Lee, Fred E.-i9i, i96.
Lee, Joseph W.-io9.
Letters.-I78.
Lewis, El. F.-498.
Lewis, Roland.-762.
LibrarieS.-244-247.
Lilley, Thomas J.-532.
Lincoln, Samuel J.-544.
Lindsley, John A.-i6i, 726.
Link, Donald A.-267, 770.
Little Prairie Ronde.-7, II, 19,
office, 138.
Little Rocky River.-io.
Lo~ckwood, Henry.-258.
Lofland, Joshua.-I59, 213.
Longsduff, George.-488.
Longsduiff, John.-632.
Loupce, John. —.6o3.
Loux, Abraham.-47.
Loveridge, Henry L.-463.
Lumber.-I2, i6i. (See under Mv
ufacturing.)
Lutheran Church.-387.
Lybrookjohn.-47; Isaac, 47;
'59.
Lybrook, Joseph.-428.
Lyle, C. M.-28I.
Lyle, Daniel.-133, 195, i96.
Lyle, F. W.-193, i96; C. E., i9,
Madrey, J. W.-291.
Magician Beach.-141.
Magician Lake.-i4o, 14I.
Manufacturing.-( See Mills.)
134, i6i, i8o-T94.
Maple Island Resort.-I41.
Marcellus Township.-io, 97,
223, 394.
Marcellus Village.-137, 138, 239
406, 407.
Marckle, John..-492.
Markham, Israel.-41, 184.
MVarl Beds.-13; lime, 13.
Marsh, A. C.-I2I.
Mason, Governor.-33, 100.
Mason Township.-96, 115, 223,
Masons.-348.
Mater, John.-683.
Matthew Artis Post.-293.
May, Russel D.-440.
McAllister, James.-418.


Al\cCleary, Fphraim l-I42, 145
McCleary, Williari -48.
139.       McCoy, C. Delivan.-426.
McCoy, Isaac.-i6, 17.
McCoy, Richard-431.
iMcCoy, William H -43i.
LUS, 293.    Mctutcheon, Williaill C.-266, 268, 647.
McDaniel, Jnimes.-96, I15, i i6.
M\cGill, William i.6i2.
M~clIntosh, Daniel.-187.
McvIcntosh, Jacoh.-548.
McIntyre, Fred.-45I.
McKenney, '1l-homas.-47.
XI\'cKessick. MoseS.-125.
McKinney's Prairie.-i i.
McMaster, Hamilton S.-266, 713.
McNeil, Mlarion.-6I7.
McOmher, Jay W.-156.
1\'eacham, George.-45, 110; Sylvester, 45.
Mechanicsbnrg.-I34.
Mechling, John W.-591.
51; post-  Medical Society, Cass CoUlnty.-268.
Medicine and Surgery.-257-269.
Merchants.-46, 155;    in Edwardshurg,
123; of Marcellus, I38; Cassopolis, I48 et seq. (See under village
names); 159.
Merritt, Win. R.-127; J. Fred., 128.
Methodism.-'i14, 132; churches, 373-378.
Michigan Central R. R.-122, 132, 138, 139,
[ills, Man-  Michigan Southern R. R.-174, et passim.
Michigan Territory.-27; history to admission to Union, 22-36.
Henley C.,  Military Annals.-I03.
Military Organizatiois.-329-333.
Military Reco-rds.-297-328.
Miller, Ezra.-io9.
Miller, George.-276.
13.         Miller, 0. P.-645.
Mills.-At Carey Mission, i8; 105, iio;
113, 115, 122, I24, 128, I29, 130, 133,
134, 135, 137, 154, I83 et seq.
Milton Township.-12, 97, I114, 223, 376,
121, 133,        400.
Minnich, James J.-568.
Mint Cuilture.-203 -17   I7,Model City.-139.
''    Monday Evening Club.-346.
2025,Monroe L-and Office.-io6.
I, 20, 54, Moon, Abner M.-154, 159, 253, 254, 695.
Moraines.-4; Lake Michigan moraine, 4,
II.
Moreland. Jacob.-138.
Morgan, C. A.-267.
Morse, C. W.-263.
Mosher, Francis J.-16o; Ira D., i6o.
397.       Mo-sher, H. L.-i91.
Motley, Edward T.-576.
Myers, C. M.-267.




National Demnocrat.-251.
Negro, Colony.-287-296.




x(ii


INDEX


Nelson.' C. Carroll.-294, 6o8.
Newberg Township.-io, 97, 107, ii6, 117,
223, 394.
Newberg Village.-136.
New Buffalo.-174.
New Century Club.-345.
Newell House.-io6, 146, I49.
News, The.-:254,
Newspapers.-249-256.
Newton, James..-i09; George, l09.
Nichols, Jonathan.-i38.
Nicholson, Spencer.-I36.
Nicholsville.-139.
Niles.-42; see Carey Mission; 103, I22,
174, 249.
Nineteenth Century Club.-340.
Northwest Territory.-23 et seq.
Norton, Levi D.-1l2.
Norton, Nathan.-49.
Norton, Pleasant.-ill, 213.
Oak Beach.-141.
Odd Fellows.-348.
O'Dell, James.-1-85, 393.
O'Dell, John. —6o4.
Official Lists, County, Township, Village
Officers.-389-4o9.
O'Keefe, George -A. —99.
"Old Fort."'-146, 208
Olds, May A.-466.
Olmsted, J. C.'27 380, 381, 38:2.
Ontwa TownshiP.-45 et seq.; 94, 107, io8,
223, 398.
Ordinance Line.-24, 27.
Ordinance of I787-:23 et seq.
Organic Act. —92.
Organization, History of. —g et seq.
O'Rourke, Jerry.-766.
Osborn, Family.-iI2; Charles, 112; JOsiah, 112, 289.
Osborr', Leander.-264.
Ouderkirk, Charles. —623.
Pardee, Elias.-737.
Parker, John.-149.
Parker, W. E.-267.
Parsons, William E.-495.
Pattison, Laurence -B.-733.
Peninsula   R.  R.-I75.    (See  Grand
Trunk.)
Penn Township.-48 et seq.; 94, 97, 1o8,:223, 38 —, 396.
Penn Village. (See Jamestown.)
Petticrew, John.-I34.
Pettigrew, John.-i86.
Phillips, H. H.-259, 266.
Phillips, John H.-56o.
PhysicianS.-257-269.
Pioneer Society.-212.
Pioneer Society, Cass CountY.-349-370;
officers, 349, 350; annual speakers,
350, 351; members record, 351-370.


Pioneers.-Alphabetical record Of, 53-90;
see Settlement; Homes of, 104 et
seq.; of Penn, io8; of Howard, 1 14;
of Silver Creek, 115; rnanufacturing, i8o et seq.; farming, 198 et
seq.; social customs, 334 et seq.
a tragedy, ii6; of Newb~erg, I17; Of
Marcellus, I117.
Planck, E. A.-265, 268, 622.
Plank Roads.-i69.
Pleasant Lake.-45.
Poe, Charles W.-474.
Pokagon, Chief.-i6, 19, 20, 4:2, 285, 372.
Pokagon Creek.-ii, 134.
Pokagon Prairie.-ii, 40, 44~, 184, 375.
Pokagon Township.-( See Pokagon Prairie.) 93, 107, 223, 399.
Pokagon Village.-I34, 135, 264.
Poor Farm, Cass County.-213, 214.
Population.-107, io8 et seq.; 122, I27,
129, 130, 134, 135, 136, 151, 157, 288;
Porter Township.-'50, 51, 95, 97, 107, 110,
i86, 223, 395.
Post Roads.-i65, i66.
Postal Service.-I78, 179.
Postoffices.-119, 120, (See Rural Free
Delivery); 126; 129, 130, 136, I37,
Pottawottomies.-14 et seq.; 42, 102, 115,
372.
Pound, Isaac S. —652.
Prairies.-5, 6, 7, II.
Presbyterian Churches.-38o-383.
Press, Cass County.-249-256.
Price, John.-48.
Prindle, C. P.-263.
Probate Judges.-390.
Products, Nattiral.-12.
Prosecuting Attorineys.-391.
Protestant Episcopal Church.-388.
Public Square.-129, 143, 145 et seq.
Putnam, Uzziel. Sr.-40 et seq.; 202; Ira,
44; IUzziel, Jr., 44.
Puterbaugh, William F.-630.
Quakers. —48.; 112, 287,,385, 386..
Railroads.-122, 132, T35, 151, 155, 167,
171 et seq.; electric lines, i77~; underground, 287.
Railroad Era.-1i7 et seq.
Read, S. T.-I76, I95.
Reames, Moses and William.-49; Moses,
95.
Redfield, Alex. H.-T43, 144 et seq.; 148,
149, 207, 212, 270, 271T.
Redfield. George H.-5o5.
Redfield's MillS.-T29.
Reed, John..-48, 49, 96.
Registers of Deeds.-392.
Religion.-37i et seq. (See Churches.)
Renniston, William.-io8. 154, 186, 193.
Representatives, State.-389.




INDEX


xiii


Republican, Tihe.-253.
Reshore, Frank.-281.
Re Shore, Grace.-24, 247.
Resorts. (See Suimmer Resorts.)
Reuich, Jonathan H.-639.
Reynolds, Levi J.-546.
Richardson, Norris.-731.
Rickert, Charles C.-420.
Rinehart, Carleton W.-590.
Rinehart, John.1-48.
Rinehart, S. M.-126, 127.
Ritter, Charles A.-i95, 625.
Ritter, John J.-I97, 735.
Roads.- (See uender Communication, Railroads.) 163. 164 et seq.
Robbins, George W.-472.
Robertson., Alexander.-426.
Robertson, George W.-472.
Rohertson, John.-264.
Robinson, C. S. —207
Rockwell, John D.-597.
Rodgers, Alexander.-45.
Roebeck, John L.-491.
Root, Eber.-146.
Rosewarne, Henry G.-720.
Ross, F. H.-673.
Ross, jasper J.-5158.
Round Oak Stove Works.-(See P. D.
Beckwith.)-i88, 190-192.
Rouse, Daniel G.-97.
Rowland, Thomas.-99.
Rudd, Barak L. —i4o, 633.
Rudd, Orson.-137.
Rural Free Delivery.-120, 125, 128, 132.
179, 204.
Russey, E. J.-650.
Sage. Chester.-45, 126.
Sage, Family.-124, 196; Moses, 124, 125,
i86: Martin G., Norman, 124.
Sailor.-(See Ke-ssington.)
Salisbury, William.-519.
Sandy Beach.-i4o.
School Funds.-222.
School1s -120, 132. (See uender names of
villages, 215-243.)  Cassopolis, 228 -231; Dowagiac, 231-237; Edwardsburg, 237-239; Vandalia, 24I-243,
Marcelluis, 239-241.
School Officers.-393; 224-227.
Senators.-389.
Settlement. Affected by Natural Conditions.-i; early, 37 et seq.; date of
first, 42; 102, i06; 107 et seq.
Shaffer, Daniel.-48.
Shaffer. David.-TI; Peter, 111; 187;
George T., TILI
Shakespeare.-T35.
Shanahan, Clifford.-273.
Shannon, Albert J.-482.
Sharp. Craigie.-139.
Shavehead.-Tg; trail, 164, i65.


Shaw, Darius.-148, 207.
'Shawv, james.-i14.
Slhaw,, John.-io0, 138.
Shiaw, Richiard.-io9.
Shepard, James, M.-252, 556.
SheriffS.-392.
Sherman, Elias B-135, I38, 143, 144 et
Slewseq.; I95, 271, 336.
ShrwOd. C. L.-159, i6o, 679.
Shields, i\Iartin.-48.
Shockley, Alfred.-5o7.
Shoeniakers, Pioneer.-182.
Shiore Acres.-13o.
Shugart, Zacliariahi.-289.
Shurte, Isaac.-47, 103.
Sibley, Col. E. 5.-98, 29q.
Silo PlantS.-203.
Silver Creek Township-II, 20, 96, 115.
223, 285, 377, 399.
Silver, Jacob and Abiel.-121; George F.,
123; Orrin, 124, 149; Jacob, 207,
336.
Skinner, Samutel F.-574.
Smith, Amos.-522.
Smith, A. J.-123, T31, 274.
Smith, Cannon.-iI4, 376.
Smith, Daniel.-704.
Smith, Ezekiel C.-I 14.
Smith, Ezekiel 5-159, 255, 272; Joel I-T.,
'59.
Smith, George W.-494.
Smrith, Harsen D.-195, 282, 657.
Smith, Hiram.-538.
Smith, Joseph.-T87, 208, 251.
Snyder, Robert.-436.
Social OrganizatiIOnls.-334-348.
Soil.-T2.
Soldiers' and Sailors' Mvonument Associationl-332, 333.
Soldiers of Cass County in Civil War.298-328.
Spaldinig, Erastus H.-T33, 154, 156, i6o,
193; Lynman, 154.
Spencer, James M.-275.
Spinning Wheel.-i8i.
Squatters' Unions.-107.
Stage Coaches.-121, 123, 126, 169, 170.
Standerline George.-470.
Standerline, William.-47T.
Stapleton. James 5.-261.
Stark, Myron.-T6T, T194, 741.
Starrett, Charles.-700.
State Officials, from Cass CouintY.-390.
Stebbins, E. 5.-264.
Stewart, H-art L.-g)8, 129, 143; A. C., 129..
St. Joseph Township.-91.
Stone LaIke.-99, T42,1 T45, 149, T52.
S~tretch. William H-. —626.
Suibscriptions, to RailroadS.-T75.
Suillivan. Tames-.-272.
Sumner, Tsaac.-T34.
Summer Resorts.-T39, 140, 141.




xiv


INDEX


Sumi-nerville.-43, 134.
Supervisors, Towvnship.-393-401.
Surveyors.-392.
Sweet, Charles E.-282, 753.
Sweetland, John B.-255, 262.
Swisher, John F.-659.
Talbot, John A.-276.
Talladay, Alamandel J.-524.
Taverns.-43, 46, 50, 115, ii6, I21, 123,
1261, 138, 146, 149, 156, 159, 337.
Travlor, Albon C.-682.
'laylor, Alexander.-4I4.
T'aylor, Clifford L.-430.
Traylor, James D.-264.
Teachcrs.-2i6; certificates, 219, 220, 223.
Telephones.-127, 179.
Territorial Road (see Chicago Road).i67.
Th'larp, Abner.-49, 50.
Thatcher, Nelson E.-528.
T'hickstun, David C.-638.
Thomnas, S. B.-152.
Thomas, Silas H.-578.
Thompson, Allison D.-502.
Thompson, Mlerritt A.-277.
Thompson., Squire.-44.
Thomson, Samuel C.-450.
TYhorp, A. L.-264.
Tibbits, Nathan and Williami.-126.
Tietsort, Abram.-b03, 142, 145, 150, 183.
I'lietsort's Sidetrack.-T39.
Times, The.-253, 254.
Tolbert, George H.-596.
Toledo War.-22, 33, 34, 35.
Tlompkins, U. D.-26o.
Toiiey, james.-ST.
TFopography.-i et seq.; striking features
of, 5.
Tlourists' ClUb.-34l.
TownV~senid, Abram.-41, 46, 202, 255;
Ephraim, 41; Gamnaliel. 44, 103.
T'Nlonship Officers.-393-401.
'Lownships, Fornlationl of.-93 et seq.
Zirades. (See Mlanutfactturing, Induistries,
etc. )
Transportation. (See uender Com-munication, Railroads.),
Treasuirers, COuty.-392.
Tribuine, The.-252.
iruitt, James ML-771.
Tlruiltt, Pcter.-97, 114.
Trtiitt Stationl.-177.
'Turner. George B.-39, 205, 251, 273.
Turner. Virgil.-777.
Tuittle, Wiliam.-192.
Undergrouind Railro~ad.-287 et seq.
Union.-125, 126, i65, 376.


Union Ho~tel.-I46.
United Brethren Churches.-387.
Universalist Church.-387.
Vail, Levi M.-i29.
Van Antwerp, Lewis C.-497.
Van Buren County, Attached to Cass.-94.
Vandalia.-8, 49, 130, 131, I8', 241, 242,
408, 409.
Vail Riper, Abram, and SonS.-I33.
Van Riper, J. J.-276.
Venice.-i54.
Vigilant, The.-251, 252.
Volinia Farmers' Club.-205, 206.
'Volinia Township.-u, 19, 51, 52, 95, 103,
109, 223, 395.
Volinia Village.-138.
Volinia anid Wayne Anti-Horsethief Society.-2o,6.
Voorhis, C. E.-i-2, 434.
Wakelee.-T36, 137.
Walker, Henry C. —635.
War, Toledo.-22; Sac or Black HawNk,
102; Civil, 297-328; Spani-sh, 297.
W~arner, J. P.-13.
Washington, Booker 1.-292.
Water Works.-i_52, 189.
Watsoni, Jol1n H -779.
Wayne CO.-24. 25, 26. 91.
Wayne.1Town ship.-g6, 223, 397.
\Weesaw -19.
'Wells, C. P.-264:Wells, Henry B.-671.
Wells, Isaac, Sr.-696.
Wells, Leslie C.-423.
Wells, Willard.-748.
WVheeler. J. H.-264.
Whilte, Gilhert.-5,31.
White,, Miltonl P.-233, 267. 767.
X~lltC Pigeon Land Office.-io6.
Whitman, AMartin C.-98, 133.
Whit nianvi lv]le. —I33. (See La Grange Village.)
Wilber, Theodore F.-676.
Wiley, Rohert H.-763.
Williams, Josiah.-127.
Willianlsville.-I27, 128.
Witherell, Dutane.-,416.
Womeills ClUbS.-338-348.
Wooden, Zaccheus.-38.
Wooster, Jolin.-282.
Wright, Elijall W. —96.
\Vright, Job.-38-4o, 140, 334.
Wrigllt, William R.-47.
Young. John H.-496.
~'ounig's Prairie.-7, 374. 376.




16




T[


MAP of
CHpS cOUnTY
MICIIGANScalc: 4 Miles to I Inch




I


I.


1


-1


I


I                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Now
I —




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
CHAPTER I.
DESCRIPTION.
Cass county, topographically considered, is nmuch the same now
as before the first settlement. The three generations of white men have
cleared the forest coverings, have drained the swamps, have chanoged
some of the water courses; have overwhelmed the wilderness and converted the soil to areas productive of useful fruitage; have net-wo-rked
the country with higlhways and roads of steel; have qutarried beneath
the surface and clustered structures of brick and stone and w\ood into
hamlets and villages, and from  the other results of human activity
have quite transformed the superficial aspects of our county. But the
greater and more basal configurations of nature endure through all
the assaults of human energy. The eternal hills still stand as the symbol of permanence and strength; the lake basins, though their water
area is becoming gradually reduced, still (lot the expanse of the county
to form the same charming contrast of sparkling waters and green forest and prairie which the original settlers looked upon. The slopes of
drainage, the varieties of soil, the general geology of Cass county continue with little change.
To describe the county as nature made it seems a fit introduction
to the history of man's occupation which forms the bulk of this volume.
The development of a people depends on environment in the first stages
at least, until the powers of civilization assert their sway over the inertia of nature.  Succeeding pages prove this fact over and over and
indicate how natural conditions affected the settlement and growth of
the county.  The conspicuous natural features of the county, both as
related to the pioneer settlement and as they can be noted now, deserve
description. Nature is not only useful but beautiful, and both attributes
are known and valued in any proper history of a county and its people.
It is not an impertinent query why the surface configuration of
the county is as it is. Why the county is traversed, roughly in the di



2


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


rection of the Grand Trunk R. R. line, by the well defined range of hills
constituting the axis of drainage for all the surface water of the county,
so that the overflow from Diamond lake passes south, while the waters
collected two miles west of the county seat flow west into Dowagiac
creek? Also, what is the origin of the many lakes on the surface of the
county?  Why were the hills piled up in such irregular confusion in
some places, and in others the surface becomes almost a level plain?
Whence come the rounded boulders of granite which are found everywhere, yet quite detached from any original matrix rock, as though
strewn about in some Titan conflict of ages past?  These and many
other questions come to the mind of one who travels over the county,
endeavoring, with the help of modern science, to
"Find tongues in trees, books in running brooks,
Sermons in stones, and good in everything."
The key to the understanding of Cass county's topography is found
in the action of ice an(l water during the glacial age. The surface of
all the region about the Great Lakes is radically different from what
it was when this part of the continent first rose from the sea and became a habitable portion of the earth's crust.  Perhaps thousands of
years passed after the sea separated from the land and many forms of
vegetable and animal life flourished on the soil.  Then came the ice
age. A period of intense cold, with the intermittent warm seasons so
brief that the rigors of winter were never entirely relaxed, covered all
the north temperate zone with an ocean of ice and snow, which, radiating from a probable center near Hudson's bay, extended its glacial
flow southward as far as the Ohio and Missouri rivers, which spread
like embracing arms around the southern borders of the ice area. Geologists have estimated the thickness of these ice fields to vary from a few
hundred to thousands of feet, in some places a mass of glaciated material
over a mile high.
Had these great ice areas been stationary, they would have had
little effect in reconstructing the earth's surface.  But the mass was
characterized 'by a ponderouis, irresistible motion, sometimes but a few
feet in a yeari and now advancipng    a again retreating; tbut prolonged
over an era of years such as human minds can hardly conceive, its effect.-? ~.  *.....
was more tremendous in the aggregate than those of any natural phenOmena observable in historic times, strpassiig. even the earthquake
and volcano.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


3


As tie ice sheet passed over the surface, clown the mountain valleys and over the plains, individual glaciers uniting with others or frolm
elevation or depression being cast upon or under a larger sheet, everywhere the motion of the mass being marked by terrific rending, ploughing and friction, it was inevitable that the earth's surface would lbe
greatly changed. The ice mass acted in some places as a mighty broom.
sweeping the loose material down to the bare rock and carrying tlhe
mingled soil and broken rock buried in the ice. Again it plowed up and
moved away entire hills. And the friction of such a mass through the
ages of its movement wore off even the hardest rock and bore the resulting sand and boulders to remote distances. Thus it came about that
the ice sheet had not moved far from its source before it becanle a carrier of a vast weight of rock and soil material transported on tile surface. embedded in the center.and rolled and lpshed along underneath.
As mentioned, the motion of the ice fields was not constant. Eventually its southern extremes reached as far south as indicate(l, bult tlhere
were many stages of advance and retreat, and it seems that at one pleriod the ice was driven far back to the north and then came south again,
so that for a portion of the United States there were two periods of
glaciation, separated by an interval wihen the ice siege was raised.
While the ice field was advancing it was continually receiving new
accessions of solid material in the manners described above. But when
the cold relaxed to the point where melting was greater than freezing,
the edge of the field, decaying under the heat, began to retire. As soon
as the ice relaxed its grasp, the imbedded and surface load of solid material was dropped and deposited in irregular heaps, according as the
mass carried was great or small.
This material gathered by the glacier in its progress and dleposited
in its retreat is the "drift" which throughout Cass county covers the
original surface to varying depths,, and from which the "soil' of the
county has been formed. The.composition of this drift is readily recognized by any observer. Varying in thickness throughout the southern half of the state from a few feet to several hundred feet, in the case
of a well bored at Dowagiac a few years,ago the drill having to penetrate 202 feet of drift before reaching the, regular strata. of slate and
shale, this mass of,sand, gravel, clay, with large. bqulders of granite, is
the material from which all the superficial area and.surfape 9gfiguration
of -the county have been. derived.Ii?tJcNrt,,.tqds,,-t;I f-.$  an
villages..of. Cass county rest atopRa acg.;t{..,a "NSA,?Yhic h.M4)en




4


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


ground and pulverized and heaped together by the action of ice and water ages before Columbus discovered America.
Whenever the edge of the ice field remained stationary, because the
advance of the glacier was offset by the melting away of the forward end,
there resulted a deposit of glacial material heaped together along the
entire border of the ice and much greater in bulk and height than the
drift left behind when the field was steadily withdrawing. These ridges
of drift, brought about by a pause in the retreat of the ice mass, are
called "moraines."
Cass county is crossed by one of the longest and best defined of
these moraines.  The ice fields which covered the lower peninsula of
Michigan had three distinct divisions, considered with respect to the
source and direction of the movement. The Lake Michigan glacier,
whose north and south axis centered in Lake Michigan, was the western of these fields or glacial "lobes."  On the east was the "Maumee
glacier," advancing from the northeast across Lakes Huron and Erie,
the western edge of which has been traced in Hillsdale county.  Between these two the "Saginaw glacier" protruded itself from Saginaw
bay, and its southern advance is marked by a "frontal moraine" extending east from Cassopolis through south St. Joseph and Branch counties to a junction in Hillsdale county with the Maumee glacier. The
moraine of the Lake Michigan glacier, marking the final pause of the
ice before it withdrew from this region, is a clearly defined ridge circling
around Lake Michigan, at varying distances from the present shore of
the lake, being from 15 to 20 miles distant on the south, with Valparaiso, Ind., lying upon it. It passes into Michigan in the southeast corner of Berrien county, being observable from the railroad train west of
Niles as far as Dayton. Thence it passes obliquely across Cass countyCassopolis lying upn' it-and crosses northwestern Kalamazoo county.
Valparaiso is 1oo feet above the level of Lake Michigan; La Porte, 234
feet; and as the moraine enters Michigan it rises somewhat and correspondingly develops strength. Passing over the low swell in southwest
Michigan, it is depressed somewhat in crossing the low belt of country
which stretches from  Saginaw bay to Lake Michigan, its base being
less than Ioo feet above these bodies o!f water.
From the south line of Michigan the moraine is more sandy than
the corresponding arm on the opposite side of the lake, is less sharply
and characteristically developed, more indefinitely graduated into the
adjacent drift, and more extensively flanked by drifts of assorted material.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNT 1Y


5


The superficial aspect of the formation, as olservable in Cass county,
is that of an irregular, intricate series of drift ridges and hills of rapidly but often very gracefully undulating contour, collsisting of roundedl
domes, conical peaks, wiinding ridges, short, sharp spurs, mounll(ls, lknolls
and hulmmocks, promiscuously arranged. The elevations ar-e acclompanied by corresponding (lepressions. These are variously know\n as "lxtash kettles," "pot holes," "pots and kettles," an( "silnks."  Tllose tlhat
have most arrested popular attention are circular in outline and sylmmlcetrical in form, not unlike the homely utensils that have given thein niames.
It is not to be undlerstood that the deposits from the glaciers remained where or in the form in which they were left 1b the wxithdrawing
ice.  From  the margin of the ice flowed great vollumes of water, in
broad, rapid rivers rushing from  beneath the glacier, and( in dasling.
powerful cataracts plunging from lthe surface to the drift lelow. Tlie
power of this flowing water in redistributing the loose drift may he
comprehended by comparing its action with a spring freshet in the rivers
of today, although the forest and vegetati(m that now cover the soil
serve as a protection against the floods, so that the glacial waters were
many times more effective in their violence. The glacial streamls. lilerated from  their confined channels under the ice, tosse(l and scattered
and re-collected the deposited drift with the same effect tlat a stream
from a garden hose will dissipate the dry dust in the road. The water's
power was sufficient to gutter out deep valleys and surround them with
high hills of dislodged material. In other places, flowing witll broader
current, it leveled the drift into plains and wrought out the so-called
"prairies" which are so conspicuous a feature of the county's topography. Not alone while the ice fields were here, but for a long period
afterwarl, the surface of the county was wrought upon by the inundation and flow of water. In fact, the numerous lakes are but the (listant
echoes, as it were, of the glacial age, indicating in whispers the time
when the dominion of water was complete over all this country. When
the ice departed and the water gradually passed off by drainage and
evaporation, the drift ridges, the Ararats of this region, naturally appeared first, and the subsidence of water then brought the rest of the surface successively to view. But the depressions and basins, hollowed out
by the ice and water, remained as lakes even into our times, although these bodies of water are but insignificant in comparison with
their former size, and most of them are slowly decreasing in depth and
area, even without the efforts of artificial drainage. Since the settlement




6


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


of white men in the county many of the small lakes have "dried up,"
and their bottoms are now plowed over and their rich "muck" soil produces the heaviest of crops.
Describing the lakes of the Lower Peninsula, Prof. C. A. Davis
says: "The small lakes, particularly those of the Lower Peninsula, are
commonly depressions in the drift, shallow and not of large extent, frequently partially filled in around the margin with the remains of former
generations of plants, so that many of the typical features of the lakes
of hilly or mountainous regions are partly suppressed or entirely wanting. These lakes belong to recent geological time, and this undoubtedly
accounts for some of their peculiarities. By far the larger number of
them exhibit the following features:  A small sheet of water, roughly
elliptical in shape, bordered by marshy areas of varying width, or on
two or more sides by low, abruptly sloping, sandy or gravelly hills. The
marshy tract is frequently wider on the south than on the north side,
and its character varies from a quaking bog at the inner margin, through
a sphagnous zone into a marsh. In the larger lakes the marshy border
may not extend entirely around the margin, but it is usually noticeable
along the south shore, where it may be of considerable extent while the
rest of the shore is entirely without it." This description may be verified in an examination of any of the lakes of this county.
The hills and morainal ridges approach most nearly the composition
and form in which the drift was deposited from the retreating glaciers.
Here we see the least sorting of materials, the boulders being indiscriminately nrixed with the finer sand and gravel. Hence the soil of the hills
is generally lighter and less varied in its productiveness than the lower
areas.
Those portions of the surface which were long inundated by the
post-glacial waters naturally were subjected to many changes.  The
rough contour was worn off by the action of the water, and the bottoms
of former vast lake areas became smoothed down so that when the water finally drained off they appeared as the "prairies" of today. Furthermore, the water performed a sifting process, the constant wash causing
the larger rocks to settle on the lowest level'and the sand and clay, as
lighter material, to remain on the surface." In some cases, where the
water remained sufficiently long, decomposition of vegetable and or-i
ganic matter resulted in the formation of mtck- as seen in the lakes
today-which mingled with the other niaterials to form the rich loam
soil that can be found in some of the prairies




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


7


Thus, all the prairies-Beardsley's prairie, Young's prairie, Baldwin's prairie, Little Prairie Ronde, and the numerous others that became the favorite sites for settlement in this county-were at one time
covered with water, the action of which effected many of the features
which characterize these level or gently undulating areas.
From the prairie levels the waters, in their retreat, were collected in
the yet lower depressions which are now the lakes of Cass county. Sometimes the glacial ridges were piled up so as to completely surround these
depressions, resulting in the ponds and sinks above described, and which
could not be drained by artificial outlet except at such expense as to be
impractical.
Drainage, both natural and artificial, has been a matter of foremost
importance from  early settlement to the present time.  The )presence
of so many lakes on the surface of the county indicates tlat natural
drainage is defective. The glacial waters were drained off so gradually
that they did not cut deep channels for their outlet, but must have flo\vwed
off in broad, shallow courses, which gradually narrowed down to a
stream little larger than a brook. Jus t east of the village of Jamestown,
to mention a case in point, the road crosses two little water courses that
later contribute their waters to the Christiann. The actual channels are
mere brooks, but each is at the center of a uniform depression. some
rods in breadth, which was clearly the bed of a once large but sluggish
river. The writer has observed but one of these old water courses vwhich
indicate that the current was swift enough to "cut" the banks. At the
north end of Lilly lake in Newberg township is a "narrows," through
which the waters of the once larger lake extended north into what is
now a recently drained and swampy flat. On the west side of this "narrows" the bank juts sharply down to the former lake bottom, indicating
that the subsidence of the water caused a current through the neck sufficient to cut the bank at a sharp angle.
As already mentioned, the glacial ridge, roughly paralleled by the
Grand Trunk Railroad, is the watershed separating the county into two
drainage divisions.  Eventually all the surface waters of the county
find their way into the St. Joseph river. But, recognizing the line of
division just mentioned, the drainage of the south and eastern half is
effected by two general outlets, and of the north and( west half by one.
Christiann creek, which reaches the St. Joseph at Elkhart, receives
the drainage, in whole or part, of Ontwa, Mason, Jefferson, Calvin, Penn
and Newberg townships. Its extreme sources may be traced to Mud and




8


HISTORY OF ('-ASS COUNTY


W\ildcat lakes in north Penn. Several of the lakes in southwest Newberg drain into this creek, and the surplus waters from the Diamond
lake basin pass into the little branch that extends from the lake's southern extremity, through Brownsville, to a junction with the Christiann.
\ little further south Christiann creek receives accessions to its placid
current from the "chain lakes' of Calvin, and fromn various small
tributaries in east Jefferson, and from the lakes of north Ontwa. From
the earliest perio(l of white settlement Christiann creek has furnished
sites for mills, one of the first in the county being at Vandalia, where the
water is still utilized for similar purposes, though its volume at this
point is small.
'o the student of nature, especially with reference to the physical
geography of this county, some of the facts derived from observations
of familiar scenes become as impressive as the grandeur and surpassing
wonders that lie a thousand miles away. Surely there is cause for contemplation and admiration in the knowledge that at one time the great
area roughly defined by the Christiann and its tributaries was under the
dominion of confused and dashing waters, under whose influence the
land surface was moulded and shaped anew, and that when it finally
emerged, water-worn, to the light of the sun its surface was the more
fit for the uses of man.  From total inundation the waters w ithdrew
by stages until they are now confined to the diminishing lakes and the
narrow streams.
The entire Christiann basin is, in turn, tributary to the St. Joseph
valley, whose irregular shore line is clearly and sometimes abruptly defined along the southern border of Cass county. The old Indian trail
and Chicago road often follows close on the edge of this river bluff,
inow descending to the old stream level and now winding along on the
heights.
We have described with some particularity the Christiann drainage area, because its features are quite typical of the other similar areas
in the county. And before speaking of these other drainage divisions,
it is necessary to state the part played by artificial drainage in the county.
The pioneers found many portions of the county unfit for cultivation and agricultural improvement.  Marsh hay was the only product
of value furnished by these areas, and to offset this the flats and marshes
were the breeding grounds of chills and fevers and for many years a
source of disease to all who lived here. Now these same places are the
sites of some of the most productive, valuable and healthful farmsteads




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY!f


in the county. Not alone the system of ditching, under individual and
county enterprise, has been responlsil)le for this. The clearing of the
timber tracts and undergrowth and the loosening and upturning of the
soil by the plow increased surface evaporation and sub-drainage, and1
these were the first inmportant agencies in removing the excess miisture
and making the land more habitalle as well as arable.
The first acts of the legislature with reference to drainage w\ere
passed in 1846. For ten years all the public drainage undertaken was under the direction of township authorities. In I857 the board of supervisors were given power to appoint three commissioners to construct
and maintain drains. This act was amended at different times. In 188I
it was provided that one drain commissioner might be appointed in
each county, to hold office two years, and in 1897 the office of dlrain
commissioner was formally established in each county, to be filled by
appointment of the board of supervisors for a term of two years, the
first full term dating from January, 1898. In consideration of the vast
benefit conferred upon the counties of Michigan by drainage works, it
is noteworthy that the laws and court decisions expressly affirm that
such construction and maintenance of drains can be undertaken only
on the ground that they are "conducive td the public health, convenience
and welfare." In other words, the increased value of lands and the benefits to private individuals are only incidental. The present incumbent
of the office is G. Gordon Huntley, and his predecessor in the office
was John Condon.
Public drains may now be found in all parts of the county. In
some places the digging of a ditch through a natural barrier and the
maintenance of a straight channel in place of a former tortuous and
sluggish outlet, has effected the complete drainage of a lake basin, thus
ending another dominion of the picturesque tamarack and marsh grass
and making room for waving grain fields. As a result of drainage
many of the lakes which the pioneers knew and which are designated
on the county maps in use today, are now quite dry and cultivable, and
in the course of another generation many more of these sheets of crystal water, reminiscent of geologic age and picturesque features of the
landscape, will disappear because inconsistent with practical utility and
the welfare of mankind.
Another important phase of the drainage work is the deepening
and straightening, by dredging, of the existing water courses.  Perhaps the most notable instance is in Silver Creek and Pokagon town



10


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


ships, where the sinuous Dowagiac creek, for considerable portions of
its course, has been removed, as it were, bodily from its former bed and
placed in a new straight channel, where its current hastens along at a
rate never attained by the old stream in times of freshet. By this means,
the water being confined to a narrow channel and not allowed to wander at its sluggish will over the ancient bed, as though unwilling to forget its former greatness, a large area of timber and swamp land has been
rendered available for productive purposes. By clearing of the forests
and by improvement of surface drainage, the "Dowagiac Swamp," so
fearful to the early settlers as the haunt of pestilence and long deemed
impossible of reclamation, has lost its evil reputation and is now not
only traversed by solid highways as successors to the old corduroy or
primitive "rail road," but is cut up into fertile and valuable farms.
Resuming the description of the remaining topographical divisions
of the county, we find that besides the Christiann basin a large portion of
Newberg and Marcellus townships sheds the surface water through the
outlets afforded by Little Rocky river and its branches, which pass east
to a junction with the St. Joseph in the county of the latter name. That
portion of the county that forms the barrier of separation between the
Christiann and the Little Rocky presents the most diverse and rugged
surface to be found in the county. The south part of Newberg township was at one time quite submerged, this conclusion being based on
the numerous lake basins and plains to be found there. But north from
Newberg town hall, which is situated on a delightfully level plain, where
the loamy soil itself indicates a different origin from that found in the
rougher areas, the level is abruptly broken and the road ascends to a
series of morainal hills and ridges, forming a fairly well defined group
spreading over sections 8, 9,, 5, 6 and 17. Among these is "Bald
Hill," between sections 9 and I6, conceded to be the highest elevation
not only of this group, but perhaps of the entire county. From these
hills of heaped up gravel, sand and clay, with corresponding deep and
irregular sinks and valleys,. prospects are afforded on all sides. To the
south the country appears to extend in level perspective until the horizon line is made by the hills in north Porter township. The view on the
east is not interrupted short of the east line of the county, though all
the intervening surface is extremely hilly and some of the most tortuous roads in the county' are, in east: Newberg; 'Northward from Bald
Hill the descent into the:.valley of: the Little Rocky is such that here is
seen, the most' impressive panorama in Cass county.: On a clear day,




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


11


when the timbered areas have lost their foliage, the houses of Marcellus
village, at the center of the next township, are visible.  Between are
the succession of woodland and cultivated fields, dotted with farmhouses and all the evidences of prosperous agriculture.  Some of the
landscape vistas that stretch away in every direction from the hills of
Newberg, not to mention the hills themselves, are worthy the labors of
a most critical painter.
As soon as the Lake Michigan moraine north and west of Cassopolis is crossed an entirely different drainage area is reached. Here
Dowagaic creek reaches out its numerous branches and increases its
current from the drainage of practically half the county. Fish lake, in
the northeast corner of the county, is the extreme source within the
county.  Thence the course lies westward through the Little Prairie
Ronde, which attracted the Gards and Huffs and other well known
early settlers to Volinia township. Further along, as the stream increased,
it afforded power for mills, which all along its course have been important factors in the industries of the county from the pioneer period.
WNandering on ill its course through Volinia and LaGrange, its drainage
area has been marked by alternate forest, flat marsh-land, and beautiful,
fertile prairies. Reaching northeast LaGrange, its valley expands into
the broad LaGrange prairie, which the succeeding pages will describe
as the site of one of the three earliest and largest Cass county settlements. The valley again contracting as it winds through the hills east
of Dowagiac, the stream passes into the series of marsh flats which
characterize the country surrounding Cass county's only city. As already mentioned, the country between the two forks of the Dowagaic,
comprising a large part of Silver Creek, as also of the adjoining townships, has been redeemed from the reign of swamp and water by man's
enterprise. The north branch of the Dowagiac, with its source in VanBuren county, is bordered by the flats of Wayne and Silver Creek, which
ditching and clearing are making some of the most productive land in
the county.
Between the south branch of the Dowagiac and Pokagon creek,
comprising much of the area of Pokagon and LaGrange townships, are
located several of the gently undulating, thinly timbered areas to which
the pioneers gave the name "prairies."  Of these, Pokagon prairie, by
its native fertility and beauty, first attracted the homeseekers from the
rendezvous at Catey Mission (Niles). Also, McKinney's prairie is a
geographical name often repeated in these pages, designating a' tract




12


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


about and including Sections 20 and 21 of LaGrange. LaGrange prairie
belongs to the same general description. All the area, included between
the central noraim:.al ridge and Dowagiac creek, was at one time, it must
be remembered, the bottom of the immense water basin which contained
the floods poured from tle edge of the retreating glacier as it withdrew
from the moraine, and the inundation which continued for a long time
effected lmany changes in the surface and the arrangement of (Irift
material.
The southw\est part of the county, much of it ridged and overspread with the moraine, presents a topography similar to. Newberg,
though not so rugged.  The numerous lakes and absence of any important streams, indicate the work of the ice fields in sculpturing the
surface of Howard, Jefferson and Milton townships. Here are some extensive flats which a complete system of drainage will in time make very
valuable from an agricultural point of view. Howard especially was
noted for its "oak openings," and the loose sandy soil and presence of
many gravel and boulder ridges militated against a very early occupation by settlers, although the same land has long since been found well
adapted to practical agriculture.
Generally speaking, the soil throughout the county, in consequence
of its origin in the composite glacial drift, is very deep and contains
all the chemical constituent elements of good soil. The character of the
soil depends upon the assortment of the drift material into clay, sand or
gravel beds, as one or the other of these layers happens to occupy the
surface position, or as they are mingled without regard to kind.
A few words may be said, in conclusion, relative to what may be
termed the "natural products" of Cass county. At the time of settlement
the greater part of the area was covered with forest growth in all its
primeval magnificence and wildness. The clearing of these timber areas
— for they are meager in comparison with their former area and mostly
of second growth trees —effected the greatest changes in the landscape,
as it has been modified under the influences of seventy-five years of civilization.  Pioneers recall the heavy forest growths among which their
first habitations were constructed. In those days no value was attached
to timber that would now be bought at almost fabulous prices for lumber.  Black walnut, measuring four or five feet in diameter, white,
black and red oak, hickory, elm and beech, were all ruthlessly cut down
and given prey to fire in order that space might be had for tillage. The
timber tracts now to be found in the county, though in some cases mag



hIISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


13


nificent features of the landscape, are restricted and hardly adequate as
a means by which the imagination can reconstruct the gloomy, intricate
forest depths through which the pioneer forced his way to his wilderness
home.
Of coal and mineral deposits, Cass county has none. Borings for
gas have not resulted successfully, although about twenty years ago a
company at Dowagiac sunk a drill over nineteen hundred feet below the
surface. From an early day the manufacture of brick has been carried
on, but brick kilns have been numerous everywhere and furnish no
special point of distinction.
The most important of nature's deposits are the marl beds. This
peculiar form of carbonate of lime, now the basis of Michigan's great
Portland cement industry, the total of the state's output being second
only to that of New Jersey, was known and used in this county from
an early day. The plaster used in the old court house was made of marl
lime. Many a cabin was chinked with this material, and there were
several kilns in an early day for the burning of marl. A state geological report states the existence of a large bed of marl at Donnell's lake
east of Vandalia, Sections 31 and 32 of Newberg, the marl in places
being over twenty-five feet in depth. Just north of Dowagiac, in the
lowlands of the old glacial valley is said to be a deposit of bog lime over
six hundred acres in extent and from eighteen to twenty-eight feet deep.
Harwood lake, on the St. Joseph county line, is, it is claimed, surrounded
by bog lime. About the lakes east of Edwardsburg are marl deposits
which were utilized for plaster from an early day. But as yet these
deposits have not been developed by the establishment of cement plants,
and that branch of manufacture is a matter to be described by a future
historian.




14


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


CHAPTER II.
ORIGINAL INHABITANTS.
It is asserted that whhen the first white men settled in Cass county,
they had as neighbors some four or five hundred Indians.  So that,
although we make the advent of the white man the starting point of our
history, yet for hundreds and perhaps thousands of years there has been
no break in the period when the region we now call Cass county has
served as the abode of human beings.
The lands which we now till, the country dotted over with our comfortable dwellings, the localities now occupied by our populous towns
and villages, were once the home of a people of a different genius, with
different dwellings, different arts, different burial customs, and different
ideas; but they were human beings, and the manner in which our interest
goes out to them, and the peculiar inexpressible feelings which come
to our hearts as we look back over the vista of ages and study the few
relics they have left, are proof of the universal brotherhood of man and
the universal fatherhood of God.
Almost all of the Indians living here at the coming of the white
settlers were lmembers of the Pottawottomie tribe. And they were the
successors of the powerful Miamis, who had occupied the tountry when
the French missionaries and explorers first made record of its inhabitants. This shifting 'of population had probably gone on for ages,
and many tribes, of varying degrees of barbarism, have in their time
occupied the soil of Cass county. The Pottawottomies were destined to
be the last actors on the scene, and with the entrance of the white man
they soon passed out forever.
But during the first three decades of the nineteenth century they
were the possessors of this region. The ascending smoke from the wigwam fires, the human voices by wood and stream, were theirs. They were
the children of nature. The men were hunters, fishers, trappers and warriors. Their braves were trained to the chase and to the battle. The
women cultivated the corn, tended the papooses and prepared the food.
And yet these people had attained to a degree of approximate civilization. Though they wrote no history, and published no poems, there




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


15


certainly were traditions among them, especially concerning the creation
of the world.  Though they erected no monuments, they had their
dwellings, wigwams though they were. Their civilization was not complicated, and yet they lived in villages, graphic accounts of which have
been given. In place of roads they had trails, some of them noted ones,
which will be described later. They communicated with each other in
writing by means of rude hieroglyphics. They had no schools, but their
young were thorouighly trained and hardened to perform the tduties expected of them.
The Indians had not carried agriculture to a high degree of perfection, but they turned up the sod and planted garden vegetables and
corn, of which latter they raised more than is generally supposed, though
the Women did most of the farm work. They were not given to commerce, but they bartered goods with settlers and took their furs to the
trading posts where they exchanged thein for the white man's products.
They made their own clothes, their canoes, their paddles, their bows and(
arrows, and other weapons of war, and wove bark baskets of sufficient
fineness to hold shelled corn. And another interesting fact concerning
them, they also understood how to make maple sugar. The sugar groves
of the county have given of their sweetness for more generations than
we know of.
Much of a specific nature has been written of the Indians of this
part of the country. much more than could be compressed within the space
of this volume.  We can only characterize them briefly.  That they
were in the main peacable is the testimony of all records. On the other
hand they were by-no means the "noble red men" which the idealism
of Cooper and Iongfellow has painted them. Historical facts and the
witness of those who have had the benefit of personal association with
these unfortunate people lead one to believe that the Indian, as compared
with our own ideals of life and conduct, was essentially and usually a
sordid, shiftless, unimaginative, vulgar and brutish creature, living from
lland to mouth, and with no progressive standards of morality and character. The Indians in this vicinity frequently came and camped around
the settlers, begging corn and squashes and giviig venison in return.
They supplemented this begging propensity by thieving-usually in a
petty degree-and it -is. said that they wotld steal any article they could
put.their hands;on and. escape observation.' A sharp watch' was 'kept on
their movements whenthey were known to be'in the neighborhood:'
The Indians with whonm the settlers of Cass county had'to deal had




16


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


been influenced more or less by coming in contact with Christianity. At
different times for a century French missionaries had penetrated this
region. Father Marest is one of the first known as having worked in
this field. The Pottawottomies yielded more readily than other tribes
to the teachings of the missionaries. They were deeply impressed by
the ritual of the Catholic church. The tenacity with which many of
the converts clung to the faith is a remarkable tribute to the power of
that church over a barbarous people. Old chief Pokagon, whose record
lias come down to us singularly free from the usual stains of Indian
weakness, was a lifelong adherent of the Catholic church, and he and his
people formed the nucleus and chief support of a church in Silver Creek
township.
The natives had been subject not only to the influences of Catholicism but to those of Protestantism. This brings us to the consideration
of one of the most remarkable institutions of a missionary character that
the middle west ever knew. Not only the work of religion but many
secular events and undertakings that concern the early history of northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan centered around the Baptist
mission among the Pottawottomies, which was founded near the site
of Niles in the year 1822. Here gathered the red men to receive religious and secular instruction. The councils between the government
authorities and the chief men of the tribe took place at the mission house.
This was the destination to which the settler from the east would direct
his course.  After resting and refitting at this point and counseling
with those who knew the country, the homeseekers would depart in different directions to locate their pioneer abode. Thus the Carey Mission,
as it was called, played a very conspicuous part in the history of this
region. It served to connect the old with the new. It was founded primarily for the benefit of the Indians, it served their spiritual and often
their physical needs, and its existence was no longer warranted after the
Indians had departed. But the Mission was also a buffer to soften the
impact of civilization upon the Indian regime. Its work in behalf of
the Indians and settlers alike pushed forward the process of civilization
and development. in this region some years before it otherwise would
have been attempted.
The name of Rev. Isaac McCoy has become fixed in history as
that of one of the most remarkable religious pioneers of the middle west.
His influence and fame, while centering around the Carey Mission which
he established, also spread to many parts of the west  Born in Pennsyl



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


17


vania in I784, he was taken by his parents to the wilderness of Kentucky
when six years old. There he met and married the gentle Christiana, a
daughter of Captain Polk, and as faithful co-workers they devoted their
efforts to a common cause. The people of Cass county have special'
reason to remember this pioneer missionary's wife, for her name is
borne by the stream that runs south from the center of the county to a
junction with the St. Joseph near Elkhart.  For a number of years
Rev. McCoy was pastor of a church in Indiana, and in 1817 was appointed a missionary and undertook his labors among the Indians of
the western states and territories.
The founding of the Carey Mission was, in the language of Judge
Nathaniel Bacon in an address delivered at Niles in I869, "the pioneer
step in the way of settlement. It was barely ten years since the massacre
at Chicago, and about the same time after the memorable battle at Tippecanoe, and the disastrous defeat of our army at Brownstown, when
this mission was established. Emigration had in a great measure stopped.
Very few dared to venture beyond the older settlements, until McCoy boldly entered into the heart of the Indian country, and began his mission
school among the Pottawottomies who dwelt on the river St. Joseph.
The fact was soon made known throughout Indiana and Ohio, and at
once adventurers began to prepare to follow the example of the missionary, who had led the way."
In the same address Judge Bacon quoted a report of mission made
by Major Long of the United States army in I823. It contained the
following description of the mission establishment: "The Carey Mission house is situated about one mile fron the river St. Joseph. The
establishment was erected by the Baptist Missionary Society in Washington, and is under the superintendence of the Rev. Mr. McCoy, a man
whom, from the reports we have heard of him, we should consider as
eminently qualified for the important trust committed to him.
"The spot was covered with a very dense forest seven months before the time we visited it, but by the great activity of the superintendent he has succeeded in the course of this short time in building six
good log houses, four of which afford comfortable residences for the inmates of the establishment; the fifth is used as a school room, and the
sixth forms a commodious blacksmith shop. In addition to this they have
cleared about fifty acres of land, which is nearly all enclosed by a substantial fence. Forty acres have already been plowed and planted with




18


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


maize, and every step has been taken to place the establishment on an
independent footing.
"The school consists of from forty to sixty children,and it is contemplated that it will soon be increased to one hundred. The plan adopted
appears to be a very judicious one; it is to unite a practical and intellectual education. The boys are instructed in the English languagereading, writing and arithmetic. They are made to attend to the usual
occupations of a farm, and perform every operation connected with it,
such as plowing, planting, harrowing, etc. In these pursuits they appear to take great delight. The system being well regulated, they find
time for everything.
"The girls receive the same instruction as the boys, and in addition
are taught spinning, knitting, weaving and sewing, both plain and ornamental.  They are also made to attend to the pursuits of the dairy,
such as milking cows, making butter, etc. All appear to be very happy,
and to make as rapid progress as white children of the same age would
make.   Their principal excellence rests in works of imitation.  They
write astonishingly well, and many display great natural taste for
drawing.
"The institution receives the countenance of the most respectable
among the Indians. There are in the school two of the great-grandchildren of To-pen-ne-bee, the great hereditary chief of the Pottawottomies.
The Indians visit the establishment occasionally and appear well pleased
with. it. They have a flock of one hundred sheep, and are daily expecting two hundred head of cattle."
From a later official report, made in I826, it appears that the mission "has become a familiar resort of the natives, and from the benefits derived from it in various shapes they begin to feel a dependence
on and resource in it at all times, and especially in difficult and trying
occasions. There are at present seventy scholars, in various stages of
improvement.   Two hundred and three acres are now enclosed by
fences, of which fifteen are in wheat, fifty in Indian corn, eight in potatoes and other vegetable products; the residue is appropriated to pasture.
"There have been added to the buildings since my last visit a
house and a most excellent grist mill, worked by horse power. The usefulness of this mill can scarcely be appreciated, as there is no other of
any kind within one hundred miles at least of this establishment, and
here as benevolence is the preponderating principle, all the surrounding
population is benefited." In fact, there were few, if any, of the' first




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


19


white settlers of the surrounding country who did not resort to the Mission mill to get their grist ground.
Thus the Indian occupants of the territory of Cass county had
been taught many of the arts of civilized life before the record of the
first white settlement in the county is recorded. This dependence on the
assistance of the white man, while it tended to ameliorate the naturally
hostile feelings between the races, at the same time subjected the settlers
to the burden of their improvident neighbors as long as they remained
in the county.
The Indians found in Cass county at the advent of the white settlers were in three bands. The chiefs of two of these-Pokagon and
Weesaw-were prominent characters, reputable and representative men
of their tribe, and the annals of the time contain frequent mention of
their names. According to the History of I882, Pokagon's band, numbering over two hundred, occupied originally the prairie in the western
part of the county which retains the chief's name. As the settlers came
in and appropriated the land, the Indians moved from place to place
in the county, the majority of them finally settling in Silver Creek township. Weesaw and his followers had their home in the northeast portion of the county, on Little Prairie Ronde, in Volinia township. The
third band of Cass county Indians had as their chief the notorious Shavehead-named so because he kept his hair closely cropped except a small
spot on top of his head and behind. He was a morose, troublesome and
renegade Indian, never became a party to any of the treaties between
the whites and Indians and viewed with sullen hostility every advance
of settlement.
But long before this time the Indians had formally relinquished their
claims to the region now occupied by Cass county. The Chicago treaty
of I82I provided for the cession to the United States of all the territory
lying west and north of the St. Joseph river claimed by the Pottawottomie Indians. By the later treaty of 1828 all the possessions of the
tribe within. the territory of Michigan were transferred to the government, with the exception of a reservation of forty-nine square miles in
Berrien county,.west of the St. Joseph and bordered by it.
In 1833, at Chicago, a treaty was drawn up by the three commissioners of the United States and the chiefs of the Pottawottomies, among
whom were Pokagon and Weesaw, by which it was provided that "All
the Indians residing on the said reservations (that in Berrien county
being the principal one) shall remove-therefrom within three years from




20


HISTORY OF CASS COIUNTY


this date, during which time they shall not be disturbed in their possession, nor in hunting upon the lands as heretofore. In the meantime no
interruption shall be offered to the survey and sale of the same by the
United States government."
Pokagon and his followers would not sign this treaty until they
were guaranteed exemption from the clause which concerned their removal. It was the cherished desire of Pokagon that his people should
remain in "the land of their fathers," and in accordance with this intention he began to enter land in Silver Creek township in I836, and in a
year or so, had about nine hundred acres entered in his name, although
others of the band had contributed money for its purchase. This was
the origin of the Indian settlement in Silver Creek township, which, as
it still continues, will be described elsewhere.
According to the treaty, the date of removal of the Indians from
their reservation was set for I836. When the time came the Indians
protested. There were many delays in executing the plan of the government. Agents were busy for some time in collecting a census of the
tribes. It was difficult to assemble the scattered bands preparatory to
their exile. Many escaped from the surveillance of the officers and took
to hiding until the exodus was accomplished. Some were assisted in
secreting themselves by the white settlers, who felt sympathy for them.
Such an emigration, imposed from without, must always excite commiseration.  History is full of similar instances, as witness the exile
of the Acadians made famous in Longfellow's "Evangeline."
Upon the day appointed for the exodus the Pottawottomies rendezvoused at Niles, and under the escort of two companies of United
States troops moved out on the Chicago road toward their future home
in distant Kansas. It was a sad and mournful spectacle to witness these
children of the forest slowly retiring from the homes of their childhood,
that contained not only the graves of their revered ancestors, but also
many endearing scenes to which their memories would ever recur along
their pathway through the wilderness. They felt that they were bidding
farewell to the hills, valleys and streams of their infancy; to the more
exciting hunting grounds of their advanced youth, as well as the stern
and bloody battlefields they had contended for in their manhood. All
these they were leaving behind them to be desecrated by the plowshare
of the white man. As they cast mournful glances back toward these
loved scenes that were fading in the distance, tears fell upon the cheek
of the downcast warrior, old men trembled, matrons wept, and sighs




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


21


and half-suppressed sobs escaped from the motley groups as they passed
along. Ever and again one of the party would break out of the train
and flee to their old encampments on the St. Joseph. In the following
year these and many of those who had avoided removal by hiding, were
collected and taken to their brethren in Kansas.
'Thus departed, with few exceptions, all of the original inhabitants
of Cass county. From the standpoint of humanity, their mode of existence, their ascent in the scale of human development, and their pitiful
decadence and defeat in the contest against a superior race, will always
claim a full share of interest. But in the history which tells of progress,
of building of great cities and empires, of a constantly broadening scope
of human acivity, the story of the Indian has little place. He has left
nothing that we have thought worthy of imitation, nothing of a fundamental character on which we might continue to build. On the contrary, in the history of America, the Indian seems almost without exception to have been an adverse factor. He must be removed just as
it has been deemed necessary to remove the forests in order that agriculture might proceed. And fortunate were the settlers of such a region
as Cass county that this removal was accomplished without a bitter and
relentless warfare, such as was the inevitable accompaniment of every
advance of white men in the far west.




22


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


CHAPTER III.
THE COUNTY'S SOUTHERN BOUNDARY.
Being one of the southernmost tier of Michigan counties, any question that affected the southern boundary of the state is of direct interest
to Cass county. The county was not organized till I829 and its settlers
were comparatively few at that date. But the pioneers of that period
as well as those who settled here later from other parts of the state were
well acquainted with the boundary dispute that continued through the
existence of Michigan as a territory and which culminated in what has
gone down in history and is still remembered by the oldest inhabitants
by the name of "the Toledo war."
Perhaps no one still alive in Cass county can recall from personal
knowledge any of the events of this very interesting dispute. But in the
early thirties the settlement of the southern boundary very nearly precipitated a civil war and attracted national attention. Had government
policies taken a little different turn, the southern line of Cass county
might now embrace the great bend of the St. Joseph river that now
sweeps through the northern half of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties of
Indiana, and the boundary line between the two states of Michigan and
Indiana would be ten miles south of its present direction.
If any one will take a map covering the area of Indiana, Ohio and
Michigan, he will see that the northern boundary of Ohio is not on a
line with the northern boundary of Indiana. The northwest corner of
Ohio does not join the corner of Indiana, but is further down and runs
a little upward, or north of due east, and terminates at the most northern cape of Maumee bay, leaving that. bay within the bounds of Ohio.
The question is, What has made this difference in the boundary lines?
and the answer involves the history of three different boundary lines
which have to do intimately with the area of Cass county, or more properly speaking, that part of Michigan territory from which Cass county
was made.
In I778-9 George Rogers Clark, a young Virginian of extraordinary
character, who has well been called the Hannibal of the west, captured
Kaskaskia and. Vincennes, thus cutting off the supplies of the Indians.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


23


He had been sent out by the government of Virginia, and that state
therefore laid claim to all the territory northwest of the Ohio river,
which was the same territory ceded to Great Britain by France in the
treaty of 1763. On March I, I784, through her authorized delegates in
Congress, Virginia ceded this territory to the United States. She stipulated that it be divided into states but specified no boundaries. By virtue of ancient royal charters, New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut also claimed large territories north of the Ohio river, but these
claims were all transferred to the United States, Connecticut alone reserving a tract which was called the Western Reserve until May 30,
I8oo, when she surrendered her jurisdictional claim over this tract to
the United States.  Thus the general government obtained the jurisdiction over the Northwest Territory, and of the lands, subject however
to the proprietary rights of the Indians.
When Congress assumed the jurisdiction there was no established
government anywhere in the territory. The French commandants of the
posts had administered the laws dictated by France, the British succeeded
them and proclaimed the common law of England to be in force, Virginia also had extended her laws, but there were no courts to enforce
any of them. The question of forming some kind of government for
the newly acquired territory at once attracted the attention of Congress.
At first a report was made providing for the formation of the territory into ten states with fanciful names, but no action was taken upon
it.  This was Thomas Jefferson's scheme.   From the time of its acquirement by the government until 1787, there was no organized control
over the Northwest Territory. The people who were settling in it were
left to struggle along as best they could. But on April 23, 1787, a committee consisting of Mr. Johnson of Connecticut, Mr. Pinckney of South
Carolina, Mr. Smith of New York, Mr. Dane of Massachusetts, and
Mr. Henry of Maryland, reported an ordinance for the government of
the new territory. It was discussed from time to time and very greatly
amended, and finally, on the I3th of July, it passed Congress. This is
the celebrated Ordinance of 1787, a document which, next to the Constitution of the United States, perhaps has occasioned more discussion
than any other, on account of its sound principles, statesmanlike qualities and wise provisions.
It is Article 5 of this ordinance which has most intimately to do
with our present subject. That article provided for the formation in
the territory of not less than three nor more than five states, it fixed the




24


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


western, the southern, and the eastern boundaries of what became Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, and then the ordinance said, "If Congress shall
find it hereafter expedient, they shall have authority to form one or two
states in that part of the said territory which lies north of an east and
west line drawn through the southerly bend or extreme of Lake Michigan." WMe call special attention to this line, for it is the first boundary
line with which we have to do, and has been of exceeding great importance in the so-called boundary line dispute. But for a strange combination of circumstances and long continued strife, it would have been the
southern boundary of Michigan. It is called the "ordinance line" because
it was specified in the great Ordinance of I787 for the government of
the Northwest Territory.
On May 7, I8oo, Congress divided the Northwest Territory by a
line running from the mouth of the Kentucky river to Fort Recovery,
and thence due north to the Canadian line. It will be seen that this
line is not the same as that prescribed in the ordinance, which was a line
from the mouth of the Miami river to Fort Recovery and thence due
north, making the boundary line due north and south all the way, from
Canada to the Ohio river where the Miami! empties into it. The mouth
of the Kentucky river is several miles west of the mouth of the Miami,
and a line from the mouth of the Kentucky to Fort Recovery runs east
of north. This threw a three-cornered piece of territory, shaped like a
church spire with its base resting on the Ohio river, into Ohio, which,
when the states were organized, was included in Indiana according to
the ordinance, and afterwards Ohio from time to time set up claims to
this tract.
All the region east of this line was still to. be Northwest Territory,
and that on the west was erected into the Indiana Territory. It will be
seen that this division, threw about one-half of the Michigan country into
Indiana and left the other half in the Northwest Territory.
And now for the first time the ordinance line, the east and west
line drawn through the southerly bend or extreme of Lake Michigan,
comes into prominence; for all that portion of the east Michigan country
which lay north of this line was organized as Wayne County of the
Northwest Territory, and its settlers supposed that their fortunes were
thenceforth identified with those of Ohio.
The Ordinance of 1787 had provided for the admission into the
Union of the prospective states of the Northwest Territory as follows:
"Whenever any of the said states shall have sixty thousand free inhab



z
0
2




I








MITCHELL'S MAP OF 1755.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


25


itants therein, such states shall be admitted by its delegates into the Congress of the United States on an equal footing with the original states
in all respects whatever, and shall be at liberty to form a permanent constitution and state government, provided the constitution and government so to be formed shall be republican and in conformity to the principles contained in these articles; and so, far as can be consistent with the
general interests of the confederacy, such admission shall be allowed at
an earlier period, and when there shall be a less number of free inhabitants in the state than sixty thousand" (Article 5).
The Northwest Territory was rapidly filling with settlers, and in
accordance with the above provision the whole population, including
Wayne county, were agitating the question of statehood. On April 30,
I802, Congress passed an enabling act, the first of its kind, according
to which Ohio might frame a constitution and establish a state government, if it was deemed expedient. In that act the old ordinance line
running east and west "through to the southerly extreme of Lake Michigan" was specified as her northern boundary. The Ordinance of 1787
seemed to prescribe this as the dividing line between the three states
south of it and the two which might be formed north of it, and so it
seems to have been regarded and accepted at the time. In harmony with
the enabling act, a convention met at Chillicothe, Ohio, on November
Ist, to frame a constitution for the new state. It is related in the "Historical Transactions of Ohio" that while the convention was thus engaged an old hunter whose curiosity led him thither appeared on the
scene, and, learning of the prescribed boundaries, informed the delegates that the southern extreme of Lake Michigan lay much farther
south than they supposed, or than the maps in use indicated. This statement at once awakened great interest and was the subject of careful
deliberation. The map used by Congress in prescribing the ordinance
line of I787, was the one made by Mitchell in 1755.
This map had been accepted as accurate by the Ohio statemakers,
until the statement of the old hunter caused them to pause and consider.
According to this map a line due east from the southern bend of Lake
Michigan would strike the Detroit river a little south of Detroit; if, however, the old hunter's statement was true and the line was farther south,
Ohio would be deprived of much of her territory. Accordingly, after
much deliberation, the convention embodied in the constitution the
boundaries prescribed in the enabling act, but with the following proviso:
"lf the southerly bend or extreme of Lake Michigan should extend so




26


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


far south that a line drawn due east from it should not intersect Lake
Erie east of the Miami (now the Maumee) river of the lakes, then
*  i * with the assent of Congress of the United States, the northern
boundary of this state shall be established by, and extend to a line running from the southerly extremity of Lake Michigan to the most northerly cape of the Miami (now the Maumee) bay, thence northeast, etc.,"
or straight on through Lake Erie and Ohio to Pennsylvania. With this
proviso the constitution was adopted on November 29th.
The congressional committee on the admission of Ohio refused to
consider this proviso, because, first, it depended on a fact not yet ascertained, and, second, it was not submitted as were other propositions of
the constitutional convention. Congress, therefore, ignoring the proviso,
received Ohio into the Union.
The inhabitants of Wayne county were very indignant.that Congress should specify the ordinance line as the northern boundary of the
new state. More indignant still were they when Congress received Ohio
into the Union and left Wayne county out in the cold. They contended
that it was illegal to treat them thus, that the ordinance of I787 forbade
the further division of the Northwest Territory, until the northern part
of it could be made a state, that to exclude the county from, Ohio would
ruin it. But all their protests wer-' in vain. The reason was a political
one. The Democrats, or, as they were then called, the Republicans, had
just secured the presidency in the election of Thomas Jefferson. Ohio,
as admitted into the Union, was on their side; but if Wayne county
were a part of the state it might be thrown into the ranks of their opponents, the Federalists.  Governor St. Clair declared that to win a
Democratic state the people of Wayne county had been "bartered away
like sheep in a market."
The act enabling the people of Ohio to form a state provided that
Wayne county might be attached to the new state if Congress saw fit.
Congress did not see fit, but on the contrary attached it to Indiana Territory, and in I803 Governor Harrison formed a new Wayne county
which comprised almost all of what is now Michigan. North and east
it was bounded by Canada, but on the other sides it was bounded by a
"north and south line through the western extreme of Lake Michigan"
and "an east and west line through the southern extreme of the same."
Here the same old ordinance line appears again, as the southern boundary of what is now Michigan.
But the Michigan country thus united was too strong to remain




10 P~




I




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


27


long a part of a territory, and hence, on January i, I805, Michigan
Territory was formed by act of Congress. It was bounded on the west
by a line extending through the center of Lake Michigan, and on the
south by a line running east from the southern extreme of the same.
It will be seen that even at this time Michigan was deprived of a
strip of land on the west shore of Lake Michigan, which as Wayne
county Congress, had given her. Had.she contended for that as persistently as she did for the strip in Ohio, she would have sought something more valuable, for Chicago is situated in that very strip. That
spot was comparatively worthless then, and the future- is hidden from
states as from individuals. It is interesting, however, to think what
would have been the result if Michigan had retained the boundary lines
which she had as Wayne county.
But the fact which concerns us. here is, that the ordinance line appears again. After January II, I805, and until I816, Michigan Territory's southern boundary was a line running due east and west from
the southern extreme of Lake Michigan; and though it had not yet been
ascertained accurately just where that line would come out in Ohio,
enough was known about it to make not only Ohio but the people of
Indiana object very strongly to the southern boundary of Michigan Territory, as public documents abundantly show.
The. boundary dispute was now transferred to Ohio. No sooner
had.the. Ohio congressmen taken their seats after her admission into the
Union, than they began working to secure formal congressional assent
to their proviso about the boundary line. Senator Worthington secured
the chairmanlship of a committee to consider the question, but to, no purpose; both houses of Congress were unmoved. The boundary of so
distant a state was an unimportant matter. When the territory of Michigan was organized, effort to have the neglected proviso confirmed was
again made, but in vain; and the southern line of the territory was described precisely as Ohio, did not wish. The Ohio, in session after session of her legislature, instructed her congressmen to endeavor to secure
the passage of a law defining the northern boundary line of their state.
It was certainly quite necessary that this be done. The lands near the
rapids of the Miami (now the Maumee) had recently been ceded to the
governmentby the Indians and were rapidly filling with settlers. Michigan magistrates exercised authority over the district, while the president had appointed a collector to reside at the Rapids, describing the
place as in Ohio.




28


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


The appeals of Ohiol became so urgent that Congress was willing
to consider the matter. Representative Morrow of Ohio proposed a bill
confirming the northern boundary as specified in the constitution of his
state, and was made chairman of a committee to consider the question.
But the bill which passed provided for surveying the boundary as established by the enabling act of I802, the ordinance line. Congress had not
sufficient knowledge of the country to venture to change the line, and
it is probable that the line prescribed in the ordinance of 1787 was regarded as inviolable. The bill to survey the boundary was passed in
18I2, when the government was engaged with hostile Indians and with
the war against England, and hence nothing was done for three years,
or until 1815, and even then but little was accomplished.  Had the
survey been made at once, before the disputed strip became more populous, the question might have been settled; but during the delay the
tide of immigration was pouring into the Miami region, and the question of jurisdiction was becoming more and more important. Again the
Ohio authorities urged the survey of the state line, and the president
complied with the request and ordered it to be done according to the act
of 18I2. The survey was made in I8I6. The surveyor general of
Ohio employed a Mr. Harris to run the line; not, however, according
to the president's direction but according to the proviso of the Ohio state
constitution, from the southern extreme of Lake Michigan to the northernmost cape of Maumee bay. The Harris line is the second of the
boundary lines that pertain to our present discussion.
The third soon appeared. On April I9, I8I6, Congress passed the
enabling act for the admission of Indiana as a state, fixing the northern
boundary by a line drawn due east and west "ten miles north of the
southern extreme of Lake Michigan." Indiana was required to ratify
this boundary, which she did by a duly elected convention which sat
at Corydon, June IO to 19, I8,I6, and framed a constitution, and she was
formally admitted into the Union on December IIth.
Moving the boundary to the north cut off from Michigan a strip
ten miles wide and one hundred miles long, which she claimed had been
guaranteed her by the ordinance of 1787, and by several other acts of
Congress; but she allowed the act to pass unchallenged at the time,
probably because she was engaged in her contention with Ohio, and because the strip thus taken away from her was sparsely settled and little
known. To justify depriving Michigan of her territory in this manner
it was argued that the ordinance of 1787 expressly stipulated that the




HARRIS LINE
ORDINANCE LINE


LINE RELATIVE TO POSITION OF LAKE MICHIGAN AND
LAKE ERIE, AND SEAT OF TOLEDO WAR.








HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


29


boundaries it laid down would be subject to changes which Congress
afterwards might make, and Michigan was only a territory-that Indiana needed not only river communication with the south but lake communication with the north-that this would facilitate and encourage the
building of connecting canals and the influx of settlers by way of the
lakes-that the ordinance line of I787 would deprive Indiana of all
this and give all the lake frontage to Michigan; and, moreover, that if
shut out from northern waters, then, in case of national disruption, the
interests of Indiana would be to join a western or southern confederacy.
This ten-mile strip thus given to Indiana in no way affected the interests of Cass county, except from the standpoint of speculative history.
When this boundary was decided on, there were no settlers in the region
now called Cass county, and few, if any, in all the strip in question.
But had Ohio's victory in the contention that the Harris line should
form the inter-state boundary also prevailed to, establish the northern
line of Indiana, it is possible that Cass county might have embraced a
quite different area of country from what it does to-day.
As soon as General Cass, governor Michigan Territory, heard that
Ohio had surveyed the Harris line, he wrote to the surveyor general of
that state, asking why the line was not run due east from the southern
extreme of Lake Michigan, and saying that a disputed jurisdiction was
one of the greatest of evils, and that the sooner the business was investigated the better. To this General Tiffin of Ohio replied that Harris
had found the southern extreme of Lake Michigan to be more than seven
miles south of the northernmost cape of Miami (or Maumee) bay, and
that he had run the line between the two points. He sent General Cass
a map illustrating the two lines, saying that the proper authority should
decide which should govern, but for his part he believed that the Harris
line was the true one, because it was according to Ohio's proviso, and
the state had been received into the Union with that proviso in her constitution.
Hearing of this correspondence, the governor of Ohio sent to his
next legislature a message urging that the matter be settled at once,
and that body settled it as well as they could by passing a resolution to
the effect that Congress liad accepted the proviso in accepting the constitution of Ohio, and therefore that the northern boundary of the state
was the Harris line.  Hearing of this, acting Governor Woodbridge,
in the absence of Governor Cass, wrote to the governor of Ohio, assuring him! that the act was unconstitutional. He also wrote to John




:30


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Quincy Adams, then secretary of state, and there was some very strong
correspondence on the subject, too extensive to include here.
Illinois Territory had been formed in I8091. It included all the
country north to the Canadian line; that is, what is now Wisconsin and
a part of Minnesota. In I818 the legislature of Illinois passed a resolution requiring Nathaniel Pope, the delegate in Congress, to present the
petition for admission into the Union. The committee to which that petition was referred instructed Pope to prepare a bill for the admission
of the new state. On April i8th of the same year, Congress passed an
enabling act and provided that Illinois might elect delegates to a convention to frame a state constitution. Illinois elected her delegates in July
and they were authorized to meet in convention in August following "and
if deemed expedient to form a constitution and state government, the
same to be republican in form and not repugnant to the ordinance of
I787, excepting so much thereof as related to the boundaries of the
states therein formed." This exception was very important. It seems
that the bill for the admission of Illinois had specified the ordinance line
as the northern boundary, but this exception permitted Delegate Pope
to amend the bill for admission, so that the northern boundary was
moved up to where it is now. Thus was the ordinance line ignored
against the contention of Michigan, and the northern boundary of Illinois moved about sixty miles to the north. This helped to keep the
boundary dispute before the people. Michigan's constant contention had
been that the ordinance line was the true one, that Congress had no
right to change it, and that it should be the lower boundary of the
northern tier of states west of Lake Michigan as well as east.
In I818 the governor and judges of Michigan Territory protested
against Ohio's claims to the disputed strip, and also against the right
of Congress to give to Indiana a strip lying further west. They knew
it was too late to alter the northern boundary of the new state, but they
said, "We take this away to preserve the just rights of the people of
this territory  *  *   that it may not hereafter be supposed that they
have acquiesced in the changes which have been made."  They left the
final decision to the future, as they said, "when the people of this country
can be heard by their own representatives."
The dispute with Ohio was another matter. There the contested
strip lay in the most fertile region, near the center of population of
Michigan, and the question of possession must continually arise.  In
1818 the authorities of Michigan Territory'sent to Congress a memorial




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


31


stating that the line run by Harris was not the one which Congress had
ordered marked, but another running several miles further north. They
also sent a committee to Washington to press the claims of the territory. In response, President Monroe, under the advice of a house committee, directed that the northern boundary of Ohio be marked according
to the provisions of the act of May 20, I812. Mr. Harris declined to
do the work; and so, in I820, one Fulton was commissioned, who ran
the line due east and west from the most southerly bend or extreme of
Lake Michigan. The Fulton line was not a new one, but the old ordinance line correctly surveyed.  Two years later the president notified
Congress that the northern loundary of Ohio had been marked according
to the law of 1812. The Ohio members complained that the Fulton line
had been run not by order of Congress but at the request of General
Cass, and asked to have it re-marked according to the Harris survey.
The house refused, but neglected to declare the line marked by Fulton
to be the true boundary. Thus the matter apparently was as far from
being settled as ever.
In 1821 the Ottawa, Chippewa and Pottawottomie Indians ceded
to the United States their lands east of the south bend of the St. Joseph
river and north of the ordinance or Fulton line, and in I826 the Pottawottomies ceded their lands west of the river and north of the same
line. This use by the government of the ordinance line as a boundary
encouraged Michigan to hope in its stability.
In I826 there was much excitement over the matter. The Ohio
delegation to, Congress secured the appointment of a committee to consider the expediency of marking the line dividing Ohio from Michigan
Territory, this time not claiming that it be done according to their constitutional proviso. Probably they were becoming wary. The proposal
was not considered, but Michigan was on the alert. In her next council
she voted to instruct her delegate in Congress to prevent any change in
the territorial boundary, and announced that she had "acquired absolute
vested rights" by the Ordinance of I787 and the Act of I805. A little
later, in 1827, Michigan organized the township of Port Lawrence in
the very heart of the disputed tract without causing any protest from
Ohio. The battle for the present was to be fought in Congress.
In 1827 a bill was passed without difficulty providing for the marking of the northern boundary of Indiana. This was the first time it
had been surveyed. The line was run by E. P. Hendricks, under the




32


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


authority of the surveyor general of the United States, and the work was
begun in October, I827.
By 183I the boundary question began to assume a serious aspect.
The Ohio legislature petitioned Congress for a, speedy and permanent
establishment of the dividing line between that state and the territory of
Michigan. Governor Cass was anxious. He sent to the council of the
territory a very serious message referring briefly to the attempt of certain
counties to separate from the territory, and to the possession by Indiana
of a portion of the territory.  He advised against urging any claim
to the latter, as Indiana was already in possession, and it was better to
leave the tract unclaimed until Michigan too should be a member of the
tribunal which must decide the question. But with regard to Ohio he
urged sending to Congress a memorial which would state the rights
and sentiments o4f the people of the territory.  Before referring the
matter to Congress, the legislative council authorized Governor Cass to
negotiate with the governor of Ohio with a view to a compromise,
which he did; but as this was in vain, a memorial was sent to Congress.
About the same time the legislature of Ohio memorialized Congress,
and for the first time outlined their claims. The result was the passage
of an act to provide for the determining of the latitude of the southern
end of Lake Michigan and other points, preparatory to an adjustment
of the Ohio and Michigan boundary.
The year I833 marked the beginning of the end, the contest was orn
and waxed warmer until the people of the two states faced each other
in battle array, and both defied the central government as only the seceding states have ever dared to do. Both parties were active, there was
a sharp and continued contest in Congress; there were memorials and
counter memorials.
On the IIth of December, 1833, Michigan made her first formal
petition for admission into the Union, which was; refused. In 1835 she
tried again with the same result.  She had more than the requisite
number of inhabitants, no one doubted that she should be admitted, but
many doubted the right of admission with the boundaries which she so
uncompromisingly claimed.
Failing in the second attempt to obtain permission to form themselves into a state, the people of Michigan determined to go on without
permission. In January, 1835, the legislative council called a convention
to meet the following May, to "form for themselves a constitution and,
state government," which they did. Meantime Congress was consider



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


33


ing the matter of the disputed line. The senate passed a bill according
to the desire of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, which was killed in the
house by John Quincy Adams. Indiana and Illinois had turned against
Michigan, because her insistence that Congress had no right to disregard the fundamental provisions of the Ordinance of 1787 made them
fear that their own northern lines might be in danger; since both had
been run regardless of the ordinance.
When the people of Michigan heard that the senate had passed a
bill according to the views of Ohio, there were rumors of war. Michigan declared to Congress that she would submit the question to the
supreme court, but until a decision was reached she would resist, "let
the attempt be made by whom it may, all efforts to rob her of her soil
and trample on her rights."  She offered to negotiate with Ohio and
Indiana regarding their conflicting claims. Indiana ignored it, and Ohio
declined it; but instead the governor of Ohio advised that the counties
of the state be extended to a line running from the southern extremity of
Lake Michigan to the most northern cape of Maumee bay. The advice
was promptly accepted, the legislature passed an act to that effect, and
directed the governor to appoint three commissioners to survey and remark the Harris line. The people of the disputed tract desired it. They
wished to come under the jurisdiction of Ohio. The Miami canal was
in process of construction, from the mouth of the Maumee to Cincinnati, and the settlers desired to secure the full benefit of it.
Two weeks before this, the council of Michigan had passed an act
to prevent the exercise of foreign jurisdiction within the limits of the
territory of Michigan. Governor Lucas now sent to acting Governor
Mason of Michigan a copy of his message to the Ohio legislature, and the
latter issued orders to Brigadier General Joseph W. Brown, of the Michigan militia, and prepared to resist Ohio by force. The blood of each
party was up, each claimed to be a sovereign state and each resented interference by the national government, though Michigan was willing to
await a decision of the supreme court. On the first of April General
Brown and a force of volunteers had already encamped at Monroe,
just north of the contested strip, and he was now joined by Governor
Mason. On April second Governor Lucas and staff, and the commission to re-mark the Harris line, accompanied by General Bell and his
troops, arrived at- Perrysburg, just south of the contested strip. The
election of officers in the disputed strip, under the auspices of Ohio,
passed off quietly; the tue of war would come when th'nr" officers at



34


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


tempted to exercise their functions; then Michigan would begin civil
processes against them, and back it up if necessary by force of arms.
The rival governors had received notice from President Jackson that
he had sent peace commissioners who were on the way. Governor Mason
now wrote to Governor Lucas asking him to desist from enforcing the
Ohio law until the president's mediators appeared. Lucas did not deign
to reply by writing, but sent an oral message saying he had already written
to the president a letter which would prevent interference, and that Ohio
did not desire the service of mediators.
At this juncture the mediators appeared. Richard Rush, of Philadelphia, and Benjamin C. Howard, of Baltimore, had traveled night
and day, which meant much in those days, and on April third they arrived
in Toledo. They sought by diplomacy to appease the wrath of each governor, but failed. The men elected under the Ohio act were beginning
to assume office, civil processes were issued against them under the Michigan act, and General Brown, with his forces, was ready to execute
them.
The people of the disputed strip were between two fires, and yet
their fortunes were bound up with the government of Ohio.  They
begged the Ohio authorities to protect them. The commission to survey
the boundary line began to run the Harris line, and had proceeded as
far west as Tecumseh, where Ohio people say they were attacked, Michigan people that they were arrested.  Governor Lucas called an extra
session of his legislature to increase his army. The peace commissioners
proposed that Ohio run her line, and that there be concurrent jurisdiction until settlement by the federal judiciary. Lucas consented to both.
Mason was willing to let the line be run, but spurned the idea of concurrent jurisdiction.
At length the Ohio legislature voted to abide by the proposals of
the peace commissioners if the United States would compel Michigan
to do so; but as a safeguard Ohio passed an act against kidnappers, and
appropriated $300,000 to carry out her plans. During the same time the
Michigan constitutional convention was in session at Detroit, and declared that Ohio might run the line, but no authority on earth save that
of the United States should be exercised in the disputed strip. Ohio began to carry out the proposal of concurrent jurisdiction, resulting in
renewed preparations for war. On the seventh of September, I835, the
Ohio judges went to hold court at Toledo. Again troops were mustered on both sides. But the court was held at midnight, and adjourned




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


35


just as the Michigan forces came up. The troops were therefore dispersed; the people on either side, from many considerations, were as
willing to follow their leaders to peace as to war, the Toledo war, or
the Governor Lucas war, was over, and the dispute was destined to be
settled by politicians at Washington.
President Jackson had submitted the boundary dispute to Attorney
General Butler, who had decided that the disputed strip belonged to
Michigan. John Quincy Adams also, then secretary of state, said,
"Never in the course of my life have I known a controversy of which all
the right was so clearly on one side and all the power so overwhelmingly
on the other, where the temptation was so intense to take the strongest
side, and the duty of taking the weakest was so thankless."
But the president was in a difficulty. The following year a presidential election would occur, and he desired that Martin Van Buren be
the successful candidate. Indiana and Illinois, each of which states of
course preferred its more northern boundary, naturally sympathized with
Ohio. These three states had a large number of votes. On the other
hand Michigan, though having a state government, was only a territory. Again, Arkansas as well as Michigan aspired to statehood, and
the administration was anxious to have both admitted in time to vote
at the next presidential election, as both were supposed to he Democratic.
Moreover, one was a slave state and the other a free state, and if only
one were admitted the other would take offense. Clearly the only way
to remove all difficulties was to settle the boundary dispute. The decision of the attorney general, though seeking to be just to Michigan,
pointed out to, the president that he might remove Governor Mason, and
appoint for Michigan a governor who would not violate the law and yet
who would not push matters to violence, until the question could be
settled by Congress, an expedient to which the president finally resorted.
This occasioned John Quincy Adams to say that the attorney general's
decision "was perfumed with the thirty-five electoral votes of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois."
Acts for the admission of both states, were approved June 15, 1836.
Arkansas was admitted unconditionally, but Michigan on condition that
she give the disputed strip to Ohio, and receive as compensation the
upper peninsula. In a convention at Ann Arbor on the fourth Monday
in September, Michigan rejected these conditions by a strong majority.
But her senators and representatives were anxious to take their seats in
the national Congress, men at Washington feared losing money on lands




36


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


sold in Michigan, the'administration was anxious to have the state ratify
the act for her admission, and all these interested parties brought pressure
to bear. Arguments in favor of the state's yielding were put in circulation and after much shrewd management a popular convention was held
at Ann Arbor on December I4th, which assented to the terms of the act
of admission. This convention was not duly called, and it acted wholly
without the proper authority; but strange to say, both houses of Congress by large majorities passed an act approved January 26, 1837, accepting this convention as meeting the requirements of the case, and so
Michigan was admitted into the Union.
But for some years Michigan did not relinquish her claims to her
lost tracts of land. In 1838 and again in 1842, the question was brought
up in the Michigan legislature, and eminent lawyers were consulted as
to her right to the disputed tracts. And it is probable that she would
have made a legal test of the question long ago but for the development
of the immense wealth of her mines in the upper peninsula, which had
been given her as a compensation for what she lost to Ohio. This development began about the year I845, and soon convinced her that her
lost strips bore no comparison in value to the rich mining region which
she had acquired.
Such are the three boundary lines; first, the ordinance line, the
Fulton line, or, as it is also called, the old Indian boundary; second, the
Harris line; and third, the Hendricks' line, which is the present state line
between Michigan and Indiana. From the foregoing we may see that
the location of the line which now forms the south boundary of Cass
county and of the state has been of exceeding great importance in the
history of the Northwest, being the occasion of a dispute which lasted
for forty-nine years, through twelve administrations, extending over the
periods of seven presidents, and which occasioned great contention, employing much of the best talent of the country, engaging many of our
strongest characters, and very nearly resulting in a bloody war.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


37


CHAPTER IV.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
In writing history the events and the personages of the past always
fill more of the canvas than is given to the affairs and actors of the period
within our ready remembrance. "No one has written a true history of
his own generation."  Events that are near deceive us because of their
very proximity. To obtain their true relation to each other, all objects,
historical as well as. material, must be viewed "in perspective." We may
chronicle events of a recent date, or place in some sort of statistical
order the various activities and their representatives; but to do more is
to incur the risk of having all such historical judgments set aside in
the future.
There is another reason, not based on the historical difficulty just
stated, why "first things" should receive a seemingly disproportionate
share of our attention. It is to the pioneer generation of every locality
that its present inhabitants owe most of the advantages they enjoy. The
American youth of to-day enters into the full use of a magnificent heritage
that has been won only through the toil and struggle of others. He
begins life among luxuries that hardly existed in the wildest dreams of
his ancestors. All the superstructure of civilization, its home and institutional life, rests upon a foundation laid at the cost of tremendous selfsacrifice and effort by generations that have passed or are now passing.
It is with this in mind that we should view the actors and events of
the pioneer past. With them the history of Cass county began. The work
they began and the. influences they set in motion have not ceased to
be operative.to the present time. Character is pervasive and continuous,
and the character of our pioneers has not yet spent its force in Cass
county.
Of transient residents within the borders of the present Cass county
there were many, Perhaps some of the followers of 'La Salle got this far
in the closing years of the eighteenth century. French trappers and explorers and missionaries certainly were birds of passage during the following century. Then, after the country passed from French to English
control in I763, there must have been some under the protection of the




38


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Union Jack who ventured far from the strongholds of settlement into
this then untamed wilderness. Adventurers of all nationalities explored
the region.
But the only person who would have penetrated this country for
business reasons was the trapper and fur-gatherer. Several are named
who pursued this vocation within the limits of Cass county. One Zaccheus Wooden, who penetrated the lake region of southern Michigan and
set his traps among the lakes of Cass county as early as I814, was in the
employ of John Jacob Astor, who at that time, in rivalry with the
British fur companies on the north, was spreading his fur-gathering
activity throughout the western territory of the United States. There
were doubtless many engaged in similar pursuits with Wooden who
likewise at different times had their headquarters in Cass county. But
this class can hardly be called settlers, and it is only necessary to call
attention to the fact that there were such men.
One other type of early resident may be mentioned before we proceed to consider the "permanent settlers." There come down to us in
the history of every community several instances of "relapses" from
civilization-men who, because of natural aversion to their fellow men,
by reason of some sorrow or the commission of crime, turned their backs
to the life in which they had been reared and severing all connection with
social usages thenceforth chose to live apart from the world and bury
their existence and their deeds in the depths of the wilderness. Of these
restless wanderers, haunting the midshores between civilization and barbarism, and making common cause with the Indians and other creatures
of the wild, one example may be given.
The story of the eccentric, misanthropic Job Wright is well told
in the Cass county history of I882. Born in North Carolina, he was
the first settler of Greenfield, Ohio, in I799,. He built a log cabin there,
and, like the literary Thoreau, satisfied his slender needs by making hair
sieves.' The wire sieve not yet having been introduced, he found a good
market for his products in the households of the neighborhood. But it
was contrary to his nature to follow this or any other pursuit on a permanent business basis, and with enough ahead for his wants in the
immediate future he turned to the more philosophic, if less profitable,
occupation of fishing. According to the account, he "followed it with a
perseverance and patience worthy of his biblical protonym and with a
degree of success of which even Isaak Walton might be proud."
Job soon found that his happy environment was being taken away




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


39


from him. The woods and meadows that had existed without change
throughout the centuries were being occupied by an energetic people.
Even the streams were being obstructed to furnish power to grind the
settler's corn, and the fish felt their imprisonment and were leaving. The
country was getting crowded. It was no place for a lover of nature in
its first dress. The Indians had gone, the deer were leaving, and it was
not long before civilization crowded Job farther west.
Various corners of the world knew him after that, but the virgin
wilderness was always his best loved home. Only the promptings of
patriotism brought him forth to serve his country in the war of I812.
Then he returned to his wanderings. He is said to have made his appearance in Cass county in I829, very naturally selecting as his location
the island in Diamond Lake. He built a small log cabin near the north
end of the island, and for some time lived there as a "squatter," but
finally entered the land, when there appeared to be danger that it might
pass into, the hands of some one else.
At his island home Job led, the greater part of the time, a hermit's
life. During a portion of the time he spent upon his little domain,
however, his mother, son and son's wife, whom he brought from Ohio,
lived with him. Job Wright wasi tall and gaunt, but powerful. His hair
was red and he wore a long beard. On one hand he had two thumbs,
and claimed that this peculiar formation was the badge and token of
the gift of prophecy and other endowments of occult power. By many
persons he was said to have a knowledge of witchcraft, and they related, with impressive confidence, how he could stop the flowing of blood
by simply learning the name and age of the person whose life was endangered, and pronouncing a brief incantation. Most of his time was
spent in hunting and fishing, but he cultivated a small part of the island,
raising a little corn and a few vegetables for his own use.
Despite his isolation in the center of the lake, he was very much
disturbed by the rapid settlement of the surrounding country. He again
set out on his wanderings. But the years had now laid their weight
upon him and denied him, the strength of middle age. He returned to
his island refuge, where, amid the trees and in sight of the sparkling
water, he soon passed away.
The rest of the account reads as follows: "A few friends and acquaintances among the settlers of the neighborhood, not more that a
dozen in all, followed the remains of the old recluse to the Cassopolis
burying ground. George B. Turner, passing, and happening to notice




40


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


the little knot of men gathered about an open grave, was led by curiosity to join them. There was no minister present. The preparations were
all made, and the rude whitewood coffin was about to be lowered into
the ground when one of the men, a rough-spoken but tender-hearted
and humane old farmer, uttered a suggestion to the effect that some remarks ought to be made before the remains of a fellow mortal were
laid away to rest. He called upon Mr. Turner, who, after a moment's
hesitation, stepping upon the little mound of fresh earth at the side of
the grave, delivered Job Wright's funeral sermon.
"The secret of the cause which had driven the eccentric pioneer to
this life of seclusion was buried with him."
In discussing the first settlements of Cass county, the presence of
the near-by Carey Mission must be constantly borne in mind. We
have alluded to the importance of that establishment in rendering the
surrounding country more available for settlement. The Mission was
the radiating point for the streams of settlers. While prospecting for a
suitable location, the homeseeker would make his headquarters at the
Mission.
It is due to this fact that the first settlements in Cass county were
made on the western edge of the county. The pioneers entered the
county from the west, not from the south or east, as might be supposed.
The beautiful Pokagon prairie, in the township of the same name,
was the spot selected by the first permanent settler of Cass county. The
man who will always be honored as the first citizen of the county was
Uzziel Putnam. Right worthy he was to bear this distinction. It would
seem not to have been a futile chance that directed him toward this region. The quality of his character had nothing in common with the
restless Job Wright. A purpose supplemented by all the rugged virtues of the true pioneer directed him in the choice of a home in this then
wilderness.
He came of a stock fit to furnish pathfinders and builders of a new
country. Born in Wardsboro, Vermont, March 17, I793, inheriting the
peculiar strength and courage of the Green Mountain New Englander,
when fourteen years old he moved with his parents to western New
York. After serving a full apprentice period with a clothier, he proved
his fitness for the hardships of a new country by making a journey of
five hundred miles, most of the way on foot, to the home of his parents,
who had located near Sandusky, Ohio. He experienced in youth all
the disadvantages of poverty, but there is little account to be made of




HISTORY OF CASS COTUNTY


41


this, for in a new country a manly strength and the homely virtue of
patient industry were the best capital. While in Ohio he was a. soldier
in the war of I812. In 1822 he married Ann Chapman, with whom he
lived more than a half century, 'and their pioneer experiences were endured together.
As early as. 1821 the fame of the valley of the St. Joseph had been
carried by Indians, trappers and traders to the frontier settlements in Ohio,
and it excited in the minds of the many adventurous individuals a desire
to explore the region and to substantiate the representations made of its
beauty, fertility and natural resources. Among the number was Baldwin Jenkins, who, leaving Ohio in October, I824,. pursued his investigations in northern Indiana and about the St. Joseph in Cass and Berrien counties, after which he returned home. Another was Abram
Townsend, who in the same- year as Jenkins visited the valley of the
St. Joseph, and on his return to his home in Sandusky county, Ohio, gave
a most flattering account of what he had seen; and announced his intention to remove with his family to Pokagon prairie. His praises of the
region were echoed by an Indian trader natned Andrus Parker, who
had also explored along the course of the St. Joseph.
Among those who listened with interest to the narratives of Townsend and others was Uzziel Putnam, then thirty-two years old and in
the prime of his strength. He was foremost among the many who became convinced that the fertile region about the Carey Mission held in
waiting the opportunities that his ambition craved. And having made
up his mind to emigrate to the Michigan country, he at once began to get
ready for the long and difficult journey.
He was not alone in this undertaking. When the eventful journey
began on the I7th of May, 1825, the party consisted of Putnam with his
wife and child, and Abram Townsend and son Ephraim, and Israel
Markham. A most detailed description would not enable us to understand and appreciate the arduousness of such a journey. Their custommade wagon, strong though it was, was hardly equal to the strain put
upon it by its great load of domestic goods and' by the roughness of the
way. Three yoke of oxen furnished the traction, and between sunrise
and sunset they had often advanced not more.than -seven or eight miles,
Rains constantly hindered them, the wagon mired down in the unbeaten
way that they chose in lieu' of anything like a modern highway, which,
of course, did not exist. The bad roads and' the heavy pull caused the
oxen to go lame, with consequent delays. -And in the end it was found




42


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


necessary to improvise a bark canoe and transport most of the goods by
water to Fort Wayne.
Through the gloom of rainy days, the vexatious delays caused by
mud and accident, and the constant fatigue and exposure inseparable
from such a journey, the courage of the pioneers was all the more lustrous; their patient perseverance the more admirable; and the more inspiring is their success in overcoming all obstacles and finally making
a home in the wilderness-not for themselves alone, but for all future
generations. The journey of the Putnam  party was typical. Thousands of pioneers, both before and after, had similar experiences, and
we dwell somewhat at length on those of the first Cass county settler to
illustrate some of the difficulties that were as a matter of course in the
opening of a new country to civilization.
But finally they reached the land. they sought. Crossing the St.
Joseph at the mouth of the Elkhart, and following the track by way of
Cobert's creek and Beardsley's prairie, they reached in safety the cabin
of William Kirk, which then stood about sixty rods east of the present
railroad depot at Niles. On the following day Baldwin Jenkins (who
had already arrived on the scene) and Mr. Kirk piloted Putnam and
Townsend through the woods to Pokagon prairie, a distance of six
miles, where they examined the ground and selected places for farms.
They found small bands of Pottawottomies living on the prairie, and
when they explained to Chief Pokagon their wish to settle there and
cultivate the land, tile old Indian objected, saying that the Indians' corn
would be destroyed by the settlers' cattle and that his people would
move off in the fall to, their hunting grounds, after which the whites
could come and build their houses.
Mr. Putnam, having selected his location, now returned to Fort
Wayne and in the last days of October brought his family and the rest
of his goods to the new settlement, reaching MIr. Kirk's after a week's
travel.
The 22nd day of November, 1825, is the date fixed for the first
permanent settlement in Cass county. On that day Uzziel Putnam moved
his family into his new home on Pokagon prairie, and from that time
until his death on July 15, I88,I, this pioneer had his residence on the
beautiful prairie which it was his privilege to see become the home of
many prosperous and happy people. His first house was a shanty twelve
feet square, covered with bark and without floor or chimney, which Mr.
Markham had put up for his convenience while cutting hay there during




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


43


the previous summer. Poor as this shelter was they remained in it until
MIr. Putnam had completed a new and more comfortable one. Even
the new one at first had neither floor, door nor windows. All the timbers had to be hewn into shape with an ax or cut with a hand saw,
since there was no sawmill within a hundred miles.
Six days after Mr. Putnam moved into this rough cabin on Pokagon prairie, Baldwin Jenkins located in the same neighborhood, a short
distance north of Sumnerville, where he is said to have utilized an
Indian wigwam as a place of abode during the winter. As already mentioned, he had arrived at the Mission some time before Mr. Putnam,
and during the summer had succeeded in raising a small crop of corn
near by. In the fall he returned to Ohio, and brought his family overland to Pokagon, arriving just a little too late to be regarded as the
first settler.
At this time it is said there were but nine families in Cass and
Berrien counties, excepting those at the Mission-two in, Cass and
seven in Berrien.
Before going further in the settlement of this region, a few words
might be said concerning the life of the second settler of Cass county,
Baldwin Jenkins. His was an. unusual character, in an age and country
that called for distinctive attributes of mind and body. Born in Greene
county, Pennsylvania, October 4, 1783, he lived to be sixty-two years
old. At the age of sixteen he accompanied the family to the timber region of middle Tennessee, where he had the training and environment
of a frontiersman. To avoid slavery the family later moved to Ohio,
and from there Baldwin made his various journeys of investigation to
the west, and eventually moved out to Michigan. He was one of the
largest land owners among the early settlers. Possessed of that broad
spirit of hospitality which was the noblest characteristic of new countries, his home, situated on the direct line of emigration, became a noted
stopping place for travelers and homeseekers, from, whom he would
receive no compensation. He carried this hospitality to, such an extent
that the products of his farm and labor were largely consumed by the
public.  He possessed great confidence in his fellow settlers, loaning
them money, selling them stock and farm products on time, without requiring written obligations and charging no interest. He was a man
of parts. In religion he was a devout member of the Baptist church.
HIe had. a remarkably retentive memory, and his mind was an encyclopedia of local knowledge, so that he could not only tell the names but




44


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


also the ages of nearly all his neighbors. He was one of the first justices of the peace in western Michigan, having been, appointed by Governor Cass for the township of St. Joseph,. which then comprised all
the-territory west of Lenawee county. He was the first road commissioner in Cass county, was one of the first associate judges appointed
under the territorial government, and one of the delegates to the first
constitutional convention of the state.
The settlement on Pokagon prairie soon began to grow. In the
summer of I826 was added to the little community Squire Thompson.
It is said that he and William Kirk were the first permanent settlers,
under the influence of the Carey Mission, to cross the St. Joseph and
make their homes on its north side in Berrien county. Mr. Thompson
had visited the vicinity of the Mission in 1822, before the completion
of the buildings, and in the spring of I823 returned and made choice
of a location and built a cabin on the banks of. the river. He lived there
without neighbors until the arrival of William. Kirk in the following
spring. On moving to Pokagon, he settled on section 20, and lived there
until his departure for California during the height of the gold excitement.
Other arrivals were Abram Townsend, who, we have seen, accompanied Uzziel Putnam hither, and who now returned as a settler;
and Gamnaliel Townsend and his family, together with the Markhams
(Israel, Jr. and Sr., Samuel and Lane) and Ira Putnam.   Gamaliel
Townsend should be remembered as being the first postmaster in the
township, receiving and distributing the scanty mail at his father
Abram's house.
Most important of all was the arrival, on August 12, 18,26, of Uzziel Putnam, Jr., who was born on that day, and as nearly as can be
ascertained in such uncertain problems as priority of birth or residence,
he was the first white child born within the present limits of Cass county.
Through the leafless forests and over the prairies swept by the
wintry blasts there came in the early months of I&27, from Warren county, Ohio, Lewis Edwards and his family. Their journey was replete
with hardships, and it was with difficulty that Mrs. Edwards and her
year-old baby -kept from freezing to death. Lewis Edwards became the
first collector and first justice in the county, and was one of the prominent pioneers.' Olf Welsh descent, he was born in Burlington county,
New Jersey, in I799, and at the age of twenty-one was adventuring in
various enterprises in the Ohio valley. He had all the versatile genius




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


of the typical frontiersman, and before moving out to Cass county had
been employed several years in the carpenter's trade, so that he was
probably the first regular carpenter to settle on Pokagon prairie. He
brought along with him his set of tools, and while his family was sheltered under the roof of Uzziel Putnam he was engaged in constructing a model home for those days. His cabin contained well made windows and doors, and his skill also improvised practically all the household furniture. His interest in fruit culture is also noteworthy. He
brought from his father's New Jersey orchard some fine apple grafts,
and for some years he raised the best and greatest variety of apples in
the county. As "Squire Edwards," he became one of the noted characters of the vicinity, and nunerous incidents connected with the transaction of official business are associated with his name.
Beginning with I8128, the settlers came in tool great numbers to
receive individual mention. Alexander Rodgers and family of wife and
eight children located in the township.  He was the first supervisor
elected after the organization of the county, although he did not serve
on account of illness.  From  Giles county, Virginia, came the Burk
family and also Archibald Clyborn (the family name also spelled Clybourne and Clyburn), who was a member of that noted family who
were prominent in many communities of the middle west, furnishing at
least one of the historic characters of early Chicago,.
ONTWA TOWNSHIP.
From Pokagon we turn to historic Ontwa, which was settled almost contemporaneously with Pokagon.   In the western part of the
township, near the beautiful sheet of water rightly named Pleasant lake,
and on the broad prairie where now stands the town of Edwardsburg,
Ezra Beardsley, who had come from Butler county, Ohio, unloaded his
household goods in the spring of 1826 and became the pioneer of the
locality which has since borne the name of Beardsley's prairie. In the
previous.year he had prospected this site, decided upon it as his permanent home, and erected a rude cabin to shelter his family when they
should arrive. During the first year his household was the only one on
the prairie. But in the following spring the nucleus of a settlement was
formed by the arrival of George and Sylvester MeacHam, George Craw[
ford and Chester Sage. The latter two remained 'only a year or so,
when they moved to Indiana and took a prominent: part in-the founding of the now city of Elkhart, Mr. Crawford surveying the first plat




46


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


and Chester Sage's home serving as the first court house of Elkhart
county.
The Beardsley settlement became a favorite rendezvous for homeseekers passing through or preparing to locate in the vicinity, and to
accommodate this stream of visitors Ezra Beardsley commenced keeping a tavern, which was the first in the county. When the Beardsley
house was crowded to its limit, as was often the case, the overflow was
sent to the Meacham cabin, otherwise known as "bachelor's hall." Sufficient plain food and a shelter between their bodies and the sky were all'
that were asked by pioneer travelers, and this furnished they were content.
The pioneer merchant of Ontwa. Thomas H. Edwards, was also
selling goods from a pole shanty on the south bank of Pleasant lake,
and thus the central settlement of the township was somewhat distinguished by its commercial character from the agricultural community
which was growing on Pokagon prairie.
According to the former Cass county history, Ontwa township at
this time contained a resident whose peculiarities entitled him to a place
with the hermit, Job Wright. This individual, whose name was Garver and who came from Virginia, is said to have lived in his log cabin
for nearly a month without any roof, subject to the rain and inclemencies of the weather, waiting for the moon to be in the right position in
the zodiac before shingling his cabin, so that the shakes would not warp
up. A few years later he became so annoyed by the increasing number of his neighbors, and especially by the surveying of a road past his
dwelling, that he sold out and moved to a thick wood in Indiana, miles
from any habitation. One house within five miles, and that a tavern,
where whiskey could be obtained, constituted his idea of Paradise.
LA GRANGE TOWNSHIP.
Next to Pokagon, and excepting the small settlement in Ontwa,
La Grange prairie attracted a small rivulet of that great stream of emigration which at this time was flowing with increasing volume from east
to west. The first settler in La Grange township was that pioneer with
whom we are already familiar, Abram Townsend, whose first home in
this county was in Pokagon. He had followed the receding frontier
for many years. Born in New York in I77I, he had moved to Upper
Canada when young, in I8I5 settled in Huron county, Ohio, thence to
Sandusky county (where a township was named for him), and in I825




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


47


began the series of explorations which ended in his becoming a settler
of Cass county.
Mr. Townsend soon had as neighbors Lawrence Cavanaugh and
wife and son James; Abraham Loux, a son-in-law of Townsend; and
Thomas McKenney and James Dickson, who located on section 17. In
the autumn of this year, after a dreary drive from southwestern Ohio,
the Wright family arrived. William R. Wright was one of the able
pioneers of this vicinity, and the family connections and descendants
have long been prominent in the county.
Two other familiar names may be mentioned. Isaac Shurte, who
came to the settlement in 1829, was born in New Jersey in I796; moved
to Butler county, Ohio, where he married Mary Wright, and from there
came in I828i to Niles and in the following year to his home in La
Grange. It was in his house that the first election in the township was
held, and his name often appears in the early accounts of the county.
John Lvbrook, who came to the township in 1828, was a member of
the Virginia family of that name that sent numerous of its scions to this
portion of the middle west, and nlost of them came in for prominent
mention in connection with the early and formative history of their respective communities. John Lybrook had come to Michigan as early
as I823, assisting Squire Thompson to move his goods to Niles. Several years later he brought his parents and sisters to this locality, and
lived there until his removal to La Grange. It is claimed that he sowed
the first wheat in the St. Joseph country. He alsol imported the first
grindstone seen in this region, carrying it on horseback from Detroit.
So useful was this instrument that it became almost an institution, and
inany settlers came twenty, thirty and even forty miles for the purpose
of sharpening their implements.
At the time of this writing (May, I906), there lives in Berrien
township of Berrien county, some six or seven miles north of Niles,
the venerable Isaac Lybrook, who is without doubt the oldest of Cass
county's surviving pioneers. Born in I825, he was a member of this
well known Lybrook family, his father being a brother of John Lybrook,
and his mother a sister of A. L. Burk, also a pioneer of Cass. Isaac was
brought to Pokagon township by his mother in October, 1828, and lived
there until he was fifteen years old. He went to Berrien county in I840
and has followed farming through his active career.
Many other names might be added if it were our purpose to make
a complete catalogue of those identified with the occupation of this town



48


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


ship. Many of these persons will be mentioned in the later history of
the township, and as this account must stop short of being encyclopedic,
some familiar names may be entirely passed over. Our purpose here
is to indicate the most prominent of the "first settlers" of the county,
those upon whom devolved the labor of organizing and setting in motion the civil machinery of the county and its divisions.  Of pioneer
history and the interesting stories told of men and events of the time,
volumes could be written.  Even so we could but feebly re-illumine
the features and spirit of those times; for, truly,
"Round about their cabin door the glory that blushed and bloomed
Is but a dim-remembered story of old time entombed."
PENN TOWNSHIP.
Another locality that received immigration before the civil organization of the county was Penn township. Here the matter of priority
of settlement is uncertain.  The first settlers appear to have been of
transient residence.  During the years I827 and I828 Joseph Frakes,
Rodney Hinkley, Daniel Shaffer, John Reed and others took claims here,
but all except Shaffer left the following year. In I8,29 came George
Jones and sons, from Butler county, Ohio. He was the largest landholder in the township, according to the list of original entries. Other
settlers of the same year were John Price, John Rinehart and sons, Stephen Bogue, William McCleary and Martin Shields. In the person of
Martin Shields the township received a representative of the saddler's
trade, although, like all followers of a trade in a new country, he based
his occupation on land and agriculture. When the residents of the community met to cast their first ballots in the new county, they found his
house the most convenient polling place, and perhaps for that reason he
was also the first postmaster of.the town. He was evidently of a more
visionary nature than most of the practical pioneers of this section, for
at one time he felt called upon- to preach the gospel, although when he
opened his mouth to speak no words followed his inspiration and his
spiritual leadership wasshort-lived.
This township bears a name suggestive of the character of its early
inhabitants. The:'c6-religionists of William Penn settled in large numbers not only' in' the' Quaker colony of'Pennsylvania, but all along the
Atlantic coast. But in the south, where slavery was the predominating
feature of the economic system  -their fundamental principles of faith
set -the- Friends at variance with'the -majority of their fellow citizens.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


49


Northwest Territory, with its basic principle of prohibition of slavery,
attracted to its broad, new lands a great immigration of these simple
people, and consequently there is hardly a county in the middle west
that has not had a Quaker settlement. Penn township was the locality
to which most of the Quaker immigration to Cass county directed its
settlement, where they had their meeting house and where their simplicity of creed and manner and dress were for many a year the most
marked characteristics of the township's population.
To refer at this point to one such settler, who was not the less
prominent in the general history of the county than as a member of his
sect.  Stephen Bogue was born in North Carolina in I790; in I8II,
owing to their abhorrence of slavery, the family moved to Preble county,
Ohio. In I829 he came to the St. Joseph country and entered for his
prospective home a tract of land in Penn township, whither his sister,
the wife of Charles Jones, had arrived in the preceding year. Mr. Bogue
returned in 1831 to a permanent residence in this towsnship until his
death in I868. He comes down to us as one of the clearest figures of
the pioneer times. His connection with the "underground railroad" and
the "Kentucky raid" of ante-bellum  days is elsewhere recorded.  He
took a foremost part in the organization of the Birch Lake Monthly
Meeting of the Society of Friends. His name is also, mentioned in connection with the platting and establishment of the village of Vandalia.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.
Pioneer settlers in the township of Jefferson were the four families
whose heads were Nathan Norton, Abner Tharp, whose son Laban
turned the first furrow in the township, and Moses and William Reames.
These men had learned of the attractions of Cass county through John
Reed (related by marriage to Tharp and Norton), who, we have seen,
was one of the first settlers in Penn. In the fall of I828, the four families whose heads have been named left Logan county, Ohio, and after
the usual hardships of primitive traveling arrived in Cass county. They
passed through the site of Edwardsburg, where they were greeted by
Mr. Beardsley and Thomas H. Edwards, and after spending a few days
witll John Reed on Young's prairie, they proceeded to the southwest
shore 'of Diamond lake, and on section I they erected the first houses
of white man in what is now Jefferson township. In the latter part of
1829 John Reed joined these pioneers, and his date of settlement in the
township is placed second to that of the Tharps, Nolrtons and Reameses.




50


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


CALVIN TOWNSHIP.
From this nucleus of settlers in Jefferson in the spring of 1829 departed Abner Tharp to a suitable spot in Calvin township, where he
erected a log cabin, plowed ten acres on the opening, and by reason of
these improvements and the crop of corn and potatoes which he raised
that year is entitled to the place of first actual settler in that township.
It is said that he was the sole occupant of the township throughout the
first summer. He was not a permanent settler, however, for in I830
he returned to Jefferson, and in subsequent years lived in various parts
of the west, only returning to pass his last years in Calvin township at
the village of Brownsville.
PORTER TOWNSHIP.
Only a few more names can be mentioned among those of the first
comers to Cass county.  In Porter township there located in 1828 a
settler who varied considerably from the regular type of pioneer, both
as to personal character and the events of his career. John Baldwin was
a southerner; averse to hard labor; never made improvements on the
tract which he took up as the first settler in Porter; but, for income,
relied upon a tavern which he kept for the accommodation of the travelers through that section, and also, on his genius for traffic and dicker.
Tie lad hardly nade settlement when his wife died, her death being
the first in the township. It appears that Baldwin carried to extreme
that unfortunate trade principle of giving the least possible for the
largest value obtainable. In one such transaction with his neighbors the
Indians, he bargained for the substantial possession of certain oxen by
the offer of a definite volume of fire water.  There were no internal
revenue officers in those days to, determine the grade and quality of frontier liquor, and the strength of the potation was regulated by individual
taste or the exigencies of supply and demand. Certainly in this case
the customers of Mr. Baldwin were somewhat exacting. Having consuned an amount of their favorite beverage sufficient, as they judged
from  former experiments, to transport them temporarily to the happy
hunting grounds, and waiting a reasonable time for the desired effect
with no results, they at once waited upon Mr. Baldwin with. the laconic
explanation that the liquor contained "heap too much bish" (water).
Evidently this deputation of protest proved ineffectual, for a few nights
later the aggrieved former owners of the oxen repaired to the Baldwin
tavern, and, arming themselves with shakes pulled from the door, forced




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


an entrance, and, pulling the unfortunate landlord out of bed, proceeded
to beat him about the head and shoulders in a most merciless manner,
not leaving off their fearful punishment until they thought life was extinct. Mr. Baldwin finally recovered, however, but not for a long time
was he able to resume business. This event was the subject of much
comment among the settlers for many years, and was one of the very
few Indian atrocities to be found on the annals of the county. No arrests were made, but the Pottawottomie tribe paid dearly for the assault,
for Mr. Baldwin filed a bill with the government, claiming and eventually receiving several thousand dollars in damages, which was retained
from the Indians' annuities.
A number of settlers arrived in Porter in 1829, among them William Tibbetts, Daniel Shellhammer, Caleb Calkins (who was a carpenter and joiner by trade), Nathan G. O'Dell, George P. Schultz. With
Mr. Schultz came his step-son, Samuel King, then fourteen years old,
but who, became one of the most successful men in Porter township
and at one time its largest land owner.
VOLINIA TOWNSHIP.
The rather remarkable history of Volinia township had also begun
previously to organization.  During the twelvemonth of I829 many
people located in this portion of northern Cass county, among those
named as first settlers being Samuel Morris, Sr., J. Morelan, H. D.
Swift and Dolphin Morris. One does not go far in the history of this
township, either in pioneer times or the present, without meeting the
name Gard. With some special mention of the family of this name we
shall close this chapter on early settlement.
Jonathan Gard was born in New Jersey in 1799, was taken to Ohio
in I8OI, and spent his youth and early manhood in the vicinity of Cincinnati and in Union county, Indiana. He was well fitted by nature and
training to be a pioneer, possessing the rugged qualities of mind and
body that are needed to make a new civilization. While prospecting
about southern Michigan in the fall of 1828, in search of a place for a
new home, chance brought him together with a party who were bound
on a like mission, consisting of Elijah Goble, Jesse and Nathaniel Winchell and James Toney. They stopped a few days at the home of their
old friend, Squire Thompson, on Pokagon prairie, and then proceeded
to the region that is now comprised in Volinia township. Little Prairie
Ronde was the spot that most attracted them, and there Mr. Goble and




52


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Mr. Gard selected farms, while Mr. Toney chose a tract on what later
became known as Gard's prairie. In the following spring Mr. Gard,
Mr. Goble and Samuel Rich came to take possesion of their new homes.
Because of the fact that Mr. Toney had been unable to leave his former
home, Mr. Gard took the claim: that had been chosen by Mr. Toney,
and thus it came about that he was the original settler on Gard's prairie and gave it its name. Jonathan Gard spent the remainder of his
life at this spot, until his death in I854. He was the founder of the
family which has included so many well known men of Cass county,
a grandson of this pioneer being the present treasurer of Cass county.
It is very remarkable that this. beautiful region of country should
remain absolutely unsettled until the late twenties, and that settlers from
different parts of the United States, without any preconcerted action or
communication with each other, should begin to pour in at just this
time; but so it was. Here different families for the first time met each
other, and here their lives were first united in the same community, and
in many cases by marriage in the same home.
None of those early settlers whom, we have named remain. On the
long and weary march they have been dropping out one by one until of
the pioneer warfare not a veteran is left. It would be impossible, in a
work like this, to trace the life history and describe the end of each
one of them, and for this there would not be sufficient space.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


53


CHAPTER V.
"PIONEERS     OF CASS COUNTY."
"All members of the society who came into or resided in Cass
county prior to I840 shall be deemed 'Pioneers of Cass County.'"
This extract from the constitution of the Pioneer Society has suggested an appropriate record of the pioneers, in such a form as to supplement the preceding pages and to add many details of personal chronology such as the narrative could not present. Therefore it has been
determined to bring together, in alphabetical order, a very brief and
matter-of-fact mention of the deceased pioneers, considering under that
designation only those who became identified by birth or settlement with
the county not later than the year 1840.
Completeness of the record is quite beyond the limits of possibility
and has not been attempted. Yet it is believed that the pioneers of the
county are well represented here, and in a form for easy reference.
Moreover, a study of the following records is extremely instructive,
as documents on the early history of the county. Records of dates and
localities though they are, they suggest entire stories of immigration
and settlement. The sources of the county's early citizenship, and the
character of the stocks which determined in large measure the institutions and social conditions in the county, are indicated in these annals
almost at a glance.
The first deduction to be drawn is the overwhelming preponderance
of New York's quota among the pioneers. Some few well known families, notably the Silvers from New Hampshire, were native to the strictly New England states.  Delaware furnished several worthy families,
Vermont is honorably represented, but either directly or as the original
source New York state was the alma mater to moire pioneers than any
other state. New York was the recruiting ground, as is well known, for
the western expansion which began early in the nineteenth century.
That was true, in large measure, when the practicable route of that immigration was through the gateway of the Alleghanies at Pittsburg
and down the valley of the Ohio. But New York did not reach its full




54


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


pre-eminence in the westward movement until the opening of the Erie
canal in 1825, after which the full tide of homeseekers was rolled along
that highway into the untried wilderness of the west.
For a long time Ohio was an intermediate place of settlement between the east and the far west. Also, it was a focal ground upon which
lines of migration from New England, from the middle Atlantic and
from southern states converged. Ohio occupies a position only second
to New York in furnishing pioneers to Cass county. And of Ohio's
counties, Logan, Butler and Preble seem foremost in this respect. Here
the uncompromising abolitionists from North Carolina first settled before Cass county became a goal for many.
Carefully studied, these records tell many other things about the
pioneer beginnings of Cass county. The stages by which many families
gradually reached this point in their westward migration are marked
by children's births at various intervening points. And sometimes the
bonds of marriage united families from widely sundered localities, the
community of residence which brought this about being now in Ohio,
now in Indiana, and perhaps more often here in Cass county.
These are but a few of the inferences and conclusions that may be
found in the annals which follow, and besides the historical value they
thus possess, this is a means of preserving permanently many individual records which have a personal interest to hundreds in Cass county.
Ashley, Thompson-Born in Penn township in 1831; in I853 went
to California, where he died June 8, I906.
Abbott, Joseph H.-Born near Toronto, Canada, January 12, I8I2;
came to Howard township in '834, where he died November i, 1878.
Alexander, Ephraim-Born in Pennsylvania November 6, I819;
came to Cass county in 1831; died in Dakota December 9, I885.
Allen, Mrs. Demarias-Born in I799; came to Ontwa township
in I835; died in Jefferson township August 5, I887.
Arnold, Henry-Born in Sheffield, Massachusetts, July 25, I807;
came to Cass county in 1835; died August 25, 1889.
Andrus, Mrs. Fanny-Born in Cayuga county, New York, November 4, I8o8; came to Ontwa township in I835; died in Mason township January 29, I894.
Andrus, Hazard-Born in New York in I789; came to Ontwa in
1834; died March 3, 1862.
Anderson, Lemuel H.-Born in Warren county, Ohio, July 20,
I929; came to Cass county in I833; died in South Bend August 5,
1895.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Anderson, Mrs. L. H.-Born in Erie county, New York, in 1831;
came to Cassopolis in I833; died in South Bend May 23, 1883.
Ayers, David-Born in Wood county, New York, in I829; came
to Penn township in I839, where he died October 30, I895.
Adams, Uriah M.-Born in Sandusky county, Ohio, November 2,
1832; came to Porter township in 1837; died July 5, 1900.
Alexander, John-Born in Richmond, Indiana, December 22, I824;
came to Young's prairie in I830; died at Michigan City, Indiana, November 27, I900.
Alexander, Leah E.-Born in Wayne county, Indiana, April 23,
8818; came to Penn township in I832; died in South Dakota January
i6, 1901, as Mrs. G. H. Jones.
Aldrich, Henry-Born in Smithfield, Rhode Island, May 5, 1813;
came to Milton township in I837, where he died February 8, 1901.
Atwood, Lafayette-Born in Cattaraugus county, New    York,
March I8, 1824; came to Wayne township in 1836; died at Dowagiac
March 18, I9O6.
Aldrich, Dr. Levi-Born in Erie county, New York, January 27,
I820; with his parents came to Milton in 1837; died at Edwardsburg
December I6, I892; his wife, Evaline A. Sweetland, born in Tompkins
county, New York, September I, 1822; killed in railroad collision at
Battle Creek, Michigan, October 20, 1893.
Aldrich, Nathan-Born in Rhode Island January 24, 18I6; came
to Milton in 1837; died March 26, 1894; his wife, Harriet M. Dunning,
born in New York July 21, I8I6; came to Ontwa in I834; died January 24, 18581.
Alexander, John-Born in North Carolina in I79I; came to Penn
in 1831; died in I850; Ruth, his wife, born in 1785; died in 1845.
Anderson, Samuel F.-Born in Rutland county, Vermont, February I9, I803; came to Cassopolis in 1835; died April 14, 1877;
Mahala Phipps, his wife, born in New York July Io, I807; died January 21, I877.
Hannah Phelps, wife of John T. Adams, born in Norwich, Connecticut, April 30, I8o8; came to Edwardsburg in I835 and there died
June 20, I838.
Bement, David-Born at Hartford, Connecticut, October 17, I813;
came to Mason township in 1836; died in Ontwa township December
I8, 1879;.
Barnard, Dr.-Came to Cass.county in 1828; died in Berrien
Springs April 6, I88,I.
Beckwith, Walter G.-Born in New York in i8io; came to this
county ill 1836; died in Massachusetts May 18, I884.




56


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Beckwith, Mrs. Eliza A.-Born in Ontario county, New York,
December 2, I8II; came to Cassopolis in June, I838; died in Jefferson
township June 27, I88o.
Brady, David-Born in Sussex county, New Jersey, in I785; came
to La Grange prairie in July, I828; died in La Grange township July 12,
18.78.
Bates, John-Bom    in Chautauqua county, New York, July 7,
182I; came to Summerville in I839,; died May I81, I879.
Barnhart, Mrs. Casander S.-Born in Franklin county, Virginia;
came to Cass county about I828; died October 12, 1878.
Bonine, Mrs. Elizabeth G.-Born in Penn township in I833; daughter of Amos Green; died October 26, I875.
Bement, Mrs. Jane-Born in Cayuga, New York, September 17,
I824; came to Mason township in I836, where she died April 2, I887.
Ball, Israel-Born in Butler county, Ohio, October 2, I814; came
to Cass county in 1830; died in Wisconsin April 30, I887.
Bosley, Hiram-Bom    in Ohio in I829; came to Cass county in
1838; died in Iowa in I889.
Beeson, Jesse G.-Born in Wayne county, Indiana, December I0,
I807; came to La Grange township in 1830o, where he died February
18, 1888.
Bacon, Cyrus-Born in Saratoga county, New York, October 26.
I796; came to Ontwa township in 1834; died October 4, I873.
Bacon, Mrs. Malinda-Born in Saratoga county, New York, March
15, I802; came to Ontwa township in I834, where she died April 3,
I888.
Bacon, David-Born in Saratoga county, New York, September
9, I827: came to Ontwa township in I834; died at Niles, Michigan,
July 25, 1899.
Bacon, James G.-Born in Saratoga county, New York, November
24, 1834; came to Ontwa township in 1834, where he died August 20,
1904.
Barton, Martha A.-Born in Virginia September I6, 1822; came
to Cassopolis in I830; died September 8, I8891.
Baldwin, William-Born in Warren county, Ohio, April 5, I82I;
came to Cass county in 1828; died in P'okagon township August 28,
I904. His wife, who came to the county in 1835, died in Pokagon January I, 1892, aged 70.
Bigelow, Harvey-Born in New York July 4, I8I6; came to La
Grange township in 1837; died at Dowagiac November 3, I893.
Blish, Daniel —Born in Gilsun, New Hampshire, June 17, I8I2*
came to Silver Creek in I840; died November 5, I893.
Breece, Jacob B.-Born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, March




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


26, I816; came to Ontwa township in 18,36; died in Jefferson January
29, I896,; Sarah M. Wilson, his wife, born January 19, 1822; died
May 5, I885.
Brady, James T.-Born in Ireland March I, I802; came to Ontwa
township in I836; died at Elkhart December i9, i88I.
Brady, Mary Ann Jones-Born in New Jersey June 13, I8o9,
came to Ontwa in I836; died June 12, I895.
Blair, William G.-Born in Middlefield, New York, May I, 1817;
came to Edwardsburg in May, 1835, where he died July 17, 1895.
Beeson, Benjamin F.-Born in Indiana in I832; came to La
Grange township in 1832; died in Calvin township August 31, I896.
Baker, Alfred-Born in 18I6; came to Geneva in I829; died in
Iowa February 10, 1898.
Bump, Eli-Born in Urbana, Ohio, March 13, I81I9; came to Jefferson township in 1837; died in Vandalia May 23, I899. His wife,
Naomi Reames. born in Logan county, Ohio, September 22, 1822;
came to Jefferson in 1834; died at Vandalia. March 2, I904.
Bonine, James B.-Born in Wayne county, Indiana, July I8, I825;
came to Penn township in 1831; died November 28, 19oo.
Baldwin, Josephus-Born in New Jersey October 15, I812; came
to Cass county in I828; died in Indiana May I6, I9oI.
Brady, Noah S.-Born in Ontwa March 17, I839; died July 5,
1902.
Byrnes, Rev. John-Born in Ireland in I815; came to Pokagon
in 1837, where he died March 12, I903.
Bishop, Joseph C.-Born in New York in I8120; came to Ontwa
township in I832; died at E.dwardsburg December 26, I902.
Beardsley, David-Born in Butler county, Ohio, March 31, 1824;
came to Mason township in 1832; died December 28, I903.
Benson, Catherine Weed-Born in Steuben county, New York,
September I, I816; came to Porter township in I836; died September
3, I903.
Beardsley, Hall-Born in New York in I830; came to Porter
township in I838, where he died December 7, I905.
Bogue, Elvira-Born in Penn township January 19, I836; died at
Vandalia April 12, I9O6, as Mrs. Thomas.
Bacon, William H.-Born in New York in 80o9; came to Ontwa
in 1834; died October 6, 1856; his wife, Elizabeth Van Name; born
in I820; died February 4, I897, as Mrs. Starr.
Bugbee, Dr. Israel G.-Born in Vermont March ii, 1814; first
came to Edwardsburg in 1835; died May I8, 1878; his wife, Elizabeth Head, born in England September 12, I8!17; died June 20, I903.




58


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Bogue, Stephen-Born in North Carolina October 17, 1790; came
to Penn township in I829,where he died October ii, I868.
Bogue, Mrs. Hannah-Born in I7981; came to Penn township in
I83I, where she died December 14, I89I, wife of Stephen Bogue.
Bishop, Elijah-Born at Saratoga Springs, New York, in I8 1:
came to Mason township in 1838; died —
Barney, John-Born in Connecticut; came to Wayne in I836;
died in I852.
Barney, Henry, Sr.-Born in Connecticut, in 1 763; came to Silver Creek in I838; died in I850.
Blackman, Wilson-Born in Connecticut in I792; came to Edwardsburg in I829; the county's first postmaster; died..
Bishop, Calvin-Born in New York in I7.80; came to Cass county
in I833; died in Ontwa February 12, I867; his wife, Mary Ann, born
in I79I; died February 26, I86I..
Boyd, James-Born in New York August 3, I8o6; came to Edwardsburg in 1831; died at Cassopolis September 9,. I89o; his wife,
Mary, born in 1796; died I877.
Beckwith, Sylvanus-Born in New York in I776; came to Cassopolis in I838; died February 24, 1859; Lydia, his wife, born in
1785; died September 15, I875.
Bishop, Elijah-Born in New York in I8II; came to Mason in
1838; died in I85I.
Blackmar, Nathaniel Bowdish-Born July 3, 1817, in New York;
came with father, Willson Blackmar, to Edwardsburg,' July 3, I828,
where he died May 24, 1878. His second wife, Sophronia Lee Quimby,
born Strafford county, N. H., May 24, 1830, came to Edwardsburg July,
1836..
Colyar, Mrs. Catherine-Born in Logan county, Ohio, April 27,
1814; came to Jefferson township in 1832; died January 24, I88I.
Curtis, Mrs. Deborah A.-Born in Madison, Ohio, July I3, 1822;
came to Mason township in 1832; died in I880.
Curry, Mrs. Elizabeth Gard-Born in Union county, Indiana, December I6, i8I, daughter of Josephus Gard; came to Volinia in I830;
died in Van Buren county, June 22, I878.
Cooper, Mrs. Nancy Brady-Born in New Jersey, May 5, 80o8;
came to LaGrange Prairie in 1831; died in Dowagiac, July 30, 1878.
Curtis, Jotham-Born in Genesee county, New York, February 24,
I8o9; came to Mason township in 1842, where he died December 9,
I879.
Curtis, Mrs. Elizabeth-Born in Albany, New York, February 7,
1781; came to Mason township in I832, where she died October 5, 1878,
wife of Jotham Curtis.




HISTORY,OF CASS COUNTY


59,


Condon, William-Born in, Ireland, OctoberI 7, I815; came to LaGrange township about 1839; died.:rrcl. I.5,,889; his wife, Rosanna
Hain, born in Ohio, June 22, I827.; came to LaGrange township in
1830; (lied in Jefferson township, July 28, I882.
Carmichael, Arthur C.-Born in Harrison county, Virginia, January 23, 8,25; came to Jefferson in I836; died near Benton Harbor,
August 28, I885.
Colyar, Jonathan-Born in North Carolina, September 13, I8Io;
came to Jefferson township in 183I, where he died January 14, I887.
Carpenter, Mrs. Eliza C.-Born in Sussex county, Delaware, October 14, I802; came to Cass county in I837; died in Milton, June 15,
I887.
Clendaniel, George-Born in Essex county, Delaware, January 15,
I805; came to Milton township in I836; died in Indiana, July 3, I887.
Cooper, Benjamin-Born in St. Lawrence county, New York, August, I794; came to Cass county in I833; died in Howard township,
September 9, I887.
Clisbee, Charles W.-Born in Ohio, July 24, 1833; came to Cassopolis in 1838. where he died August I8, I889; secretary and historian
of the Pioneer Society.
Copley, David B.-Born in Otsego county, New York, July 13,
I817; came to Cass county in 1835; died August 25, 1889.
Churchill, Rebecca Hebron-Born in Porter township, January 24,
1835, where she died February 4, I89I.
Copley, Jane Helen-Born in 1827; came to Volinia township in
1838; died September 20, I890.
Copley, Alexander B.-Born in Jefferson county, New York, March
II, 18I2; came to Volinia in 1833; died; in Cuba, March 28, I899.
Curtis, Delanson-Born in Otsego county, New York, May 28,
i8,I; came to Pokagon in 1834, where he died June Io, I893.
Cooper, Lovina Bosley-Born in Lake county, Ohio, April 29, 1834;
came to Jefferson township in I839; died June 17, I894.
Carpenter, Messick-Born in Delaware in  80oo; came. to Milton
township in 1837; died at Edwardsburg, March I, I895.
Colyar, William-Born in Ohio, I807; came to Jefferson township
in 183I; died in Van Buren county, January 15, I898.
Copley, Ebenezer-Born in Otsego county, New York, May 30,
I820; came to Cass county in I834; died in Wayne township, September I6, I897.
Cooper, Benjamin-Born in New York, September I9, 1820; came
to Howard township in 1834; died in Dowagiac, June i, I899.
Clark, John C.-Born in Butler county, Ohio, August 25, 1814;
came to Wayne township in 1836; died in LaGrange township, July 5,
I899.




60


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Chapin, Henry A.-Born in Leyden, Massachusetts, October 15,
I813; came to Edwardsburg in 1836; died in Niles, December 17, I898;
his wife, Ruby N., who came to Edwardsburg in 1836, died in Chicago,
October 30, I902.
Carpenter, James-Born in Delaware; came to Milton township in
I837; died at Edwardsburg, February 28, I899.
Carlisle, Orville D. ---Born at Ontario, New York, August 31, 1833;
came to Edwardsburg in I839; died in Alabama, June 29, I9oo.
Carpenter, Purnell W.-Born in Sussex county, Delaware, August
28, 1825; came to Milton township in 1837, where he died April 2, I9oI.
Chapman, Emily S. Harper-Born in Cassopolis, March 30, I838,
where she died January 7, I902.
Coates, Jason B.-Born Ontario county, New York, November 11,
1817; came to LaGrange township in I83I, where he died February 23,
1902.
Coats, Mrs. Jason B.-Born in Howard township, May 27, I836,
daughter of William Young; died in LaGrange township, January 20,
I880.
Copley, Asel G.-Born in New York, July 23, I815; came to Volinia
in 1835; (lied May 9, 1903.
Cays, Abram H.-Born in Butler county, Ohio, April 30, I827;
came to Cass county in 1839; died in LaGrange township, August 3I,
1904; his wife, Margaret Foster, born in Holmes county, Ohio, in I833;
came to Jefferson in I839; died in Dowagiac, October 28, I9OI.
Coates, Laura-Born in Ontario county, New York, May 13, I8I2;
came to LaGrange in 183I; died at Cassopolis, March 17, 1902, as Mrs.
William Arrison.
Coulter, James-Born in Henrietta county, Ohio, May 17, I8o8;
came to Howard in I834; died February I6, 1874; his wife, Ann Wilson, born in Clinton county, Ohio, in 1809; died May I8, I893.
Crawford, Robert-Born in Ireland in I782; came to Jefferson
in I836; died in I858; his wife, Elizabeth, born in 1786; died in I844.
Coates, Jason R.-Born in New York in I7891; came to LaGrange
in 1813I; died August 7, 1832; the first buried in Cassopolis cemetery;
his wife, Jane, born in 1787; died October 26, I844; their daughter,
Jane Ann, born February 29, 1823; died at Cassopolis January 24,
1904, as Mrs. Allen.
Deal, Owen-Born at Amsterdam, New York, July 2, I816; came
to Diamond Lake, December I8, I836; died at Constantine, Michigan,
March 22, i880.
Deal, Angeline Nash-Wife of Owen Deal; born in Chenango
couty, New York, July 10, 1820; came to Geneva in I830; died at
Constantine July 3, 1884.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


61


Denton, Cornelius W.-Born in Amenia, New York, June I, I80o;
came to Porter township in I836, where he died November I, 1878.
Davidson, Samuel-Born in Ohio in 1810; came to Porter township
in I828; died at Cassopolis November 17, I882.
Davis, Alien-Born July 12, 1817; came to Porter township in
I833; died at Cassopolis April 29, I883.
Davis, Reuben B.-Born in Hanover county, Virginia, January I,
18o4; came to Jefferson township in 1840, where he died in I884.
Driskel, Daniel-Born in Pennsylvania in 1812; came to Newberg
township in 1833, where he died September 29, 1885.
Dcane, William H.-Born in Greene county, New York, in I809;
came to Howard township in I835, where he died May 13, 1887.
Dickson, Edwin T.-Born in I82I; came to McKinney's Prairie
in 1828; died in Berrien county in I891.
Dunning, Allen-Born in Albany, N. Y., July 27, I796; came to
Milton in 1836; there died December IO, 1869; his wifeDunning, Minerva Reynolds-Born in Tompkins county, New
York, January 12, 1824; came to Milton township in 1836, where she
died March 31, I892.
Dickson, Austin M.-Born in LaGrange in I832; died in Wisconsin, April 29, 1895.
Dodge, Joseph-Born in Johnstown, New York, December 2, 1807;
came to Cass county in I839; died in Vandalia, September 2, 1895.
Decker, Barney-Born in Ontario county, New York, September
20, 1812; came to Cassopolis, in 1838; died in LaGrange township, January 20, 1900; his wife, Martha Wilson, born in Franklin county,
Ohio, August 1O, 18I6, came to LaGrange Prairie in September, I829;
died October I9, 190O5.
Driskel, Dennis-Born in Tennessee; came to, Porter township in
1833, where he died June I6, I9OI; his wife, Mary Bair, born in Ohio,
February 19, I828, came to Newberg in 1832; died in Idaho, June 24.
190'3.
Draper, John-Born in Syracuse, New York, July 17, I836; came
to Cass county in I840; died at Jones, Michigan, October 17, 1905.
Dunning, Horace B. —Born in Cayuga county, New York, September I8,, 1802; came to Edwardsburg in 1834 and to, Cassopolis in
1841; died nMay 30, I868; his wife, Sarah A. Camp, born in I807;
died September 30', I894.
Davidson, Armstrong-Born in Virginia in I784; came to Porter
in 1829; died in I8150.
Dickson, James-Born in Pennsylvania in 1794; came to LaGrange in 1828i; died September I6, I866.
Dennis, Nathaniel B.-Born in Sussex county, Delaware, March




62


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


13, I813; came to Michigan in I833; died in Milton February 6, I899;
his wife, Margaret McMichael, born in Pennsylvania July I9, I819;
died April 27, I895.
Drew, Albert L.-Born on Beardsley's prairie July 5, 1834; died
in Berrien county; first white child born on the Prairie; Helen Sherrill, his wife; born in Jefferson February I, 1839; died December 28,
I894.
Dunning, Dr. Isaac-Born in New York in 1772; came to Edwardsburg in I834; died March I, I849.
Edwards, Lewis, Sr.-Born in Lamberton, New York, May 29,
1799; came to Pokagon Prairie in 1826, where he died June 24, 1878.
Edwards, Mrs. Ellen Collins-Born in Pokagon township January
18, I838; died January 28, I879.
East, James W.-Born in I803; came to Calvin township November, 1833, where he died April I9, I887.
East, Jacob Talbot-Came to Cass county in I834; died in Volinia
October 8, 1887.
East, Emeline O'Dell-Born in Hyland county, Ohio, November
6, I813; came to Porter township in 1832; died February 2, I899.
East, John H.-Born in Indiana March 25, '1827; came to Calvin
township in childhood; died at Cassopolis January I9, I89I.
Everhart, Sarah-Born in Wayne county, Ohio; came to Porter
township in I830, where she died January 14, 1891.
Eby, Mrs. Gabriel-Born in Germany in 1826; came to Porter
township in I837, where she died November 7, I89I; maiden name
Caroline Wagner.
Emmons, John —Born in Giles county, Virginia, August I8, I8o8;
came to Pokagon township in 1834, where he died October I, I893.
East, James M.-Born in Wayne county, Indiana, April 7, 1825;
came to Cass county in I833; died in Vahdalia March 13, I895.
Eby, Mary Traverse-Born in West Morland, Pennsylvania, April
5, I813; came to this county in I834; died June 26, I895.
East, Anna Jones-Born in Tennessee April 5, 1805; came to Cass
county in I833; died in Calvin township October 22, 1896.
East, Emily J.-Born in Porter township July 26, I834, where she
died June 10, I898, as Mrs. Hughes.
East, Jesse S.-Born in Henry county, Indiana, June 2, 1829; came
to Cass county in I832; died at Buchanan July 29, 'I904.
East, Enos-Born in Calvin township October 24, I839, where he
died March 19, I905.
East, Thomas J.-Born in Calvin township May 24, 1833; died
at South I-aven, Michigan, June 6, I905.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


63


East, Calvin K.-Born in Calvin 'township October 7, 1834; died
at Vandalia April 17, I9o6.
Emerson, Matthew H.-Born in Hopkinton December      I, I8o8;
came to Edwardsburg in I839, where he died March 17, I877.
Follett, Mrs. Mary-Born in Canandaigua county, New York, February I6, 1798; came to Mason township in 1835; died November 30,
i88o, widow of Dr. Henry Follett, who died in Mason in I849.
Fredericks, Henry-Born in Pennsylvania; came to Porter township in 1840, where he died August 10, I885.
Frakes, Mirs. Joseph-Born in Ohio in.I804; came to Cass county
in I829; died March 15, 1887.
Fox, Mrs. Sarah C.-Born in Kent county, Delaware, February 27,
1815; came to Howard township in 1839, where she died October 12,
1889.
Fisher, Daniel-Born in Giles county, Virginia, in 80oI; came to
Howard township in 1830, where he died February 14, I896.
Foster, John McKinley-Born in Holmes county, Ohio, March 24,
1835; came to Jefferson township in 1839; died at Edwardsburg January 27, 1902.
Foster, Andrew-Born in Pennsylvania in 1779; came to Beardsley's prairie in I833; died November 30, 1870; his wife, Rachel McMichael, born in I804; died April 26, I884; his daughter, Margaret,
born in 1833; was drowned at Picture Rock, Lake Superior, October
29, I856.
Foster, James-Born in Pennsylvania in 1792; came to Cass
county in 1839; died in Jefferson 1872; his wife, Ann McKinley, born
in I809; died in I84I.
Green, Mrs. Mary-Born in Volinia township June 13, 1832, daughter of Jonathan Guard; died in Wexford county, Michigan, July 15,
I879.
Grubb, Fanny-Born in Logan county, Ohio, January 21, i8i6;
came to Cass county with Father Andrew in I830; died January 27,
i88i.
Goddard, Anson A.-Born in Canton, Connecticut, March I I, I8o6;
came to Mason township in I836, where he died December 5, I88o.
Goodspeed, William  L.-Bom   in Wyoming county, New York,
August 9, 1829; came to Volinia in I836, where he died February 26,
i'879.
Gawthrop, Mlinerva Jane-Born in LaGrange township May I2,
I840; died in Dowagiac November 9, I878.
Garwood, Rachel P. —Born in Richmond, Indiana,.in 18o7; came
to Cass county in 1832; died in Pokagon December 27, '886.




64


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Griffith, Matthew-Born in Sussex county, Delaware, March I0,
181I; came to Cass county in 1837; died in Milton township January
28, I879.
Goodspeed, Mrs. Sarah D.-Born in the state of Massachusetts
October 14, 1883; came to Volinia November, 1836, whu're she died
November 12, 1878.
Givens, John-Born in Virginia about I803; came to LaGrange
township in I835, where he died January 4, I879; his wife, Elizabeth
P., died October 15, I878, aged 66.
Grennell, Jeremiah S.-Born in Onondaga county, New York, September 30, I824.; came to Cass county in I8,34; died in Newberg township August I6, I888.
Gill, John-Born on the Isle of Man November 12, 1803; came to
Cass county in I835; died at Jones August 6, i888.
Gard, Mrs. Elizabeth Bishop-Born in Preble county, Ohio, December 5, I804; came to Volinia in 18291, where she died September 3, I887.
Goble, James-Born in Pokagon in 1836; died December 3, I89I.
Green, Selina Henshaw-Born in Randolph county, North Carolina, November 12, I819i; came to Cass county in I83I; died in Vandalia
February I, I896.
Green, Mary Huff-Born in Preble county, Ohio, July 29, 1815;
came to Wayne township in 1833, where she died August 8, I896.
Gardner, Julius M.-Born in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, in I823;
came to Cass county in 1835; died in Mason township January 21, 1900.
Gard, Milton J.-Born in Butler county, Indiana, March II, 1824;
came to Volinia in I829; died July 19, 1900.
Gard, Benjamin F.-Born in Butler county, Indiana, July 30, I829;
came to Volinia in 1829, where he died September 23, I9Q0.
Gard, Isaac N.-Born in Union county, Indiana, July 9, 1827;
came to Volinia in I829, where he died July 25, I902.
Gard, Reuben F.-Born in Union county, Indiana, August 6, I825;
came to Volinia in 1829; died at Pokagon April 2, I905.
Goodspeed, Marshall-Born in Cayuga county, New York, April
I, I830; came to Volinia in 1830, where he died September 3, 1900.
Goodenough, Edward B.-Born in Cayuga county, New York, in
1835; came to Volinia in I837; died October 15, 19oo.
Graham, Arthur-Born in Scotland in I812; came to Wayne township in I839; died at Dowagiac, April 23, I901.
Glenn, Thomas H.-Born in Milford, Delaware, in 1828; came
to Milton township in 1834; died in Chicago July 21, I90I.
Goodspeed, Edwin-Born in Cayuga county, New York, January
I5, 1835; came to Volinia same year; died April 5, I903.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


65


Gardner, Rachel M. Roberts-Born in Erie county, New York,
October 13, 1833; came to. Milton township in I839, where she died
August 12, 190I.
Green, Eli-Born in Wayne township in 18,35; died in Mapleton,
North Dakota, September 7, I906; his wife, Esther Gard, born in
Volinia in. 1838, died October 8, 1902.
Goodrich, Robert-Born in Butler county, Ohio, December I8,
1831; came to Jefferson township in 1835; died March 30, 19o4.
Gawthrop, David B.-Born in LaGrange township September 4,
1833, where he died January 25, 1905.
Gifford, PI. Leroy-Born in Genesee county, New York, in I825;
came to Cass county in 1840; died at Dowagiac August I8, I905.
Garvey, Sarah Miller-Born in Franklin county, Ohio, July 21,
1829; came to Jefferson township in I832; died at Cassopolis July I,
1905.
Gilbert. William-Born in Long Island, New York, September 6,
1822; came to Indian Lake in 1839; died October 22, 1905.
Glover, Orville B.-Born in Upton, Massachusetts, April I, I804;
came to Edwardsburg in I839, where he died March I9, 1852.
Carr, Julia A.-Wife of O. B. Glover; born in Albion, N. Y.,
June 28, I818; came to Edwardsburg in I839; died at Buchanan, I893,
as Mrs. Hall.
Glover, Harrison-Born in Orleans county, New York, February
3, 1837; came to Edwardsburg in I839; died at Buchanan in April,
8, 1876.
Glenn, James L.-Born in Pennsylvania; came to, Cass county about
1835; died January I, I876.
Gage, John S.-Born in New York; came to Wayne township September, I839; died
Gage, Justus —Born in Madison county, New York, March 13,
I8o05 came to Wayne in 1837; died January 21, 1875.
Green, Amos-Born in Georgia December 10. I794; came to
Young's prairie in I831; died August 6, I854; his wife, Sarah, born
in I796; died December 13, I863.
Goodspeed, Joseph-Born in Massachusetts April I, I797; came
to Volinia in 18.36; died April 30, I850.
Gilbert, Wm. J.-Born on Long Island, New York, in I790; came
to Silver Creek in 18'39; died February I8, I864.
Goble, Elijah-Born in Ohio in I8o5; came to Volinia in I828;
died
Hain, John —Born in Lincoln county, North Carolina, August 15,
I799; came to LaGrange township in I830, where he died July 8, I879.




66


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Hardenbrook, Adolphus-Born in Baltimore county, Maryland,
January I8, 1823; came to Cassopolis in I836; died in Wayne township
December 30, I88o.
Huff, Mrs. Margaret Case-Born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, March I, 80o4; came to Cass county in 1834; died in Volinia
township in I881i.
Hunt, Eleazur-Born in North Carolina, February 4, I792; came
to Calvin in 1831, where he died August 4, I878.
Hunt, Mrs. Martha-Born in Knox county, Tennessee, October 25,
I795; came to Cass county in 1831; died August 27, I88o.
Hull, John F.-Born in Calvin township June 14, I840; died in
Iowa August 23, I88o.
Hutchings, Hiram-Born in New York May 2, I82I; came to
Newberg township in 1836, where he died January 8, i88i.
Henshaw, Abijah-Born in Randolph county, North Carolina, January 3, I8I2; came to Young's Prairie in I830; died July IO, 1878.
'Hutchings, Samuel-Born in Ulster county, New York, September I4, I796; came to Newberg township in 1836, where he (lied August I, 1876.
Hain, David-Born in Lincoln county, North Carolina, March 25,
I805; came to LaGrange township in November, 1831, where he died
October 26, I878.
Hutchinson, Jesse-Born in Vermont in I8o9; came to Calvin
township in I834; (lied in Iowa January I9, 1879.
Harper, Wilson —Born in Pennsylvania in I809l; came to Cassopolis in 1835; died in Berrien county August 12, 1883.
Houghtaling, John —Born in New York June 8, 1832; came to
Cass county in 1835; died in Newlerg September 27, I885.
Hain, Jacob-Born in Lincoln county North Carolina; came to LaGrange township in 1831; died in Iowa in I886.
IHull, Isaac-Born in Pennsylvania July 3, I807; came to Calvin in.1837, vwhere he died December I9, I873.
Hull, MrS. Maria Grubb-Born in Loudoun county, Virginia, October, 80o6; came to Cass county in I837; died November 15, 1887.
Hebron, Nancy L.-Born in New York city February 17, I822;
came to Porter township in T836; diedl in 'Penn township, November
28, I893.
Harper, Caroline Guilford-Born in Northampton, Massachusetts,
September 4, I8I6; came to Cassopolis in I835, where she died January
29, I902.
Harper, Joseph-Born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, Decemni" 1.9, i8o'5; came to Cassopolis in February, I835, where he died
AufT' l:  8, 1894.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


67


Huyck, Richard R.-Born in New York, February 21, I8iI; came
to Little Prairie Ronde in 1832; died December 14, 1893.
Hathaway, Benjamin-Born in New York in 1822; came to Cass
in 1838; died in Volinia March 21, I896.
Hebron, Gideon-Born in England in I8I6; came to Porter township in I833, where he died January 25, 1897.
Harrison, Jesse-Born in Richmond, Indiana, August 17, 1822;
came to Calvin township in 1833; died at Cassopolis February 13, I898.
Hardenbrook, Adolphus T.-Born in Maryland in 1823; came to
LaGrange township in 1832; died in Wayne in December, I880.
Hardenbrook, Margaret Shurte-Born in Marion county, Ohio,
March 29, I827; came to LaGrange about I830; died in Wayne township February 6, I902.
Hathaway, Orrin-Born in Stuben county, New.York, May 20,
1823; came to Penn township same year; died March 12, 1903.
Hitchcox, James H.-Born in Erie county, New York, January 5,
1826; came to Porter township in 183I, where he died March 26, I903.
Haney, Charles-Born in Germany January 29, 1809,; came to
Ontwa township in 1833; died January 8, 1892.
Haney, Jane Smith-Born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania,
August 24, 18I7; came to Ontwa township in I829; died August 14,
I903.
Hunt, Eliza Worden-Born in Niagara county, New York, April
9, I832; came to Edwardsburg in I833; died at Brownsville August 26,
1903.
Harwood, Nathan-Born in Bennington, Vermont, September 9,
I821; came to Newberg in 1837; died September 29, I903.
Harwood, Clarissa Easton-Born in Allegany county, New York,
October I6, 1834; came to Newberg in 1834; died February 2, I904,
wife of William N. Harwood.
Hanson, James-Born in Fulton county, New York, May 7, 183I;
came to Jefferson in 1835; died in Howard township May 7, I904.
Hurd, Rev. John-Born in England November 27, I823; came to
Newberg in I836; died at Paw Paw, Michigan, April 22, 1905.
Hatch, Jerome B.-Born in Medina county, Ohio, March 9, I827;
came to Mason township in I837; died in Illinois April 9, I905.
Hitchcox, Thomas Addison-Born in Erie county, New York,
June 22, I829; came to Porter township in I83I; died May 29, I905.
Hanson, William-Born in Montgomery county, New York, November I4, 1824; came to Ontwa in I835; died at Edwardsburg March
I6, I905; his first wife, Elizabeth Crawford, born in 1822; died September 7, I865.




68


HISTORY OF CASSI COUNTY


Howard, Leverett C.-Born in Jefferson county, New York, November 7, 1822; came to Cass county in 1834; died in Dowagiac October 3, 1903.
Harwood, Silas-Born in New York October 13, I828; came to
Newberg in 1836, where he died December 31, I905.
Harmon, Eliza Grubb-Born in Calvin August 13, I837; died at
Cassopolis March 15, i906.
Hicks, Edward P.-Born in England February 15, I82I; came to
Ontwa in 18,35; died in Milton township June I, I9o6.
Hicks, Richard V.-Born in England November 17, I819; came to
Ontwa in 1835; died in Milton township March I, I906.
Hathaway, Sarah E. —Born in Cayuga county, New York, June
16, 1830; came to Volinia in 1837, where she died in Copemish, Michigan, April 24, 1906, as Mrs. H. S. Rogers.
Huff, Amos-Born in New Jersey January 30, I799; came to
Volinia township in I834, where he died July 4, 1881.
Huyck, John-Born in New York September 27, I783; came to
Nicholsville in 1836; died at Marcellus September 15, I88I.
Huyck, Abijah-Born in Delaware county, New York, October
18, 1818; came to Volinia township in 1836; died
Hanson, Ephraim, Sr.-Born in New York in 1784; came to Cass
county in I835; (lied September 4, I837; his wife, Alida, born in 1791;
died September 5, I882.
Huntley, Ephraim —Born in Saratoga county September Io0, I798;
came to Howard in I833; died at Niles October I, i88i; his wife, Eliza Ross, born  80oo; died in Howard in I856.
Howell, David M.-Born in Champaign county, Ohio, May 27,
1817; came to Berrien c     in cot 18.34 and to Howard in 1840; (lied in
Penn December 12, I88,3 his wife, Martha Anderson, born on March
29, 1827; died January I Ii 869.
Harper, Calista-Wife of Wilson Harper; born in New York April
II, I819; died at Cassopolis November 24, 1843; Nancy Graves, second
wife, born May 27, I822; died in Berrien county April 25, 1904.
Hopkins, David-Born in Washington county, New York, in I794;
came to Volinia in 1836: died April 7, I88o0.
Hitchcox, James-Born in Ontario county, New York, in I795;
came to Porter in I830; died April 14, 185o.
Hirous, Joseph H.-Born in Delaware in 18o5; came to Milton in
1833; died May 25, 1873; his wife, Eleanor Shanahan, born January 12,
i8o8; died October I6, I891.
Jones, Albert-Born in Seneca county, New York, February 27,
I828; came to this county in I836; died in Penn township December
26, I88o.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


69


Jarvis, Benjamin-Born in Wayne county, Indiana, May 4, I824;
came to Cass county in I834; died at Pokagon December 29, I879.
Jewell, Elias-Born in Monmouth county, New Jersey, in I81I;
came to McKinney's Prairie in I830; died at Dowagiac January 2I,
I887.
Jewell, Hiram-Born in Monmouth county, New Jersey, in I805;
came to LaGrange township in I830, where he died September 28,
I887.
Jones, Mrs. Rebecca-Born in I8Io; came to Cass county in 1837;
died January 28, I890.
Jones, Stephen-Born in Ohio in I82I; came to Cass county in
1829; died January 12, I891.
Jones, Daniel S.-Born in Butler county, Ohio, May 2, I818; came
to LaGrange township in 1833; died at Cassopolis July 28, 1893.
Salina Miller-Wife of David S. Jones; born in New York May 5,
1824; died at Cassopolis August Io, I898.
Jones, William — Born in Preble county, Ohio, March 8, I813;
came to Penn township in I829, where he died March 29, I894.
Jones, William G.-Born in Penn township July I6, I836; died
in California May I, I895.
Jones, George W.-Born in Preble county, Ohio, April 3, 1824;
came to Cass county in I830; died April 29, I896.
Emma Sherman-Wife of George W. Jones; born in Cassopolis
in 1836; died November 20, 1870.
Jones, Jesse G.-Born in Penn township December 13, I832, where
he died March I6, I884.
Jones, Joseph —Born in Preble county, Ohio, in I825: came to
Cass county in I829; died in Iowa February I6, I897.
Jones, Asa-Born in Erie county, New York, July 10, 1817; came
to Cass county in 1835; died in Edwardsburg February 20, I897; his
wife, Nelly Massey, born in Sussex county, Delaware, October 15, I823,
came to Cass county in 1833; died in Edwardsburg April 30, I899.
Jones, George F.-Born in Seneca county, New York, August II,
I819, came to Newberg in I837; died in Indiana August 22, 1898.
Jones, Cordelia-Born in Newberg township in I836; died at Vandalia, November 14, I9oo, as Mrs. Miller.
Jones, Keziah-Born in Young's Prairie February 4, I83I; died in
Penn township July 27, 1905, as Mrs. Brody.
Jones, Nathan-Born in Preble county, Ohio, April 26, I824; came
to Young's Prairie in I829i, where he died December 8i, I905.
Jarvis, Norman-Born in Rowan, North Carolina, April 14, I820;
came to LaGrange in I834, where he died April 14, 1903.




70


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Jones, Finney H.-Born in Penn in December, I830; died March
5, 1903.
Jones, Amos-Born in Preble county, Ohio, August 13, I820;
came to Cass county in I830; died in LaGrange township April 20,
1905.
Jarvis, Burton-Born in Rowan county, North Carolina, September
6, 816G; came to LaGrange township in I834; (lied in Berrien county,
January 2, I902.
Jewell, Jonathan M.-Born in Butler county, Ohio, March 8, 1835;
came to LaGrange in I839,; died in Wayne township December 20, I905.
Jenkilns, William Baldwin-Bom  in Green county, Pennsylvania,
October 4, 1783; came to Pokagon in 1825; died June I6, 1845.
Jones, Henry-Born in Randolph county, North Carolina, in I790;
came to Penn township in 183o0, where he died in I85.
Jacks, Joseph L. —Born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, May I8,
1804; arrived at Edwardsburg July 4, 1829; died January 7, 1885;
Alvira Pennell, his wife, born October 17, 1824; died January 23, 1872.
Jewell, James-Born in Ohio January 7, I803; came to LaGrange
in 1832; died April 23, 1877; his wife, Mary, born in I8o6; died
November 26, 1883.
Keene, Leonard-Born in North Carolina January 13, i8Io; came
to Cass county in 1831, where he died May 24, 1879.
Keene, Mrs. Alcy-Born in Clark county, Ohio, in I814; came to
Calvin township in 1832; died in Jefferson township October 23, i888.
Kingsbury, Asa-Born in Massachusetts May 28, I8o6; came to
Cassopolis in I836; died March 10, I883.
Keeler, Lucius-Born in Onondaga county, New York, April 23,
1816; came to Porter township in I837, where he died September 26,
i883.
Kelsey, James-Born in Haddam, Connecticut, November 3, I8Io;
came to Wayne township in I839; died in LaGrange township October
5, 1883.
Kelsey, Mary Compton-Born in Ontario county, New York, in
]817; came to the county with her husband; died February 22, 1900.
Kirkwood, Andrew-Born in Scotland July 17, 80o8; came to
Wayne township in I836; died in California March 13, I89I.
Kirkwood, Iieutenant Alexander-Born in Ohio September 27,
I834; came to Wayne in I8636; died in Chicago March 27, I89I.
Kirkwood, James-Born in Scotland April 12, I81 i; came to Wayne
township in 1836, where he died April 20, I892.
King, Samuel-Born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, in I8I8;
came to Porter township in I828, where he died April 24, 1896.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


71


King, George-Born in Fairfield, Ohio; came to Porter township
in I1828, where lie died April 26, 1896.
Kingsley, Charles R.-Born in Franklin, Massachusetts, May 21,
1831; came to Ontwa township in 18391; died January 2, I902.
Kinimerle, Henry-Born in Butler county, Ohio, June 17, 1830;
came to Cassopolis in I834; died in LaGrange township March i6,
I905.
Kingsbury, Charles-Born in Massachusetts May 4, I812; came to
Cassopolis in 1835; died December 23, I876.
Kelsey, Dr. William J.-Born in New York August 20, 1839;
came to LaGrange in. I839; died at Cassopolis November 29, I893.
Kingsley, Elijah-Born in Franklin county, Massachusetts, October 5, I796; came to Mason in I839; died in Ontwa October 291, I890.
Lincoln, Bela-Born in Clinton county, New York, June 9,, 1822;
came to Young's Prairie in I834; died February i, I88I, in Penn township.
Lee, Ishmael-Born in Blount county, Tennessee, May 22, I815;
came to Jefferson township in 1834; died in Iowa April 22, I879.
Long, Mrs. Elizabeth-Born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in
I788; came to Edwardsburg in 1835; died January I2, I879.
Lybrook, Henley C.-Born in Giles county, Virginia, November 28,
I802; came to Pokagon May I5, I830; died in Dowagiac July 6, 1882.
Lybrook, Baltzer-Born in Giles county, Virginia, in 1824; came
to Pokagon in 1828; died in Silver Creek, January i, i886.
La Porte, George-Born in Ohio in I8o5; came to Cass county in
1833; died in Wayne township June 1, I886.
La Porte, Mrs. Ann-Bomr in Virginia August 25, i8II; came to
LaGrange township in I834: died in LaGrange township July 2, 1887.
Leach, Joshua-Born in Orleans county, Vermont, March 12, I8I2;
came to Young's Prairie in 1833, where he died April 4, I890.
Lilly, David-Born in Zanesville, Ohio, in I814; came to LaGrange
township in 1835, where he died March 18, I894; his wife, Sarah Simpson, born in 1823, came to LaGrange township in I830, where she died
April 3, 1902.
Loomis, Nancy J. Peck-Born in Champaign county, Ohio, Decembet I4, 1828; came to Jefferson township in 1836, where she died January 31, I895.
Lybrook, Mrs. Mary Hurd-Born in England February 9, 1821;
came to Newberg in 1836; died in LaGrange January 26, I903.
Lindsley, Elizabeth-Born in Rutland county, Vermont, November
5, I830; came to Young's Prairie in I839; died in Jefferson March 19,
I905.




72


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Lawrence, Levi B.-Born in Chautauqua county, New York, June
12, I819,; came to Volinia in September, I832, where he died August
13, I895; his wife, Esther Copley, born in Jefferson county, New York,
March 26, 18.24, came to Volinia in 1833; died April 28, I904.
La Porte, Catherine Tietsort-Born in Ohio in 1830; came to
Wayne township in I834; died at Dowagiac January 21, 1902.
Lee, Samuel H.-Born in Stafford county, New Hampshire, August 14, I830; came to Edwardsburg in 1836; died September 17, I904.
Lofland, Joshua-Born in Milford, Delaware, September 8, I8i8;
came to Cassopolis in 1836; died February 27, 1862; his wife, Lucetta
Silver, born in New Hampshire February Io, 1823; died at Hammond, Indiana, February 2, I905.
Lybrook, John-Born in Giles county, Virginia, in October, I7981;
came to LaGrange prairie in I828; died May 25, I88I.
Lockwood, Dr. Henry-Born in New York February 26, I8oo;
came to Edwardsburg in I837; died at Dowagiac November 17, I863;
his wife, Sophia Peck, born in Connecticut October 9, I809; died at
Edwardsburg November 24, I853.
Lee, Mason-Born in Massachusetts in 1779'; came to Jefferson
in 1833; died September 8, I858; his wife, Clarinda, born in I796;
died May 12, i866.
Lee, Joseph W.-Born in New     Hampshire January Io, I807;
came to Ontwa in 1836; died August 24, 1874; his wife, Maria
Hastings, born June 20. i8oo; died February 2, 1875; his son, Abiel
S., born in Ontwa April 4, I8381; died July I3, I87I; his mother,
Elizabeth Lee, born in New Hampshire August II, 1772; came to
Edwardsburg in 1836; (lied March 12, I852.
Lowery, William-Born in Delaware in 1822; came to Edwardsburg in I836; died January 2I, I860; his wife, Elizabeth Shanahan,
born in I8iI7; died at Cassopolis February 21, I874.
Mead, Mrs. Clarissa Brown-Born in Otsego county, New York,
December II, I805; came to Edwardsburg in I834; died in Cassopolis
July 28, I8,79.
IMcCleary, Ephraim-Born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, March 31,
I808; came to Cass county in 1829; died in Warsaw, Indiana, May I6,
188o.
McPherson, Joseph-Born in Ohio August I6, I8oo; came to
LaGrange township in I8291; died in LaPorte county, Indiana, July 4,
1879.
Mosher, Ira D.-Born October 26, I802; came to Cass county
February, I838; died in Dowagiac November 27, I88o.
Mowry, Mrs. Jane-Born in Hamburg, New York, in I792; came
to Howard township in I836; died in Dowagiac February 25, I879.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


73


Miller, George S.-Born in Essex county, New Jersey, June I8,
1817; came to Cass county in 1835; died Mason township January 24,
1881.
Merritt, Mrs. Adelia T.-Born in Onondaga county, New York,
September 2, I813; came to Baldwin's Prairie in I836; died in Bristol,
Indiana, January io, I88i.
McPherson, Sarah-Born in Virginia May 5, I8oo; came to Cass
county in I829; died Decembler 21, 1878.
Marsh, Austin C.-Born in Litchfield county, Connecticut, July
15, I793; came to Edwardsburg in 1836, where he died June 3, I886.
Marsh, Mrs. Sarah Lofland-Born in Kent county, Delaware, February 6, I812; came to Cass county in 1836; died January 6, 1879.
McIlvain, Moses-Born in Lexington, Kentucky, February I, I802;
came to Jefferson township in 1836; died at Cassopolis October I8, 1883.
Charity, Carmichael, wife of Moses Mcllvain; came to Jefferson in I8361; died at Cassopolis May 12, 1871.
Meacham, VMrs. Eliza-Born in Delaware June 22, 1812; died at
Union September 21, I885.
Merritt, Martin-Born in 1814; came to Cass county in I833; died
in Sumnerville May 20, i886.
Messenger, Mrs. Angeline Youngs-Born in Rising Sun, Indiana,
August I6, I82I; came to Cass county in I83I; died in LaGrange township March I8, I887.
McNeil, William B.-Born in Cayuga county, New York, December 3, 1817; came to Mason township in I835; died at Brownsville May
ii, 1887.
McIntosh, Duncan-Born in Baltimore, Maryland, May I, 1817;
came to Penn township in 1829; died near Cassopolis May 29, 1887.
Moore, James-Born in 1812; came to Cass county in 1838; died
in Pokagon township January 28, 1892.
Moore, Mrs. James-Came to Pokagon township in I838, where she
died April 21, I889.
McMullen, Eleanor-Born in Ohio September 15, I820; came to
Cass county in I8,37; died in Jefferson township October I, I888.
Meacham, Hiram-Born in Ontwa township May 26, I834; died
in Porter township August 31, 1898.
Mosher, Harry C.-Born in Saratoga c:ounty, New York, June 17,
1833; came to Cass county in I838; died in Iowa February 27, I900.
Mowry, L. C.-Born in Erie county, New York, February 22, I826;
came to Cass county in 8i36; died in Iowa June 30, I900.
McCoy, Henry-Born in Ohio July 27, I833; came to, Cass county
in 1836; died at Marcellus February Io, I90I.




74


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Mead, Hiram B.-Bcrn in Dutchess county, New York, February
7, 1824; came to Edwardsburg in I834, where he died January 11,
1901.
Merritt, Samuel K.-Born in Bertrand, Michigan, June 24, 1836;
came to Porter township in same year, where he died February I6,
1902.
Marshall, Joseph N.-Born in Stark county, Ohio, March 29, I825;
came to Jefferson township in 1836; died at Cassopolis August 17, I904.
Marshall, Mrs. Lovina-Born in Jefferson township in 1831; died
July 5, i889.
McIntosh, Mary-Born in Penn township in I834; died at Cassopolis October 20, I904, as Mrs. Mathews.
Meacham, George-Born in Oneida county, New York, June i8,
I799; came to Beardsley's Prairie in April, 18;27; died at Baldwin's
Prairie January 2, I888.
McIntosh, Daniel-Born March 13, I805, in Alleghany county,
Maryland; came to Cass county in 1831, where he died March 13,
1890.
Morris, Samuel-Born in Ohio in 1824; came to Cass county in
1828; died in Volinia April I9, I895.
Messenger, Carroll-Born in Litchfield, Connecticut, February 7,
I8o9; came to Cass county in 1833; died in LaGrange June 21, I896.
McCallister, Mrs. Marian-Born in Scotland in 1807; came to
Pokagon in 1836, where she died September 21, I896.
McOmber, Daniel-Born in New York in I828; came to Wayne
township in 1837; died in Dowagiac May 2, I897.
Manning, John-Born in New York; came to Marcellus township
in 1836, where he died March i, I898.
McNeil, George B.-Born in Cayuga county, New York, May 12,
1832; came to Mason township in 1835; died at Cassopolis May 8, I905.
Miller, Jacob E.-Born in Ohio, January I, 1824; came to Cass
county in 1830; died in Buchanan, Michigan, March 14, 1905.
Masten, John M. —Born in Kent county, Delaware, in 1829,; came
to Cass county in 183I; died in Howard township April 27, I906.
McOmber, James-Born in Berkley, Massachusetts, February 28,
I8oI; came to Wayne township in I835; died in I848.
McIntosh, Daniel, Sr.-Born in Scotland in I765; came to Penn
in 1829; died July 2, I851.
McKenney, Thomas-Born in Washington county, New York, in
1781; came to McKenney's prairie in I827; died in Iowa in I852.
Mead, Barak-Born in Dutchess county, New York, in 1802; came
to Edwardsburg in I834; died at Cassopolis in I874.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


75


Mansfield, William-Born in New York in I8II; came to Cassopolis in, 1838; died in I869; Margaret Bell, his wife, born in Ireland
1817; died April 18, I896.
Miller, Ezra-Born in Erie county, New York, July 6, i8o8;
came to Edwardsburg in 1835; died January 26, 1884; his wife,
Maria Best, born in I8I6; came to Edwardsburg in 1838; died January 2, I883.
Morelan, Joseph-Born in Virginia September II, I797; came to
Volinia in 1829; died February I6, I854; his wife, Sarah Poe, born
in Ohio August 15, I805; died
May, Russell G.-Born in New York in 1804; came to Cass
county in I837; died in; Ontwa October 8, I886; his wife, Hannah, horn
in 1805; died March 20, I871.
Mead, Henry-Born in New York in I797; came to Edwardsburg in 1836; died July 17, 1842; his wife, Mary, died at Niles -
his daughter, Mary, born in 1827; died July 24, I850, as Mrs. P. A.
Lee.
Morris, Dolphin-Born in Ross county, Ohio, in I798; came to
Pokagon in 1828 and to Volinia in I829, and here died January 7,
I870.
Morris, Henry-And his wife, Esther Jones, son and daughter of
pioneer parents, were murdered during the night of September 28,
1879, at their farm home in VanBuren county, adjoining Volinia.
Miller, John P.-Born in Pennsylvania February I8, I8o9; came
to Jefferson in 183o; died September 28, 1889.
Nash, Ira-Born in Danbury, Connecticut, August 12, I8o6; came
to Diamond Lake in 18128; died January 26, i88i.
Norton, Levi D.-Born in Ohio; came to Jefferson township in
18128; died in Calvin township November 7, I872.
Norton, Martha McIlvain-Born in Ohio November 26, i8io;
came to Calvin township in 1832, where she died January o1, I883.
Newton, George-Born in Preble county, Ohio, August IO, I8Io;
came to Penn township in I8.3I, to Volinia in I832, where he died
January 23, 1883.
Nixon, Hannah-Born in Penn township August 6, 1835, where she
died June I8, I885.
Norton, Pleasant-Born in Grayson county, Virginia, in I8o6;
came to Jefferson township in T832, where he died in I877.
Norton, Mrs. Rachel Fukery-Born in Highland county, Ohio,
May 28, I8o8; came to Jefferson township in 1832, where she died
March 17, I887.
Norton, Sampson-Born in I8,2I; came to Cass county in 1829;
died in Calvin township May 3, I892.




76


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Newton, Hester Green-Born March 25, I8I9; came to Cass county
in I831; died in Volinia township April 21, I89.2.
Nixon, Esther Jones-Born in Preble county, Ohio, January 27,
I814; came to Penn township in I830; died November Io, 1894.
Nicholson, John W.-Born in Champaign county, Ohio, in I83I;
came to Cass county in 1834; died in Iowa about I895.
Nothrup, Asahel D.-Born in Rutland county, Vermont, February
13, 1822; came to Cass county in I836; died in Calvin March 15, 1898.
Norton, Jane-Born in Logan county, Ohio, December 5, I807;
came to Jefferson township in I829; died June I, I898.
Northrop, Spafford B.-Born in Vermont in 1828; came to Calvin
township in 18!36; died in Wexford county, Michigan, September 26,
1898.
Nicholson, Ambrose-Born in Batavia, New York, July 3, 1834;
came to Cass county in 1837; died at Kalamazoo July I, I904.
Neave, John-Born in England in I780; came to Ontwa in I836;
died January 23, 1864; his wife, Mary Ann, born in I805; died May
I I, 862.
Nixon, John-Born in North Carolina September Io, 1798; came
to Penn in 1830; died June io, 1882.
O'Dell, Nathan-Born in Highland county, Ohio, September 8,
I819; came to Cass county with his father, James O'Dell, in 1832; died
in Penn township February 22, i88o.
O'Dell, John-Born in Montgomery county, New York, February
17, I806; came to Mason township in 1835, where he died November
15, 1878.
Oxenford, Mrs. Sally Grennell-Born at Onondaga county, New
York, July 17, I830; came to Cass county in 1834; died at Vandalia
July 12, 1888.
Oren, James-Born in Clinton county, Ohio, January 29, I823;
came to Calvin in I838; died at Cassopolis February 22, 1891.
O'Dell, Thomas-Born in Porter township in 1831; died January
30, I882.
Osborn, Ellison —Born in Wayne county, Indiana, in 1823; came
to Calvin township in 1835; died in Arkansas March Io, 1897.
Osborn, Ellen-Born in Wavne county, Indiana, in I8134; came to
Calvin township in I835; died in Elkhart, Indiana, as Mrs. Jackson,
May 19, I897.
Olmstead, William-Born in Ohio, March 15, I835; came to Howard township in 1837, where he died March Io, I898.
Oshorn, Leander-Born in Economy, Indiana, December 27, I825;
came to Calvin township in 1835; died at Vandalia June 13, 1901.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


77


Osborn, Susannah East-Born in Wayne county, Indiana, October
Io, 829:; came to Calvin township in 1833; died September 21, I902.
O'Dell, James S.-Born in Porter township January Io, 1830;
(ied December I8, 1903.
O'Dell, James-Born in Virginia July 20, I799; came to Penn
in 1832; died --
Osborn, Jefferson-Born in Wayne county, Indiana, January 2,
1824; came to Calvin in 1835; (lied April 4, 1901.
Olmstead, Sylvester —Born in Connecticut in I780; came to Edwardsburg in 1836; died February 3, I86i; his wife, Polly, born in
1775; died August 3, I837.
Olmsted, Samuel C.-Born in Connecticut July Io, I8oI; came
to Ontwa in 1836; died ---Putnam, Mrs. Anna Chapman-Born in Kent, Connecticut, January 19, I792; came to Pokagon in November, I825; died in Pokagon
Prairie, October 15, I88o,; mother of first white child born in Cass
county.
Putnam, Uzziel, Jr.-Born in Pokagon Prairie August 12, 1826:
(ied at Pokagon February Io, I879.
Peck, Rachel-Born in Harrison county, Virginia, October 29,
1798; came to Jefferson township in I836, where she died April 15,
1884; wife of Marcus Peck.
Peck, W;Villiam W.-Born in Shelby county, Ohio, September 22,
I830; came to Cass county with his father, Marcus Peck, in I836;
died in Cassopolis April 5, 1879.
Putnam, James M.-Born in Jefferson township in I838i; died in
Kansas February 15, 1879.
Palmer, Joseph-Born in Saratoga county, New York, March 5,
I817; came to Whitmanville in 1832; died at Dowagiac November 9,
1878.
Palmer. Jared-Born in Saratoga county, New York, in I809; came
to Whitmanville in 18,32; died at Paw Paw January 18, I879.
Philbrick, Mrs. Eleanor Goodrich-Born in Meadowbrook, Connecticut, in I817; came to Cassopolis in I838; died at Grand Rapids November 9, I885.
Poe. Charles R.-Born in Crawford county, Ohio, April 27, I819;
came to Poe's Corners in I835, where he died May 19, i888.
Parker, John-Born in Ohio in I8II; came to Calvin township in
1831; died in Nebraska March 8, I897.
Pemberton, Reason S.-Born in Wayne county, Indiana, March
23, 1822; came to Penn township in 1836; died in Marcellus April 27,
I896.




78


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Pollock, William-Born in Preble county, Ohio, August 6, 1820;
came to Cass county in 1830; died at Cassopolis June 3, I894; his wife,
Harriet C. Shanahan, born in Delaware June 25, I833, came to Edwardsburg in I834; died at Cassopolis June I8, I902.
Putnam, Orlean-Born in Jefferson county, New York, May 7,
I8o9; came to Cass county in 18127; died in LaGrange township January I9, i886.
Pitcher, Silas A.-Born in Logan county, Ohio; came to Wayne
township in 18,39; died September 7, 1897.
Pollock, James-Born in Preble county, Ohio, February I9, 1822;
came to LaGrange township in I836; died in Penn October 16, I898.
Putnam, Ziltha-Born in Ohio in 18.23; came to Pokagon in IS25,
where she died January 22, 1900, as Mrs. Jones.
Pemberton, Eliphalet-Bom in Virginia in 18,22; came to Penn
township in I836; died in Emmet county, Michigan, May 17, I906.
Palmer, William K. —Born in Livingston county, New York, in
I825; came to Wayne township in 1837; died at Dowagiac March 2I,
I902.
Price, Rev. Jacob-Born in South Wales March 28, I799; came
to LaGrange in 1833; died August 8, 1871; Ann Price, an English
lady, his wife, came with him and died October 9, 1833; his second
wife, Sarah Bennett, born in Vermont I8IO; died at Cassopolis in i886.
Rudd, Barker F.-Born in Vermont in I8oo; came to Cass county
in 1834; died in Newberg township February 22, I880.
Rinehart, Mrs. Annie-Born in Ohio in I812; died near Union
June 7, I889; wife of Lewis Rinehart.
Rinehart, Lewis-Born in Virginia December 5, I807; came to
Cass county February 28, 1829; died at Baldwin's Prairie December 6,
I879.
Richmond, Mrs. Nancy-Born in Ohio February I, I815; came to
Porter township about 1835; died July i, I879.
Rinehart, John-Born in Rockingham county, Virginia, June 5,
I814; came to Young's Prairie in February, I829; died in Porter township February 20, I88i.
Runkle, Margaret Wilson-Born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania,
December 9, I8I8; came to Beardsley's Prairie in 1838; died May 24,
I88i.
Reames, Moses-Bom     in Northampton county, North Carolina,
May 27, I797; came to Jefferson township in 1828, where he died December 6, 1878.
Rinehart, Abram —Born in Rockingham county, Virginia, January 5, I817; came to Porter township in 1829, where he died September
2, I895.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


79


Reneston, William-Born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania. March
I3, I796; came to LaGrange township in I830; died August 5, I882.
Rosbrough, John-Born in Ohio in 1812; came to Jefferson township in I833, where he died August 23, I882.
Reames, Mary Colyar-Born in North Carolina, November 15, I8I2;
came to Cass county in I83I; died in Jefferson township April I, 1884.
Root Mrs. Jane-Born in Erie county Pennsylvania, July 2, ISII;
came to Cass county in I83I; died at Dowagiac March 5, I887.
Redfield, George-Born in Connecticut October 6, I796; came to
Ontwa township in I835, where he died October 29, I887.
Reames, W. D.-Born in I820; came to Cass county in 1828;
died in Cassopolis January 12, I892; his wife, Rhoda Pearson, born in
Logan county, Ohio, in I822, came to Jefferson in I83I; died at Cassopolis August 26, I902.
Rudd, Harry L.-Born in Rutland county, Vermont, in January,
1821; came to Penn township in 1835; died in Oregon August 7, I892.
Reames, Levi-Born in Logan county, Ohio, November 13, I824;
came to Jefferson township in I828, where he died April 2, I894.
Rinehart, John W.-Born in Porter township January 21, I834;
died in Penn July 17, I893.
Rodgers, John-Born in Preble county, Ohio, August 13, I815;
came to Cass county in I828; died in Pokagon May 8, I895.
Rudd, Orson-Born in Vermont September I, I827; came to Cass
county in I837; died in North Dakota September 2, I896.
Rinehart, Jacob-Born in Rockingham, Virginia, in June, I804;
came to Porter in 1829,, where he died May 2, I897.
Read, Sylvador T.-Born in Tompkins county, New York, January 12, 1822; came to the county in 1831; died in Cassopolis January
15, I898.
Reames, Nancy A.-Born in Logan county, Ohio, in I826; came
to Jefferson township in 1834; died in LaGrange township July I, I898,
as Mrs. Neff.
Robbins, David H.-Born in Geauga county, Ohio, in 1828; came
to Ontwa township in I836, where he died April 29, 18991; his wife,
Marien Grant, born in Indiana in —; died June io, I86I.
Rogers, Hiram-Born in Morris county, New Jersey, January I6,
I802; came to Milton township in 1831, where he died April 17, I889.
Lory, his wife, born in I81o; died April 29, i868.
Reames, Huldah Colyar-Born in Logan county, Ohio, April 25,
I815; came to Cass county in I830; died September 23, I90o.
Ross, Richard C.-Born in Stark county, Ohio, March 20, 1814;
came to Mason township in I832, where he died April 22, I90I.




80


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Reames, Melissa-Born in Logan county, Ohio, May 24, 18.27;
came to Jefferson township in I828, where she died March 13, I900,
as Mrs. J. L. Stephenson.
Read, Lafayette R.-Born in Tompkins county, New York, August
5, 1804; came to Calvin township in I833; died in Cassopolis June 24,
1900.
Rinehart, Christina-Born in Rockingham county, Virginia, July
4, I819; came to Young's Prairie in 829g; died in Porter township July
I8, I900, as Mrs. W. H. Stevens.
Row, Mahitable Bogart-Born in Genesee county, New York, April
I, I815; came to Edwardsburg in August, 1829; died in Mason township January I, I90I.
Reece, Rebecca A.-Born in Chenango county, New York, February 22, 1828; came to Cass county in 1836; died in Newberg December 17, I90o.
Reames, Jeremiah B.-Bor in Logan county, Ohio, in 1825; came
to Jefferson township in I83I, where he died December 17, I901.
Reese, J. Raymond-Born in Tioga county, New York, March 29,
I833; came to Ontwa township in 1835; died at Edwardsburg February
22, 1902.
Rogers, William  A.-Born in Preble county, Ohio, October 27,
I827; came to Pokagon in 1828; died October 6, 1902.
Roberson, Lewis B.-Born in Cass county February 13, T837;
died in LaGrange November I7, 1902; his wife, Adaline Tarbos, born at
McKinney's Prairie November 22, I837, died May 21, I905.
Root, Fber-Born in 1799; came to Cassopolis in I832; died June
19, 1862; his wife, Eliza Wills, born in Green county, Ohio, October
19, I8I6, came to Edwardsburg in 1831; died April 25, I904.
Richardson, Evaline Meacham-Born in Porter township October
6, I1830; died March 3, I905.
Rodgers, Alexander-Born in Rockbridge county, Virginia; came
to Pokagon township in I828, where he died in I866.
Reynolds, John-Born in Ohio in I816; came to Cassopolis in
I838; died September 24, 1874; his wife, Lucinda Fletcher, born in
I8I8; died in I8,73.
Robbins, Harry J.-Born in New York, August 17, 1815; came to
Cass cofunty in 1832; died M1ay 26, i888; his wife, Rebecca, born in
1818; died March 7, i866.
Rodgers, Alexander-Born in Virginia in I788; came to Pokagon
in 1828; died in I867.
Reading, Augustine-Born in New York September       I, 1802;
came to Ontwa in I83I; died in VanBuren county May 9, 1882; his
wife, Catherine, born July 26, 1813; died December 2, I885.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


81


Rich, Samuel-Born in North Carolina in I802; came to Volinia
in 1829,; died February 20, I873.
Rich, John H.-Born in Volinia October 2I, I829; first white
child born in Volinia township.
Robinson, Nathan-Born in New York November I5, I820; came
to Jefferson in I840; died September 3, I879; his wife, Margaret
Hanson, born in New York; died June.6, I89I.
Robbins, Milton B.-Born in Ohio in I806; came to Cass county
in I836; died in Ontwa March 26, I88I; his wife, Sarah VanTuyle,
born in 80o4; died May 5, I870.
Ritter, John-Born in Virginia March 31, 1793; came to, LaGrange prairie in 1829; killed by lightning August 31, I829; his wife,
Sarah Lybrook, born December 30, I796; died January 23, 1834; his
daughter, Miss Hannah, born May 24, 8i8; (lied June 25, 1882, at
Cassopolis.
Smith, George-Born in Sussex county, Delaware, September 22,
I8io; came to Edwardsburg in October, 1828; died in Milton township January 25, I88o.
Smith, Major Joseph-Born in Botetourt county, Virginia, April
II, I809;; came to Calvin township in 1831; (lied in Cassopolis April
i8, I880.
Silver, Rev. Abiel-Born in Hopkinton, New Hampshire, April
30, I797; came to Edwardsburg in 1831; died at Boston March 27,
i88i.
Sears, Mrs. Margaret-Born in Springfield, Pennsylvania, February
8, I816; came to LaGrange township in I840; died in LaGrange township March 30, I88I.
Spencer, Joseph-Born in Madison county, New York, in August,
1813; came to Wayne township in 1835, where he died February 27,
i88.
Scott, Greenlee-Born in Logan county, Ohio, in I8o6; came to
Cass county in 1830; he and wife, Mary Grubb Scott, died in April,
188I, in Iowa.
Shaffer, Peter-Born in Rockingham, Virginia, January io, I791;
came to Young's Prairie in I828; died in Calvin July 13, I88o.
Story, Mrs. Sophia Boots-Born in England August 20, 18II;
came to Porter township in I836, with husband, Ozail; died November
21, I88o.
Springsteen, John-Born in Rockland county, New York, February
i6, 1802; came to LaGrange township in 1837, where he died October
31, I88o.
Springsteen, Romelia-Bom in New York August 27, 1814; came
to LaGrange in 1837, where she died May 8, I89I.




82


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Sullivan, James-Born in Exeter, New Hampshire, December 6.
18 I; came to Cassopolis in I839,; died in Dowagiac August I9, I878.
Smith, Ezekiel S.-Born in Oneida county, New York, in September.
I8II; came to Cassopolis in I839; died in Chicago February 22, I879.
Squiers, Samuel-Born in Greene county, New York, June 4, I8oI;
came to Volinia township in I836, where he died December 9, I882.
Squiers, Elza-Born in Pennsylvania January 14, I802; came to
Cassopolis in 1831; died in Volinia township March 6, 1883.
Smith, Mrs. Hannah Hayden-Born in Ohio in January, I826;
came to Cass county in I834; died in Calvin December 14, I885; wife
of Joseph G. Hayden.
Stephenson, Ira-Born in Logan county, Ohio, February 24, I827;
came to Cass county in June, 1834; died in Jefferson township December
26, I886.
Shanahan, Peter-Born in Delaware, 1797; came to Milton township in 1834; died at Niles March 7, 1887.
Shellhammer, Aaron-Born in I817; came to Cass county in I839;
died at Union June 8, I889.
Shaw, Mrs. Eliza J. Smith-Born in Jefferson township in 1834;
died Marclh 8, I888.
Sherman, Elias B.-Born in Oneida county, New York; came to
Cassopolis in 1829, where he died November 14, I890.
Stretch, John-Born in Wayne county, Indiana, December 25, I825;
came to Cass county in I833; died April 30, 1892.
Stevens, ANndrew-Born in Ohio October 28, 1822; came to LaGrange in 1833, where he (lied August 23, I892.
Smith, Ezekiel C.-Born in Erie county, New York, June 6, i8II;
came to HIoward township in 1835, where he died July 30, I894.
Stephenson, Samuel-Born in Logan county, Ohio, in I819; came
to Cass county in 1834.; died in Jefferson township April Io, I895.
Sammons, Andrew J.-Born in New York, December 26, 1834;
came to Pokagon in 1837; died in Illinois August 21, I894.
Shaffer, General George T.-Born in Ohio October 9, I821; came
to Calvin township in I832, where he (lied July 24, 1895.
Smith, Williami-Born in England November Io, 1814; came to
Silver Creek in I840, where he died January 22, I896.
Smith, Cannon-Born in Sussex county, Delaware; came to Milton township in 1828, where he died February I, I896. His wife, Sarah
Dunning, born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, September 13, 1824; came
to Milton township in 1836'; died in Ontwa November 17, I904.
Sherwood, George-Born in Dutchess county, New York, in I819;
came to Edwardsburg in the '3os; died in Chicago April I8, 1896.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


83


Stevens, David R. —Born in Oneida county, New York, August I6,
1822; came to Mason township in 1835, where he died June 4, 1896.
Strickland, Mrs. Jane-Born in Butler county, Ohio, March 17,
I826; came to LaGrange in 1831; died May 3, I896.
Shanafelt, Nehemiah-Born in Pickaway county, Ohio, in 1823;
came to Cass county in 1835; died in LaGrange township February 2,
I897.
Smith, Jemmima Lippincott-Born in Clark county, Ohio, in I8II;
came to Cass county in 1832; died in Cassopolis May 30, I897.
Stephenson, Eri-Born in Logan county, Ohio, in 1832; came
to Cass county in 1834; died in Penn township September 20, I896.
Sheldon, William R.-Born in Connecticut in I813; came to Ontwa
township in 1835; died at Edwardsburg January II, I897.
Sherman, Sarah Silver-Born in Hopkinton, New Hampshire, April
I, I807; came to Cassopolis in I832; died in February, I897.
Smith, Andrew J.-Born in Ross county, Ohio, September 2, I8i8;
came to Edwardsburg in I840; died at Cassopolis May 2, I897.
Shanahan, Mary Lowery-Born in Milford, Delaware, May 27,
I809; came to Cass county in 1834; died at Cassopolis February 23,
1898.
Silver, Benjamin F.-Born in Hopkinton, New Hampshire, in I8o8;
came to Cass county in 183I; died in Pokagon December 9, I897.
Sutton, Levi and Lucv-Born, respectively, in i8i8 and 1822, in
Ohio; came to Porter township in 1840 (lied in July and June, I898.
Shaffer, Abraham-Born in Clark county, Ohio. in I828; came to
Calvin township in I832; died in California November 30, I897.
Sturr, Joseph W.-Born in Burgen county, New Jersey, November
28, i8I6; came to Wayne township in 1839, where he died February 12,
I899.
Smith, Wesley-Born in Sussex, Delaware, in 1821; came to Edwardsburg in 18,28; died in Milton township February I8, 1899; his
wife,:Alnmeda, born in lErie county, Pennsylvania, in 1826; died in
Milton township) Jun.e 18. I892.
Shaw, James-Born in Berlin, New York, February 28, I813; came
to Howard township in 1840, where he died December i, I898.
Stretch, William-Born in Ohio in 1827; came to Cass county in
1831; died in Pokagon February 6, I903.
Smith, Henry W.-Born in Stark county, Ohio, April I2, I8I8;
came to, Cass county in 1832; died in Indiana April 4, I904.
Stephenson, Celia-Born in Logan county, Ohio, March 20, 1817,
-came to Jefferson township about 1831, where she died March 14, 1902,
as Mrs. Williams.'




84


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Silver, Orrin-Born in Hopkinton, New Hampshire, December 12,
1812; came to Edwardsburg in 1835, where he died March 27, I899;
his wife, Abigail Fifield, born in New Hampshire in 1815; died at Edwardsburg December I2, 1898.
Shanafelt, William H.-Born in Pickaway county, Ohio, December 24, I824; came to Cassopolis in I835; died May 22, 1900.
Silver, Mary-Born in Hopkinton, New Hampshire, September 20,
18I6; came to Ontwa in I837; died at Cassopolis February 14, I192.
Sherwood, Charles-Born in Dutchess county, New York; came
to Edwardsburg in I8,31 died- in Mishawaka, Indiana, January Io,
1900.
Shurte, William-Born in Cassopolis April 29, I836; died in LaGrange Novemner I2, 1903.
Stephenson, John H.-Born in Logan county, Ohio, in I821; came
to Jefferson township in 1832; died December 31, 1904.
Springsteen, Levi-Born in Ontario county, New York, March Io,
1815; came to LaGrange township in 8,36; died June 9, I905.
Shaw, James S.-Born in Pickaway county, Ohio, in I827; came
to Penn township in I83I; died in Volinia township January 18, 1905.
Shanafelt, Rachael-Born in Pickaway county, Ohio, October 13.
18,24; came to Cassopolis in I835; died in LaGrange November Io,
1904, as Mrs. Umberfield.
Simpson, Moses W.-Born in Pembroke, New Hampshire, May
i6, I8c8; came to Pokagon in 1836, where he died June I6, I849.
Squier, Daniel C.-Born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, March
23, I8oo; came to Cassopolis in I83I; died in Volinia township July 28,
I1873.
Savage, John-Born at Salem, Massachusetts, June i, I788; came
to Marcellus township in T84o, where he died November, I878.
Shanahan, Judge Clifford-Born in Sussex county, Delaware, February 4, I8o5; came to Edwardsburg in 1834 and to Cassopolis in
1841; died August I, 1865; his wife, Mary Lowery, born in Delaware
on May 27, I809; died at Cassopolis February 23, 1898.
Seares, Richard-Born in Pennsylvania in 1771; came to Cassopolis in 1836; died September 26, 1838.
Seares, Isaac-Born in Connecticut in I795; came to LaGrange
in I836; dlied October I5, 1839; Mary, his wife, born in I796; died
April 24, 1870.
Shanafelt, William-Born in Sandusky, Ohio, in 1794; came to
Cassopolis in 1835; died March 28. I864; his wife, Elizabeth Ernest,
born in I802; died December 24, I862.
Shellhammer, Daniel-Born in Germany in 1785; came to Porter
in 1827; died in 1873.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


85


Shurte, Isaac-Born in New Jersey July I, 1778; came to Cassopolis in I830; died in LaGrange March 2, I886; his wife, Mary Wright,
born in New Jersey June II, I8oi; died January'5, I892.
Suits, Jacob-Born in New York in I798; came to Silver Creek
in 1836; died
Shellhammer, John-Born in Pennsylvania September I, 1811;
came to Porter in I828; died --
Silver, John-Born in New Hampshire in I763; came to Edwardsburg in I830; died in Indiana in I843.
Silver, Jacob-Born in New Hampshire in 1786; came to Edwardsburg in I830 and to Cassopolis in 1832; (lied November 5, I872;
Abigail Piper, his wife, died in New Hampshire; second wife, Maria
Goodrich, born in I796; died at Cassopolis December I4, 1876.
Silver, Jeremiah-Born in New Hampshire in 1790; came to Edwardsburg in 1836; died in Pokagon April I9, I876; he built the county's first poor house.
Silver, Margaret-Born in New Hampshire in I799; came to Edwardsburg in 1837; died in Indiana as Mrs. Seth Straw.
Silver, Joan-Born in New Hampshire in I802; came to Edwardsburg in 1837; died as Mrs. Timothy Straw.
Silver, Jo'siah-Born in New Hampshire 1794; came to Edwardsburg in 1837; died in I870.
Shanahan, Edward-Born in Sussex county, Delaware, in I806;
came to Jefferson in I832; died at Kilburn, Wisconsin, October 21,
189I; his wife, Rebecca Kimmey, born July 30, I8io; died at Edwardsburg October 24, 1889.
Seares, William-Born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, June Io,
1817; came to Cassopolis in 1836; died March I8, I894.
Smith, Jacob-Born in Germany in I778; came to Ontwa in 1830:
died August 25, I849; his wife, Elizabeth, born in 1790; died May
24, 1864.
Timrnons, John B.-Born in Butler county, Ohio, June 13, i8i6;
came to Cass county in 1834; died in Howard township August 30,
1878.
Thomas, J. Hubbard-Born in Salisbury, Vermont, September 8,
I807; came to Mason township in May, 1839; died in Jefferson township
May 3, I884.
Tharp, Mrs. Rebecca Hatfield-Born in Hardin county, Ohio, in
I835; came to Cass county in 1838; died at Jamestown December II,
I885.
Tinkler, Thomas M.-Born in Erie county, New York, May 6,
18Ix; came to Wayne township in April, 1839, where he died April
25, I887.




86


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Tharp, Lucinda Jane-Born in Kentucky in I799; came to Calvin
in 1839, where she died February 15, 1884.
Tharp, Laban-Born in Logan county, Ohio, March I6., I8i6;
came to Jefferson township in 1828, where he died October 21, I88o.
Townsend, Charlotte Hunter-Born in Champaign county, Ohio,
July 12, I82I; came to Cass county in I833I; died in LaGrange November 2, 1898.
Thompson, Mrs. Harriet-Born in I814; came to Cass county in
1837; died near Vandalia May 3, 1889.
Townsend, Gamaliel-Born in York, Canada, January 20, I802;
came to LaGrange township in 1826, where he died August 23, 1889.
Townlsend, Charlotte Hunter-Born in Champaign county, Ohio,
July 12, I82I: came to Cass county in 183I; died in LaGrange November 2, 1898.
Tharp, Lydia 0.-Born in Logan county, Ohio, January Io, 1817;
came to Cass county in 1827; died September 15, I893.
Tharp, Christena Maxson-Born in Logan county, Ohio, September 17, 1827; came to Jefferson township in 1840, where she died September i, I890.
Tietsort, Alamanza-Born in LaGrange township March 28, I834;
died in Jefferson township December 8, I890.
Trattles, William-Born in England in 1814; came to Porter township in I83,7, where he died February 21, I891.
Tomlinson, Dorcas L.-Bom   in Delaware May 9, I8IO; came to
Cass county in 1835; died in LaGrange township December 23, I891.
Tietsort, John-Born in Butler county, Ohio, November 22, I826;
came to Cassopolis in I830, where he died April 29, 1893.
Ellen S. Sherman, wife of John Tietsort, born in Cassopolis October 21, 1833; died August 26, I862.
Tietsort, Peter-Born 'in Butler county, Ohio, January 28, I8o8;
came to Cass county in I830; died in Illinois February Io, I895; his
wife, Nancy Wood, born in Virginia in I8o6, came to the county in
I835; died in Illinois August 31, I898.
Thompson, Henry-Born in Vermont in I818; came to Cass county
in 1838; died in Mason township March 26, I895.
Thorpe, Dr. A. L.-Born in Ohio November 9, 18,26; came to
Cass county in 1832; died in Mishawaka, Indiana, February 27, 1895.
Thomas, Eunice Townsend-Born in Brandon, Vermont, April 24,
I812; came to Mason township in I839, where she died; July 29, I896.
Traverse, Aseneth E. Shivel-Born in Montgomery county, Ohio,
October Io, 1827; came to Porter township in 1833; died at Cassopolis
July 6, I90I.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


87


Tietsort, Elizabeth Waldron-Born in Butler county, Ohio, in 1813;
came to LaGrange township in 1830; died April I7, I897.
Thompson, James-Born in Ohio in 1819; came to Penn township
in I829; died in Dowagiac June 9, I898.
Truitt, John M.-Born in Sussex county, Delaware, in 1820; came
to Milton township in 1831; (lied at Edwardsburg January 26. I899,.
Tharp, William Z.-Born in Logan county, Ohio, February 7,
1827; came to Jefferson township in I830; died November 17, I898.
Tietsort, Sarah A.-Born in Darke county, Ohio, February 25,
1832; came to Volinia in 1832; died June 2, 90oI, as Mrs. Ferrell.
Truitt, Henry P.-Born in Sussex county, Delaware, April 25,
1824; came to Milton township in 183I; died April 23, 1902.
Tharp, John L.-Born in Logan county, Ohio, February 28, 1828;
came to Cass county in I840; died at Brownsville April 25, I902.
Tietsort, Julia Fisher-Born in Richland county, Ohio, January 21,
1831; came to LaGrange in I835; died July 29, I902.
Tietsort, Henry-Bom in Butler county, Ohio, January 26, I817;
came to Cassopolis in 1829; died September 26, 1903.
Turner, George B.-Born in Franklin county, New York, March
I, 1822; came to Cassopolis in I836.; died April 15, I903.
Harriet Monroe, wife of George B. Turner; born in 1827; came
to Cassopolis in 1835; died November 5, 1858; Charlotte Tytherleigh,
second wife, born in England in I819; died November 25, 1893.
Tietsort, Ira-Born in Cassopolis September i6, I835; died in
Detroit November 12, I903.
Townsend, Eliza-Born in Canada July 6, 181I4; came to McKinney's Prairie in 1827; died in Iowa March 22, I906; wife of Michael
McKinnev.
Thomas, Harley-Born in Hartford, Connecticut, in I818; came to
Cass county in 1838; died in Dowagiac in 1876.
Truitt. Peter-Born in Sussex county, Delaware, February 7, I8oI;
came to Milton township in 1831, where he died December 29, I88I.
Turner, Sterling A.-Born in North Carolina in 1790; came to
Cassopolis in 1835; died May 10, I86I; his wife, Mary, born in 1798;
died September 12, 1847.
Townsend, John-Born in Wayne county, Indiana, in I804; came
toYoung's prairie in 1829; there died November 20, I835.
Tarbos, William-.Born in Ohio in I8oI.; came to LaGrange in
18,33; died March 24, 1874; his wife, Mary Waldron, born in 1812;
died April IO, I864..
Tietsort, Abram H.-Born in New Jersey, February 6, I777;
came to Cassopolis in I830; died..,'eruary. I, 1847; his wife, Mar



88


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


garet Banta, born in Ohio January 6, 1785; died at Cassopolis September 8, I854.
Tietsort, Abram, Jr. —Born in Butler county, Ohio, July I6, 80o5;
came to Cassopolis in 1828; died May 31, 1842; his wife, Rachel
TIhonmpso0n, born July 17, I807; died March 9, 1893.
Tietsort, Levi-Born in Butler county, Ohio, January 12, 8I I;
came to Cassopolis in I830; died in LaGrange August 17, I864; his
wife, Elizabeth Waldron, born April 22, 1813; died
Tietsort, Cornelius B.-Born in Butler county, Ohio, January 24,
1820; came to Cassopolis in I829; died April 26, 1870; his wife, Elizabeth Mclnterfer, born April 23, 1823; died April 2I, I890.
Tietsort, Squire V.-Born il Butler county, Ohio, April 2, 1822;
came to Cassopolis in I829; died June 7, 1852; his wife, Catherine Custard, born February I9, 1826; died —.
Thompson, Squire-Born in Virginia in 1784; came to, Pokagon
in 1826; died in California in I85o.
Truitt, Peter-Born in Sussex county, Delaware, February 7,
T80I; came to Milton in 1831; died December 29, I88I.
Townsend, Abram-Born in New York in I771; came to, Townsend's prairie in I826; died
Umberfield, Ebenezer-Born in Ohio in I828; came to, LaGrange
in I839; died; his wife, Rachel Shanafelt, born in I828; came
to LaGrange in 1835; died November IO, I904.
Van Tuyl, Daniel-Born in New Jersey, March 13, I796; came to
Jefferson township in I835; died January 20, I88o.
Van Vlier, George-Born in Virginia in  80o6; came to Pokagort
in I830, where he died August 28, I886.
Van Tuyl, John-Born in Jefferson township October I, 1838; died
at Edwardsbuirg May 25, 1899.
Vanderhoof, Dorcas Howard-Born in Canada November ii, 1826;
came to Whitmanville in I837; died in Iowa in July, 1902.
Van Tuyl, Joseph M.-Born in Ohio October I9, 1833; came to
Jefferson township in 1835, where he died June 20, 1905.
Wilsey, Mrs. Nancy-Born in Galway, New York, December 13,
I773; came to Cass county in 1835; died in Howard township January
7, i88i.
Witherell, Gilman-Born in Concord, New Hampshire, in I809;
came to Pokagon in 1836, where he died November 24, 1878.
Walters, David-Born in New York about I8I8; came to Silver
Creek township in I839, where he died December 6, 1878.
Williams, Mrs. Sarah-Born in I806; came to Cass county in
I830; died in Calvin township December 14, 1885.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


89


Williams, Mrs. Ann Parmer-Born in Kent county, Delaware, May
4, 18oI; came to Milton township in 18,37; died in Howard township
October 24, I88o.
Warner, Hubbell-Born in New York in I8oi; came to Volinia in
1837, where he died January 22, I888.
Wood, Mrs. Sarah Hunter-Born in Otsego, county, New York,
July 4, I818; came to Cass county in 1836; died August 31, 1887.
Walton, Mrs. Jane B.-Born in Massachusetts February I9, I809;
came to Jefferson in I838; died in Cassopolis August 26, I89o.
Wright, James M.-Born in Butler county, Ohio, May 12, I82I;
came to Volinia in I83I, where he died April 23, 1896.
Warner, Eliza A. Fox-Born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, June I6, 1817; came to Volinia township in I830; died February
7, I896.
White, Joel-Born in Pennsylvania in I809.; came to this county
in I830;- died in Porter township March 21, I897.
Wright, Stephen D.-Born in Butler county, Ohio, April 4, I8I6;
came to LaGrange Prairie in 1828, where he died April 25, I898.
White, John-Bom in Ohio about 1822; came to Cass county in
1830; died in Iowa February, I898.
Wilson, Daniel-Born in Franklin county, Ohio, in October, 1814;
came to LaGrange township in 8I29,; died in Oregon January 15, I898.
Waterman, William-Born in Norwalk, Ohio, May 20, 1812; came
to site of Dowagiac in I835, where he died March 12, 1902.
Warner, Loomis H.-Born in Herkimer county, New York, February 6, 1828, came to Volinia in 18135; died at Cassopolis April 14, I904.
White, Eli S.-Born in LaGrange April 29, I8136; died in Penn
township December 7, I903.
Wells, Col. Samuel-Born in Little Prairie Ronde June 4, 1833;
died in Indiana January 12, I906.
Warner, J. Harvey-Born in Herkimer county, New York, March
23, 1832; came to Volinia in I837; died March 24, I906.
Worthington, Rev. Henry-Born in Springfield, Massachusetts,
March 12. I81I5; came to Cass county in; died at Dowagiac
August 9, 1875.
Wilkinson, Harvey-Born in Chautauqua county, New York, in
I795; came to Ontwa in 1834; died January 23, 1870; his wife, Catherine M., born in 1804; died at Edwardsburg September I, I846.
Wright, William R.-Born in New Jersey in I779; came to LaGrange in I828; died -.
Williams, Spencer-Born in Sussex county, Delaware, May 2,
I807; came to Ontwa in 183I; died in Milton May 2, I877.




90


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Williams, Isaac-Born in Virginia in I8oo; came to Pokagon in
I835; died November 22,.1874.
Walton, Charles-Born in Delaware in I8oo; came to Jefferson
in I836; died July 30, I870; his wife, Sarah Primrose, born in I8oo;
died May 2, i886.
Walton, Henry-Born in New York in I804; came to Jefferson
in 183I; died at Cassopolis April 25, i865; his wife, Jane B., born in
Massachusetts in 1838; died at Cassopolis August 26, I890.
Young, William-Born in Rutland, Vermont, April 17, 1798; came
to the county in!83I; murdered December I6, I879.
Youngblood, Peter-Born in Preble county, Ohio, in June, 1813;
came to Pokagon in 183I; died in LaGrange township December 20,
i886.
Zimmermnan, Jacob H.-Born in Georgia in February, I8oo; came
to Young's Prairie in 1832; died
Zane, Isaac-Born in March, I766; came to Jefferson township in
1833; where he died February I9, 1839.


I


I.;      I!f  (  i


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6L,,


CASS COUNTY COURT HOUSE.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


91


CHAPTER VI.
ORGANIZATION.
Referring to the conditions in the large civil division of which
Cass county was a part until the year 1829, the History of I882 makes
the following interesting statement: "It does not appear that government had any other than a: merely nominal existence in St. Joseph township, and it is probable. that no legal acts were performed in or by it."
Although thus far we have mentioned the county townships of Cass
as if they already existed at that early day, they did not; and as the
quoted words indicate, there was no, government machinery in operation
during the period to which we have devoted the.chapter on "Early Settlement."  During the years 1825 to I829 many settlers had come, but
they were a law unto themselves. And well was it that they possessed
the Anglo-Saxon genius for law and, order and "the enjoyment of mine
without injury to thine;" otherwise there would have been anarchy. But
though the early settlers in a sense were without law, they were not
against law, and at the proper time steps were taken toward county
organization.
We have already mentioned the county of. Wayne and other mutations of Michigan territorial boundaries during its early history. The
various counties erected within the territory up to the time of our present discussion were:' Monroe, in I817; Mackinac, in I818; Oakland,
in I820; Washtenaw, in 1826; Chippewa, in I826; Lenawee, from Monroe, in 1826. To Lenawee county was attached all the territory (comprising the greater part of southern Michigan) to which the Indian
title had been extinguished by the Chicago treaty of 1821. In September, I828, this already vast. domain was further increased by the addition of all the lands to which the Indian title had been extinguished by
the Carey Mission treaty of I828. This entire area, comprising about
ten thousand square miles, was constituted and organized as the township of St. Joseph, being attached to Lenawee county.
By an act approved October 29, I8,29, twelve counties were carved
from this immense township. Among other, sections of the act, one
provided that: "So' much of the country as lies west of the line be



92


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


tween ranges 12 and 13 west of the meridian and east of the line between ranges i6 and 17 west, and south of the line between townships
4 and 5 south of the base line, and north of the boundary line between
this Territory and the State of Indiana, be, and the same is hereby set
off into a separate county and the name thereof shall be Cass."
It was a fitting tribute to an American statesman and soldier that
his name should be perepetuated in this beautiful county of southern
Michigan. Lewis Cass was born in Exeter, New Hampshire, October
9, 1782, and died at Detroit, Michigan, June 17, I866.  His career,
while of national prominence, was peculiarly identified with Michigan.
After a period of service in the second war with Great Britain, he was
sent to the west as governor of the territory of Michigan, and held that
office during the greater part of Michigan's territorial existence, from
18I3 to 1831, being the incumbent of the office at the time Cass county
was created. Thereafter he served as secretary of war, I831-36; minister to France, I836-42; United States senator, I845-48; Democratic
candidate for president, 1848; United States senator, I849-57, and secretary of state, I857-60.
By the provisions of the section above quoted, Cass county was constituted entirely rectangular in outline, twenty-four miles from east to
west, and from north to south twenty-one miles and a fraction. It is
evident that the erection of the counties at this time was planned according to the lines of survey, without regard to geographical conveniences; for no account was taken of the only irregular feature in the
outside limits of the county, namely, the small corner cut off by the St.
Joseph river. Until March 3, 183I, the legal boundaries construed the
small triangle of land (containing one whole section and fractions of
four others) lying east of that river to belong to Cass county. But
an act of that date changed the lines to conform with the natural boundary, giving the small portion thus detached to St. Joseph county. For
seventy-five years Cass county has been bounded as at present, and, as
we know, this is also practically the historical lifetime of the county.
The next step was the establishment of civil government within
the territory thus described, and this was provided by an act approved
November 4, 1829, entitled "An act to organize the counties of Cass
and St. Joseph, and for establishing courts therein." The pertinent portions of this organic act are as follows:
"Be it enacted by the legislative council of the Territory of Michigan, That the counties of Cass and St. Joseph shall be organized from




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


93


and after the taking effect of this act, and the inhabitants thereof entitled to all the rights and privileges to which by law the inhabitants of
the other counties of this territory are entitled.
"Sec. 2. That there shall be a county court established in each of
said counties; and the county court of the county of Cass shall be held
on the last Tuesday of May and on the last Tuesday of November in
each year.  *  *  *
"Sec. 4. That the counties of Van Buren and Berrien, and all
the country lying north of the same to Lake Michigan, shall be attached
to and compose a part of the county of Cass.
"Sec.. 8. That there shall be circuit courts, to be held. in the counties of Cass and St. Joseph, and that the several acts concerning the
supreme, circuit and county courts of the Territory of Michigan, defining their jurisdiction and powers, and directing the pleadings and
practice therein in certain cases, be, and the same are hereby made applicable to the circuit courts in said counties.
"Sec. 9. That the said circuit courts shall be held at the respective county seats in said counties, at the respective court houses or other
usual places of holding courts therein; provided, that the first term of
said court in the county of Cass shall be holden at the school house near
the house of Ezra Beardslev, in said county.' *  *  *
"Sec. Io. That the county of Cass shall be one circuit, and the
court for the same shall be held hereafter on the second Tuesday of
August in each year."
It will be noticed that this act provided for a "county court," a
judicial institution of which few citizens of the county at this date have
any direct knowledge. The county court was established in M\ichigan
by a territorial act of 1815, and the first session of the Cass county
court was held also at the house o'f Ezra Beardsley, in November, I83I.
In April, I833, the county court was abolished in the organized counties
of the territory.  The institution was revived in I846, and continued
until its final abolition in the constitution of the state adopted in I850.
The last term of county court held in Cass county commenced A.ugust
5, 1851, with Judge Cyrus Bacon on the bench.
DIVISION INTO TOWNSHIPS.
Following the act of organization of civil government came an
act dividing the new county for political purposes. The original townships as defined by this act were four in number.  Technically they
were: Townships 5 and 6 and north half of township 7, in range 16
west, to be a township by name of Pokagon. Townships 5 and 6 and
north half of township 7 south, in range 15 west, to be a township by
'The first term of circuit court in Cass county was opened at the house of Ezra
Beardsley (instead of the school house), at Edwardsburg, and its business was completed in two days.




94


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


name of La Grange.' Townships 5 and 6 and north half of township 7
south, in ranges 13 and 14 west, to be a township by name olf P'enn.
All that part of Cass county known as south half of township 7 and fractional township 8 south, in ranges 13, 14, I5 and I6 west, to be a township by the name of Ontwa.
This division was no doubt influenced, in part, by the density of
population in the various parts of the county. We have already stated
that the county was settled by a wave of immigration directed from the
west and south rather than from the east. There is proof of this in
this formation of townships. On the west was the rectangular township,
Pokagon, six miles wide by fifteen long, and including the present Silver Creek, Pokagon and the north half of Howard. This was the oldest settled portion of the county, and at the date of organization Pokagon prairie contained a large per cent of the entire population of the
county.
To the east of Pokagon was the township olf La Grange, exactly
parallel in extent and of the same width, comprising what are now
Wayne, La Grange and the north half of Jefferson. This was also a
comparatively well settled portion of the county. Each of these townships contained an area of ninety square miles.
Alongside of La Grange on the east, and comprising a double width
of townships, was Penn, embracing in its one hundred and eighty square
miles of area the present townships of Penn, Volinia, Marcellus and
Newberg, besides the north half of Calvin and north Porter.
This left a strip across the entire southern side of the county, and
in width a little more than six miles, to comprise the township of Ontwa. Such were the four original political divisions of Cass county. It
will be interesting to trace the process by which fifteen townships were
carved from these four, that process illustrating very graphically the
growth of the county from. a sparsely settled region to a poulousness
that made smaller political divisions bbth practicable and necessary.
Before this, however, let us call attention to the fact that Cass
county comprised at one time, as respects political and judicial functions, the two adjoining counties of Van Buren and Berrien, as provided for in the organic act quoted above. So that at the period now
under consideration, Berrien county was a part of Cass and was organized as one township under the name of Niles. Van Buren county and
the territory north to Lake Michigan remained a part of Cass county
until 1835, and was originally a part of Penn township.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


95


Naturally, the rapid filling up of the county with settlers in a short
time called for a subdivision by the legislature of the original townships. The first act for this purpose was dated March 29, 1833, and
provided for three new townships, Porter, Jefferson and Volinia.
"All that part of the township of Ontwa, in Cass county, situated
in ranges 13 and 14, west of the principal meridian, shall comprise a
township by the name of Porter; and the first township meeting shall
be held at the house of Othni Beardsley."
This is not the Porter township as we know it today. It was, as
technically defined, the east half of the original Ontwa. It contained
all of the present Mason, a part of Calvin and all the present area of
Porter except the three north tiers of sections. For the act which gave
it its present area, see forward, in connection with the township of Newberg.
In creating the township of Jefferson, the same act further deprived
Ontwa of considerable territory. "That all that part of the county of
Cass known and distinguished as township 7 south of the base line, and
in range 15 west of the principal meridian, compose a township by the
name of Jefferson; and that the first township meeting be held at the
house of Moses Reames in said township."  Thus was constituted Jefferson township as we know it today. The north half was subtracted
from original La Grange, and the south half from Ontwa.
The third township created by the act of March, 1833, was Volinia.  This name was given by Josephus Gard, the pioneer, after a
Polish province named Volhynia, which was the original spelling. The
act reads: "That all that part of the county of Cass known and distinguished as township 5 south. in ranges 13 and 14, west of the principal meridian, compose a township by the name of Volinia: and that
the first township meeting be held at the house of Josephus Gard in
said township."  Volinia, as thus formed, also contained the present
Marcellus.
No further changes occurred until March 7, 1834, when original
Pokagon suffered its first diminishment of territory.  "All that part
of the county of Cass comprised in surveyed township 7 south, in range
I6 west, shall be a township by the name of Howard; and the first township meeting shall be held at the house of John Fosdick in said township."  This also took more territory from Ontwa, which was reduced
to the two fractional townships in the southwest comer of the county.
Before the passing of the territorial form of government, three




96


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


other townships were created. The act of March 17, 1835, provides
that "all that part of the county of Cass comprised in surveyed township
7 south, range 14 west, be a township by the name of Calvin; and the
first township meeting shall be held at the dwelling house of John Reed
in said-township." Thus we see that all the new townships were being
erected with the lines of the townships and ranges of the government
survey, and at present these lines govern entirely with the one exception
of Porter.
By the provisions of an act also dated March 17, I835, Wayne
township came into existence. This, as we know, was a part of the
original La Grange. But the settlers had come in fast in the last few
years, the north half of the township had filled up with people who were
soon demanding a separate organization. This demand was granted.
and the name of the famous Revolutionary leader and Indian fighter
was applied to the new township at the suggestion, it is said, of Cornelius Higgins. The technical definition of the boundaries of the township is "that part of Cass county comprised in township 5 south, range
15 west."  The first township meeting was held at the house of Elijah
W. Wright, April 6, 1835.
An act approved March 23, 1836, constituted the first of the three
fractional townships of Cass county. "All that portion of Cass county
designated by the United States survey as township 8 south, of range
14 west, be. and the same is hereby set off and organized into a separate
township by the name of Mason; and the first township meeting therein
shall be held at the dwelling house of Jotham Curtis in said township."
Before the passage of this act, this fractional government township was
a part of Porter township.
With the admission of Michigan to, statehood, the following townships of Cass county were constituted with boundaries as at present:
Wayne, La Grange, Howard, Jefferson, Mason and Calvin. The remaining townships, which have since been divided, were Pokagon, Volinia, Penn, Porter and Ontwa.
The state legislature, by an act approved March 20, I837, provided
"That all that part of the county of Cass, designated by the United
States survey as township 5 south, range I6 west, be set off and organized into a separate township by the name of Silver Creek; and the first
town meeting therein shall be held at the house of James McDaniel in
said township." Thus Pokagon was reduced to its present size, and
the extreme northwest township acquired civil government.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


(97


On March 6, I838, the township of Newberg was erected, according to the provisions of the following: "All that part of the county of
Cass designated in the United States survey as township 6 south, of
range 13 west, be, and the same is hereby set off and organized into
a separate township by the name of Newberg; and the first township
meeting therein shall he held at the house of John Bair in said township."  Newberg was carved from Penn township, which on this date
wsas limited to its present boundaries.
Also, at the session of I838 an act was approved whereby all that part
of the "township of Penn in the county of Cass comprised in township
7 south, range 13 west, shall be attached to and become part of the
township of Porter."
Nine days after the establishment of Newberg the legislative act
constituting Milton township was approved. "All that portion of Cass
county designated in the United State survey as township 8 south, of
range 16 west, be, and the same is hereby set off and organized into a
separate township by the name of Milton; and the first township meeting therein shall be held at the house of Peter Truitt, Jr." This division
brought Ontwa township down to its present area.
It was five years before the final political division was established
in Cass county. The fifteenth township was Marcellus, which. the last
to be organized, waas also the last to be settled. The government township known as township 5 south, of range 13 west, had hitherto been
a part of Volinia to.wnship, but in 1843 the people living within the
area, feeling competent to manage their own affairs, petitioned the
state legislature for a separate jurisdiction.  The act organizing the
township thus defined "by the name of Marcellus" was ap-proved March
9, I843. The first township meeting, it was directed, should be held
at the house of Daniel G. Rouse, who had framed and circulated the petition for organization.
Such is a brief account of the evolution of Cass county from an
unorganized region into its present shape and its present order and arrangement of townships.  So far as is known, the divisions into the
various townships were never animated by any serious disputes and
discussions such as have sometimes occurred in the adjusting of such
matters. As stated, the townships conform to the government surveys,
and in making the political subdivisions according to this plan no considerable inconvenience or confusion has resulted. The city of Dowagiac, it happens, is located on the corners of four township jurisdictions,




98


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


but division of political interests that are naturally concentrated is obviated by the incorporation of Dowagiac with a city government, with
its own political representation on the same plane with the townships.
LOCATION OF THE COUNTY SEAT.
One very important part of the organization of the county was the
locating of the county seat. This.is always a matter of supreme interest to the early inhabitants of a county, and a history of the "county
seat wars" which have been waged in many states of the Union would
fill volumes. These contests have been characterized by an infinite variety of details, ranging from pitched battle and effusion of blood to
the harmless encounters of wordy protagonists.
Cass county had her contest over three-quarters of a century ago,
in the time of beginnings, so that no living witness can tell aught of
its details. But as the records have been handed down, the location of
the seat of government was attended with some features of more than
common interest.
By the provisions of an act of the territorial council July 3I, 1830,
the governor was authorized to appoint commissioners to locate the
seats of justice in the several counties where they had not already been
located; having located the seat of justice of any county, the commissioners should report their proceedings to the governor, who, if he approved of the same, should issue a proclamation causing the establishment of a seat of justice agreeable to the report.
Such were the directions. We will now see how they were carried
out. Martin C. Whitman, Hart L. Stewart and Colonel Sibley were
the commissioners appointed to locate the seat of justice in Cass county.
These men, if the charges later preferred against them be true, evidently understood the importance of their decision as affecting the value
of the site they should select. In fact, it appears that the practice, now
so much condemned, of private individuals opening their hands for the
profits of a public trust, is not of modern origin.
The enterprising commissioners, having looked over the county and
exalined the eligibility of the various sites, chose to recommend the
plat of the village of Geneva, laid out on the north bank of Diamond
lake by Dr. H. H. Fowler, as the proper location.
Before announcing their decision, however, two of the commissioners, -with remarkalle foresight, hastened to the land office at White
Pigeon and entered in their own names sundry tracts of land adjoining




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Geneva.  Their deliberations completed and made the subject of report, the governor announced the location of the seat of justice at Geneva in accordance with the instructions of the commissioners.
Iimmediately there arose a storm of indignant protest over the decision. The intentions of the commissioners to turn their official acts
into a source of private gain were set forth at length, among the many
other causes of dissatisfaction with the chosen site, in petitions that were
sent to the legislature with the signatures of a large number of the voters
of the county.
The response to the petitioners came in an act of the legislative
council, passed March 4, I83I, to amend the previous act under which
the seat of justice was located at Geneva. By this act the decisions of
the former commissioners were set aside.  The governor was to appoint, with the consent of the council, three commissioners to re-examine the proceedings by which the seat of justice had first been established, and were empowered either to confirm the same or to make new
locations, as the public interest might, in their opinion, require. They
were authorized to accept any donations of land, money, labor or material that might be tendered them for the use of the county, thus permitting the usual opportunities for legitimate persuasion in such matters. But the precaution was taken to insert a proviso that in case it
was made to appear to the satisfaction of the governor that the commissioners were guilty of any improper conduct, tending to impair the
fairness of their decision, it should be his duty to suspend any further
proceedings.
Thomas Rowland, Henry Disbrow and George A. O'Keefe were
the commissioners appointed under this act to relocate the county seat,
and in pursuance of instructions they were to meet in the county on the
third M\ionday in May, I83I. As told in the history of Cassopolis on
other pages, the advocates of the new site beside Stone lake entered
into the contest with all the zeal and enthusiasm of those embarked on
an enterprise in which they would never accept defeat. Besides the donation of one-half of all the lands on the village plat to the county, the
subtler arts of diplomacy were also invoked in procuring a favorable
decision. The proprietors of the village of Cassopolis, with frank confidence in the ultimate selection of that village as the county seat, announced with effective ostentation the naming of three plincipal streets
after the commissioners then engaged in the work of location. Whether
the prospect of their name and fame being perpetuated in the thorough



100


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


fares of the seat of justice was especially inviting, and whether it was
that the justice of Cassopolis' contention and the advantages offered by
its citizens were the prevailing factor in their decision, it is not of any
moment to this discussion to inquire.       It is enough that the commissioners, waving aside the claims of Geneva, as well as those of several
other proposed sites, fixed upon Cassopolis as the seat for the governnent machinery of the county, and there it has ever since remained.*
Strictly speaking, the settlers of Cass county were not pioneers. The
majority of them    were people of more or less education and culture,
trained and accustomed to the usages of civilization.     In the settling of
the country there was no interim       between savagery and civilization.
The pioneers did not come and build their cabins, and defend them with
their rifles for some years until the civil officers, courts, schools and
churches made their appearance.       This was necessary in some settlements, but not here.    In Cass county civil government sprang into being almost at once.    The settlers brought civilization with them.    They
brought the common law      with them, and, in harmony with the legislative statutes, they saw to it at once that the community should be governed thereby.   They provided for courts, for public buildings, for roads,
and( for every possible institution necessary to a civilized community.
And the result was that Cass county soon became a populous link in
the great chain of similar political communities stretching from     the Atlantic beyond the Mississippi, maintaining without a break the institutions of civilization at the standards of older communities.
*NOTE.-The following is the proclamation of Acting Governor Mason, issued December I9, I831:
WHEREAS, In pursuance of an act of the legislative council entitled "An act to
amend an act entitled 'An act to provide for establishing seats of justice,'" Thomas
Rowland, Henry Disbrow and George A. O'Keefe were appointed commissioners
to re-examine the proceedings which had taken place in relation to the establishment
of seats of justice of the counties of Branch, St. Joseph and Cass, and to confirm
the same, and to make new locations, as the public's interest might, in their opinion,
require;
AND WHEREAS, The said commissioners have proceeded to perform the said duty,
and by a report signed by them, have located the seat of justice of the said county
of Cass at a point on the southeast quarter of section 26, town 6, range 15 west, forty
rods from the southeast corner of said section, on the line running west between
sections 26 and 35;
Now, therefore, By virtue of the authority in me vested by said act, and in
conformity with said report, I do issue this 'proclamation, establishing the seat of
justice of the said county of Cass at the said point described as aforesaid.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


101


CHAPTER VII.
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT.
In the preceding chapters we have endeavored to give an account
of Cass county beginning with its state of nature, mentioning its original inhabitants, and continuing through the years of first settlement
up to the completion of the organization of the county as a distinct political division of the state. The establishment of civil government in
a community is as necessary to its growth and welfare as the foundation of a building is needed to support the structure that will be reared
upon it. Hence, having described the institution of organized government in Cass county, we may now continue the account of settlement
and development until the various parts of the county assumed something of the condition in which we find them at the present day.
This country about us is not what it was in a state of nature; great
improvement has been made. It is still beautiful, but its beauty is of a
different kind. Then its voices sang of solitude, now they sing of usefulness. Then it had a wild beauty, and its atmosphere was laden with
the poetry of an imagined past, when it teemed with the civilization of
the mound-builders, or when the red man roamed through its forests
and over its prairies. But its beauty has been chastened by human
touch, and now it tells us of happy homes, and of the triumphs of human
life; saddened, of course, by the thought of the hardships and sorrows
and final partings which its inhabitants have experienced.
To enumerate all the factors which produced this transformation
would be impossible in any work. For every individual whose life has
been cast within the county has contributed either a forwarding or adverse influence to the development of the county. Manifestly, we can
at best merely describe some of the general conditions and select from
the great host of names of those whose lives have been identified with
this county some few for special mention.
In this age when the sources for obtaining information and the
means of communication are almost illimitable, it is difficult to realize
the primitive conditions in that respect as they affected the early settlers of such a region as Cass county. In this day of the telegraph and




102


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


the laily newspaper a false report may reach us concerning some distant situation, but the equally effective and rapid means of authentication will enable us to' quickly disprove the first news, and no serious
harm is done. Not so seventy-five years ago. The report o4f unfavorable conditions in the new Michigan country. of a serious failure of
crops, of an Indian scare, would be a long time in reaching the east,
its serious aspects would increase with the circulation, and once told its
vicious and retarding influence would continue a long time before
informnation of perhaps an opposite character would reach the intendling
emigrants.
It is not surprising, therefore, that the settlement of Cass county
(lid not proceed uniformly or unbrokenlV. The first of the adverse influences which checked the current of immigration was the Sac or Black
Hawk war of 1832. The Sac Indians had never been friendly with the
United States. In the war of I812 they joined sides with the British.
As a recompense they were receiving an annuity in Canada, whither
they went every y-ear, and returned la(len with arms and ammunition.
They crossed the border at Detroit. and probably passed through Cass
county by way of the Indian trail along the southern border. Black
Hawk, the powerful chief of the Sacs and Foxes, had conceived the idea
that the several Indian tribes by comlbining might be powerful enough to
resist the whites; thoughl after being captured and taken east to, see the
white man's populous towns and cities, he returned and told his braves
that resistance was useless.
Years before this the Sacs by treaty had ceded their lands east of
the Mississippi to the United States, but had still remained upon them.
\Vhen required to conform to their treaty they resisted. Early in 1832,
in ugly mood, a large number of their braves went to Canada. This was
their last annual expedition.  When, returning, they reached Illinois,
the fiends began their work of slaughter by murdering an old man,
which was the first bloodshed in the memorable Sac and Fox war.
When the news came that the Indians had commenced hostilities
in Illinois, the settlers of southern Michigan feared that they wNould retreat into Canada instead of going to their own lands beyond the Mississippi. There 'was no telegraph to convey the news, and it came in the
form of vague rumors, and imagination pictured a hundred horrors for
every one related. Besides the fear of an invasion by Black Hawk's
warriors, there was anxiety lest the Pottawottomies still in the country
would rise and join in the revolt.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


103


Although, as was afterwards found out, there was not a hostile Indian within a hundred miles of southern Michigan, for some time the
danger was felt to be very close and real, and the "Black Hawk war"
was an epoch in the pioneer memory. At the first information of hostilities the authorities at Chicago sent an appeal for militia to Michigan.
General Joseph W. Brown commanded his brigade to take the field, appointing Niles as the rendezvous. Cass county furnished as many men
as her small population would alloxw. The news was brought to Cassopolis by Colonel A. Houston and communicated to Abram Tietsort, Jr.,
whose duty it was, as sergeant of the local company, to notify the members of the order issued by their commander. Isaac Shurte was captain, and Gamaliel Townsend one of the lieutenants. There was great
agitation in the scattered prairie settlements of the county as the order
to turn out was carried from house to house, and still greater when the
men started away froml their homes for what their wives and children
supposed to be mortal combat with the ferocious Sacs and Foxes.
An Indian scare has not been known in Cass county within the
memory of but few if any now living. But toi some extent we may imlagine the trepidation and alarm of those composing the settlements at
lhat time. No doubt some of the more timid packed their nmovables into
a wagon and made post lhaste to leave the danger-ridden country. D)uring the short time the scare lasted hundreds of families from this part of
the west stampeded as far east as Cincinnati, many of them never to return to their forest homes. But the majority were of sterner stuff. They
had endured the rigors of cold and fatigue, of hunger and bodily privations, in establishing their homes on the frontier; they would not easily
be frightened away. Those settlers living in the central part of the
county advised with one another as to the practicability of taking refuge on tle island in Diamond lake and fortifying it against attack.
This no doubt would have been done, had the alarm not subsided. It.
is said tiat the vwomen of the Volinia settlement had begun the erection of a fort when the message reached them that the war was over.
Short as the Black Hawk war was, imimigration to this portion of
the west was almost completely checked. Not a few returned to the
east, while those who were preparing to emigrate hither either abandoned their plans altogether or delayed their execution for a year or so.
While we are considering some of the retarding influences in the
settlement of Cass county, it will be proper to mention the frost of
June, 1835. That event lived long in the memory of old settlers. Cli



104


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


mate, as we know, has much to do in lending a country the charms
which attract immigration. The beauties of the landscape, the fertility
of the soil, the gentle warmth of summer, and the not too severe winter,
were favorite themes of praise witl those who described their Michigan
home to eastern friends.
But in climate as in human affairs, an abnormal event gains widest
current in general knowledge.  This unusual phenomenon of a heavy
frost at the mi(ddle of June, causing an almost total ruin of the growing crops, although such a thing had never happened before, and so far
as known has not been paralleled in subsequent history, at once counterbalanced all the goo-d that had ever been said of Michigan's climate.
The seasons were never dependable, according to the report that passed
through the eastern states; the latitude was unfavorable for the production of the crops suited to the temperate zone; the climate was comparable to that of Labrador, and so on. This occurrence had an adverse
effect on immigration perhaps only second to the Black Hawk war.
It must not be supposed that nature yielded her empire at once and
without a struggle. Indian scares and June frosts were the uncommonest of events. But the daily, usual life was a constant exertion against
the forces of wildness. requiring fortitude and strength of a kind that
the modern life knows little. Improvement was in many respects very
gradual. It was a toilsome and slow process to transplant civilization
to the wilderness of Cass county. The contrasts between the present
and the past of seventy-five years ago are striking and even wonderful;
none the less, we dare not suppose for that reason that the transformation was of fairy-like swiftness and ease of accomplishment.
The first thing, of course, after the newly arrived settler had made
his family as comfortable as possible temporarily, was to build the traditional log cabin.  To the younger generation in Cass county, the
"creature comforts" of that time seem primitive and meager indeed.
In obtaining material for his house, the builder must select trees which
were not too, large, or they could not be handled conveniently; not too
small, or the cabin would be a house of saplings. The process of felling the trees, splitting the logs, hewing them so as to have flat walls inside, notching them at the ends so as to let them down on each other,
slanting the gables, riving out lapboards or shingles, putting on roof
poles, binding the shingles to them, sawing out doors and windows,
making the fireplace, and many other things necessary in building a log
cabin-this process is yet familiar to many old settlers.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


105


After the settlers had housed their families they made a shelter for
their stock, which was often done by setting poles in the ground, with
crotches at the upper end; poles were laid from crotch to crotch, other
poles laid across, and the roof covered with marsh hay until it was thick
enough to shed water. Poles were slanted against the sides, and hay
piled on them in the same manner.   The door could be left open or
closed by any means convenient. This made an exceedingly vwarm shelter, though it was so dark that the animal's eyes sometimes suffered
from it. Swine and other stock could be left to shelter themselves, and
they usually found some sheltered nook in the groves and forests, or
among the thick grass, where they made themselves comfortable, though
some of them ran wild.
Of course, in a country like Cass, where it was possible, though
difficult, to obtain from the centers of civilization the necessary articles,
these primitive methods were greatly modified and improved upon from
the very first.  Shingle nails were often used instead of weight poles,
window panes soon took the place of oiled paper or cloth, and so on.
The first settlers brought with them the few tools necessary for their
pioneer life, such as axes, adzes, iron wedges, hammers, saws, augers,
gimlets, frows for shaving shingles, planes, chisels, etc., and the women
brought needles, scissors, thimbles, pins, thread, yarn, spinning wheels,
and some brought looms. And in the early settlement of the county,
as we have seen, there came a few trained mechanics, a carpenter, saddler, and so on.
After the primitive log cabin came the frame building. It was the
sawmill which marked the first move away from pioneer life. For as
soon as a sawmill was accessible to any community, frame buildings
were practicable. The county was well wooded, and all that was necessary was to cut the logs, haul them to mill, pay the toll, in whatever
form, and haul the lumber home again. And this was an economy of
time very precious in those (lays of subduing the virgin soil and making
a settled home.  It was no easy matter to hew timber, and split out
boards with wedges, and then smooth them: by hand. Hence it was that
sawmills were, along with grist mills, the first institutions' for manufacturing in this section of country. And at once frame buildingsmills, and shops of different kinds, stores, hotels, churches, schoolhouses
and dwelling houses began to multiply, and the country put on the appearance of advancing civilization. Some of those buildings are standing to-day, though most of them have long since vanished, or given




106


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


place to others. In various parts of the county may be found an occasional frame idwelling which was built in the thirties or forties, and
many of those built at that time have since been remodeled and modernized so that few traces of their original form remain.  The front
portion of the Newell house, just west of the public square at Cassopolis, was constructed in 1832 or '33, so that it has survived the stress
of weather and time longer than any native resident of the town.
Slowly, as the years went by, improvements were made. Gradually
new, nore beautiful and commodious buildings were put til) for both
families and (dumb animals, and more and more conveniences were introduced into the forml.er ones, until to-day, as one rides through any part
of the county, he sees not only highly improved and well stocked. farms,
but large, commodious and in many cases even artistic buildings, which
bespeak the thrift of the owners, and the vast progress which has been
made since the first log buildings were made in Pokagon and Onttwa
townships in I826 and '27.
In the meantime, the first small groups of settlers which we have
seen planted in certain favored parts of the county have been rapidly
growing and advancing out into the yet virgin regions until in a few
years there was hardly a section in any township that was available for
entry.
Of all the transactions with which the early settlers were concerned
none were more important than the government land sales. The first
public lands in M\ichigan disposed of under government regulations were
sold at Detroit in I 88. In I823 the Detroit land office was divided, an(l
a land office established at iMonroe, at which all entries of lands west
of the principal meridian were made up to 183T. It was at the land
sale at Monroe in 1829 tlat the first settlers of the county made formal
entry of their lands. The United States law required that every piece
of land should be put up at auction, after which, if not bid off, it was
subject to private entry, at one dollar and a quarter per acre. It was
an unwritten law among the settlers that each pre-emptor should have
the privilege of making the only bid on his land. This right was universally respected among the settlers, no one bidding on another's claim.
It occasionally happened, however, that an eastern man, unaccustomed
to the ways of the west, essayed to bid on the home of a settler. but was
soon convinced, in frontier fashion, that such action was a distinct contravention of western custom. Such was the case with one young man
at the sales at White Pigeon, where the land office for this district was




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


located from 183I to 1834. This individual insisted on the right to bid
on any land offered for sale, but made only one bid when he was suddenly felled to the floor, which instantly inspired him with respect for
settlers' claims and usages of western society. The land speculator was
pcrsona non grata with the settlers, and in some parts of the country
associations known as "squatters' unions" were formed to protect the
settler in his claims and when necessary to use force in compelling the
speculator to desist from his sharp practices. It was owing to the fact
that the public auction of land enabled the speculator to bid in as virgin
soil and at the usual price of a dollar and a quarter an acre lands that
had been settled and improved by an industrious pioneer, that the system
of public sales was finally abolished. After 18134 the Cass county settlers entered their lands at Kalamazoo, where the land office for this
part of the state was continued until 1858.
The process of settlement is graphically illustrated by the figures
from several of the early censuses. These figures of course are quite
likely to lbe inaccurate as exact units, but they convey in a general way
the successive increases of population. From these statistical tables we
see that in I830 the county had something less than a thousand inhabitants, meaning lby that white persons. This was the number with which
the county began its organized existence.
Despite the Black Hawk war that occurred in the meanwhile, by
183.4 the enumeration shO'ws 3,28o, an increase of over three hundred
per cent in four years; and three years later this number had nearly
doubledl. By 1840 Cass county was a comparatively well settled com-munlity of nearly six thousand people, while in 1845, at which (late the
townslhips had been formed as at present, the population was over eight
thousand.
Considering the population according to townships, we find that in
1840,o when all the townships had been formed except Marcellus, the
most populous township was LaGrange, with 769 people. Then followed
Porter, with 556; Ontwa, 543; Pokagon, 516; and thence on down to
Newberg, with 175 persons.
Of the older townships, whose early settlement has already been
adverted to, the population soon became settled on a substantial basis.
Practically all the lands of Pokagon township had been entered as early
as I837, and the assessment roll of resident taxpayers in that township for 1834 shows the names of fifty persons, indicating at least an
approximate number of families.




108


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


LA GRANGE.
In LaGrange township, as shown in the above quoted figures, population increased more rapidly than elsewhere, owing doubtless to the establishment of the seat of justice at Cassopolis. At the first township
election, April, I830, there were but eighteen voters, according to the
history of I882, whereas there were elected nineteen officials for the
various civil positions, making it necessary in one or two cases that one
man should hold several offices. But beginning with that year the settlement of the township increased rapidly. Among the early settlers not
already mentioned were the McKenney and Dickson families; the Jewell
family, whose first representative, Hiram Jewell, arrived in September,
I830, and William Renniston, who came the same year; Henry Hass
and sons; the Petticrew and Hain families; James R. Coates, whose
death, in August, 183I, as a result of his horse dashing him against the
limb of a tree, furnished the first interment in the Cassopolis burying
ground; Catherine Kimmerle, the first of that well known family, who
brought her family of children here in I832; and arbitrarily to end the
list, Jesse G. Beeson, who came to settle here permanently in I833.
Many facts concerning the history of this township are detailed in the
chapter on Cassopolis. In this township, too, the list of original land
entries seldom shows a date later than I837.
PENN.
In Penn township, the seat of the Quaker settlement, the first land
entries were made in June, I829, and the date of the last was May,
1853. The assessment roll of I837 of the township as then organized
gives a good idea of the citizenship of the township at that date. It
contains the following names:. Amos Green, John Price, John Donnel,
Jacob T. East, Elizabeth Cox, John A. Ferguson, Hiram Cox, William
Lindsley, Marvick Rudd, Ezra Hinshaw, Reuben Hinshaw, Abijah Hinshaw, Mary Jones, Lydia Jones, Jesse Beeson, Joshua Leach, Nathan
Jones, John Lamb, John Cays, John Nixon, Moses McLeary, Henry
Jones, Ishmael Lee, Christopher Brodie, Alpheus Ireland, Drury Jones,
Samuel Thompson.
ONTWA.
Ontwa township, in which the second settlement was made. from
the first received a good share of the immigration. The settlement was
especially rapid from 1833 to 1838,, and by the latter year there was
little or no land left for entry. This township has produced an unusual




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


109


number of prominent citizens, several of whom are mentioned under
other appropriate headings.  Edwardsburg was the natural center for
the county, and. around the history of that village much of the interest
that belongs to the township gathers.  Among the settlers lduring the
thirties were, Ezra Miller, who turned away from Cassopolis to locate
in Ontwa because the landlord of the hotel in the former place charged
him six pence for a drink of water; Reuben Allen, who, brought his family
from Vermont and located on the site of Adamsville, using for his temporary home a frame building in which had been a "corncracker" mill;
Joseph W. Lee, a New Hampshire Yankee, who for a dwelling moved
to his claim the block house built by Ezra Beardsley and which had:
been used as a hotel and as the first court house in Cass county. These
and many others were the builders whose industry was responsible for
the subsequent prosperity of Ontwa.
VOLINIA.
Volinia township from the earliest times has been a very interesting
community.   Many notable enterprises have originated and been fostered there, and in the character of the early settlers there was an inlividuality that removes their history far from  the monotony of
mediocrity. To mention only a few besides the names already given,
there was Col. James Newton, an Englishman by birth, who came to
this country in youth, served under the American flag during the war
of I812, and came to Cass county about 1831.    He was prominent
politically, was a member of the convention that framed the state constitution, and also represented Cass and Van Buren counties in one of
the first sessions of the state legislature. His son, George Newton, was
also prominent in the township, served as supervisor and in the state
legislature of I858r59, just twenty years after his father's term. Another early character was John Shaw, from Pickaway county, Ohio, who
gained celebrity in the township as a justice of the peace as well as a man
of affairs generally. His motto was, "Equity first and legal technicalities
afterward," and in forwarding the cause of justice he was wont to employ
some very unusual methods. In later years he became a victim of drink,
lost all his possessions, and his sadly checkered career came to its end in
the county infirmary. Early in the thirties Volinia received two settlers
who were skilled in a trade. Richard Shaw, a shoemaker, although he
engaged in agriculture mainly. Levi Lawrence, a genius as a blacksmith,
and the scythes which he made were the most effective implements of




11o


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


the kind until they were superseded by miowing machines. He did not
remain long in the township.
PORTER.
Settlement in Porter township progressed rapidly after county organization. One of its early residents, whose career is historical, was
George Meacham, whom we have already met as one of the coterie of
pioneers in Ontwa. He moved into Porter township in I836 and was a
resident there nearly half a century. He constructed for his own use
what was claimed to be the first threshing machine used in this section
of the country, it being in fact but one of the component parts of the
modern grain separator, namely, the cylinder for beating out the grain.
He was the first sheriff in the county, serving from 1830 to I836. His
jurisdiction was all the country west of St. Joseph county to the lake,
and in empanelling a jury he summoned all but five of those qualified for
tlis service in this great scope of territory. To serve on a jury at that
time it was necessary that one had paid a minimum tax of fifty cents:
this excluded the majority of the residents in this circuit. Mr. Meacham
was also in the lower house of the legislature in 1839, and twenty years
later occupied a seat in the state senate.
Then there was the remarkable family of Rinehart brothers, Lewis,
Samuel, Jacob, John and Abram, whose interests and connections in
Cass county might fill many pages were we to describe them in detail.
John Rinehart, their father, born in I779, came to Cass county in the
spring of 1829, settling first in Penn and later in Porter township. The
sons were farmers, mechanics, and Lewis, Samuel and Jacob owned and
operated the first sawmill in Porter township.
Among the arrivals during this decade was James Hitchcock, a stone
and brick mason, who constructed the first brick house in Mason township. Brick early became a favorite building material in this part of the
country, and it was not many years after the county was settled before
the primitive log house was used only during the short period while
the settler was getting started in his work of improvement.
JEFFERSON.
In point of population, Jefferson township,soon grew to about her
present standard.  From less than five hundred in I840, to nine hundred in 1850, her enumeration in I86o was -I,07I, with no marked
change since that date.  Besides the pioneers who made the first settlement in the northeastern corner, there are named among the early.:.!




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


111


land entries Stephen and Peter Marmon, Aaron Brown, David T. Nicholson, Daniel Burnham, F. Smith, Richmond Marmon, John Pettigrew,
Samuel Colyar, William Barton, William Mendenhall, Obediah Sawtell,
Isaac Hultz, several olf whom became closely identified with the affairs
of the county and township.   Richmond Marmon was an orthodox
Quaker. In 1834 came Ishmael Lee, who in later years became, according to the record, "one of the most faithful and successful conductors on
the underground railroad, and many a wagonload of fugitive slaves
have been piloted by him through the woods of Michigan on their way
to Canada and freedom. He was a prominent actor in the well known
Kentucky slave cases of I84.8, and was one of those sued by the Kentuckians for the value of the escaped fugitives, and he paid a large sum
of money to compromise the litigation."  Other arrivals were Daniel
Vantuyl, John Stephenson, Robert Painter, a justice of the peace, merchant and manufacturer, Horace Hunt, who was a wagonmaker and made
some of the wooden plows used by the early settlers. Many citizens of
this township remember Pleasant Norton, who lived here from 1832 to
his death in 1877. He was a stanch Democrat politically, and his name
is among those occurring most frequently in the early civil lists of the
county. He was twice in the legislature, was supervisor of Jefferson nine
times, was townshlip treasurer four terms. At his death he left a large
property. He was a man of native ability, of rugged personality, and
unusual force of character, an([ it was these qualities for which his
fellow citizens honored and respected him.
CALVIN.
Calvin township was estimated as having two hundred inhabitants
by 1837. Among the earliest olf these was the family of William Grubb,
lwho came from Logan county, Ohio, in I830. The same year came
David Shaffer, a skilful hunter whose annual record gained in the wilderness of this county was said to include as many as two hundred deer.
In the southwestern portion of the township Peter Shaffer located in
1832 and resided there until his death in I880. His son, George T.
Shaffer, was prominent locally, and as a military man his record is
unique. He was a member of a militia company during the war of
1812, and half a century later entered the service of his country in the
rebellion. He became successively first lieutenant, captain, major, lieutenant-colonel, and in March, 1865, was brevetted colonel and brigadiergeneral of volunteers.




112


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Another Calvin settler was Levi D. Norton, who located here from
Jefferson. His name is found frequently in connection with the civil
affairs of his township. It is also noteworthy that he was among those
who turned the first furrows in Jefferson township and assisted in the
production of the first crops.
In I833 the East settlement was established in the northeastern
portion of this township. The family of this name and its numerous
connections have left a distinct impress on the history of the county.
William East and his wife Rachel, who were members of the Society
of Friends, thus giving another touch of distinction to the-settlement,
were the parents of the large family which formed the nucleus of this
settlement. To mention the names of their sons will recall some of the
early and prominent settlers of this township. They were, James M.,
Calvin K., Armstrong, John H., Jesse, Alfred J. and Joel.
Another well known family of early date in Calvin, and also strict
Quakers in faith, were the Osborns. Charles Osborn, the progenitor of
ihe family and himself at one time a resident of Cass county, was a
famous Quaker preacher and abolitionist, having traveled in the interests
of his church pretty much over the civilized world.  His later years
were devoted almost entirely to anti-slavery agitation, and his position
on this question was among the extreme radicals. William Lloyd Garrison called him "the father of all us abolitionists."  His work gave
him an international reputation among the advocates of emancipation.
The first paper ever published which advocated the doctrine of immediate and unconditional emancipation was issued by Mr. Osborn at
Mount Pleasant, Ohio, in I816, entitled the Philanthropist. In order
to attain to complete consistency with his views, he held that none of
the products of slave labor should be used. He himself refused to wear
any garments made of cotton, nor would he eat cane sugar, on the ground
that slave labor was used in its manufacture. Singularly appropriate it
is that the history of this opponent of slavery should be connected with
the township which sheltered one of the first colonies of freedmen.
Josiah Osborn, a son of the abolitionist, settled on Section 24 of
Calvin township in I835. His connection with the township is notable
because he planted one of the first fruit orchards and nurseries in the
county, clearing away the virgin forest to make place for his fruit trees.
He also was one of those concerned in the Kentucky raid of 1848, and
suffered such severe losses thereby that he is said to have been obliged to
work ten years to pay off all the obligations incurred.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


113


The history of the colored settlement in Calvin, which has played
such an important part in the annals of the township, will be considered
on later pages.
HOWARD.
Turning now to some of the townships which were settled and organized after the pioneer period, a few facts and names may be recalled
that will complete this outline of early growth and development in the
county.
Howard township, although in the direct line of settlement, was
passed by at first because of the prejudice against its numerous oak
openings, or barrens, whose fertility and value had not yet been tested.
But it was not long before the productiveness of its soils was established,
and by the late thirties its population was up to the average of the newer
townships. Long before the substantial settlement of this portion of the
county had begun, there lived on Section I8, close to the western line
of the county, one of the famous pioneer characters of the St. Joseph
country. William Kirk, whom we have mentioned as an associate of
Squire Thompson, and whose first home was in Berrien county, while
hunting one day discovered a fine spring in Section I8 and at once moved
his family and built his log cabin beside the bubbling water, although he
thus became situated far from neighbors. In his entertainment of immigrants and land lookers he united pioneer hospitality with his inherent
southern lavishness, and thus dissipated the greater part of his possessions. He was fond of the solitudes, not because of any ascetic nature,
but because hunting and fishing and the life of the wild woods attracted
him more than the occupations and society of an advanced civilization.
It is not surprising, therefore, after the advent of the railroad and the
progress of settlement had practically destroyed his hunting grounds,
to find him bidding farewell to Cass county scenes and moving to the
far west. He died in Oregon, in I88I, at the age of eighty-nine years.
We have mentioned how necessary to development was the sawmill.
It is stated that the first water-power sawmill in Howard township was
built about T834 by Joseph Harter, who had located in the township in
T830. In I836 a carpenter and joiner arrived in the township in the
person of William H. Doane, and he became well known in township
affairs. He brought a stove into the township in 18,37, and it was the
attraction of the neighborhood for some time, being known as "Doane's
Nigger."




114


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


A man of mark in the township was Ezekiel C. Smith, who located
here in I835. Almost at once he was elected justice of the peace, and
during thirty-six years in that office he is said to have married four
hundred couples. He also served as supervisor, and was sent to the state
legislature in 1850.
Another figure in the affairs of early Howard township was James
Shaw, who located here in I840, and served several times as supervisor,
two terms in the legislature, and afterward was Democratic candidate
for the senate. Other names that belong among the first settlers are
found in the election polling list of 1837, which comprises: Ira Perkins,
John \V. Abbott, Jonathan Wells, 0. D. S. Gallup, Zenos Smith, Henry
Heath, J. V. R. Perkins, Amasa Smith, Ephraim Huntley, Joseph C.
Teats, Ebner Emmons, Arthur C. Blue, Charles Stephenson, Zina
Rhodes, Nathan Dumboltom, Eli Rice, Jr., Daniel Partridge, Gurdon
B. Fitch, Sylvenon Dumboltom, Calvin Kinney, Nathan McCoy, Henry
L. Gould, Jonathan E. Wells.
MILTON.
Milton township, which till 1838 was the west half of Ontwa, had
similarly attractive features with its neighbor and developed from the
pioneer stage about the same time. This township also contains a portion of the famous Beardsley's prairie, where the pioneers were enabled
to reap plenteous crops by the first year's effort and which consequently
first attracted the attention of the settlers.
The first names are those of John Hudson and J. Melville, neither of
whom remained long. Cannon Smith and family, who made Edwardsburg their home from the fall of 1828 till the spring of 1831, settled
on section 14. Mr. Smith's house was a model pioneer dwelling such
as the typical one described in the first part of this chapter. He did all
the work himself, his only tools being an ax, draw-shave, hammer and
auger. After the trees had been felled and split, and hewn out into
siding as nearly as possible, the draw-shave was used for the finishing.
The studding and braces were split out like fence rails, and then laboriously smoothed on one side to an even surface. The frame was fastened together with wooden pins, and the roof consisted of "shakes"
held down with poles.  Mr. Smith was a good Methodist, and this
humble house often sheltered his neighbors while listening to the words
of the circuit rider of those days.
Peter Truitt was the merchant and business man of early Milton. In




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


115


his double log cabin, luilt in 1831. be opened the first stock of goods
in the township, and as his merchandlise dlid not monopolize all the
space in his house nor its (lisposal require all his time and attention, he
also transformed his place into the "White Oak Tree Tavern," at which
for many years he welcomed the tarrying traveler through this region.
SILVER CREEK.
Silver Creek, famed as the last retreat of the Pottawottomies who
remained behind after the great exodus, had only about one hundred
white inhabitants in I837. If there is any connection between the
voting population and those who build the first homes, first plow the
soil and fell the virgin forest, the burden of pioneer development in
Silver Creek must largely have fallen on those who participated in
the first election in the fall of I838, whose names are recorded as follows: E. Shaw. W. r. Barney, Joseph Spencer, John McDaniel, Henry
Dewey, John Barney, John Woolman, A. Barney, Samuel Stockwell,
Jacob Suits, P. B. Dunning, William  Brooks, James Allen, Timothy
Treat, James Hall.
The first entry of land in this town was made in section 12. by
James McDaniel, December I6, I834.. When he located there in the
following spring he erected the first house and plowed the first furrow.
the initial events of development. He also began the construction of the
sawmill which subsequently was purchased and completed by John Barney, wnho arrived in I836, and whose connection with the early manufacturing interests gives him a place in another chapter of this work.
Jacob A. Suits came in September, 1836, and built the fifth house
in the township. The next year there came Timothy Treat and family;
James Allen, Joseph and William Van Horn, Benj. B. Dunning, Eli V.
Veach, Patrick Hamilton, Harwood Sellick, James McOmber, Jabes
Cady, Israel Sallee, George McCreary, James Hall, William  Brooks,
and others. In the same year the township was cut off from Pokagon
and organized.
MASON.
Once more directing our attention to the south side of the county.
we will mention briefly some of those concerned in the development of
the small township of Mason. The attractiveness of Breadsley's prairie
caused the first tide of immigration to, pass over Mason's fertile soil,
and, as we know, it was not until 1836 that a sufficient population had
come to justify organization into a separate township.




116


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


The first settler was Elam Beardsley, who moved on his claim in
section 12 in the early months of I830. He erected the first cabin and
set out the first apple trees. He was a member of the noted pioneer
family of that name, and another was Darius Beardsley, who put up his
cabin in 1832. The fate of Darius Beardsley illustrates another sad
feature of life in) a frontier country. One day in the winter of 1833 he
started on foot for Edwardsburg, the nearest trading point, where he
bought his household supplies. The snow was two feet deep and the
entire distance was a trackless waste of white. He was detained in the
village until well towards evening, and then set out alone in the gathering twilight toward his home. It was intensely cold, and as darkness
came on he was unable to make out the road he had traveled in the
morning. He was soon wandering about in the shelterless forest, and
at last exhausted by the cold and the fatigue of struggling through the
snow, he sat down under a tree to rest. Here, within half a mile of
home and family, his neighbors found him frozen to death and carried
him home to his grief-stricken wife, who, unable to leave her small
children, had been compelled to await the results of the search which
after several days gave her the lifeless body of her husband. Such was
a not uncommon tragedy enacted in many a frontier community.
One of the well known personages during the early years of Mason
was S. C. Gardner, who, in I835, found a home in Section 13. Not
long after, his house being located on the "territorial road," an important
artery of early immigration, he became a landlord and his house was
filled almost nightly with the tired travelers who in those days asked
nothing better than the simplest victuals to eat and a roof to shelter
them while they pillowed their heads on the hard floor.
Others who were identified with the early development of this township Were Jotham Curtis, at whose house the first township election was
held; the Miller family, numbering all told twenty persons, who formed
what was known as the Miller settlement; Henry Thompson; J. Hubbard
Thomas; Elijah and Daniel Bishop, who came about I838.
NEWBERG.
The first land selected for settlement from the now well peopled
Newberg township was in Section 34, where John Bair chose his home
in October, 1832. Here he made the first improvements effected in
the township, built a cabin in which he dispensed hospitality to all who
came, whether they were ministers of the gospel, land viewers, hunters




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


117


and trappers, white men or Indians; and he himself divided his time between the cultivation of a pioneer farm and the avocation of hunting
and fishing, which he loved with a frontiersman's devotion.
He soon had a neighbor in the person of Daniel Driskel, who located on Section 36 in the fall of I834. In 1835 land was entered by
George Poe, Marvick Rudd, Thomas Armstrong, Samuel Hutchings,
Felix Girton, John Grennell, William D. Jones. These and such men
as Barker F. Rudd, William  D. Easton, Alexander Allen, Spencer
Nicholson, Samuel Eberhard, Hiram   Harwood, formed the nucleus
around which larger settlements grew up, resulting in the separate organization of the township in 1838.
MARCELLUS.
And finally the course of development also included the extreme
northeast corner of the county, where the dense forests and heavy timber,
the marshes and malaria, had seemed uninviting to the early settlers.
But by the middle thirties the tide of settlement was at the flood, and
there was no considerable area of the county that was not overflowed by
eager homeseekers. All the prairie lands had been occupied, and now
the forests must also yield before the ax and be replaced with the waving corn.
Joseph Haight, from Orleans county, New York, was the first settler, arriving in the summer of I836. In the following year he was
joined by Frederick Goff and Joseph Bair. Goff was a carpenter, and as
it was possible by this time to get lumber at convenient distance, he
built for himself, instead of the ordinary log cabin, a small frame house,
which was the first in the township.
Among other early settlers of Marcellus were G. R. Beebe, who
came in I838, Moses P. Blanchard, Daniel G. Rouse, who has already
been mentioned as taking a leading part in township organization. These
and others are named among those who voted at the first township
meeting in 1843 and in the general election of the same year, that list
being as follows: John Huyck, Daniel G. Rouse, Abijah Huyck, William Wolfe, Joseph Bair, Cyrus Goff, Nathan Udell, Andrew Scott, G. R.
Beebe, Joseph Haight, Moses Blanchard, Philo McOmber, John Savage,
E. Hyatt, Alfred Paine, Joseph P. Gilson, Lewis Thomas, Samuel Cory.
In describing the period while civilization was getting a foothold
in this county, while the wilderness was being deposed from its long
reign and men's habitations and social institutions were springing up on




118              HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
nearly every section of land, a complete sketch would include the opening of roads, the building of sclhools, the establishment of postal facilities, and the many other matters that necessarily belong to an advancing
community. But with the limits of this chapter already exceeded, several of these subjects wxill be reserved for later treatment under separate
titles.  In the following chapter we will consiler that inevitable centralization of society that results in the formation of village centers.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


119


CHAPTER VIII.
CENTERS OF1 POPULTL       'TION.
The organization of the townships, which has h)een lpreviouslv (lescribed, was an artificial process, following the geometrical liles of
government survey. But the grouping of population and the fo-rmation
of village centers are the result of natural growth.  In the following
pages it is our purpose to continue the story of settlement and growt'h
with special reference to the grouping of people into comniunities andl
-villages.
It is easv to indicate in a general way the beginning of suchl a
commnunitv.   \ fertile and arable region receives a large proportionl of
the inlmigration.  A-ssuming that they are pioneers, it will h!e.alniost a
necessity that lnost of them] till the soil, even though comliningi that \ith
another occupation. But if the settlement was on a much-traveledl thloroughfare, such as the Chicago road on the south side of the countlt.
one or perhaps more of the pioneer houses would he opleled f(or the elntertainment of the transient nliblic. On the )banks of a streamn some olne
constructs a saw or grist nuil!.  At some convenient and central point
a settler i ith the commercial instincts opens a stock of goods such as
will supply the needs of tile other settlers an(l of the iminiglants.  A
postoffice conmes 1next, the postnmaster very likely being either tile merchant or thle tavern-keeper.  A\ phllysicill, looking for a location, is
pleased with the conditions and occupies a calhin near the store or inn.
A carpenter or other mechanic is more accessible to his patronage if he
lives near the postoffice or other common gathering point. If the schoolhouse of the district has not alreadv been built, it is prolbable that it
will tbe placed at the increasingly central site, and the first church is a
natural addition.  Already this nucleus of settlement is a village in
embryo, and in the natural course of development a variety of enterprises
will center there, the mechanical, the manufacturing, the connmmercial and
professional departments of human lalor will be grouped together for
the purpose of efficiency and convenience.  By such accretions of population, by diversification of industry, by natural advantages of location
and the improvement of means of transportation, this. community in




120


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


time becomes organized as a village and with continued prosperity, as
a city.  Sometimes the development is arrested at a particular stage.
The village remains a village, the ham.let ceases to grow, and we have
a center of population without special business, industrial or civic development. Then there are instances in this county of retrogression. A
locality that could once be dignified with the name of village has dis
integrated under stress of rivalry from other centers or other causes,
and is now little more than a place and a name.
Specific illustrations of all these processes are to be found in the
history of the centers in Cass county. But in general it may be stated
that during the early years, when communication was primitive and
isolation quite complete even between localities separated by a few miles,
the tendency was toward centralization in numerous small hamlets and
villages. But in keeping with the economic development for which the
past century was noted and especially because of the improvement of all
forms of transportation, the barriers against easy communication with
all parts of the county were thrown down and the best situated centers
grew and flourished at the expense of the smaller centers, which gradually dwindled into comparative insignificance. Nothing has done more
to accelerate movement than the establishment of rural free delivery.
The postoffice was the central point of community life and remoteness
from its privileges was a severe drawback. Rural delivery has made
every house a postoffice, puts each home in daily contact with the world,
and while it is destroying provincialism and isolation, it is effecting a
wholesome distribution of population rather than crowding into small
villages. And the very recent introduction into Michigan of the system  of public transportation of school children to and from  school
will remove another powerful    incentive to  village life.  When
weak districts may be consolidated and a large, well graded and modern
union school be provided convenient and accessible to every child in the
enlarged school area, families will no longer find it necessary "to move
to town in order to educate their children."
These are the principal considerations that should be understood
before we enter on the description of the.various centers which Cass
county has produced in more than three quarters of a century of growth.
EDWARDSBURG.
Nowhere can the processes above described be better illustrated than
along the meandering Chicago road that passes across the lowest tier




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


121


of townships on the south. In the chapter on early settlement the beginning of community life on Beardsley's Prairie has already been
sketched. It will be remembered that Ezra Beardsley, in order to accommodate the increasing host of immigrants, converted his home into
a tavern, the nearby Meacham cabin being used as an annex. On the
south side of the lake Thomas H. Edwards in I828 began selling goods
to the settlers, and thus early the community of Beardsley's Prairie had
a center.
With the Chicago road as the main axis of village life, a plat of
a village site, named "Edwardsburgh," was filed on record, August I2,
183I, by Alexander H. Edwards, who appeared before Justice of the
Peace Ezra Beardsley and "acknowledged the within plat to be his free
act and deed."  The original site of the village comprised 44 lots, but
Abiel Silver on June 2, 1834, laid out an addition of 86 lots and on
March 25, I836, a second addition.
Jacob and Abiel Silver figure prominently in the early life of the
village. They purchased in I83I the store of Thomas H. Edwards.
Other early merchants were Henry Vanderhoof and successors Clifford
Shaahan and Jesse Smith; the late H. H. Coolidge, who came here
in 1835 to! take charge of a stock of goods opened here by a Niles merchant, and who later was engaged in business in partnership with P. P.
Willard. In 1839 A. C. Marsh established a foundry for the manufacture of plow castings and other iron work, and this was one of the industries which gave Edwardsburg importance as a business center.
During the thirties and early forties Edwardsburg bid fair to become the business metropolis of Cass county. It is easy to understand
why its citizens had inplicit faith in such a future. The Detroit-Chicago road, on which it was situated, was at the time the most traveled
route between the east and the west. The hosts who were participating
in the westward expansion movement of the period, traveling up the
popular Erie Canal and thence to the west by way of Lake Erie and the
Chicago road, all passed through Edwardsburg.  The mail coaches,
which primitively represented the mail trains of to-day, carried the mail
bags through the village and lent the cluster of houses the prestige that
comes from being a station on the transcontinental mail. Furthermore,
the agitation for canals.which then disputed honors with railroads seemed
to indicate Edwardsburg as a probable station on the canal from St.
Joseph river to the lake.
All conditions seemed favorable for the growth of a city on the




122


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


south side of the county. But at the middle of the century the mighty
rearranger of civilization, the railroad, pushed its way through Michigan and northern Indiana. The villages touched by the railroad in its
course flourished as though by magic. Those left to one side languished
as if the stream of life, diverted, ceased to nourish their activities. The
Chicago road was no longer the artery of commerce it ilad been. The
stage coaches ceased their daily visits. A few miles to the south the
Michigan Southern, having left the route of original survey at White
Pigeon, coursed through the villages. and cities of northern Indiana, giving new life to Bristol, Elkhart and South Bend, and depriving Edwardsburg of its equal chance in the struggle of existence. To the west Niles
became a station on the Michigan Central and prospered accordingly,
while Edwardsburg, thus placed between the two great routes, suffered
the barrenness of almost utter isolation.
It is said that just before the period of decline began EdwIardsburg
had a population of three hundred, with churches, school and business
houses. The permanent institutions of course remained although with
little vitality, but the business decreased until but one store remained in
i85I. For twenty years Edwardsburg had practically no business activity, and was little more than a community center which was maintained
by custom and because of the existence of its institutions of church, education and society.
The same power that took away gave back again.    The Grand
Trunk Railroad was completed through Edwardsburg in I87I, and with
the establishment of communication with the world and with facilities at
hand for transportation there followed a revival of village life. Ten
years later the population had increased fromn 297 to 500. There were
about twenty stores and shops and a list of professional and business
men.
Since then Edwardsburg has held her own. There is good reason in
the assertion that the village is the best grain market that the farmers
of the south half of the county can find. The large grain elevator alongside the tracks is of the most modern type, replacing the one burnt down
a few years ago, and a steam grist mill is a very popular institution
among the farmers of this section. Edwardsburg has never organized
as a village, and hence is still, from a civic point of view, a part of the
township of Ontwa. The village improvements have been made in only
a small degree. The bucket brigade still protects from fire, and the con



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


123


veniences and utilities which are only possible in an organized community
are still absent.
A review of the present status of the village would include mention of the \alter Brothers' store, the principal commercial enterprise
of the village; half a dozen other stores and shops 1and two physicians.
The Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptist churches all have buildings,
and the Methodists have a strong organization. It is a center of fraternal
activity, the following orders being represented here:  MIasons, Odd
Fellows, Knights of the Maccabees, Modern Woodmen of America, the
Royal Neighbors, the Ancient Order of Gleaners, a farmers' organization, and the Patricians.
It is always of interest to record the names of those who have been
identified with a locality in the past or who are still living there but at
the close of active service. One of the first old-timers to be mentioned
is Eli Benjamin, who is eighty-two years old and one of the oldest residents of Edwardsbur-g. Edward Hirons, from whom many of these notes
were obtained, was born in Milton township seventy years ago and has
been in Edwardsburg thirty-seven years.   John C. Carmichael and
Cassius M. Dennis are other old-timers. Dr. Griffin, who died recently,
was a physician practicing here for many years, and another doctor, John
B. Sweetlandl, died only a few years ago.
The Griffinl HIouse, on the north side of Main street, west of the
alley, in which the postoffice was for so many years and at different
times locatel, is said to be the oldest building in the village.  \Vhen
E(ldwardslurg was a flourishing station on the stage lines it supported
two hotels, one situated on the south side of Main street on the site of
R. J. Hicks' store, the other on the north side of Main street on the
site of Dr. Criswell's residence.  The vacant lot at the north end of
Walter Brothers' store was the site of a hotel erected by John Earl,
its first landlord, in 1856. Immediately preceding the building of the
Grand Trunk the village was in communication with the world by a
daily stage between Elkhart and Dowagiac.
Edwardsburg has been the home of many prominent men in the
county's life. Dr. Israel G. Bugbee is well entitled to a place among
the leaders in county affairs. Judge A. J. Smith was an early resident
of this place and taught school here, and Judge H. H. Coolidge, also
teacher and lawyer, and his son, the present Judge Coolidge of Niles,
was a boy among Edwardsburg boys before he ever dreamed of judicial
honors. George F. Silver, who has lived here seventy years, is a son of




124


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Orrin Silver, a pioneer. Other names that readily occur are those of
Dr. Henry Lockwood, Dr. Edgar Reading, Dr. Levi Aldrich, Dr. Daniel
Thomas, J. L. Jacks, J. W. Lee, W. K. Hopkins, who served as supervisor several times, "Squire" Dethic Hewitt, and his two sons, Daniel
A. and John P., blacksmiths, H. B. Mead, J. W. Bean, J. H. Williams,
J. D. Bean, postmaster, Jacob R. Reese, one of the biggest merchants of
the village. William and Isaiah Walter have been longest in the mercantile business among the present merchants.
ADAMSVILLE.
Traveling east along the Chicago road, about five miles east of
Edwardsburg one crosses the Christiann creek at the site of a once ambitious village. A cluster of houses on either side of the road, most of
them weatherbeaten and old, are almost the sole indication of village
life. However, there are two grocery stores, and the last census gave
the number of inhabitants on the village site as 207.
Adamsville, or Adamsport, originated in the water power of Christiann creek. A mill very often is the nucleus for population to concentrate. "The Sages made the town," was the statement of one who
knew the past history of the place. The Sage family, of which Moses
Sage was the first and principal member, with his sons, Martin G. and
Norman, has for three-quarters of a century been prominent in manufacturing, financial and business affairs of this part of the country, their
interests being now centered in Elkhart, where Norman and other members of the family reside. The water power at Adamsville is now owned
by Mr. H. E. Bucklen, formerly of Flkhart, now of Chicago, who bought
it from the Sage estate and who owns all the water power on the Christiann from Elkhart up. The grist mill is the only manufacturing concern
now at Adamsville, though formerly there were a stave factory and a
sawmill.
The first plat of Adamsport was filed for record March 21, 1833.
"Appeared before Ezra Beardsley, justice of the peace, Sterling Adams,
who acknowledged that he had laid out the within town of Adams Port
and also acknowledged that the lots and streets are laid out as described."
The platted ground was on the east side of the creek and was bisected
by the Chicago road, the other streets being laid out at right angles to
this main thoroughfare. On May 5, I835, the plat was received for
record of the village of Christiann, laid out by Moses Sage on the opposite side of the creek. Within a year plats of "Stevens' addition"




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


125


and "Johnson's addition" were filed. It was evidently the purpose and
the hope of the founders to make Adamsville, with manufacturing as a
basis, the foremost center of south Cass county, rivaling Edwardsburg.
Moses Sage built the first grist mill in 1835, and with the mill
running night and day for several years, it is not surprising that a considerable community soon grew up at this point. But as soon as the
railroads were built and established  new  relations between centers,
Adamsville began to decline, although its manufacturing enterprise has
always been valuable. A postoffice was established here in an early day
and continued until rural free delivery made it no longer necessary.
There is a United Brethren church in the village.
In describing the centers of population in this chapter we make
especial mention of the groups of population which take the forms
of hamlets or villages. It is necessary to say that the institutions of education and religion are centralizing influences of great power, and a
church or a schoolhouse is often the heart of the social community. But
the consideration of churches and schools must be left to a later chapter,
where it is our purpose to give an adequate account of these institutions in their relation to the county.
KESSINGTON (SAILOR).
Mason township has many churches and its proportionate share of
schools, but of other centers it is practically destitute. In the register's
office will be found a plat, recorded July 23, 1872, by Moses McKissick,
of a village site in the northeast quarter of Section 14. To this he gave
the name Kessington or Sailor. The plat comprised nineteen lots. Although one might drive over this site and notice nothing more remarkable at this country crossroads than a church and a school, at one time
Mr. McKessick kept a general store and there was also a blacksmith
shop.
UNION.
One other center along the old Chicago road remains to be described. On the west side of south Porter township is beautiful Baldwin's prairie, one of the most delightful landscapes in Cass county and
its citizenship among the most prosperous. Baldwin's prairie, ages before the earliest fact of history recorded in this book, was the bed of
some large lake, similar to many in this county. The processes of nature
finally drained the waters off into the St. Joseph river; the swamp in time
gave place to prairie, and as the Indians and the first settlers knew the




HISTORY OF CA:SS COUNTY


locality tile grass and wild flowers spread their carpet over its level
area.
A plain so. beautiful, with fertility so deep and so prodigal of products, did not escape the eye of the practical pioneer, and settlement and
development were naturally followed by a concentration of population.
Sections 7 and 8 of south Porter were among the first entered in this
portion of the county, and such well known pioneers as Elam Beardsley,
James Hitclcox, Otlni Beardsley, John Baldwin, Chester Sage, Jacob
Charles, Nathan and William Tibbits had taken up land on this prairie,
none later than I831.
John Baldwin kept tavern in his home for the accommodation of the
travelers along the Chicago road, and Othni Beardsley was another
pioneer inn-keeper. In 183I Jacob Charles became the first postmaster
for this vicinity, distributing the mail at his house. The Beardsley tavern, erected in 1833, was one of the regular stations on the stage line
and hence an important point. This house was burned in 1836, and
Jarius Hitclcox then opened up his house as a tavern and stage station.
The Hitchcox house was on the north side of the road on the east side
of Union village. The brick house now standing there, and the present
residence of Mrs. Montgomery, was built over sixty years ago and was
the tavern until the traffic of the road ceased with the beginning of the
railroad era. This house is accordingly one of the most historic places
in Cass county, having sheltered hundreds of emigrants during the
pioneer period. When the stage station was located here extensive sheds
in the rear accommodated the vehicles and horses of the stage company.
Mr. S. M. Rinehart, whose pleasant home is just across the road, lived
here while the stages were yet running and many a time heard with
boyish eagerness the blast of the horn which announced the arrival of
the stage.
The postoffice and stage station were the beginning of the village of
Union. Union has never been incorporated, and its commercial importance is quite overshadowed by Bristol and Elkhart, and yet it has continued from pioneer days as a focus for the interests of a large and prosperous surrounding country.
Situated on the northwestern edge of Baldwin's prairie, with its
houses at the foot of the hills which encircle the plain on the west and
north and from which one overlooks the village and beyond to the blue
haze of the range on the south side of the St. Joseph river, Union makes
no claims to metropolitan features, yet is a supply center for a consid



HISTORY OF1 CASS COUNTY


127


erable area. Two stores, a blacksmith and repair shop and implement
lhouse comprise the business enterprise. The rural mail wagons bring
the mail for the villagers, but, contrary to what we have seen happen in
many! such centers, the postoffice is still maintained in the village. Tle
p)ostmaster is \\William Eby, son of (abriel LEbv, who at the age of eightyseven is the oldest man in Union and by reason of fifty years' residence
one of the oldest citizens. Nelson Cleveland, of this neighlborhoold is
also about eighty-seven years old.
Mr. S. M. Rinehart, whoo contributed mtuch of the information con-,
cerning Union, was lb;rn near the James E,. Bonine place in Penn township, near Vandalia, seventy-five years ago and has lived on the east side
of Union village since he was twelve years old, so that he is the longest
resident.  He is at this time president of the Cass County Pioneer
Society.
Union now has a population of about 50. Whether the future holds
growth and development in store for this community, must be left to a
later historian to record. But tlle citizens are sanguine over the prospects which the promised early completion of the South Bend-Kalamazoo
electric road through the village unfolds.
WILLIAMSVILLE.
July 5, I849, Josiah Wlilliams, as proprietor, filed a plat of a village
to be known as Williamsville, the site being in the southeast quarter of
Section 7 in North Porter township. An addition was recorded to this
plat September I4, I85o. \Mr. W\illiams was also proprietor of the first
store. The "\Williamsville neighborhood" has been a distinctive name
for many years, and as the centertof this locality Williamsville is worthy
of a lhrief history.  Its pnl)ulation has never reached much beyond the
hundred mark. Twenty-five years ago it had two stores, two blacksmith
shops, a grist mill and a sawmill, and one physician. At the present
time its general activity consists of the following:  A telephone exchange of an independent company. It may be remarked that there are
more telephones in use on the south side of the county than on the north
side. Here in 1854 the late William R. Merritt engaged in the mercantile business and for twenty years kept one of the best stocked country
stores to be found anywhere, equaling, if not excelling, many general
stocks kept by village merchants. His store was the trading place for
miles around and many of his customers were found among those who
bought on their promise to pay, not having any visible property to make




128


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


the promise good. Few indeed were the people who could not obtain
credit with him. After removing to Bristol, Indiana, the business was
continued for a number of years by his son, J. Fred Merritt.
It was in this little hamlet that Dr. Greenberry Cousins, on the
I6th day of August, I870, came to his death at the hands. of Andrew J.
Burns, who, after being tried twice on the charge of murder, the jury
each time failing to agree upon a verdict, was discharged and given his
liberty after being confined in the county jail for about one year awaiting these trials.
BROWNSVILLE.
Calvin township has had numerous centers, such as churches, schools,
mills, at different times and different situations. The hamlet of Brownsville alone may be considered in this part of the history, since Calvin
center will be mentioned in connection with the negro settlement.
Christiann creek, flowing for a considerable part of its length across
this township, early afforded the best mill sites in the south part of
Cass county. A sawmill was built in section 19 about I832 and in the
following year a distillery at that point began the manufacture of pure
whiskey which was sold at twenty-five cents a gallon. But before this,
in 183I, Pleasant Grubb had constructed a grist mill in section 9. This
was one of the first flour mills in the county and its product was eagerly
sought. David and William Brown, brothers who had come from Scotland, soon purchased this mill, and the little community which grew up
around the mill honored them by giving the name Brownsville to the
place. No plat was ever made, but enough village activity has prevailed
to distinguish the locality from the general rural district. When the
former history of the county was published, twenty-five years ago, its
enterprise consisted in a flour mill, a general store, two blacksmith shops,
a cooper and a shoe shop, a millinery store, pump factory, harness shop,
two carpenters and two physicians. At the present time there are the
grist mill, run by water power, a steam sawmill, a blacksmith shop, and
the postoffice has been discontinued since rural free delivery was established. The population has remained at about one hundred. Levi Garwood, Williams Adamson and James Hybert (colored) are named as
the oldest residents of this community.
DAILEY,
Jefferson township, midway between the county seat and Edwardsburg, although traversed by two railroads, has never developed any




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


129


important center.  Redfield's mills on Christiann creek on the eastern
edge of the township at one time had a store and postoffice, a sawmill
and grist mill, the latter run now for grinding buckwheat and feed only.
It still has a general store. The only other place that can be dignified
by distinct reference in this chapter is Dailey, in section 6. The citizens of this locality, among whom was Israel A. Shingledecker, who
proposed the name of Itasca, desired a station when the Air Line railroad passed through that part of the township, and by donating three
acres of land to the company secured a freight and passenger house.
There being opposition to Itasca, the station was given the name of
Dailey, in honor of A. H. Dailey, roadmaster of the railroad. A postoffice was established in I872, with M. T. Garvey as first postmaster,
and two stores with a blacksmith shop soon supplemented the business
activity of the place. In March, I88o, Levi M. Vail filed a plat of lots
laid out on land just west of the depot site. A cornet band was at one
time an institution of the place. The population at the last census was
about a hundred.
The progress of our narrative brings us now to the center of the
county, but instead of describing the growth and present status of Cassopolis it seems best to reserve the county seat village for a separate
chapter, as also will be done in the case of the city of Dowagiac.
GENEVA.
In the story of the county seat contest the founding of the now extinct village of Geneva has been described. Some additional facts are
of interest in preserving to memory of future generations the site of
what might have become the central city of the county. The plat of
Geneva, which was recorded May I, I832, shows that the village was
laid out on the north side of Diamond lake. The owners of the site,
whose signatures are affixed to, the plat, were Colonel E. S. Sibley, H. L.
and A. C. Stewart, H. H. Fowler and Abner Kelsey. With the proviso
that Geneva be constituted the county seat, "the public square is given
to the county on which to erect county offices," besides certain other
lots.  The traveled road going east from Cassopolis passes along the
main street of Geneva about where it reaches the north bank of Diamond lake.  Geneva never had the institutions of school and church,
but the business enterprise was considerable until Cassopolis absorbed
it all. A store was established in 1830. Nathan Baker about the same
time established a blacksmith shop, and several years later a furnace




130


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


for the manufacture of plow castings, this being the first industry of
the kind in the county, and the "Baker plow" gaining a reputation far
beyond the limits of the county. H. H. Fowler, the principal promoter
of the village, did not relax his efforts for building up the village even
after the county seat had become permanent, as is evident from the fact
that in October, 1836, he recordled the plat of an addition to the original
site. Nothing now remains of Geneva, and only those who delve into
matters of the past would know, as they passed over the site, how much
enthusiasm and effort were once expended toward making a village rise
on the high shores of Diamond lake. The village site and vicinity are
now known as "Shore Acres."
PENN (JAMESTOWN).
In the register's office is a plat of the village of Jamestown, which
was recorded by Isaac P. James, Novembler 12, I869. This site was
located on the east side of section i6 in Penn township. On November
25, 1884, Jesse Wright recorded an addition, taken from land that adjoined in section 15. Jamnestown is an unfamiliar name, and many persons would not recognize in it the name of the center of Penn township.
The founder of the village bestowed upon it the name of Jamestown
for himself, the same as he (lid on the village plat. The postoffice department refused to adopt that name for the proposed postoffice there, as
there was at that time a Jamestown postoffice in Ottawa county, and established the office under the name of Penn, and gradually that name
became the common designation for the hamlet.
There were hopes in the minds of the founders that, with the completion of the line of the Grand Trunk railroad through the site, a considerable village might rise at this point. Parker James, a son of Isaac
P. James, established a store, and later a sawmill was built and one or
two other shops opened. It now has a resident physician, two churches,
a school house with two departments.  Its principal enterprises are a
sawmill, two general stores and a blacksmith shop. One of the stores,
in addition to the stock usually kept in country stores, keeps on hand
agricultural implements, coal, lime, etc. Penn had, according to the
last census, a population of two hundred.
VANDALIA.
A grist mill built on the banks of Christiann creek along the state
road in section 27 of Penn township was the enterprise wihich served as
the nucleus for the village of Vandalia. This mill was built in I849




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


131


by Stephen Bogue and C. P. Ball, both valiant Quakers and notalle
pioneers in Penn township. FebruaryI 21, 185, a plat of the village of
Vandalia was filed hy these two men, the land which they chose for the
proposed village being on the east side of Christiann creek, an(l coml)rising a portion of the southeast quarter of section 27. The original site
has been expandedl 1y eight additions, and the incorporated limits of the
village now extend across the creek on the gwest side and the larger part
of the plat lies in section 26.
In the days of beginnings Abrahan Sigerfoos was the village blacksmith, Asa Kingsbury of Cassopolis the first merchant, he having established a branch store there with the late Judge A. J. Smith as manager,
and T. J. Wilcox the first postmaster. The principal impetus to growth
was, of course, the Air Line railroad, which placed the village in connection with the outside world in I871. This was followed by incorporation
in 1875, and Vandalia is now one of the three incorporated villages in
Cass county.
HOWARDVILLE.
Few names are more completely lost to memory than the above.
The proximity of Howard township to Niles, not to mention other
causes, has never fostered the growth of villages in the township. But
in the pioneer years, when immigration was setting in at full tide,
George Fosdick, an enterprising settler, endeavored to found a village,
to which he gave the name Howardville. The plat was recorded October 8, I835, the site being in section 21, on "the north bank of Lake
Alone," the plat being two blocks wide and running north from the lake
shore four blocks. To the present generation it is necessary to explain
that Lake Alone is the familiar Barren lake. Its remoteness from any
other body of water, and the absence of surface outlets, gave this lake
its first name. Fosdick's village did not prosper, and in a short time the
plow furrows passed without distinction over the platted as the unplatted land, and Howardville was forgotten.
In more recent years. since the Air Line railroad was built, a station was established, called Barren Lake station.  The town hall is
near by, also a school. This is as far as the township of Howard has
gone in the formation of a central community.
LA GRANGE VILLAGE.
The road leading north and west from Cassopolis toward Dowagiac passes for the first few miles over some of the most rugged land



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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


scape in Cass county. This is the highest point of the watershed which
interposes a barrier-like group of hills between the courses of the Dowagiac creek and Christiann creek. But on arriving at the crest of the
last hill the broad valley of the Dowagiac creek seems, by reason of the
contrast, as level as a chessboard and a scene of quiet and gentle beauty.
One is not surprised that this fertile and reposeful plain was early sought
as a habitation and place of activity by the pioneers. The beauty of the
natural surroundings., the rich and productive soil, and the advantageous
sites for mills and industries were recognized by the first settlers, anl
were the chief prerequisites for the development of a flourishing city.
And yet the present aspect of LaGrange brings up the picture of
the "Deserted Village."  The main street leading north to the millpond
is lined with weatherbeaten houses which bear every indication of identity with the past. Some of these buildings have long been unoccupied,
and, uncared for, have become prey to the wind and rain. "Arrested
development" seems to characterize the entire place.  The last store
building, from which the stock of goods was removed several years ago,
is almost the only reminder of commercial activity.  Rural free delivery caused the disestablishment of the postoffice in February, I90I.
The Methodist church is the only active religious organization.  The
two-story, brick district school, on the south edge of the village, shows
that the decline of commercial prosperity has not affected the progress
of education.  The water power, on the opposite side of the village.
which once turned grist mills and factories, now turns a turbine wheel
of the plant that partly supplies Dowagiac with electric lights.
This diversion of the only remaining permanent resource of LaGrange to the benefit and use of Dowagiac is the final fact of a series of
similar events by which LaGrange has been reduced to its present status
among the centers of the county. With all the natural advantages which
gave promise of a thriving city, the course of events took other directions. First, LaGrange, though an active competitor for the honor, failed
to gain the county seat. Its business enterprise was at the time superior
to that of Cassopolis or Geneva, but its location was not central enough
to secure the decision of the commissioners. The loss of the county seat
might not have prevented LaGrange becoming what its promoters ardently desired.  But with the building of the Michigan Central railroad four miles to the northwest, a powerful and resourceful rival came
into action. With the railroad furnishing transportation as a basis for
unlimited production and industry, Dowagiac rapidly became a center




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


133


of business and manufacturing. LaGrange could not compete on equal
terms, its manufactures dwindled and were moved to the rival town,
and with the diverting of the water power to supply Dowagiac with
electric lighting, the last chapter has been written in the decadence of
a village that has played a large part in early Cass county history. LaGrange might now well be considered a suburb of the city of Dowagiac.
Such is a general outline of the rise and fall of this village. The
details may be briefly recorded. The millsite had first been developed
by Job Davis, who built a sawmill there in I829. This nill was bought
by Martin C. Whitman in I83I. In the following year he erected a
grist mill at the same place, this being one of the first mills in the county
for supplying the pioneers with flour.
August 4, I834, Mr. Whitman, as "proprietor and owner," filed
the first plat of the village of Whitmanville. The site was on the north
side, about the center, of section 15. Erastus H. Spalding, who owned
land adjoining, in the southwest quarter of section o0, platted an addition April I6, I836, to which he gave the name LaGrange. On July I,
1836, Mr. Whitman platted a part of his land on the southeast quarter
of section lo as an addition to LaGrange, and in September following
platted some land in section 15 as an addition to Whitmanville. It
seems, therefore, that the site that lay in section io was originally designated as LaGrange, and that in section 15 as Whitmanville. The latter name was commonly used until the legislature, by an act approved
February I2, 1838, formally changed the name Whitmanville to LaGrange.
In the meantime E. H. Spalding had become proprietor of the grist
mill, and the business activity of the place became considerable. There
were four large stores in the place besides the mills. The large, shallow
millpond, however, caused much malarial sickness, and this, with the
loss of county seat prospects and the destruction of the grist mill by
fire, caused a setback to the prosperity of the village.
In I856 there was a revival. Abram Van Riper and sons Charles
and Garry bought the millsite, constructed a flour mill and also a woolen
mill. The latter was an institution of great importance to the community. It furnished labor to many persons, both women and men, and
also children, and thus attracted a considerable population to settle in
the vicinity. Besides the Van Ripers, the late Daniel Lyle of Dowagiac
was interested in the woolen mill. In I878 a stock company, known as
the LaGrange Knitting Mills Company, purchased the mill property




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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


an(l converted it into a knitting factory, principally for the manufacture
of underwear.
There were other manufactures. Hervey Bigelow had begun the
manufacture of furniture here in 1836 and continued it until I85I,
when Dowagiac offered him better opportunities and he moved to that
village. William Van Riper established a basket factory in I868. There
was a small foundry twenty-five years ago. All these industries have
gone out of existence or been moved away.
MECI ANICSBURG.
Oni the north side of the public road that passes along the south
side of section 30 in IaGrange township, about where the school house
stands and near the Pokagon creek, was once platted a village called
Mechanicsburg. The plat of this village was filed March 29, I837, by
John Petticrew, the proprietor of the site. Several years later he built
a tannery there, but aside from that and a blacksmith shop, the village
had nothing to justify its platting.
SUMNERVILLE AND POKAGON.
These two little villages, a mile and a half apart, belong, the one
to the pioneer period, the other to the railroad era. We have taken
pains to show the various influences at work in the development of the
county, how localities favored by nature have received the first impulse
of settlement; and how roads, streams, railroads, acts of the legislature,
and personal enterprise have all been pivotal factors in the history of
communities. The history of Sumnervile and Pokagon is an excellent study in these shifting processes.
Sumnerville is located at the junction of the Pokagon creek with
Dowagiac creek. The heavy timber growth in this locality favored the
improvement of the water power at this point, and in 1835 Isaac Sumner
built a sawmill here, and two, years later a grist mill. These two industries
were all-important at that time, and were a substantial basis for a village. Mr. Sumner and Junius H. Hatch accordingly platted a village
here in August, 1836, giving it the name of Sumnerville. About the
same time Alexander Davis became first merchant and Peabody Cook
the proprietor of the first hotel. From this time forward the village
increased slowly in population and business. Its population by the last
census was about one hundred and fifty. In I880, according to a gazetteer of that year, it had a population of 184, and its industries were a
flouring mill and a woolen mill.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


135


Pokagon, on the other hand, although located on the prairie where
the first settlement was made in Cass county, and where the first postoffice was established, was, as respects its business importance, the product of the railroad which was constructed through in 1846. WXilliam
Baldwin, the noted pioneer whiose death was chronicled in lAugust, I904,
laid out this village June 15, I858. The original site, to quote the record, was "situated on the west side of the railroad, in the southwest
quarter of section 28.." Three additions have since been made, expanding the village into section 33 and to both sides of the railroad. A grist
mill had been built in I856, and several stores and shops soon gave the
business activity to the place which it has retained ever since.  The
population has been at about two hundred for thirty years.
SIIAKESPEARE.
Of all the forgotten village sites in Cass county that of Shakespeare has had most reason to be remembered. ~ Situated "at the Long
rapids of the Dowvagiac river," as the record reads, Shakespeare was
platted June 17, 1836, by Jonathan Brown and Elias B. Sherman, the
latter the well known pioneer of Cass county, the former somewhat of
an adventurer, to judge from this transaction. The site of the village
was on the Dowagiac, incluling land in sections 8, 9 an(l 17 of Pokagon
township. Sherman owned forty acres at this point and Brown a similar tract. They decided to plat and promote a village. The water power
could be utilized to develop splendid industries, and the eyes of the promoters could see nothing blut roseate prospects for a city at this location.
A lithographed prospectus of the proposed village was got out illustrating in most attractive style all these and other advantages, and was circulated in distant cities.  The prospectus and personal representations
of Mr. Brown sold a number of village lots. Mr. Sherman withdrew
from the partnership as soon as he saw that the representations were
overdrawn, and the principal promoter soon left the country without
ever having done anything to develop the enterprise. Dtring the next
few years-more than one sanguine investor in Shakespeare lots, after
toiling through the woods and brush to the wilderness that covered the
"city," was brought to realize the folly of speculation in unknown quantities. But now, outside of the office of register of deeds, where "Shakespeare" still presents tangles in the records, few know that such a village ever existed.




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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


NEWBERG.
Another village that was platted without substantial reason for an
existence and which belongs in history because of the plat on file at the
register's office, was Newberg.  Spencer Nicholson, an early settler of
Newberg township, was the proprietor, and the village plat was filed
May 15, 1837. The site was on the south shore of Lilly lake, its exact location being the north end of the east half of the northwest quarter of section 32.
JONES AND COREY.
Born of the Air Line railroad were the two villages above named.
Jones, the main street of which is the section line between sections 34
and 35 of Newberg township, at the present time has four general
stores, one grocery, shoe store, two hardware stores, one saloon, harness and blacksmith shop, and a population approximating three hundred. The plat of the village was recorded October 19, 1897, by Alonzo
P. Beeman, but the first business structure at this point of the newly
built Air Line railroad was a store put up in IS7I by H. Micksel. The
postoffice for this immediate vicinity had been established at the house
of Mr. E. H. Jones, on section 34, in I87o. The first postoffice in the
township was located at Lilly lake as early as 1838, and an office at
different points in the townvship had existed and been kept in farmers'
houses from that time, with different postmasters, until the founding
of the village of Jones. Other early business men were David Fairfield,
hotelkeeper and merchant; H. B. Doust, and A. L. Dunn. Mr. Frank
Dunn, present supervisor from Newberg, has been in business at Jones
since I879. Ed H. Jones, founder of the village of Jones, is still living, and other old-timers of this vicinity are William Young, perhaps
the oldest man in the town; William   Harwood, Myron F. Burney,
Alonzo P. Beeman, ex-supervisor and ex-county treasurer, and Nelson
Hutchins.
Corey, which is situated on the county line, in section 36 of Newberg township, was surveyed into a village site in April, 1872. Hazen
WV. Brown and C. R. Crawford were the first merchants. Its population is still less than a hundred, and its business interests necessarily
small.
WAKELEE.
In the south part of the county the building of the Grand Trunk
railroad revived the decadent village of Edwardsburg and partly re



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


137


stored the commercial prestige which it had known in the days when the
Chicago road was the great trunk line of communication. In-the northeast corner of the county the same railroad caused the founding of two
villages.
Wakelee. which is situated, like Dowagiac, on the corner of four
townships, Marcellus, Volinia, Newberg and Penn, and being unincorporated, divides its civic functions with the four townships, was named
in honor of C. Wakelee, the first treasurer of the Peninsular or Grand
Trunk railroad. The first plat of the village, which was recorded December 12, 187I, was made by Levi Garwood, on land in section 36 of
Volinia township. April Io, I873, George W. Jones and Orson Rudd
platted an addition which extended the site into the other townships. A
steam sawmill at this point converted much of the lumber woods of
this part of the county into merchantable lumber and the station became noted as a lumber-shipping point.
MARCELLUS.
While the Grand Trunk railroad no doubt had most to do with
the founding of the village of Marcellus, now one of the three incorporated villages of the county, one or two other influences working to
that end should be noticed.  Marcellus township, as will be remembered, was the last to be set off and last to be settled. Its inhabitants
were long without communication, and did not have a postoffice until
1857, when Harrison Dykeman began carrying the mail, at irregular
intervals, from Lawton, on the main line of the Michigan railroad in
Van Buren county, to his home on section 14. On the establishment of
a regular mail route in I86o, the postoffice was located in a residence
on section I6, and was transferred from place to place until Thomas
Burnev built and opened the first store on the site of Marcellus village,
the mail then being distributed in his store. The first permanent postoffice of the township was, therefore, one of the institutions that served
as a basis for the village of Marcellus.
To the private enterprise of George W. Jones is due in large measure the honor of founding the village. In I868i, knowing that the railroad would be completed through this point in a short time, and confident of the prospects presented for village growth at this place, he bought
over two hundred acres andl prepared to lay out a village. The site in
sections T5 and 22 was surveyed and the plat recorded by Mr. Jones
April 23, 1870, he adopting the plan of Cassopolis as to blocks and




138


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


ranges, getting the idea, no doubt, from his father-in-law, E. B. Sherman, one of the founders of that village. Since that date the area of
the village has been increased by six additions. The original name of
the village was Marcellus Center.
Regular trains began running about the same time with the platting of the village, and the business beginnings of the village were most
auspicious. Some of the first merchants were Thomas Burney, already
mentioned, John Manning, Daniel Morrison, Herman Chapman and
Lewis Arnold.
Within less than ten years from the founding of the village it was
incorporated in 1879, and the citizens who first took control of the village
affairs were the following: David Snyder, president; Leander Bridge,
Kenyon Bly, WV. O. Matthews, Byron Beebe, Alexander Beebe, trustees; L. B. Des Voignes, clerk, now judge of the circuit court; Dr. E.
C. Davis, treasurer; and WV. R. Snyder, assesor. The list of subsequent
officials will be found in the proper place on other pages.
CENTERS IN VOLINIA TOWNSHIP.
Volinia township has been as prolific of inland village sites as any
other township.  Charleston, an insignificant little place on the cross
roads between sections 3 and io, was laid out and the plat recorded
June 25, 1836, the proprietors whose names are signed to the plat being Jacob Moreland, Jacob Charles, Elijah Goble, Alexander Fulton
and David Fulton, all pioneers of the township. The principal encouragement to the founding of this village was the stage road from Niles
to Kalamazoo that passed through this place, and Elijah Goble kept a
tavern for the accommodation of passing travelers.  After the building of the Michigan Central in the forties the business enterprise of the
village soon failed. Charleston is now the name of a community rather
than of such organization as the word village implies. Perhaps time
will entirely obliterate the name, except as a historical record.
Only two miles from Charleston, and also in the year 1836, Levi
Lawrence, David Hopkins, Obed Bunker and John Shaw platted the
village of Volinia on sections II and I2. The plat was recorded September 20, 1836. Such is the record as it appears in the register's office.
But this locality has had a variety of names. The name of the postoffice as it appeared in the Postal Guide is Little Prairie Ronde, and
under that title it was described in a gazetteer of I88o. Jonathan Nichols conducted the first hotel in this place, and from him the name Nich



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


1.'39


olsville was given to the village. But the only plat recorded of a village
at this site was the above, and under the name given.
GLENWOOD.
Gleinwood, in section io of \Vavne township, was platted and recorded in December, I874, by Craigie Sharp, Jr., Thaddeus Hampton
and Edwin Barnum. Glenwood's importance originated as a shipping
point, and that is its sole claim to prestige at the present time. The
Hampton stock farm and the barrel-hoop industry are the principal industries of the place. Several years after the building of the Michigan
Central the railroad company constructed a sidetrack which was long
knownr as Tietsort's Sidetrack.  A steam sawmill was built there in
I855, and to the postoffice that was soon after established in the hamlet
was given the name Model City postoffice. Thus it remained until a
village plat was made and the name changed to Glenwood.
CUSHING CORNERS.
The Cushing family, among whom is Dexter Cushing (see sketch),
cameq to Silver Creek township in the early fifties, and for many years
have lived an(l been extensive land owners on the west side of the town,
especially in sections ~19 and 20. At the intersection of the east and west
road through the center of these sections with the north and south highwray there has grown up a focus of a community known as Cushing
Corners.  There is a store, kept by William Cushing, son of Dexter
Cushing. The school house is located at that point. A postoffice was
estallished there, but beyond these elemental institutions there is little
to justify the place with the name of village.
SU MMER. RESORTS.
The many beautiful lakes of Cass county are each year attracting
an increasing number of summer visitors.  Cottages are built around
the shore, a hotel is perhaps the central structure, the social community
peculiar to the summer resort is formed, and we have one form of centralization, the mnore permanent and substantial examples of which have
already been described.  The summer resort is a development of the
modern age, as characteristic of it as the log house was of the pioneer
epoch. It marks the reaction from the extreme concentration of society which has produced the crowded cities; it is made possible by better facilities of transportation. Thus the same influence which in earlier




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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


years tended to concentrate population, now, in its higher development,
diffuses society and enables it to enjoy the benefits of organization without the close crowding made necessary in the cities.
Several of the lake resorts in Cass county are well known to the
inhabitants of the cities, Magician lake and Diamond lake, to mention
no others, being familiar names to thousand of persons who have never
been permanent residents of the county. Most of the resorts have been
platted into regular village lots, and without noting any of the particular
features of each place it will be proper in this historical volume to give
the record of these plats as they are found in the register's books.
The oldest and largest of these resorts is Diamond Lake Park, on
the west side of Diamond lake, and half a mile from each railroad station in Cassopolis. The plat was filed May 8, I891, the signers being
C. S. Jones, Henly Lamb, LeRoy Osborn, proprietors. Many cottages
have been built on this plat, the northwest shore of the lake for the distance of about lialf a mile presenting the appearance in summer of a
well populated village. A number of the cottages are owned by local
people, but the resorters from the cities and distant points are increasing every year, and during the summer season the presence of a large
number of strangers gives the county seat village an air of gayety and
stir that is not found in the quieter months of the year.
Forest Hall Park, situated along the shore of the lake a little to
the east of Diamond Lake Park, but still in section 36 of LaGrange
township, was platted in June, I898, by Barak L. Rudd, proprietor. The
inception of this resort was due to H. E. Sargent, superintendent of the
Michigan Central railroad; Nathan Corwith and J. P. Smith, business
men of Chicago, who in I872 erected a large club house on the high
north shore of the lake and laid out the grounds with a design of making a resort for club purposes. This was the beginning of the now popular resorts on the shores of the lake.
The most recent addition to Diamond lake platted summer villages
is Sandy Beach, on the north shore of the lake. The plat was recorded
by Mary Shillaber January 30, I906. These plats by no means define
the limits of occupation. for resort purposes. The island in the center
of the lake, where the eccentric Job Wright made his home and grudgingly watched the encroachment of the settlers on his wild abode, iis
now well filled with cottages. Other parts of the shore line are being
taken, and the extension of this sort of settlement finds its bestexample
about Diamond lake.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


141


Eagle lake, in Ontwa township a few miles east of Edwardsburg,
has also become popular among sportsmen and summer residents. Lake
View Park, on the northwest shore of the lake, has been frequented for a
number of years. A plat of the site was filed February 24, 1899, by
Cora M. Stryker.
Oak Beach, in section 3 and near Lake View, was platted by Henry
J. French April 7, I906.
On the south side of Eagle lake is "Brady," located in section 2
of Ontwa, the plat being filed by John M. Brady August 7, I895.
Magician lake, up in the northwest corner of the county, in Silver
Creek township, though remote from railroad facilities, presents some
of the best pleasure grounds to be found in the county. The first plat
to be laid out was that made by the Maple Island Resort Association,
the president of which was W. F. Hoyt, and the plat filed January I4,
I896. Maple Island Resort is located on an island in Magician lake.
Magician Beach, on the north side of the lake and in section 3,
though used for resort purposes a good many years previous, was platted
on November 5, 1901I, the proprietors being Albert E. Gregory an(d wife.
Highland Beach is a resort on the north end of Indian lake in Silver Creek township. It was platted into lots and the plat recorded May
29, I905, Talmadge Tice, proprietor.
Fish lake in Marcellus township and Barren lake in Howard township are becoming popular resort places and are being utilized by city
as well as by local residents.




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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


CHAPTER IX.
CASSOPOLIS.
The genesis of every village should be an interesting story. How
one section of an erstwhile wilderness is chosen, almost by natural laws,
from all those adjoining and becomes the seat of population and industry and social institutions is a theme lacking none of the interest that
attaches to the development of a great human character. A village is
an achievement which the combination, of circumstances and human
purpose has evolved, and to find out and state the principal steps of such
accomplishment is a labor worthy of any historian.
The description on the foregoing pages of the many village sites
of the county is proof of how easy a matter it was in pioneer times to
found a village on paper, yet quite beyond the bounds of human foresight to know what the course of events would bring as destiny; Some
village plats never had inhabitants and long since reverted to the
sectional system of land demarcation. Others experienced early growth
and later, through the shifts of events already described, stopped growing and often began to decline. The fates of the various villages remind us of the parable of the seed that fell on different soils, some to
be destroyed before germination had begun, others to wither after a
brief time of growth, and a few! to live and flourish and produce
abundantly.
The early fortunes of Cassopolis undoubtedly hinged on the location o'f the county seat. The series of endeavors which were necessary
to gain that point found some strong and enterprising men ready to
carry them forward to success. On the east shore of Stone lake Abram
Tietsort had built his cabin in 1829, and among the original land entrants his name appears in the records of section 35 and several adjoining ones. A little east of Tietsort's house, in section 36, was the home
of the Jewell family, so conspicuous in the history of this part of the
county from pioneer times to the present. Two others whose names
deserve mention for their part in the founding of Cassopolis were
Oliver Johnson in section 25 and Ephraim McCleary in section: 26. The
most conspicuous workers in this little drama, however, were Elias B.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


143


Sherman, a lawyer settler of 1830, and Alexander H. Redfield, whose
name belongs in the forefront of lawyers and public men of Cass county.
It must be relembered that at the time of the events now narrated
the county seat had already been located at Dr. Fowler's village site of
Geneva. By fraud, so said many people, and the dissatisfaction with
the commissioners' choice of location was strongly expressed.
It seems necessary to refer to the exact chronology of the events
comprising this initial episode of Cassopolis' history.  The data not
being complete to verify and classify every detail, it is possible that the
location' of the county seat and the founding of Cassopolis may have
been brought about with some slight variation from the usually accepted
account.
Cass county was organized in November, 1829, but the act authorizing the location of a county seat was not passed until July, I830. The
citizens did not proceed immediately after organization to administer
their civil functions, since the first courts were not held until the summer of I831 and the first board of supervisors did not meet until October, 183I, and the place of both official gatherings was at Edwardsburg,
in acordance with legislative enactment. The first set of commissioners probably located the court house site (uring the summer of I830.
As already related, it was located on the land of Dr. H. H. Fowler, on
section 31 of Penn township, this land having been entered in May,
1830. It cannot be stated with certainty that Dr. Fo!wler had already
platted a village at this point which the commissioners chose.  The
plat of Geneva was filed May i, I832, several months after the county
seat question had been permanently decided, and the further fact that
the description states that "the public square is given to the county on
which to erect a courthouse" provided the county seat was located there,
makes it reasonably certain that the plat was made while the decision as
to the county seat was still in the balance. Yet the plat must have been
made after January, 1831, since Hart L. Stewart was one of the proprietors whose name is signed to the plat and who did not enter his land
until Tanuary, I83I. From these facts and figures it is deducible that
Dr. Fowler's land had no special improvements or advantages to recommend it as the location of the courthouse site in preference to the
similar tracts of land owned by a dozen other settlers in that immediate
locality. And each settler was an active claimant for the honor of having the county seat located on his land, and no doubt in proportion with
the degree of his previous desire was the strength of his disappoint



144


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


ment and dissatisfaction after the decision had been announced in favor
of Dr. Fowler. The story of fraud in connection with the act of location is aside from, our purpose here except as it added strength to the arguments for change of the site. The essential fact is that each settler
was on practically an equal basis with his neighbors in his contest for
the site of the county seat, and that in due course of time a village
would have been platted and would have sprung up wherever the commissioners had "stuck the stake" for the county buildings.
It is not known how the settlers individually stood with reference
to the first location of the county seat. But, as elsewhere related, the
legislature, in response to the request of what must have been an influential proportion of the citizens, passed an act, approved March 4,
1831, for the relocation of the county seat. This restored the contest
to its original status, and every group of settlers in the central part of
the county urged the advantages of their favored locality upon the three
commissioners.
The act provided that the commissioners should assemble in Cassopolis the third Monday in May, I831, to consider the respective claims,
but as Governor Mason did not issue his proclamation declaring Cassopolis to have received the choice until December 19, I83I, the matter must
have been debated and undecided until the late fall of that year. This
conclusion is forced upon us if we are to accept the usual account of the
manner in which Cassopolis was brought into active competition for the
honor.
In the list of original land entries of section 26, LaGrange township. are found the names of E. B. Sherman and A. H. Redfield with
the date September 22, 1831. The story of how these young lawyers
came into possession of this land has often been told. Shermain, having
arrived in the midst of the excitement: over the county seat affair,
had decided that he too might enter the contest and in pursuance of his
plans fixed upon the southeast corner of section 26 as the location which
he would urge upon the attention of the commissioners. Before starting to the land office at White Pigeon he learned that the Jewells also
were preparing to enter that particular land, and in consequence he
made all haste to, anticipate his rivals.  Arriving in Edwardsburg he
admitted another young lawyer, A. H. Redfield, to a knowledge and cooperation in his plans, and by pooling their utmost cash resources and
borrowing ten dollars they had enough to make the entry and purchase
the desired land a few hours in advance of the Jewells, who arrived




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


145


in White Pigeon just as Sherman was leaving with the receipt for the
land safely in his pocket.
Sherman and Redfield, on their return to the banks of Stone lake,
began an aggressive campaign. They knew the value of organization
and harmony, and associated with themselves several of their neighbors, namely: Abram Tietsort, who gave to the village site faoty acres
on the banks of Stone lake in section 35: Oliver Johnson, wNho contributed twenty acres from section 25: and Ephraim McClearv, twenty acres
from section 36.  These five men -were the l)roplrietors whose names
are signed to the village plat, which was recorlded November I9., 831.
The village must have been platted and all the circumstances just related must have taken place between September 22, the (late of Sherman's
entry of the land, and November T9. In this interinl the associates had
prosecuted their case before the commissioners. naming three streets
in their honor and presenting the other advantages of the site, an( it
was probably in the nonth of Novelmber that the decision was reachedl
by the commissioners, for, as will be recalled from a previous chapter,
the proclamation of the governor was made December I9th, by which
Cassopolis was affirmed the county seat.
Cassopolis was now secure in the possession of tlhe seat of justice,
and any further details with reference to this central institution mullst
be found on other pages, while here we proceed with the tracing of the
(levelopment of the village as such. And here it may be mentioned in
passing that the original spelling of the villag'e name, as found on old
letters and the first plat, was "Cassapolis," and that the change from a
to o, which was clearly dictated by euphony, took place gradually in
custom, and was finally affirmed by the postoffice department.
The history of the public square of Cassopolis is none the less important because few people of this generation know that the village ever
possessed such a locality. To picture early Cassopolis it is necessary to
reconstruct mentally a public square, neasuring twenty-six rods north
and south and twenty rods east and west, around which were grouped
the early stores and taverns, and each side bisected by the wide streets
of State and Broadway. -To comprehend the appearance of the village
as it would be had the original plans been carried out, we must clear
away, in imagination, all the business buildings which front Broadway on the west, from the Goodwin House on the north edge of the
square, to the alley ten rods south of State street, and also all the buildings on the east side of Broadway north of the same alley. In other




146


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


words, a person standing at the intersection of State and Broadway
would be at the center of the old square, with a clear space on the east
to the jail and Baptist church, on the west to the Newell House and the
Moon supply house, both buildings that belong to an earlier period.
All the buildings on the area of the old square are of comparatively recent date. With the exception of the old court house and jail on the
northeast quarter of the square and the "Old Fort," containing county
offices, on the northwest quarter, the square was unoccupied by permna:nent buildings up to forty years ago, and around its four sides
stood some  of the structures which were landmarks at that time and
which have now nearly all disappeared from sight and memory. Among
such buildings of that time we recall on the east side the old Cassopolis
H-ouse, a wooden )uilding on the site of the present Baptist church,
south of which was a blacksmith shop, and across. State street, where
the jail now stands, was a two-story frame building, the upper story
being the Odd Fellows' hall. On the north side stood the brick store
building, now the Shaw hotel, and on the west side of Broadway was
the Union hotel, built by Eber Root. On the west side stood the first
frame building built on the plat, elsewhere mentioned, and on, the
south side of the street the old building above mentioned and then used
as a tin shop; and south of this stood a frame building occupied by
Daniel Blackman as a law office and by Asa Kingsbury as a banking
house. The south side of the square was bordered by a frame building still standing, then used as a store, and on the east side of Broadway by the Eagle hotel. While these buildings at that time occupied
the most eligible and conspicuous sites of the village, subsequent developments have placed many of them on alleyways, and rows of brick
business blocks have shut them from the main routes of business traffic.
With this understanding of the situation forty years ago, we may
properly introduce the story of how the public square became absorbed
for business purposes and was lost to, the county.  The history was
given in detail in the decision of the supreme court in I88o, which
permanently confirmed the defendants in the ownership of all the public square expect that portion covered by the court house.  The decision is interesting as the most authoritative resume of the circumstances and events which pertain to the public square question.
The history of the case as outlined in the opinion delivered by
Judge Cooley is as follows:  When the three commissioners located
the county seat at Cassopolis, the laying out of a village plat colntain



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ci
od


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iI




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


1.7


ing a block of land marked "Cassopolis public square," "designed for
buildings for public uses,' was a distinct offer on the part of the proprietors to dledicate the whole of the public square for public buildings.
"The inference is very strong, if not conclusive, that if the county had
proceeded to appropriate the whole square to its needs for county bluildings this would have been a good acceptance o-f the offer and would
have perfected the dedication."
But the supervisors did not see fit to employ the square as the
site of the first public buildings, the first jail, used till 1852, as
also the first court house, use(l till 1841, being situated on lots
not the public square.   Furthermore, when the county commissioners, in 1839, planned the erection of a new court house, they conveved to Asa Kingsbury and associates of the "Court House Company" a deed to the public square and grounds, reserving only the
privilege to erect a court house on the northeast quarter.  This last
reservation is the first and only distinct act of acceptance on the part
of the county of the grounds originally dedicated for public purposes,
and though the conveyance was made "with the privileges and appurtenances for the uses and purposes for which said square and grounds
were conveyed to said county," the court held that. as the conveyance
was made by a deed which also conveyed a large number of village lots
to the grantees for their own use and benefit, "it seemis scarcely open
to doubt that the intent was that all right of control on the part of
the county was meant to be conveyed to the grantees."
The proprietors of the village plat having made the broad offer to
donate the square for public buildings generally and the county having
accepted for its purposes a site for a court house and at the same time
transferred to trustees any power of control in respect to the remainder.
the dedication to the county "must be deemed to have been restricted
to the actual acceptance of a court house site, as being adequate to the
county wants, and the county could not, therefore, claim as of right
any further land for its uses."
After the erection of the court house in 1841, for the construction
of which the Court House Company had accepted as part payment a deed
to certain parcels of land, including presumptively all the public square
not covered by the court house, the question of ownership of the vacant
square rested until the county built a jail, in 1852, on the same corner
with the court house. Kingsbury disputed the right to do this and the
county subsequently purchased the land of him. Then, in I86o, the




148


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


county office building was erected on the northwest quarter, and this
also was put up against the protest of Kingsbury and associates.
The other two quarters of the square were not occupied by the
county in any manner, and this land was claimed individually on the
basis of the deed given by the county commissioners to, the parties
who had erected the court house. The history of the appropriation of
this land for commercial purposes is thus given in the decision:
In 1836 Kingsbury commenced business as a merchant in a store
situated immediately south of the southwest quarter of the square and
used in connection therewith a part of that quarter for the storage
of lumber, shingles, barrels and boxes, and with a hitching rack for
horses. In I856 he built a new store, seventy-two feet in length, with
stone foundation, one foot olf which for the entire length was upon the
square. The cellarways for the store were on the square. From I858
to I869 a tenant had hay scales on the square, set over a walled pit,
near the center of the quarter; he moved them in the year last mentioned to another part of the same quarter, where he continued to use
thelm.
In 1865 Joseph Harper and Darius Shaw deeded their interest in
the public square to, Daniel Blackman. Redfield also deeded to Blackman in 1869. In I870 Blackman deeded to Kingsbury; the heirs of
Tietsort gave him a deed in the same year and Silvers another in
I873. Blackman, it seems, had set up some claims of title to the southeast quarter of the square in I863; a building had been moved upon it,
which was occupied for a law office and millinery shop until 1878, when
it was moved away and a brick store erectedl in its place. The southeast quarter is now (I880) built up and claimed by the applicants. In
I868 Kingsbury platted the southwest quarter of the square into six
lots and sold five of themn to persons who erected two-story brick stores
thereon, which they now occupy and claim as owners. Kingsbury also
erected a similar building for a banking house. The buildings were
completed in 1869 and 1870; they have been taxed to the occupants and
the taxes paid ever since I868.
Such was the situation when, in March, I879, the board of supervisors brought suit in the circuit court to eject the occupants from the
public square, which they claimed to the county on the ground that
the land had been dedicated by the original proprietors in I83I. Judge
John B. Shipman of the St. Joseph circuit decided that the dedication
had not been perfected, and the state supreme court, in October, 188o,




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


149


affirmed this decision in an opinion the substance of which has been
given above. This was the conclusion of a rather remarkable case,
involving many facts of history that have become quite obscured in
later years.
The original plat of Cassopolis, copies of which are still extant, is
a very interesting document, from which the subsequent history of tle
village may be computed. The platted land measure(l one hundlred and
nineteen and one-half by one hundred and ninety-one rods, the rectangle
being broken on. the southwest corner by the lake.  The north and
south streets named on the plat were: "West," which has never been
opened; "Disbrolw," "Broadway," "Rowland," "O'Keefe," "Timber"
and "East."  On the north side of the plat no street was designated
and none has since been opened. The first east and west thoroughfare
was "York" street, and then came "State," "Jefferson," "Water" and
"South" streets, from which familiar boundaries the limits of the original village may be easily recalled. Subsequent additions have expanded
the village mainly to the south and east, toward the railroads, encircling
the entire east side of Stone lake.  The lake occupied the principal
natural position in influencing the location of residence and business
enterprises at the early period. But the keystone of the village was the
public square, designedly the site of the county's business institutions,
around which the first business houses were grouped.
Around the public square the first business and residence houses
of Cassopolis began building. On a lot facing east on the southwest
corner of the square Ira B. Henderson erected a double log cabin, which
became the first hotel or tavern, and near the southwest corner of the
old square John Parker had his log house. As stated elsewhere, the
oldest building that has been left from pioneer times is the east front
portion of the Newell House, on the north side of State street, one
hundred and fifteen feet west of Broadway. The original part of this
building was put up in I832 by Sherman and Redfield, the promoters
of the village, and its first lawyers. This was the first frame dwelling
house erected on the plat, and after several additions were made to it,
became a village tavern.
The "old red store," kept by the Silvers, was the principal mercantile institution of the pioneer village. It stood the first lot south of the
southwest quarter of the square and now stands west on Disbrow street
and is used as a dwelling house. In this store A. H. Redfield kept the
postoffice. The postoffice was established in I83I, about coincident




150   -


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


with the creation of the county seat. The office was first kept in a
small building that stood where the Goodwin House kitchen now stands,
at the tor'thwest corner of the square.
The distillery of the Silvers. was on the shore of the lake, just
west of Disbrow street, and Abram Tietsort's house was on the lake
shore outside the old village plat. These business and private houses
were the principal ones that formed the nucleus of Cassopolis village in
its beginnings. A brief retrospective sketch will describe the important improvements and events which have developed the village from
that time to the present. The county buildings, the schools and churches
belong to other chapters, but the main points, the "high lights," can
be detailed here.
As a civil organization Cassopolis progressed slowly during the
first forty years.  The village was first incorporated by the board of
supervisors October 14, I863. The census taken at that time showed
four hundred and seventy-five persons residing on the area of a mile
square comprising the four cornering quarter sections of sections 25,
26, 35 and 36.  The heads of the families represented by the census
and whose signatures appear on the petition to the board of supervisors may be called "the charter citizens" of the village of Cassopolis,
and deserve naming in this chapter. They are:


Joseph Smith,
0. S. Custard,
M. Graham,
David Histed,
A. Smith,
L. H. Glover,
Isaac Brown,
Ira Brownell,
H. K. McManus.
Charles Hartfelter,
Byron Bradley,
Charles W. Brown,
Charles W. Clisbee,
Peter Sturr,
A. Garwood,
G. A. Ely,
L. R. Read,
James Norton,
L. D. Tompkins,
J. B. Chapman,


Jacob Silver,
Isaiah Inman,
Ethan Kelly,
J. P. Os1)orn,
Thomas Stapleton,
D. L. French.
Lewis Clisbee
Barak Meadl,
I. V. Sherman,
M. J. Baldwin,
A. E. Cleveland,
E. B. Sherwood
Jefferson Brown,
J. K. Riter,
W. K. Palmer,
Geo. W. VanAntwerp,
S. Playford,
Henry Shaffer,
Charles A. Hill,
J. Tietsort,


John McManus,
M. B. Custard,
Joseph Harper,
John H. Powers,
Bartholomew Weaver,
C. C. Allison,
Henry Walton.
M. Baldwin,
H. L. King,
S. S. Chapman,
Hiram Brown,
Sanford Ashcroft,
D. Blackman,
S. T. Read.
Daniel B. Smith,
R. M. Wilson,
D. S. Jones,
Joseph Graham,
James Boyd.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


151


Of this list of men, many of whom were identified in a prominent way with the history of the village, only a few are still living
in the year of this writing.  Those living and still residents of the
village are: L. H. Glover, Charles Hartfelter, J. B. Chapman, D. L.
French, Henry Shaffer, C. C. Allison, Daniel B. Smith; others residing elsewliere, Byron Bradley, Charles W. Brown, Isaiah Inman, I. V.
Sherman.
From  a population of less than five hundred Cassopolis has increased to one thousand five hundred. Cassopolis was in a peculiarly
adverse position during the early years of its history. It was the county
seat, the official center of the county. But without that institution it is
reasonable to believe that the village would have experienced mutations
of fortune like Edwardsburg and other centers of the county. Before
the railroad era, Edwardsburg on the south held the commercial supremacy because of its position on the Chicago road.  Then in the
forties the Michigan Central established the main transportation route
in the northwest corner of the county and gave origin tol Dowagiac,
which at once became the shipping point for Cassopolis, together with
the northwestern parts of the county.
Between the establishment of the county seat in 183I and the
building of the railroad in 1871, the years are marked by no event of
pregnant meaning for the (levelopment of the village: the community
grew slowly, the various institutions were added in regular course, a
few factories were established. civil organization followed when population had reache(l tile necessary limit, and at the close of the period
just mentioned the county seat was tile conspicuous pillar in the corporate existence of Cassopolis.
In I870-71 two railroads came to Cassopolis.   Theretofore the
merchants llad hauled their goods from Dowagiac. The mail had come
from Dowagiac. The telegraph was at Dowagiac. All the surplus production and market commodities that would naturally have been disposed of at Cassopolis were transported to the railroad for shipment.
But with the building of these railroads the world was opened, as it
were, to Cassopolis. The court house on the public square for the first
time had a rival institution in the depot on the south line of the village.
Since the railroad was built the principal growth of the village has taken
place.
In 1863 the population was less than five hundred. In 1870 it was




152


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


728 and in I88o it was 912; in I89o, 1,369; at the census of 900o it
was 1,320, and according to the state census of 1904 it was 1,477.
The first additions to the village site began to be platted abcut
the same time as the railroads were built.  An iron foundry, a national bank, various business enterlprises, one of the newspapers and other
undertaki1ngs, whose inception (dates from the first years of the railroad period, indicate the advance along all lines made by Cassopolis
at that time.
In I875, when the special charter was granted by the legislature,
the limits of the village were extended north a quarter of a mile and
the same distance south to the railroad. The village was governed by
this charter for twenty years, and in 1895 the blanket charter provided
for all the villages of Michigan became effective.
In recent years Cassopolis has made commendable progress in municipal improvements. The old method of fighting fire with buckets has
been superseded by a volunteer fire department, consisting of a chief and
twenty members. The equipment of hose cart and hose, hook and ladder truck and other apparatus are kept ready for immediate use at the
city hall building, a brick two-story structure on North Broadway, a
short distance from the square and north of the Goodwin House. The
upper story of the house is used for council rooms. The city hall was
erected in I895.
But as a precedent to this efficient fire protection and the most
important of all the village improvements is the water-works system,
which was established in 189I at a cost of $Io,ooo. The village was
bonded for this debt, the first of the ten annual installments being paid
in I896. The water is punlped into the mains from the depths of Stone
lake, where the water is crystal pure and ice cold, and free from lime,
or "soft."  The village has arrangements with the Cassopolis Milling & Power Company for pumping the water through the mains, and
the same company furnishes the Grand Trunk Railroad with water.
The power company also light the village with electricity.
Those who have been most prominently identified with the commercial activity of the village should receive mention.  The dean of
them all is Charles E. Voorhis, who began in the grocery business in
1865, and has been in this exclusive line of trade for forty years. He
was the first to embark in one line of trade as distinct from the "general store."  The grocery firm of S. B. Thomas & Son stands second
in point of time to Mr. Voorhis. S. B. Thomas began here in I876.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY                       153
D. L. French, who went out of business in the late nineties, was the
first to engage in the hardware business exclusively, beginning in March,
I862. W. B. Hayden has been in the hardware business since 1884.
The late George M. Kingsbury was closely interested in the business
life of the community for a quarter of a century. Others whose names
should be recorded are: S. S. Harrington and G. L. Smith, who engaged in the mercantile business thirty years ago as partners and are
now individually engaged in the same business; J. B. Chapman, who
with Henry Shaffer began the manufacturing and sale of boots and shoes
in 1858. After seven years with Mr. Shaffer, Mr. Chapman acquired his
interest and continued the business with different partners until I885,
when he again became sole proprietor and continued the business for
eleven years.




154


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


CHAPTER X.
CITY   OF DOWAGIAC.
During the decade of the thirties the few settlers who! lived in the
vicinity oif which the city of Dowagiac is now the center had to go to
LaGrange or Cassopolis or Sumnerville for their mail and supplies. As
related on a previous page, LaGrange was the manufacturing metropolis of the county during that decade and for some years afterward. The
water power of Dowagiac creek in the neighborhood of the township
corners where the city is now located early presented itself as an attractive site for industrial and village purposes, it is true. In the register's office is found a plat of the village of Venice, filed for record August 6, I836, by Orlando Craine. This site was laid out on the north
side of Dowagiac creek, and in the southwest quarter of section 31 of
Wayne township.   Nothing came of this attempt to booml the location; not a lot was sold, and Venice is in the same class of villages as
Shakespeare and Mechanicsburg and some others described on previous
pages. But it is of interest to know that all that part of the city of
Dowagiac bounded on the south and west respectively by Division street
and North Front street was'the site of Orlando Craine's Venice.
Among the original land entries of LaGrange township is that of
Renniston and Hunt in section 6, dated in May, 1830. William Renniston in the same year built a carding mill on the creek just east of the
Colby Milling Company's mill, where the road from Cassopolis crosses
the stream. At the same site he built, a few years later, a grist mill.
Successive owners of this property were Lyman Spalding, Jonathan
Thorne and Erastus H. Spaldipg, froml whom it passed into the hands
of H. F. Colby in I868 and a part of the splendid manufacturing interests now controlled under the Colby name.
The Venice enterprise and the manufacturing interests show that
this locality had some advantages as a village site even in the pioneer
period. LaGrange, however, distant only a few miles, was still in the
ascendant. The few citizens on the present site of Dowagiac could have
had no prevision of what the future would do, for the locality.  On
the authority of Mr. A. M. Moon of Dowlagiac, the sole inhabitant of




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


155


the site of Dowagiac in I835 was Patrick Hamilton, and of course
some settlers were grouped about the mills. Certainly the prospects of
this spot becoming the home of trade and industry had not appeared
at that date. LaGrange, Edwardsburg, Cassopolis, Adamsville, or any
of several other incipient villages would have been thought at that time
to possess better outlook for the future than the wilderness on the
north side of Dowagiac creek where Orlando Craine had, with the
fatuity of visionary enterprise, platted a village that, except as a
prophecy of the city of today, hardly deserves remembrance.
But the railroad came, the new fulcrum of civilization, and changed
and rearranged all former bases of industry and society. The seats of
manufacturing at LaGrange were transferred to the mill sites, which
had formerly been in the wilderness, but because of the presence of the
iron road soon became the center of Cass county's manufacturing enterprise. In 1847 Nicholas Cheesebrough was engaged in buying the right
of way through Cass county for the Michigan Central railroad, the construction of which is described on other pages. The inception of the
village of Dowagiac was due to him and Jacob Beeson of Niles. They
bought of Patrick Hamilton eighty acres in the northeast corner of
Pokagon township, and on this land was laid out the original plat of
Dowagiac, x'which was recorded in the register's office February I6. 1848.
Thus tle original area of Dowagiac was all in Pokagon township,
diagonally across from the: plat olf Venice, which had been laid in WayTne
toiwnship.  And all of the plat was located on the north side of the
railroad. At the time the plat was made, the railroad had not been
completed for operation, but no doubt the grading was well under
way, for trains began running into Niles the follow-ing October. 'The
original village was in the area that lies south of West Division street,
and bounded oin the east by the railroad to the point where the townslhip line intersects the same, extending west to the intersection of Main
with Division street, and south to Dowagiac creek.
The railroad was responsible for the diagonal directions of the
streets in tle business portion of the city. In the words of the plat,
"Front street runs parallel to the track of the Michigan Central railroad."  The railroad runs at an angle of thirty-six degrees with the
north and south, line. Hence, to get north bearings when standing on
Front street it is necessary to face about tvwo-fifths of a right angle. The
calculation and sense of direction needed to perfornm this feat properly
are greater than most citizens will practice, and only the oldest residents




156


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


can figure out the time of day by the position of the sun and reduce the
bizarre directions to the four fundamentals of the sign post.
At right angles with Front street the founders laid out Main street,
one hundred and eight feet wide, wider than any other street on the
plat, and designed as the business thoroughfare. But a village is not
made according to plat, and when Dowagiac began to grow conmmercially the business men preferred to locate along Front street rather than
on Main street, which today, without business houses except at the
lower end, on account of its exceptional width seems incongruous and
like a big hiatus separating the town. The other streets, as first laid out,
were Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania, parallel
with Front street, and Pine, Commercial, High and Chestnut streets
parallel with Main street. In all there were one hundred and eightyfour lots and fractional lots in the original plat.
Since the original plat was recorded the register of deeds at Cassopolis has received plats of forty additions, showing how the limits of the
city have extended in all directions from the nucleus. Except along the
line of railroad the rectangular system of platting has been followed
in nearly all subsequent additions. The first addition to the village was
made in April, I849, by Patrick Hamilton, who laid out some of his
land in the southeast corner of Silver Creek township, the area comprising all the lots bounded by North Front, Spruce, Main and Division
streets. The second addition was made by Jacob Beeson from land
in Pokagon in March, I850. In 1851 Jay W. McOmber platted into
lots a portion of land in the southwest corner of Wayne township, and
in the same year Erastus H. Spalding added some land fromi northwest
LaGrange, so that in three years' time Dowagiac had expanded its area
into four townships, and the many additions since that time have merely increased this civic area, although LaGrange township has given less
land to the city than any of the others, owing to the creek and mill
sites presenting obstructions to growth in this direction.
The municipal growth and improvement of Dowagiac have kept
pace with the increase in its area and population. By I860, twelve years
after the founding, the number of inhabitants was 1,181. Two years
previously the village had been incorporated by the board of supervisors. The petition for incorporation was granted February I, 1858,
and the first village election was held at Nicholas Bock's American
House, now the Commercial House, on Division and Front streets. The




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


157


officers chosen at this election and for the subsequent years will be
found in the official lists.
In I870 population had increased to 1,932. During the next decade, which witnessed the construction of two other railroads through
the county, the rate of increase was slower, the census for I88o showing 2,102 inhabitants. In the meantime Dowagiac had lbecome a citv.
The last village election was held in March, 1877, and in the following
April the first election of city officers took place. From I877 to I892
the city was represented in the county board by one supervisor, and
beginning with 1893 one supervisor has been chosen from each of the
three wards. Thus in the civic organization of the county Dowagiac
stands on a plane with the townships. The population has more than
doubled since incorporation as a city.  In I890 the enumeration was
2,806, and in 900o it was 4,I5I. The state census of 1904 gave 4,404.
Dowagiac is progressive as regards municipal improvements and
conveniences. Streets and sidewalks, lighting and fire protection are
the first matters to receive the attention of a village community. As
regards the first, Dowagiac was very deficient in the first years of its history, and hence the more to be proud of at this time. Being built on the
banks of the creek, the village was in places marshy, and it is said that
in the months of high water the farmers of Silver Creek had to hitch
their teams on the other side of Dowagiac swamp and come across as
best they could on foot to do their trading. Furthermore, to quote the
language of an early settler, "there was not grass enough in the whole
town to bleach a sheet on."  Grace Greenwood, the well known writer
and sister of Dr. W. E. Clarke, while visiting the latter in 1858, wrote
a descriptive article to an eastern paper, in which she complained that
the people did not plant shade trees in their door yards or in the streets,
and that the burning sun shone down pitilessly on the grassless ground
and unprotected dweliings. Of course these deficiencies have long since
been relieved, not by organized effort so much as by the individual action of many citizens moved by the desire to beautify and adorn their
own property. The paving of streets and laying olf substantial sidewalks has been going on for years. Board walks are becoming more
and more rare, brick and cement being the popular materials. A number of streets are improved with gravel roadways, and in I894 Front
street through the business section was paved with brick, that being
one of the best investments the city has made, since a paved street is at




15I


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


the very basis of a metropolitan appearance, which prepossesses the favor of strangers and visitors.
The majority of the citizens have personal recollections of the
time when all the streets were dully illuminated with kerosene lamps.
In 1887 the Round Oak Gas & Fuel company drilled two thousand feet
beloxw the surface in search for gas, but found none. The Dowagiac
Gas & Fuel Company was established in 1892 and supplies light and
fuel to a large nunber of patrons.
Nearly every village and city has had its disastrous fires.  The
first one in Dowagiac occurred in January, I864, when the business
houses on Front street north of Commercial were burned. In January,
r866, a $5o,ooo fire destroyed Front street south of Commercial, and
in June, 1882, the block south of Beeson street was destroyed. In 1854,
six years after the founding of the village, a meeting of the citizens was
held to provide for fire protection, but it was not until I858 that any
important action was taken.  A hand fire engine was purchased and
other apparatus procured; the engine continued in use for a quarter of
a century.  Hamilton Hose Co. No. I was also formed and is still
in existence. having been reorganized in I88o.  With the installation
of water-works in 1887 the efficiency of the fire department was increased
several fold. The pressure in the mains rendered the old hand engine
unnecessary, and the placing of electric signal apparatus and other improvements afford a fire protection which is equal to' that of any other
city of the size in southern Michigan.  The volunteer hose company
and hook and ladder company of the city are reinforced in their work
by the independent companies of the Round Oak Stove and the Dowagiac Manufacturing companies' plants.
Dowagiac's schools and churches and library, which are the cornerstones of its institutional life, its clubs and social and professional
interests, and much other information bearing on the history of the
city will be treated in other chapters, for which the reader is referred to
the index.  In a resume of the main features of Dolwagiac's growth,
the railroad must, of course, be given first place as the originating cause.
As soon as the trains began carrying the mail through this point instead of the stage coach or horseback carrier, a postoffice was established, in November, I848. Arad C. Balch, who became the first postmaster, at the time sold goods in the Cataract House, the name that had
been given to a boarding house for the railroad workmen, which stood
on the bluff east of the track.  In naming the successive postmasters




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


159


many of Dowagiac's prominent citizens are mentioned, for the successor of Mr. Balch was M. T. Garvey, whose long career in public
affairs made him one of the best known men in Cass county; following
him have been Noel B. Hollister, James A. Lee, William H. Campbell,
William M. Heazlitt, Henry B. Wells, David W. Clemmer, Clarence
L. Sherwood, A.M.. Moon, H. A. Burch and Julius 0. Becraft. Mr.
Becraft is serving his third, though not successive, term. In I899 free
city delivery was established, and this event is another milestone in
Dowagiac's career.
Dowagiac's business area is now quite solidly concentrated along
Front street from Park Place to Division and for some distance up several of the intersecting streets. Going back half a century in our endeavor to picture the commercial status, of the young village, it is evident that the business center at that time, while comparatively large
and showing excellent growth since the founding of the village, was
only a nucleus of what it is now. There is at hand a business directory of Dowagiac as it appears in the Cass Counzty Advocate of January
II, I85I, that being the first paper established in Dowagiac, its founder
being Ezekiel S. Smith, a brother of Captain Joel H. Smith. a longtime resident of Dowagiac.
The Dowagiac House is first named in this directory.  It stood
on the corner of Main and Front streets, and is said to have been the
first hotel built. A. J. Wares was the builder and was landlord at the
date above given. The house received various additions, and was later
known as the Continental. Bock's hotel, at Division and Front streets,
has already been mentioned.  The next advertiser is Livingston &
Fargo's American Express, names very suggestive in express company
history. William Bannard was local agent of the company.
Under the head of "dry goods, groceries, etc.," are named follr
firms. The first is Lofland, Lybrook & Jones, whose large brick store
was on the northwest side of Front street facing the depot. The firm
consisted of Joshua Lofland, Henley C. Lybrook and Gilman C. Jones.
G. W. Clark, also in business at that time, had a store on the corner
of Front and Commercial streets.
W. H. Atwood was then in business in succession to the first important mercantile enterprise of Dowagiac.  Before the founding of
Dowagiac Joel H. Smith and brother, Ezekiel S., had been in business
at Cassopolis, but at the beginning of I848 they moved a stock of goods
by team from Cassopolis, passing through LaGrange, then a thriving




160


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


village and which to many seemed at the time a more favorable location for business than Dowagiac. The Smith brothers built their onestory frame store on the corner of Main and Front streets, it being the
first building specially erected for mercantile purposes. It was a landmark in Dowagiac, having stood at the corner for half a century, until
it was moved out to Indian lake to be converted into a barn. The
Smiths sold their business in about a year to Mr. Atwood, who, as we
see, was proprietor in January, I85I.
E. H. and B. F. Spalding were also proprietors of a general store
at that time. Turner & Rogers dealt in groceries, drugs and medicines, S. Sheridan in groceries and provisions, S. Bowling in boots, leather, etc., J. C. and G. W. Andrews, who advertise stoves and tinware,
were the pioneer hardware firm, G. W. Andrews continuing in business
until I877. Their first store was in the basement of Bock's hotel.
Others who advertised in the Advocate were Parker B. Holmes.
iron worker and general jobber; George Walker, draper and tailor;
Henry Arnold, carpenter and joiner; J. H. Sharp, carriage and wagon
maker; Thomas Brayton, physician and surgeon, and J. T. Keable,
physician and surgeon.
There were several other business concerns in the village besides those named in the advertising directory, but the only one calling
for mention is the clothing house of Jacob Hirsh, who began business
here in I850, being the founder of the business which is still carried on
by Hirsh & Phillipson.
Other business men whose long connection with commercial life
makes them deserving of mention were Benjamin Cooper and Francis
J. Mosher, the first exclusive grocery nerchants. Mr. Mosher's father,
Ira D., was a resident on the site of Dowagiac when the railroad came.
C. L. Sherwood, who has been in the drug business longer than
any of his competitors, came to Dowagiac in I868 and purchased the
stocks of Asa Huntington and N. B. Hollister, pioneers in the business.
and also the store of Howard & Halleck.
In the line of groceries George D. Jones, who has lived in the
county since 1829 and in Dowagiac since 1864, has conducted his store
on Commercial street for more than twenty-five years.
F. H. Ross, who was in the hardware business from I86o to I886
and then a real estate dealer until his retirement in I9OI, is another
who contributed to the commercial enterprise of early Dowagiac.
The proprietor of the Daylight Store on Front street is one of the




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


161


oldest merchants still in active business. Burget L. Dewey came to
Dowagiac in I865 and began as a clerk, and since 1873 has been in the
drygoods business, building up one of the leading mercantile concerns
of the city.
The manufacturing enterprises of Dowagiac have been at the core
of her prosperity and the source of its wealth and reputation among the
cities of Michigan. An account of these interests is reserved for the
chapter on trades and manufacturing, but it is proper to mention the
dates of the estallislment of the different enterprises, eacl one of which
marks another step in the city's progress, an(l also the men who have
been foremost in this department of activity. The first of a long list
of subsequent industrial enterprises was the basket factory established
in 1857 by Horace and Gilman C. Jones. In a very small way, such
as could hardly be dignified with the name of factory, P. D. Beckwith
was already casting plows and doing general repair work, having come' to
the village in 1854, and soon laid the basis for the mammoth enterprise with which his name will always be associated.  In I859 Mark
Judd helped to establish the planing mill which was the nucleus for the
Judd lumber and planing mill business, which is not least among Donagiac's large enterprises. It was in I868 that H. F. Colby became identified with the mill interests of Dowagiac, and although. as we know,
milling was one of the first industries at this locality, the energy and executive ability displayed by Mr. Colby in expanding and organizing the
industry are reasons for considering the date of his coming' to Dowxagiac
as marking an epoch of industry. And in the sixties also were ma(le
the beginnings of the manufacture which has since developed into, the
large D()owaoiac Malnufacturing Companyvs plant. [ '?vIron Stark, the
veteran manufacturer and inventor, patented his sand band in 1876 and
soon after made Dowagiac his permanent home. Willis M. Farr, the
present manufacturer of the Common Sense sand bands, identified himself with tle manufacturing interests of the city in the seventies, at
first as one of the partners in the drill works, and then joined with Myron
Stark in perfecting and putting on the market the latter's excellent invention. The Hedrick sawmill (lates back to its foundation in I86o,
and the extensive lumber yard an(l planing mill of John A. Lindsley was
established in I885.  This sumnmary indicates the principal events in
Dowagiac's industrial career.
With the splendid transportation facilities afforded by the Michigan Central Railroad, with some of the most important manufacturing




162             HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
enterprises of Michigan, with good mercantile houses, with municipal
improvements in keeping with the size of the city, with excellent schools
and churches and library, Dowagiac occupies a position of increasing
influence among the cities of southwestern Michigan, and her development fully justifies the faith which Jacob Beeson evinced in this
wilderness locality in I848.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


163


CHAPTER XI.
COMMUNICATION         AND    TRANSPORTATION.
Man cannot live alone; he must communicate with others.   We
are parts of a great organism.  So it is with communities. The time
came when the railroad and telegraph brought them in closer relations
with each other. But even from   the first there was communication
with the outside world, for absolute isolation is impossible. At first
there were no railroads leading out from the eastern cities across the
great valley of the Mississippi. The mountain ranges and dense forests
were great barriers between the east and Michigan territory.  There
was a canal from Troy to Buffalo, there were a few  steamers on the
great lakes, and there was a short horse-car railroad running out of
Toledo. There were no wagon roads, but in place of them were Indian
trails.
In all lands, however primitive and barbarous, even in the dense
forest fastnesses of Africa or South America, there are passages from
one locality to another. The word best descriptive of such courses of
early communication is "trail."  Before civilization introduced scientific
road-making, wild animals were doubtless the markers and surveyors
of roads. The narrow, deep-worn, and wavering path through the
woods, indicating the route of the deer or bear between its lair and the
spring where it quenched its thirst or the thicket where it sought its
quarry, was the course which the Indian, and later the white man, took
in going through the woods or across the prairie. Trails are easily
made, as anyone may know who observes how quickly the turf of a park
or meadow is worn down by the regular passage of human feet. And
as the wild animal pushed its way through the brush and trees, pursuing
the easiest and therefore a winding course to its goal, it left evidence
of its progress in the broken twigs and bent bushes and trampled grass,
so that the next creature bound in the same direction would pursue the
same way and better define it, until a new trail was marked out. Thus
the animals were the first road makers, and blazed the way for their
immediate successors, the roving Indian.  The latter would naturally
extend and connect the trails of animals into certain long avenues of




164


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


travel across the country, which they would follow in mnaking their pilgrimages from one hunting ground to another or for their war expeditions.
Thus it happened that when the white man first came to southern
Michigan, as was also true of any other part of our country, he found
certain courses of communication already marked out. These were
used by the pioneers until better, broader, straighter and more direct
roads could be made. Oftentimes these old trails formed the most practicable and convenient route of travel, and were consequently the basis
of a highway ordered and constructed by the state or county.
A description of these primitive roads in Cass county, showing how
useful they were to the early settlers, was furnished by Mr. Amos Smith,
the county surveyor at the time, for the History of 1882, and being
authoritative information, is quoted as follows:
"I find that every township, in the olden time, had its highways
and its byways. Some of these seem to have been of great importance,
connecting localities widely separated from each other, while others of
less note served only neighboring settlements.
"It is noticeable that the principal Indian trails, like our own main
thoroughfares, ran east and west, while others tributary to these came
in from the north and south. The Chicago trail, more important because
more used than anlv of the others, coming from the east, entered the
county near the half-mile post on the east side of section I in South
Porter, and ran thence westerly, crossing sections I, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 7,
an(d 18 in South Porter; sections 13, 14, 15, I6, 21, 20, 17, I8, and
7 in Mason; sections 12,       1, I,  4, 5, 6, and 7, in Ontwa; and
sections I2, I1, io  I, I, I6, I7, I8 in Milton. The Chicago road, as
it is now traveled, varies lut little from tle trail as above descril)el.
"Near the corner of sections 4, 5, 8, 9, in South Porter, the Chicago trail was intersected by the Shavehead trail, a branch from  the
north.  This trail or rather system of trails, as more than a dozen different ones united to form it, had two main branches which came together on section 29, in North Porter, near the lower end of Sllavehead
lake. The west branch, which commenced near the north line of Penn
township, led southerly across Young's prairie, dividing on section 28
in Penn.    One trail continued south and east to the west. and
south of Mud lake in Calvin, the other running between Donell and
Mud lakes, the two uniting near Birch lake in Porter. The last mentioned trail was of great service to the early white settlers in procuring
supplies from the old distillery situated on the East Branch of Christiann creek, a little soeuth of Donell lake. The east branch, comling from
the direction of Pig Prairie Ronde, crossed the county line at the east
line of section 12 in Newberg, just north of Long lake, and ran south



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


165


westerly across sections I2, 13, 23, 26, 27, 34, and 33, in Newberg,
and sections 4, 9, 8, 17, and 20 in North Porter, and united with the
west branch on section 29, as before stated.  Another branch of the
Shavehead trail, of less extent than either of those just described, commenced at the Indian sugar works, near the half-mile post on tlle line
between sections IO and I, in North Porter, and ran thence southwesterly, crossing Shavehead prairie in its course, and uniting with the
main branch on section 32.
"Besides the three principal branches of the Shavehead trail above
mentioned, there were many others.  In fact, the whole township of
Porter was a perfect network of trails - a regular "stamping ground"
of the Indians, so to speak, as the numerous sugar works. In(lian fiells
and villages abundantly attest.
"The second branch of the Chicago trail commenced on section
o3, in Calvin, running thence southeasterly, crossing sections 2 and 12,
in Mason, very nearly where the wagon road now\ runs, intersecting the
Chicago trail at an Indian village a few rods west of the present village
of Union.
"The third branch commenced on section 3, in Mason, and ran
southwesterly, entering the Chicago trail near what is now Adamsville.
"The fourth and last branch of the Chicago trail, coming from
Fort Wayne, Indiana, intersected the county and state line near the
southwest corner of section 20, in Ontwa, and running thence northwesterly, united with the main trail on section i6 in Milton.
"The trail from the Carey M\ission to Grand River Mission, sometimes called the Grand River road, crossed the county line near the
corner of sections 6 and 7. in Howard, and running thence angling
across Howard, Pokagon, Silver Creek, Wayne and Volinia townships.
left the county at the north line of section 2, in Volinia.  It had
no branches.  The present angling road running through the greater
part of Pokagon township, the northwest corner of Howard and a portion of Wayne, occupies very nearly the same position. In fact, we are
indebted to the Indian, or it may be to his predecessor, for some of our
best lines of communication, and as many of these old routes are traveled
today, and probably will be for all time to come, where they were
marked out hundreds and possibly thousands of years ago, it shows that
remarkable skill must have been exercised in their location."
Though the pioneers entered Cass county over the Indian trails,
the settlement of the county had hardly progressed beyond the initial
stages when there was agitation coupled with energetic effort on the
part of the settlers and government alike to improve these trails into
highways and to open new courses of travel.
The establishment of post-roads is a power granted to the general
government by the Constitution. In pursuance of the plan of internal




166


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


improvements thus provided for, the government undertook the laying
out of such postal highways across Michigan territory long before Cass
county was settled. As incidentally referred to in a previous chapter,
the Chicago treaty with the Indians in 1821 contained a clause especially stipulating that the United States should have the privilege of
making and using a road through the Indian country from Detroit and
Fort Wayne, respectively, to Chicago.
The first of the congressional acts which led toward the construction of the Chicago road was passed in 1824. It authorized the president of the United States "to cause the necessary surveys, plans and
estimates to be made of the routes of such roads and canals as he may
deem of national importance in a commercial or military point of view,
or necessary for the transportation of the public mail." The sum of
thirty thousand dollars was appropriated for the surveys and the president was authorized to appoint two competent engineers.
The route from Detroit to Chicago was one of those which the
executive "deemed of national importance," and the sum of ten thousand dollars was set apart from the appropriation for the survey. In
18,25 work was conmenced at the eastern end of the road. The surveyor began on the plan of running on nearly straight lines, but had
progressed only a few miles when he came to the conclusion that if he
carried out his original intention, the money apportioned for the work
would be exhausted long before he could reach the western terminus.
He then resolved to follow the old path of the Sacs and Foxes, and the
road thus marked was never straightened. The trees were blazed fifty
feet on each side of the trails, the requirement being that the road
should measure one hundred feet in width.
The Chicago road was surveyed through Cass county in I832, by
Daniel G. Garnsey. The road was not worked through    St. Joseph,
Cass and Berrien counties by the government until after the Black Hawk
war. Inmigrants made such improvements as they found necessary,
and the stage companies worked the road sufficiently to get their coaches
througlh, and built some bridges. In I833 the government made thorough work of building the road through Branch county, and in I834
through St. Joseph and Cass counties. It was grubbed out and leveled
for a width of thirty feet, and the timber was cut away on each side.
The first bridge over the St. Joseph was built in 1834, at Mottville,
which crossing was designated as "the Grand Traverse."
The Chicago road, which follows approximately the Chicago Indian




HISTQRY OF CASS COUNTY


167


trail already described, was the great thoroughfare from east to west
until the advent of the railroad in the late forties. The present generation has difficulty in understanding the vital relation in which such a
road stood to the people of sixty or seventy-five years ago. In making
the journey from Cass county to Chicago hardly any one would think
of going any way than by train, and to drive the distance, even over
modern roadlbeds, would be considered almost foolhardy.
Sixty years ago there was no other means of reaching any of the
great centers, such as Chicago or Detroit, except by wagon road. It
was a seven days' trip from Niles to Detroit, when now it can be made
in as many hours. A   traveler was fortunate if he could go from
Edwardsburg to Chicago in two days.
But slow and difficult though this route was, it was the only one
the only certain means of communication and travel that an inland
country possessed. Then came the railroad. It was the successor, or
rather superseded this long inter-county, inter-state dirt road, and, as
the trend of public thought is at last beginning to recognize, the railroad is the national highway, the public thoroughfare, of the present,
just as the Chicago road was the national postal and commercial route
of the past.
The Chicago road was also known as the "Territorial road," and
its course from east to west along the southern border of the county was
as much of an impetus toward settlement and development of such
centers as Edwardsburg during the early half of the century, as the
Michigan Central proved a fostering cause in the founding and growth
of Dowagiac in the latter half.
The establishment of continuous and definite highways from place
to place was also one of the most important functions of the early territorial and state government, and continued so until the railroad age
changed all the methods and means of long-distance travel and transportation. In the early history of the state it was not to be expected
that the various and often widely separated settlements could undertake
any extensive and co-operative plan of road-making. The settlers,
busied with the labor of clearing the forests, of making their first crops,
and providing for immediate wants and creature comforts, had no time
for road building except so far as to construct a temporary way to the
common trading point. Certainly without some larger supervision
most of the roads would have served only local purposes and would have
been short and disconnected, and many years would have been suffered




168


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


to elapse l)efore anything approaching a system of public highways would
have  een establlisledl.
As we may infer from the foregoing, few of the early roads were
laid out on the rectangular plan of section lines.  And even the later
introduction of this method di(l not cause the lisuse and abandonment
of the favorite old-time winding an(l (liagonal routes that had been laid
out accordling to the needs an(l conveniences of the pioneers. In the
new prairie localities of the west, lwhere no settlements were made until
after the land had been blocked out into regular quadrangles by governnient engineers, the checker-loard system of roads was adopted easily
and naturally. But in such a country as Cass county, covered over at
the time of settlement with forests and dotted with lakes and marshes,
w\:ith all the conditions and appliances primitive and new, the settlers
were very likely to disregard geometrical lines, even when made by government officials, and choose the "short cut" letween localities.
During the thirties and forties the territorial council and the state
legislature passed mnany acts "authorizing the establishment" of highways within or entering Cass county. Some of these became practicable
thoroughfares, others never were constructed except officially.
An act of July 30, I830, authorized the laying out of a road "commencing where the township road laid out l)y the commissioners of
Ontwa township, Cass county, from Pleasant lake in a direction to Pulaski
(Elkhart), in Indiana, intersects the southern boundary line between
the territory of Michigan and the state of Indiana; thence on the road
laid out as aforesaid until it intersects the Chicago road a few rods west
of the postoffice, near the house of Ezra Beardsley, running thence on
the most eligible andl practicablle route to the entrance of the St. Joseph
river into Lake Micliigan."  George Meacham, John Bogart and Squire
Thompson were the commissioners appointed to lay out and establish
this road.
Simnilarly, another territorial road was authorized "commencing at
the county seat of Branch county, running westerly on the most direct
and eligible route through the seats of justice of St. Joseph and Cass
counties to the mouth of the St. Joseph river. Another from White
Pigeon by Prairie Ronde and Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids.    "A road
from Adamsville on the most direct and eligible route to the Paw Paw
river at or near the center of Van Buren county," and many others.
To open and improve these roads the territorial and later the state
government nmade liberal appropriations from the reserve of internal im



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


169


provement lands. For example, the legislature in I848 appropriated
three thousand acres for the purpose of opening and improving a road
(authorized in 18.40), "commencing at some point at or near the north
bank of the river St. Joseph, in the vicinity of the village of St. Joseph,
thence running in an easterly direction on the most eligible route to the
village of La Grange, formerly called Whitmanville, in Cass county."
In the late forties, at the beginning of the railroad era in this part
of the west, the "plank road" had a brief reign of favor as a means of
internal communication. Many companies were incorporated by the
state to construct such roads with the privilege of operating them as
toll roads. The only one constructed for any distance in Cass county
was planned to connect Niles and Mottville via Edwardsburg.  The
company was incorporated in 1849, with capital stock authorized at
$Ioo,ooo. Only five miles of the proposed road was built, between
Niles and Edwar(dslburg. Such a road was a great improvement for the
time. iMuch heavier loads could be hauled over the plank roads than
over the soil roadls, and they helped greatly in the development of the
country. Had not the railroads at about the same time begun to network the country, the plank road would have been no doubt adopted as
a solution of the transportation problem. After the railroads came all
was changed; old centers were abandoned, new centers were formed,
the markets were brought nearer the farmer's home, distances were
shortened, marketing made easier, and the development of the country
was wonderfully accelerated.
In a fair consideration of the means of communication which the
county has employed, the stage coach must be included - the old "twicea-week" stage coach.  It was a slow mode of travel, but the passengers
had a good time. The rate of speed in pleasant weather and with good
roads was perhaps seven or eight miles an hour, and the average cost
was perhaps five cents a mile. These vehicles have been forgotten as
completely as the days they represented. When the steam horse which
at first plowed the water took to land in the east, the finest of the stages
were taken west, and some of them as far as the Rockies, where the stage
coach is even yet not unknown. But the coach and the type of life it
represented are gone forever from this part of the country.
Sixty years ago, however, the residents of Edwardsburg and other
points along the old Chicago road, on hearing the blast of the driver's
horn as the stage topped the hill to the east of town, hailed the event
as a break in pioneer monotony and with one accord assembled about




170


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


the stage station to welcome the arrival. No one who ever witnessed
such a scene would forget the excitement and the deep interest that
attended every detail of this little drama. The stage brought the latest
news from the outside world, brought the newspapers, brought the mails.
The stage put the people in connection with the great world, and when,
the horses having been changed and the passengers again embarked, it
disappeared on the prairie and then in the woods to the west, the isolation of the community was again complete until the coach came again.
All this gives us an idea of the life of those days, which hardly seems
real to us now when we are in direct and constant communication with
all parts of the world.
This is the description of one of the old "Concord" stage coaches
as described by a writer in the former history of Cass county: "You
can fancy this ancient vehicle —a black painted and deck-roofed hulk
- starting out from Detroit, with its load of passengers, swinging on
its thorough-braces attached to the fore and hind axles, and crowded
to its fullest capacity. There was a boot projecting three or four feet
behind for luggage; an iron railing ran around the top of the coach
where extra baggage or passengers were stowed as occasion required.
The driver occupied a high seat in front; under his feet was a place for
his traps and the mail; on each side of his seat was a lamp, firmly fixed,
to light his way by night; inside of the coach were three seats which
would accommodate nine passengers. You can imagine the stage coach,
thus loaded, starting out at the 'get ape' of the driver, as he cracks his
whip over the heads of the leaders, when all four horses spring to their
work, and away goes the lumbering vehicle, soon lost to sight in the
woods, struggling along the road, lurching from side to side into deep
ruts and often into deeper mud holes.".
Edwardsburg was a junction point on the Chicago: road at which
a branch line of stages went toward Niles. The first stage coaches in
Cass county are said to have passed through in 1830 upon the Chicago
road and this branch. At first two stages went over the road each week,
but trips were being made tri-weekly before the Black Hawk war suspended operations entirely in 1832. In 1833 a new line of stages was
established between Detroit and Chicago. The route was fromn Detroit
via Ypsilanti, Jonesville, Coldwater river, White Pigeon, Edwardsburg
and Niles. Teams were.changed about every twelve miles. By subsequent changes in ownership this line became the "Western Stage Company."




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


171


In 1835, on account of the great increase in immigration and general travel, it was found necessary to put on daily stages. These were
almost invariably crowded, and the company was compelled to put on
a double line before the season was over. Even then the agents were
sometimes obliged to hire extra teams and common wagons in which
to convey passengers.  The most desirable seats in the stages were frequently sold at a heavy premium by speculators. The stage companies
upon this direct through line to Chicago were very liberally patronized
and grew rich. They flourished until the railroad superseded the
"Concord."
RAILROAD ERA.
But the chief developer and re-arranger of civilization is the railroad. At a time when the relations of the railroads to the individual
citizen, the civic community and the country at large bulk so large in
public attention and discussion, it is needless to describe the importance
of the railroad as an institution of modern life. The coming of the railroad to this part of the west marked the end of the period of pioneer
development and the beginning of the era of material progress in which
we are still living.
When Cass county was first settled the pioneers had no intimation
of the revolutionary changes in transportation and consequently all
departmefints of industry and methods of living that would be effected
by the railroad. It will be renlembered that the first railroad in the
United States - several miles in length only - was constructed in
1826, almost coincidentally with the first settlement in Cass county. In
I830, after the tide of immigration had resulted in the organization of
the county, there were only twenty-three miles of railroad in operation
in the United States.  Hence, at that time the people of Cass county
could hardly have looked forward to any time in the near future when
they could anticipate using railroad transportation as a common facility.
But by the year 1835 the railroad age in the United States had
been fairly inaugurated, with over a thousand miles in operation, and
the lines increasing at a phenomenal rate.  By this time the fever of
railroad building had penetrated the middle west, and the subject was
thenceforth one of increasing importance among all classes.
It was a long while, however, before the railroad actually came
this far west. In the meantime the demands of the people for improved
transportation resulted in the agitation of canal construction and the




172


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


opening of the waterways of commerce. Canal building in the middle
west reached its fullest extent during the late thirties and the forties,
and for a time the canal and the railroad competed on even terms.
The only convenient water way ever utilized by the people of Cass
county for transportation was the St. Joseph river. The early settlers
were compelled to haul in wagons their surplus wheat and corn and
other products to some point on this stream, such as Niles, and thence
"ark" them to Lake Michigan, for carriage by lake vessels to the markets of the world.  Several years before the advent of the railroad,
the first steamboat began plying on the St. Joseph, as the forerunner
of the considerable fleet which up to the present day has navigated on
the lower courses of that stream.
The only serious plan for bringing this waterway into more useful
relation to Cass county was that discussed at a meeting held in Edwardsburg, February, 1836, to consider the project of constructing a
canal from  Constantine to Niles.  Such a canal would have crossed
south central Cass county, and would have been a short cut across the
great arc made by the river in its bend into Indiana. Had the railroad
era not been so near, this canal wotuld doubtless have been constructed
at some tinie, an( would hlave been of inestimable advantage to the
development of Cass county.
But a majority of those present at the Edwardsburg meeting favored, even then, the idea of a railroad rather than a canal. The result
was that the friends of the enterprise secured the passage of an act
1Vb the legislature, March 26, 8.36, incorporating the Constantine and
Niles Canal or Railroad Company, with a capital stock fixed at $250,000.
The company was empowered to construct either a canal or railroad
between the termini mentioned in its name and charter. The first directors were William  Meek, George W. Hoffman, Wells T. House,
Watson Sumner, John G. Cathcart, Edward N. Bridge, J. C. Lanman,
Jacob Beeson and Vincent L. Bradford. This enterprise ended in the
storm of financial disaster that overtook the country in 1837, and it is
not certain that even a survey of the route of the proposed canal or
railroad was made.
Such was the only canal building ever attempted in this county.
Already the attention of the people was directed to the advance of the
railroads from the east. In 1832 the territorial council of Michigan
had incorporated the Detroit and St. Joseph Railroad Company. The
company was authorized to build a single or double track railroad from




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


173


Detroit to St. Joseph, by way of the village of Ypsilanti and( the county
seats of \Washtenaw, Jackson, Calhoun and Kalanmazoo, counties, and
to run cars on the same "by the force of steam, of animals, of any
mechanical or other force, or of any combination of these forces"; was
bound to begin work within two years from the passage of the act, to
build thirty miles of track within six years, to complete half of the road
within fifteen years, and to finish the whole of it within thirty years,
under penalty of the forfeiture of its franchises.
The route was surveyed, work was begun at the eastern end, but
before the set period of six years had expired Michigan had become
a state. With its new dignity of statehood. Michigan was most zealous
in fostering enterprises of internal improxvement, not merely opening
the way for the exertion of private or corporate effort, but even going
to the extent olf constructing under state auspices and appropriations
from. the public treasury the railroad and other highways and public
utilities.
March 20, I837, an act of the legislature was approved that provided for the construction of three railroads across the whole breadth
of its territory, to be called the Northern, Central and Southern railroads. The Central was to run from Detroit to the mouth of the St.
Joseph. The act also provided for the purchase of the rights and property of companies already established, and especially those of the Detroit
and St. Joseph Company. The sum of $55o.ooo was appropriated for
the survey and making of the three roads, $400,0o0   of which was set
apart for the Central.  The legislature also authorized a loan of five
million dollars for railroad construction.
The commissioners of Internal Improvements were thus. provi(led
with funds for the carryingo out of this stupen(lous un(lertaking. But
the buildinog began in a period of industrial depression, unlooked for
obstacles hindered the progress of the work, and when the year 1846
came the Central had been completed only to Kalamazoo, while the
Southern's western operating terminal still tarried at Hillsdale. Public
opinion as to the feasibility of railroad construction by the state seems
to have changed in the meanwhile, and by an act of the legislature in
the early part of 1846 an entire change of policy was effected.
By this act of 1846 the Michigan Central Railroad Company, composed of private individuals, was incorporated.  At the same time a
transfer of all the state's equity and control of the Central Railroad
was made to the new corporation for the consideration of two miillion




1 74


HISTORY 01F CASS COUNTY


dollars. The charter required the new company to follow substantially
the route originally decided upon, but instead of specifying that the
mouth of the St. Joseph should be the western terminus, allowed the
company to build from Kalamazoo "to some point in the state of Michigan on or near Lake Michigan which shall be accessible to steamboats
on said lake, and thence to some point on the southern boundary line of
Michigan"; the men who composed the company insisting on the latter
provision in order that they might have a choice of destination.
The object of the company wAas to project their line across the
northern portion of Indiana and plant its western terminus at Chicago.
The story of the intense rivalry between the Michigan Central and the
Michigan Southern in their struggle to be the first to accomplish this
end is not pertinent here. But the change of the objective point from
St. Joseph to Chicago resulted in diverting the course of the line direct
from Kalamazoo to New Buffalo (the terminus of the Michigan charter) and thus crossing the northwest corner of Cass county. Had the
original plan been carried out, Cass county would have been without
railroad connection, for a number of years longer.
But now, in the haste to construct the line, the new company, as
soon as the transfer had been effected, surveyed a route to New Buffalo
and at once pushed the work of construction as far as the Michigan
charter would carry it. The road was completed through this county
as far as Niles by October 7, I848, and in the spring of the following
year New Buffalo was reached. The conflicting interests of the two
rival railroads and the legislatures of the states through which the lines
were to pass delayed the completion of the Michigan Central across
Indiana. But the line was opened to Michigan City in the winter of
185I-52, and in the following spring was completed to Chicago.
Had the plans contemplated by the state been carried out, the
Michigan Southern would have been constructed along the southern
border of the state'and hence through Cass county. But it was seen fit
to turn this line south from White Pigeon, and thence was constructed
across Northern Indiana.
The first constitution of Michigan had expressly affirmed the propriety of internal improvements being undertaken by the state and paid
for out of the public funds or public lands. The unhappy results that
followed the projection and partial construction of the Central and
Southern railroads under state auspices worked a complete reversal of
public opinion on this policy.  Accordingly the constitution off I85o




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


1.   5


contained a provision prohibiting the state from  contributing to or
otherwise engaging in any such forms of internal improvements.
Though the people as a state were thus forbidden to construct railroads, it was understood that smaller corporate units of towns and cities
were not affected by the constitutional provisions. After the Civil war
for several years, there passed over the country a wave of popular
activity and participation in railroad construction. Towns, villages and
counties, not to mention hundreds olf private citizens, not only in this
state but in many states of the middle west, voted generous subscriptions or "bonuses" to railroad enterprises, many of which began and
ended their existence in the fertile brains of the promoters. This movement had a vital connection with Cass county's welfare, and its ultimate results may be said to have given the county two of its railroad
lines.
By the beginning of the seventies the towns and cities of the state
had voted to various railroad companies subscriptions aggregating several millions of dollars. Individuals had given perhaps as much more.
Now followed a decision of the state supreme court declaring that the
act under which the voting had taken place was unconstitutional; hence
these minor civil corporations could not obligate themselves by contributions to railroad construction any more than the state itself could.
This was the final phase of internal improvements under public direction or support. So much history of the matter is necessary to a proper
understanding of the manner in which the "Air Line" and the Peninsular, now Grand Trunk, railroads were constructed through Cass county.
LaGrange township alone, with the prospective benefits of two
railroads before it, had voted thirty thousand dollars of bonds to the
two projected roads. But fortunately these bonds, as was true of the
bonds of other townships in the county, were still in the keeping of the
state treasurer at the time the decision of the supreme court was given.
Soon after the decision was made known a majority of the citizens of
the various townships voted to recall the bonds and prevent their being
surrendered to the railroad companies and hence to individual purchasers. The state treasurer, however, refused to return the bonds until
the supreme court, in behalf of LaGrange township, issued a mandamus
compelling the state treasurer to restore the bonds. In the case of some
townships of the state, the bonds had already passed into the financial
markets, and in such instances the townships were obliged to pay their
subscriptions.




176


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


The Air Line branch of the Michigan Central which now crosses
Cass county nearly centrally from west to east was projected almost
entirely by local capital and enterprise, the corporate name being the
Michigan Air Line Railroad Company. The people of the counties of
Cass. St. Joseph, Calhoun and Jackson were the ones most vitally interested. Jackson county subscribed nearly two hundred thousand (lollars to the undertaking and the principal officers of the original organization were citizens of Jackson.  The line was opened to travel from
Jackson to Homer in the summer of I870, to Three Rivers in the autumn
of the same year, and was completed to Niles in February, 187I. Almost
coincident with the completion of the road it was leased to the Michigan
Central Railroad Company, and soon became the property of that company. The first regular passenger train over this road was run through
Cass county on January I6, I87I.
The late Mr. S. T. Read, of Cassopolis, has been given the credit
for suggesting to the president of the Canadian Railroad the scheme
for extending that line from its western Canadian terminus at Port
H-uron across the peninsula of Michigan to a terminal in the commercial metropolis of Chicago. The Grand Trunk Railroad was built,
and due to the public-spirited and persistent efforts of Mr. Read the
line passed through central Cass county and the county seat.  The
people of the county liberally supported the enterprise, contributing in
cash subscriptions and donations of rights of way to the amount of
one hundtred thousand dollars.
The track was completed to Cassopolis from the east on February
9 I1871, and in the course of the same year the line was extended to
Valparaiso, Indiana, and subsequently to Chicago.
The Grand Trunk Railroad in the United States is a patchwork of
smaller lines and extensions of various date. The first line was constructedl under a charter given to the Port tHuron and Lake Michigan
Railroad Comn1pany in 1847. In 1855 the Port Huron and Milwaukee
Railroad Company was chartered, and not long afterward was amalgamated with the first-named organization.  October 3, I865, the
Peninsular Railroad Company was chartered to construct a railroad between Lansing and Battle Creek. January 3, I868, the Peninsular Railroad Extension Company was chartered for the extension of a line from
Battle Creek to the Indiana state line. These two companies were consolidated as the Peninsular Railway Company.  Numerous other con



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


177


solidations and changes preceded the final organization, in April, I880,
of the Chicago and Grand Trunk Railway Company.
In the early eighties the Cincinnati, Cleveland, Chicago & St. Louis,
popularly known as the "Big Four," was constructed between Niles and
Elkhart.  This route passed through the southwestern corner of Cass
county, in Milton township, but as only a signal station called Truitt
has been established on that section of the line, the "Big Four" is not a
Cass county road in the same relation as the Michigan Central, with
the Air Line branch and the Grand Trunk.
Although at the date of this compilation Cass county's means of
communication do not include electric lines, the course of development
will soon reach this stage, and it is appropriate to describe the present
status of this subject.
About I9o0 the "Eastern and Northwestern Railroad C(ompany"
was formed by a group of capitalists with headquarters in Chicago. They
proposed a railroad from Benton Harbor to Toledo, entering Cass county
at the northwest andi leaving it about the middle of Newberg towniship
on the east, cutting tlle existing lines about at right angles. The line
of original survey was run three miles to the north of Cassopolis.
The citizens of that village, alive to the possible loss of another
railroad, at once made efforts to bring the road through tle county
seat. The terms asked by the promoters were a right of way for the
distance of two and a half miles and land for depot site.  The Cassopolis citizens complied, and the road was to be in operation as far as
Dowagiac by May, 1902, and the entire line conmpleted by July, 1903.
A large part of the grading was done, indeed in this respect the line is
practically complete to Jamestown in Penn township, Cass county, but
the financial backing failed before the rest of the construction was
finished, and the grades and cuts are all that Cass county so far has to
show for the enterprise.
But tentative negotiations are in progress, according to a plan to
utilize this route for an electric road. The network of interurban electric lines is certain to inclose Cass county within a few years. To the
south there is a line of electric communication almost continuous between Michigan City and Toledo. On the west a branch of the same
system  touches Niles, Berrien Springs and Benton Harbor, Berrien
county. Kalamazoo is another center for the radiation of these roads.
As this form of intercommunication in the middle west is the product




178


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


of little more than a decade, it is not unreasonable to expect an equally
phenomenal increase with the succeeding ten years.
POSTAL SERVICE.
No phase of the general subject of communication is of more vital
interest to the people than postal facilities. The desire to know what
is going oil in the world outside the circle of immediate acquaintance is
as deep-seated as it is wholesome, and the isolation from friends and
relatives and the settled parts of the country was one of the severest
privations connected with settlement on the frontier. In truth there was
a time in most such communities when news-if such it could be called
when it often was very old when it reached the hearers-had no regular lines of dissemination and was carried only by the chance traveler. All pioneer communities have experienced such a situation in
some degree, and the early settlers of Cass county had little definite
connection with the outside world, although living in a comparatively
modern age and only a few years before the invention of the telegraph.
Accordingly one of the first improvements sought after actual home
and shelter and means of subsistence were provided was a postal service, such as all the settlers had been familiar with in their former homes
in the more settled regions. We have seen how the government early
made provision for the establishment of a great post road from the east
to the west. But the actual transportation and distribution of mail was
a very uncertain matter for many years, and depended largely on the
provision that each community could make for that purpose. In the
early days a mail route was established between Fort Wayne and Niles.
The mail was at first carried once in four weeks, then once every two
weeks. This mail was carried by a character known as "Old Hall,"
who bestrode one horse while the mail bags were carried on a horse that
he led. At Niles the mail for all the surrounding country was distributed, the various communities in Cass county each receiving it by
special carriers.  Some convenient settler's cabin was selected as the
postoffice, and there the neighbors would gather to receive a chance
letter or hear the reading of a newspaper brought in by the last mail.
The history of many of these early postoffices is told in the chapter on
the centers of population.
Letters were a luxury in pioneer times. They were written on
foolscap paper and so folded that one side was left blank, so as to form
its own envelope, it being sealed with wax or a wafer. This latter cus



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


1'79


tom was followed for many years, and some of these sheets folded according to the usual manner and with some of the wax of the seal still
adhering to them, are still to be found in the county.
It was perhaps well that the pioneer could not foresee the conveniences that his twentieth century descendant enjoys in the way of
postal facilities; he might have felt his deprivations more severely had
he known that in I906 the rural mail routes, radiating in every direction
and approaching within convenient distance of every home in the county,
would be delivering packages, letters and metropolitan dailies once each
day and with greater regularity and punctuality than was the case in the
large eastern towns of his time.
TELEPHONES.
To understand the development that has taken place in the means
of communication it is not necessary to go back beyond the memory
of the present generation. As the result of successful experiments Mr.
Alex. Graham   Bell exhibited at the Centennial exposition in Philadelphia in I876 an invention which was described by a standard encyclopedia published in 1877 as an instrument for the "telegraphic transmission of articulate sounds."  The article further goes on to state as
the climax of the wonderful discovery that "we may confidently expect
that Mr. Bell will give us the means of making voice and spoken words
audible through the electric wire to an ear hundreds of miles distant."
And-in I906 there is probably not a person in Cass county who does not
at least know of the telephone, and in hundreds of rural homes and in
nearly every city and village residence and business house will be found
one of these instruments, so necessary to modern life. Various telephone
and telegraph companies are now operating their lines in and through
this county, and the news of the Russian crisis comes to every village as
soon after the occurrence as in former days a report concerning a trial at
Cassopolis would reach the outlying districts of the county.
From the foregoing it appears that the world is coming to be all
of a piece. Once every little community could live by itself, make its
own clothes, wagons, tools, and all the articles necessary for its existence.  But this view of self-dependence and isolation either in man
or in the community is now thoroughly discredited. With the coming
of railroad, telegraph, telephone, etc., closer relations were established,
and individuals, communities and states have become dependent on
each other.




180


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


CHAPTER      XII.
INDUSTRIES AND, FINANCE.
That familiar hero of juvenile fiction, Robinson Crusoe, after being
cast upon his desert island, was compelled to build his own shelter, to
make his own clothes, to fashion many of his implements and his household utensils, to cultivate the soil and raise 'and prepare all things needful for his bodily sustenance, to enact for his own guidance all his laws
and rules of conduct, and to be his own army for protection against the
cannibals. Such a type of all-around man, jack-of-all-trades, self-sufficient and prepared for all the uses and adversities of the world, was
at one time considered the proper ideal by which each person should
fashion his life.
But such individualism is now seen to be exceedingly primitive,
and instead of making man more independent really puts him more
abjectly in dependence on all the humnbler wants and necessities whicl
are at the base of the higher life.  Society as now organized, and in its
general tendencies toward the working out of the problems of human
destiny, divides into numerous occupations the work of the world,
specializing it for each class of workers, anl therely leaves each of us
the greater liberty to work out our individuality to its highest possibilities.
The men and women who settled Cass county in the twenties and
thirties of the last century were in a measure Crusoes, in that most of
the necessities of life, whether for eating, wearing or for performingi
the work of the field and household, were home products.  Planted in
the depth of a great wilderness, remote from mills and often unattended
by craftsmen. the men and wromen who laid here the foundations of
civilized society were, of necessity, their own artisans to a very large
extent, and every home was a factory. Many a farmer or farmer's son,
becojming skilled in some particular trade, was enabled thereby to add
stubstantially to the family income.
The conversion of raw material into forms suitable for the uses
of mankind was undertaken immediately upon the arrival of the first




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


181


permanent white settlers, who, with few tools but an ax, hastily constructel a rude cabin of logs and fashioned a few primitive articles for
domestic use, such as tables, benches, beds, and other furnishings of
inlnmediate necessity.
Next to shelter an(l foodstuffs clothing was the issue of paramount
importance to the hardy pioneers, and in the division of labor this indulstry was left to the women. Every cabin was flanked by its patch of
flax, and the planter who did not possess a few sheep had to trade with
his neighbor for wiool.  From these rawr materials the old-fashioned
housewife was expected to produce clothing for the family and linen for
the bed and table. The full grown flax was pulled up and spread out on
the ground to rot in the rain and dew, after which it was thorouglhlv
broken, bv the older bovs, if there were any. with the vi.gorous use of
the flax-brake, then put through a softening process called "scutclhing."
and a separating process called "hackling," which left ready for the
spinstress two fabrics, tow and thread fiber.
By the use of the little spinning wheel, proficiency in the handling
of -which was for the girls a test of advancing womaunhood, the fiber,
or lint, was made into a fine, strong thread called warp, and the tow
into a coarser thread used as filling. These were woven together on a
hand loom, and from the tow-linen produced was made the summer
wear for the family, the females usually preferring to color theirs with
home-made (lyestuff to suit their taste, while the less pretentious men
folks were satisfied to take it as it came from the loom.  Whlen the
wool was brought in, the good mother and her daughters, after thoroughly cleansing or scouring it by washing, shaped it into convenient
rolls by the aid of a pair of hand-cards provided for that purpose and
spun on the lig wheel into varn filling (sometimes used for knitting
stockings, mittens and comforters), which, when woven with linen
warp, made the "linsey-woolsey" of the good old days, or, if woven
with cotton warp. resulted in the fabric known as "jeans."  The former,
suitably dyed, was in general use as a strong, warm and handsome texture for feminine apparel, and the latter, colored with butternut juice,
was tailored by the women for the men's wear.
As commerce with other parts of the United States increased,
cotton became a more generally used material. But during the height
of the abolition movement, which, as we know, had some very strong
advocates in Cass county, a prejudice arose against the use of any
material made by slave labor, although only two or three instances are




182


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


recorded of persons who absolutely refused to wear garments that
contained any part cotton.
For footwear the wandering cobbler, who traveled from   house
to house, was relied upon to fashion boots and shoes from the hometanned hides, or moccasins were procured from  the Indians.  Occasionally the shoemakers would not get around until after snowfall, and
many a venerable grandsire can tell of going barefooted to his chores
with snow on the ground.    A well prepared coonskin made a very
warm  and equally unsightly cap.  Coonskins also formed a kind of
currency of the woods, the pelt being considered as good as gold and
accepted in exchange for all commodities.
Properly selected rye straws were woven by the women into bonnets for themselves and hats for their masters. The women also fashioned for themselves curiously wrought sunbonnets of brightly-colored
goods shaped over pasteboard strips with fluted and ruffled capes falling
behind over the shoulders.  The manufacture of quilts gave opportunitv for social gatherings when there were neighbors close enough
to get back home before chore time, and the quilting ranked along
with the huskings, log-rollings and house-raisings among the primitive
society functions of the early days. The industries of the homestead
did not include the preservation of fruits and vegetables, save to a small
extent by drying, but meats were preserved in various ways: lye hominy
or hulled corn was a regular institution, and some other food articles
were occasionally laid by for winter, thus forming the beginnings of
the packing and canning industries of later times.
Prior to the advent of cabinet makers the settlers, perforce, included that trade among their accomplishments, and made their own bedsteads, tables, cupboards and chairs. For bedsteads an oak butt, about
eight feet long and of sufficient diameter, was split into rails and posts,
a shorter log was split up for slats, and the pieces selected were dressed
down with the drawknife and fitted together with the axe. Two rails
were used for each side and three for each end, the rounded ends of
the slats being driven into auger holes in the rails, and the four high
corner-posts were tied together at the tops with strong cords, from
which curtains might be suspended if desired.  Even less pretentious
forms have been described, and, of course, each article of furniture
would be likely to- vary according to the ingenuity and skill. of the
maker. In the more fortunate homes were bedsteads with turned posts,
square rails and cords in place of slats, a feather bed surmounted the




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


183


"straw tick," and with plenty of "kiver," such a lodgment was comfortable on the coldest winter night. There was also the trundle bed,
a low bed that could be pushed under the large bed, where it remained
during the day, and was pulled out for the smaller children's use at
night.
With equal skill a table was constructed by pinning two thin oak
clapboards, smoothed with a sharp ax on the upper side, to cross-pieces
set on four strong legs, the surface of the table being about four feet
by six. This type also varied. Three-legged stools were made in a
similar simple manner. Pegs driven in auger holes in the logs of the
wall supported shelves, and on others was hung the limited wardrobe
of the family.  A few other pegs, or, perhaps, a pair of deer horns
formed a rack on which were suspended the rifle and powder horn, always found in every pioneer cabin.
Fortunately, among the early settlers there was here and there a
craftsman who could be called upon by his neighbors to perform the
special form of labor for which his skill fitted him. A number of such
persons have been mentioned in former chapters.   It was not usual
during the first years of the county's history for an artisan to depend
entirely on his trade. There was not sufficient demand for his services.
He had his claim and cultivated the ground just as the other settlers,
and during the winter season or the interims of farm labor, lie was
ready to ply his trade.
As we have seen, certain forms of manufacturing, such as those
represented in the sawmill and the grist mill, were introduced very soon
after the settlement of the county began. These two particular institutions supplied the immediate necessities of life, and no community could
progress very far without them. Other forms of manufacturing soon
came in. and at an early date manufacturing interests formed a distinct
part of the industrial affairs of the county.
At Cassopolis, the name of Abram Tietsort, Jr., is first and most
prominently associated with a trade. The log building in which he did
cabinet making for the villagers was located on the banks of Stone
lake, just out of the village site. He made various articles of furniture
for the pioneer homes, and now and then was called upon to furnish a
plain and simple coffin; for death was not an unknown visitor to the
early community.
An institution, of which there were several examples in early
Cass county, was the distillery for the manufacture of the whiskey




184


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


which, according to general knowledge, was a more universal beverage
and consutmed ill more copious quantities in those days than at the
present. In I833 Jacob, Abiel and Benjamin F. Silvers put up a distillery on the banks of Stone lake, the first manufacturing institution
of Cassopolis. The frame was so large and made of such massive tiimher that it required the efforts of a great force of men to raise it. Nearly
all the male population of the central portion of the county assisted in
the work. which took three (las' time. 'The distillery was run to its
utmost capacity for a number of years, and the farmers in the surrounding country received a great deal of money from its proprietors for
their surplus corn.
Each settler learned to be skilled in sharpening his own tools, and
even fashionedl out by homemade process some of the iron implements
nee(lel.  But as soon as possible he resorted for the more important
work to a regular blacksmith, it often being necessary to go for that
purpose many miles. For instance, it is related that a settler on Beardsley's prairie had to take his plowshare to be sharpened bv Israel Markham, who conducted the first blacksmith shop in the county on Pokagon
prairie.
Over near the present Jamestown, in Penn township, a man by the
name of Peck established a blacksmith shop about 1828, but did not
remain long.
The early advent of carpenters and joiners to the county has been
spoken of in an earlier chapter. As soon as the people advanced beyond
the log cabin stage it became quite necessary to procure the services
of a skilled builder in tile construction of the houses.
With the art of clothies-making delegated so completely to the
pioneer housewife, early Cass county would hardly seem a profitable
location for a tailor. But there is record of one who located at Geneva
about I834, when that was still a village of some proportions.  He
was also employed in the same line for a time at Whitmanville.
The business activity of Edwardsburg was increased, in I837, by
the arrival of a hat maker named James Boyd, who later moved to
Cassopolis, where he (lied. The business of hat-making was a common
pursuit in the east during that time, but few found their way to the
sparsely settled west.  Mr. Boyd, however, made hats in this county
tor six years, as the only representative the county ever had in that industry, and he sold his hats in all parts of the county.
No one could forget the old-time sugar box. It was a necessary




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


185


article in every household, and, besides holding sugar, it often served
other no less useful purposes.  There are instances on record where
the sugar box became the receptacle for the pioneer mail, where it was
kept until the neighbors had time to call for it. Did the housewife
need a sugar box, it was quite likely that she sent her husband to Edwardsburg. About 1837, a Mr. Keeler located in that village, and besides making these indispensable sugar boxes, he split out and softened
and wove long strips of wood into baskets for the settlers' use.  He
was a character in the neighborhood, made verses as well as baskets,
and in peddling his wares about the county he drove to his cart, in
lieu of a horse, a patient ox named "Bright."
Perhaps not a nmonth passed that some one who claimed special
skill in a particular craft oCr to be a jack-of-all-trades-a wandering
tinker, a cobliler, a tinsmith, etc.-did not pass through or locate more or
less permanently in early Cass county. Though no historical record is
kept of such mechanics, they are worthy of our attention so far as showing how mucl of the work now done by a regular mechanic was atten\lel
to at that time )v the well known "tinker" character.
In pioneer davs the same spreading tree that sheltered the village
smithy usually cast its shade also upon the local wagon shop. The t-wo
industries were born twins an (lid not drift apart until the era of great
factories set in and made the manufacture of vehicles at the crossroads
shop an economic impossibility. In the early years a wheelwright came
to the county in the person of Benjamin Sweeney, who was located at
Edwardsburg a number of years. He was also a civil engineer, and
laid out many roads through the county.
WVe have alluded to the existence at the Carey Mission of a grist
mill as early as 1826.  At that time there was not another within a
hundred miles. Hither the first settlers brought their meager grist, if
they did not pound or grind it with some rude contrivance at home. It
is hardly possible to assign an exact date for the location of the first
mill in Cass county. But the Carpenter mill, on Christiann creek, near
the site of Vandalia, was probably built about 1828. All the burrs and
otler iron parts of the mill were brought from Ohio.
A few years later this mill became the property of James O'Dell,
a miller, who located in Penn township in 1832.    Mr. O'Dell was
prominent in public affairs as well, serving as supervisor, and in other
township offices, in the state legislature, and was a member of the first
constitutional convention in I835.




1 6


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


As population increased other grist mills were established. Moses
Sage built one in Adamsville in I835, and such was the demand for
flour that he ran it night and day for several years. Grist mills, as
well as saw mills, were at first necessarily located by convenient water
power.  After the introduction of steam power the flour mills, as a
rule, were centered in the villages, and where the best transportation
facilities were offered.
Of sawmills there were a great number throughout the county.
Job Davis had one in La Grange township in I829, the first mechanical
industry in the township. At the outlet of Jones lake, in the northeastern part of the township, Henry Jones and Hardy Langston built
a mill in I830. Carding machinery was afterwards installed, this being
one of the early attempts at the woolen industry in this county.
On Dowagiac creek, on the north border of La Grange township,
and near the site oi present Dowagiac, William  Renneston built, in
1830, a woolen mill, bringing the machinery from  southern Indiana.
Three years later he built a grist mill at the same place. This was
the beginning of the milling industry which has been carried on at that
location to the present time.
The first sawmill in Porter was commenced on section 32, by
Othni Beardsley, and was completed in 1831 by Lewis, Samuel and
Jacob Rinehart, who ran the mill fifteen years.  The lumber which
was not bought and hauled from the mill by local purchasers was hauled
to the St. Joseph river and thence rafted down to Mishawaka and South
Bend, and much of it to St. Joseph.
Another early mill, erected in the early thirties, was built on the
south branch of Pokagon creek, in section 6 of Jefferson township, by
John Pettigrew, Jr.  This contained an old-fashioned upright saw.
All the machinery had been brought by wagon from Ohio. Primitive
as it was, this mill supplied material for building many of the houses
of the surrounding country, and some of its product was sold in Niles,
South Bend and Elkhart.
Various sites along Christiann creek have contained mills at different periods of history. The Shaffer-Beardsley mill was an institution known for a number of years, having been built in I836. Near by
was the grist mill of Robert Painter, built in I840, close to Painter's
lake. Here he later installed a sawmill and machinery for woolen
manufacture, but the vicissitudes of manufacture finally overtook the
enterprise with failure.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


187


On that part of Christiann creek which lies in section I9, of Calvin, Daniel McIntosh and Samuel Crossen built the first sawmill in
that township in I832. It soon passed into the hands of Joseph Smith,
who, in 1833, erected a distillery and manufactured and sold pure
whiskey at 25 cents a gallon. In the fifties J. C. Fiero, a merchant at
Edwardsburg, erected and operated a steam grist mill in that place,
near the site of the present creamery. The mill was destroyed hy fire
in the spring of I86I.
In Peter Shaffer's mill, near this location, was sawed the lumber
for the first court house at Cassopolis. The year I83I is the date of the
building of a grist mill near the present site of Brownsville.
Several tanneries did business in the county during the early years.
One of them was located at Brownsville. It is, thus seen that at various
periods in her history Cass county has had a great many forms of manufacturing. As a country develops, certain forms of industry become
profitable in certain stages of that development. A tannery could supply a very evident need of the settlers, and might be operated profitably
as a local institution for some years. But as soon as railroad transportation become general and the centralization of manufacturing began,
it would be necessary either that the tannery should enlarge to! more than
a local concern or go out of business entirely. The latter was more often
the case. This process of industrial growth and decay is found everywhere, and in itself illustrates the historical development of communities.
The twenty-third annual report of the Michigan Bureau of Labor,
giving the results of factory inspection made in Cass county in April,
9go5, names the following industries, with the year of establishment:
At Cassopolis:
C. W. Bunn, lumber, i885.
City Steam Laundry, 90oo.
Cassopolis Steam Laundry, 1902.
Cassopolis Manufacturing Company, 9oo0.
Cassopolis Creamery, I9012.
Cassopolis Vigilant, I872.
Milling Power Company, I89I.
National De.mocrat, I85o.
R. F. Peck, cigars, 1904.
Rinehart & McCoy, cigars, I897.
At Dozwagiac:
City Steam Laundry, I903.




188


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Colby Milling Company, I857.
Creamery Package Mfg. Company, I903.
Dowagiac Gas & Fuel Company, I892.
Dowagiac City Water \orks, I887.
Daily Nezs, 188I.
Dowagiac Manufacturing Company, I88I.
Geesey Brothers & Cable, hoops and staves, I903.
Wm. Hislop, lumber.
Herald, 1892.
J. A. Lindsley, lumber, I885.
Byron C. Lee, cigars, 1904.
Round Oak Stove Works, 1873.
Republican Printing Company, I857.
Standard Cabinet Company, 899;.
S. F. Snell, cigars, 90oI.
A4t iarccl!us:.
Simon Brady, cigars, 1894.
H. S. Chapman, gasoline engines, I888.
H. J. Hoover, lumber, 1895.
Willard McDonald, butter tuls, 900oo.
Marcellus Milling Company, I89I.
MNarcellus Steam Laundry, 1903.
Municipal Lighting Station, 1902.
Morceulls Nwcs, 1872.
Reliance Cigar Company, 1905.
At Glci'zood, the Hampton Stock Farm     Company, staves and
headings, establishedl 902, and at Pokagon, J. H. Phillips, lumber, established I888.
As will be seen, the inspection did not include the villages of Edwardsburg, Vandalia and Union, where factories of equal importance
with some of those mentioned are to be found. But from the figures
given some interesting summaries are drawn relative to the importance
of manufacturing industries in the county. At Dowagiac sixteen factories and workshops were inspected, eleven kinds of goods were made
or handled. The whole number of employes found at the time of inspection was 880, indicating that in a city of less than five thousand
population, one person out of five depends on these industries for means
of livelihood. Of course the Round Oak Stove Works, employing, at
the date of inspection, 59o, and the Dowagiac Manufacturing Company, with I65 employes, are the major industries. Taking the thirtyseven industries named in tle report, it is seen that the aggregate number of employes is 994. This approximates five per cent of the popula



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


189


tion of Cass county dlepending on what are officially designate(l as "factory" indutstries.  Were the data at hand for all the handicrafts an(l
mantufactories of the county, the proportion of those engaged in in(lustrial pursuits would be much larger, perhaps at least ten per cent of the
entire population.
\With this general survey of the trades and factories of the pioneer
times and the present, this chapter mnay appropriately be closed with some
sketches of the largest and oldest of Cass county's manufactures. MIany
of the productive enterprises vwhich have proved the industrial core of
several commnunities in the county have been mentioned in connection
with the history of such localities.
Cassopolis has never beein a center for manufactures. In I9oo0 a
large plant was built near the Grand Trunk depot for the manufacture
of grain drills, the concern being known as the Cassopolis Manufacturing Company. At this writing the works have been bought by the Kellogg Switchboard & Supply Company, who propose the inauguration
of an extensive industry, the village having lent its support to the prol)osition by voting a subsidy of $7,ooo, providing the company expends
$I50,000 in wrages witlhin a certain time. The most substantial Cassopolis enterprise is the Power & Mlilling Company, which, as elsewhere
state(l, furnishes electricity and ptltn1ps water for the village and also
conv-erts large quantities of grain into flour and food products, thus
making the village a good orain m1arket. The plant of the Cassopolis
Milling Company -\: as built 1y J. Hopkins & Sons in 1882, and for a
number of years the stone process of mnilling was used. WV. D. Hopkins & Company and W. ID. Hopkins were successively proprietors, and(
inll I889., the plant having come into the hands of W. D. Hopkins and
A\. 1H. Van Riper, it was changed to the full roller system and incorporated b1v the namle Cassopolis Milling Company.  The plant Awas enlarged when the city \w-ater works were established in I89I, and( again
enlarged and readlapted when the electric light plant was installed in
I895.  The present proprietors are W. D. Hopkins, C. WV. Daniels,
Irving Paul.
Dowagiac is pre-emineltly the industrial center of the county, and
because of their importance;in the history of both city and county some
special account shoul( be mlade of the Round Oak Stove Works, the drill
works, the Colby mills and several other factories.




190


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


ROUND OAK STOVE WORKS.
The late P. D. Beckwith came to Dowagiac in 1854 and built a
small foundry and machine shop, 25x60 feet, on the east side of
Front street near Park Place. The machinery was run by horse power,
and he and one workman were then sufficient to do all the work. At
first he made plow castings and did general repair work. The demand
for plows was still light, despite the great improvement in agricultural
methods since the pioneer period. In 1858 Mr. Beckwith bought a new
site for his plant at the foot of Front street on the south side of the
creek, where the drill works are now located. He improved the water
power, and continued the manufacture of plows until the production was
greater than the demand.
In the meantime John S. Gage, of Wayne township, had designed
and patented a rude form of the roller grain drill and succeeded in getting Mr. Beckwith to buy an interest in the patent and to begin the manufacture of a type of machine which has been developed into one of the
most useful agricultural implements that the farmers of the country
have adopted.
In 1867 Mr. Beckwith made his first stove, fashioned on the principles of the present Round Oak, but crude in workmanship and style.
One of these stoves was placed in the Michigan Central depot, and because of its excellent heating qualities and durability the company had
Mr. Beckwith make several others for their use. With the stove and the
grain drill as articles for manufacture, Mr. Beckwith in I868 transferred his location to a plot of two acres just across the section line in
La Grange township and near the depot grounds. The works have remained here ever since, although the grounds have been extended to
the bank of the creek. Here he erected a brick factory and installed
machinery for the manufacture of stoves and drills. He patented his
Round Oak stove in I870. During the seventies the business passed
through its most critical period. During the general financial stagnation over the entire country he was compelled to resort to personal solicitation to dispose of his product and in meeting his obligations his ability as a financier was tested to the utmost. But in a few years the business was established on a substantial basis, and the Round Oak stove
works is not only the largest industrial enterprise of Dowagiac, but has
made the name of its founder and the name of the city household words
from one end of the country to the other. The name "Round Oak"




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


191


can be found on stoves and ranges in the most remote localities, and
the "Round Oak" furnace has gained an enviable reputation, and Dowagiac is associated with no other fact in thousands of minds that know
nothing of the city or its history.
From the first stages of the manufacture Mr. Beckwith built up his
enterprise to splendid proportions, and since his death in I889 the
"Beckwith Estate" has controlled and managed the business with increasing success and growth.  The present officers of the Round Oak
Company are: Fred E. Lee, general manager; A. B. Gardner, assistant
general manager; J. O. Becraft, secretary; J. A. Howard, manager of
sales; A. E. Rudolphi, assistant manager of sales; H. L. Mosher, manager of furnace and advertising departments; A. K. Beckwith, superintendent; and 0. G. Beach, chairman.
As already mentioned, Mr. Beckwith began his Dowagiac career
in manufacturing in a shop 25x60 feet.    At the present time the
floor space of the plant is 250,000 square feet and a new addition being
constructed at this writing will bring that up to 300,000 square feet, or
about fifteen acres of floor space. Mr. Beckwith began with one helper.
At the time of his death about one hundred employes were needed to
produce and sell the stoves, which by that time had become the sole line
of manufacture. At this writing the force of employes is not far from
eight hundred. And the managers are proud of the fact that the works
are in operation practically all the time, the only shut-downs being at
holidays for repairs. As is evident, such a force of employes in a city
of five thousand forms the largest part of the population that could be
classified in one group. Perhaps not far from half the population of
Dowagiac depend on the Round Oak works for livelihood. Strikes and
labor troubles have been unknown. It is estimated that sixty-five per
cent of the employes have their own homes, and their character as citizens is much above that of the "factory average."
A few other items as to the manufacture may prove pertinent to
historical inquiry. Every day the process of manufacture requires sixty-five tons of pig-iron melted in two cupolas. The incoming shipments
of pig-iron, coal and coke for this one plant are as large as the freight
shipments for the entire city twenty-five years ago. About twenty years
ago the firm decided to bring out a furnace to supplement their line of
stoves and ranges. It took ten years to bring this type of furnace to the
degree of perfection which satisfied the Round Oak people. Every item
of criticism or advice from the purchasers of these furnaces was care



192


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


fully considered and often became the ground for an improvement.
W\hen the furnace was first put on the market there was much to criticise;
after ten years customers entirely ceased to suggest improvements or to
find defects, and therefore the company knew they had at last made a
perfect furnace. The two, points of superiority first produced by Mr.
Beckwith in his original Round Oak, namely, economy in consumption of
fuel and durability through all the tests of usage, have been maintained
throughout the existence of the business. The latest product of this plant
is the Round Oak Chief steel range, which was brought out three years
ago, and the present addition to the plant is a building for the manufacture of ranges. The steel range was a success from the start, has never
once proved a failure, and remarkable sales indicate its popularity. At
first only fiVe or six were made each day; now the number is eighty-five
and soon it will be a hundred. In the conduct of the business the one-price
principle has always been maintained; no jockeying in prices has been
indulged in, all customers have been treated alike, and a solid and substantial basis underlies the Round Oak works in factory and counting
rooms.  In conclusion, a word should be said of the artistic catalogues and literature with which the company brings their goods to the
attention of the worl(l. The best in the art of clromatic engraving and
printing has been employed to produce the various booklets. The advertising, of lwhich Mr. I-.. Mosher has charge, is in keeping with the
class of goods which are sold.
DOWAGIAC MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
According to the statement made on the first page of this company's
catalogue for I906, Dowagiac grain drills were first made in I866 and
have since been continuously made on part of the present site-"the
largest in the world devoted exclusively to the manufacture of grain-.
seeding machinery." T'le plant has grown from an eight-horse waterwheel plant to its present immense proportions.
The prototype of the famous Dowagiac drill was a shoe drill first
brought into practical fornl by William Tuttle, a farmer of this section
of Michigan. The first one made, in 1866, as stated, had wooden shoes
covered with tin, and Philo D. Beckwith cast the first iron shoes. The
mode of covering the grain by a chain, the second part of the invention,
was the idea of Shepard H. Wheeler, a pioneer of Dowagiac. The first
drill was put up and made ready for work in the wood-working and
repair shop of John Crawford and Amos Knapp, and in February, I867,




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


193


the two inventors secured the first patent on the machine. A part of the
present site of the plant-just south of Dowagiac creek on the west
side of Front street-was purchased of Mr. Beckwith in I868. The
factory was burned down in 1872, but was soon rebuilt, and the plant
has been increasing in size and amount of output ever since. The business was in the hands of various parties during the first few years. J.
P. Warner, who invented the spring-tooth harrow in I88o, was the
principal partner (luring the seventies and for a long time the plant
was known as the Warner Drill Works. In November, I88I, a stock
company was formed under the name Dowagiac Manufacturing Company. In I890 the stock was bought up by N. F. Choate, F. W. Lyle,
C. E. Lyle, W. F. Hoyt and Charles Fowle. From the crude beginnings of forty years ago the business has grown to what its owners
claim it to be-the largest plant for the manufacture of seeding machinery in the world. At the date of the factory inspection of April, I905,
the number of employes given was I65, but the full force is between
300 and 350, the output naturally varying in different seasons of the
year.
COLBY MILLING COMPANY.
As elsewhere stated, the milling interests are the oldest institutions
of Dowagiac, William Renniston having built a carding mill in 1830,
and a few years later a grist mill on the creek near the Colby Conlpany's present mill, on the northeast corner of section six in LaGrange
township, where the Cassopolis and Dowagiac road crosses a branch of
the Dowagiac creek on the mill dam. After being owned by several
parties, this property was sold by Erastus H. Spalding in i868 to Mr.
H. F. Colby and became the nucleus of the present mills.
In I857 G. A. Colby, a brother of H. F., had built a merchant mill
at the head of Spalding street, and this was known as "the lower mill,"
to (istinguish it from "the upper mill," whhich was the original Renniston mill, though rebuilt by H. F. Colby in I868. H. F. Colby soon
bought the lower mill, and the milling interests of Dowagiac have since
then been largely identified with the Colby family. The Colby Milling
Company was organized in I89I, its first members being H. F. Colby,
F. L. Colby and F. H. Baker. It is a copartnership, and in 1900 Mr.
F. L. Colby sold his interest in the business to F. W. Richey. The firm
is now made up of H. F. Colby, F. H. Baker and F. W. Richey. The
upper mill is known as the Crown Roller Mills and the lower mill as the
State Roller Mills.




194


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


SAND BANDS.
The credit for producing this useful invention is due to Myron
Stark, of Dowagiac, and William M. Farr has been associated in its
manufacture for thirty years and is now the sole proprietor of the plant.
Sketches of both these men will be found elsewhere in this volume and
it is sufficient to say here that the factory has grown to be one of those
that increase the reputation of Dowagiac as a substantial manufacturing center and bring outside wealth to this point.
OTHER MANUFACTURES.
Among the plants enumerated in the inspector's report, mention
should also be made of the Standard Cabinet Company, which was established in 1899 and employs thirty or forty men.  Its output is sold
throughout the middle west.
BANKING AND FINANCE.
Cass county had none of the unfortunate experiences with "wildcat" finance which are part of the record of some Southern Michigan
counties. Of course the financial panics and business depression of the
thirties extended their baneful influence to the people of this county, but
the frenzy of speculation and inflated currency were never localized here
in a banking institution of the wild-cat type.
Cassopolis has the honor of possessing the first banking institution.
Asa and Charles Kingsbury, two names most prominent in the banking history of.the county seat, began a private banking house in I855.
This was a quarter of a century after the settlement of the county and
when we consider how important and necessary the bank is as an institution in this age the question might naturally be asked, Where did the
people put their money and transact their financial affairs during those
years? In the first place, the amount of money in circulation was very
small and the wealth of the people was quite fully represented in labor
and tangible property. A place to keep the cash surplus was little needed.
Then, the financial transactions of the time were not of every-day occurrence, and the machinery of checks and drafts and organized finance
was not so essential. So we see that banks were not so much needed in
the early days as grocery stores and schools and churches, and were
not established until the country reached a fair degree of development.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


195


FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CASSOPOLIS.
The Kingsburys dissolved partnership in 1857, and thereafter Asa
Kingsbury conducted the business until the organization of the First
National Bank.  This well known institution has had an existence of
thirty-five years.  The personnel of its officials and stockholders has
always been mnaintained at a high standard, and the organizers, in November, I87C, were representative of the best business interests of the
village and county at that time, as those now concerned in the management are representative of the business ideals of this epoch. The
incorporators and stockholders were: Asa Kingsbury, S. T. Read, Joseph K. Ritter, Isaac Z. Edwards, David M. Howell, Charles W. Clisbee, Charles H. Kingsbury, Joel Cowgill, E. B. Sherman, Amanda F.
Ritter, Daniel Wilscn, all of Cassopolis; also David Lilly, of LaGrange
township; James E. Bonine, of Penn township, and N. Boardman, E.
M. Irvin, D. C. Read and Henry F. Kellogg, from outside the county.
The first directors were: Asa Kingsbury, Joseph K. Ritter, David
M. Howell, David Lilly, James E. Bonine and E. B. Sherman. The
present directors are: M. L. Howell, C. A. Ritter, J. H. Johnson, H.
D. Smith, A. M. Kingsbury, Ellen R. Funk, W. G. Bonine, all of
Cassopolis excepting J. H. Johnson, a resident of Penn township. Asa
Kingsbury was president from the date of the first charter until his
death in 1883, when he was succeeded by David M. Howell, who first
held the office of vice-president, and served until his death the same
year. His successors have been Joseph K. Ritter, 1884-91; Sylvador T.
Read, I893-98; Marshal L. Howell, since I898. The first cashier was
Charles H. Kingsbury, who was succeeded by Charles A. Ritter, the
present incumbent, in I891,, who then was assistant cashier and was
succeeded by David L. Kingsbury, assistant at this time. The bank has
a capital of $50o,oo; surplus and profits, $50,000.
DOWAGIAC BANKS.
H. B. Denman was the first banker of Dowagiac, establishing a
private bank in I856, and was the leading spirit in organizing the First
National Bank in 1865. This for six years was the only national bank
in the county. Also in i865 the late Daniel Lyle and Joseph Rogers
established a private banking office. In 1869, Mr. Denman having relinquished the controlling interest in First National stock and Mr. Lyle
becoming the chief stockholder, the two institutions merged their inter



196


HlSTORY OF CASS COULNTY


ests, with Mr. Lyle as president of the First National, while in the same
year Nelson F. Choate became cashier.
When the charter of the First National expired in 1883 it was
not renewed, but the bank was reorganized as a private bank under the
firm name of D. Lyle & Company, Bankers. On the death of Daniel
Iyle-one of the foremost citizens, a man whose memory deserves permanant record not only in financial affairs of his city, but in publicspirited citizenship-another reorganization was effected, this time a
state charter being taken out, and at that date the City Bank of Dowagiac was born. Then again, in 1904, the state bank organization was
dissolved and since then the bank has been conducted by the firm of
Lyle, Gage & Company, Bankers, under the old name.
The first officers of the bank under the state organization in I887
were: John Lyle, president; N. F. Choate, vice president; F. W. Lyle,
cashier; I. B. Gage, assistant cashier. At the next change, in I904, the
officers became: F. W. Lyle, president; N. F. Choate, vice president;
I. B. Gage, cashier; Leon R. Lyle, assistant cashier. In February, I906,
occurred the death of Nelson F. Choate, who had been identified with
banking interests in the city nearly forty years. The official directorate then' became: F. WV. Lyle, president; I. B. Gage, vice president;
L. R. Lyle, cashier; F. J. Phillips, assistant cashier.  The flourishing
condition of the City Bank is shown in the statement of nearly $350,ooo deposits and surplus, indicating the creditable management since
I865 and also the financial status of the city and country.
LEE BROTHERS COMPANY, BANKERS.
This institution, whose offices are in the Beckwith Theatre block,
had its origin in the brokerage business begun by C. T. Lee in I867
and the exchange bank established by him in I875. The present firm
was established in 1887, its personnel being C. T. Lee, Henry M. Lee
and Fred F. Lee. C. A. Hux has held the office of cashier since I896.
This bank has deposits of over $300,00o.
The Sage brothers, Martin G. and Norman, while engaged in the
mercantile and milling business at Adamsville, received money and issued certificates of deposit and sold exchange on New York.
About ten years ago a private banking concern, backed by Chicago
capital, was started at Edwardsburg. A failure of the Chicago enterprise resulted in closing the Edwardsburg branch. The citizens there



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


197


upon organized a "Citizens' Bank," which did business for one year,
when it also closed.
FARMERS' MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY.
This company has had a longer continuous career than any other
of the financial concerns of the county. It was organized May 8, I863,
its object being the insurance of farm buildings at a minimum  cost
and on the mutual plan. In the list of its officials during more than
forty years' successful business have been numbered some of the most
influential and substantial agriculturists of the county.  Its first officers and directors were:  Jesse G. Beeson, one of the founders of
Dowagiac city, president; A. Jewell, of Wayne township, treasurer;
A. D. Stocking, of Dowagiac, secretary; and WV. G. Beckwith, of Jefferson, Israel Ball, of Wayne, William R. Fletcher, of Wayne, Frank
Brown, of Pokagon, Daniel Blish, of Silver Creek, directors.
The present officers are as follows:  Samuel Johnson, president:
Frank Atwood, secretary; J. J. Ritter, treasurer; James H. Graham, C.
H. Scott, Clint Elsey, Edson Woodman, Walter N. Sommers, director.




198


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


CHAPTER XIII.
AGRICULTURE.
The pioneer farmers of Cass county were probably as progressive
as those of any other part of the country at that time. They brought
with them from their homes in the older states the methods which prevailed there. And, as many of them came from the east, which was
considered the most progressive section of the country, they must have
known the hest methods of farming which were practiced in their lay.
But the first farmers of this county were confronted with a task
such as has been unknown in the settlement of the more western prairie
states. The obstacles to be overcome were great, the implements and
means were primitive. The steel plow was not invented until after Cass
county had been substantially settled and improved. Whereas the western prairie sod is turned over for the first time by immense gang plows,
drawn by four or five horses, or even by a traction engine, the farmer
of the twenties or thirties had to depend on; a wooden moldboard shod
with an iron share roughly made at a local blacksmith shop.
With this hint at pioneer conditions it is evident that agriculture
has tindergorne development in as wonderful degree as any other phase
of the county's history. It will be the purpose of this chapter to describe as far as possible the methods and circumstances of early agriculture, and from the point of view of the past indicate the great changes
that have preceded modern agriculture.
The pioneer farmer's first work, after a rude temporary shelter had
been provided, was to prepare a little spot of ground for the first crop.
Those who located on Pokagon, Beardsley's and other well known
prairies-and, as we know. those were the favorite selections of the
first settlers —were very fortunate in this respect. Relieved of the necessity to clear off the trees, they had only to turn over the prairie so(l.
But even so, the undertaking involved labor that one man alone could
hardly accomplish. The turf on the prairies was very tough, and the
ground in most places was filled with a net-work of the wire-like red
root. If the location was in the oak woods, it was necessary to girdle
the trees, clearing away the underbrush and sweeping the surface with




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


199'3'3


fire. The dead trunks of the trees were sometimes left standing the first
season, and the corn grew up among the aisles of the blasted forests.
Although the surface of the ground had been cleared, just beneath
there remained the roots of the former growth, and these, formed into
massive "stools," were for several years insuperable obstacles to easy
farming. Anl ordinary plow team would have been useless among the
stools and grubs, and a common plow would have been quickly demolished. The plow used was a massive construction of wood and iron,
and was known as the "bull plow." The share and coulter were of iron,
and made very heavy and strong.   The beam was long and of huge
proportions, to resist the enormous strain brought upon it. Usually the
weight of one of these ponderous bull plows was about three hundred
pounds, and occasionally one was found weighing five hundred pounds.
Six or seven yoke of oxen, and sometimes more, were required to pull
this implement through the ground. \iith such an equipment, the or(linary roots were torn from the ground like straws and subsequent cultivation was nmade easy. It usually took two. persons to (lo the plowing,
a man to hold the plow and either a man or a boy to drive the team.
This process of "breaking" new land was made a regular business by
some of the pioneers, just as threshing is at the present time.
In a few years plows with iron moldboards were introduced, but
as they Nould not scour well in all kinds of soil, they were not considered a success at first. Besides, as the ground was full of roots, of new
stumps and standing trees, the wooden moldboard was less liable to
break than one of iron. so it was better adapted to the conditions than
the iron one. The cultivation was (lone with the hoe at first, then came
the "fluke," a V-shaped woToden frame with five iron flukes, (rawn by one
horse, then the single shovel plow, then the loublle shovel plow, which was
in use for a number of years. Among the trees, stumps and roots both
the plowing aand cultivation were tedious, laborious and disagreeable
work. This condition continued for a number of years, until the stumps
had decayed sufficiently to make it possible to remove them.
The planting was likewise prinitive. As the sod was turned over,
a man followed about every third furrow, dlug into the top of the furrow with his foot or with a hoe and planted corn, covering it in the
same wav. In some instances the corn was dropped in the furrow very
near the outside, so that the edge of the next furrow when turned over
would be directly over the grain. The corn would then come througl
between the two furrows. Wheat was sown among the stumps and trees.




200


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


The grain was harrowed in with a wooden-toothed harrow. The farmer who did not have even one of those rude implements would cut a
small tree, trim off part of the limbs so as to leave a bushy end, weight
it with a log, and, hitching his team to it, would get about the-same
results as from a tooth harrow.
in harvesting the corn the stalk "was not utilized, as is done at the
present cay. The prevailing practice was to pull the ear from the stalk,
husk and all, haul the corn to a pile and then husk it. The husk was
utilized for feed, and as much of the grain as was not needed for home
consumption was hauled asway to market. As soon as large crops of
corn were grown husking bees became the fashion.    The corn was
pulled from- the stalk and put in a pile, as when the farmer himself, or
he and his family (lid the husking. Then a number of neighbors assembled and everybody husked. This was repeated at the home of each
farmer until all had their crops husked.
Wheat was harvested with the cradle, such an implement as a
reaper or harvesting machine of any kind not then being dreamed of.
Besides the cradle. the sickle also was in use at that time. But that was
used only in wheat that had blown down or grew among stumps and
trees. making it difficult and sometimes impossible to cradle. And for
the first few years that was a large portion of the crop. It was well
that only a limited area could be sown, because had there been a greater
acreage it doubtless would not have been harvested. The work of harvesting with those old-time implements was extremely slow in comparison with the way it can be tlone with our improved harvesting machinery. The threshing was done either with a flail or the grain was tramped
out by horses. Both processes were very slow, the former being about
as slow as harvesting with the sickle. When horses were used a threshing foor was made out-of-doors by smoothing the ground or beating
it until it was as solid as could be made. The horses were ridden by
boys, while two men worked the grain toward the center of the floor
and threw out the straw.
In the early forties a machine came into use which threshed out the
grain and dispensed both with the use of the flail and the tramping of
horses. This machine consisted only of a cylinder, and was operated
by horse power. When the threshing was done by any of these methods
the grain had to be separated from the chaff by fanning with a sheet,
the wind blowing the chaff away. There were no fanning mills then,
but they were introduced a few years later. These mills were in the




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


201


crudest form, but were considered a great improvement over the winnowing sheet. All of this labor had to be done in order that the farmer
might produce a supply of wheat sufficient to provide bread for his
family and, if possible, a small surplus to sell.
Wheat regularly sold for fifty cents a bushel for many years, whicl
seems a small remuneration for the labor bestowed upon the raising.
During the early thirties, however, when immigration was greater than
the settled population, the newcomers took all the surplus wheat at extravagant prices.  This stimulated the farners to unusual efforts and
the following year everybody had wheat to sell, and prices were too
low to pay for the labor of raising. George Meacham, in his capacity
as sheriff of the county, called the farmers together at Cassopolis to take
concerted action for disposing of the grain.  It was suggested that a
warehouse should be built at the mouth of the St. Joseph. Abiel Silver,
one of the proprietors of the distillery at Cassopolis, came to the rescue
by agreeing to purchase all the surplus. It was not long after that the
tide of immigration increased so that the demand once more took all
the supply.
Corn and wheat were the two leading crops grown then, as they
are now. Other crops that were grown were oats, rye, potatoes, buckwheat and flax. Oats were usually fed in the straw, only enough being threshed out for the next year's seed. A patch of potatoes was
planted on every farm for home use, but there were very few, if any,
grown for market. The crop being a bulky one and the market so distant made the growing of potatoes as a market crop impracticable. Flax
was raised for home use, the product being manufactured into linen
for a part of the family's wearing apparel.
No attention was paid to the rotation of crops. Corn was planted
after coin, and wheat after wheat, and that was continued year after
year. Sometimes these crops were alternated, but only as a matter of
convenience and not to prevent exhaustion of the soil. It was not necessary at that time to give any attention to this matter, which has come
to be one of the most important questions the farmer of the present
day has to consider. When the timber was first cleared away the land
was full of fertility, and the possibility of the soil losing its substance
had not yet been thought of. Had the same care been exercised in conserving fertility then as the farmers are compelled to exercise now, the
soils would never have become impoverished, as so many of them have.
It has already been told how some of the first settlers, immediately




202


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


on arriving in the county, especially if they came in the fall of the
year, busied themselves with cutting and stacking a sufficient amount of
the native hay to feed their stock for the winter. Uzziel Putnam and
Abram Townsend cut their first winter's supply of forage on the prairie
about the present site of Edwardsburg.
For many years the hay crop consisted of the native grasses.
When the settlers were yet few in number the prairie and marsh land
grasses furnished an abundant supply of hay for their live stock. When
the prairie lands were all taken up each farmer on those lands set off
a portion of his farm for a meadow, but this was sufficient only for the
owner, and those who had settled in the timber had to look elsewhere
for a supply. There was an abundant growth of grass on what were
then known as wet prairies, or mowing marshes, which after being cut
and cured in the sun, was called "massauga" hay because of the numerous snakes by that name on the marshes. At first every settler could
find a sufficient supply of this marsh grass near his home if he had none
on his farm.  This hay had to be mowed by hand, then thrown together and hauled from the marsh on a small sled drawn by a yoke of
oxen. The ground was so soft that a team of horses and a wvagon could
not be driven over it. Only a small bit could be hauled out at a time
in this way, and it took a number of these sled loads to make a w\agon
load. The same method of making hay had to be employed on all of the
wet prairies of those days.
With this view of the status of agriculture sixty years ago, it is
not 'difficult to realize the broad developments that have taken place
since then.  Farming has become easier with every year. Its conditions and surroundings are no longer those of the common laborer.
Several things have contributed to this change. Some claim that the
invention of labor-saving machinery and its general use has done more
to elevate agriculture than any other factor. It certainly is not wide
of the mark to measure the progress of agriculture by the distance that
separates the self-binder from the cradle. Yet there are other factors.
The working and hiring of help has been quite reformed from   the
methods of fifty years ago. The progressive farmer no longer depends
on transient labor. Not so many years ago, when harvest time or other
extra press of work arrived, the farmer would start out into the surrounding country and hire by the day such men as were available.
This is neither practicable nor possible now. Improved machinery has
done much to relieve the farmer of the necessity of hiring day laborers.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


203


His policy now is to hire a man by the year, and often a man of family,
who will live on the farm and give it his entire attention.
Transportation has also effected many changes in farming methods.
In place of marketing by the bushel, the farmer now markets "on the
hoof," that is, feeds his grain products to stock. And of recent years
the farmers do not hesitate to import stock cattle from distant ranges
of the Dakotas or the Southwest and feed them for market on grain
raised in Cass county. This in itself is one of the most important developments of Cass county agriculture.
In the general upward trend of property values land is the last thing
to appreciate.  At a distance of ten years from the beginning of the
present remarkable era of prosperity, the farm lands of the county show
only a slight increase in value. But now more than ever the worth of
Cass county lands is being understood.  Instead of passing on to the
western lands, where climate and soil are uncertain, the farmers of
Ohio and other states in the east and middle west, after selling their
farms at from $60 to $ioo an acre, are choosing to locate on moderately priced lands in Cass county rather than investing in property which
not for many years will have the environment of comfort and culture
found here.
Much of Cass county is situated in the famous Michigan fruit belt.
The northern part of the county shares with Van Buren county a reputation as a grape growing center. The shipping points of Mattawan,
Lawton and Decatur draw upon northern Cass county for large quantities of grapes, as w-ell as other fruits. There is a large acreage in the
county better adapted to fruit culture than any other crop, and fruitgrowing is increasing at the expense of other crops.
Mention should be made of the mint culture which has become a
feature of Cass county agriculture during the past few years.  The
muck land of Volinia and \avyne and other townships is well adapted
to mint growing. Mint is cultivated in rows like corn, and is cut just
before it blooms, and from the harvest is distilled the mint oil. A still
plant can be built for about $300'. As an example of the crop's value,
it is claimed that eight acres in Volinia township last season produced
mint oil to the value of $1,050.
One of the conspicuous methods of caring for crops should be
mentioned. 'Within recent years progressive farmers have built silo
plants for the purpose of preserving the essential qualities of "roughening" or fodder throughout the winter. One of the first things to catch




204


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


the attention on many farms in the county is the silo plant, and often
there are several of them.  In these huge cylindrical, air-tight tanks,
built of "silo lumber," and some of the recent ones of cement, the
green corn, stalk and all, after being cut up by a special machine, is
stored very much as vegetables are canned. While in the reservoir it
undergoes a slight fermentation process, but with the exception of a
small portion on the top, which rots and molds just as the top of a can
of fruit often does, and which is thrown out before the rest is used,
the entire contents of the tank are preserved with original sweetness
and wholesomeness for feeding to stock (luring the severe winter season. WhNat an improvement this method is over the old one of stacking
the dry fodder in the late fall, when most of its essential qualities have
dried out, even one unfamiliar with agriculture can readily realize.
THE GRANGE.
The Grange, whose basic purposes are educational, fraternal and
the general improvement of the farmer and his family and the conditions under which he works, has not been the factor in agriculture in
this county which it has proved in other counties of Michigan, and yet
its influence as a state and national organization for the uplift and improvement of agriculture has been so great and so widely distributed
that it deserves some mention in this chapter.
The National Grange organization was commenced in I867; but
it was during the middle seventies that the movement reached its height
in southern Michigan. The general name applicable to the organization
as a whole is "Patrons of Husbandry," the "granges" being the subordinate branches, but the name Grange is the one generally used in referring to all departments of the organization. The Grange was the
first fraternal organization to admit the wives and daughters on an
equal basis in every way.
A few words should be said about the work of the Grange in
general. The Grange was one of the most active forces behind pure
food legislation in Michigan, and to its efforts-to give only one example-is due the fact that oleomargarine must be labeled with its
true name, and not as butter. The Grange has more or less actively
entered the field of commerce. In some counties "Grange Stores" have
been established and successfully conducted. In Cass county they have
not been so successful.
The Grange claims to be the father of rural free delivery. Cer



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


205


tainly it has used its influence nowhere to better advantage, for free
delivery in the country is now conceded to be the greatest boon that
has come to the farmer. It has brought him in touch with the world and
more than anything else has made obsolete the term "countrified" as
applied to the tiller of the soil. And this is in direct line with the purposes of the Grange.
CASS COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
With the celebration of the Cass county fair in September of this
year (I906) will he rounded out a period of fifty-five years since the
first fair in the county and the above organization came into existence.
The society was organized in the spring of I85I, and the first fair
held in the following fall. Justus Gage was president and George B.
Turner secretary during the first year. The society held annual fairs
from its organization up to I884. Since that time no fairs have been
held by the society. One year ago a new organization was effected
and held a successful fair.
The Agricultural Society has been unfortunate in its choice of
location, which three times has been changed owing to the exercise of
"the right of eminent domain."  Until 1857 the fairs were held on
Samuel Graham's land at Cassopolis. Then fair grounds were bought
and laid out near where the Air Line depot is. The Peninsular (Grand
Trunk) railroad had the right of way, ran through the grounds and the
society was compelled to move. but at once got in the road of the Air
Line, having purchased the grounds on which is Forest Hall on the
shore of Diamond lake, and had to abandon its second location. In
I871 the society bought twenty acres of land of Samuel Graham in the
north part of the village at a cost of $3,000. This location was also
interfered with a few years ago when the railroad was surveyed and
graded in a northwesterly direction across the county.
During the years the society held its fairs it succeeded in paying
off all its indebtedness, but to do so life memberships were sold to many
of the patrons. This cut down the receipts at the 1884 fair, so, that there
was not money enough to pay the premiums. Money was borrowed for
that purpose, and a mortgage given on the grounds to secure the loan.
In time foreclosure proceedings were begun and the village of Cassopolis bought the land and now owns it.
VOLINIA FARMERS' CLUB.
Most notable, in many respects, of all the farmers' organizations




206


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


was the Volinia Farmers' Club, which was organized in I865 for the
purpose of increasing "the knowledge of agriculture and horticulture"
among its members and which held annual fairs in Volinia that were
occasions of widespread interest and yearly anticipation, and of inestimable value in raising the agricultural and stock standards of the
locality. The first officers of the club were B. G. Buell, president; A. B.
Copley and John Struble, vice presidents; F. E. Warner, treasurer;
H. S. Rogers, secretary.  Of the older and original members John
Huff and William Erskin are probably the only ones now living. Prominent among the members now deceased were H. S. Rogers, secretary
for many years; M. J. Gard, father of the present county treasurer; B.
G. Buell, Levi Lawrence, Benjamin Hathaway, I. N. Gard, M. B.
Goodenough, Dr. Thomas, J. W. Eaton and James S. Shaw.
The club met once a month, and the annual fair was held in the
fall on the I. N. Gard farm, and once on the Buell farm. The fair was
an agricultural and stock display, at which no premiums except ribbons
were offered, and everyone had a right to exhibit. The expenses were
met largely by a small individual fee upon the members and by rental of
booths.  There were running races, but the horse racing feature wTas
not developed to the exclusion of all other interests. A big tent was
used to shelter some of the displays and to provide quarters for other
indoor features.  The fair lasted two days and drew its attendance
from all the country round.
VOLINIA AND WAYNE ANTI-HORSE THIEF SOCIETY.
This organization, begun in I852, and still maintained among
the farmers of the two townships named, provides the effective restraint
upon horse thieves with which nearly every agricultural community
has at some time been troubled. There are about one hundred members
of the society, although the maintenance of the organization is the only
business of importance transacted.  The society has always succeeded
in recovering captured animals, and its record is the best justification
of its existence. The meetings of the society are held at Crane's schoolhouse in Volinia.  At organization the charter membership included
eleven men, and was then confined to Volinia township, but membership was later extended to Wayne township. The first officers were
Isaac ~Waldron, chairman; George Newton, secretary; Jonathan Gard,
treasurer.








J




I
_L~


OLD COURT HOUSE, CASSOPOLIS.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


2)07


CHAPTER     XIV.
THE COURT HOUSE AND OTHER COUNTY INSTITUTIONS.
The contest between Cassopolis and other villages for the location
of the county seat has been elsewhere described. For five or six years
after the organization of the county there was no fixed home for the
transaction of official business. The first courts and the first meetings
of the boards of supervisors were held at Edwardsburg, and later in
private houses in Cassopolis. A jail was the first consideration with
the supervisors. This having been completed, the board, in the fall of
I835, provided for the erection, on the west side of Broadway, north
of York street, of a wooden building, 34 by 24 feet in dimensions,
costing not to exceed four hundred and fifty dollars, the same to be
used for a court house and "to contain desks for judges and bar.'' The
late Joseph Harper took the contract for the erection of this court
house, and it was ready for occupancy May I, I835. This first court
house. it is seen, was not on the public square and stood well to the
north end of the original village.
However, the court house with which most of the old inhabitants
of Cass county are familiar is the building which now stands on the
south side of State street, west, and is used as a storage house. Its
classic lines, its solid columns, combining the effects of the Greek temple with Colonial residences, indicate that in its better days it was a
more pretentious structure and sheltered affairs of larger importance
than it now does. For more than half a century this building, which
is pictured on another page, stood on the northeast quarter of the
public square, and within its walls transpired the official actions which
accompanied Cass county's progress from pioneer times to the close
of the last century.
The "Court House Company" constructed this court house. The
members of that company were the well known citizens, Darius Shaw,
Joseph Harper, Jacob Silver, Asa Kingsbury and A. H. Redfield. In
August, 1839, they entered into a contract with the county commissioners, David Hopkins, Henry Jones and James W. Griffin to erect
a court house 54 feet in length and 46 feet in width and 24 feet high




208


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


from sills to eaves, the material to be of wood, except the large brick
vault; the first story to be fitted for office rooms and the second story
to form the court and jury rooms. Six thousand dollars was the price
agreed upon for putting up such a building, one-third of this sum to be
paid in cash and the remainder in village lots, which the original owners had given to the county in consideration of the locating of the
county seat at Cassopolis.
The Court House Company discharged their duties in strict conformance with specifications, and the building was ready for use in I84I,
according to contract. Nearly sixty years elapsed from this date until
the stone building now in use was completed and accepted for court
house purposes.  The old building early became inadequate for the
accommodation of all the county officers, and in I86o the offices of
clerk, judge of probate, register of deeds and treasurer were transferred to a brick building specially erected by the board of supervisors
on the northwest quarter of the square, where they remained until
the completion of the court house six years ago. The building, commonly called the "Fort," is now used for a laundry. It was built by
Maj. Joseph Smith.
THE PRESENT COURT HOUSE.
The building of the court house which now adorns the public
square in Cassopolis has a history such as few buildings of the kind
in Michigan possess, and in a permanent record of the county it is
proper to prepare an adequate and accurate account of the events and
circumstances connected with the erection of this building.
October 19, 1897, at the regular session of the board of supervisors, Mr. C. HI. Kimmerle introduced a preamble and resolutions
which was the first effective move toward the construction of a suitable county building. After reciting the facts that the old court house
was "inadequate for the accommodation of business and was becoming
old and dilapidated," and that the records of the county were "crowded
into small and inconvenient rooms in a separate building unprotected
from fire and theft" (referring to the office quarters that had been built
in I86o), it was resolved to construct a court house costing not to exceed forty thousand dollars, "such building to be fireproof and of sufficient capacity to accommodate all the county officers, the board of
supervisors and the circuit court."
The board deferred the consideration of the original resolution




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY                     209
until the January session, and on January 6, I898, the board adopted,
by a vote of 14 to 4, an amended motion whose salient provisions were
the following: The sum of forty thousand dollars, which was to cover
the entire cost of the building, including furniture, plumbing, heating
apparatus, was to be raised bly loan secured and evidenced by four
hundred bonds of the county of one hundred dollars each, bearing interest at the rate of four per cent per annum and payable as followsthe first eighty on January 15, I899; and eighty on the i5th of January
each year thereafter until all were paid.
The resolution also provided that the proposition should be referred to the people at the township elections, and it will be of interest
to record the vote as cast for and against this proposition by the various
townships of the county. The total vote was 501I, and a majority of
229 was cast in favor of the new court house. The tabulated vote is
as follows:
Yes.    No.
Marcellus....................... 174  335
Volinia............................  59  222
W ayne............................  44   I53
Silver  Creek.........................   81  145
Pokagon...........................112  I  7
La  Grange........................ 507  38
Penn.........................     189   153
Newberg....................... 142   I92
Porter............................ 130  15I
Calvin.........1...................177  104
Jefferson........................... 135  39
Howard...........................83      125
Milton............................. 52    54
Ontwa.............................I o   77
M ason.............................  92  74
Dowagiac, ist ward.................99    I41
Dowagiac, 2nd ward................ 172   Io8
Dowagiac, 3rd ward................. 164  123
2620   239I
The old court house was soon sold to the highest bidder, George
M. Kingsbury being awarded the sale at $25, conditioned on his removing the building from the court house site and giving the use of the
building for county purposes until the new structure was finished.
The committee on specifications, consisting of six supervisors and




210


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


one outsider, was first made up of the following: Supervisors* Huntley,
White, Breece, Phillips, Beeman, Lindsley and Mr. David L. Kingsbury.
The building committee consisted of Supervisors Kimmerle, Huntley, Lindsley, Motley and Mr. Kingsbury.
The finance committee, as first made up, were Supervisors White,
Atwood and Gard.
D. B. Smith was elected local superintendent of construction, and
on October 5, I898, the corner stone of the building was laid by the
local lodge of Masons.
Tn the meantime the committees had been called upon to consider
the bids of the various contractors-and there were at least half a
dozen applying for the contract-and on July 15, 1898, the contract
was awarded to J. E. Gibson of Logansport, Ind., on the basis of the
following letter: "I, the undersigned, propose and agree to furnish all
the material and labor necessary to erect and build your proposed new
court house according to revised plans for and in consideration of the
sum of $31,500.-J. E. Gibson."
The contract was let to Gibson by a vote of II to 5. The work
then proceeded.  The superstructure was only partly completed in the
rough when certain differences between Gibson and the committee came
to a crisis. The contractor claimed remuneration for extra work, while
the committee charged failure to follow the plans and the use of improper
naterial. According to the minutes of November io, "Contractor Gibson announced he would do no further work until an estimate was
made and not then unless the estimate was a liberal one, he to be the
judge."
Because of this alleged "unreasonable neglect and suspension of
work and failure to follow drawings and specifications" and various
other items enumerated, including unauthorized departures from  the
original plans, a meeting of the board of supervisors was called, November I7th. at which it was resolved that the contract between Gibson
and the county was terminated.  In February, 1899, the work already
done on the court house was estimated at the value of ten thousand
dollars, and it was calculated that $25,000 was needed to complete the
building according to plans and specifications.
February 23, I899. the board made a contract with the firm of
James Rowson and August Mohnke, of Grand Rapids.      A quotation
*For full names of supervisors, see official lists for the year.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


211.


from the contract will show the position of the board with reference
to the matter. After reciting the original contract between the county
and Gibson and the status of the work up to date, it continues —"Whereas said Jordan E. Gilson so disregarded his said contract and the plans,
specifications and drawings both in the use of unfit material and in the
manner of the performance of his work and so delayed and neglected
the completion of said building that much of the work done by him has
been injured and damaged by the frost, so that the said county through
its board of supervisors acting under provisions of said contract declared his employment at an end and took possession of said building
and premises and all and singular of said material, and to the end that
said imperfect work and material might be removed, mended and replaced and said building constructed according to plans and specifications, this contract is entered into, etc."
Under the new contract the work proceeded rapidly. January 8,
900o, the building committee reported that "the court house is now
substantially completed.  About that time the county offices were
moved to their new home, and the court house was formally accepted
at the October session of I9oo. The total cost of the building, including all extras, was as follows:
Amount under contract, including that paid Gibson......$35,200.00
Furniture, including lighting fixtures..................... 3,575.09
Extra work on building..............................   I,922.79
Heating  contract....................................  3,100.00
T otal........................................$43,797.88
The excess of cost over the first contract was credited to the failure
of Gibson to perform his contract. "Since the county was compelled
to re-let the contract at an increased price and re-build a considerable
part of the work constructed by Gibson, for which the county had
actually paid him, the excess apparent from this report was created."
The finance committee managed the negotiation of the bonds admirably. The first series of $8,ooo, payable January 15, I899, was not sold,
hut levied upon the taxable property of the county for the year
1898, thus effecting a saving of nearly two hundred dollars in interest.
The remaining thirty-two thousand were sold to the First National
Bank of Cassopolis and delivered in sums of not less than five thousand
dollars as the work on the court house required.
In the meantime J. E. Gibson had sued the county for the value of




212


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


the material which he claimed to be on the ground at the time the contract
was terminated.  In the fall of 1899 the United States circuit court,
before which the case was heard, decided adversely to the county, and on
March 9, 19oI, the judgment was affirmed in the United States court of
appeals, to which the county had taken an appeal on a writ of error and
hill of exception. As there were no available funds in the county treasury to meet the judgment, it was resolved by the board of supervisors
to issue fifteen bonds of $I,ooo each, at four per cent, the first seven to
mature on January 15, 1904, and the remaining eight on January I5,
1905.  Supervisor Kimmerle, with the county treasurer, negotiated
these bonds successfully to the banks of the county. In estimating the
cost of the court house to Cass county, the amount of this judgment
must be added to the other estimate, so that the aggregate cost of the
court house was nearly sixty thousand dollars.
JAILS.
Cass county's first public building was a jail. The board of supervisors, in March, I832, voted a sum  not to exceed $350 from   the
amount subscribed for the location of the county seat at Cassopolis to
be expended on a "gaol." Alexander H. Redfield let the contract, which
specified that the structure should be 15 by 30 feet in ground dimensions and one story high, of hewn logs one foot square. The building
was not completed in contract time and was not ready for use till 1834.
Shortly afterward the jail was floored and lined with plank, the logs
being driven full of nails and covered with strap iron as additional
protection. The lock, nearly as large as one of the windows, is now
a relic in the Pioneer Society's collection. This first jail, which was
torn down about I870, stood on the northeast corner of block I south,
range 2 west, on the south side of State street and west of Disbrow.
The jailer's residence, a frame building erected a number of years after
the jail, is still standing, having been converted into, a paint shop.
The first jail was replaced in I815I by a brick structure that stood
on the court house square just north of the present court house. It
was not a satisfactory building in point of its main purpose, the secure
confinement of prisoners.
In I878-79 was erected the present jail and sheriff's residence at
a cost of $I7,770. W. H. Myers, of Fort Wayne, Ind., was the contractor, and Charles G. Banks, Charles L. Morton and Joseph Smith
were the building committee, Daniel B. Smith being local superintendent




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


213


of construction. The jail was completed in February, I879, the first
plans for its erection having been made by the board of supervisors in
I877.
When the jail was built there was installed what was then a
modern heating plant. It proved unsatisfactory, and when the new
court house was built a brick addition to house the furnace plant was
erected adjoining the jail, and a model steam heating plant installed for
both buildings.
CASS COUNTY POOR FARM.
The Cass County Poor Farm. comprising 280 acres in sections 2,
3 and Io, of Jefferson township, with its equipment of buildings, is the
principal public charity in the county. Though the poor and unfortunate
are always with us, the provisions for their care change to greater efficiency only to keep pace with the development of the community, and the
increase of comforts with society at large. Hence the first maintenance
of the public poor was as crude as the need for such charity was limited.
The county poor were first provided for at a farm near Edwardsburg, a visit of the county commissioners to the institution being recorded in the later thirties.
The county officials next purchased of Asa Kingsbury the land in
Jefferson township upon which the present institution is located, but
a small log house was the only building designed for shelter, and small
as was the number of inmates, the methods and means of caring for
them was completely lacking in system. In view of this situation the
board of supervisors, in October, 1853, appropriated the sum of $2,000
for the erection of a suitable building. Pleasant Norton was the agent
appointed to manage the construction, and W. G. Beckwith and Joshua
Lofland were the building committee. The contract for a brick building was given to, Lewis Clisbee and son, at $I,795, and the work completed and accepted in November, 18154.
Fourteen years later, in I868, a committee from the board of supervisors reported that the poor house was "an utterly unfit habitation for
the paupers of the county," consequently the board recommended the
raising of $5,ooo for an addition to the building. This tax levy was
approved by the people at the polls in April, I869. The money could
not be used, however, for the erection of a new building, only for
"additions," and the appropriations were made under that strict construction, although when the additions were completed early in I871,
the institution was practically new throughout. P. W. Silver was the




214             HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
contractor, and was paid in all nearly $8,ooo for the construction work.
D. M. Howell, James Boyd and Gideon Gibbs, superintendents of the
poor at the time, were also the building committee to whom the credit
of erecting the buildings belongs. In 1871 the asylum, a brick addition two stories high, was constructed, its cost being about the same as
the outlay for the other buildings, so that the county invested about
$I5,000 in this institution during the early '7s.








a
V%&E
jWL,




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


215


CHAPTER     XV.
EDUCATIO       N IN THE STATE AND COUNTY.
13v WILLIAM H. C. HALE,
County Commissioner of Schools.
In giving a history of education in Cass county, it is necessary to
speak briefly of education in the state of Michigan, as the educational
affairs have always been nearly uniform throughout the state.
Michigan was under the government of France from  1634 until
1760. Settlements were made at various places around the Great Lakes
by the Jesuit missionaries, but the most important French settlement
was the founding of Detroit by Cadillac in I70I.
Under the French control centralization was the fundamental principle in all affairs. The military commandant was supreme in the state,
and the priest or bishop in the church. Education was the function of
the church.  The initiative in everything was in the officials, not in
the people. There were no semi-independent local organizations, like
the New England towns, to provide for the management and support
of schools.
Two years after the founding of Detroit, Cadillac recommended
the establishment of a seminary at that place for the instruction of children of the savages with those of the French. It is doubtful if this recommendation produced any immediate results, as it is stated that no
indication of schools or teachers can be found until 1755, a half century
later.  Private schools of varying degrees of excellence are reported
to have existed from 1755. Most of these were short-lived and of inferior character.
Under the English control educational affairs remained the same
as under the French. and after the United States occupied and formed
a territorial government there was little change in educational affairs
until 1827, when a law was enacted providing for the establishment of
common schools throughout the territory. This act required every
township containing fifty families to support a school in which "reading, writing, orthography, arithmetic and decent behavior" should be




216


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


taught. This was the first legal course of study for the Michigan pupils. The period of centralization had now passed, and local democracy
was to have its opportunity. Emigration from the eastern states had
now reversed the old French ideas.
The actual state of elementary education and of educational affairs
as late as I836 is well pictured by Justice Thomas M. Cooley of the
State Suprene Court. "The schools at the time state government was
established were still very primitive affairs. There were as yet no professional teachers. Some farmer or mechanic, or perhaps a grown-up
son or daughter who had had the advantages of the common schools
of New York or New England, offered his or her services as a teacher
during the dull season of regular employment, and consented to take
as wages sucll sum as the district could afford to pay. A summer school
taught by a woman, who would be paid six or eight dollars a month,
and a winter school taught by a man whose compensation was twice as
great was what was generally provided for.  But in addition to the
wages the teacher received her board 'boarding round' among the patrons of the school and remaining with each a number of days determined by the number of pupils sent to school.  If we shall incline
to visit one of these schools in the newer portion of the state we shall
be likely to find it housed in a log structure covered with bark, imperfectly plastered between the logs to exclude the cold, and still more
imperfectly warmed by an open fireplace or by a box stove, for which
fuel is provided, as the board for the teacher is, by proportional contributors. The seats for the pupils may be slabs set on legs; the desks
may he other slabs laid upon supports fixed to the logs which constitute
the sides of the room. The school books are miscellaneous and consist
largely of those brought by the parents when emigrating to the territory. Those who write must rule their paper with pencils of their own
manufacture, and the master will make.pens for them from the goose
quill. For the most part the ink is of home manufacture. There are
no globes; no means of illustration; not even a blackboard.  Such in
many cases was the Michigan school.   Better school buildings were
now springing up, but as a rule nothing could seem more dreary or dispiriting than the average school district. Nevertheless, many an intellect received a quickening in those schools, which fitted it for a life of
useful and honorable activity. The new settlers made such provision
for the education of their children as was possible under the circumstances in which they were placed, and the fruits of their labors and




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


217


sacrifices in this direction were in many cases surprising." Long after
the formation of the state government in 1837 the schools of Cass
county fitted very closely the descriptions given by Judge Cooley of
the territorial schools.
Michigan owes a large debt of gratitude to Isaac C. Crary and
John D. Pierce. More than any other two men, they were instrumental
in laying the foundations of her educational system, and in giving direction to its early development.
Mr. Crary was a tmember of the constitutional convention of I835,
and was appointed chairman of the committee on education. The committee reported an article on education which was adopted by the convention almost without debate. This article provided for a system of
education very similar to what we now have.
In the constitutional convention of 1850, Mr. Crary and Mr. Pierce
were both members from Calhoun county. Mr. Pierce was a member
of the committee on education. An article was.finally adopted providing for our present system of education, but not without some very extended and serious debates.
The question of free schools was earnestly debated, and the debates revealed a wide diversity of views.  The discussions upon this
topic were long and earnest, and resulted in the compromise which provided for a free school in each district for three months each year. The
limit of three months was unsatisfactory to the friends of free schools,
but they accepted it on the principle that "half a loaf is better than no
bread at all."
It is impossible in this article to enter into a full discussion of
every section of the constitution on education. Section one states that
"the superintendent of public instruction shall have the general supervision of public instruction, and his duties shall be prescribed by law."
John D. Pierce was appointed the first superintendent of public
instruction by Governor Mason July 26, I836. At the session of the
legislature held in January, 1837, he reported a system of common
schools, and a plan for a university and its branches. The plan has
undergone many changes since then, but the fundamental principles
remain practically the same.
Mr. Pierce gave a long and very complete report to the first legislature. As a basis for the recommendations which he proposed to make,
he began by calling attention to the vital importance of knowledge and
virtue as the "broad and permanent foundations of a free state."




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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


In regard to the importance of education he said: "In an educated
and virtuous community there is safety; the rights of individuals are
regarded and property is respected and secure. It may be assumed as
a fundamental principle in our form of government that knowledge is
an element so essential to its existence and vigorous action that we can
have no rational hope of its perpetuation unless it is generally diffused."
He emphasized especially the value and importance of elementary education for the great mass of the people.  "Universities may be highly
important and academies of great utility, but primary schools are the
main dependence.  National liberty, sound morals and education must
stand or fall together. Common schools are democratic in their nature
and influence; they tend to unify society; in them the rich and the poor
come together on terms of perfect equality.
"Let free schools be established and maintained in perpetuity and
there can be no such thing as a permanent aristocracy in our land; for
the monopoly of' wealth is powerless where mind is allowed freely to
come in contact with mind. We need wisdom, and prudence, and foresight in our councils; fixedness of purpose, integrity and uprightness of
heart in our rulers; unwavering attachment to the rights of men among
all people; but these high attributes of a noble patriotism, these essential
elements of civilization and improvement will disappear when schools
shall cease to exert an all-pervading influence through the length and
breadth of our land."
A primary school system w as soon organized.  The unit of this
system was, as it still is, the subdivision of the township known as the
school district, and not to exceed nine sections or one-fourth of a township. This limit was not removed until I90o. The school district was
made practically almost independent in the management of its educational affairs. As the law now stands, the officers are the moderator,
treasurer and director, all elected for three years.
In the upper peninsula an entire township may be organized into
one district, with a board of education consisting of five members. In
the township districts there may be any number of schools. The object
of the township unit system was to bring all lands of a township under
taxation for school purposes.
School districts may now be consolidated into one district by the
consent of a majority of the resident taxpayers o'f each district.
School districts when consolidated, may levy taxes for the purpose of transporting pupils to and from school within the boundaries




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


219


of the district and may use the funds arising from the one mill tax
for the same purpose.  The law for the consolidation of school districts was enacted in 1903. Since then there have been a few cases of
consolidation. There have been nine cases of the consolidation of two
districts and four cases where three or more districts have been consoliclated. The counties where consolidation has been tried are St.
Clair, Wayne, Genesee, Kent, Isabella, Marquette, Emmet, Macomb,
Kalamazoo and Charlevo'ix.
The legislature of I901 enacted a law by which township high
schools may be organized.  Only pupils who have passed the eighth
grade can be admitted to, those schools.  There have been no such
schools organized up to this time, but the matter has been under consideration in several counties.
One of the provisions with which the early settlers became unwillingly familiar was the famous "rate bill" law, passed in 1843,
which provided that the patrons of each school.might raise the funds
necessary to continue the school through the term.  The parents or
guardians of the children were assessed a tax in proportion to the time
such children attended school.  This rate bill was made out by the
teacher at the close of each term, and the amount distributed among
the patrons. The law did not work well, for the poor parents or those
indifferent to education would send to school as long as the public funds
lasted, and \when the rate bill set in would take their children out.
Primary education thus became a question of ability to pay for it, and
the fundamental principle of popular education was threatened. Nevertheless, despite the inequality, the rate bill law was not repealed until
I869.
CERTIFICATES OF TEACHERS.
Under the provisions of. the first school law of the state the township school inspectors were the examining and supervising board of the
township.  They were required to examine all persons proposing to
teach in the public schools "in regard to moral character, learning and
ability to teach school." At first the certificates were valid for one year.
An amendment to the law in I859 allowed the inspectors, in their
discretion, to grant certificates for a term of not less than six months
nor more than two years. Until the passage of the act creating the
office of county superintendent in 1867, all examinations of teachers
of all grades, and all supervision of the common schools were made
by the township boards of school inspectors. This system of certifica



220


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


tion and supervision continued for thirty years.  It had many weak
points, and was pronounced a failure by the state superintendent in his
report for I866.
In I867 the legislature passed an act creating the office of county
superintendent of schools.  The law provided for the election of the
superintendents, for a term of two years, by vote of the people at the
April election. The county superintendents held examinations in each
township at least once a year, and granted three grades of certificates.
The first grade was valid for two years; the second for one year; and
the third for six months.
The extent of the examination was left to the discretion of the
superintendent, with only the proviso that it must include orthography,
reading, writing, grammar, geography and arithmetic.
In 1875 the legislature repealed the county superintendency act and
submitted a system of township superintendents, differing only a little
from the discarded and worthless plan of township inspectors.  The
township superintendent's duties were very similar to those of the
county superintendent, in the holding of examinations, and granting
certificates.
A new law, enacted in i88I, attempted to combine county examinations with township supervision.  The law provided for a county
hoard of three examiners elected by the chairman of the boards of
school inspectors, for a term of three years. This board examined the
teachers of the county and gave three grades of certificates, the first
grade valid for three years; the second for two, years; the third for one
year, throughout the county. The chairman of the board of school
inspectors was made supervisor of the schools of his township with the
ordinary duties and powers pertaining to that position.
In 1887 this law was revised and amended. Under this new law
two county examiners were chosen for a term of two years, by the
chairman of the township boards of inspectors.  These two with the
judge of probate, appointed and employed a secretary for the term of one
year. The secretary examined candidates for positions as teachers, and
the other members of the board acted with him in granting certificates.
The examination questions were to be furnished by the superintendent
of public instruction. In I88I theory and art of teaching, history of the
United States, and civil government had been added to the studies
in which examinations must be made. In 1887 physiology and hygiene
were also included.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


221


The secretary was required to visit each school in the county at
least once in the year, and to perform all the usual duties of a supervising officer.
In I89I an act was passed providing for county commissioners of
schools and two county examiners.
Until I903 commissioners were elected on the first Monday of
April for a term of two years; since then they are elected for four years.
The commissioner is a county superintendent with a different title, and
is charged with the duty of supervising the schools of the county.
Two school examiners are elected by the county board of supervisors for a term of two years. The examiners assist the commissioner
in conducting examinations.
Three grades of certificates are granted. The first grade is valid
for four years, the second grade for three years, and the third grade
for one year.
All questions for examination are prepared and furnished by the
state superintendent. Certificates may be renewed without examination
under certain circumstances, and the examiners in one county may
accept examination papers written in another county and treat them
as if written before themselves.
The State Board of Education conducts examinations every year
and grants teachers' certificates valid for life, or until revoked by the
board.
The Normal College at Ypsilanti, and the normal schools at Mt.
Pleasant, Marquette and Kalamazoo, grant limited and life certificates
to their respective graduates.
The State Board of Education also grants limited and life certificates, without examination, to graduates of such colleges of the state as
comply with certain  prescribed conditions in respect to courses of
study and instruction.
In 1891 authority was granted by the legislature to the faculty of
the department of literature, science and the arts of the University,
to give a legal certificate of qualification to teach in any of the schools
of the state.
In incorporated cities the superintendent and board of education
are empowered to examine their teachers and grant certificates.
Graduates of county normal training classes are-granted certificates, which are valid for three years.




222


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


SCHOOL FUNDS.
The moneys used for the support of the common schools are, the
interest from the primary interest fund, the one-mill tax, the unappropriated dog tax, library moneys which are appropriated by the township
board for school purposes, the tuition of non-resident pupils and the
voted tax in the district. The primary money can be used for no other
purpose than the payment of the wages of legally qualified teachers and
only by districts in which five months of school were maintained during
the last preceding year.
The supervisor assesses upon the taxable property of his township one mill upon each dollar of valuation. This tax is paid over to the
treasurers of the several school districts.
The qualified voters may levy a tax for general school purposes.
When a tax is voted, it is reported to the supervisor who assesses it on
the taxable property of the district.
Whenever the unappropriated dog tax in any township is over and
above the sum of one hundred dollars, it is apportioned among the
several school districts of such township or city in proportion to the
number of children of school age. The primary money in I845 was
twenty-eight cents a scholar. There was a slow increase per capita until
I88O, when it was forty-seven cents a scholar. After I88o a portion
of all specific state taxes, except those received from the mining companies of the upper peninsula, were applied in paying the interest upon
the primary school fund. Since then there has been a steady increase.
In I88I it was $.o06; I890, $1.33; I900, $2. 5; I905, $3.30. On
account of the back taxes on railroads paid during the year 19o6 the
primary money for the October semi-annual apportionment is estimated at $Io per capita.
SECONDARY EDUCATION-HIGH SCHOOLS.
In the first school law no provision was made for the union of
districts or for the grading of schools, and no law was made authorizing
the consolidation of districts to form union schools until I846.  The
first graded school was established at Flint in I846.  From  I846 to
I86o there were twenty-seven graded schools established in the state.
Cassopolis and Dowagiac established graded schools in I857. In i86o
Detroit reported a high school with a single teacher and an average
attendance of thirty-seven pupils.
The first constitution of the state provided for the establishment




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


223


of branches of the university. These branches were to serve a threefold purpose, provide for local needs, fit students for the university,
and prepare teachers for the primary schools.  Branches were established at Pontiac, Monroe, Niles, Tecumseh, Detroit, Kalamazoo,
Romeo and White Pigeon. These branches wvere supported by appropriations made by the regents of the university.
After graded schools began to be established in I846, the University branches went into disfavor, and they ceased to exist after I849.
High schools then became the connecting link between the university
and the ordinary common schools.
Cass county has five graded schools, three of which are on the
university list. Dowagiac, Cassopolis and Marcellus high school graduates may enter the state university without entrance examinations.
The Dowagiac schools employ thirty teachers, Cassopolis nine,
Marcellus seven, Vandalia four, Edwardsburg four.
CASS COUNTY SCHOO'LS.
Schools were soon established in Cass county by the early settlers.  Whenever a settlement was formed, arrangements were soon
made for the education of the children. The first school in the county
was taught in 1828 in the western part of what is now Pokagon township. The first school in the limits of La Grange township was taught
in 1830, Penn I830, Ontwa 1829 or I830, Volinia I832 or I833, Porter 1838 or I839, Wayne 1835, Howard 1833, Milton I831 or 1832,
Jefferson 1833, Calvin 1834, Marcellus I840, Mason 1836. The date
of the building of the first school house in Silver Creek was 1838 or
I839, and Newberg 1837. Schools may have been taught before the
school houses were built, but if so the fact is unobtainable at this time.
There are at the present time one hundred and fourteen organized
school districts in the county, in which are employed one hundred and
fifty-seven teachers.  The total wages paid to teachers in I905 was
$48,901.86, of which men teachers received $I4,003.9I and women
teachers received $34,897.95.
The average monthly wages paid men teachers was $46.83, and
women teachers received an average wage of $33.43 a month.
The legislature of I903 enacted a law permitting the establishment of county normal training classes for teachers of rural schools.
In accordance with that law a class was organized and conducted in
connection with the Dowagiac city schools during the year I905-1906.




224


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


A class of fourteen was graduated June I8, I906. The graduates were:
Fred J. H. Fricke, F. Ethel Wooster, N. Beryl Van Antwerp, Lillie
Elaine Pray, Mary F. Sweetland, Bernice E. Williams, Ethel Eugenia
Woodin, Agnes Straub, Jennie M.ay Easton, Claribel Morton, Ray
Murphy, Grace Aseneth East, John Alfred Norton, Mabel Cook.
Graduates of county normal training classes are granted threeyear certificates which may be renewed in the county where received,
or they may be transferred to other counties.
The pupils of the eighth grade in the rural schools are examined
each year upon questions which are furnished by the state superintenlent. Those who pass are granted diplomas by the county commissioner.
These diplomas will admit those who hold them to'high schools and the
Agricultural College without examination.
SUPERVISION OF SCHOOLS.
From I837 to 1867 the common schools were under the. supervision
and nanagement of the township boards of school inspectors. Then the
legislature created the office of county superintendent of schools. The
first county superintendent of schools for Cass county was Chauncy
L. Whitney, who was elected April I, I867. The term of office was two
years. M'r. Whitney resigned the position in the fall of the same year.
and Rev. Albert H. Gaston was appointed to fill the vacancy. In I869
Irving Clendenen was elected, and in 1871 Lewis P. Rinehart. Samuel
Johnson was chosen in I873 and filled the office until it was abolished
in 1875.
From 1875 to 188I the schools were under the supervision of township superintendents.  In I88I the legislature enacted a law which
provided for a county board of school examiners,  This board consisted of three members and were elected for three years by the chairman of the township board of school inspectors.
The county hoard of school examiners on organization elected one
of their number chairman and one secretary.  The secretary was the
executive officer of the board. The following are the boards of examiners under this act:
188I-1882: E. M. Stephenson, secretary, I year; Michael Pemberton, chairman, 2 years; Daniel B. Ferris, 3 years.
1882-18893: Michael Pemberton, secretary, I year; Daniel B. Ferris, chairman, 2 years; Charles A. Mosher, 3 years.
I883-1884: Daniel B. Ferris, secretary, I year; Charles A. Mosher,
chairman, 2 years; Michael Pemberton, 3 years.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


225


1884-1885: Charles A. Miosher, secretary, i year; Michael Penmberton, chairman, 2 years; Ralph W. Hain, 3 years.
I88;5-886: Michael Pemberton, secretary, I year; Ralph W. Hain,
chairman, 2 years; Charles A. Mosher, 3 years.
1886-1887: Ralph W. lain, secretary, I year; Charles A. Mosher,
chairman, 2 years; Michael Pemberton, 3 years.
In I887 the law was revised and amended. Two county examiners were chosen for a term of two years, by the chairmen of the
township boards of school inspectors. These two examiners with the
judge of probate, appointed and employed a secretary for the term of
one year, who became ex-officio a member of the county board and its
executive officer.  The secretary visited all the schools in the county
and received a salary of $8oo per annum.
The following are the boards of county examiners under this act:
1887-I888: Frank S. Hall, secretary, I year; Charles A. Mosher,
chairman, i year; Michael Pemberton, 2 years.
I888-i889: Daniel B. Ferris, secretary, i year; Michael Pemberton, chairman, I year; William W. Chalmers, 2 years.
March I, I889, Daniel B. Ferris resigned and George W. Gard
was appointed to fill the vacancy.
1889-I890:, George W. Gard, secretary, i year; William W. Chalmers, chairman, i year: Edmund Schoetzow, 2 years.
18901o891: AMichael Pemberton, secretary, I year: Edmund
Schoetzow, chairman, I year; Miss Hattie Graham, 2 years.
In the year I891 an act was passed providing for county commissioners of schools and two county examiners, the three to constitute
a county board for the examination of teachers.   The county commissioner was to be chosen by the people at the election on the first
Monday in April, for the term  of two years.  In 1903 the act was
amended and thereafter the commissioner was to be elected for a term
of four years.  To be eligible to the office of commissioner a person
must have had an experience of twelve months as a teacher in the
public schools of the state, must be a graduate of the literary department
of some replltable college, university or state normal school having a
course of at least three years, or hold a state teacher's certificate, or
be the holder o'f a first grade county certificate; but this last certificate
qualifies the holder only in the county where it is granted. In counties
having less than fifty districts a second grade certificate qualifies the
holder.
The two school examiners are elected by the county board of super



226


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


visors for a term of two years. Any person is eligible to the office of
examiner who has the qualifications required for a commissioner, or
who has taught in the public schools nine months and holds, or has
held within three years, a second grade certificate.
The law of I891I provided that the county board of supervisors
should elect a commissioner to serve from June 23, I891, until July,
I893. In accordance with this act the Cass county board of supervisors elected Michael Pemberton commissioner.
At the election held on the first Monday in April, 1893, Chester
E. Cone was chosen commissioner for two years. Mr. Cone was reelected three times, thus serving eight years.
In I901 WVilliam  H. C. Hale was elected county commissioner
for the term of two years, and in 1903, the law having been changed, he
was re-elected for a term of four years.
The following are the county boards o'f school examiners under
the act of I89:
I891-1892: Michael Pemberton, commissioner, 2 years; Hattie
Graham. examiner, 2 years; Edmund Schoetzow, examiner, I year.
18-89-1893: Michael Pemberton, commissioner, I year; George A.
Shetterley, examiner, 2 years; Hattie Graham, examiner, I year.
1893-I894: Chester E. Cone, commissioner, 2 years; Hattie Graham, examiner, 2 years; George A. Shetterley, examiner, I year.
1894-1895: Chester E. Cone, commissioner, i year; Simon E.
Writwer, examiner, 2 years; Hattie Graham, examiner, I year.
1895-I896: Chester E. Cone, commissioner, 2 years; Lemuel L.
Coates, examiner, 2 years; Simon E. Witwer, examiner, I year.
1896-1897: Chester E. Cone, commissioner, I year; Simon E. Witwer, examiner, 2 years; Lemuel L. Coates, examiner, I year.
I897-I898: Chester E. Cone, commissioner, 2 years; Lemuel L.
Coates, examiner, 2 years; Simon E. Witwer, examiner, I year.
I898-I899: Chester E. Cone, commissioner, I year; Frank E.
Faulkner. examiner, 2 years; Lemuel L. Coates, examiner, I year.
1899-1900: Chester E. Cone, commissioner, 2 years; John Finley,
examiner, 2 years: Simon E. Witwer, examiner, I year.
1900-19I0: Chester E. Cone, commissioner. I year; Clifford N.
Brady, examiner, 2 years: John Finley, examiner, I year.
1901-1902: William H. C. Hale, commissioner, 2 years; John Finlev, examiner, 2 years; Clifford N. Brady, examiner, I year.
1902-1903: William H. C. Hale, commissioner, I year; Clifford N.
Brady, examiner, 2 years: John Finley. examiner, I year.
1903-1904: W\illiam H. C. Hale, commissioner, 4 years; Clifford
N. Brady, examiner, I year; John Finley, examiner, 2 years.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


227


1904-I905: William H. C. Hale, commissioner, 3 years; Herman
S. East, examiner, 2 years; John Finley, examiner, I year.
I905-19o6: William H. C. Hale, commissioner, 2 years; Herman
S. East, examiner, T year; John Finley, examiner, 2 years.
Mr. Hale's term expires July I, 1907.
Mr. East's term expires October, I906.
Mr. Finley's term expires October, 1907.
The commissioner's salary was $I,ooo per annum until October,
I905, when it was increasedl to $1,200. The examiners receive four
dollars a day for the time spent upon examination work.
In closing it may be said that Cass county has always kept pace
with the progress of the times and all the schools, city, village and
rural, compare most favorably with those of the other counties in the
state.  There is a growing sentiment among the pupils of the rural
schools to enter high schools and high school graduates are becoming
more and more inclined to take college courses. The people of Cass
county, as compared with other counties, have always been very liberal
in the support of their schools, and no fears need be entertained in regard to our future educational progress.




228


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


CHAPTER XVI.
CITY AND VILLAGE SCHOOLS.
CASSOPOLIS SCHOOLS.
The first schoolhouse in this village was a log cabin, which stood
on lot 5, block I south, range I west, just south of where Fisk's drug
store now stands. The first building to be used exclusively as a schoolhouse and erected for that purpose was a frame building, put up in
1843, on land donated by Joseph Harper, on the east side of Rowland
street on lot 8, block I north, range 2 east. The building is now occupied by John D. Williams as a dwelling house. The "union school"
movement, described on previous pages, was made effective in Cassopolis in I857 by the erection of a "Union" schoolhouse on the site
of the present school building at a cost of $1,500, Daniel S. Jones being
the builder. April 29, I878, this, a wood building, as it then stood
with certain additions an(l modifications fromn the original, was burned.
School work for the rest of the term and for several months in the
fall was carried on in the most suitable temporary quarters that could
be found. The sum. of ten thousand dollars was voted for the new
brick building, and the completion of the building for occupancy in
January, 1879, gave Cassopolis the central school which has.now been
in use over a quarter of a century, and in many cases has sheltered two
generations of school children. The building committee appointed to
supervise the construction of this building were W. P. Bennett, A.
Garwood, J. K. Ritter, S. C. Van Matre, J. R. Carr, W. W. Peck,
the six school trustees.
As originally constructed the Cassopolis school was the most modern and perfect school structure in the county, and its long period of
use shows that the money of the village was well spent in its construction. The dimensions of the original building were 72 by 62 feet, two
stories, the upper being used for high school purposes, and the first for
the grades. In I879 a two-story addition was built on the north side
of the building and connected throughout with the old building. This
building was necessary to accommodate the increased school population and the extension of educational work that has taken place since




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


229


the old building was constructed. The cost of the addition was $3,000.
Of the citizens who have done most for educational interests in
Cassopolis, special mention should be made of John R. Carr, who for
many years served as a member of the board, was a member of the
building committee in I878, and in numberless ways has shown a lively
and helpful interest in the growth of the village's educational institutions.
In I876 the school was graded by H. C. Rankin, then superintendent, and the first class was graduated three years later.  Since Mr.
Rankin, who remained at the head of the school four years, the following superintendents have been his successors:
I881-82, G. A. Osinga.          1891-92, George M. Fisk.
1883, C. W. Mickens.            I893-98, Joseph Biscomb.
I884-86, W. C. Hewitt.          1899-I901, R. H. Struble.
I887-90, W. W. Chalmers.        1902-05, J. M. Geiser.
At this writing the board of education consists of: C. C. Allison,
president; C. E. Cone, secretary; C. H. Funk, treasurer; U. S. Eby,
rV. L. Jones. The faculty for 1906-07 are:
Superintendent-Paul P. Mason.
Principal of High School-Carrie L. Ranney.
Sciences and Mathematics H. S.-Geo. W. Hess.
Latin in H. S. and 8th Grade-Elisabeth Steere.
7th and part of 6th Grade-Lee Wolford.
5th and part of 6th Grade-Daisy Billings.
4th and part of 3d Grades-Ella Gardner.
2d and part of 3d Grade-Grace Decker.
Ist and Kindergarten-Matud Eppley.
In 1902 the high school was accredited with the University of
Michigan. This means that the course of study and the grade of instruction are such that the Cassopolis high school is on a par with the
high schools of Michigan. The high school is noted for the number
of its graduates who have gone to the various universities and colleges,
and at this writing a number of former students are studying within
the walls of higher institutions throughout the country.
CASSOPOLIS GRADUATES.
I879 —May Smith, Lottie G. Rankin.
I88 —Ellen D. Giffin, Addie M. Kingsbury, Charles L. Smith,
Kirk Reynolds, Mary Barnette, Carrietta Chapman, Lois Amsden, Min



230


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


nie B. Smith, Blanche E. Peck, Ellen N. Tietsort, Ellen A. Ritter, Albert H. Graham, Nellie M. French.
I88I-Addie Martin, William G. Loomis, Anna Graham, Melissa
Beverley.
I882-Bertha Lowella Chapman, Fanny Eugenia Glover, W.
James Champion.
I883-EIlla M: Rogers, Eva M. Colby, Mabel Patch, Lemuel L.
Coates.
I884-Carrie Goodwin, Laura Beverley, Carrie Woodruff.
I885-Georgiana Kingsbury, Myrta Norton, George Shaffer, Bertha Anderson, Cora M. Banks, Katie Kingsbury.
I886-Perlia B. Ferris, Glencora Graham, James S. Stapleton,
Lora M. Curtis, Rolfe F. Patrick, Frank H. Green.
I887-Susan R. Webb, Frances Graham, Rosa Early, David L.
Kingsbury, Carrie Higbee, Mary C. Bosworth, Belle Norton.
8888-Eva C. Ditzell, Bertha Kingsbury, Lora Kingsbury, Addie
(raham, Ada Thomas.
1889 —Charles L. Beckwith, Fred Patterson, Carl Bogue, Emma
Anderson, Clara Darling, Harlan P. Bosworth, William T. C. Shaffer,
Fanchon Stockdale, Jean Powell, E. Mae Carr.
I890-Otis Beeson, Wilber G. Bonine, Walter C. Bogue, Paul A.
Cowgill, Belle Bogue, Nettie Savage, Maude Mcllvain, Ethel Shurte,
Charles A. Weblb, Edward Reighard, Paul Savage, William Mansfield,
Ella Johnson. Nellie W\etmore, Blanche Giffin, Dora Norton.
189I1-Belle Goodwin, Jessie Cure, Melville J. Shepard, Della WiIson, Edna Stockdale, Raymond R. Phelps, J. Paul Hopkins, Jay C.
Northrop, Helen French, Jessie Jones, Mildred Sherman.
I89E2-Grace S. Hall, Ruby C. Abbott, Charles L. Goodwin,
George F. Bosworth, Bernice Merwin, Eva L. Trowbridge, Halford E.
Reynolds, Mortimer F. Stapleton.
I893-Roy Bond, Walter George, Stanley A. Farnum, Lura Phelps,
Winifred Smith, Flora Wright. Harry Eggleston, Stanford J. Farnum,
True Savage, Winifred Marr, Ruth Myers.
I894-Glenn S. Harrington, Edith Youngblood, Frank B. French,
May Kingsbury, Belle Donough, Blanche Clark, Carrie Daniels, Ona
Kline, Blanche McIntosh, Blanche Fulton.
I895-Gideon W. Tallerday, Florence Higgins, Bert Hayden,
Robert Pangborn, Ward Shaw, Mary Miller, Clare Fletcher, Lora McCully, Adella Hartsell, Lena Deal. Joseph Churchill, Glenn Dunning.
I896-May Alexander, Blanche Fisher, Lutie Longfellow, Mary
L. Stamp, Blanche Shepard, Bert A. Dool, Ernest Morse. Jesse L.
Tallerday, Stephen Tallerday, Phillip Savage, Grace A. Dixon, Leona
Fulton, Lottie L. North, Cora Skinner. George Dlonough, Glenn Leach,
John P. Norton, LaMoine A. Tharp. Fred L. Woods.
I897-Herbert A. Anderson, Zora Emmons, Flora Lawrence, Mary
Shurte, Mary Townsend, Lottie M. Turner, Bessie S. Carr, Glennie A.








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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


231


Kingsbury, Allan W. Reynolds, George Townsend, Jessie Bonine, James
H. Kelsey, Carroll N. Pollock, Glennie Tietsort, Jessie M. Turner, Bartlett Bonine, Jessie Howell, Justin Mechling, Percy F. Thomas, Grace
Van Riper.
I89 —Lynn B. Boyd, Frank Mansfield, Howard D. Shaw, Jasper
Otis Haithcox, Jessie E. Kingsbury, Dora L. Mlessenger, Ellen S. Rickert, Asa K. Hayden, Frederick G. Walter, Herbert Leroy Smith, Donald
S. Miorse, Josie Kline, Claudia B. McDonald, Crete Connelly.
I899 —Florence Ashcraft, Bertha Dacy, Edna Graham, Nellie
Jones, Bertha Myers, Grace Stearns, Grace L. Voorhis, Ray K. Holland,
Leon Beall, Lilly Brown, Alma Emmons, Belle Hayden, Henrietta Lawson, Marie Pollock, Elnora Thickstun, Joseph F. Hayden, Cyrus Myers.
g190-Hattie Wright, Chloa McDonald, Mabel F. Moon, Edith
Ryon, Vivian Jerome, Frances Glennette Willsey, Kate Ditzell, S. Edna
Cook, Una Jones, Vera Hayden.
I90I-Helen Anderson, Alberta Kingsbury, Howard K. Holland,
Fred Wright, Nellie Dunning, Hiram   Jewell, J. Howard MicIntosh,
Joseph K. Ritter.
I902-Charles Condon, Frank Kelly, Mayme Dunbar, Jay Hayden, Charles Jones, Fanchon Mason, Nellie Stevens.
1903-Jules Verne Des Voignes, Eugene Eby, Vera Ditzell, Mary
Sincleir, Helen Donough, Newton G. VanNess, Elizabeth Jerome,
Maude Tharp. Mahala Reynolds, Vesta Pollock.
1904-Crystal Thompson,     Stella Hayden, Ruth Jones. Leora
Johnston, Georgia Van Matre, Arietta Van Ness, Edna Pollock, Hazel
Hayden.
1905-siMary Kimmerle, Read Chambers, Carl Morse, Fred J. Miller,
Clarence Timm, Winfield Leach.
90o6-Mabel Peck, Robert \Wood, Rebecca Tones.
DOWAGIAC SCHIOOLS.
The citizens of Dowagiac take great pride in their fine schools,
which, with a history of (levelopment covering half a century, are now
in the front rank of schools in southern Michigan. To describe first
the material equipment and school property, the eleven hundred pupils
who' now attend school in the city are accommodated in three. buildings,
any one of which is as far in advance of the pioneer shelter afforded
by the log schoolhouse of the forties as is possible to conceive. The
splendid high school building, which was completed in I903 at a cost
of forty thousand dollars, presents the. most modern features of school
architecture. It was built on the site of what was known as "the ward
school," on James and Oak streets, and the old building, erected in
I864, forms the rear wing of the structure as a whole. The high school




232


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


occupies the second floor of the new building, while the first contains
eight grade rooms.  The primary and kindergarten grades retain the
first floor of the old building, wlhich while adjoining the high school
with possibility of direct communication, is nevertheless entirely separate
so far as movemlent of pupils and administration are concerned. On the
second floor of the ward building are located the rooms set apart for the
use of the Normal Training class, a new educational institution to be
described in a later paragraph. To mention only a few of the features
that mark the new high school building as a. model, a brief description
must include its chaste yet simple architecture, devoid of the tedious
ornamentation of earlier periods, the wide and ample and commodious
effects gained without introduction of bare and factory-like exterior
and interior; the large study room on the second floor; the well equipped
laboratories; the grouping of rooms and halls for the purpose of effective
discipline; the fan system of ventilation; the automatic regulation of
fuinace heating; an(l many other conveniences which a brief inspection
discloses.
Besides the high school building, which is the general name for
the entire structure at James and Oak streets, there is the Central building or Union school building. on Main and Parsonage streets, the
central portion of which, built in I86T, is the oldest school building in
the city. Until the erection of the new high school building, the high
school was accommodated there, but now it is the home of the Seventh
and Eighth grades departmental work, and also the lower grades for
that section of the city.
The McKinley building, a four-room brick building in the First
ward on the South side. erected in I903, accommodates six grades
with four teachers.
The institutions of education above described have developed from
the district school, supported at first by private contributions.  The
settlers of this vicinity had built a log schoolhouse and employed Miss
Hannah Compton (afterward Mrs. Elias Jewell) as teacher in 1840.
This schoolhouse stood on the old cemetery grounds, near West and
Green streets, and was attended by the children of the Hamilton,
McOmber and other pioneer families. A school in Wayne township,
near the present city limits, next afforded educational facilities, as also
a select school kept by Mrs. Henry Hills out on the State road, in section
25 of Silver Creek. Several select schools were taught. In I850, after
the founding of the village, a schoolhouse was built on the site of the




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


233


present Methodist church. The church society, in the latter 5os, bought
and removed this building.
Such was the situation when A. D. P. Van Buren came to Dowagiac and organized the schools on the basis of permanent growth. To
quote his own words: "Miss H. Marie Metcalf, of Battle Creek, had
started the Young Ladies' school at Dowagiac, but soon found it so
large that she sought help, consequently I was requested to, take charge
as principal, which I did, October 4, I8'56, she becoming assistant. The
village of Dowagiac was then some seven years old, had some I,200 inhabitants, had two churches, four taverns, and stores enough to accommodate the surrounding country.
"The school was composed of girls from the age of twenty down
to the child of seven or eight years. These, with some ten or twelve
boys, to favor certain parents, constituted our charge. After we had
taught a quarter of the term the directors of the school district made
arrangements with us to take charge of the Union school, which the
people of Dowagiac were about to organize. Hence our program was
changed, and I was to be the one to call the school clans together here,
as I had done six years before in Battle Creek, and form them into a
union school."
So Dowagiac became equipped with a union school, so far as the
preliminary organization and a year's trial of the school was concerned,
but the town yet lacked a suitable school building. It was not till I86I
that this was provided, in the erection of a portion of the Central school
building mentioned above.
The instruction and care of the eleven hundred pupils in attendance at these schools is the work of Superintendent W. E. Conkling,
with a corps of instructors consisting of one principal for each of the
three buildings and twenty-seven departmental and grade teachers. This
large teaching force in itself represents the progress from a time when
one teacher could care for the school children of the village. Mr. Conkling, the superintendent of the schools since 1896, and himself a gradtrate of the high school with the class of I88I, is an enthusiastic and able
educator and merits much of the credit for the present satisfactory conditions of education in Dowagiac. The building committee who supervised the construction of the high school building, which, perhaps, for
many years will be the best example of public architecture in the city,
were Dr. F. H. Essig and Dr. M. P. White, who are still members of
the school board. The other members of the board at this writing are:




234


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


E. Phillipson, president; Dr. J. H. Jones, treasurer; and Dr. F. H.
Codding, secretary.
Dowagiac high school is naturally the scholastic pride of the city.
Its rank as an institution of learning of secondary grade is indicated
by its being accredited for the fourth time with the University of Michigan, so that high school graduates enter without examination the university or any of the colleges and normal schools of the state. And the
high school is also accredited with the North Central Association of
Colleges and Secondary Schools, which includes the leading colleges
and universities of the north central states. The high school course of
study adopted at the middle of the year 1906 is that reported by the
state superintendent of plublic instruction in accordance with the report
of the Michigan commission on high school curricula.
At the present writing there are one hundred and forty pupils in
the high school. Since the first class was graduated in I864 the graduates up to April, I906, numbered 334. The graduating class in 19o6
contained seventeen members, eleven of whom had signified their intention to go to college. The average age of graduates is now about
I8 years and 6 months.
Many successful men and women found their early inspiration
and training in the Dowagiac H-igh school. In this sketch of the school
we may mention specifically some of the graduates in the various years.
Of the class of 1870 was Charles WV. Foster, now a lieutenant in the
U. S. army. Arthur K. Beckwith, superintendent of the Round Oak
shops, graduated in 1878, and a classmate was Harry B. Tuthill, judge
of Superior Court at Michigan City, Ind. The class of I879 gave Dowagiac three of its well known men, Dr. F. H. Codding, W. F. White,
manager of the drill works, and Frank W. Lyle. Fred L. Colby, the
mill man, now of Detroit, was in the class of i88o, and Victor M. Tuthill, of Grand Rapids, came out in I882. Another graduate is Dr. Alice
I. Conklin, of Chicago. Clyde W. Ketcham, the lawyer, graduated in
I894, and Fred E. Phillipson, also of Dowagiac, in 1893. Miss Louie
Colby, of the Prang Educational Company, W. C. Edwards, of the Edwards Manufacturing Company, and A. B. Gardner, of the Round Oak
works, all graduated in I888. The class of '94 also graduated John F.
Murphy, a surgeon in the U. S. navy; Robert L. Hampton, the Glenwood stockman; Earl B. Hawks, a lawyer in the state of Washington,
and Bert H. Fleming, a Methodist minister. A. P. Oppenheim. the
merchant, graduated in I895; J. Bernard Onen, the Battle Creek law



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


235


yer, in I896; Fred L. Dewey, the merchant, in I897. Classmates of
Mr. Dewey, were Nels N. Stenberg, dentist at Three Rivers; J. Whitfield Scattergood, local editor of the Daily News; and F. B. Wedow,
with the American Express Co. at Manistee. Clifford C. Robinson, a
physician at Indiana Harbor; F. E. Phillipson, the merchant in Dowagiac, and Hall H. King, assistant secretary of state at Lansing, were
members of the class of I898. From the class of '991 should be mentioned I. J. Phillipson, lieutenant in the army; Bessie M. Vroomain,
teacher at Big Rapids, Mich.; E. J. Blackmore, dentist at Hartford,
Mich.; B. S. Gardner, dentist at Dowagiac, and S. P. Savage, principal
of the Central school at Dowagiac.  C. J. Brosan, principal of the
high school at Ovid, Mich., belonged to the class of 90oI; T. J. Brosan,
now practicing law in Detroit, came out in I902, and Roy Marshall,
who has made rapid strides in newspaper work and is now connected
with the Detroit Frec Press, was also a member of the class of 1902.
GRADUATES OF DOWAGIAC HIGH SCHOOL.
1864-Isaac R. Dunning, Lottie Iills, Hattie Smead.
I866-Jesse P. Borton, J. B. Crawford, Josie Harris, Lydia Hebron, John Rosevelt, Daniel E. Thomas.
I867 —Annis Gage, Fannie Hebron, Una Hebron, Frank A. Larzalere.
I868-Delia Beckwith, Maggie Cullom.
1869 —Minnie Arens, Marcia Buck. Nellie Cady.
I870 —C. Wilber Bailey, Charles W. Foster, Frank H. Reshore,
A. N. Woodruff.
I872-Florence Cushman, Carrie Harwood, Frank IMcAlpine.
I873-Sarah Andrus, W. H-. Hannan, Etta Henderson. Nellie
Hull, Byron McAlpine.
I875-Ella Reshore.
I876-Hattie Foster, Augusta Dopp, Ida Mosher, Anna Tuthill.
1877-Ed(ward Brownell, Lola Keatley, Fannie Starratt.
1r878-Melva Arnold, Arthur Beckwith, Eva Coney, Harry Tuthill.
1879-Ida Arens, Dora Blachlev, Lillian Brownell, Alice Barney,
F. H. Codding, Allie Clark. W. F. Hoyt, F. W. Lyle, Belle Mason,
Susie Rouse, Ed. Snyder, Nellie Stebbins, Cora Wheelock.
I88o-Addie Brasier, F. L. Colby. Grace Gustine, Homer D. Nash,
Kittie E. Starks.
I881iLottie Andrews, Stella Coney, W. E. Conkling, Ina Dopp,
Stella Powell, May Spencer, Matilda Stark, Asa P. Wheelock.
T882-Kate Bassett, Emma Brownell, Ida Howard, Belle Huff.
Carleton S. Roe, Nora Shepard, Victor M. Tuthill.




236


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


I883-Addie S. Adams, Cameron C. Clawson, Ruth E. Coney,
Lou Keatley, Maude Martin, Mabel Rouse, Rose Snyder.
I884-Horace G. Conkling.
I885-Eva Barker, Eva Barney, Dixon Churchill, Will Jessup.
I886-Grace Bilderback, Stella Bond, Mary E. Conkling, Lyle
Fletcher, Ella Gray, Grace Mater, Lena Taylor, May Van Riper.
I887-Harry Bigelow, Lula Griswold, Jessie How:ser, Georgia
Watson.
I888-Louie Colby, XT. C. Edwards, Lura Defendorf, Flora Bronner, A: B. Gardner, Grace Hardy, Addie Henderson, Florence Jones,
Edith Jones, Ruth Smith, Mary Taylor.
1889-Sylvia Day, Cora Ferris, Nellie Flanders, Lena Judd,
Minnie Rice, Lena Starrett, Hattie Wiley.
1890-Nellie Boyd(, Alice I. Conklin, Clara Griswold, Mabel C.
Lee, Hannah G. Stenberg, Minta M. Wenner.
I89I-Estella Ackerman, Edwlard P. Cook, Arthur W. Griswold,
Frank C. Hardy, Lizzie Hartsell, Frances M. Merwin, Maleta Rudolphi.
I892-Jennie Larkin, Minnie Steele, Russell Van Antwerp.
1893-W. E. Becker, Jay Boyd, Eva McNab, Mabel C. Miller,
Anna E. Rudolphi, Kate L. Bigelow, Harriet F. Dewey, Fred E. Phillipson.
1894-LaVerne C. Bilderback, Blanche A. Flanders, Bert H. Flemmling, Earl B. Hawks, John A. Jarvis. Glennie E. Reames, Grace E.
Watson, Robert L. Hampton. Mabel E. Allen, Ina C. Gage, C. W.
Ketcham, Parker McMlaster, John F. Murphy, Bessie Stenberg.
I895 —Hannah L. Ackerman, 'Letha B. Elkerton, Guy B. Flemming, Peter M. Halfert, Amy E. Pegg, Homer S. Reames, LaVerne E.
Searls, Genevieve Howser, Gertrude Dewey, Bertha Van Riper, Robert
F. Munger, Leslie C. Sammons, A. P. Oppenheim.
T896-Leon I. Barney, Phebe Hunter, Ralph Wanamaker, Myron
Copley, William N. Beach, Maude E. Becker, J. Bernard Onen.
I897-Eva L. Park, Louise J. Reshore, Margaret Shigley, Herbert
P. Curtis, Fred L. Dewey, Mabel Smith, Glenn E. True, Martha E.
Luedtke, Clarice Bushnell, Myrta Mae Clarke, Bertha Sprague, Frank
M. Broadhurst, Alice I. Frost, Ethel Goble, Nels L. Stenberg, J. W.
Scattergood, Ethel Tice, Mae Williams, Walter Lang, Thomas P. Leary,
Verna E. Myers, Frank B. Wedow.
I898-Eva Holloway, Clara Lyle, Gertrude Rix, Eva Copley,
Maude Miller, Jere Mosher, Clifford C. Robinson, Herbert E. Phillipson, Edith Bishop, Fred Woods, Bae Lake, Belle Stewart Cushing,
Mabel Shotwell, Olive Marsh, Mabel Carr, Mary A. Murphy, Maude
Smith, Ray Fiero, Edith Oppenheim, Addie Sisson, Minnie M. Parmeter, Paul H. King.
I899-Irving J. Phillipson, Bessie Vrooman, Zora Denyes, Lucile
Gregory, Harry WV. Palmer, Katie Maier, Frank E. McMichael, Earl J.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


237


Blackmore, Anna Elliott, Boyd S. Gardner, Mlabelle Flewelling, Milton
Holloway, James Murphy, Edna Norton, Laura Nicol, May Reighard,
Sarah Parmeter, Sanuel P. Savage, Verna B. True, Irene White.
9gooC-Mary E. Morse, Earle M. Parker, R. N. Cary, Jessie Gardner, Lena Swisher, Frank Edwards, Ezra Rutherford, Henry Savage,
Guy Zelner, Olive Knapp, Edward O'Brien, Ethel Wooster, Frank
Stahl, Eugene Colgan, Jessie Smith.
19-oICornelius J. Brosnan, Emma Burk, Jennie Fisher, Olive
Gard, Grace Hampton, Alice Hawks, Hazel Hoyt, Hilda Hoover, Mattie
Jenkins, Alice Julian, Burt Patch, Pearl Rice, Ina Sommer, Bernice
Spencer, Harry Straub, Beryl Van Antwerp.
1902-Frank Benedict, Robert Bielby, Frank Born, Thomas J.
Brosman, Eva E. Brown, Lilian Byers, Lloyd Conkling, Nellie Curtis,
Birdie Fraser, Verna Hackett, Myrle Hopkins, Lora Leeder, Roy
Marshall, Iva Michael, Ona Michael, Mary Norton, Ethel Pitcher,
Maude Swisher.
1903-Pearl Anderson, DeZera Araue, Mabel Atlee, Earle Brown,
Eva Burk, Hazel Caster, Ida Lee, Verge Lybrook, Viola Merwin, Joseph
R. Mitchema, Irene Morton, Maud Preston, Donald B. Reshore, Louise
Stebbins.
1904-Amy Acton, W. T. Alliger, Lavina Bryant, Virginia Chapman, Beulah Connine, Winifred Fiero, Genevieve Hopkins, W. H. Lake,
Anna Lewis, Edna Mann, Teresa O'Brien, Irene Sprague, Anita Walker,
Charles Wilber, Marion Wilson, Lyell J. Wooster, Fred D. Wooster.
19o5 —Walter Andrews. Vivian Blackmore, Ethel Conklin, LaVina
Defendorf, Grace East, Minnie Egmer, Mable E. Engle, Carrel Flewelling, Olive Kinsey, Ray Murphy, Guy Neff, Edith Ryder, Edna Ryder,
Otis G. Shanafelt, Charles Stahl.
J9o6-Laverne Argabright, Carmeleta Barton, Lee Benner, Mamie
Burk, Orris Gardner, Cora Green, Ruth Hendryx, Thomas Hackett,
William Hamilton. Helen Hoy, Max Ireland. Nita Kibler, Marguerite
Lewis, Lois Powell, Fanny Springsteen, Elsie Stahl, Volney Wells.
EDWARDSBURG SCHOOLS.
Being the earliest important center in Cass county, it is natural
that we find in Edwardsburg a school record going back to the pioneer
days.  The private subscription schools, such as taught in those days,
and described on previous pages, were instituted here in the winter
of I829-30, in a part of a double log house, Ann Wood being the
first teacher. J. C. Olmsted, who, in the spring of 1836, when eleven
years old, reached his present home east of Edwardsburg, says that his
first teacher during the summer of 1836 was Angeline Bird, who taught
in a private house. Then, in the summer of I837, the. villagers built a




238


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


frame schoolhouse on lot II12, west of the present school building, the
lot being donated by Abiel Silver. This structure served until the "old
brick" schoolhouse was erected on lot 132, adjoining the M. E. church
lot on the east, in 1847, and which many years afterward served as
a private residence. Its dimensions were 24 by 30 feet, with a partition across the north end, leaving the room 24 by 24., and as many as
II5 scholars attended the school each day (luring the winter o'f I856-57,
an assistant teacher being employed. The next building was constructed
in I86I at a cost of $3,000.
In I886 District No. 3, comprising Edwardsburg, was made a
graded school by Prof. G. W. Loomis, who was the first principal.
Since that time the school has had the following principals:
I887-8-William Jessup.
I889-90o John B. Boyd and Michael Pemberton.
I890-I-Edmund Schoetzow.
I8QI-2-Miss Clare Pemberton.
1892-4-H. R. Foster.
1894-5-F. A. Preston.
1895 ---Lemuel L. Coates.
I899-I9oI-V. D. Hawkins.
1901-2-Luther Ettinger and J. G. McMacken.
I902-4-J. G. McMacken.
1904-6-Clifford N. Brady.
I906-7-Claude L. Pemberton.
The course of study through the regular twelve grades compares
favorably with village schools of similar size and from time to time has
been revised and  adjusted to local needs and educational progress
throughout the county and state.
The board of education at this writing is: Henry Andrus, director;
William K. Hopkins, moderator; J. D. Bean, treasurer; Marcus S. Olmsted, trustee; Edwin Harris, trustee.
The faculty for I906-07: Claude L. Pemberton, principal; Miss
Charlotte Preble, grammar; Miss Anna Hafelt, intermediate; Miss
Nellie Williams, primary.
Informal commencement exercises were held in I887, the year the
school was fully graded, and Lillian Krome was then graduated.
Following is the list of graduates, dating from I888.
I888-Laura Snyder, Merta Miller, Ida Harwood, Genevieve
Hanson, Bertha Thompson.
I893-Henrietta Hadden, Dora Silver.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


239


1894-Lisle Shanahan, Hugh Beauchamp, Blanche Williams, Florence Holdeman, Letta Lukenbach.
I896-Clifford Brady, Jessie Thornton, Mabel Parsons, Carrie
Hadden, Anna Beauchamp, Alice Brady, Grace Hogmire, Matie Cobb,
Mamie Graham.
I897-Inez Smith, Andrew Hadden, Fred Harwood.
I898-Claude Reed, Robert Hadden, Verna Paul, Constance
Brady, Jessie Rickert.
i899-Walter Thompson, Maxa Cook, William Parish.
g190 —Harley J. Carlisle, Ida Perkins, Florence Parsons, Harry
Kitchen, Warren Quimby, Margaret Hadden, Marion Brady, Ida Runkle,
Lizzie Runkle.
I90o-Winnifred Smith, Arthur Runkle, John Kitchen.
I902-George Andrus, Arthur Bradv, Carl Manchow, Lloyd Dunning, Harry Meredith, Eleanor Bacon, Martha Hadden, Ella Truitt,
Minnie Rogers.
1903-Maude E. Kelsey, Lewis H. Runkle, Adah B. Curtis, Genevieve Light, George L. Hadden, Winifred Hanson.
1904-Zendella Truitt, Lottie M. Rose, David Bacon, Charles A.
Bement, Flora E. Martin.
I905-Leona Bean, Mary Snyder. Bessie Oliver, Lydia Thornton,
Belle Harwood, Blenn Van Antwerp.
90o6-Elizabeth Hadden, Thomas Head, Leidy Olmsted, Harry
George.
MARCELLUS SCHOOLS.
The founding of a village at Marcellus Center soon made necessary
the formation of a school of higher grade than the ordinary district
school, the children of the villagers at first attending the school east of
town. In I874 district Nol. 9 was organized within the village, the first
meeting being in August. The first school board were: Levi Bridge,
W. O. Matthews, David Snyder. Under the supervision of George W.
Jones, Leander Bridge and David Hain, as building committee, $I,OOO
was expended in the erection of a one-story brick schoolhouse, 24 by 36
feet in dimensions. Joel Booth was the first teacher. In I876 a second
story was added at a cost of $8,44. and thereafter two teachers employed,
Miss Kellogg being the extra teacher.  The number of scholars increased so that rooms had to be rented in Centennial hall. The last
teacher in the old building was Eugene Bradt, assisted by Estella Hoisington and Mrs. John Baent.
It was not until I88I that the Marcellus schools attained to the full
possibilities of usefulness and classified efficiency. At the regular school
meeting in I88o it was voted to raise $7,ooo by issue of bonds for new




240


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


buildings. Twelve lots were purchased of G. W. Jones, located in the
east part of the block bounded by Arbor, Center, Woodland and Burney
streets.
In the fall of that year was completed the two-story, four-room
brick building on the south side of the village, at an expense of $8,ooo,
and in the following spring was occupied.  The building committee
who had charge of this construction were George W. Jones, David
Snyder, John Manning, Alex. Taylor, Manning Taylor, Dr. A. Carbine.
At the regular school meeting of I882 it was voted to grade the
school. The board of trustees at that date were: Dr. Horace Carbine,
H. M. Nottingham, Levi Burney, W. 0. George, Dr. C. E. Davis, L. B.
Des Voignes.
The principals, or superintendents, of the Marcellus graded school
have been, R. T. Edwards, who published the first catalogue in 1882;
George DeLong, Mr. Montgomery, J. W. Hazard, C. H. Knapp, Edmund Schoetzow, W. L. Taylor, Edmund Schoetzow, who,, with the
exception of two years, has served since the fall of I89I. C. H. Knapp,
in I887, got out a catalogue for a ten-grade course of study. When
Mr. Schoetzow took charge, in I891, he organized the full twelve grades
and completed the regular high school curriculum.
The school was so crowded that in June, 1892, it was voted to bond
the district for $2,500 to; build a two-story addition, which was completed about January, 1893.
For I906-7 the Board of Education are: Dr. C. E. Davis, president; E. M. Ketcham, treasurer; F. S. Hall, secretary; I. S. Smith, G.
W. Kroll, trustees.  Faculty:  Edmund Schoetzolw, superintendent;
Grace Templeton, principal; Leone B. Dennis, assistant principal; Eva
C. Ditzell, second grammar; Frances Volkmer, first grammar; Katherine
Brennan, second primary; Inez Willard, first primary. Inez Willard is
teaching her seventeenth year in the first primary room, having taught
nine years the first time. The total number of graduates is I 19. Of
these IoO were under Edmund Schoetzow's administration.
M1ARCELLUS GRADUATES.
T889-Edwin Drury, Maude Bogert, Guy Keene.
189o —Julius Stern, Charles Giddings, Homer Kidney, Pearle Anderson.
1891-Grace Arnold. Bertha M. Hartman, Margaret R. Hutchinson.
893-Guy Snyder.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


241


I894-Earle R. Clemens, Mae Manning, Belle Taylor, Enoch G.
Bogert, John M. Alexander.
1895-Harriet L. Vincent, BeDlee M. Poorman, Helen B. Munger,
Grace E. Taylor, Jessie I. Mayhard.
I896-William C. Hartman, Edith L. Hall, Mabel A. Vincent,
Parthenia M. Stillwell, Ola M. Nicholson, Charles R. Welcher, Maude
M. Palmer, Mabel C. Easterbrook, Pearle E. Swift, *Barton C. Nottingham, Bert J. Vought.
I89i7-Roy E. Goodspeed, Mamie V. Sherman, Willard J. Gunter,
Annis M. Mikel, Willard C. Davis, Eliza A. Reynolds.
i898-A. Florence Taylor, Tacie R. Udell, V. Maude Marr.
I8991-Clyde Clemens, Vera M. Jones, Carolyne L. Stern, Margery
I. Kern, Florence McManigal, Burt L. Loveridge.
9go —Bertha Harris, Elma lMohney, Mary Remington, Susie
Lutes, Georgia H. Hartman, L. Clare Poorman, Leroy S. Long, Nellie
Batchelor, Earle J. Gould.
1901-Carl G. Fulton, Leona Kent, Irene Cropsey, Harry A. Bradford, Louella Apted, Clella E. Davis, Genevieve Mumnford, Gay A.
Webb. Merle Mack, Edna R. DeCou.
1902-Clair Smith, Sarah M. Hall, Frances C. Streeter, Mabel S.
Long, Sarah E. Lutes, Lura Rosewarne, Jennie Lowry, Anna Bachelor,
Mabel S. Fletcher, Lulu M. Franklin, Jennie Cleckner, Abby R. Munger,
John H. Maxam.
1903-Neva F. Kent, Birdie W\alker, Hattie R. Potter, Harry P.
Jones, Albert J. Carpenter, Helen H. Stern, Ethel Apted, Hollister H.
Savage, Deane E. Herbert, Daisy E. Lewis, Jennie M. Thompson.
1904-Rosa Hartshorn, Esther George, Mary Long. Alice Streeter, Beulah Potter, Clark Whitenight, Bessie Thurkow.
905o-Henriette George. Mary DeForest, Neva T. Arnold, Ethel
M. Holliday, Emar Hice. Florence Stern, Vera Thurkow. Jessie M.
East.
19o6-Vaughn R. LaBarre, Jennie M. Spitler, Leona Mae Moxlev
(colored), Fanny M. Saulpaugh, Mildred I. Krise, Cleta Beatrice Kern,
Sarah Orril Mack, Clarence A. Bradford, C. Blanche WValdron, Rena
Hoisington, Grace M. Lewis, Kathryn B. Colburn, V. Kathryn Taylor,
Verna B. Siegel.
VANDALIA PUBLIC SCIOOL.
The Vandalia Ptublic School was graded by Jesse Borton, the principal, in 1873. Mr. Borton had been at the head of the school some
time before and remained there until 1876. His successors have been:
1877-8:  J. Handschue.
1879-89 Michael Pemberton.
* Killed in the Spanish-American war.




242


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


I890     Thomas Chalmers.
I89I-3   Chester E. Cone.
1894-5   A. F. Probst.
1896-8   C. L. Pemberton.
1899     C. L. Catherman.
1900     S. J. Bole.
1901-3   L. O. DeCamp.
1905     H. S. East.
1906    *R. T. Baldwin, John Myron.
The school has graduated one hundred and nine students notwithstanding there were no graduating classes in 1884, I886, I896, I899
and 1904, and the first class in I883.
GRADUATES.
I883-Rose Bonine, Minnetta Thurston, Robert Coats, Florence
Thomas, William   Shillings, George D. Smith, Ella Carrier, Elroy
Alexander.
1885-Ida Tinker, Fred Jefferson, Herman S. East, *Mattie Cross,
Henry Lane, *Dena O'Dell.
1887-C. H. Bonine, Erma Faulkner, Eva O'Dell, William Oxenford.
I888-Samuel Stephens, Clare Pemberton, Leroy E. Deal, G. E.
Campbell, Bertha Bonine.
1889-Edna Fellows, Charles Wetherbee, Frank Lewis, J'Net
O'Dell, John Setzler, *Edith Roys, Loren Miller.
I89 —Pearl Bump, J. C. Faulkner, M. Lena Lynch, Carrie Kirk,
M/innie Lambert, *Cora Thomas.
r891-Frank E. Faulkener, *Charity Mulrine, Earl Merritt, Ralph
Bogue.
1892-*Eva Jefferson, Bertha Arnold, Mary Seager.
J893-Frank Blood, Nellie Royer, Cora Arnold, Blanche Simpson,
Lola Thurston, Iva Cussans, Clara Whited.
I894-Ella Symons, Nellie Kirk, Ada Phillips, Guy Van Antwerp. Charles Setzler, Bernice McKinney, Myrta Shillings, Mary Smith,
Albert Roys, Ethel Orr, Margaret Pemberton, Cora Royer, Odessa
Seager, William Setzler.
1895-Belle Lvnch, Meda Weikle, Etta Train, Mary Skinner, Hannah Bogue.
I897-Leona Hollister, Ethel Deal. Blanche McCabe, John Simpson, Verna Royer.
T898-Minnie Wilson, Vesta Lewis, H-attie Mealoy, Clarence
Faulkner, Edna Barnum.
* Resigned.




HISTORY O!F CASS COUNTY                     243
i900-Glennie ileslet, Flora Hollister, Ruby M. Johnston, Anna
Setzler, Vera Lynch, M\arie Denison, Mabel Honeyman.
i90i-Blanche Wiltse, Arlie. B-onine, Blanche Denison, LuVada
Copely.
1902-Leon Alexander, Ward A. Bump, Florence Doan, Wayne
Beardsley, Mabel A. Bonine.
I90;3-Clara Seidi, Fancheon Lewis, *P:. Jay Freer, Carl Jo~hnson,
G. Belle Freer.
i905-Sadie Bonine, Clara Bonine, Mabel Curtis, Deva Brickell,
Floyd Keller.
i896-Georgiana Longsduff, Onear Fisher, Reta Van Antwerp,
Btirt Pullin.
The faculty for 1906 and '07: John Myron, principal; Mrs. Mae
D~unning and Miss Rub-y M. Johnston, assistants; Miss Minnie Wilson,
intermediate; Miss Mabel Bonine, primary.
*Deceased.




244


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


CHAPTER XVII.
LIBRARIES.
LADIES' LIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF CASSOPOLIS.
In October, 1870, an organization under the name of "Cassopolis
Reading Room   and Library Association" was effected, and the following February incorporated with the following named incorporators:
W. WV. Peck, W. P. Bennett, C. S. Wheaton, J. T. Stevens, A. Garwood, A. B. Morley, A. Maginnis, H. Norton, O. Rudd, M. L. Howell,
John Tietsort, J. M. Shepard, L. H. Glover, J. B. Boyd. The declared
objects of the organization were, "the establishment and maintenance
of a library and reading room; the procuring and furnishing of lectures
on literary and scientific subjects; and the affording of such other means
of literary, scientific and intellectual improvement as the association
by its by-laws may provide."  The public reading room feature of the
organization was kept up less than a year, but the library has been
maintained to the present time, and contains about fifteen hundred
volumes of choice fiction, history and travels, sheltered in the Pioneer
Room of the Court House.
A few of the ladies of Cassopolis have managed the library since
the discontinuance of the reading room. and September 5th, I905, new
articles of incorporation were executed by the follow'ing women, who
were made directors under the new organization-Ladies' Library Association of Cassopolis: May S. Armstrong, Lucy E. Smith, Allie M.
DesVoignes, Addie S. Tietsort, I-Tattie J. Holland, Maryette H. Glover,
Sarah B. Price.
Its officers are: Sarah B. Price, President; Maryette H. Glover,
Secretary; Addie S. Tietsort, Treasurer.
Article VII of the articles of association is as -follows:  The
officers shall be women twenty-one years of age and residents of Cassopolis, and members of the association. Any person paying the membership fee provided for in the by-laws may become a member.
The membership fee is one dollar, and the further fee of seventyfive cents each vear after the first year. This payment authorizes the




DOWAGIAC PUBLIC LIBRARY.




I




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


245


member to draw books from the library, which is open to its members
Saturday afternoons, and in charge of the ladies.
*THE LADIES' LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.
The library movement in Dowagiac was begun by the ladies of
the city in I872.  April 9th a meeting was called and a constitution
and by-laws were presented and adopted. The city was then canvasse(l
for subscribers to the capital stock, the amount of which was fixed at
$I,OOO, divided into 500 shares at $2.00 each. About 200 shares were
sold. With this money books were purchased and the enterprise was
fairly started. Books were loaned under proper regulations. The signers of the constitution, or charter mnembers, were: Mesdames Maria
Palmer, Amanda W. Jones, Mary E. Lyle, May E. Bowling, Emma
E. Van Riper, Jerusha E. Bailey, Lorraine Dickson, Caroline J. IMulvane, Lillie A. Curtis and Miss Gertrude ReShore. A room was rented
for the library until I888, when P. D. Beckwith became interested in
the cause and knowing the need of a permanent home for the library,
built for it a small frame building and fitted it up with cases for the
books and all necessary furniture and, with the lot on which the building
stood, deeded it to the Association. Until his death Mr. Beckwith was
ever a good and generous friend to the library cause.
By the will of Win. K. Palmer, an old and respected citizen, the
Association received $I,200, the only gift of money ever received. In
1902 the charter of the Association was renewed for thirty years.
To the ladies of the Association who vworked so long and earnestly
the people of Dowagiac are indebted for the splendid Public Library
they now possess.
Feeling the need of a wider influence than a subscription library
could have, they interested their friends in an effort to secure a Carnegie Library for the city, and on receipt of the offer, went before the
city council and pledged their books and income to the support of a
public library.  The money from    the Palmer estate furnished the
foundation of a permanent book fund for the library, and the income
from the rent of the former library building is expended quarterly for
books for the Public Library.
The Ladies' Association, while co-operating with the Public Library board and having its only purpose in advancing the interests of
the library, is still maintained as an independent organization.  The
* NOTE-This article was contributed to the history by Grace ReShore.




246


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


officers for the current year are: Mrs. Mable Lee Jones, President;
Miss Frances M. Ross, Vice President; Mrs. J. O. Becraft, Treasurer;
Mrs. E. N. Rogers, Secretary.
DOWAGIAC PUBI,IC LIBRARY.
The building is the gift of Andrew Carnegie, the grounds the gift
of the Beckwith Estate. The Public Library and Reading Room were
established by a resolution adopted March, i6th, 903, at a meeting of
the common council of the city, and at the same meeting the mayor
appointed as the first board of trustees, Mrs. E. N. Rogers, Mrs. F. J.
Atwell, Mrs. A. B. Gardner, Miss N. A. Atwell, Miss Grace ReShore,
Messrs. NWm. F. Hoyt, C. W. Hendryx, Rev. L. M. Grant, F. L. Becraft. The board organized and elected officers, C. W. Hendryx, president; Mrs. A. B. Gardner, vice president; Miss Grace ReShore, secretary. Building committee: W. F. Hoyt, Mrs. Gardner, F. L. Becraft
The architect selected was Berkeley Brandt of Chicago.    The
material used for the building is vitrified brick in two colors-with
columns and trimmings in Bedford stone.    The interior finish is in
weathered oak, walls tinted terra cotta with light buff ceilings. At the
right of the entrance is the children's room, with low shelves on three
sides of the room for books. The delivery desk is in the center, with
the steel book-stacks at the back; the general reading room at the left
of the entrance.  At the right from the stack room is the librarian's
room, and at the left is the reference and trustees' room.
The lighting is a combination of electricity and gas. The furniture
is oak in Mission style. In the basement is an assembly room seating
about 250, which will be used for the children's league and other small
gatherings.
The Library received from Mr. Elias Pardee, an old resident of
the city, a valuable museum consisting of stuffed birds and small animals and some very fine deer and elk heads; birds' nests and eggs, shells,
etc., which add greatly to the attractiveness of the rooms and interest
and instruct the young people.
In November, 1903, the cornerstone of the building was laid with
appropriate ceremonies by the Michigan Grand Lodge of Masons. November loth, I904, the library was opened with an informal reception
in the evening, and the next day began issuing books. At the time
of opening the library contained 3,535 volumes-2,752 of which Were
from the Ladies' Library Association, 783 from the public school library,




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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


247


1,026 volumes have been added since. The circulation for the past year
was 2I,I98 volumes. Readers' cards have been issued to 1,703 persons.
The officers of the library board for the current year (1906) are:
Wm. F. Hoyt, President; Frances M. Ross, Vice President; Grace
ReShore, Secretary and Librarian.
BECKWITH   MEMORIAL THEATRE.
The Beckwith Memorial Theatre, dedicated by Colonel Robert G.
Ingersoll in January, I893, is constructed of Lake Superior red sandstone with backwalls of brick. The building is 8.5xII5 feet in dimensions, and is three stories in height. The front has a genuinely monumental effect, the first story being a magnificent arcade of four great
arches, with twenty feet to each span, and showing the depth of the
walls. On each pier is the portrait of a noted woman in bold relief,
such famous women as George Eliot, George Sands, Mary Anderson,
Sarah Bernhardt, Rachael and Susan B. Anthony being represented.
Above this space smoothly chiseled stone reduces the effect again, and
the top story front consists of semi-circular headed arches which form
another arcade.  Upon the bay directly over the main entrance is a
large medalion portrait of Philo D. Beckwith, beneath which a magnificently carved panel bears the name "Beckwith." In the other fro(nt
bays are portraits in medalion of Beethoven. Chopin, Rossini, Wagner,
Verdi, Liszt, Voltaire. Ingersoll, Payne, Hugo, Emerson, WVhitman.
Goethe and the immortal Shakespeare.
The main entrance to the building is in the middle (livision of
the ground floor front and is eighteen feet in width. This also furnishes
the entrance to the corner ground floor room, which is occupied by Lee
Brothers & Company's bank, than which there is no finer banking room
in the country. On the opposite side is the entrance to the postoffice,
which is fitted up with the latest appliances for the expeditious handling
of the mails. From off the arcade a magnificent flight of stairs leads
to the second floor, the front portion of which is occupied by the offices
of the Beckwith estate.
The stage is fifty feet wide and thirty-eight feet deep, with beautifully ornamented boxes on either side. Everything has been done with
a lavish hand. There are fifteen elegantly furnished dressing rooms, in
which are all the conveniences for the comfort of the disciples of Thespis
who visit this house. The drop curtain is a composite work of art.
The general design is an original figure composition in classic Greek,




248


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


and is monumental and decorative in contradistinction to the realistic
school and apparently inspired by the artist's study of the theatre itself.
'The figulres are superbly (drawn and painted, and the landscape )ortion
is magnificent.  The whole presents a fitting picture by the greatest
artists of the time. Each has done well his part. No one mind could
have conceived it; nor could any one lhalnd have executed it. It will live
as a classic work olf art when its makers shall have passed away.
The scenery is designed for the cyclorama effect which has been
found so effective, and which was first used in the Auditorium in Chicago. By this arrangement a scene can be set as a street or a garden
by simply moving the scenes, which are profiled on both sides and top,
anywhere desired. Every set of mnachinery is a finished piece of art.
It is, after the latest fashion, lashed together with ropes, and is capable
olf being made into seventy-five (listinct stage dressings.
All the ornamental work in the house is after the fashion of the
Grecian school, and everything possible has been done to make this, the
first memorial theatre erected in the country, the most beautiful playhouse in the lan(l. There are 499 over-stuffed mohair plush chairs, dedl
in a light fawn and flesh colors, 329 of which are in the parquette and
170 gracing the balconv. The gallery seats 200 comfortably.
The problem of electric lighting of theatres has been solved in this
house by the use o'f a large switchboard, in which there are twentyfive levers and nine plowerful resistance coils. The lighting of the stage
itself is exceptionally complete, four hundred electric lamps in three
colors being utilized for this purpose. The heating and the ventilation
have been well looked to, and there never was a theatre whose air was
more pure and whose warmth was more regular and comfortable.
There is a roomy foyer andl an abundance of fire escapes; in fact
nothing has been left undone which could add to the attractiveness and
completeness of this house. It is a new and splendid model which time
will demonstrate to be almost, if not quite, the acme of human skill in
architecture, design and decoration.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


249


CHAPTER     XVIII.
THE CASS COUNTY PRESS.
In the year of this writing there are eight newspapers published
regularly in Cass county. Of these there is one daily, and one published twice a week. Outside of the two large centers Edwardsburg and
Marcellus support each a paper.
In one respect, at least, the newspaper history of Cass county is
noteworthy. All but one of the eight papers have had a continuous
existence-though not all under continuous proprietorship-for at least
a quarter of a century. The newspaper graveyard of Cass county is
surprisingly small.  The live ones are'not so. much troubled by the
ghosts of defunct enterprises as in many other counties that might be
named.   Not that journalism  has been without the usual reefs and
shallows in this county. Not that there are no wrecks to record. Here,
as elsewhere, some newspapers, delivered in hope, have died in blameless
infancy; one or two, having served their ephemeral purpose, passed out
without the sting of failure; the existence of one or two others was
fitful and stressful from the first, and the end was the happiest part of
their career.
The early settlers of the county had no newspaper. Perhaps the
most familiar paper that coulld be considered a "home paper" was the
Niles Herald, which was published by A. E. Draper from 1833 to 1838,
being suspended at the latter (late. In its columns, no doubt, were published the legal notices from  Cass county. The only other paper in
southwestern Michigan that wias regularly published at that time, so
far as is known to the writer, was the Kalamazoo Gazette, which was
established in I834, and is now in its 73rd volume.
More than fifteen years elapsed after the organization of Cass
county before the first newspaper enterprise ventured a permanent abode
in the county. The Cass County Advocate issued its first number March
Ii, 1845. The publishers got their equipment from the old Niles Express. It announced a regular weekly appearance, but, as is well known,
the intentions of early editors-often, too, of those still with us-did
not possess the breadth and height and irresistible force needed to over



250


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


come the insuperable obstacles that beset pioneer publishing.  Very
often the person whose name conspicuously appeared as "editor and
proprietor," also was incumbent of the long list of positions that rank
below the supreme office down to the despised "devil."  As business
manager, as news gatherer, as typesetter, as foreman of the press room,
and lpower man for the hand press, the old-time publisher had no sinecure. Too often his supply of paper ran out before the means of transportation by wagon could bring him his next invoice.  These conditions, and many others that we cannot here describe in detail, might
have interfered with the regular editing of the first Cass county newspaper. Certain it is, that its career was fitful.
Mr. E. A. Graves was the editor and proprietor' a Democrat in
politics and conducting his paper accordingly. Abram Townsend bought
the enterprise in I8,46, but he, too, failed to make it prosperous.  In
I850 it fell into the hands of another well known citizen, Ezekiel S.
Smith. He evidently believed that Cassopolis was not a good field for
a newspaper, and that the new railroad-born village of Dowagiac offered
a better location.
The removal of the Cass County Advocate to Dowagiac in I8.o
gave that village its first newspaper. Mr. L. P. Williams soon bought
the plant of Mr. Smith, and by him. the name was changed to the
Dowagiac Timcs and Cass Colluity Rcpublican.    In 1854, while the
proprietor was away on a business trip, the office and the entire plant
was destroyed by fire. Thus perished the first newspaper, after having
lived nearly ten years. Its history was closed, for no, successor, phoenixlike, ever rose from its ashes.
The contents of the early newspaper call for brief comment.
Apropos of this point, Mr. C. C. Allison says: "If you turn over the
pages of the early paper expecting to find local news you will be disappointed. Now our papers exist and are patronized for the local information they contain; at that time this idea of journalism had not
arrived, at least not in this part of the country. A letter from a foreign
country, describing alien people and customs, was eagerly seized upon
by the. editor, and its none too interesting facts spread over several columns of type. At the same time local improvements, county news, and
the personal items which. now form the live features of the small newspaper. were usually omitted entirely or passed over with scant attention.
Marriages and deaths and births formed the, bulk of the local news in the
newspaper of fifty years ago.".




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


251


After the departure of the Cass County Advocate the citizens of
Cassopolis evidently felt the void caused by no local newspaper.  A
stock company was organized, George B. Turner was selected as editor,
and on March 17, I85o, the first number of the National Democrat
was given to the public. Fifty-six years have passed since that date,
and the National Democrat still flourishes.  H. C. Shurter was the
publisher for the original company.
The first few years of this paper's existence were not unmarked
by vicissitudes, at least in ownership.  In 1854, Mr. G. S. Boughton
bought the paper, and within a few months sold it to W. W. Van Antwerp. During the latter's proprietorship the late Daniel Blackman was
editor. When the original stock company resumed control of the enterprise in I858, Mr. Blackman continued as editor, with Mr. H. B.
Shurter as publisher. But, however well the paper may have served its
ostensible ends, its financial condition remained discouraging. In I86I
the plant was sold at sheriff's sale. The purchasers were Pleasant Norton, D. M. Howell and Maj. Joseph Smith. It was transferred by them
to L. D. Smith, who managed it two years-the first two, years of the
war, when news was at a premium everywhere. In March, I863, the
paper reverted to Messrs. Norton, Howell and Smith, Major Smith
taking the editorial end of the business.
In I862 the proprietors had employed as their publisher a young
man, then twenty-tAwo years old, named C. C. Allison. Born in Illinois
in 1840 and coming to, Cassopolis when eight years old, the (lean, as
he now is, of the newspaper profession in Cass county began his career,
and is likely to end it in the National Democrat office. He entered the
office as an apprentice in I855. He set type, wrote news items, and in
a few years was master of the business. On May 5, I863, he bought
the paper, and from that date to this he has owned, managed and edited
the oldest paper in Cass county.
The Nationao LDemocrat is published weekly, is Democratic in politics, and it has been tle steadfast policy of its proprietor to keep it in
the first rank, an impartial and comprehensive disseminator of news, and
at the same time an advocate of progress and public spirit in the affairs
to which newspaper influence may be legitimately directed.
The Republican interests. of the county are represented at Cassopolis
by the Vigilant,. which is also far more than a partisan journal; it is
well edited, has live, clean news, and its standard of newspaper enterprise is the very highest. The' ig.ilant has witnessed an entire genera



252


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


tion of human progress, and its columns have contained the history ill
epitome of Cass county since the I6th of May, 1872, when its first copy
was issued.  D. B. Harrington and M. H. Barber were the founders
of the paper. It wvent through several changes of ownership during the
first years. C. L. Morton and W. H. Mansfield purchased it in February, I873, and in the following July Mr. Mansfield became sole proprietor.
In I876 Mr. Mansfield associated with himself Mr. James M.
Shepard, a dentist by profession, and having followed from I868 to that
(late the practice of dentistry in Cassopolis. MIr. Shepard, whose subsequent career in public affairs is so well known, became the sole owner
of the Vigilant in 1878, and has conducted the paper under his personal supervision except while engaged in his public duties. For seventeen vears Mr. W. -I. Berkey has been connected with the office, and
for alout ten years has been managing editor of the Vigilanlt. He is
a thorough and alert newspaper man and shares in the credit for the
success of the Vigilant.
Although the plant of the Timlles r and Cass Counlty Republican was
destroyed by fire in 1854, Dowagiac did not long remain an unoccupied
field for newspaper endeavor. In the same year Mr. James L. Gantt
established the Dowagiac Tribulnec. The Tribune held undisputed possession of the field until 1858. In the meantime the policy of its editor
was bringing upon him a storm of disapproval that ended in a small
newspaper war.
It should be remembered that the newspapers of that time were
more of political "organs" than even the strongest of modern partisan
journals. To advocate the success of its party and to give much the
greater part of its news and editorial space to that cause was often the
sole cause of a country newspaper's existence. And the change from
that custom to the later "news" paper is recent enough to be remembered
by all.
Hence it came about that when the course of the Tribune had hecome distasteful beyond endurance to the Republicans of the county, the
officials and leaders of Cass county Republicanism met to consider and
take action concerning their newspaper "organ."  As a result of this
meeting, which was held in January, 18588, overtures were made to Mr.
Gantt either to dispose of the paper or to allow a committee to select
an editor. in which case the expense would be borne by the party organi



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


253


zation. Mr. Gantt had no mind to surrender his prerogatives or policies,
and his paper was issued as before.
But there remained another method.  The party leaders induced
W\. H. Campbell and N. B. Jones to establish another paper in Dowagiac.
This rival was called the Republican. Mr. Jones retired at the end of
three months, but Mr. Campbell conducted the paper with such energy
and was so well supported by his constituents that in I859 Mr. Gantt
sold him the good will of the Tribune, and moved the plant of the latter
away. Thus the Republican was left master of the situation, and continued for many years as the only Dowagiac paper. The names of the
committee who were responsible for the establishment of the Reputblicaln
were Justus Gage, Jesse G. Beeson, \V. G. Beckwith, Joshua Lofland
and William Sprague.
The Republican, like other Cass county papers, has passed through
a series of ownerships.  Mr. Campbell continued its publication until
January, I865. At that date Mr. Charles A. Smith, a young man of
only twenty-one years, but a practical printer and energetic newspaper
man, took control and conducted the business successfully for two years.
Mr. Jesse G. Roe was the next purchaser, but being unacquainted with
the practical side of newspaper business, after three weeks he sold the
plant to its founder, Mir. Camplell. In I868 Mr. H. C. Buffington was
installed as proprietor and editor, and continued the publication until
September, 1875, when the business passed to Richard Holmes and C. J.
Greenleaf.  These partners gave much space to purely local matters,
and their management throughout was quite successful. In September,
J88o, another transfer was made, when Mr. R. N. Kellogg bought the
Republican, plant.  Under Mr. Kellogg's ownership the name was
changed from the Cass County Republican to the Dowagiac Republican.
Successive owners of the Rcpublican were E. H. Spoor, Becraft &
Amsden, Becraft alone, then a Mr. Rose, Becraft & Son, and J. 0.
Becraft. Mr. Becraft was publisher of the Replublican until I904, when
he sold it to Mr. H. E. Agnew, the present proprietor.
In I88c Mr. W. M. Wooster entered the lists of Cass county
journalism. He had been proprietor of the Van Buren County Repltblican, which lie sold to Mr. Buffington, the former Republican editor.
Buying the equipment of the Lawrence Advertiser, he removed it to
Dowagiac, and on September I, I88o, he issued the first number of
the Dowagiac Times, as an independent in politics-an unusual course
for a paper to take at that time. In I881 the Times was sold to Mr.




254


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


A. M. Moon, who has been identified with Cass county journalism
nearly thirty years, and who came to Dowagiac from Marcellus. Mr.
Moon conducted the Tinzes until I885, when he sold it to its present
proprietor, James Heddon.  In 1897 Charles Heddon established the
Daily News, which was issued from the same office as the Times, and
the two papers are practically under one management. In this connection it is of interest that Ward Bros. established a paper called the
Daily News in Dowagiac about I880, although its existence was short..
The third paper of Dowagiac is the Herald, which was established
in 1892 by Mr. N. Klock as the Standard.  R. E. Curtis bought this
paper in I897, and it later became the property of J. A. Webster, who
changed the name to the Herald. In April, I903, A. M. Moon became
the proprietor of the Herald and has since issued it every week.
Marcellus has a somewhat disconnected newspaper record, but the
News has a record of nearly thirty years, and has been a good paper,
ably edited and well patronized, since its start. The Messenger was the
first paper in the village, established by S. D. Perry in I874. The Goodspeed brothers, Volinia farmers, soon came into possession of the plant
and issued a paper known as the Standard under the management of
Rufus Nash. The last issue appeared in August, I876, and in I877
Mr. A. M. Moon bought the plant and brought out the first number of
the Marcellus News.  When Mr. Moon moved to Dowagiac he took
part of the equipment of the News, but left the intangible interests and
subscription lists of the News to, his successors, C. C. Allison and J. J.
A. Parker, who issued the first number under their management on
December 24, I88I. Mr. Parker soon bought the interest of Mr. Allison, who had entered the newspaper field at Marcellus as a branch
enterprise to his Cassopolis paper.  Following Mr.' Parker, the proprietor of the News was Mr. White, then Dr. C. E. Davis, who sold to
the present proprietor, A. E. Bailey.
The Vandalia Journal was established by William A. DeGroot, and
the first number was dated June 14, i88I. The paper later passed to
Jos. L. Sturr. who, after a short time, discontinued its publication and
moved the type and presses to Chicago.
Several years ago Mr. F. M. Viall established a small news sheet at
Vandalia, but after about six rmonths gave up the enterprise without
having' won fame for himself and brought the paper to any dignity in
fiewspaperdot.
The tdwardsburg Argus, whose present proprietor is Henry Andrus




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY:


255


(see sketch), was established in I875, its first issue appearing October
5th. William A. Shaw, H. B. Davis, F. M. Jerome and G. F. Bugbee
were connected with the paper until 1879. In February of this year Dr.
John B. Sweetland took charge of the paper, which he thereafter conducted in his vigorous and virile way, "neutral in nothing, independent
in everything," and was the proprietor for twenty years, until his death
in 1899. Dr. Sweetland, in conformity with his principles, kept his paper
independent in politics, and if he favored any movement especially it
was the Prohibition. Mr. Henry Andrus was local editor of the Argus
a long time under Dr. Sweetland, and since the latter's death has conducted the paper, maintaining it at the high standard of former years.
The Argus is issued regularly every Thursday.
Illustrative of newspaper politics of half a century ago, is an incident related by C. C. Allison, the veteran editor of the Democrat. In
I840 Ezekiel S. Smith had been appointed by Gov. Woodbridge to the
position of attorney in Cass county. Smith was a Whig, of the same
brand and stripe as his political chief. He made it a point to emphasize
his beliefs and aggrandize his party whenever possible while in Cass
county. At that time the Democratic party was dominant in this section, its official organ at the county seat being the Cass County Advocate, with its pioneer editor, Abram Townsend.
Townsend was not succeeding in making his paper pay dividends,
however successful it may have been as a political and news organ.
One day, in this financial stress, he applied to Attorney Smith for a
cash loan. "No more loans on that paper," replied Smith, who was
already Townsend's creditor; "why don't you go to Asa Kingsbury?"
Kingsbury was a leader in Democratic affairs at that time, and his
financial support to the Advocate had also been drawn upon to the limit.
On being informed of Kingsbury's unwillingness to extend further
credit, Attorney Smith, acting upon a sudden idea, asked, "What will
you take for that newspaper over there?"  "'Do you really want to
buy it. Mr. Smith?" "Yes, I will buy the equipment and you can continue as my editor," was the decisive manner in which the transaction
was closed. "Now," continued Smith, after counting out the stipulated
amount less what Townsend owed him, "let us go over and get out
this week's paper."  The make-up was about ready to go to press, and
after looking it over the only change that the new proprietor requested
was that the leading editorial be withdrawn and one written by himself
substituted. This was done, and the Ad-vocate appeared on the regular




256             HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
day of issue without any delay consequent upon the change of ownership, which took place quite unheralded to the citizens o0f the county
seat. But for that reason the consternation was all the greater among
the stanch Democracy when, on the first page of their loyal paper, they
read a pungent editorial lauding the principles of Whiggism to the skies
and holding up the sacred tenets and leaders of the Van Buren party
to scorn and ridicule.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


CHAPTER XIX.
MEDICINE     AND    SURGERY.
The early followers of Aesculapius, in Cass county as elsewhere,
were in the main honest, practical and sympathetic men. Such is the
testimony of those whose personal knowledge connects the present with
the past. WAithout the advantages of broad technical training, such as
are within reach of the medical student now, without the vast heritage
of accumulated experience, analyzed and classified for apDlication t',
every morbid condition of mankind, the pioneer physician had to, compensate for his narrowness of professional vision and skill by a pervasive sympathy and inspiring cheerfulness.
Much of the practice was done by doctors who followed their profession as an adjunct to the more necessary-to their own welfareoccupation of tilling the new soil or merchandising, or any other of the
trades or activities by which the early settlers gained a living. There
were, proportionately, fewer "town doctors."  Some of the "farmer
doctors" were college graduates and men of considerable attainments,
though necessarily rough in exterior, and, although handicapped for
want of appliances, were perhaps as fully competent to combat the diseases incident to those conditions as our more modern physicians are
to combat our more modern diseases. For it is a well known scientific
truth that many of the refinements and advantages of modern civilization are really violations of the natural laws, which bring about their
own diseases as punishment.
A very brief record is left of those physicians who came to Cass
county during the pioneer period. There.was Dr. Henry H. Fowler,
who seemed possessed of the pioneer spirit, for several new settlements
in this part of the country knew him, as a citizen as much as a professional man. Hle was interested in the formation of the.village of Geneva,
on Diamond lake, and was a factor in having that place designated as the
seat of justice. He had first located at Edwardsburg.about I830.
There seems to have been no physician during the thirties who left
a permanent impress on the life and affairs. of the county. During that.
decade Cassopolis and vicinity had, for varying lengths of time, doctors




258


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


named Isaac Brown, Charles L. Clows, David E.. Brown, Benjamin F.
Gould, who was a college graduate and practiced in Cassopolis till his
death, in I844; David A. Clows, and James Bloodgood. The first physicians in the county seem to have located at Edwardsburg. Of those
early practitioners the most prominent was Henry Lockwood.  Born
in New York in I803, a graduate of a medical college of that state, he
located at Edwardsburg about I837, and was in active and prosperous
practice there till 1802. He died in December of the following year.
The old town of Adamsville, in the southern part of the county,
had a notable doctor in the early days in the person of Henry Follett.
Born in New York in 1789, he studied medicine under private direction, served in the war of I812 as assistant surgeon, and in I836, with
his family, made the journey in pioneer fashion from the east to his
new home at Adamsville. Two years later he moved to a farm near the
village, and in a combination of the two pursuits passed the remainder
of his life, his death occurring in I849.
There were other physicians in the county during this period, but
little record other than their names is preserved. Those earliest physicians-as well as their successors for many years-traveled about on
horseback. There were no telephones by which medical assistance could
be summoned to remote parts of the rural districts, and hence, up to
recent years, the sight of a flying horseman hastening to town was a
signal to the neighbors that some one was ill. An hour or so later
back would come the physician, muffled up beyond recognition during
the severe winter season, or bespattered with mud from hard riding over
the niry roads. There were no carriages. If there had been they would
have been useless because of the rough and muddy roads, which were
scarcely more than trails cut through the woods. The distances traveled
in reaching the sufferers were long, because the roads wound around so
much, and often the patient was dead before the doctor could arrive.
Sometimes after heavy rains the streams would be swollen so as to
render the fords impassable, or the bridges would be carried away,
necessitating a long detour in order to reach the destination. But numberless and arduous as were the difficulties which beset the pioneer
practitioner-and only a few have been alluded to, so that the picture
is quite inadequate to reveal the hard life of our first doctors-it is to
the lasting honor of the rugged character and faithful devotion to duty
of those men that no call for help, matter not where it was or what its
answering meant in the way of personal hardship, was refused.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


259


But the times and conditions of practice changed rapidly.  Dr.
H. H. Phillips, of Cassopolis, whose professional recollections in this
county go hack nearly forty years, states that when he began to practice
the physicians no longer were traveling about the country on horseback, with their medicine, surgical instruments, etc., in a saddle-bag.
Buggies had already come into general use among the country practitioners, and the hard lot of the early doctor was in many other respects
relieved.
The diseases of those times were principally malaria, caused by
lack of drainage in the county; bronchitis and pneumonia, due to, exposure incident to their mode of life, and diarrhoea and dysentery induced by their coarse fare. Contagious diseases, on account of the isolation of the settlers, had little opportunity to spread. Heroic treatment was accorded their patients by old-time doctors. The tale is told
of one such physician-not of Cass county, however-who gave a patient suffering from a "blocked bowel" one hundred grains of calomel
at a single dose, and, strangest of all, there was complete recovery from
both the ailment and the dosage.
But malaria is no longer to be contended with. The marshes have
been drained.  Whereas the early settlers fought mosquitoes-now
known as most active agents in the spreading of contagious diseasesby means of smudges, screen doors now shut out the pests from our
homes. This use of wire screening is one of many improvements that
provided wholesome sanitary conditions and guarded against disease.
The decrease of malaria is graphically illustrated in the statement of
Dr. Phillips that not one bottle of quinine is used now to thirty required
when he began practice.  Malaria was everywhere then, and quinine
was the sovereign remedy in its treatment.
Passing from the pioneer period of medical practice, we find a
number of men of more than ordinary ability who adorned the profession during the last half of the century. Dr. E. J. Bonine, who
practiced in Cassopolis from  1844 to the outbreak of the Civil war,
was a soldier and politician as well as doctor. Born in Indiana in I82I,
he prepared for his profession, as was then the custom more than now,
tinder a private preceptor instead of within college walls.  He was
elected to represent the county in the legislature in 1852. He was, in
turn, a Whig, a Free-soiler, and then helped to organize the Republican
party. He enlisted for service in the rebellion, and was. advanced from
the ranks to, surgeon in chief of the Third Division of the Ninth Army




260


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Corps. He located at Niles after returning from the war, and was
prominent professionally and in public life- until his death.
In the death of Dr. L. D. Tompkins on October I, I902, there
passed away the oldest medical practitioner in the county. Arriving in
the county in 1848, he saw and experienced the conditions of pioneer
practice. Still alive a half century later, his retrospect covered the most
important period in the development of medical and surgical practice,
and he could appreciate as none others could the changes that a lifetime had wrought.
"But perhaps it still is better that his busy life is done;
He has seen old views and patients disappearing one by one."
A former account of his life says: "During the first eight or ten
years of his residence in the county he almost invariably traveled on
horseback. The roads were not then as numerous as now, and most
of those which had been cleared and improved were in a condition inferior to those of the present. Large bodies of land were unfenced, and
it was the universal custom among those persons familiar with the
country when traveling in the saddle to save time by 'going cross lots'
by way of the numerous paths leading through the 'openings' and heavy
timber. Dr. Tompkins rode very frequently upon these paths and often
in the darkness of night was obliged to lean forward upon his horse's
neck to avoid being brushed from the saddle by overhanging limbs of
the trees. Sometimes, wearied with travel and loss of rest, he would
fall asleep in the saddle, but the trusty horse, plodding on through the
darkness along the winding narrow path, would bring him, safely home."
At the time of his death Dr. Tompkins was more than eighty-five years
old, a remarkable age for one whose earlier experiences had been so
rugged. Born in Oneida county, New York, in I8I7, he moved to Ohio
at the age of fifteen, and there prepared for his profession and practiced
until he came to Cassopolis in May, 1848. In I852 he graduated from
the well known Rush Medical College of Chicago.   More than one
physician now or formerly of Cass county ascribes the inspiration of
his work to, this aged doctor. In the history of Cass county medicine
he will always be a venerable figure.
Only five years younger in years at the time of his death was the
late Dr. Alonzo Garwood, whose professional connection with Cass
county was only a little less than that of Dr. Tompkins. Coming to
Cass county in 1850, the close of a long life came July I, I903. He




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


261


was born October 1, 1824, in Logan county, Ohio, pursued his studies
under the direction of a physician in his native county, later attended,
under the preceptor system, the well known Starling Medical College,
and on his graduation came directly to Cassopolis. Dr. Garwood gave
considerable attention to public affairs, especially local school interests,
and was of such political prominence that he was sent to the state senate
in 1857. He was surgeon of the 28th regiment, Michigan infantry,
during the Civil war.
The list of Cassopolis physicians, past and present, is a long one.
There was Richard M/. Wilson, an early representative of the Eclectic
school, who was here in the fifties. Alonzo B. Treadwell, well remenmbered by many in the county, began practice in the year that Dr. Wilson
left, and continued for ten years, until his death in I874. He had a
varied career, was largely self-educated, served in the army, and died
in the prime of years. For awhile he was partner with Drs. Tompkins
and Kelsey. The latter, William J. Kelsey, father of the present Dr.
J. H. Kelsey, had high professional connection in this county, and was
a man of acknowledged ability. He was born in this county in 1839,
and was a graduate of Rush Medical College in I865.
Other names 'that occur are those of Drs. Robert Patterson, Frederick F. Sovereign, F. P. Hoy, J. D. Mater, each of whom remained but
a short time.
Dr. James S. Stapleton, born in Cassopolis in I867, graduated from
Hahnemann Medical College, in Chicago, and located in his native
town, where he remained until his removal to Jones, where he died
August 13, 1898.
Oliver W. Hatch, born in Medina county, Ohio, July 28, 1825,
came to Mason township, Cass county, with his parents, in I837, attendled
the early district schools and also a select school taught by the late
Judge H. H. Coolidge at Edwardsburg, and received his medical education by private study, at the LaPorte Medical College and at Rush
Medical College in Chicago, where he spent his last term in I848. He
practiced at Georgetown, Ill., three years, then at Mishawaka, Ind., six
months, after which he located in Mason township and was a practicing
physician there until 1903, when he retired and moved to Cassopolis,
where he still resides, being the oldest physician in the county.
Dr. Bulhand, who died at Union September II, I905, was noted
for his sympathy and strength of character, as well as his ability as
a practitioner. He was absolutely frank, and never used his profession




262


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


except according to its own ethics and the standards of personal integrity. He retired before his death, having practiced about twenty years,
and lived on his farm in Calvin.
])own at Edwardsburg Dr. Israel G. Bugbee for many years combined his professional duties with business and official affairs. He was
born in Vermont in 1814, studied medicine in Cass county and in a
New York medical college, and practiced in Edwardsburg from  1840
to 1869. He died in 1878.
Among the contemporaries of Dr. Bugbee were Dr. Alvord, Dr.
John Treat, Dr. Enos Penwxell, and several others. Within the last four
years there (lied in Edwardshurg Dr. John B. Sweetland, whose connection with that village lasted forty years. A graduate, of the University of Buffalo and a first-class physician, he was just as much a
man of affairs. He served as a private and a surgeon (luring the war,
was politically active and represented this county in the legislature, and
his versatile character also led him into journalism, becoming editor
and publisher of the Edwardlsburgo Arguts. Dr. Sweetland was born in
New York in 1834.
Another Edwardsburg physician, now deceased, was Levi Aldrich.
He was born in Erie county. New York, January 27, 1820, and gradtuated in medicine in 1849. He located in Edwardsburg in the early
sixties, and remained there till his death.
Dr. Robert S. Griffin, born in Erie county, New York, September
25, 1828, came to the village, and at the age of nineteen years began
the study of medicine with Dr. Lockwood, and afterwards attended
the Medical college at LaPorte, Ind., and at different times practiced
a number of years in Edwardsburg. He died there December 27, I905.
The Cass County History of I882 states that fifty physicians had
practiced in Dowagiac from the time of its establishment as a village.
Many have located there since that (late. Manifestly no complete record
of these could he here compiled. The majority remained a more or less
brief time, and of these only the names are preserved.
The first Dlowagiac doctor seems to have been somewhat of an
original character.  It is related that, in a case of fever where the
patient was not expected to live, he summoned Fred Werz, the village
fiddler, to the bedside and commanded him to remain there day and
night and fiddle his most inspiriting tunes when the patient had sinking spells. The doubly afflicted one recovered. This story notwithstanding, Dr. Thomas Brayton was a much loved physician. He began




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


263


practice in the village about the middlle of the last century and continued until his death in a railroad accident during the sixties.
Another eccentric practitioner was a Dr. Jarvis, whose ability as
a drayman was as conspicuous as his skill in setting bones. It is said
that for some time he drove a bull or steer to his vehicle instead of a
horse.
Dr. C. \V. Morse, now deceased, was for a number of years in
practice at Dowagiac, and part of the time was in the drug business.
Few of the old-time doctors were better known than Dr. C. P.
Prindle, who died at Dowagiac August 2, 1876, at the age of fifty-one
years. He obtained his education and professional training in his native
state of New York. and came to Michigan to find his field of labor about
I85o. Finally, in 1855, he located at Dowagiac and practiced there
until his death. He was a rugged and forceful character, both in his
profession and as a citizen. Like Dr. Tompkins, he spent much of his
time in the saddle, and wherever and whenever duty called him lie went
without thought of his personal convenience.  He had a deep dislike
for ostentation and superficial learning, and in practice, as in his personal relations, was direct, earnest, and withal sympathetic. The esteem
in which he was held is shown by the fact that during his funeral the
stores and business houses of Dowagiac were closed.
A physician who attained high rank in his profession was W\illiam
E. Clarke, now deceased, who spent some of the younger years of his
career in Dowagiac. He went to the army from this town, had an
eventful record as a surgeon, and after the war moved to Chicago.
The first representative of the eclectic school of medicine in Dowagiac and Cass county was Cyrus J. Curtis. Born in New York state in
I819, he died at Dowagiac April 2I, I875. He studied medicine and
was a graduate of the Worthington Medical College of Ohio, and practiced in various parts of the country until December, 1864, when he
located at Dowagiac. Here he restricted his practice to the treatment
of chronic diseases. The names of those who. were associated with him
in practice for varying lengths of time indicate several other well known
Dowagiac physicians; these were S. T. McCandless, D. B. Sturgis,
William Flora, Linus Daniels, TH. S. McMaster, and his son, E. A. Curtis.
The medical profession of the early days had few regulations,
either imposed by the state or inherent in the fraternity.  The strict
code of professional ethics which now governs with greater power than




264


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


any system of law had been scarcely formulated at that time. There
were no requirements as to length and extent of preparation. Anyone
Awho had enough faith in his own knowledge and skill could set himself
up in practice.  Herbs and roots supplied the materia medica which,
according to certain formulas, were decocted by certain persons for
the healing of man or beast, and several of these so-called "herb doctors"
achieved some distinction in the county. One of these was Dr. A. J.
Boughton, whose practice extended over a large territory.   "Dr."
Whitehead. an Indian "medicine man," who located at Dowagiac in the
sixties, practiced the "herb art" among such persons as relied on that
form of healing.
James D. Taylor was a homeopathic practitioner in Dowagiac from
1858 until his death in I871. Dr. J. H. Wheeler, who practiced in
Dowagiac from 1867 to I877, the year of his death, was an early settler
of the county, having come here in 1835.  He was a surveyor, and
began the study of medicine during his leisure hours. Other Dowagiac
physicians whose work here has been closed by death or removal, were
L. V. Rouse. deceased; E. C. Prindle, son of Dr. C. P. Prindle, who
has located elsewhere; E. A. Curtis, now of Chicago, besides those whose
connection with the city was transient. Dr. Edward S. Stebbins, now
deceased, located here in i868, and devoted much of his time to specialties, particularly the then new science of electro-therapeutics.
Each of the smaller villages has had its medical representatives.
In Vandalia the first physician was Dr. A. L. Thorp, who settled there
in I849, and whose death occurred in Mishawaka, Indiana, only a few
years ago.  The doctor who was longest in practice in Vandalia was
Leander Osborn. who was born in 1825 and who died in June, I9OI.
He taught school in early life, received his impulse to study medicine
from Dr. E. J. Bonine, and completing his studies in Rush Medical
College, he began practice in the village in 1853. He was also interested
in politics, being in several local offices, and in I866 was elected to the
legislature.
In P'okagon the principal former representatives were John Robertson and Charles P. Wells. The former was born in New York in I8!25,
and, coming to the county in I848, practiced at Sumnerville and Pokagon
until failing health compelled him to abandon active work. Dr. Wells
was born in New York in 1834, and his father was one of the irst settlers of Howard township in this county. He was a graduate of a Cincinnati medical college, and in I865 located at Pokagon, where he had




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


265


the first drug store in the village and carried on his practice for many
years.
At Jones there was Dr. Thomas L. Blakeley, who, after three years
service in the war of the rebellion, took up the study of medicine, and
in I872 located at Jones, being the first physician of that place.  He
also conducted a drug store. Otis Moor, deceased, a graduate of the
Rush Medical College in I872, was for some years located at Williamsville.
The personnel of the medical profession of Cass county at this
writing is as follows:
Cassopolis-T. W. Anderson, M. H. Criswell, Fairfield Goodwin,
Marion Holland, G. A. Hughes, J. H. Kelsey, W. C. McCutcheon, H.
H. Phillips, and Dr. R. H. von Kotsch.
Dowagiac-WVilliamn W. Easton, George W. Green, George R.
Herkimer, J. H. Jones, W. J. Ketcham, S. H. McMaster, C. M. Myers,
William E. Parker, Clarence S. Robinson, M. P. White.
Marcellus-C. E. Davis and Ernest Shellito.
Vandalia-S. L. Loupee, E. C. Dunning, Otis E. Newsom.
Edwardsburg-E. W. Tonkin and E. B. Criswell.
Pokagon-Charles A. Morgan and William A. Skeler.
Jones-C. C. Fenstermacher, J. V. Blood.
Union-Edgar A. Planck.
Penn-J. C. Huntsinger.
Wakelee-Edward Wilson.
Calvin-John Harris, U. S. Kirk.
Adamsville-William F. Lockwood.
In Cassopolis Dr. Anderson is probably the ranking physician in
point of seniority. Dr. Criswell (see sketch) has been located here since
I900, although he has practiced in the county much longer. Dr. Goodwin, now retired from active practice, was captain of a company of
Michigan cavalry in the rebellion and did not complete his medical education until after the war. He began his practice in Cassopolis in 1874,
and has been active in business, especially in real estate, as well as in
his profession. He built Hotel Goodwin and is its landlord.
Dr. Holland, who came to Cassopolis from Edwardsburg in I895,
was a graduate of the medical department of the State University in
1875, and from the dental department in I877. He located in Edwardsburg in I88o and conducted a drug store in connection with a general
practice.




266


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Dr. G. A. Hughes, who has practiced here for the past thirty years,
was reared in St. Joseph county, this state. He is a specialist in eye,
nose and throat diseases, besides a general practice.
J. H. Kelsey, the successor in practice of his father, Dr. Wi. J., was
born in Cassopolis October 3, 1878, graduated from the medical department of the State University and has since practiced in Cassopolis.
\V. C. McCutcheon, whose sketch will be found elsewhere, has been
practicing in Cassopolis since 1894. He was prepared at the Royal
College of Physicians and Surgeons at Kingston, Ontario, and graduated from Queen's University. On coming to Cassopolis he was a partner of Dr. Goodwin for a time, and has also served two, years as county
physician.
Dr. IT. IH. Phillips, who is one of the oldest practicing physicians
in the county, was born and reared in New York, served in the Civil
war from Minnesota, and from that state came to Cass county in March,
i866. He has been engaged in general practice since the spring of I868,
and until ten years ago was located at Vandalia.
Dr. P. H. von Kotsch is a recent addition to the ranks of the profession in Cass county.
Dr. WV. W. Easton, who has been a resident of Cass county nearly
all his life, and in Do'wagiac since I88o, was born in Silver Creek
township in 1853, attended Notre Dame University and graduated from
Bennett Medical College in 1877.
Dr. George R. Herkimer, homeopath at Dowagiac, was born at
Niles in 1866, attended Albion College and the University of Michigan.
and since graduation from the Hahnemann College at Chicago, in I890
has been located in Dowagiac.
Dr. J. -I. Jones, who was horn in New York in I86I and came
to this state at twenty-one, taught school and graduated from the University of Michigan in 1893, and since 1894 has been practicing in
Dowagiac.
Dr. W. J. Ketcham, born in New York City in I85o, came to this
county in I860, read medicine with C. P. Prindle, graduated from the
medical department of the University of Michigan in I875, and after
several years' practice in Volinia located permanently at Dowagiac.
Dr. H. S. McMaster was born in New York in 1842. Served in
the war, studied at Albion College, prepared for his profession in several
schools, finally graduating from Bennett Medical College of Chicago,
and located at Dowagiac in I87I, being the first city physician there.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


267


Dr. C. M[. Myers, who was born in Pokagon township in 1864,
studied at Valparaiso, taught school in country and town, and followed
a year's private study with three years in the Chicago Hahnemann Medical College.
Dr. Clarence S. Robinson is another Cass county alumnus of the
Bennett Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1880.  He
then located at Volinia and in I894 in Dowagiac. Dr. Robinson was
born in Wakarusa, Indiana.
Dr. M. P. White, who has practiced at Dowagiac since I886, was
horn near Wlakelee, this county, was a student at the Valparaiso Normal, and graduated at the medical department of Northwestern University. He began practice at W\akelee.
Dr. W. E. Parker has been practicing in Dowagiac for nearly twenty
years. Born in Jefferson township in this county in I1854, he studied
with Tompkins and Kelsey, and in I879 graduated from Rush Medical
College. He practiced in Cassopolis four years and in Three Rivers five
years, and since then has been in Dowagiac except one year. In I89I he
graduated from the Post-Graduate Medical School of Chicago, where
he specialized in the diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, and gives
attention to this branch besides his general practice.
At Marcellus Dr. C. E. Davis is the senior physician.  He was
born in Ohio in i846. came to Cass county in I86r, served in the Civil
war, an(l in 1869, began practice, which was interrupted by two years of
study in tle medical (lepartment of the University of Pennsylvania, from
which he was graduated in 1873. He has been located in Marcellus
since I874.
Dr. Charles A. Morgan of Pokagon has been established in that
vicinity since his gradnation from the medical department of the State
University in 1871. He is a native of Wales, came to Cass county when
seven years old, and took part in the wvar of the rebellion.
Dr. Donald A. Link, whose death occurred by drowning in Ontario August 15, I906, was born in that province of Canada October 22,
1865, studied medicine at McGill University and graduated from Detroit
College of Medicine in 1895, after which he came to, Cassopolis. He
spent two years in the Klondike, and on his return in I9oo, located in
Volinia, where he practiced till his death.
The majority of the physicians in the smaller centers are young men
who have recently located in practice, although this statement in no, way
reflects upon their ability and standing in the profession. As indicated




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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


in the list above given, all portions of the county are represented by
medical men.   Calvin township, with its large colored population, is
served by two colored physicians.
The practice of dentistry is no longer a subordinate branch of a
regular physician's practice, but has attained the rank of a separate profession. Its requirements in the way of natural ability and technical
preparation are constantly being raised, so that the dentistry of today
compares with that of twenty years ago about as the delicate work of
the watchmaker compares with that of the blacksmith. Cass county's
representatives in this profession are the following named:  Cyrus H.
Funk, Farnum Brothers (S. A. and S. J.), C. W. Martin, of Cassopolis.
Physicians of this day acknowledge and appreciate the value of professional association. The bonds of common interest and mutual helpfulness are being drawn more closely in the numerous organizations
whose membership is drawn exclusively from the ranks of the profession.
The Cass County Medical Society was established some years ago as an
independent body, but has in recent times been affiliated with the State
Medical Society and, thereby, also with the American Medical Association. Thus it has the same constitution and by-laws as all similar socities in the counties of the state.
Dr. E. A. Planck of Union is the president of the Cass County
Medical Society for I906; the secretary is Dr. McCutcheon of Cassopolis. The society meets once each three months, their time of meeting
being technically defined as the last Thursday following the full moon
in December, March, June and September. It is the general practice
to have papers on two medical subjects read at each meeting, followed by
discussions. Important cases are often brought up for clinical discussion. The membership of the society includes a majority of the active
practitioners in the county.
Though the present system of co-ordination of county medical socities and their affiliation with the state and national central bodies is
of comparatively recent date, the history of medical organization in
Cass county goes back more than half a century. The first medical society in the county was organized in August, I851. Of course, similar
objects have been proposed as the practical purposes of such societies,
whatever their date, namely, the advancement of the professional standard, social intercourse and the establishment of a schedule of charges
for services.
The -officers of the first Cass County Medical Society were: Pres



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY                         269
ident, Dr. D. E. Brown; vice president, Dr. Henry Lockwood; secretary, Dr. Alonzo Garwood; treasurer, Dr. E. Penwell; standing committee, Drs. I. G. Bugbee, J. Allen and B. Wells.
This first organization in time ceased its functional activity. More
than twenty-five years from the date of its founding another society was
formed. The first officers elected, for the year I877-78, were: President, Dr. W. C. Morse; vice presidents, Drs. A. Garwood,. L. Osborn,
R. Patterson; secretary, Dr. W. J. Kelsey; treasurer, J. B. Sweetland.
The charter members of this society, besides those just named, were:
Drs. L. D. Tompkins, F. Goodwin, J. Robertson, Edward Prindle, H.
H. Phillips, Otis Moor, W. J. Ketcham, O. W. Hatch.




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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


CHAPTER      XX.
TIE CASS COUNTY BAR.
The bar of Cass county has never lacked men of distinction by
reason of sound ability, depth of learning, forensic skill, and active, virile
character. Such men have honored the profession, have upheld the dignity of law and its institutions, and have been the strongest guarantee
of healthful progress in all the lines of human activity. So broad is the
field of modern jurisprudence, so peculiar and vital its expression and
practice, that its ablest representatives are by no means confined to one
locality, nor any one locality necessarily without several leaders in counsel and court practice. It is not our purpose here to state the distinctive
merits of the various representatives of the county bar, both past and
present, but rather to mention briefly those who, have represented their
profession, if not always in an eminent degree, at least with that share of
success and honor which has made their names worthy of record in the
history of the county.
While the pioneers of the Cass county bar have, of course, passed
away, there are those of the present members to do them honor because
of personal and professional association during the intermediate generation while the first lawyers were going to their decline and the younger
legal aspirants were attaining seasoned and successful activity.  Two
names are mentioned as the "first lawyers" of Cass county, designating
men who were not less useful in civic and business life than in the law.
The first of these, Alexander H. Redfield, was born in Ontario county, New York, October 24, I805. A college-bred man, having spent
three years in Hamilton College and graduating from Union College in
1829, he studied law and was admitted to practice in the supreme court
of New York in July, 1831, and in the following month arrived in
Cass county. As elsewhere related, he was one of the original proprietors of the site of Cassopolis, helped lay out the village and secure the
location of the county seat, and was the first postmaster. He took part in
the Black Hawk war as a colonel in the Michigan militia. He was a
business man as much as a lawyer, and his operations in real estate took
an increasing amount of his time and attention.  He was also, drawn




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


271


into the swirl of politics. In I847, after sixteen years of residence in Cass
county, he was elected to represent the fourteenth district in the Michigan senate, and his subsequent removal to Detroit deprived Cass county
of its first lawyer and one of its ablest pioneer men of affairs. Thereafter, until his death in 1869, he was almost continuously devoted to
public and political activity. MAr. Redfield was noted for his methodical business and professional habits, and his ability to pursue a rigid
routine of details was given as a chief cause of his success.
Associated with A. H. Redfield in the formative events of Cassopolis' early history was another native of New York state, but a somewhat
earlier settler of Cass county. Born in Oneida county in I803, Elias B.
Sherman came to the territory of Michigan in 1825, was admitted to the
bar in \Ann Arbor in 1829, and in September of the same year made his
first acquaintance with Cass county. He and Mr. Redfield were attorneys in the first court of the county. He was the only prosecuting attorney the county had during the territorial period of Michigan. He was
appointed to the office in November, 1829, and at the first popular election after the granting of statehood in 1836 was chosen to the office by
general suffrage. He was the leading county official during the first
years. He held the office o'f district surveyor six years, from, I830, and,
dating from his appointment in March, 183I, was Cass county's probate
judge until I84o. He was more of a trusted and honored public official
than a lawyer, and in later years directed much of his attention to farming. His death occurred November 14, 1890.
In those years of historical beginnings the judicial circuit of which
Cass county was a part embraced a varying number of counties, at one
time practically all of southwestern Michigan. The first court of any
kind held in Cass county was the two days' session of the circuit court
held in August, 1831, at the house of Ezra Beardsley in Edwardsburg.
Those were the days when the lawyers used to ride on horseback from
one county to another on the circuit, put up at the hotel and attend the
session of court. They used to tell stories and have jolly times. These
peregrinations of the court were accompanied by a large force of lawyers,
and it thus happened that many lawyers from adjoining counties were
almost as well known professionally in Cass county as the few who, had
their residence in the county. Naturally the Cass county bar was numerically very small during the decade or so following the organization of
the county and the establishment of the first courts.
Among the lawyers resident of outside counties but whose practice




272


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


made them familiar figures in this county might be mentioned Joseph N.
Chipman, who spent a short time in Cass county, later going to Niles,
where he died in 1870. He was. known by his confreres as "White
Chip," to distinguish him from another well known Berrien county lawyer of that time, John S. Chipman, whose sobriquet was "Black Chip."
Charles Dana, also a resident of Berrien, was, to, quote the words of one
who described him from personal knowledge, "a thin, dried-up, little
man, with a remarkable feminine voice, but by all odds the best special
pleader at the bar. Everybody liked Dana both for his goodness of heart
and his unquestioned ability as a lawyer." The Cass county session of
the circuit court was often attended in the early days by two noted Kalamazoo lawyers, Charles E. Stuart and Samuel Clark. The former was
a successful jury lawyer, but is specially remembered for his later prominence in politics, having represented his district in Congress as a member of the house and afterwards becoming one of the United States senators from Michigan. Mr. Clark had also moved in the larger sphere
of politics, and as a lawyer had the solid ability and the worth of personal character which made his position secure among friends and professional associates.
Although it is hardly proper to class his name among those of the
legal pioneers, the career of James Sullivan, whose forty years of practice
in this county began in.1838, was of first importance in the history of the
old-time lawyers. Born in New Hampshire December 6, I8 II, member
of a distinguished New England family of Irish origin, he graduated
from Dartmouth College at the age of eighteen, studied law and was admitted to the bar, and.after a brief period of practice came to Niles in
I837. He soon moved to Edwardsburg, in this county, and from there
to Cassopolis, and from 1853 till his death in I878 lived in Dowagiac.
For a long time he.was prosecuting attorney of the county, became a
state.senator, and was a member of the constitutional convention in 1850
which forhled the instrument which is yet the basis of Michigan government. It is said that Mr.. Sullivan's success as a lawyer depended more
upon his powers.as a logician and close reasoner than as an. orator. His
high legal ability gave him distinction and influence in spite of serious
defects of personal character and manner.  He has been described as
"eccentric, erratic, nervous and intense, and yet no man of gentler nature
or kinder heart has been known to the old residents of Cass. county."
Ezekiel S. Smith, another early practitioner, came to the county in.
I140, bearing a commission from   Gov. Woodbridge as prosecuting




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


273


attorney. After serving his term he practiced in the county, was also a
merchant and one of the early editors. In 1852 he moved to Chicago,
where he died in I880.
Judge Henry H. Coolidge, well remembered for his connection with
the profession at Niles, where he (lied some years ago, was a resident
lawyer of Cass county for about fifteen years. He settled at Edwardsburg in I836, when twenty-five years old, was admitted to, the bar in
I844, was elected prosecuting attorney in 1850, and moved from the
county to Niles in 1859. He was at one time circuit julge of the district comprising Cass and Berrien counties.
The Cass county bar of today is strong and able, and no disparaging word is intended when we say, in view of an earlier time, "There
were giants on the earth in those days."  The early lawyers left their
impress on the jurisprudence of the state, and were largely influential
for good in different phases of the early growth andl levelopment of
Michigan.
Another lawyer who belongs to the past in life and active career but
whose influence is a force with the yet living, was George Brunt Turner,
who was born in Franklin county, New York, March I, 1822. He came
to Michigan when thirteen years old and already entering upon serious
work, and from I836 till his death was a resident of Cass county. He
was one of those who got his legal knowledge largely under the direction of Alexander H. Redfield. He was self-educated, and won promotion
through the first grades by dint of ambitious and sustained effort. He
was successful as a lawyer, but is also remembered for his activity in
other fields. He was for several years editor of the first paper published
in Cass county, the Cass County Advocate, now the National Demtocrat.
His party affiliation alone prevented him from acquiring distinction in
state and perhaps national political affairs. In I848 he was elected a
member of the state legislature and re-elected in 1849, and was Democratic candidate for other offices. His death occurred April 15, I903.
Clifford Shanahan, who was born in Delaware in I8oI and died in
Cass county in I865, after a residence in the county of thirty-one years,
was admitted to the bar in Cassopolis about 1845. He was best known,
however, thfough his retention of the office of probate judge for the
long period of twenty-four years, from I840 to I864, a record that has
been equaled since that time only by William, P. Bennett, whose term
began January I, 1I869, and continued to his death, June I6, I896.
Dowagiac's first resident lawyer was Noel B. Hollister, who came




274


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


to the county in 185o. He remained only a few years, and in connection with his law practice conducted a drug store. He served as circuit court commissioner.
A lawyer of unusual ability and experience, at one time circuit
judge, and a man of affairs in the best sense, the late Daniel Blackman was a member of.the Cass county bar twenty-one years and his
influence still remains. He was born in Newtown, Connecticut, December 31, I82I. At the age of twenty-four he was admitted to the
bar of his native state and after five years' practice in Danbury located
in Cassopolis in July, I851. He was elected in I869, on a, non-partisan
ticket, to the position of'circuit judge. Resigning in November, I872,
he moved to Chicago and became a member of the bar of that city.
He was behind several movements that resulted in material and civic
improvement in his village, and should be remembered in particular as
one of the men who did much to make Cassopolis a station on the Peninsular Railroad (now the Grand Trunk). He died in Chicago in I896.
The late Judge Andrew J. Smith became a licensed member of the
Cass county bar in the early fifties, and from that time to his death was
active not only in the law but in official and political life, the horizon
of his influence being extended beyond the bounds of the county into
the state at large. Through youth and early manhood he had to, struggle to reach the vantage ground on which he would pursue his chosen
career. Born in Ohio September 2, 8i8,, at eight years of age he went
with the family to the pioneer district of Indiana, where circumstances
would not permit him to attend the full measures of the meager winter
terms of the district school. He had to work his way. His election to
the office of constable of Valparaiso at the age of twenty shows that
he early gained the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens, and
from that time on he was much in public life. He was a teacher and
pupil alternately for a number of years, and while reading law he supported himself by teaching or clerking in a store. He located at Edwardsburg in 1840, seven years later moved to Cassopolis, where in
1853 he was admitted to the bar and in, the following year elected prosecuting attorney. He served altogether twelve years in this office. In
I874 he was elected attorney general of the state. In the fall of 1878,
on the resignation of Judge Henry H. Coolidge from the judgeship of
the second judicial district, Mr. Smith was elected circuit judge, and
re-elected for the full term in the spring of i88I. His private life was
in harmony with his public career, and there are many testimonies to




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


275


his public-spirited and wholesome activity to be found among the records and his personal associates in the county.
During the twelve years from 1853 to I865 James M. Spencer was
an attorney in the county. He was admitted to the bar in Cassopolis
in the former year, being at the time only twenty-one years old. He
held the office of justice of the peace at Dowagiac in Pokagon township,
was circuit court commissioner two years and was United States
assessor of internal revenue in the district comprising Cass county.
From this county Mr. Spencer moved to Topeka, Kansas.
Prominent among the lawyers who may be classed as the intermediate generation of the Cass county bar was the late Charles  V.
Clisbee.  His connection with the Cass county bar began in the late
fifties, and he was a contemporary of a group some of whom are still
active in their profession. Mr. Clisbee was born in Cleveland, Ohio,
July 24, I833, and came to Cassopolis with the family five years later.
He prepared for college at Oberlin, Ohio, entered Oberlin College, but
spent the greater part of his collegiate career in Williams College,
Massachusetts.  He graduated from Hamilton College (New Yoirk),
where he studied in the law school, in 1856, and two years later was
admitted to the bar. By election in I862 he became prosecuting attorney of Cass county. He was a delegate to the convention which renominated Lincoln in i864. In i866 Cass county sent him to the state
senate.  Mr. Clisbee had a remarkably powerful voice, and much of
his public career pivoted on this God-given talent. In I869 he was
appointed reading clerk of the national house of representatives, held
the office without interruption until I875, and in December, I88I, was
again appointed to that position. He was also reading secretary of the
Republican national convention in Chicago in I880. Upon the resignation of Judge Coolidge he was appointed to, the vacancy and served
until Judge Smith, his successor, was elected. During the interims of
his service at Washington he practiced his profession in Cassopolis,
giving special attention to the prosecution of pension claims, until his
death, August 18, I889.
One of the versatile and scholarly men who have represented the
Cass county bar in the past was Joseph B. Clarke, now deceased. He
was born in Connecticut.  Graduating from the Rensselaer Scientific
School at Troy, New York, he prepared for his legal career at Rochester, N. Y.  The capacity of his intellectual powers may be judged
from the fact that he was at various times editor of daily newspapers




276


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


in Rochester and Buffalo, was professor o'f chemistry and other sciences
in the Vermont Medical College and elsewhere, as well as incumbent
of various civil positions under the general government. From Coldwater, Michigan, he moved to Dowagiac in I859.   He was a circuit
court commissioner in this county, as well as in Branch county, was
prosecuting attorney, and for many years United States commissioner
for the western district of Michigan.
For a number of years between I859 and I88I George Miller was
a member of the county bar, with residence at Dowagiac. He served
as circuit court commissioner, and in 1868 was elected prosecuting attorney. He moved from the county in 187I, returned in I875, and( in
I88I again left. His death occurred in Benton Harbor.
During the sixties the county bar was honored by the membership
of Jacob J. Van Riper, who afterward became attorney general of the
state. He was admitted to the Cass county bar in January, I863, and
remained in active practice, with residence at Dowagiac, until 1872,
when he movNed. to  Buchanan in -Berrien county, where he was elected
judge of probate and served for eight years.  He is now practicing
law at Niles in that county.
Freeman J. Atwell, deceased, who was born in Orleans county,
New York, in 1831, read law there, and during the course of the Civil
war, in which he took a soldier's part, admitted to the bar, located in
Dowagiac in i869, and by a successful practice made his career a part of
the legal history of the county. For four years he was the county's
prosecuting attorney, and diel March I8, 19014. He is well remembered
among the former lawyers of the county.
Among Cass county's native sons who aspired to legal prominence
was John A. Talbot, who was born in Penn township in I847. He had
an army career, and was a graduate of the law department of the University of Michigan. His career was one of promise, but was ended,
after ten years' practice, by death in December, 1878. A noteworthy
effort was the compilation of "Talbot's Tables of Cases."
Another former member of the county bar and a native of Cass
county was William G. Howard, who was born in Milton township in
I846.  He was a college graduate, and was admitted to the bar at
Kalamazoo in I8691. In the following year he began practice at Dowagiac in partnership with James Sullivan.  In. the same year he was
elected prosecuting attorney. He transferred his professional connec



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


277


tions to Kalamazoo in 1873, where he continued the practice until his
death, August 8, 1906.
George Ketcham, whose death occurred in Minnesota, was born
in Mason township in 185o, graduated from Hillsdale College in I873,
studied law at Niles with the late Judge Coolidge, and was admitted at
Cassopolis in. I874. He held the office of circuit court commissioner.
Merritt A. Thompson, who practiced here during the eighties, was
a product of Cass county, born in Penn township in I847. He graduated from the law department of the State University in 1872, and had
his office at Vandalia from  I874 to I88I, when he removed from the
county, but later returned and died at the infirmary from mental affliction November 21, I90I.
Warner J. Sampson, who died at Coldwater a few years ago, was
admitted to practice in Cass county in I88o and for some time was
located at Marcellus, when he went to. Hillsdale, where he died.
Jason Newton was admitted to the bar at Cassopolis and practiced
there for a time.
So much for those whose active connection with the bar of Cass
county has ceased. Tt is an impressive list. They were men of widely
divergent characters and intellectual powers, but together they were
worthy representatives of a noble profession.  Comparisons between
the past and the present personnel of the profession cannot be drawn
here. Methods have doubtless changed in seventy years, the old-time
lawyer might feel much out of place among the present members of the
profession. The lawyer nowadays is often a business man and does not
feel the professional cleavage which was quite pronounced forty or
fifty years ago, when he was perhaps a member of a rather distinct
professional class.  But now, as then, the lawyers "comprise a large
part of the finest intellect of the nation," an assertion made by a high
authority which is, of course, as applicable to the smaller political
divisions as to the nation at large.
The present bar of Cass county is to be described separately from
those already mentioned only because they are still living; not that
there is a special set of characteristics to be assigned to each of the two
groups thus made. As already stated, some of those yet in active practice were contemporaries or, at any rate, juniors in service along with
those who have passed away. The associations and traditions, as well
as the power of professional and personal influence, of the past, are
still potent with the living members of the Cass county bar.




278


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


In the spring of I905 there was elected to the office of circuit
judge of the thirty-sixth judicial district a Cass county lawyer of over
twenty-five years' experience in the courts and legal affairs of the
county.  L. Burget Des Voignes (see sketch elsewhere), a native of
Ohio and now in the prime of life, was admitted to the bar in St.
Joseph county, this state, soon after he had arrived at his majority, and
a short time after graduated from the law department of the University
of Michigan.   He practiced in Marcellus from  October, 1878, until
the death of the Cass county probate judge, William B. Bennett, when
he was appointed by the governor to the place and at the same time
took up his residence in Cassopolis.  He was re-elected to that office
three times, and passed from that position to the circuit judgeship. He
has also served as circuit court commissioner and as county prosecuting
attorney.
The office of judge of probate is filled by one of the younger members of the Cass county bar. Chester E. Cone came here from Indiana
about ten years ago, became principal of the Vandalia high school, was
then elected commissioner of schools, serving until succeeded by Mr.
Hale, the present commissioner. While in the office of commissioner
he was industriously reading law, and after a successful examination
before the state examining board opened his office in Cassopolis, where
he practiced until the resignation of Judge Des Voignes from the office
of probate judge. He has also served as circuit court commissioner and
is a member of the school board and the board of village trustees.
The composition of the circuit court for the September term,
90o6, was as follows:
L. Burget Des Voignes, circuit judge; George M. Fields, prosecuting attorney; Carlton W. Rinehart, clerk; Edward J. Russey, sheriff; Jacob McIntosh, undersheriff; H. A. Sherman, reporter; Chester
E. Cone, commissioner; Joseph R. Edwards, commissioner; William
H. Hannon, deputy sheriff; Marcus S. Olmstead, deputy sheriff; George
I. Nash, deputy sheriff.
An active attorney for twenty-eight years and from I899, until recently judge of the Cass-Van Buren circuit court, John R. Carr is in
many ways prominent in the affairs of his county. Born on Prince Edward's Island, British North America, May i8, 1841, about the close
of our Civil war he came to relatives in Van Buren county, Michigan,
where he made his start by teaching district schools. In 1868 he entered the law department of the University of Michigan, where two




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


279


years later he was graduated and admitted to the bar. Mr. Carr then
formed' a partnership, which was to continue with success and profit
for twenty-eight years, with Mr. M. IL. Howell. In 1899, as is well
known, the judicial districts of southwestern Michigan were reconstructed, and whereas theretofore Cass had been linked with Berrien,
and Van Buren with Kalamazoo, at the date mentioned each of the more
populous counties was made into a separate district, and Cass and Van
Buren were made to form the thirty-sixth judicial district. An election
for circuit judge was then in order, and, contrary to the general trend
of political matters in this section of the state and to the surprise, perhaps, of both parties, a Democrat was the successful candidate in the
new thirty-sixth. Mr. Carr was the fortunate gentleman to! bring success to his party, and his service on the circuit bench showed that the
confidence of the electors was not misplaced. On his election he dissolved his partnership with Mr. Howell, and since retiring from office
he has re-engaged in active practice.  Mr. Carr served as prosecuting
attorney of the county four years, also two years as circuit court commissioner. Hte is a ruling elder and trustee and active worker in the
Presbyterian church of Cassopolis, his home town.
Joseph R. Edwards, circuit court commissioner, and who served
as county clerk two years, is one of Dowagiac's young lawyers and a
justice of the peace in that city.
A Cassopolis attorney who has also been in the official life of the
county is Ulysses S. Eby. He was born in Porter township of this
county August 7, I864. An alumnus of the famous Valparaiso Normal, after finishing his studies there he began teaching school in Cass
county and continued that until elected county clerk in I896. He held
the office two years. Returning to Valparaiso, he graduated from the
law school and was admitted before the Michigan supreme court. He
was elected prosecuting attorney of the county, and was associated in
practice with Clarence M. Lyle. At present he practices alone. He is
a member of the Cassopolis school board.
George M. Fields, prosecuting attorney of Cass county, who is a
resident lawyer of Dowagiac, has been atn active member of the county
bar for over ten years, and has held his present office since I902. A
more complete sketch of Mr. Fields will be found on other pages.
The oldest practicing lawyer, both in point of age and of years
since admission to the bar, is Lowell H. Glover of Cassopolis.  He
began his studies privately at Edwardsburg, later with Daniel Black



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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


man in Cassopolis, and since admission to the bar in October, 1862, has
been in continuous practice. He has held the office of circuit court commissioner; was ten years deputy county clerk; elected justice of the peace
in April, 1862, he has held the office to the present date, less one year;
has held various village offices, and was postmaster during Cleveland's
first term.  Under the only Democratic administration that Michigan
has had in the last forty years he was deputy commissioner of the state
land office.
Coy W. Hendryx of Dowagiac (see sketch elsewhere) studied
law with his uncle, the late Spafford Tryon, one of the able men of the
past, and was admitted to the bar in 1882. Appointed in I886, for
twelve years he held the office of United States commissioner of the
western district of Michigan.  He has also been a circuit court commissioner and city attorney of Dowagiac.
Marshall L. Howell of Cassopolis is an example of "the successful lawyer in business," a conmbination which has been noted as one of
the tendencies of the modern American bar. Besides caring for a large
practice in the local, state and United States courts, he is president of
the First National Bank of Cassopolis.  He was born in Cassopolis
January 25, 1847, had the best educational opportunities, graduating
from  Kalamazoo College at the age of twenty and from the law department of the University of Michigan in I87o, and since that date has
been in continuous practice.  He served as prosecuting attorney one
term, beginning in 1874, and in I876 was candidate for presidential
elector on the Democratic ticket.
Charles O. Harmon is one of the younger Cassopolis lawyers.
Born in Porter township, he has a long record of public service. After
serving four years in the office of register of deeds, he took a place
in the office of the secretary of state at Lansing.  During his three
years in the state capital he studied law, was admitted to, the bar, and
on returning to this county opened his office in Dowagiac and soon after
at Marcellus. He then bought a set of abstract books and located at
Cassopolis.  His father, the late John B. Harmon, having died a few
days after entering upon his second term as county clerk, the son,
Charles 0., was elected to the vacancy and completed his father's term
with credit.
Another new member of the Cass county bar is Clyde W. Ketcham
of Dowagiac, who, is rapidly coming into prominence in his practice.
Born in this county thirty years ago, he attended the local schools,




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


281


was in newspaper work awhile, and began studying law with Mr. C. E.
Sweet. In I897 he was elected justice of the peace in Dowagiac, serving one term. He completed his law studies in the University of Michigan, and after admission formed a partnership with Charles E. Sweet,
but is now practicing alone.
James HI. Kinnane, the only president the Cass County Bar Association has ever had, was born in Kalamazoo, county in 1859, was admitted to the bar some twenty years ago, and has practiced in. Dowagiac since I898. He has held several'positions under the federal and
state as well as local authority, and is at present city attorney of Dowagiac.  (See more extended sketch elsewhere.)
Asa Kingsbury Hayden, son of the postmaster of Cassopolis, a
native of the county and a graduate of the Cassopolis high school, is
an active member of the bar and representative of various insurance
companies. An interesting fact about Mr. Hayden's career is that he
graduated from the law department of the University of Michigan before attaining his majority. Consequently he was'unable to obtain his
diploma-equivalent to admission to the bar-and had to, wait till
time could confer upon him the full prerogatives for legal practice in
the state of Michigan.
Clarence M. Lyle, in practice at Cassopolis since 190o, first in
partnership with U. S. Eby and since December, 1905, with H. D.
Smith, was born in Van Buren county in 1874, was educated in this
state and in South Dakota, where he lived from the age of eight years,
being a student at Dakota University.  Returning east, he studied in
the literary and law departments at Valparaiso, 'about I898 was admitted to the South Dakota bar, but in the same year came to Cassopolis, where he studied in the office of Howell & Carr and in  900o was
graduated from the law department at Ann Arbor.
Frank Reshore, at one time connected with the legal profession in
this county, gave up the law for other vocations, which he still pursues
in Dowagiac. Born in Ohio in I853 and brought to this county a year
later, he graduated from the Dowagiac schools in 1870, and while clerking in his father's store, read law, completing his studies by graduation from the law department of the State University in I875.
It 'is a fact worthy of 'mentioln that a. group of half a. dozen lawyers whose professional careeis identified them with Cass county were
all born in Orleans 'county, New 'York.  From 'that portion of the
Empire state, by various routes 'and influenced by different causes




282


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


and circumstances, they foregathered in Cass county.  One of these
is Harsen D. Smith, the well known attorney of Cassopolis. Born in
the county mentioned March 17, 1842, he was a teacher in early life,
and in I867 was admitted to the bar in Coldwater, this state. After
several years' practice in Jackson he came to, Cassopolis in I870 and
formed a partnership with the late Charles W. Clisbee; was with the
late A. J. Smith until the election of the latter as circuit judge. He is
now senior member of the firm of Smith & Lyle. When the thirtysixth judicial district was created he was appointed circuit judge to
serve till the regular election. He was prosecuting attorney four years
and a number of years a member of the state board of pardons. (See
sketch.)
Charles E. Sweet of Dowagiac, of whom more extended mention
is made elsewhere, has been engaged in successful practice in the county
for twenty years. He is another Cass county lawyer who came under
the influence and tutelage of the late Spafford Tryon.  Mr. Sweet
served one term as justice of the peace, twice as circuit court commissioner and twice as prosecuting attorney.
John Wooster of Dowagiac was born in Hillsdale county, Michigan, in 1847, taught school as a means to an end, graduated from
H-illsdale College in 1873, and after reading law two years in Kalamazoo was admitted to the bar. His first office was at Constantine, but
the same year he located in Dowagiac. He has served as city attorney
four times.
Other attorneys whose names appear as active members of the
Cass county bar are two young lawyers at Marcellus, Walter C. Jones
and Otis Huff, and Fred Phillipson of Dowagiac.
From the preceding it will be seen that many changes have taken
place in the personnel of the county bar in these years.  Many new
names have come into prominence, of men fitted to maiainin and advance
yet higher the standard of the past, whose talents, whose industry, whose
devotion to the best ideals of the profession are not less worthy of admiration and honor than those same qualities in their predecessors.
Perhaps the most conspicuous fact for comparison is that a larger proportion of the present members seem to have received collegiate training, and an increasingly fewer number are being introduced to the profession by the old-time method of rough and tumble experience and
diligent thumbing the pages of Blackstone under the inspiration of individual ambition. No doubt those whose experience covers both the old




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY                       283
and the new would assert that the period of preparation has been relieved of many difficulties that characterized it in their time; but on the
other hand, the novitiate-while the aspirant waits for his clientswould seem to be as trying and as uncertain now as ever.
A few years ago a movement was made to organize the Cass
County Bar Association. The preliminary meetings were held, constitution and by-laws were adopted, officers elected, and the first dues
were paid in by some of the members, but since the first flush of organization the association has lapsed from activity, and now exists more
by grace of its origin than by any manifestations of active energy. Its
officers, who continue in office because their successors have never been
elected, are: J. H. Kinnane, president; H. D. Smith, vice president;
A. K. Hayden, secretary, and L. H. Glover, treasurer.




284


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


CHAPTER XXI.
CASS COUNTY THE HOME OF THE RACES.
Cass county presents a peculiar field for the study of American
ability. to assimilate races. Of the salient American stock the population of the county is typical in a high degree. The county is still rural.
The distracting features of metropolitan life have not been introduced
and with them the European racial elements which we find in manufacturing centers. Its settlers, as we know, were drawn largely from the
best stocks of the east, many from the New England states. Cass county
citizens may truly be called representative American stock, a commingling of the best social elements and traditions.
So much as regards the white Americans, and the ethnic varia
tions presented by the Teuton and Slav, the Gaul and Saxon, who in
varying proportions constitute the bulk of the population, are not to be
discriminated in this article. But among this dominant race in Cass
county are to be found two other races, and to what extent these are
integrated with the bodies politic, industrial and social of the county
it is the purpose of this article to inquire, at the same time recording
the historical connection of these two peoples with Cass county. Cass
county's history becomes unique because of the presence of these three
heterogeneous racial groups within its borders, and a chapter may properly be devoted to this phase of its history.
It is a remarkable fact that the epochs of American domestic history have turned upon the two races whose representatives are now
living side by side with the white citizens of this county. The annals
of settlement and expansion in America from the landing of the Mayflower immigrants to the final winning of the great west from the
wilderness were marked with conflict with the red men, who, were the
aboriginal possessors of the land. And the introduction of the black
race from Africa at about the same time with the landing of the Pilgrims sowed the seed which more than two centuries later bore fruit in
the Civil war, the crisis of the nation's existence. And now, in the
peace and prosperity of the twentieth century, the destinies of the three
racially distinct people are being wrought to the infinite purpose while




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


285


dwelling side by side in Cass county. It is from this higher historical
viewpoint that the history of the Indian remnant and the negro colony
of Cass county should be considered.
At an earlier point in this narrative we have related how Pokagon
and his followers would not sign the Chicago treaty until they had
been exempted from the clause providing that they leave their ancestral home.  Old Chief Pokagon was an Indian above the average in
character and intelligence, understood the advantages to his race of
civilization and was devoted to the Catholic religion, which the missionaries had taught him. It was his purpose to settle his people in their
old home and as far as necessary conform to the institutions and laws
of the white people.  In effecting this he first directed his efforts to
securing title to sufficient land for his tribe, and used his influence to
invest the cash apportionment of his followers in a tract of land in
Silver Creek township, which, though entered in the name of Pokagon,
was really' owned in severalty. In the original' land entries Pbkagon's
entries, which were nearly all made in the winter of I836-37, consisted of the following tracts in Silver Creek: Section I, 296 acres;
section 14, 258 acres; section 2I, I6o acres; section 22, I60 acres-in
all 874 acres in his name, all located in adjacent sections of the township and in the vicinity where the present Indian community lives.
On this land Pokagon's people lived, maintaining in part their
tribal organization and in part the relations of American citizens. The
church which they built and which became the center of Catholic influence in the county is elsewhere described. While Pokagon lived all
went well. After his death in 1841 his son Pete' became chief anld dlissensions arose that did much to disintegrate the tribe.  The last census shows only eight or nine Indian families in Silver Creek.  The
last government annuity was given them in I865 and with the cessation of this allowance all reasonf for the tribal organization passed. And
yet the Indians clung to this form  of social organization, and when
Simon Pokagon died about six years ago, being the last of the Pokagon
line and thus ending the chiefhood in the family inheritance, the remaining number, following the custom  of generations, came together and
proceeded to elect Lexis, one of their number, as chief, thus tenaciously holding on to old forms and customs. Further, a petition was made
to the Indian commissioner that Tom Topash be appointed interpreter
between the government and the Indians. But the reply came that an
interpreter was no longer needed, that the relations between the gov



286


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


ernment at Washington and this remnant of Pottawottomies had ceased,
and that with the discharging of the last debt a few years ago the descendants of Pokagon's band were placed upon the same individual
basis with all other American citizens. For these Indians in northwest
Cass county are citizens. They attend the town meeting and vote, are
safeguarded and restrained by the same laws, churches and schools are
open to them, and the Indian community of Cass county has nothing in
common with the picture that usually rises in the mind at the mention
of America's aboriginal race, dwelling in wigwams, the men lying at
indolent ease on the ground and the women scratching the soil with a
stick, and such other illusions as will always be associated with the Indian race.
In general reputation for thriftiness and substantial character, the
Boziel family, residing northeast of Silver Creek church, are the leaders of the settlement. They own about a hundred acres and are well
liked in the country. Thomas Topash is chairman of the business committee of the Catholic church, and his uncle, Steve Topash, near the
town hall, is another well known Indian.
The veteran of the community is Alexander Bushman, a halfbreed Shawnee, whose maternal grandfather was a white man, made
a prisoner by the Shawnees in the Revolutionary war, continued to
live with them and act as interpreter when this tribe was removed to
the Osage river west of St. Louis, and became a well-to-do farmer and
fruit grower. The latter's daughter moved with the Shawnees to Kansas and married a white man named Bushman, one of their children being Alexander, who is now seventy-eight years old and has lived with
the Pottawottomies since he was ten years old. He is a shrewd and
intelligent old man, and having been placed in positions of responsibility in acting for his people in their relation with the government at
various times, he has had opportunities to observe and compare and
judge his people from a larger point of view. He speaks of his family
with pride evidently born of his white blood as "working people." He
himself was trained in a manual labor school and learned how to work.
He married in Kansas, and after the war he came to Michigan on account of relatives of his wife who lived here.  Bushman was pleased
with this country, and, having money, he bought land near the town
hall in Silver Creek and there has lived to the present time.
"The Indian is spoiled by giving him too, much money" is one of
the facts of Indian character that he states from his observation and




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


287


experience.  "The Indians are good workers, but are without steadiness and continuity of purpose; they take little interest in their homes
and farms as compared with the white people, and seem, as it were,
stranded on the shores of civilization, alike unable to revert to their
former condition or to possess and become a part of the life in which
they live. The love of personal display is strong among our people.
They will, when money comes to them, buy top buggies and other
luxuries to the neglect of home comforts and personal necessities. Their
social diversions are refined from the old customs. They have dances
for which the music is often furnished by Indian fiddlers, and big dinners follow these routs, which are often the aftermath to woodd-cutting
bees. But the bane of my people, as it has been for generations, is
drink, and the Indian character seems powerless against this temptation."
Such was his estimate of his ovwn people, and in the main it seems
just. The judgment of a white citizen who has had close relations with
these people was much more severe, but it was directed mainly against
the Indian lack of thrift and inability to perform the duties and responsibilities which are the lot of white citizens. To measure the Indian strictly by the commonest standards of white people seems unfair.
In point of intelligence the comparisons result more favorably. The
Indian children who attend the district schools are not rated inferior
in this respect to their white mates, and the teachers who have had such
children under their direction find little cause of disparagement.
THE CALVIN NEGRO COLONY.
In I836 a fugitive slave named Lawson came to Calvin township
with a Quaker preacher named Way. Lawson was the first negro settler of Calvin township and Cass county, so far as known, and was the
pioneer of the movement which in a few years made Cass county a refuge and secure retreat for the black race. But the first comers of this
race were accidental settlers, and nothing in the nature of a definite
movement of the unfortunate people began until the later forties.
It was the Quaker settlement, elsewhere described, which undoubtedly was the first cause of Cass county's colored settlement.. Due to
the uncompromising anti-slavery attitude of the Friends, it was among
the settlements and following their general line of direction that the
institution of the "underground  railroad" flourished.  The "underground railroad" for the transportation of fugitive slaves from  the




288


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


south to free Canada is so closely identified with the slavery period and
hence so familiar a topic of American history that no description is
needed here. But it should be stated that Cass county was on the direct
route of this "railroad," and according to some writers was the junction point for the lines from  Illinois and from Indiana, which con.verged here. As the slaves were hurried along this route it happened
that some of them stopped in Cass county, finding homes and protection among the abolitionists and their own people. For already a colony of freed negroes had located in the county. The majority of these
were originally from North Carolina, having first taken up their homes
in the north in Logan county, Ohio, and about I845 or I846, owing to
the cheapness of land in this county, as well as to the settlement of their
white friends and sympathizers from the same part of Ohio, came in
considerable numbers to Cass county. Many of these freed negroes
purchased small farms and became, as it were, the backbone of the colored settlement. Among these early settlers were Harvey Wade, Neusom Tann, Nathaniel Boon, Turner and Crawford Byrd, Kitchen Artis
and Harrison Ash. A little later the colony was augmented through
the provisions of the will of a Cable county, Virginia, planter named
Sampson Saunders, who left $I5,000 with his administrators for the
purchase of land and the settlement of his liberated slaves in a free
state. Calvin township, with its cheap lands and friendly abolitionists,
was selected as the site of this colony, and the Saunders colony, consisting of four brothers and their families and others, was a very ia.m
portant addition to the negro population of the county.
The extent of the migration and the distribution of the colored
people can be very well understood from the census of I85o. At that
date there were o1,518 white persons of the county and 389. negroes.
Equally distributed, the colored people would have been a mere
sprinkling in the county. But two townships contained two-thirds of
the entire number, so that they were already a very noticeable element
among the population. Calvin township had the largest number then
as today, there being I58 negroes to 466 whites. In Porter township
there were 105 colored to,I54 whites, and the oth.er townships represented by this race were Howard with 72 colored persons, Penn with
3I, LaGrange and Cassopolis with 15, Jefferson with 5, and Silver
Creek with 3.
With such a considerable colored population, among whom was a
number of fugitive slaves, it was inevitable that Cass county should




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


289


attract considerable attention in the south, not only among the slaves,
but from the whites whose blacks had escaped them. The planters of
Bourbon county, Kentucky, had suffered especial loss from  escaping
slaves, many of whom had taken refuge in Cass and Calhoun counties.
The presence of the slaves in this county led to a concerted mnovement
on the part of Kentuckians for their recapture, an event which has
come down through history under the familiar name of the "Kentucky
Raid." It is not to he understood that the raid was made against a
single locality and by one party of slave hunters. The Kentuckians directed their efforts to a broad field and carried on their operations for
a considerable period of time, involving many separate expeditions,
each with its own account. Hence the many versions of the raid are not
contradictory, but describe the movement of different parties.  A\lso,
these raids extended over a period of several years, beginning with I847.
One of the chief parties of raiders from Kentucky came to this
county in August, I847. Although they maintained secrecy in their
intentions and directed their movements in the same manner that would
characterize a gang of horse thieves, it is noteworthy that they clearly
had the laws of the United States to support them in recovering their
fugitive slaves and were compelled to act covertly only because of the
hostility of the citizens to the institution of slavery. It was humane
anarchy set against legalized oppression.
The Kentuckians first had their headquarters at Battle Creek, but
opposition to their plans was so determined that they moved south to
Bristol, Ind., whence they directed their movements. into Cass county.
Setting out at night, in several detached parties, they endeavored to
round up all the slaves that belonged to them and of \which they had
been furnished information. In the course of the night they paid visits
to Josiah Osborn, the East settlement, in Calvin township, Zachariah
Shugart near Vandalia and Stephen Bogue, names of the most influential Ouakers and abolitionists in the county.  At each of these houses
one or more negroes were captured and carried away by their former
owners.
But before the southerners could collect the slaves and get away
from the county the alarm had been spread by Bogue and Shugart, and
a large party of citizens armed with guns and clubs stopped the progress
of the Kentuckians and compelled them to go to Cassopolis, where they
might prove their ownership of the blacks before a regular justice
court. Excitement ran high that morning, and as the crowd of slave



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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


owners, negroes and citizens pressed on from  near Vandalia to the
county seat the news spread to all parts of the county, and when the
strange procession arrived an immense throng had gathered about the
court house.
The legal proceedings turned upon a writ of habeas corpus, requiring the Kentuckians to show cause why the negroes should not be released
from  custody.  George B. Turner was retained as attorney for the
Kentuckians and James Sullivan and Ezekiel S. Smith acted in behalf of the fugitives. The case was tried before Circuit Court Commissioner McIlvain from  Berrien county, who, illegally, so it was later
decided, had come from that county to hear the case in the absence
of A. H. Redfield, of Cass county.  The commissioner decided adversely to the Kentuckians, and at once the nine slaves were liberated
and the same night were hurried out of the county by way of the
underground railroad.
The slave owners-whose names, so far as preserved, were Rev.
A. Stevens, Hubbard Buckner, C. B. Rust, John L. Graves (sheriff of
Bourbon county), James Scott, G. \I. Brazier, Thornton Timberlake,
and Messrs. Bristow and Lemon-wvere thus deprived of any recourse
so far as local courts were concerned, and in February, I8i48, brought
suit to recover the value of their lost slaves in the United States Circuit Court for the District of Michigan. Thornton Timberlake was
the plaintiff named, and the defendants were Josiah Osborn, Jefferson
Osborn, Ellison Osborn, David T. Nicholson, Ishmael Lee, William
Jones and Elenezer Mcllvain-all prominent men of this county except
Mr. Mcllvain, who, acting as circuit court commissioner, had liberated
the slaves.  The case was not heard until January, I85 I, when the
jury stood eight to four in favor of the plaintiff. The case was, then
compromised by the defendants paying a thousand dollars and costs,
which amounted to about $3,000. Thus nominally the Kentuckians
got justice, but their slaves were gone and it is said that their attorneys
took as fees all the money paid over by the defendants, so that virtually
the Cass county abolitionists had triumphed in their sturdy opposition
to slavery whether sanctioned by law or not.
The history of the Kentucky raid has been briefly sketched since
the two previous histories of the county have described the circumstances with considerable detail at a time when some of the principal actors were yet living and nothing could be added to their accounts. The incidents are notable in themselves and form a very im



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


2!91


portant chapter in the history of the county and nation, while the
movement against slavery was gaining strength. Of its effects on the
negro colony in the county, it is probable that it increased rather than
retarded the flight of fugitives to this vicinity.  It advertised the
county more broadly as a safe retreat for slaves and also caused the
slave owners to hesitate before taking forcible means of recovering their
chattels.
Thus the negro population of the county continued on the increase during the fifties.  The free negroes continued to come here
from Ohio and other northern states, and during that decade some of
the men settled who became the leaders of their race. Isaac P. Stewart came from Ohio in I854, and beginning with eighty acres in Calvin
township became a man of substance as years passed on until he owned
between two and three hundred acres. Samuel Hawks, now one of the
wealthiest and most influential men of Calvin township, settled here
before the war and by industry and good management found the key
to success. Green Alien, now deceased, at one time paid the largest
tax of any man in Calvin. Eaton Newsom, grandfather of Dr. Newsom, of Calvin Center, and James A. Mitchell, all from, Ohio, were
good reliable citizens and respected throughout the community.  Turner Byrd, who came from North Carolina by way of Logan county,
Ohio, and who was an early settler about Chain lakes and founder and
pastor of the Baptist church there, was a successful man and though
uneducated was thoroughly respected by both white and black. Harrison Ash was another whose promises were relied upon with the
surety that indicates strength of character. William Lawson came into
the county in 1853 and was the first merchant among his race, and also
a good farmer.   Some of the older citizens still living, besides Mr.
Hawks, already mentioned, are William Allen, a son of Joseph Allen
and nephew of Green Allen, who is admittedly one of the ablest business farmers in Cass county, and who made his money by hard work
and economy; Jesse W. Madrey, of Cassopolis, who came to the county
in 1852 as a boy, and has won a home and substantial place in the
regard of his fellow citizens; and C. W. Bunn, who years ago began
a sawmill business in Calvin after the timber had supposedly been
used up, later establishing himself in the lumber business at Cassopolis,
and owns property both here and at South Bend.
What estimate shall be placed upon this unique colored settlement, which at the present time in Calvin township possesses the ma



292


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


jority (60 per cent) of the population and a large proportion of the
land and wealth, besides exercising a controlling influence in politics,
religion and education? Let the foremost representative of the colored
rance answer this question in his own words.  In I903 Booker T.
Washington contributed to the Outlook an article entitled "Two Generations Under Freedom," in which he described at length this interesting colony in Cass county. The article is one of the documents of
Cass county history, and this chapter may be concluded with the quotation of its salient points together with a very few comments on the
part of the present writer:
"When I visited Calvin township recently," says Mr. Washington,
"I found that it contained a population of 759 negroes and 512 whites.
In addition to these a large negro population had overflowed into the
adjoining township of Porter, and to some extent into all but two of the
towns in the county. As I drove from Cassopolis in the direction
o!f CalVin township, we soon began going through well cultivated
farms and past comfortable-looking farm houses. The farms for the
most part in their general appearance compared favorably with the average farms we saw in Michigan. Many of the houses were large, attractive and well built.  The yards were made beautiful with grass,
shrubbery and flowers. The barns, stock, poultry and other farm attachments were in keeping with everything else we saw. In our drive
of nearly ten hours, in which we covered nearly thirty miles of territory, through Calvin township and a part of Porter, we saw little to indicate that we were in a negro townl except the color of the faces of the
people. They were up to the average of their white neighbors.
"In a few cases it was interesting to see standing on the same
premises the small cabin in which the people began life years ago,
and then to see near it a modern frame cottage containing six or seven
rooms. To me it was interesting and encouraging to note to what
extent these people 'lived at home,' that is, produced what they consumed. My visit took me through the community during the harvesting season, and at that time most of the farmers were engaged in
threshing wheat and oats. On one farm we saw a large modern steam
thresher at work, operated wholly by negroes and owned by a negro,
Mr. Henry L. Archer. Mr. Archer not only threshed grain for the
negro farmers in the township, but for the white farmers as well."
Mr. WAashington spoke highly, but in terms which all citizens
would approve, of the successful colored men above mentioned, namely,




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


293


William Allen, Samuel Hawks, Cornelius Lawson, Jesse W. Madrey,
and C. W. Bunn. Continuing his description, he states that "a considerable number of the colored people of Calvin township own their
homes, and many of those who are renting are doing so from negro
landowners.  In a few cases white people in the county are renting
property owned by negroes.'
With respect to political relations and civic performance Mr.
Washington could find no evidence that "there was any friction between the two races.  The county officials informed me that there
were no reports of cheating at the ballot boxes, and that the affairs of
the township were conducted as well politically as any in the county.
For some years it had been the boast of the negro tax collector of
Calvin county that he was one of the first collectors to secure and pay
into the county treasury all of the township taxes. *  *  *  Each
township in the county is entitled to one representative on the county
board of supervisors wlich has the control of'the affairs of the entire
county. The representative of Calvin is a black man, and I was told by
several white people of the county that the negro supervisor voted intelligently and conservatively.  *   *  I was informed by several
reliable white men of the county that there had never been any trouble
worth mentioning growing out of political differences. When the war
between the states broke out, as soon as colored soldiers were permitted
to enlist, practically every negro man in the township who, was eligible
enlisted and went to the front. As a result there is a Grand Army post
in Calvin named Matthew Artis Post, in honor of one of the old settlers and soldiers. *  *  *  In my inspection of their church houses
there were two things that specially pleased me. One was the fine and
neat appearing parsonage which stood near the Chain Lake Baptist
church; the other was the appearance of the graveyard near the same
building. The church house, the parsonage and the graveyard gave one
a picture which made him feel he was in a Massachusetts village. The
graveyard was laid out in family plots, and most of the graves had
marble slabs or headstones. There were evidences that the burial place
received systematic care."
Since the enfranchisement of the negro no distinction is made
between the white and colored men for jury service in the courts of
the county, and among the jurors on the regular panel at each term of
the circuit court are found colored men, both members from Calvin
at the September (I9o6) term belonging to that race. Reuben Bever



294


HISTORY OF CASSI COUNTY


ley, now deceased, then of Cassopolis, was the first colored man to be
summoned and accepted as a juror in Cass county. His son later served
four years as register of deeds of the county.
While on his visit to the county Mr. Washington took opportunity
to gain the opinion of some of the white men whose positions made
their judgment concerning the race valuable. Judge L. B. Des Voignes
spoke with convicition of the improvement of the material condition
of the negroes during the preceding twenty years, and of the decrease
of crime among them. "I do not recall any instance where white residents of the township have objected to colored people buying land
there. I do not think there is any depreciation in the price of land.
To a stranger buying land the colored residents might be an objection;
but I do not think it would be to those who know the colored people
of Calvin.  The colored residents have helped to contribute to the
prosperity of the county, considering the opportunities they have had.
There is a prosperous colored community in Volinia, of not more than
a hundred persons, and there are colored residents in several of the
townships of Cass county."
Mr. C. O. Harmon, then county clerk, corroborated the testimony
of Judge Des Voignes, adding that the colored people were "quick to
take advantage of impro.vements, such as the telephone and improved
machinery. The merchants of Cassopolis find these people extra good
customers.  That may be one criticism to make-that they buy too
freely for their own good." Mr. C. C. Nelson gave as his opinion that
whereas the people of Calvin were once haphazard and lawless, the
township at one time furnishing two-thirds of the court business of the
county, that condition was now past and the colored people had improved more, proportionately, than the whites.
The editor of this history was quoted by Mr. Washington as
saying that "the first generation of negro settlers were fine men-none
better. The second generation was bad. The third shows a marked
improvement   But through it all the best men have supported the law
unfailingly. There is no social mingling, but otherwise the relations
of the races are entirely friendly.  I do not know of more than a
dozen marriages between the whites and the blacks in the entire
county."
The observations and inferences of Mr. Washington, though the
result of a brief visit to his people, must stand in the main as correct
and judicious. The settlement will long deserve serious consideration




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


295


and study as one of the notable experiments in the development of a
racial community in mastering and adapting the principles of American
democracy. Evidences of clannishness among the colored people are
to be considered in a favorable light, since it seems that a wholesome
integration of the race, independent, yet harmonious, is the true solution of the "negro problem.'  The ideas of these people certainly tend
to good citizenship and a desire for homes, schools and morality. Yet
the struggles of the settlement in this direction have some pathetic
shadows.  It is confessed that the disturbing element in this colony
comes from the injection of a lower type from communities which
have not had the advantages of that in Cass county. As long, then,
as the older settlers remain predominant, with the training in self-control and civic strength which "two generations of freedom" give them,
the welfare of the community seems to be assured. But what if the
stock be weakened by the withdrawal to the cities-which is certainly
taking place among the younger people-and.the infusion of inferior
classes among those that remain?  Can this small colony, enterprising
and high-minded though it is, become the leaven for the -whole lun1p
and succeed in communicating its inheritance to all those who come?
These questions need cause no immediate alarm, since all conditions
point to progress rather than retrogression.
Education and schools received little mention by Mr. Washington because his visit to the county was during the summer vacation.
The school at Calvin Center is entirely attended by negro children and
taught by a colored man, and several other schools have negro teachers
and colored children in the majority.  Comparing these writh other
schools for the race, especially those to, be found in the south, there is
afforded ground for the highest satisfaction with the progress these
people are making in education. A comparison with one of the schools
in the same county supported and attended by the whites results to the
advantage of the latter, as should be natural.  The colored people
believe thoroughly in schools and send their children to them as a matter of course, but it is confessed that they are not so strict in keeping
them in school as their white neighbors, although the recent compulsory
attendance law will leave little latitude in that direction for either
race.
There is a difference of opinion regarding the power of the
churches, some maintaining that their hold on the people is not so
strong as formerly and that the ministers are not broadening as rapidly




296


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


as the people in their conceptions of moral duties and the relations ot
the church to society. The modern era has certainly brought many new
interests which the older and less educated negroes (lid not have. Reading is more general and it is probable that not a family with a settled
home goes without a weekly perusal of the local paper, and many
metropolitan papers go out daily over the rural routes to these homes
in Calvin and Porter.  Literary societies, fraternities and bands and
other musical interests are not uncommon and indicate the widening
scope of the people's training and progress.
To the general observer it seems that there is a tendency to segregation of the race. This is encouraging rather than to be considered
with delicate tact in conversation.  As the colored people are becoming more independent and better adapted to American ideals, it seems
that the bonds of race will bring them closer in their own social relations and at the same time strengthen those relations in business, education, politics and activity for the general welfare which do not recognize racial lines. By all means the planting of a negro colony in Cass
county two generations ago has redounded to the credit of the world
and advanced society one step further toward the goal of aspiration
and striving on the part of this age. And for Cass county it is no
small distinction that it has been the arena on which some of the most
interesting and pressing problems of race assimilation and adaptation
have been advanced to solution.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


297


CHAPTER XXII.
MILITARY     RECORDS.
The military history of Cass county has already been written in detail in the work of I882. Fortunately the crises which demand almost
unanimous outpouring of life and property in defense of country occur
but rarely. The Sauk and Black Hawk war was the first martial event
that concerned this county and, as we know, was too distant to cause
more than an alarm and militia muster. The war with Mexico made
comparatively small demand on the volunteer forces of the country, and
no organization and perhaps no individuals from Cass county participated in that war. But the Civil war called for the county's best and
bravest, and the call was not made in vain. The manhood of the state
was drained off to fight in the south, and Cass county may never cease
to be proud of the record her soldiers made in the rebellion. As stated,
the history of our soldiers in that war has been fully written, not only
in the Cass county history but forms a part of the annals of the state
and nation. The detailed description of the movements of the regiments
and divisions to which Cass county soldiers belonged does not, therefore, seem to require repetition on these pages. But the names of those
who enlisted from this county to fight on the battlefields of the south
deserve space in every history of the county, and for this reason the
individual records of Cass county soldiers in the Civil war are appended
in full to this chapter.
No regular organization was formed in this county for service in
the Spanish-American war. Some individuals enlisted in the regiments
formed in the state to fill out Michigan's quota, but so far as known none
of these reached the field of action, most of the volunteers for that war
getting their military experience in camp on American shores.
Cass county has several representatives in the regular army and
navy. In the list of Dowagiac high school alumni will be found brief
mention of several who have attained rank in the army. Cassopolis
is also proud of three young men now in the regular service of their
country each with the rank of lieutenant, they being Frank M. Bennett
and Steven V. Graham, in the navy, and Jay Paul Hopkins in the army.




298. HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


CASS COUNTY SOLDIERS IN THE CIVIL WAR.
The following records represent the enlistments and service of Cass
county men in the various regiments of the northern armies. In a few
cases an entire company of a regiment would be composed of Cass county
boys, but as a rule the roster of the regiments show those from this
county distributed through the companies, occasionally only one Cass
county soldier being found in a company. But the compilation is thought
to contain the names of all those who went from this county.
The individual record consists generally of the dates of enlistment
and of the muster out or discharge, or of the sadder chronicle of death
on the field or in hospital.  The abbreviations used to convey these
and other facts are self-explanatory.
FORTY-SECOND ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.


COMPANY E.
Capt. Daniel McOmber, Dowagiac.
Capt. William H. Colburn, Silver Creek;
corn. April I, 1865; m. o. Dec. I6, 1865;
Ist Lieut. May 17, 1864; Sergt. vet. Jan.
I, I864; Corp., July 26, I86I.
First Lieut. William H. Clark, Dowagiac,
May 17, 1864; declined com.
Second Lieut. Nathan H. DeFoe, Dowagiac, Jan. 22, I86I; res. May II, 1862.
First Sergt. William  T. Codding, Dowagiac, July 22, I86I; m. o. Sept. I6,
I864.
Sergt. Jehiel Hall, Dowagiac, July 23,
i86i; killed at Stone River Dec. 31,
1862.
Sergt. Cyrus Phillips, Dowagiat, July 22,
i86i; vet. Jan. I, I864; prom. Ist Lieut.
Co. F.;i?:l
Sergt. Leonard H. Norton, La. Grange,
Aug. Io, I86I; vet. Jan. i, 1864; died of
wounds March 5, 1864.
Corp. William H. Colburn, Silver Creek,
July 26, i86i; vet. Janl. I, 1864; prom.
1st Lieut. from Sergt.
Corp. Asher Huff, Dowagiac, July 26,
i86i; dis. for disability March' I2, 1863.
Corp. Comfort P. Estes, Dowagiac, July
26, i86I; vet. Jan. i, I864; killed at
Kenesaw June I8, I864.
Corp. Christopher Harmon,: Dowagiac,
July 26, I86I; vet. Jan. I, I864; m. o.
Sergt. Dec. i6, I865.
Corp. Theo. De Camp, Silver Creek, July
26, i86i; dis. for disability March II,
1863.
Corp. William  H. Clark, Dowagiac, July'
26, I86I; vet. Jan. I, 1864; m. o.r1t:
Sergt. May 28, I865.,
Corp. Victor Wallace, Dowagiac, July 26,


I86i; vet. Jan. I, I864; m. o. as Sergt.
Dec. I6, I865.
Arnold, Desire, Silver Creek, July 26,
i86i; killed at Stone River Dec. 31,
1862.
Brownell, Lorenzo D., Dowagiac. July 26,
I86I; dis. for disability Nov. I8, I862.
Barrack, Jonathan A.. Calvin, Aug. i,
I86I; dis. for disability Aug. 17. i862.
Burling, Robert G., Pokagon, July 26,
I86i; dis. for disability Oct. 24, I862.
Bragg, Gustavus, Pokagon, Aug. 7, i86i;
died of wounds at Trenton, Ga., Sept.
Io, 1863.
Caston, Hiram,, Jefferson, July 26, I86I;
m. o., wounded, Sept. I6, 1864.
Cone, Hulett, Dowagiac, Aug. 3T, i861;
died at Park Barracks, Ky., Nov. 5,
I862.
Calhoun, Albert, Aug. 30, I86i; died in
rebel hosp., Wilmington, N. C., March
5, i865.
Day, Lucius C., Dowagiac, July 26, i86I;
vet. Jan. I, 1864; m. o. July 15, I865.
Finehart, Daniel P., Pokagon, July 26,
i86i; died Feb. 8, I862.
Fleming, James H., Volinia, Aug.i86I; died of wounds at Atlanta, Ga.,
Dec. 25, 1863.
Heath, Edward C., Pokagon, July 26,
I86i; Corp.; died Aug. 23, I862.
HIill, James, Dowagiac, July 26, i86i; vet.
Jan;. I, 1864; m. o. Dec. 1.6, I865.
'Hanna, Nathaniel L., Dowagiac, Aug. 10,
i86r; dis. for disability March 27, 1863.
Hover, John B., Calvin, Aug. 21, I861;
v et: Jan. I, 1864; prom. Prin. Mus.
Higgins, George W., Dowagiac, July 26,
i86i; dis. for disability March 27, I862.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


2919


Henderson. George H., Dowagiac, July 26,
i86i; m. a. July 15, i865.
Hitsmaii, Sidney, D-owagiac, July 26, i86i;
vet. Jan. i, 1864; m. o. Dec. i6, i865.
Higgins, Daniel, Dowagiac, Aug. i, i86i;
dis. Dec. 5, 1862.
Krisher, John, Jr., Calvin, Sept. 9, i86i;
vet. Jan. i, 1864; m. o. Dec. i6, i865.
Leonard, William, Cassopolis, July 26,
i86i; vet. Jan.. i, 1864; m. o. Dec. i6,
i 865.
L'icas, Henry, Newberg, July 31, i86i;
vet. Jan. i, 1864; detached at m. o.
Lewis, Edwin H., Cassopolis, July 26,
i86i; vet. Jan. i, 1864; dis. for disability April i8, i862.
Miller, William H. H., Calvin, July 26,
i86i; vet. Jan. i, 1864; killed at Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30. 1864.
Munger, Charles A., Dowagiac, July 26,
i86i; vet. Jan. i, 1864; prom. ist Lieut.
from Sergt.
Mo~many, Oliver F., Dowagiac, July 26,
i86i; wounded; transferred to Vet. Res.
Corps Feb. i6, 1864.
McDonald, Alva, Pokagon, Aug. i, 1864;
m. o. Oct. 3, 1864.
Northrup, Adoniram, Calvin, Aug. i,
1864; killed at Stone River Dec. 31,
1862.
Nevill, John G., Dowvagiac, Aug. i, 1864;
wounded; transferred to Vet. Res.
Corps April i6, 1864.
Orange, Andrew, Dowagiac, Aug. To,
i86i; dis. Dec. 5, 1862.
Peters, John, Calvin, Atig. i, i86i; dis.
for disabilityMy   26, 1862.


Pierson, Bartley, -Calvin, Aug. I, 186i;
dis. for disability May 3, 1862.
Corp. Peter Rummels, Silver Creek, July
26, 1861; vet. Jan. I, 1864; m. o. Dec.
i 6, I 865.
Rea, Albert W., Calvin, Aug. I, i86i; vet.
Jan. I, 1864; died of wounds Dec. 15,
1864.
Spicer, George G., Dowagiac, July 26,
i86i;vet. Jan. I, 1864; m. o. Dec. i6,
i865.
Shanafelt, Albert A., Dowagiac, July 26,
i86i; m. o. Sept. 28, 1864.
Shanafelt, Herbert R.,9 DowNagiac, July 26,
1861; died of wounds Columbia, S. C.
Shearer, James H., Dowagiac, Aug. I,
T86i; died at Smithton, -Mo., Jan. 29,
i862.
Stevens, Joseph H., Doxvagiac, Aug. I,
i86i; died of wounds July 7, 1864.
Stevenson, Zimri, Calvin, Aug. I, i86i;
vet. Jan. 1, 1864; m. o. Dec. i6, i865.
Sturr, Joseph L., Calvin, Aug. I, i86i;
m. o. Sept. i8, 1864.
Tillotson, John D., Calvin, Aug. I, i86i;
m. o. Dec.-i6, i865.
IT. renholm, Benjamin, Calvin, Sept. 9,
i6;m. o. Sept. i6, 1864.
Worden, Amasa P. R., Dowagiac.' July 26,
i86i; died of wounds April 7, i864,.
RECRUITS.
iAIorse, Abel S., Silver Creek, dis. for disability Aug. i.5, i86i.
Row, Fred. P.. Silver Creek:; dis. for (lisability Sept. io, i861.
Stage. William, transferred to Sappers
and 'Miners Sept..5, 186i.


SIXTH MICHIGAN INFANTRY.


FIELD AND STAFF.
Col. Chas. E. Clarke, Dowagiac, com. October i6, 1864; ml. 0. as Lieut. Col.
Sept. 7, 1865; comn. Lient. Col. Feb. I,
1864; Maj. June 21, 1862; Capt. U. S.
Army July 28, i866; Brevet Major
March 7, 1867, for gallant and meritoriouis services in the siege of Port Huron,
La.; retired June 28, 1878.
NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF.
Sergt. Maj. Henry W. Ellis, Pokagon,
com. May 13, i865; M. o. Aug. 20,
i865.
Principal Musician Geo.. L. Hazen, Calvin,
e. Jan. I, 1862; vet. Feb. I, 1864; m. 0.
Aug. 20, T865.
Musician John R. Lee, e. Aug. 20, i86i1
dis. by order Sept. 20, 1862.
COMPANY A.
Briggs, George, Porter, e. Aug. 30, i862;
dis. by order July 22, i865.


Woodard, Alvab., Porter. e. u. 30, 18962;
died of disease at Ft. Morgan. Ala.,
Sept. 24, 1864.
COMPANY C.
First Lieuit. Jas. A. Ellis, Dowagiac. camn.
Dec. 1, 1862; trans. ist Lieut. to Co. D,
July 20, 1863.
Anderson, Andrew J., Calvin, e. Jan. IT,
1864; trans. to 7th U. S. Heavy Artillery June I, 1864.
Freeman, Henry W., Porter, e. Jan. 20,
1864; trans. to Veteran Reserve Corps.
Gilbert, Anson, Wayne, e. Dec. 21, 1863;
died of disease at New Orleans, La..
Oct. 12, 1864.
Hawks, Henry. Mason, e. Jan. TT. 1864;
trans. to 7th U. S. Heavy Artillery
June T, T864.
Turnley, Hiram M., e. Aug. 20, i86i; dis.
for disability March 28, 1864.




300


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


COMPANY D.
Capt. Charles E. Clarke, Dowagiac, corn.
Aug. 20, I86I; prom. Major.
Capt. James A. Ellis, Dowagiac, corn.
Sept. I, 1863; resigned July I9, 1864;
trans. ISt Lieut. from Co. C, July 20,
1863; 2d Lieut. Co. D, Aug. 20, i86i.
First Lieut. Frederick J. Clarke, Dowagiac, cor. Aug. I9, 186i; killed in battle at Port Hudson, La., May 27, I862.
First Lieut. William W. Mcllvaine, Cassopolis, corn. Sept. I, I863; com. 2d
Lieut, Dec. I, 1862; Sergt. Aug. 20,
I86I; resigned as Ist Lieut. July 20,
1864.
First Lieut. Charles St. John, Dowagiac.
corn. March 7, I865; m. o. Jlly 20,
I865; 2d Lieut. Co. F; Sergt. Co. D;
vet. Feb. I, 1864.
Second Lieut. John G. Allison, Porter, e.
Sergt. Aug. 20, i86i; vet. Feb. I, 1864;
m. o. as Sergt. July 20, 1865.
Sergt. Hiram  Meacham, e. Aug. 20, I86I;
dis. for disability Oct. 14, 1862.
Sergt. William 0. Kellam, e. Aug. 20,
86i; dis. for disability April 30, I864.
Sergt. Ira Coe, e. Aug. 20, i86i; prom. 2d
Lieut. U. S. C. T.
Corp. Charles K. Well, e. Aug. 20, I86I;
prom. 1st Lieut. Ist La. Battery, Nov.
29, I862.
Corp. Ira Coe, e. Aug. 20, i86i; dis. at
end of service Aug. 23, 1864.
Corp. Thomas M. Sears, La Grange, e.
Nov. 21, 1862; vet. March 2, I864; dis.
by order Aug. 20, I865.
Corp. James K. Train, e. Dec. I6, 1863;
m. o. Aug. 20, 1865.
Corp. Theodore Perarie, Ontwa, e. Dec.
2, 1864; m. o. Aug. 20, I865.
PRIVATES.
Aikins, Alexander, Calvin, e. Oct. 7, 1863;
m. o. Aug. 20, 1865.
Baker, Ferdinand, m. o. Aug. 20, I865.
Bell, James M., Jefferson, e. Aug. 20,
i86r; vet. Feb. I, 1864; dis. for disability Aug. I, I865.
Brown, Francis D., e. Aug. 20, I86I; dis.
at end of service Aug. 23, 1864.
Carter, Elijah H., Porter, e. Aug. 12,
1862; died at Port Hudson, La., of
wounds May 27, 1863.
Carter, John M., Calvin, e. Aug. 12, 1862;
died of disease at Port Hudson, Sept.
2, I863.
Christie, Willard, e. Aug. 20, I86i; dis.
at end of service Aug. 23, 1864.
Curtis, Edward, e. Aug. 20, I86I; died
of disease at New Orleans, La., Nov. 30,
1862.
Cushing, James H., Silver Creek, e. April
12, 1864; dis. by order Sept. 5, I865.


Dorr, Peter, Penn, e. Aug. 20, I86i; vet.
Feb. I, I864; m. o. Aug. 20, I865.
Estabrook, Aaron L., e. Aug. 20, i86i; dis.
at end of service Aug. 23, 1864.
Estabrook, George R., e. Aug. 20, I86I;
dis. for disability Oct. 14, 1862.
Fraker, Oliver P., Porter, e. Aug. 20,
i86i; vet. Feb. I, 1864; dis. for disability May I8, I865.
Gannett, Lewis, e. Aug. 20, i86i; dis. at
end of service Aug. 23, 1864.
Grennell, Oliver C., e. Aug. 20, i86i; dis.
for disability Oct. 14, I862.
Gates, Jefferson, e. Aug. 20, i86i; died of
disease at Baltimore Oct. 8, I86I.
Gilbert, Allison J., Wayne, e. Dec. 21,
I863; dis. for disability June 2, I865.
Goodrich, Noah, e. Aug. 20, I86i; dis.
for disability Oct. 12, 1864.
Gregg, James H., e. Aug. 20, i86i; dis.
at end of service Aug. 23, 1864.
Greenman, James J., Porter, e. Aug. 12,
1862; m. o. July 21, I865.
Hall, George M., e. Aug. 20, i86i; dis.
for disability Oct. 6, 1863.
Hall, Philander W., e. Aug. 20, I86I;
vet. Feb. I, I864; m. o. Aug. 20, 1865.
Harmon, Benjamin H., died at Port Hudson, La., of wounds May 27, I863.
Harmon, James, e. Aug. 20, i86I; dis.
by order March 28, 1864.
Harmon, Sylvester, e. Aug. 20, I86I; died
of disease at Port Hudson, La., Aug.
I3, 1863.
Herrod, Francis M., Porter, e. Jan. 2,
1864; m. o. Aug. 20, 1865.
Horr, Calvin L., Calvin, e. Aug. 14, 1862;
m. o. July 21. I865.
Hover, Evart, Silver Creek, e. March 31,
I864; m. o. Aug. 20, I865.
Jackson, J. J., Porter, e. Aug. 27, I862;
dis. for disability March 10, I863.
Johnston, Albert, e. Aug. 20, I86i; dis. by
order Feb. Io, I863.
King, Edward, e. Aug. 20, 186I; dis. at
end of service Aug. 23, 1864.
King, John. e. Jan. I, 1862; vet. Feb. I,
1864.
Kidder, Norman C., e. Aug. 12, 1862; m.
o. July 21, I865.
Kirk, George W., e. Aug. 20, i86i; died
of disease at Camp Williams Nov. 21,
I862.
Lake, William H., e. Aug. 20, i86i; dis.
at end of service Aug. 23, 1864.
Lewis, Peter, e. Aug. 20, I86i; died of
disease at Port Hudson, La., Aug. 12,
I863.
Mcintosh, Jacob M., e. Aug. 20, i86I;
dis. at end of service Aug. 23, 1864.
Mecham, Cyrus, e. Aug. 20, I86i; dis.
for disability Oct. 14, I862.




HISTORY OF CASS, COUNTY


301


Meacham, William J., e. Jan. i, i862; dis.
for disability Oct. 14, i862.
Miller, James M.; dis. for disability Sept.
i 8, 1 863.
Montgomery, M\ilton, e. Aug. 20, i86i;
died of disease at Baton Rouge, La.,
Aug. 3, 1862.
Montgomery, Samuel, e. Aug. 20, i86i;
died of disease at Port Hudson, La.,
July i8, i863.
M\yers, George R., e. Aug. 20, i86i; died
of disease at New Orleans, La., Aug.
12, 1 862.
Nesbitt, William, e. Aug. 20, i86i; dis.
for disability Oct. 14, 1862.
Neville, Jerry, Silver Creek, e. Dec. 22,
1863; m. o. Aug. 20, 1865.
Osborn, Allen S., Calvin, e. Aug. ii,
1862; M. o. July 2i, 1865.
Osborn, Arthur, e. Nov. io, 1862; m-. 0.
Aug. 20, 1865.
Osborn, Job E., Calvin, e. Aug. I4, i862;
(lied of disease at Port Hudson, La.,
Oct. 4, 1863.
O'Neil, Timothy, Silver Creek, e. Nov
21, 1863; m. o. Au~g. 20, i865.
Overmeyer, Thomas J., e. Aug. 20, i86i;
(lis. at enid of service Aug. 23, 1864.
Owen, Andrew J., e. Aug. 20. i86r; dis.
at endl of service Aug. 23, 1864.
Patrick, Levi- W., died of disease at Baton
Rouge, La., July 3, 1862.
Ranidall, Lorenzo D., e. Aug. 20, i86i;
clis. at enid of service Aulg. 23, 1864.
Reyniolds, George, e. Au1g. 20, i86i; dis.
at ciud of service Aug. 23, 1864.
Reynolds, Patul S., e. Au~g. 20, i86i; dis.
at end of service Aug. 23, 1 864.
Rinehart, Henry, e. Aug. i8, 1862; m. 0.
July 211, T865.
Ring. Johni, e. Aug. 20, i86i; dis. for disability Oct. 14, 1862.
Robb, John, e. Au~g. 20, i86i; dis. for disaIbility Jall. 20, 18962.
Rogers, Leroy, e. Auig. 20, i86i; dis. at
endl of service Aug. 23, 18-64.
S-ickles, George W., e. Au~g. 20, i86i; died
in action at Port Hudson, La., June 30,
1863.
Starks, William, Silver Creek, e. April 12,
1864; m-. o. Aug. 20, i,865.
Shawl., Merrin, Silver Creek, e. April 12,
1864; ni. o. Auig. 20, i865.
Stockwell, Johni, e. Aug. 20, i86i; dis.
for disability Oct. 14, 1862.
Stone, Edmuntnd, e. Aug. 20, 186i; died
of disease at New Orleans, La., Aug. 12,
i862.
St. John, Charles, Silver Creek, e. Aug.
20, i86i; vet. Feb.. i, 1864; dis. for
prom. 2d Lieut., this regt., Co. J, Nov.
i, i864.
Swinehart, Lewis, Porter, e. Aug. i8,


i862; died of disease at Port Hudson,
La., Aug. 29, 1863.
Tracy, Spencer, e. Aug. 20, i86i; died of
disease at Port Hudson, La., Sept. 22,
1863.
Wallace, William, e. Dec. 19, 1863; m. O.
July 2I, 1865.
Wheeler, Thomas, Penn, e. Aug. 25, 1864;
m. O. Aug. 20, i865.
Wieting, John, Silver Creek, e. March 31,
1864; dis. for disability Dec. 15, 1864.
Wilsey, William H., e. Aug. 20, i86i; died
of disease at Carrolton, La., 'March '6,
1 863.
COMPANY E.
Second Lieut. Charles St. John, Dowvagiac,
prom. from Serg. Co. D, July i8, 1864;
prm    ist Lient., Co. D, M\arch 7, i865.
COMPANY F.
PRIVATE.
Corselm~an, Levi, Marcellus, e. March I,
i862; dis. hy order Sept. 14, i865.
COMPANY G.
PRIVATES.
Clark., George H., Wayne, e. Dec. 19,
1863; ni. O. Aug. 20, 1865.
Dewey. Enoch, Silver Creek, e. Dec. 2I,
1863; mU. O. Aug. 20, i865.
Stevens, Isaac R., Silver Creek, e. Oct.
20, 1864; ml. O. Aug. 20, i86,.
COMPANY K.
First Lient. John   Jacks, Edwardshurg,
comi. Sept. I. 1862; dis. for disability
Oct. 27, 1863.'
First. Lient. Edward C. Beardsley, Dowagiac, comn. NOV. 25, 1864.
Second Lieut. John Jacks, Ontwa, comn.
Aug. 20, 1863; prom. First Lieut.
Second Lient. Edward C. Beardsley, Dowaga. com.  June  3, i864;  prom. Fis
Lient.
Sergt. Charles Morgan, e. Aug. 20, i86i;
dis at end of service Aug. 23,184
Sergt. E. C. Beardsley, e. Aug. 20, 186i1
prom. Second Lieut.
Sergt. John P. Carr, Jefferson, e. Aug.
20, i86i; vet. Feb. I, 1864; m. o. Aug.
26, i865.
Corp. John R. Lee, e. Aug. 20, i86i; trans.
to regimental band.
Corp. Alonzo Benedict, e. Aug. 20, i86i;
dis. for disability Oct. 26, 1862.
Corp. Leonard Sweet. e. Aug. 20, i86i;
dis. for disability Oct. 26, i862.
Corp. David Ogden:, e. Aug. 20, i86j;
vet. Feb. I, i864; m. O. Aug. 20, i865.
Corp. James H. Smith, e. Aug. 20, 1861;
dis. for disability Jan. 20, 1862.
Corp. John 'Chatterdon, Howa'rd, e. Aug.




302


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


20, i86i; vet. Feb. I, 1864; m. o. Aug.
i I, i865.
PRIVATES.
Barrett, Ransom, e. Aug. 20, i86i; died
of disease at Port Hudson, La., June
25, i862.
Bramhall, Nathan W., e. Aug. 20, i86i;
died of disease at Port Hudson, La.,
Feb. 6, 1864.
Brunson, Perry, e. Aug. 20, i86i; dis.
to enter Regular Army Dec. 23, i862.
Bump, Adoiphus, Jefferson, e. Aug. 20,
i86i; vet. Feb. I, 1864; m. o. Aug. 20,
i865.
Coder, Willett G., e. Aug. 20, i861; dis.
for disability Oct. 26, i86i.
Cole, Johnson B., e. Aug. 20, i86i; dis.
for disability Oct. 29, i862.
Eby, George W. N., e. Aug. 20, i861; dis.
for disability Jan. 5, 1863.
Hanson, Benjamin, e. Aug. 20, i86i; died
of disease at Ship Island, La., March
i 8. 1862.
Haskins, Calvin, Jeff erson, e. Aug. 20,
i86i; vet. Feb. I, 1864; m. o. Aug. 20,
i865.
Heyde, Henry, e. Aug. 20, i86i; dis. at
end of service Aug. 23, 1864.
Joy, Elias W., Jefferson, e. Aug. 20, 186i;
vet. Feb. i, i864; m. o. Aug. 20, i865.
Kieffer, Jacob, e. Aug. 20, i86i; dis. at
end of service Aug. 23, 1864.


Lamson, Horace, dis. at end of service
Aug. 23, 1864.
Lockwood, Henry P., e. Aug. 20, i86i;
died of disease at Baton Rouge, La.,
July 24, 1863.
McKinstry, Albert, e. Aug. 20, i86i; dis.
by order March 9, 1864.
Mott, Sylvester, e. AU g. 20, i86i; died
of disease at Camp Williams Oct. 8,
i862.
Putnam, Uzziel, Pokagon, e. Aug. 20,
i86i; dis. for disability Jan. 26, 1 864.
Niles, vet. Feb. i, 1864;
m. o. A ug. 20, i865.
Rourke. Patrick, e. Aulg. 20, i896i; vet.
Feb. i, 1864; m. o. AU g. 20, i865.
Shiry. William, Baton Rogue, e. Au~g. 20,
i86i; died of disease New Orleans, La.,
Sept. i i, 1862.
Smith, Mathewv, e. Au g. 20,    1862; died
of disease at New     Orleans Aug. 20,
1 863.
Sweet, Leonard, re-e. Dec. 5, 1863; m. 0.
Aug. 20, i86.
Thayer, Ezra, Jefferson, e. Au g. 20, i86I;
vet. Feb. r, 1864; ni. o. Aug. 20, i865.
Westfall, Marvin F., Jefferson, e. Aug.
20, i86i; vet. Feb. i, 1864; dis. for disability June 4, 1865.
Williams, George W., e. Aug. 20, i86i;
dis. at end of service AU g. 23, 1 864.


THE TWELFTH MTCHIGAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.


COMPANY A.
Capt. Joseph Harper, Cassopolis, com.
Sept. 26, i86i; resigned May 7, 1862.
First Lient. Charles A. Van Riper, La
Grange. com. Oct. 4, i86i; resigned Feb.
28, I1863.
First Lieut. Austin L. Abbott, Pokagon,
com. Feb. 23, 1863; resigned July 3,
i864.
Second Lieut. David M. McLelland, Dowagiac, com. Oct. 14, i86i; resigned Nov.
i 6, 1 862.
Second Lieut. Robert S. M. Fox, Howard,
com. April 8, 1864; prom. ist Lieut.
Co. G.
Sergt. Austin L. Abbott, Pokagon, e.
Sept. 28, i86i; prom. ist Lieut. Co. A.
Sergt. George B. Crane,. Pokagon, e. Oct.
4, i86i; died of disease at Little Rock,
Ark., July 23, i864.
Sergt. Benjamin F. Dunham, Cassopolis,
e. Oct. 4, i86i; prom. Coin. Sergt. April
T, i862; died of disease at St. Louis,
Mo.. May 24, 1862.
Se-rgt. James Hill, Cassopolis, e. Oct. 9,
i861; dis. for disability May 31, 1864.
Sergt. Joseph R:- Edwards, Pokagon, e.


Sept. 28, i86i; dis. at end of service
Jan. 9, i865.
Sergt. Robert S. M. Fox, Howard, e. Oct.
2, i86i; vet. Dec. 25, i863; prom. 2d
Lieut. Co. A.
Sergt. Isaac D. Harrison, Pokagon, e.
Sept. 28, i86i; vet. Dec. 25, i863; mn.
o. Feb. 1 5, I 866.
Corp. Isaac D. Harrison.
Corp. William E. Stevens, Mason, e. Oct.
22, i86i; prom. 2d Lieut. Co. K.
Corp. Lewis Van Riper, La Grange, e.
Oct. 4, i86i; dis. for disability Jan. 21,
1862.
Corp. William Lingual. Pokagon, e. Sept.
30, i86i; dis. at end of service Feb. 14,
1865.
Corp. Almon W. Eck, Wayne, e. May i8,
1863; vet. Feb. 29, 1864; m. o. Feb.
15, I 866.
Musician Wellman Blanchard, Pokagon,
e. Oct. 15, i86r; dis. for disability Aug.
i6,  1862. PRIVATES.
Allen, Alonzo W., Pokagon, e. Sept. 28,
i86I; died of disease at Memphis, Tenn.,
Oct. 25, 1863




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


303


Allen, Nelson K., Porter, e. Jan. 30, 1864;
nm. o. Feb. 15, i866.
Barker, George F., e. Dec. 15, i86i; vet.
Dec. 5, 1863; m. o. Feb. I5e, i866.
Bilderback, Peter, Silver Creek, e. Oct.
31, i86i; died of wounds at Pittsburg
Landing, June 5, i862.
Bilderback, Wesley B., Silver Creek, e.
Oct. 3I, i86i; dis. for (lisability Nov.
14, i863.
Bronner, David, Penn, e. Oct. i8, i86i;
die'd of disease April -, i862.
Brown, Albert E., Ontwa, e. March 2,
1 865; m. 0. Feb. i 5, i 866.
Brown, Charles G., Dowagiac, e. Sept. 5,
1862; dis. at end of service Sept. 9,
i85
Buckley, Peter, Pokagon, e. March i8,
1863; mn. o. Feb. I5, i866.
Bucklin. George S., Wayne, e. Nov. 12,
i861; dis. for disability Sept. 9, i862.
Bush, Asa L., Dowagiac, e. Feb. i8, 1862;
died of disease at Memphis, Tenn., Oct.
20, 1 863.
Byers, Charles F., La Grange, e. Aug. 19,
1864; dis. at end of service Sept. 9, i85
Carr, Allen M., Ontwa, e. Feb. 25. 1864;
dis. for disability May 22, i865.
Caves, Samuel, died of disease at Niles,
Mich., March 23, 1862.
Clasby, James, La Grange, e. Feb. i8,
i862; dis. at end of service Feb. 17,
i865.
Campbell, Daniel, Pokagon, e. March i8,
1863; died of wounds at Camden, Ark.,
Oct. 6, i865.
Cleveland, Charles E., e. Jan. 27, 1862; dis.
at end of service Jan. 27, i865.
Colby, James F., e. Oct. 14, 1861; died in
action at Shiloh April 6, i862.
Colvin, James M., e. Oct. 29, 1861; vet.
Dec. 25, i863; accidentally killed Sept.
5, i 864.
Curtis, Franklin P., Mason, e. Feb. 14,
1864; m. 0. Feb. 15, i866.
Davis, Edson, Dowagiac, e. Oct. 5, i86i;
vet. Dec. 25, 1863; mn. o. Feb. 15, i866.
Delaney. Thomas, Cassopolis, e. Oct. 9,
i86i; vet. Dec. 25, 1863; dis. by order
Aug. I4, i865.
Denison, Franklin, Cassopolis, e. Oct. 9,
T86T1; vet. Dec. 28, 1863; dis. for disability May i, i865.
Eggleston. William J., Mason, e. Feb. i6,
i865; dis. by order May 22, i865.
Emmons, Darius, Dowagiac, e. Feb. 22,
1864; dis. by order May 22, i865.
Emmons, Jonathan, Dowagiac, e. Feb.
22, i864; im. 0. Feb. 15, i866. -
E'mmons, Willi-am  A., Dow'giac, e.Feb.
22, 1864; M. o. Feb. 15, 186
Foster, Francis M., Penn., e: Feb'. 23,
i1864  mo.Feb. i 5, i 866.


Gallagher, James, Jeff erson, e. Dec. 8,
1863; mn. o. Feb. 15, ~1866.
Gilbert, Samuel, Mason, e. Oct. 25, 186i;.dis. by order Sept. 7, i862.
Gillespie, George, Dowagiac, e. Dec. 28,
i86i; dis. by order April 25, 1863.
Goodrich, Jamnes, Jefferson, e. Feb. 22,
1864; m. o. Feb. 15, i866.
Goff, Hiramn, Wayne, e. Nov. 9, i86i; died
at home.
Graham, Edward R., Cassopolis, e. Feb.
21, 1862; dis. at end of serv-ice Feb. 21,
i865.
Graham, Henry C., LaGrange, e. Sept. 7,
1864; dis. at end of service Sept. 9, 1865.
Haas, Jacob, Howard, e. Sept. 23, 1864;
dis. at end of service Sept. 9, i865.
Haines, Thomas L., Ontwa, e. March 2,
m85;n. o. Feb. I5, i866.
Hartsel, Edward, Dowagiac. e. Oct. -,
1861; died of disease at Columbus, Ohio.
Hatfield, Andrew V., dis. by order Jan 24,
i866.
Haniser, Michael B., Pokagon, e. Oct. 15,
i86i;dis. for disability Aug. 28, 1862.
Heaton, Abi'am, Porter, e. Dec. 5, 1863;
in. o. Feb. 15, i866.
Heaton. L-ester M., Porter, e. Dec. 29,
i863; m. o. Feb. 15, i866.
Higgins, Benjamin F., Newberg, e. Oct.
12, i86i; dis. by order April 21, 1863.
Higgins. James P., e. Dec. 1o, T86i; vet.
Dec. 25, 1863; dis. for disability July 8,
1864.
H-ig-gins, John, Newberg, e. Dec. ii, i86i;
veTt. Dec. 25, 1863; mn. o. Feb. I5, i866.
Higley, Solomon G., Ontwa, e. Dec. 29,
1863; in. o. Feb. 15, i866.
Higley, William., Ontwa, e. March 2,
1865; M. o. Feb. I5, i866.
Hill, Henry T., Cassopolis, e. Feb. i8,
1862; dis. at end of service Feb. 17,
i865.
Hibray, Jacob P., Newberg, e. Oct. 3,
i86T; died of disease at Montgomery,
Ala., May i, 1862.
Hitchcock, Lucius P., Porter, e. Feb. 5,
1864; m. o. Feb. 15, i866.
Holmes, Henry, Pokagon, e. March i8,
1863; died of disease at Dowagiac Oct.:20, 1 863.
Holmes, William, Silver Creek, e. Nov.
19, i86i; died of disease at Dowagiac
June 10, 1863.
Horner, jam-es, LaGra~nge, e. Oct. i8,
i86i; vet. Dec. 28, 1863; m. o. Feb. I5,
I86.
Hudson. James, lefferson, e. Dec. 15, 1863;
M. o. F7eb. 15, T866.
Huff. Charle's H.,.LaQrange, e'. Jan. 17,
1'865; dis.'byo-r-dtr Jan. 24, i866.
Hunt, John H.-, Jeifferson, e. Nov.- Ti,




304


HISTORY OF CASS, COUNTY


i86i; vet. Dec. 25, i863; m. o. Feb. I5,
i866.
Ireland, Elon M., ib. o. Feb. 15, i866.
Jackson, Erastus M., Porter, e. Feb. 7,
1864; m. o. Feb. 15, i866.
Jackson, George, Mason, e. Feb. 14, i865;
m. o. Feb. I5, i866.
Jackson, John S., Porter, e. Feb. 7, 1864;
m. o. Feb. 15, i866.
Jennings, Abrami, Dowagiac, e. Oct. 15,
i86i; dis. by order July 23, 1862.
Johns, Aaron, Mason, e. Oct. i8, i86i;
m. o. Feb. I5, i866.
Kugan, Edward, Jefferson, e. Feb. 28,
i862; captured at Little Rock, Ark.,
Sept. 3, 1864; exchanged May 27, i865;
dis. at end of service July 8, i865.
Kelley, John H., Calvin, e. Feb. 7, i865;
died of disease at Washington, Ark.,
July 2, 1865.
Kelley. Joseph, Calvin, e. Feb. 26, 1864;
dis. by order May 22, 1865.
Keyes, John, Wayne. e. Nov. 9, i861; dis.
by order July i6, 1862.
Landon. Edward, Mason, e. Feb. i6, 1865;
m. o. Feb. 15, i866.
Langley, Zachariah B., Pokagon, e. Oct.
13, i86i; dis. at end of service Jan. 7,
i865.
Lillie. John, LaGrange, e. Dec. 28, i86i;
dis. at en-d of service Jan. 7, i865.
Liphart, George M., LaGrange, e. Oct. 31,
1861; (lied at Indianapolis, Ind., April
I17, 1865.
Lewman, Simon, LaGrange, e. Feb. 22,
18964; died of disease at Duvall's Bluff,
Ark., Dec. i6, 1864.
Maloney, Lawrence, Pokagon, e. Feb. 3,
1864; died of disease at Camden, Ark.,
Dec. 9, i865.
Marsh, Benjamin, LaGrange, e. Dec. 7,
1863; m. o. Feb. 15, i866.
Marsh,, Nathan, LaGrange, e. March i6,
i(6;m. o. Feb. 15, i866.
Miner, William  A., LaGrange, e. Oct. 5,
T86i; vet. Dec. 25, i863; m. o. Feb. I5,
i866.
Munson, Allen C., Volinia, e. Sept. 2,
1864; dis. at end of service Sept. 9,
1865.
Myers, George, Volinia, e. Feb. i8, 1864;
died of disease at Camden, Ark., Dec.
9, i865.
Neff, Aaron, Jefferson, e. Feb. 22, rI564;
m. o. Feb. i5, i866.
Niblett, James, Mason, e. Feb. 8, i864;
dis. by order May 22, i865.
Nichols, Arthur, Penn, e. Dec. ii, i86i;
dis. for disability July 17, i862.
Norton, Bela A., LaGrange, e. Jan. 27,
i862; dis. at end of service- Jan. 27,
i865.


Odell, Victor M., e. Feb. i, 1862; missing
in battle at Shiloh April 7, i862.
Pratt, Henry D., Pokagon, e. Nov. 17,
i86i; died of disease at St. Louis, M\'o.,
Juin e 5, i 862.
Pratt, James E., La Grange, e. Oct. 21,
i86i; vet. Jan. 2, 1864; m. O. Feb. 15,
i866.
Philips, William J., Mason, e. Jan. T8,
1864; died of disease at Duvall's Bluff,
Ark., NOV. 26, 1864.
Post, John H., Pokagon, e. O~ct. 8, i86i;
dis. at end of service Jan. 27, i865.
Reams, Peter, Jefferson, e. Feb. 23, i864;
dis. for disability May 26, 1865.
Roberts. James Hl., Mason, e. Feb. 1u,
i865; m. o. Feb.. I5, i866.
Robinson, Levi, Pokagon, e. Oct. 15, i86i;
vet. Dec. 25, 1863; dis. by order March
I, 1 864.
Rogers, Jesse, Porter, e. Dec. 5, 1863; m.
o. Feb. i 5, i866.
Root, Charles, La Grange, e. Feb. 22, i864;
(lied of disease at Little Rock, Ark.,
Auig. 8, 1864.
Root. Josiah C., La Grange, e. Oct. 31,
i86i'; dis. for disability July 17, 1862.
Rosbnrgh, Enos, Jefferson, e. Feb. 26.,
1862; dis. by order Nov. i6, 1862.
Rost, John A., La Grange, e. Feb. i8,
1862; dis. for disability June 4, 1862.
Rtissey, John M1., La Grange, e. Feb. 21.
i862; vet. Feb. 29, 1864; m. O. Feb. i5,
i866.
Sergt. James M. Savage, La Grange, e.
Oct. 31, 1861; vet. Dec. 25, 1863; m'. 0.
Feb. 15, i866.
Scotten, William, Ontwa, e. MVarch 2,
1865; ni. O. Feb. 15, i866.
Secor. Isaac, La Grange, e. Oct. 28, i86i;
dlied at Jackson, Tenn. (railroad accidenlt), Sept. 24, 1862.
Secor. Joseph W., La Grange, e. Oct. 24,
1861; dis. by order Sept. T, 1862.
Shanafelt, William H., e. Oct. 31, i86i;
vet. Dec. 25, 1863; m. O. Feb. 15, T866.
Shepard, Charles, Calvin, e. Feb. 25, 1864;
(lied of disease at Niles, Mich.
Shu~ste, Thomas P., LaGrange, e. Nov.
IT, 1861; dis. for disability Sept.:20,
1 862.
Sinipson, Thomas, La Grange, e. Oct. 20,
1861; vet. Dec. 25, 1863; m. O. Feb. 15,
i866.
Sotiles, Peter, Pokagon, e. Oct. 15, T861;
vet. Dec. 28, 1863; m. O. Feb. 15, i866.
Stanage, Benton, La Grange. e. Feb. 20,
1864; m. O. Feb. 15, i866.
Stephenson, James B., Jefferson, e. Feb.
22. 1864; died of disease at Little Rock,
ArkL, June 28, 1864.
Steere, William. H., Wayne, e. Nov. 19,
i86i; dis. for disability Aug. 2, 1862.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


305


Stevens, Samuel, Mason, e. Feb.. 15, 1865;
m. o. Feb. i5, i866.
Smith, Nelson A., Porter, e. Oct. I3, i86i;
dis. at end of service Jan. 7, 1865.
Temple, Franklin, Ontwa, e. March 2,
1865; m. o. Feb. 15, i866.
Thomas. Noble 0., La Grange, e. Oct.
31, i86i; dis. at end of service Jan.
7, i865.
Thomas, Sherwood, La Grange, e. Oct.
31, i86i; dis. at end of service Jan. 7,
i865.
Thompson, Smith, Marcellus, e. Oct. 20,
i86i; dis. at end of service Jan. 7,
1865.
Townsend, William, La Grange, e. Oct.
31, i86i; died of (lisease at St. Louis,
Mo., Nov. ii, 1863.
Tubbs, Lester, Porter, e. Dec.,5, i863; in.
o. Eel). 15, i866.
Upham. George, La Grange, e. Feb. 23,
1864; m. o. Feb. I,5, i866.
Vanl 'Tiyl, Richard, I.\Iason, e. Feb. 27,
1864; m. o. Feb. T,, T866.
White, Seth, Wayne, e. Nov. 12, i86i;
vet. Dec. 25, 1863; m. o. Feb. i5), i866.
Wilcox, Henry, Pennsylvania, e. Feb. 4,
1862; killed in railroad accident at Jack501), Tenn., Sept. 24, 1862.
Willard, John, e. March 3, 1864; died of
disease at St. Louis, M\o., Oct. 20, i863.
Williams,, Samutel, Jefferson, e. Feb. 23,
1864/; m. o. Feb. T5, i866.
Y~Vinfrey, George, Dowagiac, e. Dec. 15.
1861; dis. by order Juily 24. 1862.
Wing, Orlando, Jefferson, e. Dec. 2, 1862;
1ni. o. Feb. 15, T866.
Wolfe, Franklin, e. Eel). 26, 1862; vet.
Feb. 29, 1864; n'. o. Eel). i,5, i866.
Woolsey. Lewis, La Grange, e. Oct. 4,
T86i; (lied of disease at Camp Logan,
Tetin., M,\ay 21, 1862.
COMPANy 13.
Baldwin, Edwin K., La Grange, e. Dec.
1, T863~; m. 0. Eel). 15, i8966.
Bell, Richard H., Howard, e. i\arch 29,
1862; vet. March 22, 1864; mn. o. Feb.
i,5, T866.
Bryant, Thomas G., Mason, e. M,,"arch i,
1865; dis. at end of service Sept. 9,
T86,.
Dennis, John, Milton, e. March i. i865;
nm. o. Feb. i 5, T866.
Driscoll, Noah, Porter, e. Feb. I3, 1864;
m. o. Feb. I5, T866.
Dunn, Ambrose, Cassopolis, e. Feb. 15,
1864; m. o. Feb. 15, i866.
Haas, George, La Grange, e. Dec. T, 1863;
m. o. Feb. 15, i866.
Haas, John, La Grange, e. Dec. i, 1863;
m.- o. Feb. i 5, i 866.


Haas, John A., La Grange, e. Dec. i,
163; mn. o. Feb. I 5, i 866.
High -y, Calvin J., Newberg, e. Sept. 5,
1864; dis. at end of service Sept. 9,
i865.
Huyck, William    D., dis. for disability
Nov. 9, i 865.
Mosher., Isaac, Pokagon, c. Feb. i6, 1863;
m. o. Feb. 15, i865.
Palm-er, Charles H., vet. Jan. 2, 1864.
Parkerton, William, 1)owagiac. e. Feb.
19. 1862; vet. Feb. 27, 1864; m. O. Feb.
I 5, i 866.
Pettus, Luther. La Grange, e. Dec. i,
1863; died of disease at Camden, Ark.,
Sept. i, i865.
Rose, John, Pokagon, e. Sept. 3, 1864; dis.
at end of service Sept. 9, i865.
Wheeler, Edwin, Marcellus, e. Feb. 29,
1864; m. 0. Eel). i5, i866.
COMPANy C.
Ashley, Horace, e. Dcc. 31, i86i; dis. for
(lisability July 19, i862.
Barmore, John E., e. Dec., i86i; vet.
Dec. 29, 1863.
Cobb, Albert T., Dowvagiac. e. Dec. 25,
i86i; dis. for (lisability Feb. 25, 1862.
Doty. James H-., Porter, e. Eel). 22, 1864;
vet. Dec. 24, 1863.
Doty, William J., e. IIec. 7, i86i; vret.
Dec. 24. 1863; w. o. Feb. 15, i 866.
Griffith, Samuel, 'Milton, e. Oct. 25. i86i.
vet.- Dec. 24. 1863; mn. o. Feb. 15, i866.
Corp. Charles Hungerford, 1)owagiac, e.
Oct. 25, i86i; dis. by ord~er June 30.
1862.
Kappelmaii, John. Pokagon. e. 'Alarch i,
i(6;m. o. Feb. 15, i866.
King. Samuel P., Porter, e. Feb. 22, 1864;
mi. o. Feb. i5, i866.
Kirk, William H-., Porter, e. Eel). 22,
1864; m. o. Feb. 15, i866.
Marks, Isaac, Dowagiac, e. Feb. 15, 1862;
vet. Eel). 25. 1864.
M\cGee, Lemutel S., Dowagiac, e. Jan. 4.
18,62; vet. Jan. 2, 1864; in. O. Feb. i15,
T866.
Olmstead, John, e. Feb. 8, 1862; dis. by
order March i8, 1862.
Serg-t. John H. Patterson, e. NOV. 25.
i86i; vet. Dec. 24, i863; m. 0. Feb.
1 5, i 866.
Sanders. Daniel, Pokagon, e. Feb. 21,
m85;r. O. Feb. 15, 1866.
Stillwell, Edwin C., D'owagiac, e. Jan. 5,,
1862; vet. Dec. 31, 1863.
Thompson, Reason, Porter, e. Feb. 23,
1864; died of disease at Camden, Ark.,
Sept. 8, 1.865.
Welch.' John C., Dowagiac, e. Dec. 25,
T86i; vet. Dec.. 31, 1863; prom. 2d.
Lieuit. Co. I Ju~ly 3, 1864.




306


HISTORY. OF CASS. COUNTY


COMPANY D.
Simmons, Peter W., Mason, e. Aug. 31,
i864; dis. at end of service Sept. 9,
1865.
Sirrine, Henry F., Volinia, e. Sept. 2,
1864; dis. at end of service Sept. 9,
i865.
Springsteen, John WV., Volinia, e. Sept. 6,
i864; dis. at end of service Sept. 9, i865.
COMPANY E.
Barton, Reuben, Pokagon, e. Sept. 3,
1864; dis. by order Sept. 14, i865.
Beebe, William H., died of disease at St.
Louis, Mo., June I, i862.
Leach, Jamies M\., Pokagon, e. Sept. 3,
1864; dis. by order June 20, 1865.
Odell, Joseph, Pokagon, e. Sept. 3, 1864;
dis. by order Sept. 14, i865.
Perkins, Harvey WV., Howard, e. Oct. i8,
18S64; dis. by order Oct. 24, i865.
Walz, John, Silver Creek. e. Feb. 29,
1864; died of disease at Grand Rap-ids,
1\'iich.
COMPANY F.
Second Lieut. William Horton, Jr., Dowagiac (Sergt. Co. I), resigned June I2,
i865.
Sergt. Philo H. Simmions, dis. for disability March i6, 1862.
Sergt. Robert. A. Walton, Howard, e.
Oct. 12, i86i; vet. Jan. I, 1864; m. O.
Feb. 5, i866.
PRIVATES.
Albrecht, Jacob G., Porter, e. Feb.:22,
1864; m. O. Feb. 15, i866.
Bellows, Job. S., Ontwa, e. Sept. 2, 1864;
dis. at end of service Sept. 9, i865.
Brown, Luman, Jefferson, e. Nov. 25,
i86i; died May I, 1862, of wounds received at Shiloh April 6, 1862.
Butler, Henry M., m. O. Feb. 15, i866.
Dean, Thomas, Ontwa, e. Nov. 8, i86i;
dis. at end of service Jan. 7, i865.
Durstern. Michael,' e. March i6, i862; discharged by order July I5, 1862.
Hawkins, Charles, Pokagon, e. Dec. 30,
1863; m. O. Feb. 15, i866.
Hawkins, Benjamin, vet. Dec. 30, 1863;
m. O. Feb. 15. i866.
Hawkins, Charles, discharged by order
June 17, 1865.
Inman, Isaiah, La Grange, e. Aug. 31,
1864; m. 0. Feb. I r, 1866.
Leich, Elias., Milton, e. Dec. 5, i86i; trans.
to Veteran Reserve Corps Jan. 15, 1864.
Lewis, George XV., Jefferson, e. NOV. 22,
i86i; vet. Dec. 30, 1863; m. O. Feb. 15,
i866.
Lynch, William J., Milton, e. Oct. 15,
i86T; died on' hospital boat May, 1862.


Markle, John, Milton, e. Feb. 22, 1862;
vet. Feb. 24. 1864; m. O. Feb. I5, i866.
McNitt, Charles XV., Porter, e. Feb. 26,
1864; m. o.- Feb. 15, i866.
Mitchell. Robert, Pokagon, e. Feb. 21,
1865; 'M. O. Feb. I5, i866.
Moran, James, Jefferson, e. Dec. 2, i86i;
vet. Dec. 30, 1863; m. o. Feb. I5, i866.
Morgan. Charles A., Mil1ton, e. Oct. i5,,
i86i; vet. Jan. I, 1864; m. o. Feb. I5,
i866.
Noble, James M.. Mlilton, e. Dec. 3, '86i;
dis. by order June 25, 1862; re-e. March
8, 1864; mn. o. Feb. I5, i866.
O'Keefe, Eugene, Silver Creek, e. Oct. 30,
1861; dis. at end of service Jan. 7, 1865.
Parks, Almenon, e. March 7, 1862; vet.
March 8, 1864; m. O. Feb. I5, i866.
Reigle.. George W., Porter, e. Feb. 22,
i864; m. o. Feb. I5, i866.
Reynolds, Henry C., La Grange, e. Sept.
23, 1864; dis. at end of service Sept.
29, I 865.
Rogers, Charles F., Pokagon, e. Nov. 19,
i86i; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps Jan. 15,
1864.
Rogers, Hiram, Ontwa, e. Nov. 21, i86i;
dis. for disability M~arch i6, i862.
Rogers, Hiram L., Pokagon, e. Oct. 14,
1861; died of disease at Keokuk, Iowa,
May 6, 1862.
Simmons, Joseph, Jefferson, e. Dec. 2
i86i; dis. for disability March i6, 1862.
Snow. William H., Jefferson, e. NOV. 22,
i86i; dis. at end of service Jan. 7, i865.
Tuttle, Jacob, Milton, e. Oct. I5, i86i; dis.
for disability March i6, 1862.
Whitmore, George A., La Grange, e.
March 15. i865; m. o. Feb. I5, i866.
WAilson. James, Ontwa, e. Dec. 13, i86i;
vet. Dec. 3, 1863; m. o. Feb. I5, i866.
Wilson, Joseph S., Ontwa, e. Dec. 14,
i86i; vet. Dec. 3, 1863; mn. O. Feb. I5,
i866.
Warden, George R., Jefferson, e. Dec. 5,
i86i; dis. by order July 25, 1862.
Wyant, James, Ontwa, e. NOV. 21, i86i;
dis. by order July 8, 1862.
Zeek, William F.. Ontwa, e. Sept. 2, 1864;
dis. by order Oct. 31, i865.
COMPANY G.
First Lieut. Robert S. M. Fox. Howard,
corn. Oct. 19, 1864; resigned Sept. i8,
i865.
PRIVATES.
Lawrence, Joseph. Silver Creek, e. Dec.
1O, 1863; m. o. Feb. 15, i866.
Nichols. Warren XV., Marcellus, e. Sept.
27, 1864: dis. by order Sept. 30, i865.
Schnih, Nicholas. La Grange, e. Dec. 3,
i863; m. O. Feb. 15, i86.




H[STORY OF CASS COUNTY:307T


Shawl, Alexander, Pokagon, e. Sept. 3,
1864; dis. at end of service Sept. 9,
i865.
Shiver, Walter, QOtwa, e. Dec. 24, 1863;
m. O. Feb. 1 5, i866.
Stamp, David, Porter, e. Dec. 5, i863; M.
o. Feb. iS, i866.
Ties, Anton, La Grange, e. Dec. 3, 1863;
m.. O. Feb. I15, i 866.
COMPANY H.
Bailey, James E., Silver Creek, e. Feb. I4,
1864; dis. by order May 22, 1865.
Born, Henry, Mason, e. Sept. 3, 1864; dis.
at end of service Sept. 9, i865.
Conrad, Jacob, Volinia, e. Feb. 20, 1864;
m. O. Feb. 15, i866.
Eggleston, Harvey, Porter, e. Aug. ii,
1862; vet. Dec. 26, 1863; dis. by order
Sept. 30, 1865.
Franklin. Samuel W., Mason, e. Jan. 29,
18964; died of disease at Duvall's Bluff,
Ark.., Oct. 21, 1864.
Salyer, James, Mason, e; died of disease
at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., Sept. 24, 1864.
COMPANY I.
Second Lient. John C. Welch, Dowagiac,
corn. July 3. 1864; prom. ist Lieut. Co.
A. Jan. 7, i865.
Allen. Israel M., Pokagon, e. Sept. 2, 1864;
dis. at end of service Sept. 9, 1865.
Auimack, Jacob, Pokagon, e. Sept. 2, 1864;
dis. at end of service Sept. 9, i865.
Cole, William L., La Grange, e. Jan. 17,
1864; m. o. Feb. i,5, i866.
Corin, Robert, Ontwa. e. Sept. 2, 1864;
trans. to 5th U. S. Colored Infantry
April i. i865.
Curtis, Thomas J., Mason, e. Aug. 31,
1864; died of disease at Duvall's Bluff,
Ark., Nov. i, 1864.
Fisher, John, Pokagon, e. Feb. 21., 1865;
m. o. Feb. 15, T866.
Hayden, Edward W., e. Dec. 25, 186i; dis.
for disability July 26, 1862.
Hoyt, Henry, Mason, e. Aug. 31, 1864;
dis. at end of service Sept. 9, i865.
Johnson. U-riab, died of disease at Decatur, Mich., June i, 1862.
Johnson, Egbert, Mason, e. Aug. 31, 1864;
died of disease at Washington, Ark.,
July T, i865.
Leader, Nathan H., Pokagon, e. Sept. 2,
1864; dis. by order May 6, i865.
Horton. William, Jr., Dow-agiac. e. Dec.
ii,- i86i; vet. Dec. 25, 1863; Sergeant,
prom. 2d Lieut. Co. I.
Knaipp, Bruce, Silver Creek, e. Feb. 24,~
1864; dis. for' disability Aug. 23, i864.


Tuttle, Royal J., Silver Creek, e. Feb.,
1864; died of disease at Duvall's Bluff,
Ark., Aug. 12, 1864.
Mc';i1chael, Albert, Ontwa, e. Feb. 24,
1862; vet. Feb. 26, 1864; m. o. Feb. 15,
i866.
Nye, Isaac, Jefferson, e. Sept. i, 1864; dis.
at endl of service Sept. 9, i865.
Ort, Adam, M\,ason, e. Aug. 20, 1864; dis.
at end of service Sept. 9, i865.
Searles, Henry M., Mason, e. Feb. 24,
1861; vet. Feb. 26, 1864; m. o. Feb. 15,
i866.
Smith., Hiram, La Grange, e. Aug. 29,
1864; dis. at end of service Sept. 9,
i865.
Stephenson, Harvey, Pokagon, e. Sept. i,
1864 ' dis. at end of service Sept. 9,
i865.
St. John, John, Pokagon, e. Sept. 3, 1864;
dis. at end of service Sept. 9, i865.
Tibbits, Nathan, Porter, e. Dec. 15, 1863;
died of disease at Huntersville, Ark.,
July 2, 1864.
Treat, Horace J., Silver Creek, e. Oct. 10,
i86i; died in action at Pittsburg Landing April 6, i862.
Yawkey, Amos, Howard, e. March 7,
1864; m. o. Feb. m5 i866.
Vetter, Joshua T., vet. Dec. 29, 1863.
Willard, 'William, Jefferson. e. Dec. 3,
1863; died of disease at Duvall's Bluiff,
Ark., Jan. 6, i865.
COMPANY K.
Second Lieut. William E. Stevens, Mason,
e. Oct. 22, i86i; vet. Dec. 25, 1 863;
Sergeant Co. A. com. April 2, 1865; M.
o. Feb. is. i866.
Bidlack, Charles E.. Porter, e. Oct. 14,
1864; dis. by order Oct. 27, 1 865.
Crandall. Lewis, Wayne, e. Feb. 22, 1864;
mi. O. Feb. i5, i866.
Drake, Lorenzo, dis. by order Aug. 12,
1865.                      9   8i;ds
Farnham, Erastus S.., e. Dec.9,86;ds
at end of service Sept. 7, i865.
French, Noah, Sergeant, e. Oct. io, 1861;
dis. by order July 19, 1862.
Hardy, Robert, Milton, e.. Oct. 21, i86i;
dis. by order Oct. 17, i1862.
Nostrand, John J., Silver Creek, e. Nov.
i i, i86i; dis. at end of service Jan. 7,
1865.
Rawson. Charles W., Volinia, e. Sept. 7,
1864; dis. at end of service Sept. 9,
i865.
Sayers. James, Pokagon, e. Feb. 24, 1863;
dis. by order June 1, T865.
Shepard, Caleb, Howard, e. Dec. 28, 1861;




308


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


vet. Dec. 29, I863; dis. by order Aug.
12, I865.
Tappan, Harlow, Marcellus, e. Feb. 25,
1864; m. o. Feb. 15, I866.
Weatherwax, John G., Porter, e. Feb. 13,


1864; died of disease at Little Rock,
Ark., June 13, 1864.
Webber, Geo. W., Ontwa, e. Feb. 29,
I864; m. o. Feb. I5, i866.


THE NINETEENTH MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.


FIELD AND STAFF.
Surgeon William E. Clarke, Dowagiac,
Surgeon   4th  Mich. Infantry, trans.
Surgeon to I9th Infantry Aug. 12, 1862;
resigned July I8, I863.
Asst. Surgeon Leander D. Tompkins,
Cassopolis, com. Aug. 12, 1862; resigned
for disability Sept. 7, 1863.
NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF.
Quartermaster Sergt. John    M. Myers,
Cassopolis, e. Aug. 9; 1862; appointed
ist Lieut. and Quartermaster; m. o.
June IO, I865.
Commissary Sergt. George S. Larzelere,
Silver Creek, corn. Jan. 14, 1863; m. o.
June 15, 1865.
Principal Musician   Ezekiel Owen, La
Grange, e. Aug. 9, 1862; m. o. June 10,
1865.
COMPANY A.
Capt. Joel H. Smith, Dowagiac, corn. July
22, 1862; resigned July II, 1864.
Capt. George T. Shaffer, Calvin, cor. May
15, 1864; promoted Maj. 28th Mich. Inf.;
wounded in action June 22. I864.
First Lieut. George T. Shaffer, Calvin,
com. August 2, 1861; promoted Capt.
First Lieut. Henry J. Ohls, Marcellus,
corn. May 8, 1865; Sergt. Aug. 8, 1862;
m. o. June o1, I865.
Second Lieut. Reuben B. Larzelere, Dowagiac, corn. July 28, 1862; resigned Aug.
7, 1863.
Sergt. Isaac Z. Edwards, Pokagon, e. Aug.
6, I862; promoted 2d. Lieut. Co. E.
Sergt. Norman    B. Farnsworth, Silver
Creek, e. Aug. 2, I864; dis. for disability Sept. 2, 1863.
Sergt. John S. Griffis, Wayne, e. Aug. II,
1862; killed at Resaca, Ga., May 5, I864.
Sergt. Barker F. Rudd, Newberg. e. Aug.
8, 1862; dis. for wound Oct. 23, 1863.
Sergt. George S. Larzelere, Silver Creek,
e. Aug. 9, 1862; appointed Commissary
Sergt.
Corp. George H. Batten, Penn, e. Aug. 9,
1862; died of disease at Murfreesboro,
Tenn., Aug. 29, I863.
Corp. Zach Aldrich, Newberg, e. Aug. 9,
1862; prom. sergt.; dis. for loss of an
eye Feb. 9, 1864.
Corp. John Manning, Marcellus, e. Aug.
13, 1862; dis. for wound, lost hand, May
9, I863.


Corp. Alexander Kirkwood, Wayne, e.
Aug. 9, 1862; prom. ISt Lieut. Co. I.
Corp. Amos D. Stocking, Pokagon, e. Aug.
2, 1862; dis. for disability Feb. I, 1863.
Corp. Albert T. Cobb, Wayne, e. Aug. 5,
1862; dis. for disability Feb. 8, 1863.
Corp. William Slipper, Penn, e. Aug. 2,
I862; m. o. Sergt. June IO, I865.
Corp. James S. Crego, Silver Creek, e.
Aug. 7, 1862; m. o. Sergt. June.
Musician Ezekiel Owen, La Grange, e.
Aug. 9, 1862; prom. Principal Musician
Sept. I, I863.
Musician Franklin R. Sherman, Pokagon,
e. July 31, 1862; m. o. June 22, 1865.
Wagoner, Isaac Hamlin, Pokagon, e. July
20, 1862; died of disease at Washington,
D. C., Feb. 17, I863.
PRIVATES.
Allen, Loren A.. Pokagon, e. Aug. 16,
I862; m1. o. June 10, 1865.
Allison, George W., Pokagon, e. Aug. 7,
I862; m. o. June Io, I865.
Allison, Henry C., La Grange, e. Aug. 3,
I864; m. o. Mlay 19, 1865.
Anderson, Jacob M., Newberg, e. Aug.
22, 1863; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps.
Baker, Albert, Mlason, e. Aug. 5, I862;
died of disease at Nicholasville, Ky.,
Dec. 5, 1862.
Bell, Samuel D., Silver Creek, e. Aug. 8,
1862; in. o. June IO, 1865.
Benton, Elic, Pokagon, e. -; m. o.
June Io. I865.
Bend, Thomas F., Wayne, e. Aug. 6, 1862;
dis. for wound April 28, T865.
Bowerman, Addison, Newlberg, e. Aug.
27, I863; died of disease at Nashville,
Tenn., Sept. 25, I864.
Bridge, Daniel G., Marcellus, e. Aug. 8,
I862; m. o. June IO, I865.
Corbit, James, Penn, e. Aug. 8, I862;
killed on picket before Atlanta, Ga., July
23, 1864.
Corwin. Anmos B., Penn, e. Aug. 8, I862;
m. o. June Io, 1865.
Cooper, Harley R., Jefferson, e. Dec. I5,
1863; m. o. May 26. I865.
Crawford. George, Pokagon, e. Aug. 8,
T862; Sergt.; m. o. tfune o1, 1865.
Crocker. Milford, Silver Creek, e. Dec.
I6, 1864; m. o. June o1, 1865.
Fosdick. Franklin H.. Penn, e. Feb. 27,
1864; dis. for disability June 27, I865.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


309


Danahy, Timothy, Silver Creek, e. Aug. 9,
1862; died of wounds at -Resaca, Ga.,
May 25, 1864.
Davis, Norman, Pokagon, e. Aug. 7, 1862;
dis. for disability Feb. 8, 1863.
Davis, Reason, Newberg, e. Aug. 13,
i862; m. o. Junie io, i865.
Davis, William, Penn, e. Aug. 9, 1862;
mn. 0. Jun-e 10, 1865.
Edwards, Henry, Pokagon, e. Aug. 9,
i862; m. o. Junie 10, i865.
Evans, John, Pokagon, e. Aug. 9, 1862;
mi. o. Junie. io, i865.
Freeman, Adin, Silver Creek, e. Aug. 2,
1862; killed in action at Thompson's
Statioii, Tenn., March.5, i863.
Fuller, Oren A., Penn, e. Aug. 7, 1862;
dis. for wounds May 20, 1863.
Fuller, William  R., Wayne, e. Aug. 6,
1862; m. o. June 10, 1865.
Garwood, Levi. Volinia, e. Aug. 8, 1862;
dis. for disability Aug. ~i, 1863.
George, Stephen L., Sil1ver Creek, e. Aug.
Q, 1862; di1S. for disability Jan. I4, 1864.
Gilbert, Jeremiah 13., Penn, e. Feb. 27,
i864; m. 0. June i0, 1865.
Gillon, Patrick I., Pokagon, e. Aug. 9,
1862; m-. o. June 10, i865.
Gleason, Charles H., Pokagon, e. Aug. 9,
1862; ni. o. Junie 10, i865.
Grinnell, Sylvester M\., Penn, e. Feb. 27,
1864; in. o. June io, i865.
ilagerman, Noah D., Penn, e. Aug. 9,
1862; m1. o. June i0, i865.
Hamilton, John P., Wayne, e. Aug. ii,
i862; died in action at Thompson's Station, Tenn., March 5, i863.
Hannah, James A., La Grange, e. Aug. 9,
1862; died in action at Tlhompson's Station, T1enn., March 3, 1863.
Hawes, Jerome B., Pokagon, e. Aug. ii,
1862; m. o. Junie io, i865.
Hoover.' Calvin, La Grange, e. Aug. 8.
1862; iii. o. Junie 10, 1865.
Hungerford, Homer M., Wayne, e. Aug.
9, 1862; missing in action near Dalton,
G a., 1 864.
Laylin, Oren, W~ayne, e. Aug. 6. 1862; m.
o. June io, i865.
Lilly, Aaron, Wayne, e. Aug. 8, 1862; M.
o. June 10. 1865.
Lundy, Ira C., Penn, e. Aug. 8, 1862; M.
o. June i0, i865.
Lundy, Robert, Penn. e. Aug. TI, 1862;
dis. for (lisability Feb. 8, 1863.
Lundy, Thomas, Penn, e. Aug. 8, 1862;
died of disease at Annapolis, Md., April
13, 1863.
Lytle, William   M. Marcellus, e. Jan. T,
1863; dis. for wo-und Nov. 12, 1864.
Mead., Smith, Silver Creek. e. Aug. 2,
1 862; mn. o. June 10, i865.


Means, Andrew, Pokagon, e. Aug. 8, i862;
dis. for disability Aug. i8, 1863.
1\1iuncy, Nimrod, Wayne, e. Aug. 2, 1862;
mn. o. Junie 10, 1863.
Nicholas, Ezra W., Marcellus, e. Aug. 9,
1862; died of wvounds at Vining's Station, Ga., Sept. 4, 1,864.
Nichols, William H., TMarcellus, e. Jan.
i, 1863; died of wounds at Chattanooga,
Tlein., Junie 20, 1864.
Parker, Hlaynes G., Calvin, e. Aug. 8,
1862; died of disease at Nashville.,
rlenn., July 13, 1864.
Parker, Romaine, Pokagon, e. Aug. 4,
1862;  m'l.  o. Junie  1o,  i86,~.
Parker,   Thl-om-as S., Calvin, e. Aug. 8,
1862;  m-.  o.  Junie  10,  i865.
Peters, John, Silver Creek, e. Dec. 22,
1863; died of wounds at Chattanooga,
Tlenil., Julie 20, 18S64.
Potter., Thonlas, Jefferson, e. Aug. 7,
1862; died of disease at Lexington, Ky.,
Nov. I13, 1 862.
Reamis, Caleb M., Penn, e. Aug. 26, 1862;
m-.  o.  July   19,  1865.
Reams, Isaiah G., Penn, e. Sept. 12, 1862;
i-n.. o. July 19, 1865.
Reams, Silas G., Penn, e. Aug. 31, 1863;
mn.  o.  M aI 2, i865.
Savage, Henry B., Marcellus, e. Aug. 12,
1 862; died in action at Thompson's Station. Tenn., March 5, 1863.
Schideler, John, Silver Creek, e. Aug. 7,
1862; died in rebel prison at Richmond,
Va.. March -, 1863.
Schideler, Robert, Silver Creek, e. Aug.
7, 1862; dis. for disability.
Shawl. M.\adison, Silver Creek, e. July 25,
18S62; mi. 0. Junie 10, i865.
Shepard, Purley. Silver Creek. e. Aug. 2,
18962; died of disease at Lookout Mountainl, TeunI., Oct. 26, 1864.
Shermian, C. C., Pokagon, e. Jtily 23, 18962;
ml. o. Junie i6, i865.
Spaulding. Joel, Newberg, e. Auig. 9,
1862; mi. o. May TO0, i865.
Spencer, Edward, Wayne, e. Aug. 9, 1862;
mi. o. June 10, i865.
Stedman, Livingston, Pokagon. e. Aug. 8,
1862; mi. 0. June 10, I865.
Stuart. Salmon, Silver Creek, e. Aug. 9,
1862; 1-n. o. Junie 1o, i865.
Suits. Jacob., Wayne, e. Aug. 9. 1862.; m-.
o. Junie T0. i865.
Suits,, Solomon A., Silver Creek, e. Aug.
9, i862; mi. o. June io, i865.
Sullivan, Solomon A., Wayne. e. Aug. 4,
1862; mn. o. Junie 1o, 1865.
Taylor, John.. PokagTon, e. Aug.-I 4, 1862;
iii. o. Junie 10, i8965.
1Thompson, Francis MT.. Wayne, e. Aug.
TI, 1862; mi. o. June 10, i865.




310


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Underwood, Enos, Newberg, e. Aug. 9,
i862; m. 0. June i0, i865.
Underwood. Stephen W., Penn, e. Aug. 9,
i862; M. 0. July II1, 1865.
Wickham, William C., Silver Creek, e.
Aug. 13, 1862; died of disease at Danville, Ky., Dec. -, 1862.
Wiggins, George E., Wayne, e. Aug. ii,
i862; died of wounds at Richmond, Va.,
March -, i863.
Wiggins, Loreuzo R., Wayne, e. Aug. 7,
1862; died in rebel prison, Richmond,
Va., March -, i863.
Winchell, Seneca W., Pokagon, e. Aug. 2,
1862; mn. o. June 10, 1865.
COMPANY C.
Phillips, Johu H., Newberg, e. Jan. 17,
1864; M. o. July I9, i865.
COMPANY D.
Second Lieut. Isaac Z. Edwards, Pokagon,
trans. from Co. E. July 27, 1863; prom.
ist Lieut. June i, 1864; resigned as 2d
Lieut. Aug. 6, 1864.
Harrigan, William, Marcellus, e. Sept.
15, 1864; mi. 0. June 23 i865.
Wright, Giles, Newxberg, e. Sept. 5, 1863;
ml. o. July i9, i865.
COMPANY E.
Second Lient. Isaac Z. Edwards, Pokagon,
corn-. May i, 1863; trans. 2d. Lieut. to
Co. D.
Ashley, William H., e. Aug. -, i862;
confined in Libby Prison; died at Annapolis, Md., April ii, 1863.
Basley, Hiram E., Jefferson, e. Dec. 15,
1863, in ioth Infantry.
Hollister, Albert E., Penn, e. Sept. 29,
1864, in iotb Infantry.
Mlabey, Martin, Silver Creek, e. Dec.
22, 1863, in ioth Infantry; tranls. to ioth
Mfich. Infantry.
Martin, George H., m. O. Aug. 3, 1865.
Miller, Charles Z., e. Aug. -, 1862; died
at Nicbolasville, Ky.. Dec. 13, i862.
Quay, William H-.. Newberg, e. Jan. 23,
1864; died of disease at Nashville,
Tenn., March 21, 1864.
Quay, Edward L., Newberg, e. Dec. 21,
T863; m. o. July 19, 1i865.


Welch, Thomnas C., Jeff erson, e. Dec. 15,
1863; m. o. July 19, i865.
White, Enos H., Pokagon, e. Nov. i8,
i864; m. O. July ig, i865.
COMPANY G.
Beaman, Alonzo P., Newberg, e. Jan. 5,
1864; m. o. July I9, i865.
Boghart, Peter C., Newberg, e. Jan. 5,
1864, In 10th Infantry; died of disease
March 3, 1864.
Madden, Michael, Silver Creek, e. Dec.
23, 1863; mn. o. July i9, i865.
M\cCoy, John, Silver Creek, e. Dec. 23,
1863; m. o. July 19, 1865.
Reanms, Erastus, Dowagiac, e. Sept. 12,
1862; m. o. June 10, i865.
Reed, H~-nry S., Newberg, e. Jan. 5, 1864;
died of disease at Chattanooga, Tenn.,
June 30, 1864.
Reed, William T.. Newberg, e. Jan..5,
1864; died of disease at Chattanooga,
Tenn., Aug. 7, 1864.
Trattles, Daniel, Newberg, e. A ug. I I,
18q62; mn. O. June 10, 1865.
COMPANY H.
Bair, Myron i\I., Newberg, e. Jan. 20,
18(64; m. O. June 10, i865.
Hawkins, Isaac, Dowagiac, e. Aug. 13,
i862; in. o. June 10, 1865.
Musician George N. Rosebrock, Oitwva, e.
Auig. 13, 1862; died of disease at Coyington. Ky., Oct. 21, 1862.
T1eageni, Samuel. Porter, e. Aug. 13, 1862;
dis. for disability July 6, 1863.
COMPANY I.
First Lieut. Alexander Kirkwood, Wayne,
corn. Nov. II, 1864; m. O. June 10,
i865.
Buttrick, William, Wayne, e. Jan. 4, 1864;
m. o. June 24, 1865.
Carroll, Thomas, Wayne, e. Dec. 17, 1863;
m. O. July i9, i865.
Cooper. A~sbury, Jefferson, e. Dec. 15,
1863 inith Infantry; trans. to i0th
Michigan Infantry.
Havens. Adam, Wayne, e. Jan. 4, 1864, in
iotb infantry; trans. to ioth Michigan
Infantry.
White, William L., Wayne, e. Dec. 4,
1863; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps.


THE FIRST REGIMENT MICHIGAN CAVALRY.


NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF.
Sergt. Maj. James S. McElheny, Dowagiac, e. Aug. 15, i86i; prom. 2d Lieut.
Co. G.
Hosp. Steward James R. Leader, Pokagon; m. 0. Oct., 1862.


COMPANY A.
First Lieuit.- Sidney G. Morse, Cassopolis,
com.. June, 1862; ist Sergt. Co. M, May
i2, 1862; killed in battle at Second Bull
Run, Au~g. 30, 1862.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


311


First Lieut. John H. Simmons, Dowagiac,
corn. March 7, 1865; m. O. Nov. 7, i865.
Private Richard L. Crawford, Penn, e.
Feb. 4, i864; m. 0. Jan. 23, i866.
COMPANY B.
Capt. Rollin C. Denison, Dowagiac, trans.
from Co. M, Oct., i86i; trans. to Co.
M, Nov., i8i
Capt. William Heazelit, Dowagiac, trans.
from Co. K, July i8, 1862; M. 0. Oct.
30, 1 864.
Second Lient. John Simmons, Dowagiac,
promi. ist Lieut. Co. A, March 7, 1865.
COMPANy C.
Randall, Wesley C., Jefferson, e. March
13, 1865; M. o. May 19, i866.
COMPANY E.
Bugler George Krupp, Pokagon, e. Dec.
30, 1863; m. O. March 25, I866.
Shanafels, George, Calvin, e. Feb. 6,
1865; m. O. Dec..5, 1865.
COMPANY D.
First Lient. John Mi~inson, Volinia, com.
March 7, 1865; 2d Lieut. Dec. 4, 1864;
m. O. trans. to Co. G, March 10, i865.
COMNPAINY G.
First Lieuit. James S. MlcElheny, Doxvagiac, corn. May i8, 1863; 2d Lieut. Nov.
12, 1862; killed in action at Mlonterey,
Md., Jul1y 4, 1863.
First Lieut. John Mutnson, Volinia, trans.
from Co. D, ist Lient. Mlarch io, 1865;
m. O. March 10, i866.
Private Warren Simpson, Jefferson, e.
Feb. 8, i86s; m-. O. Dec. 5. i85
COMPANY K.
Capt. Williamn ML Hazelet, Dowagiac, corn.
Nov. 12, T862; 2d Lieut. Co. T\I; wvounded in action at Gettysburg Jul1y 3, 1863;
and at Cold 1Harbor June I, 1864; trans.
Capt. to Co. B; m. O. Oct. 30, 1864.
PRIVATES.
Apted, William, Volinia, e. Feb. 15, i865;
m. O. Dec. 5, i865.
Conner, Isaac B., Volinia, e. Feb. 17,
1865; trans. to Co. G.
Fonger, William, La Grange, e. NOV. 30,
i863.
Hanna, Hezekiab. Volinia, e. NOV. 26,
1863; died at Washington, D. C., July
I i, 1864.
Herbert, William, P., Corp., Volinia, e.
Dec. 15, 1863; m. O. March 10, i85
James, Lewis, Volinia. e. Dec. i6, 1863;
m. o. March I0, i866.
Kenny, James, blacksmith, Volinia, e.
Nov. 30, 1863; m. O. Jan. 10, i865.


Munl-son, John, saddler, Volinia, e. Nov.
30, 1863; prom. 2d Lieut. Co. D, Dec..4, 1 864.
Myers, James W., Jefferson, e. Feb. 7,
i865; m. o. Dec. 8, 1865.
Sweet, George W., Volinia, e. Dec. i6,
1863; m. O. July i6, i865.
Welcher, Nelson, Volinia, e. Nov. 30.
1863; died at Detroit, M.iCh., Oct. 27,
1864.
WVinegarden, Abram S., Volinia, e. Nov.
30, 1863; dis. by order July 7, 1,,5
COMPANY L.
Corp. Albert Vincent, Volinia, e. Aug. 20,
i86i; died in rebel prison.
PRIVATES.
Koonse, Herbert, M-\asoni, e. Jan. 26, 1864;
m. O. Sept. 25. T865.
Redman, J. WV., Mason, e. Feb. 26, i86,;
m. O. Dec. 5, i85
COMPANY M.
Capt. Rollin C. Denison. Do\wagiac. comi.
Aug. 12, -i86i; resigned April 23, 1863.
Capt. David XV. Clemmer, Dowagiac, comn.
May 2, 1863; wounded ii-i action at
Gettysburg. Penn., July 3, 1863; m'. o.
Dec. 14. 1864.
First Lieuit. Charles H1. Sprague, Dowagiac, corn. Aug. 12. 1861; prom. Capt.
Co. A.
First Lieuit. David WV. Clcmimer, DowNagiac. com. Auig. 12, i86i; prom. Capt.
May 2, 1 863.
Second Lieut. David WV. Clemmier, Dowvagiac, corn. May 12, 1862; prom. ist
Licuit. NOV. 12, 1862.
Second Lietut. William i\I. Hceazlit, Dowagiac, corn. Aug. 12, i86i;prom. Capt.
Co. K. NOV. 12. 1(862.
First Scrgt. David WV. Clemimer, Dowagiac, e. Aug,. 12, i86i; prom. 2d Lieuit.
May 12. T862.
Set-gt. Sidney G. 'Morse. Cassopolis; ist
Sergt. Mlay 12. 1862; Commissary Sergt.
Aug. i6. 1,86i; prom. ist Lietit. Co. A.
Sergt. Williami Dickson,   Dowagiac, e.
Aug. 12, 186i; prom. 2d ILieuit. May 12,
18S62;, dis. for disability January, 1864.
Sergt. Joseph L. Tice, Dowagiac. e. Aug.
22. T86i; vet. Dec. 21, 1863; dis.. by
order Aug. I, T865.
Sergt. John   H. Simmons, Dowagiac;
prom. 2d Lieut. Co. B.
Sergt. Matthew B. Dopp. Dowagiac, e.
Aug. 19, T86i; vet. Dec. 21, 1863; m.
o. M,\arch 25, i866.
Sergt. Gilbert Vincent.' Volinia, e. Aug.
20. i86i; dis. for disability Nov. 1,
i862.
Sergt. John XV. Robinson, Dowagiac, e.




312


HISTORY OF CASS, COUNTY


Aug. 22, i86i; vet. Dec. 21, 1863; m. o.
March 25, i866.
Corp. James S. M\cElheny, Dowagiac, e.
Aug. j5. 186T; prom. Sergt. January,
1862; Sergeant Mkaj. October, i862.
Corp. Charles Allen, Dowagiac, e. Aug.
i6, i86i; prom. Sergt. October, i862;
(lied in rebel prison at Florence, Ala.
MAusician John H. Simmons, Dowagiac, e.
Aug. i6, i,86i; vet. Dec. 2I, i863; promot ed.
Musician George W. Pierson, Dowagiac,
e. Aug. i6, 1801; vIet. Dec. 29, 1863;
m. 0. Jtly 29, i865.
Farrier Abram R. Sigerfoos, Dowagiac,
e. Aug. 19, i86i; vet. Dec. 21, 1863;
ml. o. July 31, i865.
Wagoner Daniel Rummell, Dow,,agiac. e.
Aug. i6, i86i; vet. Dec. 21, 1863; m. 0.
Aug. 8, 1865.
PRIVATES.
James R. Leader, Pokagon, e. Aug. 20,
i86'; pronioted Hospital Steward.
Henry WN. Ellis, Dowagiac. e. Aug. i6,
i86i; dis. for disability Nov. I, i862.
Charles C. Wilcox, Dowagiac, e. Aug.
i6, 1861; prom. Sergt.; dis. at end of
serv~ice.
John H. Simmon-s. Dowx~agiac. e. Aug. i6,
1861; prom. Sergt.
Albert H. Lewis, Dowagiac, e. Aug. i6,
1861; vet. Dec. 21, 1863; m. o. March
25. i866.
COMPANY MV.
Angle, Philip, Wayne. e. Aug. iq, i86i;
vet. Dec. 21, 1863; m. o. M,\arch 2.5,
I 866.
Barnaby, Alvin P., Volinia, e. Jan. 23.
1864; dis. by order May 3. T865.
Barney, William WV., la Granpe, e. Feb.
15, 1864; died of disease April 5, i864.
Becraft, W~illil-m F.. Dowagiac, e. Aug.
20, Ti86T; vet. lDec. 21, 1863; dis. by
order M\'ay 31, i865.
Bentley. Pardon F., Pokagon, e. Aug. 13.
T861; vet. Dcc. 2i, 1863; died at Alexandria, Va., Nov. 22, 1864.
Bilderback, John, Silver Creek, e. Aug.
20, i86i; vet. Dec. 21, 1863; prom.
Sergt.; trans. to Co. D.
Btulhand, Joseph L., Edwardsburg, e. Aug.
22, i86T; vet. Dec. 21, 1863; m. O. March
2 5, I 866.
Cables. Jerome I., Volinia, e. Aug. I7,
i86i; vet. Dec. 21, 1863; im. O. Aug. 7,
i865.
Chatterson, Joseph,, Silver Creek, e. Aug.
T6, 1861; vet. Dec. 21, 1863; in. O. Nov.
24, i865.
Clock, Miles A.. Porter, e.;M. o.
Aug. 7, 1865.


Colby, Frank, Penn, e. Feb. 2, 1864; vet.
Dec. 21, 'i863; mn. o. July io, i865.
Cook, Albert H., Dowagiac, e. Auig. 21,
i861; dis. at end of service Sept. 24,
1864.
CrawNford, Charles C., Penn, e. Feb. i6,
1864; died in action Wilderness, Va.,
MAay 6, 1864.
Day, James E.., Porter, e. Feb. 9. 1(864;
mn. o. M.1arch 25. i866.
Dewitt, Isaac A.. Dowvagiac, e. Auig. 19,
i86i; v\et. Dec. 21, 1863; il.. 0. M\arch
25, i866.
Drummond, Alcitis, Dowagiac, e. Aug.
22. i86i; dis. for disability April 10,
1863.
Ellswxorth, Andrew J.; m. o. March 25,
i 866.
Ensign, Leroy, Pokagon, e. Aug. 13,
i86i; died in battle at Winchester, Va.,
May 24, 18_62.
Gates, 'Henry C., Dowvagiac. e. Sept. 5,
i86i; died of disease at Alexandria,
Va.. Sept. 24, i862.
Grush, John, Volinia, e. Au~g. T6, i86i;
v.et. Dec. 2T, 1863; m. o. MTVarch 25,
i8966.
Hutson, Edward R., Dowagiac., e. Auig.
12. T86T; dis. for disability.
Huff, Franklin. Dowagiac, e. Auig. 22.
i(86i vet. Dec. 21, 1863; dis. at end of
service Aug. 22, 1864.
King, John R., e. Oct. i0, 1862; died in
rebel prison. Richmond, Va.. Feb. 3,
i864.
Labadie, A. C., Dowa'giac, e. Auig. i6,
i86i; dis. for disability April 3. 1863.
Lamphere, Elias, Dowagiac, e. Auig. 12,
i86i: dis. for disability April, 1862,
wvounlded.
Lillie, George, Dowagiac, e. Auig. 17,
i86i; dis. for disability Jan. 13. 1863,
wounded.
Lyons, John, Dowagiac, e. Auig. i6, i861;
dis. for (lisability September, 1862.
McCreevy, Hiram, Dowvagiac, e. Auig. 17,
i86T; vet. Dec. 211, 1863; dis. by order
Jul1y 31, 1865.
Meacham, Charles. Dowagiac, e. Auig. i6,
i86i; vet. Dec. 21, 1863; m. o. March
2 5, i 866.
Morland. Joseph, Volinia, e. Jan. i6, i864;
m. o. March 25. i866.
Norton. Cassiuis M.. Dowagiac. e. Oct.
2T, 1862: dis. by order June 19. 1865.
Niver, William C., Ontwa, e. Aug. 22,
1861; died of11 disease at Annapolis, Md.,
Oct..3, T862.
Ornt, Eli, Dowagiac, e. Auig. 22, i861;
dis. at end of service.
Olney, Darwin, Dowagiac, e. Auig. 19,
1861; vet. Dec. 21, 1863; killed in battle
at Gettysburg, Penn., Ju~ly 3, i863.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


313


Gyler, John, Dow-agiac, e. Au~g. 22, i86i;
dis. for disability July, i862.
Peck, Coleman C., Cassopo-lis, e. Aug. i9,
i86i; dis. at end of service.
Pettigrew, William M.1, Dowagiac, e. Aug.
22, i86i; vet. Dec. 2I, i863; m. o. May
i i, i866.
Pierce. Thomas P., Dowagiac, e. Auig.
i6, i86i; died of disease at Richmond,
Va.
Reimer, Henry, D~owagiac, e. Aug. i6,
1861; dis. for disability Nov. 29, 1862.
Robinson, Richard M., Dowagiac, e. Auig.
22, i861; vet. Dcc. 21, 1863; m. o. Aug.:22. i1864.
Roberts, Lumian C., Dowagiac, e. Auig. 12,
i86i; vet. Dec. 21, 1863; m. o. Nov.
24, i 865.
Rose, Alexander, La Grange, e. Dec. 21,
1863; m. o. Auig. 8, i865.
Rutter. Beujaniin H.. Dow~agiac, e. Auig.
20, i6i; dis. at end of service Sept.
6.    1864.
Ruitter, Henry C.. Do~vagiac, e. Aug. 17,
i86i;died of disease April, 1862.
Serrine, Ezra. Dow\agiac. e. Auig. i6,
i86i; dis. for disability Miay, 1862.
Stults, Seth S., Dowagiac, e. Au~g. 26,
i86i; vet. Dec. 21, 1863; Sergt.; trans.
to Co. F.
Shrackengast. George W., Dowagiac, e.
Au~g. 22, i86i: vet. Dec. 21, 1863.


Shaw, Jobn N., Corp., Dowagiac, e. Aug.
i6, i86i; dis. at end of service.
Simons, Joseph R. C., Do-wagiac, e. Aug.
22, i86i; vet. Dec. 21T, 18963; died at Ft.
Bridger. Utah, Nov. i8, 1865.
Smlyth, Daniel, Dowagiac, e. Au~g. 22,
1861; dis. for disability Jan. 14, 1863.
Spillm-an, jacob, Dowagiac, e. Aug. 26,
s86i; dis. byv order.
Stonie, George, Corp., Jefferson, e. Feb. 7,
1865; mi. o. March 25, i 866.
Snydam, William H., Silver Creek, e.
Dec. 26, 1863; dis. by order Aug. 3,
1865.
Taylor, Halbert R., Wayne, e. Dec. 28,
1863; mi. o. March 25. W86.
Thomnas, Cassiuis, Porter, e. Feb. 19, 1864;
died of yellow fever May 6., 1864.
Tinkler, George WV., Dowagiac, e. Aug.
i6, i86i; dis. at end of service.
Tice. Myron C., Dowagiac, e. Aug. 19,
i86i; Mi. o. July 13, i865.
WXatsoin. Joseph H., DowNagiac, e. Aulg. 2 1,
i86i; taken prisoner in action at Robb'sTavern, Va.
Wilber, Oscar, Dowvagiac, e. Aug. 22,
1861; dlied of disease Auig. 29, 1862.
Wiley, James P., Dowagiac, e. Aug. 17,
i86i vet. Dec. 21, 18963; M~. 0. March
25, i866.


SECOND REGI MIENT MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER CAVrALRY.


COMPANY D.
Fellows, Austin P.,, Milton, 'Nov. 8, 186,3;
nm. o. Aug. 17, i86,.
COMPANY I.
Farrier John H. Ashley, Mason, e. Aug.
24, 1864; dis. by order June 20, i865.
Rix. Alfred', Mason. e. AU g. 24, 1864;
taken prisoner at Shoal Creek, Ala.,
NOV.,5, 1864.
Stephens, George. Mason, e. Aug. 24,
T86i; dis. by order June 20., i865.
COMPANY L.
OFFICERS.
First Lieiit. Andrew J. Foster, co-m. Aug.
24, T86T1; resigned Aug. 31, 1862.
First Lieut. John HF. Hutton, com. Sept.
9. I 862; 2d Lient. Au g. 24. 1861; resigned for disability April 9, 1864.
Quartermaster Sergt. William P. Thomas,
e. Sept. 12, i86r; died of disease at Corinth, Miss., Juine 25. 1862.
Sergt. Jay Blodgett, e. Sept. i6, i86r; dis.
for disability Sept. 9. i862.
Corp. John K. Stark, e. Sept. 17, '86';
dis. for disability Aug. 14, i862.


Corp. Harvey L. Drew, e. Sept. i6, i86i;
trans. to 3d Cay. NOV. 2, i86i.
Corp. Albert P. Anderson. e. Sept. 14,
i86T; died of wouinds near Boonville,
Miss., July 3. 1862.
Corp. William H. Todd, e. Sept. i6, 1861;
dis. for disability Dec. 9. 1862.
Corp. Saninel M1\axham., e. Sept. i8, i86i;
dis. for disability Dec. 6, 1862.
Corp. Ahner P. Stiroipson, e. Sept. 14.
i86T; vet. Jan. 5, T864; 1-n. 0. Aug. 30,
i865.
Wagoner Robert Lingrell, e. Sept. 8, i86T;
vet. Jan..s. 1864; prom. Sergt.; mn. o.
Aug. 17, i865.
Quartermaster Sergt. S. J. WV. Thomas.
e. 1862; 'killed at battle of Bear River,
Feb. 29, 1863.
PRIVATES.
Andrews, James Hi.. Mason. e. Aug. 27,
1864; dis. by order June 3, i8,65.
Barker, John C., e. Oct. 1, T86i; vet. Jan.
5. i864; 01. 0. Aug. 17. T865.
Burns, Lawrence. e. Sept. 14. i86i; vet.
Jan. 5,. 1864; died in action in Alabama
Oct. 7, 1864.




314


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Burns, Roger, e. Sept. 14, i86i; vet. Jan.
5, 1864; 'm. o. Aug. I7, 1865.
Carlisle, William, e. Sept. 14, i86i; trans.
to Vet. Res. Corps.
Dailey, Hiram, e. Nov. 14, i86i; vet. Jan.
5, 1864; m. o. Aug. 17, i865.
Eisele, Felix, e. Sept. 24, 1861; died in
action at M\,ossy Creek, Dec. 27, 1863.
Eisele, Martin, e. Sept. 24, i86i; vet. Jan.
5, 1864; m. o. Aug. 17, 1865.
Goodrich, J T., e. Nov. i, i86i; vet. Jan.
5, 1864; m. o. Aug. I7, 1865.
Griffith, John W., e. Sept. 7, i86i; vet.
Jan..5, 1864; m. o. Aug. I7, 1865.
Hanson, John, e. Sept. i6, i86i; dis. at
end of service Oct. 22, 1864.
Hewitt, Henry W., e. Sept. i6, i86i; dis.
for disability May 30, i863.
Ketcham, Alonzo, e. Sept. 14, i86i; vet;
J a n. 5, 1 864; m-. o. A ug. I 7, i 865.
Layton, James L., Newberg,- m. o. Aug.
17, i865.
Loveland, Andrew J., e. Sept. 21, i86i;
vet. Jan. 5, 1864.
Lowry, William S., e.,Sept. 13, i86i; vet.
Jan.. 5, 1864; dis. hy order June 4,
i865.
Lybacher, Porter, Mason, e. Aug. 14,
i 6;m.  o.  Julyv.,  1865.
Mallory, Marquis D., e. Oct. i, i86i; dis.
at end of service Oct. 22, 1864.
Manco, Theo., e. Sept. 13, i86i; vet. Jan.
5, 1864; m. o. Aug. 17, i865.
Mann, George H., Mason. e. Aug. 14,
i862; M. o. Aug. I7, i865.


Mannering, W. H., e. Oct. 10, i86i; dis.
for disability Aug. i6, i862.
Marshall, James M., Mason, e. Aug. 19,
1862; dis. for disability Dec. 6, 1862.
Moo-re, Lorenzo D., e. Sept. 24, i86i; vet.
Jan. 5, 1864; died of wounds at Shoal
Creek, Ala., Dec. i, 1864.
Nelson, Edgar, e. Sept. i6, i86i; vet. Jan.
5,1i864; dis. by order May 19, i865.
Parker, Chandler, e. Nov. i, i86i; vet.
Jan. 5, 1864; m. o. Aug. 17, i865.
Shockley, Alfred, e. Sept. 14, i86i; vet.
Jan. 5, 1864; m. a. Aug. 17, i865.
Smith, Henry, e. Sept. i6, i86i; dis. at
end of service Oct. 22, 1864.
Smith, Walter, e. Sept. 17, i86i; dis. at
end of service Oct. 22, 1864.
Stark, Edward, e. Sept. 24, i86i; dis. for
disability Oct. 20, 1862.
Stilsoni, Hiramn, MXason, e. Aug. 14, 1862;
tranls. to Vet. Res. Corps Feb. 15, i865.
Stilson, John, Mason, e. Sept. i, 1864;
m. o. Aug. I7, i865.
Stilson, William C., MAlason, e. Au~g. 24,
1864; mn. o. Aug. 17, i86,.
Weiting, Jacobl, dis. for disability March
25, 1 863.
Williams, Richard J., e. Sept. 14, i86i;
vet. Jan. 5,i864; dis. for prom-otion
Sept. 20, 1864.
Williams, Theodore, e. Sept. i8, 1861;
killed by guerrillas at Mladisonville,
TeunI. MVarch 7, i864.
Wooden, Timothy, e. Sept. i6, 1861; died
of disease at St. Louis, 1\o., Jan. 31,
i862.


THIRD REGIMENT MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.


COMPANY A.
Smith, George W., Penn, e. Feb. 15, 1864;
m. O. Feb. I2, i866.
COMPANY F.
Second Lieut. Morrel Wells, La Grange,
e. Sept. 30, i86i, Corp.; vet. Jan. 19,
1864; Sergt.; prom;. 2d Lieut. Co. F;
prom.. ist Lieut. Co. I, Nov. 17, 1864;
m. O. Feb. 12, i866.
Second Lient. Robert H. Carr, Dowagiac,
e. Sept. 26, i86i; Corp., Sergt., 2d Lieut.
July 4, 1864; m. O. as Sergt., Feb. 12,
i866.
PRIVATES.
Beebe, Benjamin F., Volinia, e. Feb. 24,


1864; died of disease Duvall's Bluff,
Ark., July 29, 1864.
Vance, William J., Volinia, e. Jan. 19,
1864; m. O. Feb. 12, T866.
Wallace, John I., Dowagiac, e. Sept. 30,
i86i; dis. for prom. June 20. 1863.
COMPANY I.
First Lieut. Morrel Wells, La Grange,
comn. Nov. 17, 1864; m. O. Feb. 12, i866.
COMPANY M.
Foster, David, Pokagon, e. Dec. 29, 1863;
m. o. Feb. 12, i866.,EOURTH. REGIMENT MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.


COMPANY A.
McManus, John, La Grange, e. Nov. 3,
i863; m. a. Aug. 15, i865.


COMPANY C.
McCoy, William, D. P. R., Auig. i, 1862;
m. o. July i, i865.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


315


Partridge, Edwin D., Pokagon, e. Dec. 5,
1863; in. o. Aug. 15, i865.
Riggs, Rensselaer, Porter, e. Aug. i8;
i864; m. o. July I, i865.
Shoemaker, John H., M\arcellus, e. July
15, i862; nin. o. July I, i865.
COMPANY G.
Cowles, David B., Howard, e. Nov. 3,
1863; trans. to Veteran Reserve Corps
Aug. 17, 1864.
COMPANYLI
Bedwell, George W., Dowagiac, e. Aug.
II, 1862; M. o. July I, 1 865.
Corp. Brown, Preston W., Dowagiac, e.
Jtily 29, i862: m;r. o. July I, i865.
Driskel, Noah. Porter, e. Aug. I I, i862;
dis. for disability April 2, 1863.
Eaton, Frank P., Dowagiac, e. Aug. II,
1862; dis. for disability March 3, 1863.
Fetterly, Charles, Dowagiac, e. Aug. 2,
i862; M. o. July 1, i865.
Joy, Fraklin D., Penn, e. Aug. II, i862;
ni. o. May 3, 1865.
Kennedy, David A., Penn, e. Aug. II,
1862; M. o. July I, i865.
Powers. Samuel H-., Dowagiac, e. Aug. IT,
1862; died of disease at Nashville,
Tenn., Jan. 12, 1863.
Roberson, Jonathan S., Corp., e. Aug. 2,
1862; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps Sept. I,
1863.
MatthewNs, W~illiami, Penn, e. Aug. II,
1862; sick at Nashville at mr. o.
Morton.' Charles L., Porter, e. Aug. II,
1862; dis. for disability Feb. 27, 1863.
Sigerfoos. Albertuis, Porter, e. Aug. II,
1862; sick at Nashville at m-. o.
Sergt. Witherell. Henry A., Pokagon, e.
Auig. T 1, T862; died of (lisease at NashvilIle, Tenn., April 9, 1864.
Lewis, James. NeNNberg. e. Aug. II, 1862;
killed in action at Stone River.
Lewis, Franklin B.. e. Aug. II, 1862; died
of disease at Nashville.
COMPANY M.
OFFICERS.
First Lieuit. Hiram F. Beals, Dowvagiac,
com. Aug. 13, 1862.
Quartermaster Sergt. William H4. Davis,
Dowagiac, e. July 26, i862; dis. by
order May ig, 1865.
Commissary Sergt. James W. Argo, e.
July 24, 1862; M. O. July I, i865.
S~ergt. James D. Dawson, e. Aug. II,
1862; dis. for disability July 8, 1863.
Sergt. Edward Pearce, Wayne, e. Aug.
15, i862; M. o. July I, i865.
Corp. Truman Pond, Wayne, e. Aug. 2,
T862; died of disease at Louisville, Ky.,
Oct. 27, i862.


Corp. George Scott, Volinia, e. Aug. 5,
1862; dis. for disability Jan. I, 1863.
Corp. John Fox, Milton, e. Aug. 7, 1862;
dis. by order 1\ay i9, i865.
Corp. Elias Ingling, Dowagiac, e. Aug.
6, i862; m. O. July I, i865.
Corp. John W. Bowles, Volinia, e. Aug. 7,
i862; absent sick at m. O.
Farrier Henry Cooper, Dowagiac, e. Aug.
13. 1862; M. o. July 1, T865.
Teamster Charles D. Northrup, Dowagiac.
e. Aug. 5, 1862; m. O. July I, i865.
Wagoner Josiah Ipes, e. Aug. 2, 1862; in.
O. July I., i865.
PRIVATES.
Abbott., Hiram, Milton, e. Aug. i6, 1862,
iii. O. July i, i865.
Aldrich. James M., e. Aug. 12, 1862; died
of disease at Lebanon, Ky., Nov. i8,
1862.
Arnold, Alvin, Newberg, e. Aug. 13, 1862;
trans. to Vet. Res. Corps.
Arnold, Robert, Volinia, e. Aug. II, 1862;
i-n. O. July i, 1865.
BaldwNin, Thomas, Dowagiac, e. Aug. 5.
1862; M. o. July I, i865.
Dunbar, George W., Milton, e. Aug. 13,
18962: m. o. July1 T. i865.
Finich, Mathew, 'Voliniia, e. Aug. IO, 1862;
dis. for (lisability May I, 1863.
Ferris, Albert P. Volinia, e. Aug. ii,
i862; dis. by order May 3, i865.
Garwood. Levi J., Voliniia, e. Aug. 2,
1862; dis. by order June1 29. 1865.
Higginis. George WV., Doxv-agiac, e. July
26, 1862; in. o. July 1, i865.
Haight. Horatio.   M~arcellus, e. Aug. 7,
1 862:  m1.  O.  Jul Iy  ',  1 865
H-oyt, Henry. Dowagiac, e. Auig. 2, 1862;
dicd of disease at Nashville, Dec. 26,
T862.
Hutff, Simoni. Voliinia, e. Aug. 15, i862;
in. o. July T, i865.
Humiston, Perry, e. Aug. 8, 1862; m. O.
July I, i86~5.Jaquays. William, Volinia, e. Aug.. 15,
1862; transferred to Vet. Res. Corps
Jan. 15. 1864.
Little. John H-.. Volinia, e. Auig. 6. i862;
dis. fon' disability Feb. II, 1863.
Northirup, Freeman G., Dowagiac, e. Aug.
6, 1862; died of disease at Mitchellville,
Tenn., NOV. 22, T862.
Parks, James. Dowagiac. e. Aug. 6, i862;
dis. by order April 28, i865.
Pond, Wesley D., Dowagiac, e. Aug. 9,
1862; in. O. July T, i865.
Quick., Robert T.. Dowagiac, e. Aug. 6,
i862; dis. for disability Feb. 4, 1863.
Rankin, John F., Dowagiac, e. AuLg. 12,
i862; in. o. July 1, i865.




316


HIS-TORY OF CASS COUNTY


Shanahan, Henry, e. Aug. 12, i862; M. o.
July i, 1865.
SouthNNorth, George M., Volinia, e. Aug.
i i, 1862; M. O. July I, i86,.
Sweetland, James -M., Dowagiac, e. Aug.
7, i862; dis. for disability Jan. 7, 1863.
Sweetland, John B., Edwvardsburg, e. Aug.
12, 1862; dis. by order to appointment
as UniteId States M\'edical Cadet Sept.
20, i863.
Taylor, Nelson, m. o. July i, 1865.
Thompson, Benjamin F.,, Milton, e. Aug.
15, 1862; prom. to Corp. 1863, after the
battle of Stone River; dis. for disability Nov. i i, 1864.
Tharp, John L., Penn, e. Aug. 9, 1862;
dis. for disability March 25, 1864.
Van Tuyl. John, Dowagiac, e. Aug. 8,.1862; M. O. July i, i865.
Vaughn.' Dewitt C., Calvin, e. Aug. 6,
1862; died of disease in Indiana Marcb
i 8, i1863.


Welch, Michael, La Grange, e. Aug..5,
1862; died in rebel prison Richmond,
Va., Dec. i8, 1862.
Welcher, Sherman B., Volinia, e. Aug.
6, 1 862; died of disease at Woodsonville, Ky., Dec. -, i862.
W~ilsoii Samliel, Dowagiac, e. Aug. 6,
1862; mn. o. July I, i865.
RECRUITS-UNASSIGNED.
Brown, Simeon, Wayne, e. Nov. i8, 1863.
fDay, Robert B., W~ayne, e. Dec. 21, 1863.
Rigin,  Thlomias,  M.asoni, e. Nov. 3.  1863.
Ross, William, Silver Creek, e. Dec. 23,
1863.
Randall, Charles, Silver Creek, e. Aug. 30,
1864.
Sboemaker, Franklin C., Penn, e. Dec.
23, 1 863.
Williams,, Leonard W., Penn, e. Nov. 3.
i863.


FIFTH REGIMENT MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER CAVALRY


FIEL.D AND STAFF.
Surg. Sylvester L. Morris, Dowagiac,
Oct. 23, 1863; Assistant Surgeon Sept.
3, 18963; resigned July 28, 1864.
COMPANY D.
Dean, Edward, La Grange, e. Jan. 23,
1865; transferred to ist Michigan Cavalry.
Randall, Wesley C., Jefferson, e. Marcb
13. 1865; m. O. May ig, i866.
Shilling, Lemuel C., Volinia, e. March 15,
T865; m. o. Jan. 9, i866.


COMPANY H.
King, Franklin T., La Grange. e. Jan. 6,
1865; transferred to ist 1\ichigan Cav~alry.
COMPANY K.
Huyck, Alva H., Volinia, e. 1M'arch 15,
18S65; transferred to 7th Michigan Cavalry.
COMPANY M\.
Harrington, Silas, Silver Creek, e. Feb.
I7, 1865; transferred to 7th Michigan
Cavalry.


SIXTH REGIMENT MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.


COMPANY E.
Savage, Frank, Marcellus, e. March 3I,
i8965; m. O. Feb. i6, i866.
COMPANY G.
Branch, Arthur R., Silver Creek, e. March
7, I865; m. o. Feb. i6, i 866.
Nearpass, Ira N., Newberg, e. March 31,
i865; m. o. May i6, i866.
COMPANY K.
Potts, James H., Silver Creek, e. March
io, i865; m. o. March 31, i866.
COMPANY L.
Bliss, Edwin   S., Newberg, e. Jan.:26.
J864; m. o. May 30, i865.


Dewey, Orlando, MNarcellus; mi. O. March
25, i866.
Kilnier, George F., Penn, e. Feb. ii,
18964;' m. 0. June 24, i865.
Mathers, William, Silver Creek, e. Feb.
17. 1865; m. o. March iol, i866.
COMPANY M.
Cole, Hiram G., Jefferson, e. Feb. 6, 1865;
m. o. Feb. 8, i866.
Deline, Frank H., Calvin, e. Feb. 6, 1865;
died of disease at St. Louis, Mo., June
24, I865.


SEVENTH REGIMENT MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.


COMPANY A.
Alexander, Samuel, Jefferson, e. Sept. 9,
1862; missing in action.


Crocker, William A., Jeff erson. e. Sept.
9, 1862; trans. to Invalid Corps Sept.
10, 1863.




HISTORY OF CASS. COUNTY


317


Collins, Joseph E., Pokagon, e. Sept. 12,     1862; died in battle at Gettysburg, Pa.,
1862; died at Alexandria, Va., Jan. I2,     July 3, 1863.
i864.                                     Peck, George P., Jefferson, e. Sept. 9,
Foster, Zach.; trans. to ist Mich. Cay.       1862; dis. for disability NOV. 25, 1862.
Harrison, Jesse, Jefferson, e. Sept. 9,     Richardson, Varnum, Pokagon, e. Sept.
1862; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps April      i,5, 1862; dis. for disability 1\arch 28,
i10, 1 864.                                 i863.
Henderson, William, Milton, e. Dec. 29,     Smith, Thomas J., TI\Jiton, e. Dec. 25,
1862; mn. o. June 7, i865.                  1862; m. O. July 6, i86,.
I-Iulyck, John.                             Stout, John, Milton; m. o. Dec. I,5, 1865.
Maloy, Thomas, Pokagon, e. Sept. 29,        Wortler, George A., Milton, e. Dec. 27,
1862; mn. o. Dec. i,5, i865.               i1862.
Milliman, Samuel, Pokagon, e. Sept. i8,                    COMPANYL~
i862.
Nelson, Walter, Pokagon, e. Sept. 29,       Irwin, Andrew; mn. o. Dec. 15, i865.


NINTH REGIMENT MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.


FIELD AND STAFF.
Chaplain John Fletcher, Edwardsburg,
Aug. 23, 1864; M. o. July 21, i865.
COMPANY L.
Capt. George Miller, Pokagon, Nov. 3,
1862; resigned March 12, 1864.
Conimissary Sergt. James F. Prater,
Wayne, e.. Dec. I2, i862; prom. Regimental Commissary Sergt. May I, 1864;
m1. o. Jul1y 21, i865.
Sergt. Henry L. Barney, Wayne, e. Dec. I,
i862; prom. inl U. S. Cav. Troops.
Sergt. Clagon Dunham, Volinia, e. Dec.
28, 1862;im. O. Junie 30, 1863.
Corp. Martin Quinlan, Volinia, e. Jan. IO,
1863; m1. o. July 21, i86,.
TIeamister John Qyler, Pokagon, e. Nov.
12, 1 862; m. o. Dec. 5, 1865.
Barrett, George, Wayne. e. Dec. 28, 1862;
ml. o. June 13, 1865.
Blackmanl, Jerome, Dowagiac, e. March
24, 18963;1 ml. o. July 21, i865.
Brownell. Williamn, Wayne, e. Dec. 27,
1862; ml. o. May 27, i865.


Ellsworth, Daniel. Howard, e. Jan. 1,
18S63; dis. for disability June 9, i865.
Elliott, Franklin, Jefferson, e. Jan. i, 1863;
(lied in rebel prison at Richmond, Va.,
Feb. 17, 1864.
Garrigan, Johnt, Volinia., e. Dec. i8, 1862;
died in rebel prison pen, Andersonville,
Ga.., June 19, 1864.
Kelly, Edgar D., W~ayne, e. Dec. 13, i862;
m. o. Jtily 21, i865.
Rose. John H., Dowagiac. e. April 23,
1863; dis. for disability June 9, i865.
Smith,, Judson. Wayne, e. Jan. 12, 1863;
Mi. o. Jul1y 21, i865.
Smith, Henry, Silver Creek, e. Jan. 12,
1863; died of dliscase in Tennessee, Dec.
27, 1 863.
Travis. Ezekiel, Wayne, e. Nov. ii, 18-62;
m. o. Dec. 5, i8965.
Overbeck, Augustus, Volinia, e. Jan. 8,
1863; dicd at Dandridge, Tennessee,
Dec. 15, 1863.
Williams, Jamles A., Corp.. Penn, c. Dec.
29. 1862; m1. o. July 21, i865.
Davis, M. Barney.
Willis Barney.


ELEVENTH REGIMENT MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.


COM1PANY G.
Canning, George, MVarcellus, e. Nov. 5,
1863; ni. 0. Nov. 2, i865.
COMPANY I.
Allen, William H., Penn, e. Sept. i9,
1863; m. O. May 17, i865.
Canning, Thomas, Marcellus, e. Sept. 19,
1863; m. O. Au~g. 24, T865.
Lettick, Williamj, La Grange, e. Dec. 7,
1863; mn. o. Sept. 22, i865.
COMPANY K.
Sergt. Horace R. Brown, Ontwa, e. Sept.
22,1i863; died of disease at Lexington,
Ky., July 8, 1864.


Blackburn, Thomas, Ontwva, e. NOV. 2,
18963; M. o. Sept. 22, i865.
B3lue, Erwin, Ontwa, e. NOV. 2, 1863;
killed by accident at Shelbyville, Ky.,
Ju~ly 17, 1864.
Brown, Carlton, Ontwa, e. Sept. 30, 1863;
m. O. Jtuly i8, i865.
Lofand, Joshuta. Ontwa, e. Sept. i, 1863;
M. o. Sept. 22, 1865.
Farrier William W. Marr, Ontwa, e.
Sept. 22, 1863; m. o. Sept. 22, i865.
Saddler Albert R. Raymond, Ontwa, e.
Oct. 9, 1863; m. O. Sept. 22, i865.
Shideler, George, Ontwa, e. Oct. 26,
1863; M. o. Sept. 22, i865.
Shiar, Alonzo S., Ontwa, e. Sept. 22, 1863;




318


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


died of disease at Ashland, Ky., July
i i, 1864.
Stark, Edward, Silver Creek, e. Sept. io,
1863; M. a. Oct. 9, 1865.


Steele, John S., Ontwa, e. Oct. I4, 1863;
m. O. Sept. 22, 1865.
Farrier Wieling, Jacob H., Silver Creek,
e. Sept. T0, 1863; in. o. Sept. 22, 1865.


FIRST MICHIGAN LIGHT ARTILLERY.


BATTERY A.
Second Lieut. George J. Nash, Volinia,
e. March 6, 1865; M. o. July 28, 1865.
Hanning, Samuel; M. o. July 28, i865.
Hickox, William H., La Grange, e. Dec.
30, 1863; M. o. July 28, i865.
Mesler, William, La Grange, e. Dec. 25,
1863; M. o. July 28, i85
Williams. Levi P., Porter, e. Feb. 9, 1863;
m. o. July 28, i865.


BATTERY E.
Ahhott, Seneca W., GOtwa, e. Sept. 5,
18964; m. o. Aug. 30, i865.
BATTERy F.
Norris, Webb; m. o. May 6, i865.
BATTERy G.
Smith, Horace, Sergt., Adamnsville. e. Nov.
23, i86i; dis. for disability Au'g. 25,
1863.
Wickerly, David, e. Dec. I5. i86i; dis.
for disability July 28, 1862.


FOURTEENTH BATTERY.


PRIVATES.
Armstrong, Benjamin F., Pokagon, e.
Sept. 17, i863; dis. for disability May
I15, I  65
Arnold, Edward R., Corp., Volinia, e. Oct.
9, 1863; m. o. July I, i865.
Barney, Myron F., Newberg, e. Sept. 7,
i863; m. o. July I, i85
Blanchard, George L., Pokagon, e. Sept.
5, i864; m. o. July I, i 865.
Burnham,, Charles M., Jeff erson, e. Dec.
31,  1863;  mn.  o. July  I,  I 865.
Canfield, Washington   B., Marcellus, e.
Sept. I7, 1863; dis. for disability Jan.
I12,1I865.
Crane, Judson J., Pokagon, e. Sept. 3,
1864; m. o. July I, i865.
Day, Alexander P., Volinia, e. Sept. 3,
1864; m. 0. July I, i865.
Davis, Charles J., Newberg, e. Sept. 7,
1863; m. o. July I, i85
Drake, George S., Newberg, e. Oct. 3,
1863; m. o. July I, I 65
Goff, William H., Penn, e. Sept. 4, 1863;
m. o. J ulIy I, 1 865.
Goff, Stephen C., Penn, e. Sept. 3, 1864;
m. o. July I, 1865..
Goff, Sylvester J., Volinia, e. Sept. 3,
i864; m. o. July I, 1 865.
Goodrich, George, Pokagon, e. Sept. 5,
1864; m. o. July 1, i865.
Harwood, William M., Penn, e. Aug. 29,
1864; m. o. July I, 1 865.
Holloway, Charles, Newberg, e. Sept. 12,
i863; M. o. July I, i865.


Holloway, William. Penn, e. Aug. 25,
1864; mi. o. July i, 185
Hutchings, William W., Newberg, e. Sept.
26, 1863; died of disease at Washington,
D. C., March 21, 1864.
Lemon, John F., Penn, e. Sept. i, 1864;
m. o. July I, i865.
Martin, Robert N., Penn, e. Sept. 5,
1863; dis. for disability Nov. 23. 1864.
Murphy, William, Jefferson, e. Jan. 2,
1864; m. o. July i, 1865.
Patrick, Christopher, Corp., M~arcellus, e.
Sept. 7, 1863; m. o. July i, i85
Pemberton, Eliphalet, Marcellus, e. Oct. 3,
1863; m. 0.. July i, i85
Pound, Isaac S., Pokagon, e. Sept. i,
1864; m. o. July i, i85
Rudd, Baruk    L., Newberg, e. Sept. 9,
1863; m. o. July I, i 65
Shoemaker, Frank C., Pokagon, e. Aug.
30, 1864; m. o. July i, i85
Skinner, James R., Marcellus, e. Oct. 2,
1 863; m. o. J ulIy i, i 65
Skinner. Harrison H., Marcellus, dis. for
disability Dec. 6, 1864.
Tompkins, Melvin R., Newberg, e. Sept.
26, 1863; m. o. July I, i85
Turengo, Andrew, Jefferson, e. Jan. 4,
i864; m. o. July I, i85
Vincent, Henry, Volinia, e. Oct. 2, 1863;
m. o. July i, i865.
Wetherell, Smith D., Corp., Volinia, e.
Nov. 5, 1863; m. o. July T, i865.
Wilsey, Erasmus, Marcellus, e. Sept. 10,
i864; M. o. Jul-y I, i85


FIRST REGIMENT MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
COMPANY F..              i86i; died in action at Gaines' Mills
Sergt. Frank Ujpson, Howard, e, July I7,1. June 27, i862.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
SECOND REGIMENT MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.


319


COMPANY E.
Corp. Joel Cowgill, Calvin, e. May 25,
i86i; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps July i,
1863.
Sergt. John S. Gliddon, e. May 21, i86i;
vet. Dec. 31, 1863; dis. by order Sept.
I15, i864.
Private William Jackson, Jefferson, e.
Mfay 25, 1861; vet. Dec. 31, 1863; mn. 0.
July 28, i865.


Sergt. Benjamin F. Lee, Ontwa, e. May
25, i86i; died May i8, 1862, of wounds
received at Williamsburg.
Corp. Heiiry Meacham, Ontwa, e. May
25S, i86i; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps Feb.
is, 1 864.
COMPANY I.
Coleman, Francis A., Wayne, e. Feb. 21,
1865; dis. by order June i,, i865.


FIFTH REGI-MENT MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
COMPANY A.                           COMPANY D.
Haigh, William, e. AUg. 28, i86i; vet. Stamp, E. M., Porter, e. Sept. i8, 1862;
Dec. I15, i1863.                     m. o. June  3, i86~-.
SEVENTH REGIMENT MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.


Assistant Surgeon Cyrus Bacon, Ontwa,
enrolled June 19, i86i, at Fort Wayne
(near Detroit), Mich.; mustered in


Aug. 22, i86i; resigned May 6, 1862;
appointed Ass't Surgeon of Regular
Army July 3, 1862; died Sept. i, i86.


EIGHTH REGIMENT MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.


COMPANY A.
Grant, William, Pokagon, e. Dec. 21,
1863; died ini action near Petersburg,


Va.. June 27, 1864.
Lane. Thomas, Milton, e. Dec. 22, i863;
m. o. July 30, i865.


NINTH REGIMENT MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.


COMPANY A.
Ayres, Sylvester B., Howard, e. Oct. i,
1864; dis. by order June 20, i865.
COMPANY B.
Dougherty, Thomas, Howard, e. Sept. 29,
1864; dis. by order June 20, 1865.
Hedger, Charles W., Pokagon, e. Feb. 9,
1865; m. o. Sept. 15, i865.
Kelly, Ethan, La Grange, e. March 17,
1865; dis. by order Aug. 10, 1865.
Mater, John, e. i86i; dis. i862; re-e. in.
same company, and finally dis. Sept. 26,
1863.
COMPANY C.
Fisher, Francis, Porter, e. Oct. i, i864; m.
o. June 20, I865.
COMPANY D.
Bender, Joseph D., Newberg, e. April 5,
i865; m. o. Sept. 15, 1865.

Hendricks, Clark, Pokagon, e. Sept. 3,
T864; mi. o. June 20, i865.
Higgins, Charles J., Pokagon, e. Sept. 3,
1864.; ni. o. June 20, i865.
COMPANY G.
Cole, Brayton M.. La Grange, e. March
25,j 1865; M. o. Sept. 15, i865.
Myers, William, Silver Creek, e. October
4, 1864; absent sick at mn. o.
COMPANY H.
S~altsgiver, Henry, Porter, e. Oct. 3, 1864;
m. o. Sept. 15, 1865.
COMPANY I.
Thompson, John B., Howard, e. -Sept. 30.
1864; m. O. June 20, i865.


TENTH REGIMENT MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.


COMPANY C.
Ayers, Thomas B., Porter, e. Oct. 27,
Barker, Peter, Marcellus, e. Oct. 31, 1864;
m. O. July 19, i865.
Brown, William A.,- Calvin,: e. NOV. 2,
i864; m. O. July i9, i865.


COMPANY E.
Baer, Westell. Marcellus, e. Oct. 20, 1864;
m. O. Jul 19, 1865.COMPANY K.
Philips, John, -Newberg, e. Jan'. 17, 1864;
M. O. July 19, i865.




320


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


ELEVENTH REGIMENT MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY (OLD).


COMPANY C.
Angle, John A., Wayne, e. Aug. 24, 1861;
died of disease at Bardstown, Ky.,
March 20, 1862.
Beardsley, Elisha L., e. Nov. 22, I861;
died of disease at Bardstown, Ky., June
31, 1862.
Birdgett, John, e. Aug. 24, i86I; dis. for
disability Sept. I5, i862.
Farnham, John B., Ontwa, e. Aug. 24,
I86I; died of disease at Bardstown, Ky.,
Feb. 6, i862.
COMPANY D.
Hathaway, Henry C., e. Aug. 24, 1861;
absent sick at m. o.
Lucas, William H., e. Aug. 24, 1861; killed
at Stone River.
O'Connor. Cyrus W., e. Aug. 24, 1861;
dis. at end of service Sept. 30, 1864.
Philips, William J., e. Aug. 24, 1861; dis.
at end of service Sept. 30, 1864.
COMPANY E.
Corp. David Klase.
PRIVATES.
Baldwin. Daniel, e. Aug. 24, 1861; died of
wounds near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 7, I864.
Blakely, Thomas L., e. Aug. 24, i86I;
dis. for disability Aug. 4, i862.
Booth, Zeivala, e. Aug. 24, I86I; dis. at
end of service Sept. 30, I864.
Chamberlain, William   L., e. Aug. 24,
I86I; dis. at end of service Sept. 30,
7864.
Haines, James L., dis. at end of service.
Latham, Kneeland, e. Aug. 24, I86I; dis.
by order July I, 1863.
Milliman, Bryant. dis. at end of service.
Mullen, Sidney S., e. Aug. 24, 1861; dis.
at end of service Sept. 30, 1864.
Nottingham, Judson, dis. at end of service Sept. 30, I864.
Poorman, John, e. Aug. 24, i86I; dis.
at end of service Sept. 30, I864.


Quay, George W., e. Aug. 24, I86I; died
near Atlanta, Ga., of wounds Aug 7,
I864.
Ryan, James N. C., e. Aug. 24, 1861; dis.
at end of service Sept. 30, 1864.
Schug, Emanuel. e. Aug. 24, I861; dis.
at. end of service Sept. 30, I864.
Schug, \Villiam F., e. Aug. 24, I861; trans.
to Vet. Res. Corps Nov. 15, I863.
Shoemaker, Samuel S.. dis. for disability.
Smith, Cyrus, e. Aug. 24, 1861; dis. at
end of service Sept. 30, I864.
Tayler, George, e. Aug. 24, I86I; died of
disease at Bardstown, Ky., Feb. 5,
I862.
Thompson, Smith. e. Aug. 24, I86I; dis.
for disability Sept., I861.
Vanordstrand, John, e. Aug. 24, 1861; dis.
at end of service Sept. 30, 1864.
Van Valkenburg, Benjamin, e. Aug. 24,
I86I; dis. at end of service Sept. 30,
I864.
Vanordstrand, Jerome P.. Sergt., e. Aug.
24, 1861; dis. at end of service Sept. 30,
1864.
COMPANY G.
Bryan, James, dis. at end of service Sept.
30, I864.
Bryan, Moses, died of wounds at Chattanooga, Tenn., Sept. 15, 1863.
Granger, Chauncey, dis. for disability June
8, 1864.
Haines. James L., dis. at end of service
Sept. 26, i864.
Higgins, Thomas W., died      of disease
March I8, 1862.
Nichols, Charles N., dis. at end of service
Sept. 30, 1864.
Nichols, James 0., died at Chickamauga,
Tenn., Sept. 20, I863.
Scott, Lorenzo H., dis. at end of service
Sept. 30, 1864.
Skinner, Harrison H., Corp., dis. for disability Feb. 15, I862.


ELEVENTH REGIMENT MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY (NEW.)


COMPANY E.
Sergt. Joel Cowgill, Calvin, e. March 9,
1865; m. o. Sept. I6, 1865.
Musician Charles E. Deal, La Grange, Co.


F., e. March --, --; m. o. Sept.
I6, 1865.
Musician Elam Dacy, La Grange; Co. F.,
e. -; m. o. Sept. I6, 1865.


THIRTEENTH REGIMENT MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.


COMPANY A.
Beaman, Marvin D., Penn, e. Feb. 29,
1864; m. o. July 25, I865.
Woliver, Philander J., Marcellus, e. Dec.
3, 1863; Corp.; m. o. July 25, 1865.


COMPANY C.
Blood, Charles H., Volinia, e. Feb. 26,
1864; m. o. July 25, I865.
Blood, George A., Volinia, e. Jan. 2,
I862; vet. Jan. I8, 1864; m;. o. July 25,
I865.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


321


Dailey, William S., Porter, e. Dec. 13,
i86i; vet. Jan. i8, 1864; mn. o. July 25,
i865.
Haefner, Christian G., Volinia, e. Feb. 27,
i864; mn. o. July 25, i865.
Jacquays, Smith C., Volinia, e. Feb. 26,
1864; died of disease at Philadelphia
May 20, i865.
Johnson, Henry M., Porter, e. Dec. 13,
i86i; died of disease at Danville, Ky.,
Nov. 20o, 1862-.
COMPANY E.
Brown, William H., P-okagon, e. Feb. 29,
1 864; m. O.
Caldwell, Williamn W., Pokagon, e. Oct.
22, i86i; vet. Jan. i8, 1864; m. O. July
25, i865.
Crego, Hilance J., Pokagon, e. Oct. 22,
1861; dis. by order April i6, 1863.
Fluallen, Simon E., Corp. Sergt., e. Oct.
22, 186i; vet. Jan. i8, 1864; m. O. July
25, i865.
Hazen, Charles, Dowagiac, e. Oct. 27,
i86i; dis. for disability Sept. 20, 1862.
Hungerford, Calvin A., Dowagiac, e. Oct.
22. i86T; vet. Jan. i8S, 1864; mn. O. July
25, i865.
Hungerford, Mason, Do-wagiac, e. Oct. 22,
i86T; M. o. at end of service Jan. i6,
i85
Hutson, Edward R., Dowagiac, e. Oct.
22, 186i; vet. Jan. i8, 1864; mn. o. July
25, i865.


Kegley, William, Dowagiac, e. Oct. 22,
i86i;vet. Jan. i8, 1864; M. o. July 25,
i865.
Lewvis, Ephiraim, Dowagiac, e. Oct. 22,
186i; v et. J an. i 8, 1 864; m. o. July 25,
i85
Moody, Loren, Diowagiac, e. Oct. 22,
i86i; vet. Jan. i8, 1864; m. o. July 25,
i865.
COMPANy G.
Cleudenning, James, e. Dec. 13, i86i; dis.
for disability Oct. 29, 1863.
Roy, William G., Peuu, e. Dec. 12, i86i;
vet. Jan. i8, 1864; Sergt.; m.. o. July
25, 1865.'
Salter, James. e. Dec. 12, i86i; vet. Feb.
13, 1864; dis. by order June 20', 1865.
Salter, Silas. e. Dec. 12, 1861; dis. for
disability Sept. 12, 1862.
Weist, William F., Dowagiac, e. Oct. 22,
i86i; dis. for disability Nov. 23; 1863.
COMPANy H.
Campbell, Seth R., Silver Creek, e. Feb.
27, 1865; m. 'O. july 25. i865.
Wright. Gilbert, Silver Creek, e. Feb. 27,
I865; M. o. July 25, i865.
COMPANY K.
Wait, Byron, Jefferson, e. Feb. 3, 1865;
died of disease at Louisville., Ky., July
i, i1865.


FOURTEENTH REGIMENT MICHIGAN -VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.


COMPANY B.
Austin, Harvey H., e. Nov. 25, i86i; vet.
Jan. 4, 1864.
Cope, Jacob, e. Oct. 5, 1861; dis. at end
of service.
Eaton, Abner, e. Dec. i8, i86i; dis. for
disability Jan. io, 1863.
Garner, Henry, Porter, e. NOV. 28, i86i;
vet. Jan. 4, 1864; m. o. Ju~ly 18, i865.
Moore, Jared C., m. o. July i8, i865.
Morse. Albert J., e. Jan. 2, 1862; vet. Jan.
4, 1864; m. o. July i8, i865.
Stewart, James A., vet. Jan. 4, 1864; m. 0.
July i8, i865.


COMPANY E.
Calkins, Thomas J., Porter, e. Sept. 27,
1864; m. o. Ju'ly i8, i865.
COaMPANY F.
Wilson, John, m. o. Ju~ly i8, i865.
Zimmerman, Michael. Porter, e. Sept. 27,
i865; mn. o. July i8, 1865.
COMPANY T.
Rogers, George, Porter, e. Sept. 27, 1864;
m. o. July i8, i865.


FIFTEENTH REGIMENT MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.


COMPANY A.
Fields, Alonzo, Porter, e. Sept. 27, 1864;
dis. by order May 30, i865.
COMPANY B.
Bovet, Leon, Volinia, e. May 27, 1865;
m. o,. Aug. 13, i865.
Leitz. Joel B., Marcellus, e. Oct. 2:2,
i864; died of disease at Alexandria, Va.,'
June 3, i 865.


Mowry, Jacob, Marcellus, e. Oct.:22, 1864;
dis. by order Sept. ii, i865.
COMPANY C.
Hice. John, Volinia, e..March i8, i865;
m. o. Aug. 13, i865.
Park, John, Calvin, e. Nov. 30, 1864; dis.
by order Aug. 2, i865.
Parsons, Ezra. Calvin, e. Oct. 222, 1864;
m. O. Aug. 13, i865.




322


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Racey, Robert. Milton, e. Oct. 22, 1864;
dis. by.order June 25, 1865.
Sampson, John, Calvin, e. OICt. 21, i864;
mn. O. Aug. 13, i865.
COMPANY D.
Adamns, John, Porter, e. Oct. 22, 1864; M.
o. Aug. 13, i865.
Daniels, John, Volinia, e. March i8, i865;
mi. o. Aug. I3, i865.
Dunn, Anison L., Newberg, e. Nov. 4,
1864; m. O. Aug. I3, 1865.
Wagner, John, Calvin, e. Dec. 5, 1864; mI.
o. Aug. 13, i865.
COMPANY E.
Descartes, Peter, dis. at end of service
Jan. 28, i865.
De Witt, James, Dowagiac, e. Dec. 23,
i86f; dis. for disability M\ay 19, 1862.
Doherty, Charles, dis. at end of service
Jan. 28, i865.
Ducat, Duffy, dis. by order July 21, i865.
Gee, Alexander, m. o. Aug. 9, 1865.
Girardin, Richard, dis. by order Sept. 9,
1865.
Greenwood, Anthony, dis. for disability
July 9, 1862.
Johnson, Fred, Dowagiac, e. Dec. 21,
i86i; vet. Jan. 25, 1864; dis. by order
Aug. 5, i865.
Kelly, John, m. o. Avug. 13, 1865.
Littlejohn. William, dis. for disability
Aug. 3, 1862.
Logan, John, dis. for disability Aug. 3,
i862.


McTaggart, Archibald, dis. for disability
Aug. 3, i862.
Nephew, Anthony, dis. for disability Aug.
i i, i862.
Nye, Theo., dis. at end of service Jan.
28, i 865.
Walustrand, Julius, N~larcellus, e. Oct. 22,
1864; m. O. Aug. 13, i865.
COMPANY G.
East, Alv~a, Porter, e. Oct. 10, 1864; died
of disease at Baltimore, M~d., Feb. 21,
i865.
COMPANY H.
Harder, Janles E., Howard, e. March i8,
1865; m. O. Aug. 13, i865.
Honeywell, Newell, Howard, e. Oct. 6,
1864; m. O. Aug. 13, i865.
Howard, John F.. Howard, e. April i,
1865; m. O. Aug. 13~, i865.
Hudson, William, Howard, e. April i,
1865; m. O. Aug. 13, i 865.
J ohn s on, J oh-n S., in. O. 'A ug. I13, i 865.
Root, John W., Volinia, e. March i8,
1865; dis. by order Sept. 20, i865.
COMPANY I.
Bell, Edward B., e. Feb. 5, 1862; died of
disease at Griffith's Landing, Miss., Oct.
3.~ 1863.
Joslin, Hiram, Newberg, e. Feb. i6, i862;
dis. for disability Aug. 25, i862.
COMPANY K.
Hogeboom, Cornelius P., mn. O. Aug. 13,
i865.


SIXTE-ENTH REGIMENT MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
COMPANY C.                            COMPANY K.
Rapp, George, Volinia, e. Jan., i865; m. o. Prebamsky, Frank, Volinia, e. March 30,
July  8, i865.                        18(5;  mn. o. July  8,  1865.
SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.


COMPANY B.
Dick, William M., Howard, e. July 2,
i862; m. o. June 3, i865.
Doan, Thomas R., Howard, e. Aug. 3,
i862, killed on Mississippi River by explosion April 28, i865.
Earl, Levi F., Howard, e. Aug. 2, i862.
Foote, John M., Howard, e. Aug. 5, 1862;
trans. to Vet. Res. Corps Dec. I5,
1863.
Harder, Tunis J., Howard, e. Aug. 5,
1862; m. 0. June 3, 1865.


Kenyon, Varnum, Howard, e. Aug. 6,
1862; died of disease at Fredericksburg,
Va., Feb. 5, 1863.
Kenyon, Jesse A., Howard, e. Aug. 6,
1862; died of wounds at Washington
Dec. i6, i862.
Schell, George D., Howard, e. Aug. i,
i862; dis. by order June i6, i865.
Taylor. Fred, Howard, e. Aug. 7, 1862;
dis. for disability Dec. 8, 1862.


TWENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
COMPA.NY A.                 Hunt, Henry    1-., Porter, e. March 9,
Bowen, Henry H., Porter, e. Feb. 27,        i865; in. o. June 30, 1865.
i865; m. o. June 30,i6.Lbo,                        William, Porter, e. March 7.
Goldsmith, Henry, Porter, e. Feb. 27,       i865g m. o. June 30, i865.
i865; m. o. June 30, i865.




HIS-TORY OF CASS, COUNTY


Powers, William, Porter, e. March i,
1865; mi. o. J une 30, 1865.
Preston, Winfield S., Porter, e. March 5,
1865; in. o. J une 30, i865.
Rinehart, Nathan, Porter, e. Feb. 27,
i865; in. o. June 30, i865.
Stearns, Warren S., Porter, e. Feb..27,
1865; ini. o. Junie 30, 1865.
Story, Milton, Porter, e. Feb. 27, i865;
mi. 0. Junie 30, i865.
Story, William   A., Porter, e. Feb. 27,
i865; rn. o. Junie 30, i865.
Stout, Stephen S., Porter, e. March 9,
i6;m. o. Junie 30, 1865.
Sutton, John W., Porter, e. Feb. 28, 1865;
InI. 0. Junie 30, i865.
Sutton, Joshua L., Porter, e. Feb. 27,
1865; in. o. Junie 30, i865.
Weaver, William H., Milton, e. March 15,
1865; in. 0. June 30, 1865.
Williams, Charles HI., Porter, e. Feb. 27,
i6;ini. o. Junie 30, i865.
COMPANY B.
Bell, John P., Milton, e. Aug. 25, 1864;
ill. 0. Junie 30, i865.
COMPANY C.
Avery, Charles, Porter, e. March 5, i865;
in. 0. Junie 30, i865.
Calkins, Henry H-., Porter, e. Feb. 21,
i865; m. o. June 30, i865.
Hilton, Hiram, Porter, e. Feb. 27, 1865;
in. 0. June 30, i865.
Jessup, A. H., Porter, in. o. June 30, i865.
Kyle, J. C., Porter, nm. o. June 30, 185
Kyle, A. R., Porter, m. o. June 30, 1865.
COMPANY E.
Averill, Pliny T., Penn, e. March 16,
i865; m. 0. June 30, 1865.


Blanchard, Bradford, Pokagon, e. TMarch
7, 1605; in. o. J une 30, 165.
Curtis, George, untxa, e. S)ept. 5, 1864;
died of disease at Chicago, Ill., M~arch
15, 1.665.
Kenyon, ttfirain, Pokagon, e. March lo,
i605; ill. 0. Juiie 30, i865.
McKinstry, Charles, Pokagon, e. March 7,
1005; in. 0. J tine 30, 1805.
Parker, Augu,,tus IN., Pokagon, e. March
13, 16005; nm. o. Junie 30, 1665.
Paricer, W~illianm H., t'okagon, e. INlarch
7, 180)5; in. o. June 30, 1805.
Penrod, Nathan, Penn, e. March i6, i865;
in. o. J une 30, 1865.
Steinbeck, Miorgan, Milton, e. Aug. i6,
1864; Inl. o. J une 30, 1865.
Vt itherell, Duane, Pokagon, e. ML-arch 7,
1665; in. o. June 30, i865.
COMPANY F.
Vail Tuyl, George, in. o. Junie 30, i865.
COMPANY H.
Hodges, Benj'amini, Penn, e. March 16,
1865; In. o. June 30, i865.
Rea, John, Penn, e. iMarcil 16, i86s; in.
o. Junie 30, 1865.
Share, Edwin, Milton, e. Sept. i2, i864;
m. o. J une 30, 1865.
COMPANY K.
Ames, Bela, m. o. June 30, i865.
Meacham, Oliver G., Porter, e. Feb. 27,
i865; In. 0. Juiie 30, 1865.
Nickerson, Evert B., MNason, e. Feb. 23,
i865; in. o. Junie 30, 1865.
R~eed, Otis, nin. o. June 30, 1865.
Reese, John M~., Milton, e. Aug. 24, 1864;
in. 0. June 30, i865.


TWENTY-FIFTH REGIMENT MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.


COMPANY D.
Sergt. Amos WV. Poorman, Marcellus, e.
Aug. 9, 1862; died of disease at NashvIlle, 'Fenn., June 13,184
Corp. Roswell Beebe, Marcellus, e. Aug.
~I, 1862; killed at Tebbs' Bend, Ky.,
July 4, 1863.
PRIVATES.
Babe, Bruce, Marcellus, e. Aug. II, 1862;
m. o. June 24, i865.
Musician Joseph Beck, Newberg, e. Aug.
15, 1862; m. O. June:24, i865.
Musician Samuel P. Beck, Newberg, e.
Aug. I5, i862; dis. for disability Jan.
6, 1 863.
Beebe, Gideon, Marcellus, e. Aug.    II1,
1862; dis. for disability March 4, i865.
Butler, Ransom L., Marcellus, e. Aug. I I,
1862; dis. by order July 26, 1863.


Kent, Daniel, Marcellus, e. Aug. ii, 1862;
dis. by order March i9, 1863.
McKibby, Daniel, Marcellus, e. Aug. ii,
1862; in. o. June 24, i865.
Messenger, Edward, Marcellus, e. Aug.
II,9 1864; dis. for disability Feb. 5, 1863.
Nottingham, Horace M., Marcellus, e.
Aug. 8, 1862; M. 0.
Nottingham, Oscar H., Marcellus, e. Aug.
8, i862; died of disease at Bowling
Green, Ky., March 14, 1863.
Poorman, Johii A., Marcellus, e. Aug. ii,
1862; ni. o. June:24, i865.
Root, Jacob, Marcellus, e. Aug. 12, 1862;
mi. o. June 24, i865.
Shears, Martin: V., Marcellus, e. Aug. ii,
186:2; m. o. June 24, i865.
Shoemaker, Samuel, Marcellus, e. *Aug.
iiy 1862; m. o. June 28, i865.




324


HIS-TORY OF CASS COUNTY


Taylor, Charles A., Marcellus, e. Aug. ii,
i862; m. o. June 24, 1865.
Taylor, Timothy A., Marcellus, e. Aug.
ii, 1862; M. o. May 13, 1865.
Young, Simon, Marcellus, e. Aug. ii,
1862; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps Fed. 15,
i864.
COMPANY E.
Bristol, Luther, Milton, e. Sept. 6, 1864;
m. o. June 24, i865.
COMPANY IF.
Bement, George, Ontwa, e. Aug. 13, 1862;
m. o. June 24, i865.
Bradbury, Benjamin F., Dowagiac, e. Aug.
13, 1862; died of di-sease at Bedford,
Ky., June 7, 1863.
Colby, Ira 0., Ontwa, e. Aug. I3, 1862;
died of disease at Mumfordsville, Ky.,
Jan. i, 1 863.
Day, Perry U., Dowagiac, e. Aug. 9,
1862; died of wounds at Tunnel Hill,
Ga., May 12, i864.
Goodrich, Levi C., Dowagiac, m. o. June
24, i 865.
Hastings, Justus H., Ontwa, e. Aug. ii,
i862; M. o. June 24, i865.
Louix, Edwin G., Ontwa, e. Aug. 13, 1862;
m. o. June, 24, 1865.
Mears, John, Dowagiac, e. Aug. ii, 1862;
trans. to Vet. Res. Corps Feb. 15, 1864.


Meredith, Nathaniel, Ontwa, e. Aug. 13,
i862; m. o. June 14, i865.
McFaren, Henry, Ontwa, e. Aug. 13, 1862;
mi. o. June 24, i865.
Nihlett, William F., Ontwa, e. Aug. ig,
1862; m. o. June 24, 1865.
Rozelle, Joshua C., Ontwa, e. Aug. 13,
1862; died of disease at Bowling Green,
Ky., Feb.:25, 1863.
COMPANY G.
Bows, William, Newherg, e. Aug. 21,
1862; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps June 9,
i865.
Benman, Williami H., Newherg, e. Aug.
22, 1862; mn. o. June 24, i865.
Bennett, John J., Porter, e. Aug. 12, 1862;
m. O. June 24, i865.
Bird, William, Newherg, e. Aug. 21~, i862;
m. o. June 24, i865.
Cook, Orlan P., Newberg, e. Aug. 22,
1862; dis. for disability Sept. 23,' 1863.
Crump, William, Marcellus, e. Aug. 22,
1862; died of disease at Lebanon, Ky.,
April 24, 1 863.
Kenney, Fernando, Newberg, e. Aug. 22,
1862; M. o. June 24, i865.
Neumann, Louis, Newherg, e. Aug. 13,
1862; m. o. June 24, 1865.
Stickney, Sidney M..' Marcellus. e. Aug.
22, 1862; died of disease at Louisville,
Ky., Oct. 30, 1862.


TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.


FIELD AND STAFF.
Lieuit. Col. George T. Shaffer-, Calvin,
com. Dec. i0, 1864; Maj. corn. Aug. 15,
1864; Brevet Col. and Brevet Brig. Gen.
U. S. Volunteers, 1\arch 13, 1865, for
gallant and meritorious services at battles before Atlanta. Ga., and at Wise
Fork, N. C.; m. O. June 5, i866.
Snurg. Alonzo Garwood~, Cassopolis, com.
Aug. I5, 1864; m. o. June,5, i866.
COMPANY A.
Sergt. Thom-as J. Baunder, Volinia, e.
Sept. I, 1864; m. o. June 7, i865.
Schooley, Henry, Volinia, e. Sept. 8, 1864;
m. o. June 5, i866.
COMPANY E.
Avery, David C., Volinia, e. Sept. 7, 1864;
m. o. M ay 4, I 865.
Baird, John, Howard, e. Oct. I8, 1864;
m. o. June 5, i866.
Baird, William S., Howard, e. Oct. 17,
1 864; m. O. J un e 5, I 866.
Davis, Lowell, Pokagon, e. Sept. 3, 1864;
m. O. June 7, i865.
Emery, Robert, Volinia, e. Sept. 12, 1864;
dis. for wounds June 30, 1865.


Pope, Lyman, A., mn. O. Aug. i6, i865.
Randall, William, Milton, e. Sept. 3, 1864;
mn. O. May 22, i865.
COMPANY G.
Blackman, David R., Volinia, e. Sept. IS,
1864; mn. O. June 5, i866.
Delong. Henry, Pokagon, e. Sept. 3, i864;
mn. o. June 5, i866.
Hill, Charles A., Jefferson, e. Sept. 29,
1864; mn. o.- May 31, i865.
Nichols, Tyler, Volinia, e. Sept. 5, 1864;
mn. O. June 19, 1865.
COMPANY H.
Bates, Buel H., Penn, e. Aug. 22, 1864;
ini. O. May 29, i865.
Bogvert, Cornelius, Penn, e. Aug. 20, 1864;dis. by order May 27, i865.
Clendenning. H. M. T., Penn, e. Aug. TO,
1864; m. o. June 8, 1865.
Deacon. Isaac, Volinia. e. Sept. 20, 1864;1
mn. o. June 5, i866.
Kinney, Nelson, Corp., Penn, e. Aug. 20,
1864; mn. O. June 5, T866.
North, Nathaniel. La GranOge, e. Aug. 30,
1864; died of disease at Charlotte, N. C:!
June 7, i865.




HISTO-RY OF CASS COUNTY


325


North, Norman, La Grange, e. Aug. 30,
i864; m. o. June 5, i866.
Patterson, James, 2d Lieut., Penn, e. Aug.
23, 1864; died of disease at Alexandria,
Va., Feb. 2, II 865.
Pemberton, Nathan, Penn, e. Aug. 28,
i864; M. o. June 5, i866.
Robinson, Edmund, died of disease at Davids Island, N. Y., April i6, 1865.
Tappan, William E., Penn, e. Aug. 29,
1864; died of disease at Alexandr~ia,
Va., Feb. 4, i865.
Trill, George, Pokagon, e. Sept. i, 1864;
died of disease at Alexandria, Va., Feb.
12, i865.


COMPANY I.
Bryant, James, Mfilton, e. Sept. i6, 1864;
m. o. June 5, i866.
Freeman, Miles, Howard, e. Oct. ig,
1864; m. 0. May 30, i865.
Mitchell, Alonzo J., Milton, e. Sept. 14,
1864; mn. o. Jan. 9, i866.
COMPANY K.
Harris, Benjamin S., Pokagon, e. Feb. i6,
i865; m'. o. May 30, i865.
Smith. Carlton, Pokagon, e. Feb. i6, 1865;
m. o. Feb. Tq, i866.


THIRTIETH REGIMENT MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.


COMPANY H.
HarwNood, Henry WV.', Ontwa, e. Dec. 2,
18S64; n-i. o. June 30, i865.
Harwood, Jacob W., Jefferson, e. Dec. 6,
1864; m. o. June 30, i865.
1-irons., Oliver C., Jefferson, e. Dec. 2,
1864; m1. o. June 30, i865.


M/assey, Robert D., S~ergt., Ontwa, e. Nov.
28, 1864; mn. 0. June 30, 1865.
Mlassey, Peter, Corp., Ontwa, e. Nov. 28,
1864; m. o. June 30, i865.
Shawl, Edwin 0., Corp., Ontwa, e. Nov.
30, 1864; m.o. June 30, i865.
Smith. Frank A., Corp., Ontwa, e. Dec.
2, 1864; ni. o. June 30, i865 -

FIRST REGIMENT MICHIGAN SHARPSHOOTERS.


COMPANY B.
Allen, Nathan S., Penn, e. Auig. i9, 1864;
M. o. July 28, i865.
COMPANY E.
Second Licuit. Winfield S. Shanahan,
Cassopolis, e. March 7, i865; Corp.
March 6, 1863; m. o. Ju~ly 28, i865.
PRIVATES.
Bibbins, Charles, Ontwa. e. April 13, 1863;
missing in. action at Cold Harbor June
1 2, 1 864.
Nichols, Alexander, Ontwa, e. April 12,
1863; mn. o. July 25, i865.
Wyant, George, Ontwa, e. March 6, 1863;
m. o. Au~g. 7, i865.
COMPANY F.
Reigar, Daniel H., Sergt., Ontwa, e. May
4, 1863; M. o. July 28, i865.
COMPANY G.
Jackson, Henry H., Pokagon, e. Aug. 12,
1863; died of disease at Chicago, Ill.,
Oct. 3, i863.
McNeil, William B., Ontwa, e. Aug. 12,
1863; dis. for disability March 22, 1864.
Smith, Wight D., D~owagiac, e. July 4,
1863; M. o. July 28, i865.
COMPANY H.
Northrop, William B.. Calvin, e. Feb. 26,


1864; died of wounds in General Hospital.
Northrop. Marion A., Penn, e. Feb. 26,
1864; died of disease at Chicago, Ill.,
April 17, 1864.
COMPANY I.
Beach. Myron W., Volinia, e. Sept. 7,
1863; dis. for disability.
Bedford, William, Pokagon, e. Aug. 3,
1863; i-n. o. July 28, T865.
Fessenden. Clement, Volinia. e. Sept. 21,
1863; dis. for disability April 7. i8S65.
George. David L., Silver Creek, e. Aug.
25. 1863; died of wounds received at
Wilderness May 6, 1864.
Huff, Asher. Silver Creek, e. Aug. 24.
1863; dis. by order Dec. 28, 1864.
Huff. Isaac, Volinia, e. Sept. 7, i863; missing in action before Petersburg, Va.,
June 17, 1864.
Nash. Charles. Volinia, e. Sept. 21, 1863;
m. o. July 28, i865.
Nash, Theodore, Volinia, e. Sept. 2T,
1863; died near Petersburg, Va., June
20, 1 864.
Waterman, Charles. Silver Creek, e. July
28. i863; died near Petersburg, Va.,
June 28, 1864.
COMPANY K.
Johns, David. La Grange, e. Jan. 27. 1865;
mn. o. July 28, 1865.




326


HISTORY OF CASS, COUNTY


FIRST MICHIGAN (102 U. S.) COLORED INFANTRY.


COMPANY A.
Hlood, Philander, Pokagon, e. Aug. 17,
i864; in. o. Sept. 30, i865.
COMPANY B.
Alexander, Jacob, Howard, e. Oct. i,
1864; rn. O. Sept. 30, 1865.
Brown, John, Calvin, e. Oct. 20o, 1863;
in. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Broxvn, Stuart, Calvin, e. Oct. 20o, 1863-;
in. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Butcher, David, Calvin, e. Oct. 2i, 1863;
in. O. Se p t. 30, 1865.
Callaway, Giles, Porter, e. Oct. 21, 1863;
ni. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Coker, James, Calvin, e. Oct. i6, 1863;
in. o. Sept. 30, 1865.
Coker, Michael, Calvin, e. Oct. i8, 1863;
in. o. Sept. 30, 1865.
Curtis, George H., Calvin, e. Dec. 4, 1863;
in. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Dungie, John, Calvin, e. Oct. 7, 1863; in.
o. Sept. 30, i865.
Gilbbins, WViliam, Jefferson, e. Aug. 24,
1864; in. o. Sept. 30, 1865.
Harris, Charles W., Howard, e. Oct. i,
1864; in. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Hawley, William, Calvin, e. Oct. 22, 1863;
dis. for disability iT\Iay 26, 1864.
Howard, Williamn, Calvin, e. Oct..5, 1864;
Inl. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Limus, John, Pokagon, e. Oct. io, 1863;
in. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Little, Stewart, Calvin, e. Sept. 23, 1864;
mn. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Mathews, Allison L., Calvin, e. Sept. 23,
1864; died of disease at Orangeburg, S.
C., Auig. 6, i865.
Newman, William H., Calvin, e. Oct. 7,
1863; in. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Seton. Joseph, La Grange, e. Oct. i8,
1863; in. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Stewart. George W., Calvin, e. Nov. 20,
1863; died of disease at Beaufort, S. C.,
July 27, 1864.
Stewart, James M., Calvin, e. Oct. i8,
1863; in. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Stewart, John T., Calvin, e. Oct. 21, 1863;
in. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Wade, Berry, Corp., Calvin, e. Oct. 7,
1863; died of disease at Beaufort, S. C.,
Aug. 22, 1864.
Williams, George W., Calvin, e. Oct. 2i,
1863; died of disease at Columhia, S.
C., Auig. 12, i865.
Wood, John W., Calvin, e. Oct. ig, 1863;
in. O. Sept. 30, i865.
COMPANY C.
Ford, William. La Grange, e. Feb. 17,
1865; in. o. Sept. 30, i865.


Hill, Dennis R., Howard, e. Oct. i, 1864;
in. O. Sept. 30, 1865.
Rectman, \'villis, howard, e. Oct. i, 1864;
in. O. Sept. 30, i865.
Wallace, James h., OUtwa, e. Sept. 5,
1864; in. o. 5-ept. 30, 1865.
Wilson, Nathainiel, Calvin, e. Oct. i8,
1863; inl. o. Sept. 30, i865.
COMPANY D.
Artis, George, Calvin, e. Nov..5, 1863;
i-n. O. Sept. 30, i865.
Barrister, Gtistavtis, Howard, e. Oct. 1,
1864; ni. O. Sept. 30, i865.
Calloway, Creed, Porter, e. Nov. i8, 1863;
in. O. Sept. 30, t865.
Hunt, Jordan P., Calvin, e. Oct. 23, 1863;
in. o. Sept. 30, 1865.
i\lattock, Henry, Pokagon, e. Fe b. i6,
i865; in. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Siinons, William H., Calvin, e. Nov. 17,
1863; in. o. Sept. 30, 1865.
Vauighn, James, Calvin, e. Sept. 23, 1864;
i-n. O. Sept. 30, 1865.
COMPANY F.
Brown, John.' Howard, e. Dec. 19, 1863;
died of disease Jan. 17, 1864.
Bowden, John, La Grange, e. NOV. 28,
1863; died o-f disease at Beaufort, S. C.,
Nov. 14, 1864.
Boyd, Anderson, Howard, e. Dec. 12,
1863; mi. O. Sept. 30, 1865.
Conner, William F., Serg-t., Penn, e. Dec.
ii, 1863; inl. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Dungil, Wright, Penn, e. Aug. 22, 1864;
in. O. Sept. 30, 1865.
Ford, Edward, Milton, e.; died of disease
at Beaufort, S. C., Jan. 14, i865.
Harrison, Milford, Howard, e. Dec. 12,
1863; in. O. Sept. 30, i865.
Hays, Arick, Penn, e. Aug. 24, 1864; Mi. 0.
Sept. 30, i865.
Hays, William H., Calvin, e. Oct. 4, 1864;
absent sick at mn. O.
Henry, Martin V., Penn, e. Dec. 2, 1863;
in. o. Sept. 30, i865.
1-jill, Anthony, Penn, e. Sept. i, 1864; i-n.
o. Sept. 30. 1,i865.
Howard, Ezekiel, Porter, e. Oct. 3, 1864;
i-n. O. Sept. 30, I865.
Lett, Zach., Corp., Penn, e. Dec. 14, 1863;
ni. O. Sept. 30, i865.
Mathews, Heiiry A., La Grange, e. Sept.
5, 1864; in. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Plowden, William P., Howard, e. Dec.
19, 1863; mn. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Ram-say, Joseph, Penn, e. Dec. ii, 1863;
in. O. Sept. 30, i865.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


327


Roberts, John, Penn, e. Aug. i8, i864;
in. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Van Dyke, Lewis, Sergt., Penn, e. Dec.
i i, 1863; in. 0. Sept. 30, 1865.
COMPANY G.
Ashe, Joseph C., Calvin, e. Sept. 23, i864;
in. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Bricey, George, Howard, e. Dec. 19, 1863;
dis. for disability Allay 26, 1864.
Boyd, Lawson. Calvin, e. Dec. 29, 1863;
in. O. Sept. 30, 1865.
Bird, James AlI., Calvin, e. Sept. 23, 1864;
in. O. Sept. 30, i865.
Bird, Turner, Calvin, e. Sept. 23, 1864;
mn. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Farrar, Alfred, Corp., e. Dec. 21, 1863;
absent sick at mn. o.
Heathcock, Bartlett, Porter, e. Dec. 29,
1863; died of disease in Micbigan April
5, 1 864.
Heatbcock, Berry, Porter, e. Dec. 29,
1863; dis. for disability May 28, i86".
Hill, Jackson, Penn, e. Sept. i, 1864; in.
o. Sept. 30, 1865.
Huston, John, Silver Creek, e. Dec. 26,
1863; in. o. Sept. 30, 1865.
Jefferson, Thomas. Pokagon, e. Dec. 30,
18963; nm. o. Sept. 30, i86".
Lawrence, Alfred, Howard, e. Dec. 12,
1863; in. o. Sept. 30, 1865.
Russell, Henderson, Pokagon, e. Dec. 30,
1863; in. o. Sept. 30. 1865.
Russell, Jacob. Pokagon. e. Dec. 30, 1 863;
dis. for disability June 8, 1.865.
Russell. John. Pokagon, e. Dec. 30, 1 863;
dis. for wounds June 8. i865.
Stewart, John E., Calvin, e. Feb. 28, 1864;
in. o. Sept. 30. i865.
Stewart, Sylvester, Ontwa, e. Dec. 28,
T863; dis. for disability MAay 30. i865.
Tbornton, Henry. Calvin, e. Sept. 29,
1 864; in. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Windburn, George, Howvard, e. Sept. 23,
1864; in. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Winies, Ebenezer, H-oward, e. Sept. 23,
1864; 'In. o. Sept. 30. i865.
COMPANY H.
Corp. Aquilla R. Corey, Howard, e. Dec.
24, 1864; in. o. Sept. 30, i865.


PRIVATES.
Cousins, Ely, Porter, e. Dec. 26, i863; in.
o. Sept. 30, i865.
Cousins, David, Penn, e. Dec. 4, 1863;
absent sick.
Dorsey, James W., Howard, e. Dec. 24,
1863; in. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Gibson'. Marquis, Penn, e. Aug. 19, 1864;
in. o. Sept. 30, 1865.
Griffin, Solomon, Penn, e. Dec. 2i, i863;
in. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Hill, Allen, Penn, e. Sept. i, 1864; in. 0.
Sept. 30, i865.
Sanders, Peter, Porter, e. Dec. 9, 1863;
in. o. Sept. 30, i865.
White, Henry, Calvin, e. Dec. 13, 1863;
died of disease at Beaufort, S. C., Aug.
7, 1 864.
White., Wright, La Grange, e. Feb. 17,
i865; in. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Washington, George, Dowagiac, e. Dec.
i8, 1863; in. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Sergt. James Wheeler, Wayne, e. Dec. 29,
1863; in. o. Sept. 30. i865.
COMPANY1I.
Anderson, Amos, Porter, e. Sept. 17,
1864; in. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Anderson, Jefferson B., Porter, e. Jan. TI,
1864; in. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Gillan, Andrew, La Grange, e. Dec. 31,
1863; inI. o. Sept. 30. i865.
Morton. Henry, Calvin, e. Sept. 23, 1864;
ni. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Sharpe. Joseph. Silver Creek. e. MNarch 15,
i86s; (lis. by order Oct. 28, 1865.
Wilsonl Joel. Howard, e. Dec. 24. 1863;
in. o. Sept. 30. 1865.
COMPANY K.
Sergt. Abnier R. Bird. Calvin, e. Jan. i6,
1864; in. o. Sept. 30. i,86~.
Harris, W~illiamn, Calvin, e. Sept. 23. 1864;
in. o.. Sept. 30, 1865.
Murphy, Percival. Calvin, e. Jan. 15, 1864;
dis. by order Nov. 13, 1865.
Stafford. James K., Porter. e. Aug. 24,
1864; in. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Tlalbot, Wiiliarn H., Porter, e. Oct. 5,
T864; in. o. Sept. 30, i865.
Wilson, Giles, 3., Calvin, e. Sept. 23, 1864;
in. o. Sept. 30, i865.


FIRST REGIMENT ENGINEERS AND MECHAiNICS.


COMPANY C.
Dickerson, Albert, died of disease at
Louisville, Ky., Feb. 24, 1864.
Peachey, Aaron. Mlarcellus, e. Au1g. 23,
1864; died of disease at Nashville,
Tenn.., NOV. 21, 1864.


COMPANY D.
Gaines, lFranklin, Pokagon, e. Dec. 29,
1863; in. o. Sept. 22, i865.
Little, John H-., Marcellus, e. Aug. 23,
1864; dis. by order June 6, 1865.




328                  HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
COMPANY F.                  Stanley, James S., Ontwa, e. Jan. 4, 1864;
Williams, Isaac N., Penn, e. Aug. 21,      m. o. Sept. 22, 1865.
I864; dis. by order June 6, I865.       Van Tassell, David, Ontwa, e. Jan. 4,
COMPANY G.                    I864; died of disease Feb. I6, I864.
Crampton, Abel, Pokagon, e. Dec. 15,                   COMPANY K.
I863; m. o. Sept. 22, I865.             Isham, William, Silver Creek, e. Dec. 2I,
Galt, Freeman H., Pokagon, e. Dec. I5       I863; m. o. Sept. 22, i865.
I863; died of disease at Ringgold, Ga,  White, William  H., Silver Creek; m. o.
Aug. 5, i864.
Rogers, Lucius, Ontwa, e. Jan. 4, I864;     Sept 22, I865.
dis. by order June 6, I865.
MICHIGAN PROVOST GUARD.
Mershon, Andrew, dis. by order July 2, I863.
FIRST UNITED STATES SHARPSHOOTERS.
COMPANY K.                  McClelland, William.
First Lieut. Charles W. Thorp, Nicholas-  Thoop, Sylvester A.
ville, Nov. 27, 1863; Second Lieut. Oct.              COMPANY I
II, I862; Corp. Aug. 12, I861; dis. for
disability May 24, I864.                Lieut. William Stewart, Sept. I, 1862; m.
Christie. Walter T., Marcellus; died of    o. at end of service at end of war, Jan.
wounds at Washington, D. C., May 12,     I, i865.
I863.                                   Corp. Samuel Inling, Newberg, e. Sept.
Goodspeed, Edwin C.                         I, I862; trans. to 5th Mich. Inft.; m. o.
Beebe, George S.
SIXTY-SIXTH    ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER        INFANTRY.
COMPANY D.
Beckwith, Henry L., e. Feb. 22, 1864,; vet. recruit; m. o. July 7, I865.
TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
COMPANY H.
Graham, S. J., Mason, e. April, i86I; dis. for disability I86I.
FORTY-NINTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
COMPANY E.                    1865; wounded in left arm   at Rocky
Graham, Sidney J., Mason, re-enl. Sept.,    Ridge, May 9, 1865.
I86I; vet. Feb. 1864; m. o. May 20,
FORTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
COMPANY F.
Willians, Henry, Mason.
OHIO INFANTRY.
Tompkins, Newberg.
TWENTY-FIRST OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
Graham, Sidney J., e. April 17, I86I, in Co. H.; re-e. in Co. E, 49th Ohio Vol.
Inft. (See above.)




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


329


CHAPTER XXIII.
MILITARY     ORGANIZATIONS.
W. J. MAY POST, G. A. R.
W. J. May Post, No. 65, G. A. R., was organized at Jones July
24th, 1882, with the following charter members:
*Thomas L. Blakely, I th Mich. Infantry; Isaac S. Pound, I4th
Mich. Battery; *Jabez S. Tompkins; Alonzo1 B. Congden, 88th Indiana
Infantry; James L. Haine, I th Mich. Infantry; *Anson L. Dunn,
I4th Mich. Infantry; *Hugh Ferguson, I th Mich. Infantry; *Cyrus
W. O'Conner, I th Mich. Infantry; Samuel P. King, I2th Mich. Infantry; Daniel Trattles, i9th Mich. Infantry; *Stephen A. Gardner,
I24th Ohio Infanttry; Joseph H. Dunworth; *Horton M. Squires,
Sharp Shooters: *Henry Seigle; William Alexander, I2th Mich. Infantry.
THOMAS MANNING POST, G. A. R.
Thomas Manning Post, No. 57, G. A. R., at Marcellus, was
chartered May I9, 1882. The Post's charter members were the following:
H. J. Kellogg, Wm. Bedford, H. J. Ohls, Frank Shonhower,
H. M. Nottingham, Wm. Schugg, G. I. Nash, Oren Holden, H. E.
Giddings, R. Harvell, C. E. Davis, B. F. Groner, W. R. Snider, Samuel
Kidney, John Littell, George Heckleman, Jas. Boner, H. H. Hartman,
J. B. Fortner, George Eggleston, W. H. Vincent, E. Schugg, George
Savage. Chas. Guich, William  Casselman, J. T. Van Sickle, Robt.
McDonald, Clarence Lomison, Asa Sheldon, E,. S. Weaver, Chas. Souls,
Asa Sheldon, Wm. McKeehy, A. H. Lewis, Chauncey Drury, S. P.
Hartshorn, Noah Kunes, Beneville Die Long, James Youngs, Isaac
Snyder, L. P. Raymond, Joseph Gearhart, Carr Finch, Wm. Collier,
H. Sheldon, James Wagner, W. H. Waugh, Sr., S. Eberhart, Zenas
Kidney, B. F. Harrington, W. J. Herbert, M. F. Burney, Lewis Timm,
George Reynolds, George Scott, Henry Whitney, J. G. Harper, J. J.
Hinchey, Robt. Lundy.
*Dead.




330


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


The present membership of this Post is as follows:
H. J. Kellogg, H. M. Nottingham, W. R. Snider, C. E. Davis,
John Littell, J. B. Fortner, W. H. Waugh, Sr., W. J. Herbert, W. H.
Vincent, Wm. Bradford, Clarence Lomison, Bemer Lewis, Richard
Harvell, Noah Kunes, H. L. Cooper, Carr Finch, Chas. Tutton, G. I.
Nash, V. W. Spigelmeyer, B. F. Adams, R. T. Streeter, W. H. Burch,
Jos. Romig, John Crockett, F. C. Brown, R. D. Snyder, A. J. Maxan,
Clark H. Beardslee, N. W. Holcomb, H. J. Ikes, E. W. La Barre, I.
W. Steininger, John Smith, Julius Waterstradt, Robt. Smith, W. G.
WXalters, E. S. Mack, Levi Dennis, George F. Bowersox, Isaac Long,
Daniel Emery, S. M. Reigle, Franklin T. Wolf, B. H. Hodges, Isaac
De Con, Wm. McIntyre, P. S. Youells, Pomeroy Castle, Peter Bowers,
C. P. Bradford, H. C. Lambert, C. W. Graham, J. S. Brown, Win.
Holloway.
The office of Post Commander has been held in succession by
the following named: H. J. Ohls, G. G. Woodmansee, George Munger,
Ray T. Streeter, one term each; H. J. Kellogg, Peter Schall, Clarence
Lomison, W. R. Snider, Levi Dennis, B. F. Groner, two terms each;
George I. Nash, five terms; J. B. Fortner, three terms.
T. B. SWEETLAND POST, G. A. R.
J. B. Sweetland Post, No. 448, at Edwardsburg, was chartered
July 21, 1899, with the following members:
William WA. Sweetland, Edwxard Beach. John James, Enoch F.
Newell. Jonas Sassaman, Charles R. Kingsley, George O. Bates, Theo(lore Manchow, John Jacks, Emanuel Rhinehart, James H. Andrus,
Charles E. Gardner, George Bement, Covingtoln Way.
The present members are:
Benajmin F. Thompson, Jonas Sassaman, Aaron Dever, XWm. NV.
Sweetland, John James, James H. Andrus, George Williams, Calvin
Steuben, Covington Way, Theodore Manchow, William Funk, Roger
Burns, John Jones.
MATTHEW ARTIS POST, G. A. R.
Matthew Artis Post. No. 34I, was organized at Day March 0I,
I866, with twenty-one members, as follows:
Commander, Bishop E. Curtis; Senior Vice Commander, Henry D.
Stewart; Junior Vice Commander, James Monroe; Adjutant, Abner R.
Byrd; Quartermaster, Solomon Griffin; Surgeon, Harrison Griffin; Chap



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


331


lain, George Scott; Officer of Day, Zachariah Pompey; Officer of Guard,
John Copley; Sergeant Major, James M. Stewart; Quartermaster Sergeant, James H. Ford. Members: Peter Saunders, Caswell Oxendine,
Berry Haithcock, John Curry, Samuel Wells, John Brown, Martin
Harris, Andrew Gillum, George Broaidy, L. B. Stewart.
The officers and members in August, 1906, are as follows:
Commander, Abner R. Byrd; Senior Vice Commander. James
Monroe; Junior Vice Commander, Caswell Oxendine; Adjutant, Bishop
E. Curtis; Quartermaster, Geo. H. Curtis; Surgeon, John A. Harris;
Chaplain, Zachariah Pompey; Officer of the Day, James M. Stewart;
Officer of the Guard, John Copley; Quartermaster Sergeant, L. B.
Stewart; Sergeant Major, Solomon Griffin.    Comrades: Wm. S.
Copley, Hiram Smith, A. B. Anderson, Bennett Allen.
Matthew Artis   V. R. C.. No. 164, auxiliary to Matthew Artis
Post. No. 341, was organized November 7,.888, with the following
ten members:
Mary Copley. Cora Copley, Amelia Copley, Marinda Johnson,
Anna Eliza Griffin, Eva Dungey, Eva O. Byrd, Sarah E. Curtis, Eliza
Oxendine, Elizabeth Stewart.
ALBERT ANDERSON POST, G. A. R.
Albert Anderson Post, No. 157, was organized at Cassopolis July
7, I883, and the following rmembers mustered:
Zacheus Aldrich, William G. \Vatts. Fairfield Goodwin. Thomas
M. Seares, James Patterson, Samuel V. Pangborn, WVilliam T. Dilts.
Jacob Mcintosh, Maro i\. Abbott, John Pangborn. John Jackson, Joel
Cowgill, Isaiah Harris. James M. Roberts, Edmond Landon, William
Wallace Marr, OwNen L. Allen, -Marvin F. \Westfall, Marcellus K.
lWhetsell, Jos. T. Bangham.
Since the first muster the following comrades have been added
to the membership:
July 21, I883-Fred A. Beckwith, John L. Tharp, John Glass.
July 28. 1883-Francis Coon, Alonzo Garwood, George B.
Crandell, Benjamin F. Hogue.
August 4, 1883-Samuel Williams, James M. Cowin, Henry C.
Walker, E. W. Cornell. Wm. G. Roberts.
August IT. 1883-Henry James, John A. Bronner, Jonathan H.
Breed, I. M. Harris.




332


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


August I8, 1883-Vincent Reames, Lewis Crandall, E. G. Loux,
Charles Hedger, Reuben Beverly.
August 9, I884-James M. Shephard, Francis Squires, Levi J.
Garwood, William Clark, George T. Shaffer, Leander D. Tompkins,
James M. Noble, Jesse W. Madrey.
August I6, 1884-Daniel L. Closson, John H. Keene, James H.
Byrd, Edward P. Boyd.
August 4, I886, and since that time-Norris Richardson, Robert
Toas, Michael Grimm, Erastus Saunders, John Rodman, S. M. Grennell, William Matthews, Abram Heaton, William Berkey, Moses F.
Paisley, Henry Morton, Marion Garrison, Henry C. Westfall, John D.
Williams, Edgar F. Hays, Wlilliam H. Owen.
SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MONUMENT ASSOCIATION.
To commemorate the bravery and patriotism of the many soldiers
who have gone from this county to the wars of the country, and to
stimulate the interest and veneration of the present and future generations for the deeds of war which were necessary for the establishment
of the republic, a movement has been set on foot to raise funds and
erect a soldiers' monument to the soldiers and sailors of Cass county.
The movement had its inception in the rooms of the H. C. Gilbert
Post, No. 49, at Dowagiac, in April, I905, when it was first proposed
to raise the modest sum of five hundred dollars and locate such a monument as that would provide on a soldiers' lot in Riverside cemetery.
Willis M. Farr and Lewis J. Carr were appointed from the post to
solicit funds, and these two later'appointed a third G. A. R. member,
John Bilderback, and Burgette L. Dewey, the merchant, and Clyde
W. Ketcham, the lawyer, were afterward added. On the motion of
Mr. Farr the committee proceeded to raise a fund of five thousand
dollars or more, instead of five hundred, and amplify the plans and objects accordingly. Individual donations have been mainly relied upon,
a canvass was made among the citizens of Dowagiac and the county,
and also outside, nearly one thousand dollars being contributed to the
fund by what were considered outside parties. The pupils of the public
schools were also given an opportunity to give small sums. A benefit
was given by a baseball team, several clubs donated sums, the proceeds
of a lecture and a legerdemain entertainment swelled the fund. The
largest sum was given by the P. D. Beckwith Estate, five hundred
dollars, and other large contributors have been Willis M. Farr, Bur



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY                       333
gette L. Dewey, Hon. William Alden Smith, Hon. Edward L. Hamilton, Charles R. Hannan of Boston, Mrs. Ellen T. Atwell, E. H. Spoor
of Redlands, Cal., Mrs. Jerome Wares of Chicago, C. L. Sherwood,
Burlingame, H. R. Spencer, Otis Bigelow, the City Bank, J. 0. Becraft.
The executive committee, on whom has fallen the chief burden
in promoting this cause, consists of Willis M. Farr, Lewis J. Carr,
John Bilderback, Burgette L. Dewey and Clyde W. Ketcham. By his
enthusiasm and untiring efforts in behalf of the monument Mr. Farr
has rendered most signal service, and that the large sum has been
raised and the monument become a fact is due to the unselfish work
on the part of its principal promoters.
In addition to the above fund the city council of Dowagiac donated five hundred dollars, and the Board of Supervisors of Cass county
one thousand dollars, making a sum total of $6,500.0o.




334


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


CHAPTER XXIV.
SOCIAL ORGANIZATION.
The social tie was as strong, if not stronger, in the early days as
in modern life. Job Wright, the hermit and recluse, whom we have
elsewhere mentioned as seeking solitude on the island of Diamond lake,
was an abnormal character.  Such aversion to the society of fellow
man is so uncommon as to mark its possessor with the interest of a phenomenon in human existence. His course was like a soldier trying to
live by himself during the Civil war. As there were ties which drew
the soldiers together, ties which exist even today, so there were ties which
drew the early settlers together.  They had common interests, had a
common work to do, and were threatened by common dangers. Their
very circumstances made it necessary that they stand together, minister to each other in sickness, and weep with those that wept; and this
made them rejoice with those who, rejoiced. There are bonds in the
Grand Army of the Republic which do not exist in any other society of
men. And so it is with the early settlers of this county. We see this
when they get together. They have no grips nor secret words, and yet
one who is not an early settler is as effectually debarred from entering
into their experiences as though he were on the outside of lodge-room
doors.
Of course, the pleasurable occasions of the early days were in the
main quite different from those of the present.  They were also less
frequent, and for that reason enjoyed with more zest. Some of those
pleasures accompanied the tasks that had to be performed-in fact, were
a part of them. The work was of such a nature that neighbors often
assisted one another.  Without particularly intending it, each neighborhood was a co-operative society. The clearing of the land, getting
rid of large timber, necessitated what were known as log rollings. No
one individual could dispose of the great trees of those primeval forests. If he had undertaken it his progress would have been so slow and
the work so difficult that he would have given up in, despair long before
his task was completed. Necessity compelled co-operation in this work,
and that principle was carried into much of the other labor that had to




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


335


be performed. A man who was so selfish or so mean as to, refuse his
assistance to a neighbor who needed help was regarded with disfavor
by the other settlers. In fact, he became almost an outcast. In more
ways than one he was a greater loser than the one whom he refused to,
assist.
After the settlers had been here for a number of years and were
raising large crops of corn, husking bees began to take the place of the
log rollings of the earliest clays. This does not mean that the log rollings ceased when the corn huskings began, for both were kept up at the
same time throiughout a number of years. But after each farmer had
a comparatively large acreage cleared the log rollings became less frequent and the corn huskings more frequent.
The women, too, had their methods of co-operation as well as the
men, and they also made opportunities by this means for social gatherings. \Vool pickings and quiltings were among their frolics, and those
occasions were not less enjoyable to them than the log rollings, house
raisings and corn huskings were to the men. Manv of the women knew
as much ablout outdoor work as the men. Often they assisted their husbands in the fields in order that the farm work might be done at the
proper time and the necessaries of life provided for the family. And
their household duties were more ar(luous than those of the farmers'
wives of the present (lay. Besides, on account of living so far apart,
their isolation was more complete. The occasions on which the women
of the neighborhood would get together to help one another with a portion of their work afforded a pleasant relief from the toilsome labor at
home, whether it was the labor of the field or the household. Besides
the diversions already mentioned there were evening apple-parings, in
which both young men and young women took part, and taffy-pullings
for the younger people in the season of maple-sugar making. These
gatherings closed by guessing contests, "spatting out," and, frequently,
by dancing.
There was but little social diversion for that purpose alone, but it
was associated with the usual labor in one form or another. This was
not because the people of those days would not have enjoyed pleasure
for pleasure's sake as well as the people of this generation, but rather
because stern necessity decreed otherwise.  Thus the social life of the
pioneers became a part of their industrial life, and it is impossible to separate the two in description. A few years later, when the people did not
have to devote to labor every hour not spent in sleep, they found other




336


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


methods for employing the time when they could come together. Singing schools, spelling schools, debating clubs and literary societies began
to take the place of corn huskings, apple-parings and taffy-pullings. But
even these, like the other gatherings which preceded them, had their
double purpose. The opportunity they afforded for mingling socially
was not the only reason they came into existence. The cultivation of
the musical talent, the mastery of the art of spelling or training for talking in public were the paramount objects.
What event-except the contrastingly sad one of death-would
stir pioneer sentiment more than a wedding? The union of families
that had perhaps met here after leaving homes in widely diverse parts
of the country was an occurrence worthy of social happiness and one
to be celebrated with jubilation. Marriages and births were the events
most in keeping with the spirit of hope and progress that animated
every new community. Therefore, let us recall one of the early we(ldings, a celebration of great interest to, the county, eagerly looked forward to and long remembered among pioneer happenings.
Though not the first wedding in the county, the marriage of Elias
B. Sherman and Sarah, the daughter of Jacob Silver, on New Year's
day of 1833, was the first in the county seat and perhaps the most notable of the early weddings. At that time Mr. Sherman, though a young
man of about thirty, had attained the prominence befitting the incumbent of the offices of prosecuting attorney, probate judge and district
surveyor of Cass county, and who was also one of the founders of the
village of Cassopolis. There was no minister in Cassopolis at that time,
and as the bride desired the ceremony to be performed according to the
Episcopal rites, the matter of finding the proper minister threatened to
be a serious obstacle. Happily, it was learned that Bishop Philander
Chase had recently located at Gilead in Branch county, and thither Mr.
Sherman went and made known to the bishop his need. Although no
railroad afforded the bishop a quick and comfortable ride to the place of
ceremony and it was necessary for him to, undergo a long drive over the
frozen roads, such difficulties were made nothing of by pioneer ministers. On the appointed morning the bishop was on hand, and the people of the village and the surrounding country were all alive to the
festive importance of the day. The guests assembled in the second story
of the building in which Jacob Silver sold goods., where elaborate
preparations had been made in anticipation, and in the presence of many
whose names have been mentioned in connection with the early history




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


337


of the county the marriage was performed, the first of the many that have
occurred in the village during the subsequent three-quarters of a century.
One other occasion may be described before proceeding with the
special social and fraternal history. In I837 Elijah Goble built a tavern at the little center called Charleston, in Volinia township. Having
completed the structure, he resolved to have a house warming, to which
he invited all his fellow pioneers. This was, therefore, perhaps the first
gathering specially designed to include early settlers. It is stated that
from seventy-five to one hundred people, mostly from the north part
of the county, assembled at the Goble tavern on the designated day.
The features of the meeting which we would most like to reproduce were
unfortunately lost with the passing of the day itself, for the experiences
those old settlers exchanged can never be retold; the melody of the solngs
they sang has gone with the breath that made it.
At this meeting in Volinia, as on other social occasions, music and
dancing were features of the entertainment. It must not be supposed
that the muse of song and harmony was a stranger to, the pioneer settlements. Of instrumental music there was little, but the quietness and
isolation of life in the wilderness was favorable to the expression of
feeling by song. The earnest intoning of the old hymns in the first
churches, the old-time melodies that were flung to the air at the social
gatherings and the eager interest taken in the singing schools, all show
that the love of harmony was as fundamental here as among older civilization.
And although there were no pianos and organs, an occasional settler
possessed a more portable instrument and with this he softened some of
the asperities of frontier life. Among the settlers who came to Milton
township in 1829, was a Mr. Morris, who delighted to play on a fife.
Surely, as its shrill notes sounded through the forest aisles, the birds
must have realized the presence of a new form of existence competing
with them in their solitudes.
Peter Barnhart, who settled in Howard in 1830, was a fiddler, and
it was his presence that lent the spirit of rhythm to many a pioneer dance.
Isaiah Carberry, an early settler in the same township, was also skillful
with the bow and was in demand at the dances. These dances were
usually held in the evening after logging, husking or quilting bees. The
democratic character of pioneer society prevented their being exclusive,
and the fact that they were held after a day of hard labor is evidence




338


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


that there was little brilliance of costume or house decoration.  The
dyed homespun dresses of the girls and the home-tailored garments and
rough, coarse boots of the men detracted nothing from the wholesome
pleasure of the occasion.
It would not be out of place in a history of this kind to describe all
the events and institutions of social living which have been strong and
enduring enough to give permanence to the organizations which men
and women form in promoting their community life. But in reality this
entire history is given to the description of the forms and institutions
which have grown up in Cass county because of the introduction of civilization and the increasingly close contact between the social units. Civil
government has been described. The organization of communities for
civil, business and other purposes has taken many pages of this volume.
Business and industry have been described mainly in their relation to
the people at large. \Vhen civil war was raging it called for citizens in
the most perfected form of disciplined organization.  Schools, as elsewhere describe(l, have always been the center olf the social community,
and churches are the very essence of the social life.  These subjects
finding exposition on other pages, it remains for this chapter to group
together some of the social organizations which have positive influence
and definite purpose and form  a recognized part in the life of Cass
county's people.
WOMEN S CLUBS.
The Cassopolis Woman's Club, now a member of the great federation of women's clubs, was organized in I898. Among those who
assisted in the organization and became charter members may be mentioned Mesdames Coulter, Goodwin, Sate Smith, Funk, Biscomb, Lodor,
McIntosh, Nell Smith, Armstrong, Cowgill (now deceased), Reynolds
and Allison. The club was brought into the federation in  90oI.
The Cassopolis Woman's Club holds weekly sessions from October
to April inclusive. Its work is mainly literary, although it has taken a
beneficial interest in certain matters of civic: improvement and in beautifying the village. In its regular sessions topics of current and general importance are taken up according to a program that is arranged
before the beginning of each season's work.
The following are the oficers of the club for the season of I905-o6
just closed:  President, Mrs. Addie S. Coulter: first vice president,
Mrs. Catherine Criswell: second vice president,.\Mrs. Helen Reynolds;




IHISTORY OF CASS COUNTY         339


3393


record ing secretar y,  Alrs. Clara Eby;  correspondling secretary, Miirs.
Emmnia Cobb:. treasurer. 1\lrs. Tennie Carman.
Calenda r committee  AI\is. Hattie Al. Tbickstu-m  (chairman), Al rs.
Rebecca 13. Woods, Airs. Allie Al. IDes Voignes. Mrs. May S. Armstrong.
Aienml)ers:-A'[rs. A[a v S. A-rmstronoy Afiss Kiatherine Arnmstron
TAirs. AtI.av F. Allison, AIrs. Tlmtrsv 7A. Bovd. Airs. 'Aaav Bowen,  Mrs.
Adclie S. Coulter, AiNrs. Emma Cobb), AIrs. Katherine Criswell, AMrs.
Jane Crosby, Mrs. Jane Carman, AIrs. Allie Al. Des Voignes, AiNrs. Clara
Eby, A\Irs. Maude WV. Epplev. A1rs. Ellen R. Futnk, Ars. Ina AL. Fisk,
Mrs. Helen Francis. Avirs. Lida R. Goo,(lwNin, Airs. Lola Geiser. AMrs.
Grace Hain, Airs. Myra Hughes. AMlrs. Ruth T. Hayden, Airs. Katherine
Harmonl, Mrs. Hattie T. Holland, AMIrs. Helen Tohnston, Airs. Blanche
link, Airs. Emily McIntosh, Airs. Helen Reynolds.   Miss Nellie Rudd,
MIrs. Grace Rinehart, Mrs. Nellie Stenimm', ATrs. Leni Al. Smith, Mrs.
Sate R. Smith, Airs. Lucy E. Smith, Airs. Ocenia Sears, AMrs. Hattie
Thickstun, AIMrs. Alice Voorhis. M4rs. Ida Warren. Mrs. Ella Waldo
Gardner, Mrs. Rebecca B. XToods, Mrs. Clara Zeller.
Honorary members:-AMrs. Jennie Lodor, Airs. Amelia Biscomlb.
THE AMBE-R CLUB.
The Amber Club is composed of some of the most intellectual women in Cassopolis. It is unique in its organization, or rather in its lack
of organization, having neither governing rules nor officers, and keeping no records.
It sprung into existence in December,   8g95, with the follow-ing
members:     Mrs. Henrietta Beni'ett, Airs. Maryette H. Glover, Mrs.
Ocenia B. Harrington. AIrs. Atugusta E. Higbee. Airs. Stella Kingsbury,
Mrs. Elma A. Patrick. Miss Sarah B. Price, Mrs. Addie S. Tietsort,
Mrs. Ida M. Yost, all of wThom are living and retain their menmhership
in the club, excepting the last named lady, who died December 5, 1899.
Before the leath of Mrs. Yost the club had held annual banquets, and
that year arrangements wvere completed for the banquet to be held at
her home the (ay she died. Neither that nor subsequent banquets have
been held.
Since the beginning of the club three of the members have moved
from  Cassopolis, but are still recognized as members.  The membership has been increased] to seventeen by the addition of the following
ladies:  Airs. Carrie L. Carr. Airs. Carrie WV. Fitzsimons, Mrs. Calista




340


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Kelsey, Mrs. Grace M. O'Leary, Mrs. Cora L. Osmer, Mrs. May E.
Ritter, Mrs. Elizabeth H. Sharpe, Mrs. Maria F. Thomas, Mrs. Lulu
Yost.
The meetings of the club are held weekly Monday afternoons in
rotation at the homes of its members. It is purely a reading club.
While their reading has been along general lines in history, books of
travel and other literary works, they have made a study of Shakespeare
a specialty.
NINETEENTH CENTURY CLUB.
The Nineteenth Century Club of Duwagiac was organized in I889,
the first meeting being held September 5th of that year. It joined the
state federation in I892, being a charter member of the federation. It
joined the county federation in 1902. The club, whose membership is
limited to fifty, meets on Thursday of each week from October to June.
Wlith its motto, "A workman is made by working," the club has pursued
at various times the study of history, literature and art of European
countries and America and has contributed to civic betterment by planting trees and ivy about the public schools and library grounds; has donated paintings to the high school and books to the library, maintains
a life membership in the Children's Home at St. Joseph, has contributed
to the Stone Memorial Scholarship Fund at Ann Arbor; has sent magazines to the state prison at Jackson, the asylum at Kalamazoo, the hospital at Ann Arbor and the Old People's Home at South Haven; has sent
Christmas boxes to the county poor-house and in many ways directed its
efforts toward practical philanthropy. The club has secured literary and
musical talent for home entertainments and once a year gives an open program of its own to the publlic. In local and state legislation the club has
secured the passage by the city council of an ordinance preventing expectoration in streets and one prohibiting bicycle riders from cutting
corners and riding across private property; has sent petitions to the
legislature in regard to placing women on boards of control, concerning
cigarette and juvenile court laws; and has sent petitions to the United
States Congress asking the passage of the lately enacted Heyburn purefood bill, and also concerning the industrial condition of women, which
was the first federal measure to which the women's clubs gave their
attention.
The following are the names of the charter members of the club:
Mrs. H. W. Richards, Mrs. Susan Van Uxem, Mrs. E. L. Knapp, Mrs.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


341


Henry Porter, Mrs. B. L. Dewey, Mrs. Theodore Wilbur, Mrs. Willis
Farr, Mrs. H. F. Colby, Mirs. R. B. Marsh, Mrs. F. W. Lyle, Mrs.
Augustius Jewell, Mrs. William M. Vrooman, Mrs. H. B. Burch, Mrs.
John Gimper, Miss Frances M. Ross.
The first officers were:  President, Mrs. R. B. Marsh; vice president, Miss Ross (Frances); secretary and treasurer, Mrs. E. L. Knapp.
The present officers are: President, Miss Frances M. Rose; vice
president, Mrs. T. J. Edwards; recording secretary, Miss Edith Oppenheim; corresponding secretary, Miss Olive M. Marsh; treasurer, Mrs.
A. E. Jewell; custodian, Mrs. J. H. Jones.
The present members are: Mrs. C. E. Avery, Mrs. S. M. Baits,
Mrs. Otis Bigelow, Mrs. Eugene Gilbert, Mrs. B. A. Cromie, Mrs.
James Harley, Mrs. F. H. Essig, Mrs. C. B. Harris, Mrs. Thomas
Harley, Mrs. C. W\. Ketcham, Mrs. Roy Jones, Mrs. E. P. McMaster,
Miss Edith Oppenheim, Miss Frances M. Ross, Mrs. Grace Sweet,
Mrs. W. M. Vrooman, Mrs. E. E. Alliger, Miss Irene Buskirk, Mrs.
C. L. Fowle, Mrs. H. J. Bock, Mrs. A. E. Gregory, Mrs. W. C. Edwards, Mrs. WM. F. Hoyt, Mrs. Carrie Frost Herkimer, Miss Elma Kinzie, Mrs. A. E. Jewell, Miss Olive M. Marsh, Mrs. J. H. Kinnane, Mrs.
H. Wi. Palmer, Mrs. Fannie Wares, Mrs. Ira Gage, Mrs. M. P. White,
Miss Mary Andrew, Mrs. Roy Burlingame, Mrs. F. H. Baker, Mrs. A.
B. Gardner, Mrs. F. H. Codding, Mrs. W. E. Conkling, Mrs. T. J.
Edwards, Mrs. A. E. Rudolphi, Mrs. E. B. Jewell, Mrs. John Warren,
Mrs. J. H. Jones, Mrs. J. L. Parker, Mrs. E. N. Rogers, Mrs. C. W.
Southworth, Mrs. D. W. Van Antwerp.
The Tourists' Club of Dowagiac was organized January 30, I896.
There were, at first, nol dues. The only requirements for membership
were a common knowledge of English and a genuine desire to learn by
study. College and high school graduates, former teachers and those
whose education depended mostly on reading, all met on an equal footing and enjoyed together what are called "tours." A country being selected for a visit and a wall map perhaps manufactured, its geography
and then its history to the present time is given in topics, next its cities
visited as realistically as possible, the motto and flag if a country, shield
if a state, noted, and information and pleasure second only to a bona fide
visit gained. Beginning at home, the United States was thoroughly explored, then England and France, the countries of southern Europe, this
year Holland, Belgium and Switzerland, the next year Denmark, Nor



342


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


way and Sweden, and after Europe is thoroughly "done," probably
South America will be "visited."
A  supplementary exercise at each meeting is called "Current
Events,' an(l consists of anything in the line of discovery, invention, research of any kind as found in the daily papers, "queer, quaint and curious," often amusing, always interesting. The program opens with quotations from some author of the country studied, or upon some given
topic, as "love," "hope," "anger." Good local musical talent, vocal solos
and piano. numbers by members or visitors (especially young players
needing a ki(nly audience), a little original music and some mild poetry
have brightened the programs.  The educating influence of the study,
the "travel," is plainly seen in many instances and no mother has neglected her children! Though the majority are grandmothers, all are
not, and that harp-string of "neglected families" is evidently broken.
If housekeeping and other woman's work will not allow two hours of
recreation and miental uplifting in a week, it is sad indeed for woman!
Lodges are beneficial and so are clubs. The Tourists' Club is pleased
to note that while the city press at first accepted reports of their meetings on sufferance, they are now sought as an appreciated part of the
news. Thus the assurance that the club has been nol drawback to, the
city, but a source of interest and enjoyment to many is a matter for
gratulation.
The season begins with the first Thursday in October and closes
with the last Thursday in May. Some years a reading club of those who
had time to spare has met every Thursday during the vacation and has
become acquainted with the iliad, the Odyssey, part of the Anabasis and
other gems of the classics. The plan of "free-for-all" has been changed
to dues of one dollar a year, as the club has joined the county federation
and has also local expenses in the way of printed programs, flowers for
funerals of members and often for the sick or "shut-in," and other dues.
A committee. changed every year, arranges the program and material
for the same is obtained from the city public library and from private libraries-often from illustrated leaflets from agents for railroad excursions in various directions and from Baedecker's guide books. Most of
the presidents have served two successive years and there is probably not
a member who would not make a good p)resident if other duties might
allow. An average of four topics a year is prepared by each member
and if one drops out volunteers take her work. "Work, not style" seems
to be the motto of this club. The memlbership is limited to twenty-five,




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


343


but a few more are equally welcome. There is a committee on music
and a committee on program, the first appointed by the president, the
second elected.
The first program from January to June, I896, reads:  President,
Mrs. F. J. Atwell; vice president. Mrs. C. H. Bigelow; secretary, Mrs.
E. R. Spencer.
Members:-Mrs. \   Vill Andrews, Mrs. H. Arthur, Mrs. F. J. Atwell, Mrs. O. S. Beach, Mrs. J. O. Becraft, Mrs. M. Hungerford, Mrs.
William Larzelere, Mrs. G. B. Moore, Mrs. M. E. Morse, Mrs. R. E.
Morse, Mrs. A. Benedict, Mrs. C. H. Bigelow, Mrs. Otis Bigelow, Mrs.
H. Defendorf, Mrs. T. J. Edwlards, Mrs. B. Elkerton, Mrs. M. llanders, Mrs. Will Henwood, Mrs. H. II. Porter, Miss Grace Reshore,
Mrs. T. J. Rice, Mrs. John A. Root, Mrs. C. L. Sherwood, Mrs. E. R.
Spencer, Mrs. Susan Thomas. Mrs. S. Tryon, Mrs. T. F. Wilbur.
A  few have resigned, a few removed from     the city and a few
passed on to the better country.  In memoriam:-Mrs. M. E. Morse,
Mrs. C. L. Sherwood, Mlrs. S. Thomas, Mrs. S. Tryon, Mrs. W. H.
Palmer.
Officers elected for I906-07 are:  President, Mrs. J. O. Becraft:
vice president, Mrs. A. Hardy; secretary, Miss Julia Michael; treasurer, Mrs. R. Van Antwerp.
Present menmbers:-Mrs. Jennie Allen, Miss Julia A-lston, Mrs. C.
Amsden. Mrs. F. J. Atwell, Mrs. C. H. Bigelow, IMrs. J. O. Becraft,
Mrs. I. Buchanan, Mrs. M. Campbell, Mrs. L. J. Carr, Mrs. W. V.
Easton, Mrs. A. Hardy, Miss Julia Michael, Mrs. G. B. Moore, Mrs.
G. W. Moore, Mrs. R. E. Morse, Mrs. F. H. Reshore, Mrs. J. A. Root,
Mrs. C. Schmitt, Miss Nettie Tryon, Mrs. R. Van Antwerp, Mrs. Will
Wells.
I, ALLEGRO CLUB OF MARCEILUS.
The idea of a ladies' literary club in Mlarcellus originated with Mrs.
Dora Scott and Mrs. Anna \Valters, who constlted with several others
and as a result the following notice appeared in the Marcellns NeZws for
September 30, I892: "All the ladies interested in a literary club will
meet at the home of Mrs. A. Taylor Tuesday afternoon, October 4, at
half-past two o'clock to organize."  Fifteen ladies were present and an
organization was formed under the temporary name of the "Ladies' Literary Club," with the following charter members:
Mrs. Lydia Taylor, Mrs. Allie Des Voignes, Mrs. Lizzie Jones,
Mrs. Susan Jones, Mrs. Cora White, Mrs. Lena White, Mrs. Effie




344


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Grant, Mrs. Allie Hudson, Mrs. Della Hall, Mrs. Laura Hoffman, Mrs.
Lena Flanders, Mrs. Anna Walter, Mrs. Dora Scott, Mrs. Fannie McManigal, Mrs. Anna Davis, Mrs. Pearl Arnold, Mrs. Laura Tanner,
Mrs. Mary Cooley, Mrs. Mae Schoetzow.
The first officers were:  President, Mrs. Lydia Taylor; vice president, Mrs. Allie M. Des' Voignes; secretary and treasurer, Mrs. Dora
Scott; critic, Mrs. Mae R. Schoetzow.
It was decided to read the play, "The Merchant of Venice;" to
hold the meetings at the houses of the members and on the Monday
evenings from October i to May I of each year. The time and manner of holding the meetings has never been changed.
The first year several Shakespearean plays were read, as well as
some of M\ilton's poems. The title of "L'Allegro," at the suggestion of
Mrs. Cora \White, was adopted as the permanent name of the club. The
first year's work was brought to a close with a banquet at the home of
Mrs. Lizzie Jones, given in lionor of the "martyred husbands," and at
which about thirty-six guests were present.
The officers for 9o06-7 are: President, Lydia Taylor; vice president, Louise Sill; secretary, Eva Ditzell; treasurer, Amanda Harrington; corresponding secretary and librarian, Anna \Valter; critic, Luvia
Lukenbach; par., Edlna Davis.
Members October, 1906:-Mrs. Pearl Arnold, Mrs. Fanchon Bailey,
Miss Alice Bailey, MIrs. Hester Bayley, Mrs. Josephine Beebe, Mrs.
Merle Burlington, Miss Ethel Cowling, Mrs. Edna Davis, Miss Leone
Dennis, Miss Eva Ditzell, Mrs. Nellie Goodes, Mrs. Amanda Harrington,
Miss Pearl Hartman, AMrs. Allie Hudson, Mrs. Lizzie Jones, Mrs. Bessie
Jones, Mrs. Georgia Jones, Mrs. Elida Kroll, MArs. Luvia Lukenhach,
Mrs. Emma McMIanigal, Mrs. Fannie McManigal, Mrs. Edna Patch,
Mrs. Mae R. Schoetzow, Mrs. Louise Sill, Mrs. Florence Sill, Mrs. Lydia
Taylor, Miss.Frances Volknmer, Mrs. Anna Walter, Miss Inez Willard,
Miss Lulu WNeaver, Mrs. Kate ~Worden, Mrs. Dora Scott (honorary
member).
The club work for the first few years was entirely of a literary
nature and was confined for some time to a study of the leading English
authors, especially Shakespeare, but the scope of the study gradually
widened and other departments have been added, including charitable
work. The various committees for the year (I906-07) are Sunshine,
Philanthropic, Civic Improvement and Forestry, and Audobon.
The first printed programs were arranged for the year beginning




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


October 5, I896. The club joined the state federation in I9oo and has
been regularly represented by delegates at all succeeding meetings. The
organization of the County Federation of Women's Clubs was the direct
result of the issuance of invitations by L'Allegro Club to those of Dowagiac and Cassopolis to join with it in the matter. Two, clubs in Dowagiac and one in Cassopolis, also the New Century of Marcellus responded by sending delegates and the federation was formed in I902.
'rHE NEW CENTURY CLUB OF MARCELLUS.
By the persistent efforts and earnest endeavors of two, sagacious
townswomen, Mrs. Parmelia Munger and Mrs. Inez Nottingham, who
felt the need of mental improvement and foresaw the benefits to be derived by the mothers and housewives of Marcellus by special literary
training and an interchange of ideas and experiences concerning the
home and home-making, the rearing and education of children, the help
that might be gained by an organized body to those around them; and
having a deep desire to better know our own country, its history, laws,
government and resources, its neighbors and its relation to them, the
Isabella Club of Marcellus was organized October 23, I895, with the
following officers and members:  President, Mrs. Parmelia Munger;
vice president, hIrs. Lovinia Ridgeley; secretary and treasurer, Mrs. Almira Welcher.
Charter members:-Mrs. Libbie Emery, Mrs. Frances Huber, Mrs.
Kate Loveridge, Miss Florence Munger, Mrs. Theresa Poorman, Mrs.
Eunice Lomison, Mrs. Jane Shannon. Miss Pearl Poorman, Mrs. Inez
Nottingham, Mrs. Sabrina Groner, Mrs. Alice Walker, Miss Edna
Welcher. After a lapse of eleven years the names of only six of the
charter members remain upon the roll. Parmelia Munger and Lovinia
Ridgley are deceased, while others have found new homes and moved
from Marcellus.
The club membership is limited to fifteen and the club is barred
from joining the State Federation of Women's Clubs, twenty-one members being required. It is a member of the county federation. Early
in the club year of I9oo the name Isabella was dropped and "New Centurv" adopted, which name the organization now bears.
The meetings are held Wednesday, fortnightly, at 2 o'clock in the
afternoon. The motto of the club, is, "We plan our work and work our
plan." The programs are of a miscellaneous nature, the club maintaining the determination to! study such subjects as are practical and bene



346


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


ficial. For three years the club has had the benefit of the State Traveling Library. It has also taken a four years' Bay View reading course
in connection with the program.  It has a small library of its own.
There is a social feature of the program appreciated by the members, an
annual social (lay, to which the husbands and friends of the members
are invited. In I904 the club held its first annual "Pioneer Day," and
gave a reception to the pioneers of the town and surrounding country.
This day of reminiscences was fully enjoyed by the gray-haired guests,
and at their request the club determined to give them one day in each
year, and set Wednesday nearest the middle of October as their day,
which is to be known and observed as "Pioneer Day."
In philanthropic work the New Century Club has kept apace with its
sister clubs of larger membership. The club has made a ho'me amoing
its members for a friendless child, wjhich has been provided with clothing and books; it has also providled needy children with necessaries, that
they might attend church and school; it has cared for sick friends, and
sent tokens and remembrances to the aged. It joined with the other
clubs of the county in sending relief to the Children's Home of St. Joseph, Michigan.
With the L'Allegro Club last year the school children of Marcellus
wvere incited to the removing of old rubbish and rank weeds (letrimental
to public health, from the back yards and alleys, and beautifying the
grounds with summer flowers and( pretty vines. Thus many children
were kept from the streets, and their minds from thoughts which lead
to vice and crime. To keep the children's minds filled with healthful
thoughts small prizes were offered, which made them zealous and anxious
to repeat their efforts.
The club. year of I906-7 opened September i9th, with the following
officers: President, MErs. Frances Huber; vice president, Mrs. Almira
Welcher; secretary and treasurer, Mrs. Ida A. Parker.
The other members are: Mrs. Kate Loveridge, Mrs. A(la Bucklin.
Mrs. Inez Nottingham, Mrs. Bertha Palmer, Mrs. Jane Shannon, Mrs.
Georgia Jones, Mrs. Edna Davis. Mrs. Alice Streeter, Mrs. Jessie Hill,
Mrs. Nellie Seigel, Mrs. Alice Mack, Mrs. Sadie Shillito.
MONDAY EVENING CLUB OF EDWARDSBURG.
A number of Edwardsburg's literary women met at Mrs. Mary
Latson's November 19, 1894, for the purpose of organization for a systematic study of literature and current events, and for social improve



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


347


ment. The organization was effected by the adoption of rules, among
which was one limiting the membership of the club to, twenty members,
and the election of officers, who were: President, Mrs. Mary Latson;
secretary, MLrs. Frances E. Sweetland; critic, Mrs. Lucy Reed; assistant
critic, Miss Lydia Blair.
The following ladies became charter members: Mrs. Emma A.ikin,
Mrs. Mary Carlisle, Miss Eva C. Ditzell, Mrs. Ella Haynes, Mrs. M.
Amelia May, Mrs. Frances E. Sweetland. Mrs. Alice Shanahan. Miss
Lydia Blair, Mrs. Kate Criswell, Mrs. Hattie J. Holland, Miss Minnie
Jacks, Mrs. Lizzie Parsons, Miss Jennie Sweetland, Mrs. Addie Thompson, Miss Bell Blair, Mrs. Lenora Dennis, Mrs. Addie Harwood, Mrs.
Mary Latson, Mrs. Lucy Reed, Mrs. Mary E. Schoch.
The club meets every Monday evening from October ist to April
3oth. A different program is arranged at the beginning of the season for
each of the meetings, that for October i, 19o6, being:
Roll Call-Vacation Happenings.
Our Beginnings.
Appointing Program Committee for I907-8.
Club Song.
Social Hour, led by Miss Jacks.
During the year, among other subjects, the following will be considered: Pilgrim Mothers, Musical Comlposers, The Indian, MAen Wlho
Have Achieved Eminence, The New U. S. Navy, American Bridge
Building, \Why Give Thanks, Women's Organizations, The Immigration Problem, The Salvation Army, The Cotton Industry, The Origin
of the Stars and Stripes, The South, Old and New, Journalism, Early
and Late, Inauguration Day, Why March 4th. Cuba, Opening Up of
Oklahoma, The American Desert and Its Secrets, San Francisco, Old
and New.
At this writing the membership is as follows: Miss Alfreda Allen, Mrs. Frances Case, Mrs. Elizabeth M\. Gosling, Mrs. Mary L. Harmon, Mrs. Martha Parsons, Mrs. Helen Rinehart, Mrs. Addie Thompson, Mrs. Elizabeth Bean. Mrs. Irene Dunning, Mrs. Addie Harwood,
Miss Minnie Jacks. Mrs. Julia Redfield, Mrs. Laura Snyder, Mrs. Bertha
Van Antwerp, Miss Bell Blair, Mrs. Lenora Dennis, Mrs. Ella Haynes,
Mrs. Mary Latson, Mrs. Myrta Reese, Mrs. Alice Shanahan.
The present officers are:  President, Mrs. Alice Shanahan; vice
president, Mrs. Elizabeth M. Gosling; secretary, Mrs. Addie Harwxood;
assistant secretary, Miss Minnie Jacks; treasurer, Mrs. Helen Rinehart.




348


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Fraternities of various kinds and for various purposes have such
vogue among the people that it would be difficult to name all the organizations of that nature which can be found in a single county, and anything like a history of each one would be quite impossible. Of the old
orders, the Odd Fellows were the first to get a hold in this county.
Cass County Lodge No. 21, I. 0. O. F., was organized February I8,
1847, and has been in continuous existence nearly sixty years. The
village of Edwardsburg obtained a lodge of the same order in I85o by
the institution of Ontwa Lodge No. 49 on July i8th. The Odd Fellows
were also the first secret order to be established in Dowagiac. Dowagiac Lodge No. 57, I. O. 0. F., was instituted September 12, 1851. Following these three pioneer lodges the Odd Fellows have been organized
in various other centers in the county, and both encampments and
auxiliary Rebekah lodges have been formed.
The Masons were not far behind the Odd Fellows. The first meeting of members of this fraternity was held at the old Union hotel in
Cassopolis June 12, I852, and soon afterward Backus Lodge No. 55, F.
& A. Ml., was organized. Dowagiac Lodge No. io was organized January ii, 1855, and at Edwardsburg, St. Peter's Lodge No. Io6, F. &
A. M., was instituted January 14, I858. The Masons have also increased
in power and number, and both Cassopolis and Dowagiac have chapters
of the Royal Arch, while there are several lodges in other parts of the
county, there being one in Calvin whose membership is of the colored
men.
These two orders are the oldest and perhaps the strongest in total
membership in the county. The Ancient Order of United Workmen
has been active in the county for thirty years or more. The Maccabees
are probably as energetic in fraternal work as any other order, and their
numbers are steadily increasing. There are both Knights and Lady Maccabees in the two principal towns of the county. Besides these there
are the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Independent Order of Foresters, the Tribe of Ben Hur, the Catholic
Knights and Ladies of America, the Royal Arcanum, and various lesser
known orders.
Dowagiac is the home office of the International Congress, a purely
fraternal beneficial order, which has several branches in other villages
of the county.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


349


CHAPTER XXV.
CASS COUNTY       PIONEER     SOCIETY.
October 9, I873, about two hundred early settlers of the county
met at the Court House in Cassopolis, for the purpose of organizing
a society. Hon. George Newton was called to temporarily preside, and
Hon. A. B. Copley was chosen as secretary. All the townships, excepting Howard, were represented.  The chairman appointed a committee consisting of one from each township on organization. A recess
was then taken until afternoon.
Upon reassembling, Uzziel Putnam, Sr., the first white settler in
the county, was elected permanent chairman, and C. C. Allison and
W. H. Mansfield, editors of the local papers, appointed secretaries. A
constitution was adopted and the following officers elected:
Uzziel Putnam, Sr., President.
George Meacham, Vice President.
A. B. Copley, Secretary.
John Tietsort, Assistant Secretary, and an executive committee
of one from  each township elected.  Forty-one pioneers signed the
constitution at this meeting.
The executive committee met at Cassopolis January 21, 1874, and
adopted the by-laws and adjourned to May 22nd, when Daniel S. Jones,
G. B. Turner, John Nixon, George T. Shaffer and Joseph Smith were
appointed a committee to make arrangements for the first annual reunion and picnic, to be held on the Fair grounds in Cassopolis, June 17.
Since that time the society has held its annual reunion on the third
Wednesday of June, with a single exception of one year.   The last
was the thirty-third reunion. These meetings have been largely attended,
there being present from four to seven thousand people.
Following is a list of principal officers:
Year.      President.     Secretary.           Treasurer.
I873-Uzziel Putnam, Sr. A. B. Copley        Joseph Smith
I874-Uzziel Putnam, Sr. A. B. Copley        Joseph Smith
I875-Uzziel Putnam, Jr. John T. Enos        Asa Kingsbury
1876-Uzziel Putnam, Jr. John T. Enos        Jno. Tietsort
1877-Uzziel Putnam, Jr. L. H. Glover        Jno. Tietsort
I878-Uzziel Putnam, Jr. L. H. Glover        Jno. Tietsort




3150


85()     HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


i8~yCeo.I'). Turner
i88o-Ceo. B. Turner
i88i-Joseph Harper
1882-Jesse G. Beeson
1883-Gilliman C. Jones
1884-Gillman C. Jones
i88~-M.T. Garvey
i886-S. T. Read
1887-JO-s. N. Marshall
i888-H-einry Kimmerle
i8,89wi Ezekiel Smith
1890o-Ceo. T. Shaffer
1891-Chester Morton
1892-Abijah. Huyck
I1893-Geo. Longsduff
i894-M. J. Card
i895~-David R. Stevens
186-Henrv Michael
1897-Elias Morris
1898-james M. Truitt
i899-Levi J. Reynolds
i1o00 ---J. Boyd Thomas
i901-Isaac W'ells
I902-Ton'n C. Olmsted
I903-.john Huff
I904-Geo. J. Townsend
i905-Henry A. Crego
i906 —S. M. Rinehart


L. Hf. Clover
L. H4. Clover
L. H1. Clover
L. H. Clover
S. S. Harrington
C. NV. Clisbee
C. WV. Clishee
C. W. Clisbee
C. W. Clisbee
C. W,. Clisbee
C. WV. Clisbee
L. H. Clover.
A. M.-. MToon
A. M. M, Ioont
R. Sloan
R. C. Sloan
L. H. Clover
L. H. Clover
L. H. Clover
L. H. Clover
L. H. Clover
L. H. Clover
L. H. Clover
L. Hf. Clover
L. H. Clover
L. H. Clover
L. H.. Clover
L. H. Clover


J no. Tietsort
J no. Tietsort
J n. Tietsort
C. Hi. Kingasbury
C. H. Kingysbuirv
Jas. H. Stamp
Joel Co-wgill
Joel Cowgill
C. C. Nelson
C. C. Nelson
C. C. Nelson
C. C. Nelson
C. C. Nelson
C. C. Nelson
C. C. Nelson
C. C. Nelson
C. C. Nelson
C. C. Nelson
C. C. Nelson
C. C. Nelson
C. C. Nelson
C. C. Nelson
C. C. Nelson
C. C. Nelson
C. C. Nelson
C. C. Nelson
C. C. Nelson
C. C. Nelson


The principal speakers hav-e been prominent men in the state. For
the various years the speakers hav-e been as follows:
1874-Rev. James Ashley.
i87")-Judge F. J. Littlejohn.
18 76-Covernor John J. Bagley.
8~-Ho. E. W. Keightlev.
1878-H-on. S. C. Coffinburv.
1879-Hon. Lev i Bishop.
T 88o-Local Pioneers.
f88T-Covernor David H. Jerome.
1882-Hon. Thomas WV. Palmer.
1883 —Governor Josiah WV. Begoole.
1884-Ex-Governo-r Austin Blair.
T88,;-Em11orv A. Storrs.
i8-86 —Rev. A.. J. Eldred.
J 887-Governor Cyrus C. Luice.
i888-General L. S. Trowhridge.
i889~-Hon. Georgge L. Yaple.
T890-Judge Thomas R. Sherwood.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY        ~    3


3 a, I


1891 Local Pioneers.
1892 Governor Edwin D. WVinans.
183  vo\ernor Johln T'. Rich.
1894 lHOn. R. R. Pealer.
1i895-,1-ocal Pioneers.
1896-1l1on. Tlhonas Mtarrs..
1 897-RevA. J. Elidred.
1 898 -Rev-. Reason Davis.
1899-Hlon. \Villiam AIlden Smith, M. C.
1900 - R ev. A. J. Eldred.
1901~-Hon. F-. L. Hamilton.
1902-HoII. Thomas O'Hara.
I1903-Hon. Henry Chamberlin1.
190-4-Rev. Nimrod F. Jenkins.
1905 —Governor Fred M.,.  areJudlge 0.. W. Coolidge.
1906-Hon. William Alden Smith, Mv. C.
The membership of tile Pioneer Society, from date- of organization
to tile present, wvith place of residence at time of jo~ining the Society,
-andi date o~f settlement and place of birth, is giv~en in the following
columns:


Name.
George Redfield
Uzziel Putnam, Jr.
George Meacham
Peter Shaffer
Henry Tietsort
John Tietsort
William Jones
Elias B. Sherman
John Nixon
Reuben Hlenshaw
Ahijah Henshaw
Mrs. C. MAessenger
George T. Shaffer
E. Shanahan
Joseph Smith
L. D. Smith
D. S. Jones
G. B. Turner
Julia Fisher (wife of
Henry Tietsort)
H. M~eacham
J. R. Grenell
Correl lMessenger
A. J. Carmichael (wife
of Geo. T. Shaffer


Residence.
Ontwa
Pokagon
Porter
Calvin
La Grange
Cassopolis
Penn
Cas sopolis
Penn
Volinia
Penn
La Grange
Calvin
Jeff erson
Cassopolis
Cassopolis
La Grange
Jefferson
La Grang~e
Porter
NewbergrZ
La Grange
Calvin


Date of coming
Birth Place.  to county.
Connecticut       1834
Pokagon           1826
New York          1826
Virginia          I828
Ohio              I828
Ohio              1828
Ohio              1829
New 'York         1829
North Carolina    1830
North Carolina    1830
North Carolina    1830
Indiana           1831
Ohio.             1832
Delawvare         I832
Virginia          1832
Cass County       I832
Ohi-o             1833
New York          I836


Ohio
Cass County
New York
Connecticut


I1835
I834
1 834
I833


Ohio             I836




352


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Charlotte Turner
Esther Nixon
Miss Hannah Ritter
James Boyd
Lafayette Atwood
Sarah Miller (wife of
Chas. Kingsbury)
Charles W. Clisbee
R. V. Hicks
Philo B. White
A. D. Northrup
Amos Northrup
Moses H. Lee
Henry L. Barney
James E. Bonine
Maria C. Jones
Samuel Graham
John Struble
James H. Graham
Silas Harwood
A. B. Copley
Joseph Harper
D. MT. Howell
Ichabod Pierson
G. W. Jones
Lucinda Atwood
Abijah Huyck
Sila Huyck
T. M. Tinkler
Robert Watson
N. Bock
Arthur Graham
Silas A. Pitcher
Adam Suite
Justus Gage
Jacob Hurtle
J. A. Barney
S. T. Read
Orson Rudd
William Sears
James Oren
Pleasant Norton
Rachel Norton
Richard B. Norton
James Townsend
Ezra B. Warner
S. D. Wright
Nathan Jones
Isaac Bonine
Lowell H. Glover
Thos. J. Casterline


Jefferson
Penn
La Grange
La Grange
Wayne
Cassopolis
Cassopolis
Milton
Wayne
Calvin
Calvin
Ontwa
Cassopolis
Penn
Penn
Cassopolis
Volinia
Mason
Newberg
Volinia
Cassopolis
Penn
Jefferson
Marcellus
Wayne
Marcellus
Marcellus
Wayne
Dowagiac
Dowagiac
Dowagiac
Wayne
Silver Creek
Dowagiac
Dowagiac
Dowagiac
Cassopolis
Cassopolis
Cassopolis
Calvin
Jefferson
Jefferson
Jefferson
Penn
La Grange
La Grange
Penn
Penn
Cassopolis
Penn


Taunton, Eng.
Ohio
Indiana
New York
New York
Ohio
Ohio
England
New York
Vermont
Vermont
New Hampshire
Ohio
Indiana
New York
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Ohio
New York
New York
Pennsylvania
Ohio
Ohio
Ohio
Michigan
New York
Pennsylvania
New York
Ohio
Belgium
Scotland
Ohio
New York
New York
On the ocean
Pennsylvania
New York
Vermont
Pennsylvania
Ohio
Virginia
Tennessee
Ohio
Ohio
New York
Ohio
Ohio
Indiana
New York
New York


i843
I830
1828
I836
1836
1830
1838
I835
1837
1838
1838
1836
1838
1841
1841
I838
1846
1846
1837
1833
1835
1834
1840
1830
1832
1835
1845
1839
1838
1832
1830
1836
1836
1837
1833
1837
1832
1836
1836
1848
1832
1832
1830
1829
1846
I827
1829
1842
I839
1844




HISTORY OF' CASS COUNTY33


353


Asa Kingysburv
EIli Green
Samuel Squires
Leonard Haskins
Mfaria MIN. White
L. S. Henderson
Theodore Stebbins
X\Ir s. Theo. Stebbins
John S. Gage
M-rs. John S. Gage
Mrs. Lucretia, Gage.Mrs. TAhomas Tinkler
Chester C. MNorton
Mrs. C. C. Morton
E. C). Tay-lo~r
I\'[rs. E. 0. Taylor
Ebenezer Copley
Georgye Whitbeck
Mrs. Geo. Whitbeck.Mrs. Ehenezer Copley
Williami G. B'lair
Jonathan Olmsted
Hlorace V~aughyln
Chiauncev IKennedy
Johni S. Jacks
Horace Cooper
David Bemielit
Chiarles H1-anev
B). F. Wilkinson
Chiarles i.\IorganWNIilliam IR. Shieldon
Ti1. I-I. Bidlwell
R. D. M,\ay\
Sam-uel If-. Lee
Johnii M. Brady
Noah S. Brady
Johni Gill
Valenitinec Novcs,
1. 01-. Bughee
E-,lizabethi Ii. Bugybee
Aaron Shellh ammer
Iohn Shiellhamnmer
janxls H-. Hitchcox
Horace Thompson
Mrs. Horace Thompson
Joshua Browvn
Luciuis Keeler
William Trattles
M,,,rs. William Trattles
Abel Beebe
Mfrs. Abel Beebe


La Grange
Dowagiac
\Vavui e
Dowagiac
Dowagiac
Doxvagiac
Do-wagiac
Dowvagiac
Wayne
Wayn
Wayne
Wayne
Wayne
Wayne
\Vavne
Wavne
Wayne
Wyaylne
Wayne
Wayvne
O ntxva.
Ontwva
Jeff erson
Ontwa.
On twa
Onitwa
On twa
Onitwa
On twa
Outwa.
Onitwa
Porter
Porter
Porter
Porter
Porter
Porter
Porter
Porter
Porter
Porter
P-orter


AlIassachusetts
Cass Co., M-ich.
Kentuckv
New York
Ohio
Newv York
New York
New York
New York
Newv York
New Y-o rk
New, York
NTe wYork
Ohlio
New Yorkc
New York
New YorkNew York
New York
New York
Newv York
New York
N ew York,
\MIassachusetts
Cass Co., M-,ichi.
OhlioConin ecti cut
B1adlcn. Germanv
\"New York~
Ohlio
Connlecticuti
N~ew York
New YorkNew IHampshire
New York
iNMichig-an
Isle of Mlan.-New York
Vermonit
Dartmouith. Engo.
Penn s vlvaniia
Penn svlvania
N \ew York
MAassachutsetts
New York
'Indliana
Newv Yo-)rk
Eng-land
Canada East
New York
PennsNTlvamia


1835
1834
1836
1834
1837
1850
I835
1833
1839
1844
1848
1839
1844
1837
1844
1 845
1844
1845
1835
1844
183 6
1836
1844
18-40
1831I
18 35
1838
183 3)
1844
1842
8 35I"
1836
1837
1836
1 835""
1839
1835
1835
1 83.5
1839
1828
1 828
1831
1831
1835
18315
1836
1838
1836
1 840
1840




354


354     ~HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


James MXotley
M~rs Jaimes M~otley
Georoe Whitedl
Mfrs. George Whited
M~rs fletsev\ Whited
Haill eardlslev
i firs. 11 dal I ceardlsley
Henry Longy
Edwva rd( Lo ng ---7
Oscar Longy-.
Mrs. Oscar Long
A. H. Long
Mrs. A. H. Long
Jacob Rinehiart
IAlrs~. JacobI Rinehart
Alb~ert Thompson
Samuel Rinehart
Mfrs. Samuel Rinehiart
Abram Riniehart
Mirs. Alhram Rinehart
T. A. H-itchicox
Gideon Hebron
i(ls. ideoni IHebron
Mfarcus Mecl-l'uran
Mfrs. Mfarcus, i[cHuran
Johin Mf. Fellowvs
Amos HuItff
James Ml. Wright
Mrs. J..Vrigxht
Elizabeth Squires
George Spicer
Mfrs. George Spicer
Georg.e Newton
Esther Newvton
1\Jilton J. Gard
Jay Rudd
J. K. Ritter
Henry, Shanafelt
Mrs. H. Shanafelt
1\Irs. D. Ml. Warner
C. Z. Terwilleger
James M. Truitt
Margyaret P. Truitt
Charlotte Morris
Hattie C. Buell
G. J. Townsend
F. H. Townsend
John HT. Rich
George Lyon
Selina Green
Tobias Riddle


Porter
Porter
P~orter
Porter
Porter
P-orter
Porter
P orter
I ~orter
I "orter
IPorter
P orter
Porter
Porter
Porter
Porter
Po'rter
Porter
Porter
Porter
Porter
Porter
Porter
Po,-)rter
Porter
Calvin
Volin ia
Volinia
Volinia
Voliniia
Volinia
Volinia
Volinia
\ToIi n ia
Volinia
Penn
Cassopolis
La Grange
La Grange
Cassopolis
Volinia
M~filto'n
Mfilton
Volinia
Volinia.
Penn
Penn
Volinia.
Penn
Penn
Berrien Co.


Engyland
New York
Mlichigyan
Cass Co., MIch
Cass. Co., Mlich.
Cass Co., MAich.
Ohio(
i\ [assachusetts
Cass Co., M~ich.
i\ [assachusetts
New York,:
i\ assachusetts
New YTorkV'iri ni a
Germany
Tndliana
Virginia
Ohio.
Virginia
New -York
Newv York
England
England
Cass Co.., MAich.
Cass Co., M~ich.
Pein svlvania
New York.
Ohio
Ohio
Pen nsvlvall ia
England
Ohio
Ohio
Ohio
Ohio
Vermont
Berrien Coutnty
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Ohio
Cass Co., Mich.
Berrien County
Pennsvlvania
Cass Co., Mich.
Cass Co., Mich.
Cass Co., Mich.
CaqS's Co., Mich.
Ohio
North Carolina
Virginia


1836
1836
1842
i 85o
1834
1838
1 840
1844
184 3
1844
1837
1838
1837
1829
1 842
1850
1 829
1 830
1831
1833
1 841
1829
1833
1831
1828
1831
1 847
1837
1831
1831
T1829
1836
1 829
1835
1 844
1852
1 837
1838
1836
1836
1831
T833
1 829
T8,33
1831
T832




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


355


Asahel Z. Copley
Leonard Goodrich
John Squiers
Joln Rinehart
Daniel Vantuvl
Tames East
E. C. Smith
M:r.s. E. C. Smith
)DaNvid Histed
Clarles Smith
H1 arriet Smith
James Shaw
Peter Sturr
WVillialm l.-il(lerl)cck
Saralil I  il(lerleclk
lii ram Rogers
S. MI. Gr innell
Jane l. Grinnell
J. FIred l Irritt
Nary A\. I'erritt
T fartha \ ttaren
Nlsonl A\. H- utchings
(Geor,- 17vals
James \. D)er
'Phe1be C. I)ver
Rel)ecca Jones
\[arv 1)riskell
D-)ennlis Driskell
d(lwar(l II. Jones
Samuel Everhart
M[arv Everhart
Thomas \V. ILu(lwick
tulia A.  t(ldwiclk
lAmos Cowgill
MIrs. E. E. Cowgill
Mrs. M. A. Bucklin
Laura L. HIenderson
Lewis Rinehart
Anna Rinehart
Le Rov Curtis
Hardy Langston
Mary Langston
Washburn Benedict
Loann Curtis
Albert Jones
H. D. Shellenbarger
Sarah Shellenbarger
William Renesten
C. C. Grant
Margaret Davidson
Sarah Hebron


NVolinia
Jefferson
\Vo!inia
Porter
Jefferson
Calvin
Howard
Howard
Cassopolis
MIason
\ ason
H oward
Volinia
Silver Creek
Silver Creek
Milton
Calvin
Newl erg
I 'orter
I'orter
Newberg
Newberg
Newberg
NewberlNewb)erg
Newilerg
Newberg
Newberg
Newberag
La Grange
La Grange
La Grange
WVavne
Porter
Porter
Penn
Berrien County
Berrien County
La Grange
Penn
Newberg
Porter
Porter
La Grange
Mason
La Grange
Penn


New York
New York
Ohio
V\;irginia
New Jersey
Virginia
New York
New York
New York
New York
New York
New York
New Jersey
New Jersev
O)hio
New Jersey
New York
New York
Cass Co., Mich.
Cass Co., MIich.
New York
Ohio........  Englalid
New York
New 'York
New York
Ohio
('hio
New York
Penn-sylvania
New:Yorl
Pennsylvania
Ohio
New York
Ollio
Vermont
Virginia
Ohio
New York
North Carolina
V irginia
Massachusetts
New York
New York
Ohio
Michigan
Pennsylvania
New York
England
Nc rth Carolina


1834
1835
1831
1829
i835
1833
I835
I835
1842
I845
1845
1840
1845
1845
I845
1831
I834
1835
1846
1845
1836
1836
1846
1834
1849
1837
1828
1829
1837
I836
1837
1845
I835
1830
1836
1836
1834
1829
1830
1837
1830
1830
1846
I837
I837
1845
I839
1830
1831
I832
I830




356


356     ~HISTORY OF CASS. COUNTY


Nathaniel IBlackmore
J ohn Main, Jr.
Jesse G. Beeson
IMary Beeson
Isaac A. Huff
Isaac N. Gard
David Hain
Leander Osborne
Harrison Strong
Fidlelia A. Strong
'Margaret Stevenson
Samuel Patrick
Mloses N. Adams
Elenora E. Stephens
Wesley Hunt
H-. A. Wiley
S. C. Olmsted
\V. H1. Main
Elmira Gilbert
K. Dickson
Calesta Stratton
Lucinda Davis
David R. Stephens
Eli,-s Jewvell
I. A.V Shingledecker
Barbara Shingledecker
William Weaver
Elizabeth Weaver
S. H-. Gilbert
John C. Clark
James P'. Doty
RZ. J. Dickson
Hannah B. Dickson
Elizabeth Card
John I-lain
Eliz-abeth Gilbert
William Saulsbury
Peter HuLff
Co-ol Runkle
Mfargaret Runkle
Merritt A. Thompson
J. B). Thomas
M\rs. J. B. Thomas
B. K. Jones
Isaac Wells
William J. Hall
B. F. Rudd
Loomis H. Warren
Orley Ann Warren
Susanah Davis
Reuben B. Davis


Ontwa,
La Grange
La Grange
La Grange
La Grange
Volinia.
La Grange
Penn
Mason
Mason
TMason
Jeff erson
Ontwa.
i\Iason
Calvin
Ontva.
Ontwa.
La Grange
Porter
Dowagilac
Doxvagiac
Penn sylvania
Mlason
Wavne
La G —range
La Grange
Jeff erson
Jeff erson
Porter
La Grange
La Grange
Pokagyon
Pokagon
Volinia.
La Grange
Porter
Jeff erson
Wavne
1\ilton
Milton
Vandalia
Ontxva
Ontxva
Niles
La Grange
Volinia,
Newbergy
Volinia
Volinia.
Jefferson
Jeff erson


Newv York
1'l'ichigan
Indian a
P'ennsylvania
Kentucky
Indiana
North Carolina
Indliana
New York
New York
New York
Ohlio
Vermont
New York
Vermont
Ohio
Connecticut
La Grange, Mich.
Vermont
New York
Ohio,
Ohio
New York
New Jersey
Ohio
Ohio,
New York
M~ichigan
New York
Ohio
New York
Maryland
New York
Ohio
North Carolina
Engylan (l
Ohio
Kentucky
New York
Pennsvlvania.
Michigan
Pennsylvania
O'ntwa, Mich.
Ohio
Ohio
Ohio
Vermont
New York
Cass County
Ohio
Virginia


1 828
1833
1 830
1830
1830
1829
1 831
1835
1 844
1 844
1 849
184$
i1837
1841
1 836
1 836
1 836
1 840
1835
1 828
1832
1 829
1835
1837
1 846
1846
1841
1 835)
1835
1 838
T843
T1828
1 847
T1829
1829
1836
1833
1 831
1841 -184
1847
T843
1840
1833
1 832
T833
I1834
1837
I1833
1834
I1840




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY35


357


John Barber
Mrs. Kate E. Barber
Leonard Keene
Alsey Keene
Ebenezer Anderson
George Laporte
Peter Youngblood
John Rosebrough
James WV. Robinson
Alex. L. Tharp
J. H. Tho-mas
G. A. Meacham
William Clark
Ed`Nvin T. Dickson
Laban Tharp
Lydia Tharp
Sanford Ashcraft
Abig~ail Ashcraft
R. Russell
E. Russell
B. Lincoln
Acacha Lincoln
William ID. B'rownell
James IL. Glenn
I-len rv Kimmerle
1\t f. Kimm-erle
IT.)A. Squtier
R.It. W\ilev
H4. S. Rodgers
M. A. Folmer
Spenlcer Williams
J. WVood
A. C. Ellis
H1. Mf. Osborn
Stepheni Jones
Elias Pardee
C. C. Allison
Josiah Kinnison
H-enry Mlichael
Hiram Lee
David B). Coplev
Mr.Abbey H-. Copley
H. A. Chapin
P. W. Sonthworth
Mrs. J. A. Soutthworth
Asa Huntington
Zera A. Tyler
XWilliani Allen
Lyman B. Spalding
Mrs. M. S. Robinson
David Gawthrop


Milton
M\'ilton
Calvin
Calvin
Penn
Wayne
La Grange
Jeff erson
Niles
\;iandalia.
iason
Mason
Calvin
Berrien County
Jeff erson
Jeff erson
i)enn
Penni
Pennl
P7enin
Penn
Penin
On twa
Niles
La Grange
La Grange
Decatur
La Grangye
Volinia,
Mlilton
V It'oilto
H-owvard
\Vavne
Penn
La,- GrangTe
Pokagon
La Grangre
H-oward
-'Silver Creek
Calvin
Pei-nn
Penn
Niles
V'olinia
Volinia,
Wayne
\Vavne
Porter
La Grange
Niles
La Grange


Pennsylvania.
1\Iichigyan
North Carolina
Ohio
New Jersey
Virginia
Virginia
Ohio0
Ohio
Ohio
Vermont
New York
North Carolina
Indiana
Ohio
Ohio
New York
Newv York%
New York
IVermont
New York
Ohio
New York
PeninsylvNania.
Ohio
MN-ichig-an
M\,ichig-an
Michig-an
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Delaware
New York
New York
Indliana
Ohio
Oh1io
Illinois
Mlaine
Ohio
Tennessee
New York
New York
Massachnisetts
Vermont
Vermiont
Vermont
New York
Ohio
La. Grange
Verniont
Michigan


i 86i
1840
1832
1832
1833
1833
1832
1832
1833
1837
1838
1854
1840
1828
1828
1830
1837
1837
i 863
i1863
I1834
1845
1854
1835
1833
i1837
1834
I 840
1833
18360
1831I
1836
1837
1847
1 829
1844
1848
T828
1830
1835
1835
1835
T836
T837
1836
1842
1846
T848
1839
1 835
I833




358


358    ~HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Henry W. Smith
M~rs. Nancy J. Smith
Eli Benjamin


Volinia
Volinia
Olntwa


Ohlio
Ohio1
iL'vlassaclhusetts


1832
1836
1854


John M\. Truitt
Ann E. Truitt
Z. TFinkham
John T. Miller
W. H. Smith
Robert D. Merritt
M~rs. Robert Merritt
Nathan Skinner
Mfrs. Nathan Skinner
WV. G. B~eckwith
J. '1\1. Jewell
ElIias J ewell
James S. Odell
1Mvrs. J. S. Odell
M~rs. WV. Ii. Smith
Jolm Williams
Emmett Dunning
B. A. Tharp
Dver Dunning
Emily Tyler
C. Nt. Doane
Emory Doane
Green Allen
Isaac Johnson
Rnssell Cook
Mr.Russell Cook
iTV. Carpenter
i'vrs. Eliza Carpenter
Peter Trnitt
J. S. Shaw
W. NV. Smith
H. C. Parker
C. P. W~ells
Tamnes P. Smith
Snsan C. Smith
J. E. Garwood
Mrs. J. E. Garwood
Joseph Kirkwood
Harrison Adams
Mrs. Harrison Adams
Solomon Cnrtis
M\rs. Louisa Curtis
Ann Conlter
Ann H. Hopkins
M~rs. Norton Bucklin


NAMES ADDED IN 1877.
Mil1ton               Delaware
Milton                Delaware
iPokagon              New York
Jefferson             Pennsylvania
\"olinia              Ohio
Porter                Michigan
Porter                Mlichigan
P-orter               Ohio,
Porter                Ohio.
Jeff erson            New Yo~rk
NWayne                Ohio
N'Vavne               New Jersey
Porter               M.Vichigan
Porter                Ohio.
Volinia               Ohio,
Jeff erson           M1ichigan
H4oward               Pennsylvania
Calvin                Ohio
M,,ilton              Pennsvlvania
W'avne                New York
Howard                Michigan
Porter                Michigan
Calvin                North Carolina
La Grange             Virg~inia
Pokagron              New York
Pokagon               New Hampshire
Milton                Delaware
M\1ilIton             Delaware
M\ilton               Delaware
Volinia.              Ohio
La Grange             Michigan
Pokagon               Ohio
P-okagon              New York
Ontwa                 New York
Ontwa                 New York
Pokagon               Michigan
Pokagon               Ohio
Wayne                 Scotfland
Jeff erson            Maine
Teff erson            Mfichigyan
~Penn                 New York
Penn                  New York
Howard                Ohio
Ontwa                 Delaware
Marcellus             Pennsylvania


1 831
1835
1852
1830
1832
1838
1837
1845
1845
1836
1836
1837
i1837
1 842
1836
1835
1 83.5
1843
1834
1846
1847
i1845
1848
1837
1837
1837
i1837
1 837
1831
i1831
1837
i 851
1 835
1840
1840
1832
1839
i 836
1836
1836
1839
1833
1836
1842
1847




HISTORY OF1 CASS COUNTY      3(


359


-Irs. J. J. Ritter
William R. Merritt, Jr.
William- Robbinis
Aliatilda P.Griffith
Lizzie F'. Tewvksbury
W. I. Griffith
iMrs. NV. I. Griffith
Thiomas J. Foster


Amilos Smlith
William Condon
M~rs. L. Goodlspeedl
Daniel Bu1sh
Mrs. Juilia Blish
Catherine Roo-f
Hugih C. McNeil
J oseph Spencer
Lauira Spenicer
Samuel DeCou
Isabella Batchelor
A.- A. Goddard
C. WV. 1\io~rse
L. B3. Patterson
Haninah -M. Patterson
William Hlicks
Jacob Tittle
Henrv Fredricks
Hienir  Harmion
Henclry Bloodtigood
Asa B. Wetherbcee
Albram F iero,
I'lannah Henshaw
Eli Bminp
Tames Pollock
Leander Bridge
Harriet A. Bridge*
Ira T. Puitnamn
Johni F. Dodge
Avril Earl
Gamialiel Townsend
Johnm Ham., Sr.
P. P. Perkins
E. P. Clisbee
Orlean Putnam
Amelia Putnam
Jamies, A. Lee
Patience Lee
John Bedford


La Grange
Porter
Porter
MxIilIto n
()ntwa?\ ilIt on
MI~ilton
St. Joseph Co., Ind.
NAMES ADDED IN 18,78.Pelnn
Jefferson.
Volinia
D-owagiac
Dowagiac
Porter
Al ason
Wavne
AV'ayne
Penn
M1ilIto n
Mlason
Dowagiac
Po~kagon
Pokagon
Milton
A 1 ilItonI
'Porter
Porter
Cassopolis
Nlewberg
La Grange
NVolinia
Penn
Penn
NJ arcellus,
N ewNberg
Pokagon
Newberg
La Grange
L~a Grange
La Grange
H-oward
Oberlin
La Grange
La Grange
Dowagriac
Dowagiac
Dowagiac


M~vichigan
Ohlio,
Mlichigan
Delaware
INew York
I ndliana
1\Michigyan
Nli ici gan


Pennsvlvania,
Irelandl
N\ew York
New H-ampshire
New York
Pennsvlvania
Ne   Y v  ork
New York-.,'eNew York
T\'ew Jersey
New York
Connecticuti
Vermont
Mfichigyan.
Cass County
England
Ohio.
Pennsvlvania.
Ohio
N'ew York
New York
New York
Tin~lian a
Ohio:
Ohio..New York
New York
Cass County
New York
NTe w York
Canada West
North Carolina
New York
Ohio
NVe w York
N,,,e w York
N ew- York
Ne w York
Engyland


1849
1834
1837
1832
1 845
1846
i1842


1848
1838
1836
1839
1839
1836
1835
1837
1837
1849
183 5
183
1851
1838
1845
1836
1830
1836
1840
1838
1833
1853
1830
1836
i 8,o
1845
18355
1827
1835
1836
1826
1831
1834
i 838
182.
1828
1838
1 838
1852


* The first white child born in Newberg township.




360


36U    ~HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Nathan Phillips
George Rogers
Abrahiam Rinehart
Hannah E. Rinehart
John Lvbrook
Joseph Lybrook
Ellen P. Hlilrey
Adelia T. 'Merritt
Daniel M,\cintosh
Hugh P. Garrett
3john MAcPherson
'William Youtng
John A. Jones
Zora F.Jones
Roderick L. Van Ness
Julia E. Van Ness
Joseph L. Jacks
Dr. A. J. Boughton
Matthiew T. Garvey
Sarah E. GarveyI


Pokagon
Ontwa
Porter
Porter
La Grange
La Grange
Cassopolis
Bristol, Ind.
Pen n
La Grange
Jeff erson
H-o-ward
Cassopolis
Cassopolis
Cassopolis
Cassopolis
Edwvardsburg
WAakelee
Jeff erson
feff erson


New York
New York
~Virgiuia
New York
'Virginia
Cass C'ounty
Wales
New York
Maryland
Ohio
Ohlio
Verm-ont
Pennsylvania,
Cass C~ounty
Howard
Volinia
Pennsylvan ia
Ohio
NMassachusetts


1844
1849
1829
1836
1823
1 846
1835
i1830
1 829
1848
1829
1831
1846
1853
1 845
1852
1829
1836
1846
1 848


Amios Jones
William Reames,
Charles R. Poe
Johin C. Carmichael
Salmuel MAorris
David -Bea-rdslev
Mfrs. Mlarv' Dewvey
Valentine Noves
U..riel Enos
Polkx- MA. Shellhanmi-er
Jaivnes W. East
Frank Savagye
Archibald Dunn
Henrv Aldrich
Georgye Smifth
Mfiltoni Hull
XWilliam Law-son
E'phraim Hanson
Joniathan Colver
Sarah Atwoodl
Catherine Colyer
Arthur Smith
Mfary Jane Smith
Salicia Emmons
LUzziel Putnam
James B3. Treat
Elizabeth Grubb
Martha Norton


NAMES ADDED IN 1879.
La Grange
Jeff erson
-NIewbergy
Edwardisburg'
Volinia,
M ason
Pok agcon
Ed wardsbnirgr
M\ilton
Porter
Calvin.
Mfarcell us
Newbergr
M~ilton
Milton
Calvin
Ontwa,
Jeff erson
Dowagiac
Jeff erson
Dowag-iac
Dowagiac
H-oward
P-okag~on
Silver Creek
Calvin
Calvin


Ohio
North Carolina
Ohio
Ohio
Ohio
Ohio
Tndlian a
Newv York
Vermont
Oh-io,
Tndliana
\Iarcellu s
New York
Rhode Island
Delaware
North Carolina
New York
North Carolina
Penn sylvania
Ohio
Pennsvlvan ia
New York
New York
New York
New York
Ohio
Ohio


1 830
1828
1835
1836
1828
1832
1 829
1835
1834
1832
1846
1835
1834
1828
1853
1835
T831
1831
1832
i858
1837
1822
T825
1834
1830
1832




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


John A. Reynolds
Laura J. Reynolds
Joshua Leach
A. F. Northrup
Charitv Rich
N. B. Goodenough
(;eorge Longysduff
Mlargyaret Seares
(George L. Stevens
E-lias 1\Iorris
C'harlotte Morris
Elijah Goble
Eliza Goble
Levi Springsteen
Braddock Carter
Caroline Carter
Anselnm Jessup
Richard C. Ross
Mlehitable Ross
\Villiarn Hitchcox
Elizabeth Hitchcox
Georg-e Bement
AIJrs. Bectsy Gardner
David T. Trtlitt
A. J. Gardner
David B eardslev
Mrs. flelinda Mfiller
Anin C. Mliller
Lewis 14. M-iller
Virgil Turner
Arietta Van Ness
Elizab~eth D. Keeler
Jo-shuia Richardson
Eveline E.Richardson
Thomas Stapleton
Mrs. C. J. Grecnleaf
Mfarvette H-. Glover
Thomas Odell
Henry J. Brown
Sadie Hutvck
Jacob B. Bireece
Sarah MT. Breece
Aaron J. Nash
Margaret R. Nash
William H. Olmstead
Sarah A. Olnmstead
Jacob Suits
Mary Reames
John E. Reames.


J (ff-erson
j eff erson
P-enn
Calvin
Voliiiia,
Voliinia
Vaindalia
La Grang-e
I\ ason
Volinia,
'Volinia
Dow agiac
Dowvagiac
\Vavne
IPorter
P'orter
Calvin
AlIason
A [ason
Mtason
M ason
Ontxva
\ [Jason
Mlilton
7A~ason
Masonl
1\ Jason
1\ ason
A lason
Otntwa
Howvard
Porter
Porter
IPorter
Cassopolis
Dowagilac
Ca ssopolis
P"orter
Porter
1\IarcelluLs
Jeff erson
Jeff erson


Ne cw York
New York
Vermont
V'ermont
Ohio0
iNew York
Peninsylvania
Pennsylvania
MAlason
VTan Buren Co.
P~ennsylvania
Ohlio
Ohlio,.New York.Newv York
\i ermiont
Ilndianla
New York
M\ichigan
I1n1liana
Ikia soui
NwYork
1)ela ware
Newi York
Ohio0
New~ York
New York
Ne\v York
New York
INe  Y v'~ork
I\Iichigan
Ireland
Dowvagiyac
Cassopolis
Porter
Michig-an
Michigran
Pennsvlvania
Pennsvlvan ia
N ew Yo rk
New York


1848
1849
1 833
1838
1829
1 846
i1847
1840
1847
1832
1832
1 828
1831I
1836
1844
1844
1833
1832
1 829
1835
1848
1 841
1 832
1831
1832
1 833
1835
1835
1835
18 5 4
1845
1835
1846
1830
1 851
1846
1831
1830
1839
1 838
1838
1854
1854
1846
1 835)
1835
I1828
i1833


NAMES ADDED IN I88o.
Milton
Milton
Jeff erson
Jeff erson


New York
Newv York
New York
Ohio
Ohio




362


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Lo vinia Reames
Samuel Ingling
Jane D. Ingling
J os. H. Burns
Ann E. Burns
John Bilderback
Cy-nthia Bilderback
El-,eazer H-ammond
Reason. S. Pemberton
Margaret Pemberton
Erastus Z. Mlorse
Israel P. Hutton
John H. Hutton
Anne MXoorlag
Sarah Ann MAoorlag
William Louipe
Mfary Loupe
Jantha Wood
William H. Doane
Lois A. Doane


Jeff erson
Doxvagiac
Dowagyiac
Mlason
Mfason
Silver Creek
Silver Creek
M, Ilton,
Vandalia
Vandlalia
Porter
B1-)errien County
P-orter
Penn
Penn
Porter
Porter
Howard
Howardl
Howard


Kentucky
Kentucky
New York
New York
New York
Ohio
Michigan
New York
Indiana
Germ-any
Vermont
Pennsvlvania.
Pennsvlvania.
Holland.
Indiana
Pennsvlvania
i\Iichigan
New York
N\,ew York
New York


1833
1845
i1845
1847
1 854
1 84 5
1 843
1 844
1 836
1 842
1845
i1846
1 846
1 844
i1870
1833
1 843
1841
1835
i1837


NAMES ADDED IN I881.


Gabriel Ebv
Caroline Ebv
Hiram N. Woodin
Martha C. Woodin
H. H. Poorman
Hlenry F. Hamn
William M. Hass
Nancy Simpson
J. M. H uff
josephine B. Smith
Perry Curtiss
G. W. Sm-ith
Al fred Shockley
H. B. Shutrter
Martin Stamip.
A. D. Thomipson
C'. MT. Odell
Kimmey Shanahan
Samuel W. Breece,
Jacob Reese
Marcus Sherrell
H. D. Bowlingy
Mfrs. MAary Childs
A. 1. Ditz
WVilliam W. Carpenter
Georgae W. XWilliams
Jasper K. Aldrich
Mrs. Emily Curtis


Porter
Porter
Mason
MTVason
Marcellus
Edwardsburg
La Grange
Pokagyon
Volinia
M'ilton
Silver Creek
M~ilton
Mlilton
j eff erson
Penn
Milton
Hoxvard
Onitwa,
Newberg
Milton
Jeff erson
Pokagyon
California
TI ason
MTilIto n
Howard
MTilIton
Newberg


Ohio
Germany
New York
New York
Penns5vlvania,
Mlichigyan
TIllinois
Virginia
Ohio,
Delaware
M"ichigyan
Delaware
Delaware
New York
Mfichigyan
Delaware
M\ichigan
Michigan
-M icIIi laan
New York
Jeff erson
Ohio
Indliania
New York
Delaware
Delaware
Mfichigyan


1837
1848
1 846
1847
1858
1836
1853
i1827
f 834
1 834
1838
1854
i 833
1 856
1845
1836
1837
1854
1842
1834
1840
1847
1847
1847
1830
1838
1849




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY       ~     6


363


Enos Rosebrough.
George Tharp
iPeter Fox
John Hess
Henry D. Goodrich
John 0. Pollock
William D-. F'ox
Elias B. Lowman
John A. Parsons
Nathaniel B. Crawford
Bvron H. Casterline
Georgre S. Bassett
David D. Brady
Horace Warren'
Harvey Depuy
Geo~rce B3 Crawvford
Asher J. Shaw
Robert N. MNartin
John R. Everhart
Sarah Driscol Everhart
John MianningRichard TVI. Williams


Jefferson
-l oward
Jeff erson
Jeff erson
P.ein
H oward
Jeff erson
Ai liltonl
XWayne
I'enn
Dowvagiac.
Penn
N ewbergy'.
IPenn
La Grange
Howard
Penn
Porter
Porter
Porter Co., Ind.
La Grangre
NAMES ADDED IN 1882.
Dowagyiac
Volinia
Volinia
i\Jas~on
Pokagon
Wavine
Vandalia
Dowvagciac
Necwberg
Newberg
Cassopolis
Calvin
Jeff erson
iAlilto'n


\IM ichig-a n
Michigican
Delaware
Ohio
illinois
01hio
Delaware
Ohio
MtichigTan
Newv Jersey
\ [ichigan
Ohio.
Ohio
IAhichiga
-New York
Ohio,
M ichigan
Ohlio:
Pennsvlvania,
Oh1io
Michigan
Ohio


1839
1 842
1839
1 841
1843
1 830
1846
1 854
1848
1855
1847
1 842
1837
1851i
1855
1847
i 86i
1832
1829
1834
1851


Cyrtis Tuthill
N'icholas Haller
Catherine Haller
Samuel Stevens
John F..Bnirnett
Mfarcnis L. Mlorton.,Nioses Cro-sby
Sarah Stanard
James AlI. Chapman
Mary Chapman
Simon B). Poor
Henry B. Wilson
Ira Stephenson
J. H-. Beauchamp


New York
P —russia
Ohio
Newv York
New Jersev
Wavne
New York
New York
Ohio
New York
N~ew York
North Carolina
Ohio
M"ilton


I855
1857
1851
1830
1853
185o
1837
1845
1844
1844
1827
1854
1834
1847


NAMES ADDED IN 1883.


James G. Hayden
Jacob Allen, MI. D.
Henry Thompson
Ed(mnnd D. Bement
Sarah H-. Simpson
Harriet Benedict
William H. Smith
Melissa J. Smith
Hannah L. Hall
Charles Ferrell


La Grange
Riverside, Calif.
Mason
Ontwa
Pokagon
La Grang-e
Howard
Howard
Cass Co.
Wayne


* Calvin
NL\ew York
Vermont
O-ntwa
New Hampshire
NTew York
Howard
Howard
New York
Ohio


1854
I1834
1838
1852
1836
1857
1837
1844
1841
1833




364


864    ~HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


NAMES ADDE-D IN 1884 AND 1885.


Lenguel Smith
Hiram Jewell
ANlonzo Garwood
Sewvell Hull
E~dward Chatterdon
Benj. F. iBeeson
Nancy Osborn
Ellen Jackson
Turner By)rd
Jonathan Hill
Jacobi Hill
William J. Abbott
Elias M. Ingyling
Alice E. Shanahan
Damnarius Allen
Rufus WV. Landon
Tarins Avers
James A. Williams
El.iza M. W~eatherbyv
S~arahl Fox


Milton
Cassopolis
C-assopolis
Pipeston e
Hoxvard
Calvin
Penn
Calvin
Calvin
Flkhart, Tnd.
F1-ayette Co., Ta.
Miilton
Dowagiac
Ontwva
Mfasonl
Niles
Penn
Ed~wardsburg
Newberg
Howard


Delaware
New' Jersey
Ohio,Vermon t
New York
Indiana
New York
Calvin
North Caroliiia
Cass Co.
Pennsylvania,
Delaware
Ohio
Ontwa
Massachusetts
Connecticuti
New York
Mfilton
New York


1833
1832
1 850
1836
1836
1833
1837
1835
1847
1832
1839
1 843
1(848
1851I
1835
1832
1837
1845
1 845""
1 844


NAMES ADDED IN T886.


Pleasanit Arnick
Abram HuTttchins
Roxania Bement
Janie Jenkins
H-arriet Patterson
M. ary A. HoughyltalingTlenrv S. Qulick
Eliza'Smithi


Chicago
Newberg —1
Ont~wa
Po'kagon.
Newer
Newberg
La G3rangre
M~ilton


Diamiond Lake
Newv York
New York
Ohlio
Penn svlvaniia
Ohlio
New Tersev
Dela ware


1 834
1835
1837
1 848
1858
1833
T1828


John Keegan
Thomas Kirkwood
Me\Tliss,-a Kirkwood
Mlicajah P. Grennell
TMargaret Pearson
Anna MT. Shurter
1\NTrs. Ctirtis


NAMES ADDED IN 1887.
Jeff erson
'"ayvn e
Wayn e
Var' (lalia
Cassopoli s
Jeff erson
Cassopolis


Ontwva
Ohlio
Ohio
New JerseyI
Ohlio


1 845""
1836
1849
18.34
1 828


NAMES ADDED IN 1888.


H-en~ry Stevenson
H-enriette Stevenson.S. H. Mforse
Tamies L. Simpson
David Thomas


Penn
Penn


Pokagonl
Indiana


T849
1842




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY36


19 a rl
0 v ty


James Griffis
Parmelia, N. Griffis
Eliza F. Hunit
Phineas Nixon
Grace S. Pound.\I'arv, A. Dunn
Harriet A. Root
Henry D. Arnold
Mtary Dunn Arnold
joseph W. Sturr
Levisa Sturr
Stephen A. Nichols
-Mary A. Nichols
Nelson I-edger
Sanmuel McKee


NAMES ADDED IN 1889.
\\'`ayne
Wkayne
Calvin
Penn
Newberg
Newberg
La Grange
Newberg
Newberg
'vTayne
Wayne
Nebr
Newberg
Jefferson
Newberg


Pokzagcon
Geneva
Calvin
Penn
Volinia
i\Iason
Cassopolis
MA-ason
I-illsdale
New JerseyI
Ontario
Ohlio
Engl1and
New York
NewbergynI


1831
1 831
1833
1839
1839
1840
1841
1837
1840
1840
1 840
1835
1843
I1823
1848


NAMES ADDED FROM 1889. TO 1895.


Jouidan P. Osborn
Rhoda M. Huiey
Simvra Spencer
Abner Brown
Betsey J. Stephienson


Cassopolis
Penn
Cas s Co.
Volinia
M ason


Tndliana
New York
New York
M\ ason


1842
1844
1852
1837
184.4


Lovina Allen Hlaithcock
BlienetAle
II. i-\[arqutis Gibson
Percilla, Casey Ford
Richmond Lake
Fredl A. Hadlsell
Henry A. Creg-o
Henry AN7. Hiarwo~od
Joseph Foresman
W~illiam H. Owen
Robert C. Slo-an
Byroni F iero
Iva Wrighit Fiero
W-illiaml R. Sheldon
Mfilton W~ripght
Elizabeth Mlver s Wright.


NAME,-S ADDED IN 1 896.
C'aIvinI
Calivinl
Calvin
(7,alvi ii
PennI
Ic iferson
V\olinia
Ontwxa
LT a Grange
Calvin
Cassopolis
La Grange
La Grange
Edwvarclsbuirg
La Grange
La Grangce


Ohio0
Ohlio
North Carolina
North Carolina
Ne   York
TN [assaclitusetts
Newherg-7
Milton
Penin slvania
Mlasonl
New Yorkc
La Grangre
Volinia
AMichigan
Wayne
Volinia


1848
1847
1854
1 850
1 844
i855
1 842
1846
1844
1 838
1842
1853
1 868
1 8I3 3
1833
1837


Ulyvss-es S. Eby
\Villis H~aithcock
George H-. Curtis
M..ercy Wood Zelner
WXVl agror


NA'MES ADDED IN 1897.
Porter
Calvin
Calvin
Dowagiac
Jo-nes


Po~rter
North Carolina
Indliana
Kent Co., Mich.
New York


i 865
I846
1856
1878
1844




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Rachel Shanafelt Urnberfield
Andrew C. Foster
Rea-son Freer
J. 1-I. W'arner
James -Xd oreland~
\V'illiam Laporte
ElImore F. Lewis,V-illiam I'eoog
J. J. Cables
Cynthia Allen Cables
W'illiam IH. Beeson
Nimr-od i\Muncy


La Grange
Volinia
Cassopolis
Vol inia
Volinia
La Grang(e
N ewl7 ) crg( —
Pennl
Volinia
\Volinia
ILa (irange
D owagiac


Ohio
Ohio
New York
Newv York
Volinia
La Grang-e
New \.)ork
New York
Pelnn
Indlialna
La Grange


1838
1845
i 866
1837
1 840
1834
1847
1832
1850
1 849.1832
1833


I'darv A. I-lass
Daniel -AI. Fisher
James TI1. Abbott
John B'edlfordl
1Phillip NVare


NAMES ADDED IN I898.
Al I iltonl
lloward(
'-lilli


II n1(ialla
I'1!oward
D elaware
Elngland
Ohio0


i86o
1837
1844
i1862
i 866


NAMES ADDED IN 1899.


H —iram Cobb
Nellie TBeardlslev Cobb
William Bntts
L-everett FL. ~athier
Nathian G. Stanard
Lora Beardslev Stanard
ITla Springsteen Benedict
Timothvy B. Benddict
Silas El. Thomas
William J. Primr-ose
David Judlie
Johin D. Williams
Henry\ L. Case
Cy-nthia, Tyler Case
Clara MT\ea~d Zeller


( )ntw-a
()ntwa
N\ [Iltonl
IIowva rd(
Po(rter
Porter
L-a Grange
La Grange
Penni
Jeff erson
Volin ia
Cassopolis
N   oi
M.la son
Cassopoli s


Ohlio
NI ichki(an
V\I i ch ioan
Con necticnt.F'orter
Porter
La Grangec
La Grange
Indlianla
Delaware
Penn svlvania
Jeff erson
Ohi-o
Necw York
Ontwa


1844
1891I
1 854
1 856
1 847
18,50
1 864
185
'842
1 844
1 867
1 837
1 856
1 848
i86o


Thomas M. Seares
Perry A. Cays
Elwood East
Mfortimer 0. Hadden
Susan Foresman
Harriet Stephens
Emily Wheeler
Geo-rge Scott
Olive Parm-enter Scott
Samuel Hawks


NAMES AT)DE-D TN 1900.
La Grange
La Grange
C-alvin
Volinia.
La Grange
C-alvin
Dowagiac
Volinia
Volinia
Calvin


La Grange
La Grange
Calvin
Newv York
New York
New York
Virgyinia
New York
Ohio
Virginia


1840
1836
1 843
T1842
1847
i 866
Ti86o
1 837
1 86o
I859




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


NAMES ADDED IN 1901.
AM argyaret Hedg-er Olimsted Je2fferson
Roval Salisburv            flowvard
Ilnuiiid. Landlen          J elt erson
I atilina Allen Landen     J eft erson
AbMrai 1-1. I-laff        \Iini ia
NAV. C. (Griffith         -AII Ilton
\Vm. -1I. C. H ale         Calvinl
Thomas Ml. A,-reux        Ilefferson
Luicy Regnall A reux       J eff erson
E'lizabethi Itiise Stevens  i\ I ason


N (1 irmont
iNxv Nork
Nv?(1 olinia
P111+di1n1
IN I ason


1 844
1852
1851
1835
1831
1 839
1 864
1 867
1867
1843


I.-tither  J*. Pi r xJosepih Iarker
(iceolmo)c Green
Frianklin TI WAolfe
A zron F. ltiriiiex.,\obcirt 1Patters~on
Calhvin A. CollevI


NAMES ADDED IN 1902.
Dowagiac
A Itarcellus
La Grang-e
NVand(alia
\Vakelee
Deccatur
N\ewbmer
Ail asoil


fKalanmazo-o Co.
Ohio0
leff erson
Ohlio
(Geriman v
Voilina
'Ohio,
Lenawe.-e Co.
-A [alson


1852
I1848
18531
1833
1834
1 841
1 865
18415


NAMES ADDED IN I903.


P hilo BrowN. n
1lerliert E. A loon
Israel llartsell
Charles 1B. Zeller
Johin R. Carr
it —lwin White




George F. Holliway
Edwin NV. Beckwith
Warren W. Rey-nolds
George B. Mi'cNiel
George- A[f. Rivers
H-arsen 1). Smith
Charles Harlfelter
Allen M. Kingsbury
\Villiami Hartsell
Franc A. Lamib
John J. Fisher
Eber Reynolds
Edward Keegan
Timothy B. Kingsbury
Gertrudfe Ferris Kingsbury
Chiarles Tietsort
Charles A. Ritter
Joseph Graham
Charles E. Voorhis
Erneline Crandall Voorhis


Calvin
Cassopolis
G-as~sopol is
Ca sso o1 is
I "orter
Cassopol is
Jefferson
Cassopol is
Cassopolis
(assopolis
Casscopolis
Ca ssopolis5
La Grange
Penn
Cassopolis
Cassopolis
Cassopolis
Jeff erson
La Grangre
La Grange
La Grange
Cassopolis
Cassopol is
Cassopolis
Cassopolis


New- York
IPokag-on
Ohlio,
Nova Scotia
Porter
Ohio.
Cassopol is
Jeff erson
New York
New York
New York
Ohio
Casso-polis
Ohio
Indliana
Pokago~n
La Grange
New Jersey
Georgia
Berrien Co.
Cassopolis
Cassopolis5
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
New Y~ork


i86o
1852
1850
1 866'
1 865
1854
1850
1848
1851
1835
1 864
1870
i 86o
1856
1845
i 868
1870
I1841
1840
18~52
i'868
I1843
1844
1853
1853




368


368      ~HIS-TORY OF CASS COUNTY


Wilbur F. Pollock         Cassopolis
Julia Hice Pollock       Cassopolis
Marshall L. Howell       Cassopolis
David L. Kingsbury       C'assopolis
Samuel Anderson          Cassopolis
Alamandal J. Tallerday   Jefferson
Sterling! B. Turner      C'assopolis
Jacob, H. Osborn         V'andalia
Lewis Freer              Vlandalia
W,,,illiami Green        Vandalia
()mear J. East           Vandalia
David Long               Yzandlalia
Frank NAT. Lambert       \Tandlalia
Alice Osbornie Lambert    Vandlalia
Fred G. Pollock          Vandlalia
\Villiam  Heaton         Vandalia
\Vm. I-I. H-. Pemberton  Vaniidalia
Delancie Penmberton      Vandalia
Narcissus L-ewis         Vandlalia
Jeniinie Muftlrine IKeene  Vandalia
Harry T. Keene           Vandalia
H-erman S. East          Vandlalia
Fiora Jamies East        Vanclalia
Charles, W. East        Vaidalia.
Elfleni Curtis East      VTandalia
Chiarles WV. Chapman     Vandalia
Clarenice L. Sherwood    iDowagyiac
joseph R. Edwards        Dowagyiac
F rank] W. Lyle          Dowagyiac
Barak L. Rudd            "F orest H-all'
Bert Claskv              Dowxagiac
Ira Tietsort             Detroit
Orville W. Coolidge      Niles
Perrv A. Tietso~rt       Detroit
Charles C. Philhrick     Grand Rapids
An\idrew F. Catil       MXarcelluis
Robert HT. Wiley         Dowag-iac
Clituis W. MAartin       Cassopolis
Isabel Grimm  MINartin   Cassopolis
Sarah Buinberrv Shaw     Howardl
A~sher J.ShawN           I-Towardl
M!varia Shawv Kennedv    1ioward
Catherinie Cullen        H-oward
Ma,,rcaret Rtunkle Kingsley. Ontwa
W~.ilII liam A. Wright   Volinia
Clara MA. Wright         Volinia
Charles 0. Haefner       Vlinia
Jolhn H. Root            Volinia
Simeon Htnff             V olinia
Benjamin F. Graham       Volinia
Linicoln P. Gard         Volinia


Cassopolis
SIt. Joseph Co.
Cassopolis
La Grange
Berrien Co.
Elkhart Co.
Cassopolis
Cass County
New York
Ohio
Calvin
In dian a
Rhode Island
Cass Co.
Pen n
Ind(han a
Iniaian
Cass Co..
Cass Co.
\Tanlal ia
Kalamazoo Co.
Cass Co.
Calvinl
Calvini
Penni
Ohio
Pen n-sylvania
New   Jersey
DowNagriac
NewbeI~rg
La Grang-e
Cassopolis
Tjlwardsburgy
Cassopolis
Cassopoli s
Pennisvlvania
Cassopoli s
Brownsville
Becrrien Co.
H-owardl
H~oward
H-oward
M1\ilton
Voliniia
Volinlia
Volinia
Vohiniia
Pennsylvania,
CI-a ss Co.
Volinia


1854
i868
I1847
i1867
184I
1845
i85 I
1857
1867
1832
1 867
i1867
i 868
1853
i 868
i185 7
1 841
i851
i85o
1864
i868
i868
1842
1851'
1 850
1 868
185-6
i 86i
18('46
1878
1835
1839
1832
I1844
1856
1853
T857
1846
1869
1854
1849
T 86o
1 864
187T
1870
1849
i 868
i86T




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY        33


369


M. Blanche McIntosh Link Volinia,
C'harles E. Osborn       Cassopolis
James H. Leach           Penn
Nathan Marsh             Cassopolis
Sarah Hunt Marsh         Cassopo-lis
Adaline Robinson Tietso  rt Cassopolis
Florence M.L Tietsort    Cassop~olis
Adaline M. Philbrick     Grand Rapids
C. Fred Ho-over          Porter
Hiram R. Schntt          Jeff erson
Ezra Pearson             Calvin
Lydia Langsdnff Garter   Penn
Joseph. H. Wetherbee    'Ne wb er g
Nancy Honts Wetherbee    Newberg
Abel Hamilton            Dowagyiac
Adelbert M. Smith       Ai\'ilton
Justin A. Dunning       M-NfilIto n
John B edford            Howard
Keziah Ingling McOmibc   r Dowagiac
Sarah Ingling Parker     Three Rivers
Allison B. Thompson     MVilton
Charles C. Aikin         Edwardsburg
Emmia Spragnte Aikin    Edwardsburg,
\'ifarv E. Solomon Schoch Edwardsbnrg
John C. Schoch           Edwardsbnurg
Daniel S. Strvker        E~-dwardsbnirg
Kate M.,illiman          EdwardsbnrcRichard J. Hicks         Edxvardsburg
Mlarctis S. Olmstead     Edwardsburg
Marv Ketcham Olmstead Edwardsburg
George A. Tuesley        EdwardIsbnrgc
Cass~ins N.Dennis        FdAwardsbnirg
Andrew J. Ttiesley       EdwAardsbnirg
George A. Shetterly      Edwardsburg
Jesse Title              Edwardlsbnrg
Henry- Andlrns           Edwardsburg
James H. Andrns          E-d wardsburg
Edward Hiro~ns           Edwardsbnrg
Jnlia Tietsort Gates     Detroit
C'harles W. Tietsort    MVendora, Ills.
Abraham L. Clendenen     Vandalia
Thomas J. Mealo~y        Vand~alia
Cynthia Fisher Mealoy    Vandalia
Alfred J. East           Vandalia
William T. Oxenford      Vandlalia
Demia B~rodv Oxenford    Vandalia
Tacob McIntosh           Penn
WV. WV. Hollister        Vandalia
Frank Swinehart          Vandalia
Silas H. Thomas          Penn
El1vira Bogne Thomas     Penn


Penn
Cassopolis
Penn
Oh io
Ohio
Vermont
Cassopolis
Cassopolis
Elkhart, Ind.
New York
Ohio0
New York
Plennasvlvania,
Penn svlvania,
M~lilton
INfilton
Encgland
New York
New York
Delaware
Ohio
Indliana
Ontwa
Pennsvlvania
Penn svlvania,
Penn sylvania.
Mfilton
Ontwa,
Penn svlvania
Howard
St. Jos. Co., cIn.
Jefferson
Ontwa
Van Buaren Co.
1Kan sas
Ontwa
1\,Iilton
Ca ssopoli 5
Cassopolis
Nexvbergg
Cass Co.
Cass 'Co.
Calvin
Penn
Penn
Penn
Penn.
nd iana
Tndiana
Penn


i875
i849
I847
1854
1854
1 86.4
1858s
1839
1877
1843
1 862
1876
1876
1836
1859
1847
1852
1 856
1836
18 3 6
1856
1856
1842
i 86i
1 863
18S6 3
1847
1857
1877
i 866
1847
1 862
i1865
1857
1 863
1 837
1836
1830
1837
i 86i
1838
1843
1836
i1867
1870
1840
I855
187-2
1842
1836




370


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Emily A. Smith Owen
James H. Beauchamp
Sanmuel B. ITadden
Davis W. -Ball
Edwin G. Loux
Mary E. Shanafelt-Wol
Josephine Shanafelt-Me
Adelbert Kram
TBishop E. Curtis
John -Tildebridle
Sarah Lutz T-ildebridle


NAMES ADDED IN 1904.
(al vill
\ [ilton
\,o'ilina
Vandalia
cott La Grange
r1win La Grange
Ed (1 wa r(ldsb ro
Calvin
-Pe)llt
1len('1


Calvin
I (dwarl sbu rg
New York
h11io
Jefferson
La C( range
La Grange
d,(ldar(lsl)brg
I (liana
I'ennsvlvania
Pennsylvania


1840
1847
1867
1835
1842
I8-0
1857
1855
I865
i865


HTerbert Solomon
Vincent Realies
Fliza Grtbb H-{arllon
Tolin C. T-arnion
iPrell B,. Wells
THa[iinah Crane D)ihhle


NAMES ADDED IN I905.
'I ones
Perlll
Cas sopolis
L.a Grange
'I Towa rd


La Porte Co., Ind.
Jefferson
P-rown sville
Porterl
WrVavne
New York


1850
1832
i837
1847
i86i
1854


C. H. Kimmerle
Gorden G. Huntley
C. E. Lyle
Marquis D. Witherell
Elmer W. Griffis
Jerman S. Draper
Henry Springsteen


NAMES ADDED IN I906.
Cassopolis
Howard
Dowagiac
Volinia
Volinia
Volinia
Wavne


LaGrange
Howard
Dowagiac
Volinia
Wayne
New York
New York


I859
I850
I855
I845
I86I


1837




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


O;7 1


ClHAPTER      XXVI.
RELII       X(,EI()X  \i) T I!-!I-1' (_I-IU.lCtlhEIS.
In tle preceding cllapters w\e hlavxe (lescril,e(l nllla!uv phases of Class
coulttv's lliqtorv- an(l llave eludeax v r(l sc-) far as possilhle t( ogi -e ta
compirehensive accounlt of its illstituitions and its lpeolle frill tIle first
settlenient to thle i)resenit (late. ]:or thle last w\e hlave reservel  al;Iccoullit cf relioi(los illlltiences and(l cllrl-chll -oraniza:tiolls anlld J)ellnalities.
it co-ncluldes thle listorical narraitive w\ith a certain  llhappy l1)r1p'iet\.
1lor religoion lhas w\ell -een calle(l the capstonlte of the (arcih of life, lbinding, toogethier an  giving-ill  stal'ilitv! to thle othelr  l arts —thel culm natitnat
of tile hopes an(l experiences of the human race.
h11 ulhl, 1l last to lhe descrilbedl, religion \was 1!v no neau,~s last amllnllg
the sta(,es (of dlevelolpment in the civilized life of Cass ccunty.  rTle
pioncers dicl nc1t leave tlheir reli,,ion helhindl xw!en they settled here, hut
h1rough'lt it with thlem.  In thle first settlemenlts that w\ere fore(ld thlere
were pro)lalyl' not a sufficient nu1111ber of (any\ one sect to fo11rm a clhurch
h1; thle:nselves, all so they worsliped togetiler. lThe pints of (loctrine
or practice w-lich divide(l them \-ere h.eld in ableyance. persons of each
sect yielded a little for thle go)(l of the lwhole. and in a spirit ofi unio1
and  Christian toleration they ca me tog etiler and eachl one tried to
derive all the goodl lhe coutld fro(ni the mneetings, exercises and discourses.
For a time there were no church lbuildlins. lbut schoolhouses \-ere soon
erected, or private hotuses served for the purpose, and there in the
winter, or in the open air in summer-, the people assembled. The pioneer
religionis meeting was spontaneous, necessarily had little formalism,
and the first meetings, unrecorded in history, were of the kind told
about in the Bible, where "tw-o or three met together" to give expression
to the rich and sincere feeling within them.  This kind of worship was
largely individual, was inherent in the nature of the pioneer man and
woman wherever he was, and was not necessarily       dependent on    the
organized religion known as the church.
CATHOLIC    CHT-URCHES.
Of the first representatives of organized religion in this county
there is, unfortunately, no definite record.  As we have made clear in
an earlier chapter. the first Christian influence to penetrate the wilder



372


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


ness of southern Michigan was that emanating from the devoted priests
wvho, of their own initiative, or close in the train of those who conquered
the land for the King of France, sought to win to their religion the
souls of the heathen red men. The names of the early fathers who
may have passed over this region are not accessible, and the only monument they have left is the zeal and self-sacrifice with which they undertook their cause. From the letters of the Jesuit Father, Joseph Marest,
we get some of the earliest descriptions of the St. Joseph country and
its Indian inhabitants. It is known that the Jesuits had a mission on
the banks of the St. Joseph at the present site of Niles, established in
the early years of the eighteenth century. But this disappeared years
before the pernlanent settlement of this region.
The work of the French Catholic missionaries left a permanent
record for the historical times of Cass county. When McCoy and his
associates founded the Carey Mission they found that many of the
Pottawottomies still clung to the Catholic ritual and mode of worship.
A knowledge of some of the religious holidays, such as Christmas, was
found among them. After the removal of the Indians from this country, Pokagon and his band of Roman Catholics located, as we know,
in Silver Creek, and there formed the first organized Catholic commtunity in the county. Forty acres of the lands purchased by them was
deeded to the church, and on this tract, in 1838, was built the first
church in the township.  Pokagon, it is related, met with some difficulties in the construction of this edifice. His white neighlors were
rather opposed to the religion espouseld 1b the Indians.  The Indians
were unequal to the task of raising and joining the building which
they had planned, and( without the assistance of the white man's skill
they could not have proceeded with the construction.  John G. A.
Barney, the well known pioneer of the township, was appealed to, and
at once promised his assistance. When the timbers were in readiness
he and his three hired men quickly raised and framed the building.
The church, of hewn logs, was twenty by thirty feet, standing on the
north shore of Long lake. It was destitute of any floor but the earth,
and the seats were roughly cut benches.  But services were held here
by various priests for five or six years.
This was the beginning of the Church of the Sacred Heart of
Mary. which might well be considered the visible monument to the
work begun by the Jesuit priests almost two centuries before.
In 1844 the first regular priest was assigned to this congregation.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


373


About the same time a school was established and conducted by Father
Marivault, and later by the Catholic sisters. This school was supported
from  the government annuities of the Indians.
About 1847, when Father Baroux was stationed here, the church
was remodeled and was. supplied with pews.  This church, established
by the indians. w\as the nucleus of the Catholic settlement in this cou-nty.
One of the first white settlers to becoime a communicant of this church
w\as Dennis Daly andl his brothers, Patrick and Cornelius.  When Mir.
)Daly soon afterward attend(ed the services he and one other person
were the only white worshipl)ers, all the rest being Indians. This was
the bleginning of white influence in the church, and with the sublsequent
removal of many of the Indians and other causes of (lecline, the Chulrch
of the Sacred Heart came in time to be the place of worship of whaie
Roman Catholics almnost entirely.
In I858 a new church edifice was erecte(l, Aiugustine J. Tolpash
being foremost in the Nwork which lrouglht about its construction. Extensive addlitions wvere made to this l)uilding, and in Septembler. I86i,
the building was completed 1practically as it standls today. Thlle church
organization l)ecame almost inactive for some -ears, andl when Father C.
J. Roeper blegan his l)astorate in 1875, it was necessary to unlertake
many repairs an(l restorations.
rThe church menllershil) has renlaine(l about the same through
variouss periods. it being now al()out fifty families.
The Dowaagiac Catholic church began its organize(l activity al1bout
I858, although the first house of worship was not erected until I872.
This, the first edifice of the Clthurch of the Holy AMaternity, was (le(licate(l \ugust 3o, I876.  The same priest has always serve:l l,(tlh the
Silver Creek and Dowagiac churches. the present pastor leing Rev.
Jolmn G. WVall. In I892 the present beatutiful brick church, on North
Front street, was erected.  The first church had been located at the
upper end of Orchard street, and for some time was the smallest church
in the city. To Rev. Joseph Joos, who assumed the pastorate in 189T,
was due much of the credit for constructing the new church, at a cost
of $i;,ooo, and lbringing the nlembership from fifty to abosut one hundred and fifty families.
METIIOiDISi' EPISCOPALI. ORGANIZATIONS.
The Methodists have alvways been pioneers of evangelism. Throughout the middle west their circuit riders and missionaries-have algpeared




374


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


usually first, and always amonog the first to dlevelol) the religious si!e
of the scattered communities.
Of the begTinnings of MAethodism in Cass comiuty a contributoir to
the collections of the Michigan Pioneer Society hIls this to say:
Rev. Flrastus IFelton, who was appointed September 29, I829, by
the ()11hi colnference to the St. Joseph Alission, lal.ored( in Cass, Berrien
an(l St. J' selph countties. anl( i1 tlhe follorwing  ear returned to tile s't
fiel(l w\ithl Leonard B. (;urlev!s assistaint.  (.lasses wee lpr bl
formle(l tllis year onl thie s(ull s'(c of' 1 ear(ls.lcv's prairie and on Yo"0gIllmw's
prairie ( Pe lnn towlvnshiilp). 111 8.1 1 elt(ln. was alppointed to tle iKalamazo.t. mission, andl Rev. 1'. 1. Robe to the WAayne circuit, the latter
bein  pr llilnnlt 1111among tile \ tl(d(list ( \\wor-krs in tlhis scti()o.  raling,,C fr-om ) K alalmazoo "(on lhorseback!and with the traditional saddlebags,'" kev. Ri,(1'e establislhed lpreaclingn at Little Prairie Ronde (Volinia),  Youn() 's  prairie,  )i''  d l il e,  (  sspolis,  T.  in '  l
PlhOikal(,n and Beardslev's Xp' i:  ''i.i '  e 1' l e e \C et. —e iu 'tio,-,s 1
all, arrai ] lc(l so lhe cm il! c (,. c.c i,ii e in:fur wee.:1 \
October 12,;1834.  I'l tiie c  ternoc in ~ i  co utyi'', ' l ia,
tlhe St. -1'seph cic: il 'a ririe-''i  c c. i. R(-iiinson andi th-e (.a:. -
polis circuit lv 1'. (\ ce. In t'e slc er lxev. T(olc for(llmed n. cla.,s
in Silver Creek, Nrst1.lianil V\\ ciid leinu tlie class leadler.  t thi e oranization(n  f the lPo!ygk')- l  'iri c!11.11t '1, il 1lS32,  d.ard! IPwerls wa.appliilnt:ed class le(all,.  tlie, ' ', crst 1leetis were held in Powers'
log houlse on Polkagon creelk.
Thle aMichigan conflerence wvs ira' nize( in 1i83(., 1it it was 'nt
until 1J] j that  e        t       the s(utlet  rt,f the state was attached t- its. jiisdictionl. At the first conference in Masal!l the  (ldw-arlds!ur  clhar-ge
was represented b1  Revs. J. Byron il (l D. Knox.
From this (lesclripti(n oi tlie  eneoral status of MAethodism in the.
county, we nmay proceedl to mention) tihe individual organizations. Edwardsturg evidentiv had the first, or certainly one of the first, classes.
But the legal organization was not effected by election of trustees until
February 13,   837, lwhen the corporate name was adopted and tlhe
following memlbers elected as trustees: Hiram Rogers, Clifford Slhana'han, Henry A. Chapin, Leonard Hain, Asa V1. Smith. Tlie Eldw'rdl(sburg church has had two brick buildings during its history.    'l'The
Methodists and Presbyterians in Edwardsblurg are now about on a par
in point of strength and membership.
At Cassopolis the Methodists were early active, as noticed in the




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


375


precedingy paragraphs.  But for a numlber of years the circuit riders
held their meetings in the courthlouse and schoolhouses, and it was nnt
until 1855 that Joshua Lofland and William    Shanafelt gave to the
denomination a house erected on Rowland street in 1846 hb Jacob Silver
and Joshua Loflancd as a church edifice open to all lenominiations. This
buildingo now forms the front lpart of F. MI. Fisk's (idr1  store. On the
lot, on Rowlalnd street, from -whlich the old bhilding halal been remove~l.
the society lbilt in 1874 the present Methodist church andl pnrsnna'e,
at a cost of albout SSooo. The hitildingo committee were Vr. NV. Peck,
William L, Jakwavs, D. B. Smith and John Boyd. Rev. E... Baldwin
is the present pnstor of tle snciety, and the trustees are Tohn Atkinsinl.
Wm. B.. HaVden, NV1m. H. Coulter, F. Tav BrownT. Willinm P,Berkev.
Horace Cob(!l-b. Tolln Tilton. T-Tnlrvev Noccker.  There are,!abont 13r
names on tile churcl roll.
The tMethodlists wvere active in the vicinity of Do\waianc bleftrc
anV  villln:'e lanrd b-een? platted.  The "Cataract House" w.s the 1 il
of earlv mcl'^i 's under th-le lirectinn of the circuit rider. R. C.  cc!..
already Pe1Ctin;e1,. \Various lav prenchers directed the work licre f,.1'
some yea.rs. Inl T8QJO the churcl h wls orlan1ized. anld was klnownl as th-ll
N;invn-ae ciri-ril  unlil T '2. -!when the lename Downo-iac first amninear'-. n
Methodis't ni;inteok  Tbl, t,1't!cs- appointed in that ve-r were Sl rawlhoiBowlint'...\. 'i '' TTctw'?:':l, Rnober t RNItson!,. Sanm1el Bell, BenT,jn1in Be11
Tohn  T TT7uf.i P,l. ench,!-rhwitl w,lio wer e sonme of tle early leaders in!
Metholdism il D-varinc. T'lhe churlch huil'linll, in whicl! tle MtetlIdists h1ave -worslhine(l for- hCen1rly half a centnlry,. wna ere(tct  il Tr.c)
while Rev. F. T-T. Dn  wns rnstor.
Tlhe earl-' et-:lilinenl - of n 'Tetqliodis1r class on Pr-okac' n nrnirie
has been described.  The M'etlhodist cu!-rclh  t Sun111crville orio;inated
in a very successful revival meeting' hleld on, t-le prairie in Til 1. The
meetings were held in a sciholhonlse for nmore thlan ten vears. and in
1854 the first buildincr was completed.
La CGranl"e ws also a field nf llabor for thle early MTetholdi-ts. T1ie
church at La. Grano'e village wa-s nriganized Novenmber TO. T858. at tile
holuse of Charles \Van Riper, w1ho wans one of the first trustees, the
others being  Tlnhn A. Van Riner, \ashllhurln Benedict, Ahram   Van
Riper, Jacob Zimmerman. John S. Secor, Toshlua Lofland, Joseph W.
Sturr. The 1house of worship wras erected sooni afterward. The church,
like the village, hls been on the decline for many years. and its memhership is reduced to twenty-seven. Rev. E. A. Baldwin, of Cassopolis,




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


has charge of the society, and preaches for them each Sunday afteinoon.  The present trustees are:  Timothy B. Benedict, James \V.
Springstein, James Curtis, Mrs. Ida Benedict, Mrs. Samantha Curtis,
Fred B. Wells, Clarence F. Wells.
The Methodist meeting held on Young's prairie in Penn township
by Rev. Felton in 1831, had a regular house of worship, but for many
years in the interim the meetings were held at private homes or schoolhouses. The first legal organization of the church took place June 17,
1858, its trustees being M. P. Grennell, David J. Whitney, Harrison
Launburg, Joseph Jones and \William Russey.  The church was reorganized in 1876, and in 1877 the church edifice at Vandalia village
was erected.  l'he trustees at the time were John Lutes, A. Bristol,
William F. Bort, Isaac Reiff, L. Osborn.
The North Porter Methodist Episcopal church was organized in
1846, with fourteen members, Hiugh Ferguson, G. W. Black and Nathan
Skinner being the first trustees. Services were held in a schoolhouse
until 1858, when a church was erected on section 12.
The Methodist church building at Union village, now used principally by the Free Baptists, was. erected in its first form in I858.
Owing to a revival of that year the Methodists of this vicinity were very
strong and built the church without outside assistance. In 1877 the
church was rebuilt at a cost of $I,300.
Coulter's Chapel, the Methodist organization in Howard, was
erected in I858 at a cost of $I,300, being located on section 13. The
charter members were James and Ann Coulter, who gave the site and
liberally toward the building; Dennis and Cynthia A. Parmelee, Eliza
Smith and Elizabeth Young.
Rev. Felton, above mentioned, held religious meetings in Milton
township in 1830, and the first society of this denomination was instituted in 1832.  Concerning the organization of the first society the
following miscellaneous record dated July I, I839, tells: "In accordance
to previous notice given according to statute providing for organization
of religious societies, a meeting of members and hearers of the M. E.
church convened at the schoolhouse near Cannon Smith's in the tolwnship of Milton for the purpose of organizing a society by name and
title the First Society of the M. E. Church in the Township of Milton."
The three trustees elected were James Lowery, Thomas, Powell and
Nathaniel 0. Bowman. A church edifice was erected on land donated
by Cannon Smith in section 14, and has been called Smith's Chapel




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


377


because of the liberality of Mr. Smith.  The church was repaired in
1856 and I877, and was rebuilt in I879.
The town hall in Milton was originally built by a Protestant Methodist society.
The Silver Creek M. E. church dates back to 1843, when Leroy
L. Curtis, Erastus Stark and Delanson Curtis and wives formed the first
society, the first named being leader of the class which was held at his
home. The schoolhouse at Indian lake also was the meeting place for
some years.
In Calvin township are two M. E. churches supported by the colored people, the Bethel A. M. E. church being located at Calvin Center,
and Mlount Zion in section 23. Mount Zion is the oldest and the parent
African Methodist Church in the county, having been organized in
I849 by \Matthew T. Newson.    Meetings were first held in private
houses, then in a log church on the present site, and then a neat frame
building. The first trustees were Richard Woods, Benjamin Hawley,
L. Alrcher, Lawson Howell, William Scott, Joseph Allen.
The Bethel church congregation, which is an offshoot from that at
Mount Zion, was organized in I856, and their church at Calvin Center
was erected in 1870' at a cost of $800.
The Volinia Chapel M. E. Church, colored, was another branch of
the Mount Zion church, and their church on section 36, of Volinia, was
built in I872. The first trustees were R. Jeffers, William Walden and
Henry Lucas.
Quinn Chapel, another Methodist Episcopal church composed of
colored people, is located at Cassopolis on the east side of O'Keefe street
west, near the Air Line depot. The society was organized in I898 by
Rev. J. I. Hill, its first pastor, with J. R. Stewart, William T. Harper
as trustees.  The society's church edifice cost $I,ooo.  It now has a
membership of nineteen, and a Sunday school with an average attendance of twenty-five. Its present pastor is Rev. J. H. Alexander, and the
trusteeship has been reduced to two acting members, J. R. Stewart and
Abram Drenshav.
The first Methodist service held in Marcellus township was conducted at the house of Joseph Bair in I838, and the first class was
organized in 1842, and a second the next year. These soon became inactive, and no class was organized until 1862, when services began
at Bly's schoolhouse. The brick church in Marcellus village was built




378


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


in 1874, largely throughl the work of Rev. John Byrnes, the energetic
pastor.
The M/ethodist church at Jones originated at a meeting of the
Methodists in the Baptist church at Poe's Corners, or the town center,
ill 1872. The meetings were held in the Baptist church there, later at
Davicd 1ailfield's store in J()nes, and later in the public hall at Jones.
The charter!nemblers uf this society were: David Flairfiell, Louisa
Fairfield, M. E. Tharp, IPhoebe Dyer, Ilizal)eth Pound, Sarah Rumnsey,
J. E. V`an Buren, Estler IBrooks, Elsey Bomws, Mlrs. Alexandler, Jacob
lRulnsev, Andrew- Correll, S. T'odd, M[targaruet Todd, Catherine Cook.
There are also Mlethollist societies at Corev and at \Vakelee.
1A I'PTIS'T C I t Ic URH Es.
On tle autlority iof tle Re\. Supply Chase, theic \-:t in 183( a
Baptist association!l.now(11 \ aV Ia i(.range in thle sotthix-est par t of the
state, which hadl een (organi:zed al()out 183 -35, g 'r, wig' (t of the
inllnig'ati;n1l to that t  opait  f the sta te.  N  doublt refrc,:e is mte
to) tlhe church at \\Wlitnl   ille, to whiich the )oundller of -:   ' \illa'e
hla(l d1onate(l a lot w\lClen le ltted tlle village.  \ church \'- 1 iil Oln
this  lot. lbut  hlotll  thle  bluil{ldi   It   th' oro  nizatio,  cnl t l,r;''a  i,
time.
At Edwai dsburgt thle B al)tisL clhurch must hlave bl ell e r.11i  as
soon as, and pei lal)s i)efotre, tlhat of La(,range. Ai r. J. C. ()llste' is
authority for the statement that tlhe church w\as organized at the house
of Dr. IDunning on the prairie about I835.   This is affirmed by the
legal record. wlhich is as follows: '"\t a public meeting of the male
memibers of the Pleasant Lake Baptist Chuirch and Society, held at
dx\\a clsbur, Mayt 14   1835.;::     Isaac l)nnino alnd \l-ro(
Strong were chosen presiding officers, and IIt. B. Dunning-, clerk.
Myron Strong, Luthier Chapin and Baralk Mead were chosen trustees.
It was resolved that the society be known as tile Pleasant Lake Baltist
Society."  The Baptists were the most flourishing of all the church
societies dluring the first ten (or fifteen years of Edwar(lsburg's hiistory,
but for many years there lias been little or no activity among them.
They have a frame house of worship, but no regular services.
The Dowagiac Baptist church was organized in I85, the first
trustees being I. S. Becraft, D. MA. Heazlett, Archibald Jew\ell, \. H.
Reed, E. Ballenge, Jacob Allen, S. E. Dow, Isaac Cross, H. B. Miller.
The present building was erected in 1852. Present membership is




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY37


379


132. Pastors since 188o: E. R. Clark, N. R. Sanborn, H. A. Rose,
G. M. H-udson, H. F'. Masales, Ross Matthews, A. M. Bailey and M.
F. Sanborn, present pastor.  In -igoo a $i,6oo parsonage wvas erected
onl the chnrch property. In 1905 the. church building was remnodeled
and enlarged at anl expense o f $2, 000. At present there is no indebtedness and the wvork seems to be advancing.
The Baptist church at Cassopolis was organized M~arch 8. 18(02,
wvith the following charter memibers:   Elder Jacob, Price, Sarahl B.
Price., Sarah B3. I b-icc, Jri., El ten Pi-ice, IAlary Price, Carrie P rice. JP*
A.Lee, Barak I\Iead, Harriet A. ead, E'lizabeth A.Alagins N obert
Hi. Tripp, jemimia Sm-ith.  The present buildino' wvhich was the first
owned b  the sciety, was not bIl uni188     the dedication taking,
place March i6, 1869. It was bulilt at a cost of about five thousand
dollars.  The membership is now    about eighty-five and the presenlt
trutee  ar FrnkAl. Fisk, Chas. 0. Harmon, \Villiam H. Berkey and
Rev. R\). L. Bobb-itt, pastor.
11lni  aptist church, at the northwest corner of section 28, wa-s
erectedaottweyversgo but the society had existed inl that
to\\ nIIIt11  I,   h Itv I moy 1CeIuf_- oro,,ed as a branc II1I theC )owmaya
chureh. jamies (Chutrchill, Lev~i Churchill, Isaac Cross and Josiahl Bonid
and~ thenr t tntlIies w etc tIN: conic-tituient members (91 the society, but inl
a shor t t~in e the menrtbetrship li tel increaseIsd so that they wvere formed
1   ewt     1 1 C~d'Iteiil  iijtieideLtischchtCalIso orpanlize(l the B. _aldwin It)rair ic B ptist church at Union, inl eb
muary, 1857/, with six chlarter menmlcirs. The church edifice wa,,s built
in the e-arly seveniiles, at a co.st. of 8> 5,uo, and a parsonage was erected
later.
Thie Baptist church of N'ori HPIoirtei wvas org-anized in Augoust.
187,5 that it is one of the oldest Baiptist societies inl the county. They
erected a brick church ini 1857. The charter members of the society
w~vere:  Alanson Mc~luron and wife, IHenrv Aiarsh. and wife, Allila
Sherrill, Almir11a ( iillert. (i'atherine iiiJehron. James Hadlow and wife.
Rebecca Davison, Orson Virgil, Ozial Storey, Allr. Godfrey and Air.
Hu-tbbard.
The IFree Baptist society (if Porter township worship in the Methodist church building at Unio~n. This society was organized lin i866
with a membership of sixteen..A record inl the coutylt clerk's office states that the First Baptist




380


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Church and Society of Jefferson Township was organized December 7,
1843, the meeting being held "at the Baptist Liberty meeting house in
Jefferson township."  The trustees elected were Joseph Smith, Pleasant Norton, David T. Nicholson, William  Zane, Isaac Hull.  This
organization was preliminary to the building of the church on section
12, in the following year. The society had been in existence, however,
for some years, their worship having been conducted in a log house,
which was the "Liberty meeting house" mentioned. The first officers
of the society had been Andrew Grubb, deacon; Adam Miller, moderator; Isaac Hulse, clerk and treasurer.
The First Regular Baptist church of Newberg was organized June
8, 1841, and after worshiping in private houses and schoolhouses the
society erected in 1858 a church on section 28 at Poe's Corners.
The colored people of Calvin have the Chain Lake Baptist church
on section 13. This society was organized January 4, I848, with eight
charter members, Harrison Ash and Turner Byrd being the first officers.  A log church was erected about I850o, and in I860o a frame
edifice, costing $1,200.
The Free Baptists support several churches in the county.  The
one at Union has been mentioned. They also have a building and services at Brownsville. Their ministers were among the first to preach
the gospel in Wayne township and all along the Chicago road they
held meetings. A church was constituted in Mason township in pioneer times, and in the fifties a house of worship was erected in Adamsville. This burned down and in the late sixties a church was built on
section 5. There is also a congregation of Free Baptists in Pokagon,
which was organized in 1854 with the following charter members: Z.
Tinkham, J. H. Darling and wife, Melissa and Martha Tinkham, and
Miss Potter.  A church costing $I,o50  was dedicated in February,
I86I.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES.
The beginnings of Presbyterianism in Cass county have been well
and accurately narrated by J. C. Olm,sted. At the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Edwardsburg Presbyterian church, which was celebrated
March 6-7, I906, he prepared and read a sketch of the church which
abounds in historical data not only with reference to the founding of
this church and the work of its first missionaries, but concerning many
other features of pioneer life in this county. The following pertinent
quotations have been excerpted from his article:




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


381


"The pioneer missionary and founder of the church was Rev. Luther Humphrey. I became acquainted with him in 1836, when I came
with my parents to this place. He was still carrying on missionary
work here and in the vicinity. Born in Connecticut, a descendant of
Pilgrim ancestry, and a graduate of a Methodist Episcopal college, he
was a typical New England clergyman, and always said grace both
before and after each meal. In his sermons on sins of omission and
commission, the rewards of the righteous and future punishment he
gave no uncertain sound. He was a great friend of the Indians and
roundly denounced the treatment they received at the hands of the
Governor, saying that they were constantly driven from their homes
further west. When Iowa opened for settlement I heard him remark
that he hoped no white man, at least no Christian white man, would
go there to disturb them in their rights. So radically opposed to liquor
was he that he would not officiate at any communion service unless sure
that the wine was the pure juice of the grape. An abolitionist and an
anti-slavery man of radical type, he would use no products of slave
labor, no cotton in his clothing and no sugar except that made from
the maple tree, also no molasses but that made at home from the green
stalks of corn.  I often assisted him in the making of his molasses,
helping to strip the blades from the stalk and driving the horse to turn
the mill that crushed them. His molasses partook too much of corn
stalk flavor to be entirely agreeable. The making of sugar from beets
or molasses from sorghum was then unknown.
"The records show that he was commissioned as missionary by
the American Home Missionary Society September 30, and was given
as his field Southwestern Michigan, then comparatively a wilderness.
He arrived at the site of Edwardsburg October 2, and I have heard him
describe it as consisting of a few log cabins built of poles or small logs
standing among the bushes and hazel brush that covered the town
site. So well pleased with Beardsley's prairie was he that he decided
to make it the center of his missionary work here.  He accordingly
purchased a farm and erected about the first frame house on the prairie,
and the fine tree now standing in front of B. F. Thompson's house was
planted by his hands. His first sermon was preached two days after
his arrival in the log house of Jacob Smith, and all his first sermons
were preached in the log cabins of the settlers, not even log schoolhouses having then been built.
"Some time later it was desired to form a church, and a meeting
was called March 4, 183I, Rev. Humphrey and Rev. William Jones
preaching the sermon, and a call was then made for all persons wishing
to organize a church to come forward.     Three came-Sylvester
Meacham and wife Hannah, and Sarah Humphrey, wife of Rev. Humphrey.  They adopted' this resolution:  'That we shall admit to, our
communion as members only such persons as shall agree to abstain
wholly from the use of ardent spirits as articles of drink, manufacture




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


cr traflc. and that this h1e the standing rule ill this clhurch. should one
be formed.' March 6, 1831, these three constituted a church of Christ,
two infants were baptized and the Lord's supper administered.  The
records show three more members were received in I831, four in 1832.
three in I833, six in I834, three in 1835, and nine in 1836, the year in
which I came. In I843 a revised list shows sixty-eight members.
"Rev. Humphrey did not confine his work to this church. When
I came here in 1836 he was engaged in missionary work, preaching in
scattered settlements both in this and Van Buren county. An Oberlin
college student named Jeffreys preached several times during the summer of I836. Rev. Mr. Cook was stationed as supply in I836-39. He
resided on Harris prairie, driving to this charge once in two weeks.
"In 1837 the first public school l)uilding was erecte(l, and in the
fall of the same year the frame of the Baptist church was raised, but
a-Ias not completed and occupied until 1840. The Presbyterian meetings. from private houses, were hleld first in the schoolhouse and afterwards in the Baptist church in the afternoons, the Baptists occupying
it in the morning. In the summer of 1840 Rev. Botlghton. of Niles,
preached twice a month, and in 18.4i and a part of 1842 Rev. Noah
Wells, of:Iiishawaka. preached once in, two weeks. In 1842 the lot
where this church now stands was purchased and the building for church
purposes commenced. It was a plain chapel building, 25x30 feet, and
was raised and inclosed that summer, but no more was done at that
time. In November, T842, Rev. A. S. Kedzie was employed as stated
supply. He said that the church should have morning service every
Sunday. and as no other place could be found it was held in the school
building.  This caused the work on the chapel to be resumed. The
original plan being thought too small, fourteen feet was added, also
the belfry, and all was completed during Kedzie's ministry, he being
the first to occupy the pulpit. Rev. Alfred Bryant was the pastor after
Kedzie, he moving to the village in 1844. Rev. L. C. Rouse came in
the fall of 1847, and in I849 he was installed as pastor by the Presbytery, being' the first minister to be installed.
"The old building was long and narrow, with low ceiling. Rev.
Rouse urged the erection of a new building, and in I853 it was decided
to rebuild. In the summer of I854 the present building was raised and
inclosed. but was not completed until January, I856. Rev. E. B. Sherwood was the pastor in the fall of 1855, and dedicated the new church
February 7, I856."
The Cassopolis Presbyterian church was organized March I9, I842,
with ten charter members, of whom Mrs. Joseph Harper was the last
survivor. Harvey Bigelow and Samuel F. Anderson were elected deacons, and Rev. A. S. Kedzie was the first regular minister, beginning
in November, I842. The building of a house of worship was com



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


383


menced in 1845 and dedicated in November, I846. This building was
occupied until the present handsome brick church on the corner of
State and O'Keefe streets was completed December Io, I893, at a cost
of about five thousand dollars. The church is now free from debt.
There is an active membership of about 70, with thirty or forty on the
retired list. Rev. E. C. Lucas just closed a two years' pastorate May
i. I906. The trustees are J. R. Carr, D. L. French, L. H. Glover,
\V. L. Jones. Frank Miller, J. H. Eppley, and the ruling elders Dr.
T. Wi. Anderson, J. R. Carr, James McNab, L. H. Glover. A Sundayschool and a Christian Endeavor organizations are also maintained.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES.
As is well known, the Congregationalists and Presbyterians for
many years met on common ground and worshiped on the "plan of
union," lwhich has influenced the relations of the denominations even
to this time. The Edwardsburg Presbyterian church was formed on
this plan. The only active Congregational body within the county at
this time is at Dowagia;c.
The movement to organize the Dowagiac Congregational church
was started by a missionary from the Connecticut Domestic Missionary
Society in 1849, and in the following year the organization was accomplished at the house of Patrick Hamilton on July 9.  NnAmong those
prominent in the church at that early time were H. C. Hills, Harvey
Bigelow, L. R. Raymond, I. S. Becraft, Gilman C. Jones, Patrick Hamilton, Milton Hull, Asa Dow, N. B. Hollister, William K. Palmer. The
first meetings were held at private homes or in the old schoolhouse
which stood on the site of the present Methodist church. The society
erected its present home. a frame building, in I856.
CHURCHES OF CHRIST OR DISCIPLES.
The Church of Christ at Dowagiac was organized in 1874, the
charter members being: James Finley, Eunice Finley, Jasper P. Warner, Urilla Warner, 'Samuel Ingling, Jane D. Ingling, Uriah F. Ingling, Amelia G. Suits, Charles Smith, Frances Smith, Kate E. Brunner. Sarah Wixan, Thomas J. Casterline, Rachel M. Casterline, Theodore T. Winchell, Louisa M. Winchell, Elias M. Ingling, Rachel Ingling, Mary Stoff, Lambert B. Dewey, Amy Dewey, Eliza Clark, Jennie
Buckley. Charles Gardner, Mary Miller, and Reason Williams.
The present building, which is a very substantial frame structure




384


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


with stone foundation and basement wall, was built in I876. It is 40
by 65 feet, with basement room of 34 by 36. The basement has been
recently remodeled and contains beside the main room the furnace room,
kitchen and dressing rooms. With main entrance at front, with a stairway leading from the baptistry, which is situated at the rear of the pulpit in the main audience roomi. The ladies' parlor is a room over the
entrance to the main auditorium, I6x28 feet, so situated that it can be
opened into the main room in the form of a gallery. The present membership of the church is 250. The simple plea of the disciples is No
Creed but the Christ; No Guide but the Bible; No Name but the Divine. The present minister is G. G. Horne.
Oak Grove Christian church, located two miles west of Cassopolis,
inherits the history of the Oak Grove Baptist church, which was organized in 1843 under the full name of "The Old School Regular Prim.itive Baptist Church of LaGrange by the name of Concord."  The first
meeting was held at the house of Yorkely Griffin, and the Roberson,
Griffin, Huff and Ball families were represented by the charter members. The society erected a building at Oak Grove about 1848, and
was a flourishing church for some years, but died down in the early
sixties.
In July, I881, the property was turned over to, the Christian
church.
The Silver Creek Church of Christ was organized in I86I, and the
church was built in T865.  The charter members were: J. F. Swisher,
Millie Swisher, David Dewey, Anna Dewey, Betsey Dewey, William
Pray, Mrs. William  Pray, Henry Moore and wife, Alva Tuttle and
wife, Andrew Barnhart and wife, Elias B. Godfrey and wife, Avery
Smith and wife, Henry Keeler and wife, Horace Grinnell and wife.
The first society of the Church of Christ in the county was formed
in Penn township in the early forties and for many years held services
in homes and schoolhouses. The legal organization was effected March
I5, I855, with Ephraim Alexander, John Hurd, Stephen Jones, John
Hollister, Reason S. Pemberton, and John Alexander as trustees. In
the preceding year the church edifice had been built in Vandalia and
the church put on a substantial footing under the direction of Rev.
David Miller.
A society of the Church of Christ was organized by the people of
Glenwood in Wayne township in 1874, the society being incorporated
September 29, I874. with the following as trustees: Oscar F. Hall,




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


385


Alfred H. Turner, Craigie Sharp, Josiah B. Laylin, John W. Burns
and M. D. L. McKeyes. The house of worship was built about the
same time.
A Church of Christ society was first organized in Jefferson township in November, I847, the nine charter members being: Henry W.
Smith, Sabrina Smith, Peter Smith, Sarah A. Smith, Edmond Thatcher,
Phoebe Thatcher, Reuben B. Davis, Susannah Davis and Mary Cooper.
Meetings were conducted in a schoolhouse until 1851, in which year a
frame church 30 to 45 feet was erected.
A Christian church society was formed at Dailey about I878, the
meetings being held in a schoolhouse at first.
"FRIENDS" SOCIETIES.
With all pioneers, after comfortable homes comes the wish for
schools and churches, and Cass county pioneers were no exception to
this rule. When we speak of comfortable homes memory takes us back
to the neat hewed log house and barn of the year I84o, when the
"Friends" of Cass county began to consider the time ripe for the establishment of a church of their own faith. For some time they met and
worshiped and then: by direction of a Northern Quarterly meeting held
near Marion, Indiana, Birch Lake monthly meeting was established and
the opening session held August 7, I84I.
Francis Sheldon was appointed clerk and Joel East, treasurer.
Other officers were Stephen Bogue, Richmond Marmon, Ishmael Lee,
Joel East and Josiah Osborn and an apportionment was made at this
time to raise five dollars to defray the expenses of the church.
A branch meeting was granted the few Friends who resided at
Door Prairie, near La Porte, Ind., later in the year I84I, and the
Friends in Cass county thought it no hardship to drive across the country
to mingle with these "brethren" and give counsel in the Lord's work.
In those days it was no uncommon thing for members of Birch
Lake meeting to ride on horseback to Marion, Ind., to attend the Quarterly meeting at that place.  This was frequently done by Stephen
Bogue, and sometimes his daughter, Mrs. James E. Bonine, accompanied him, riding the entire distance in the saddle and over corduroy
roads much of the way.
About this time a few of the members of Birch Lake meeting became so conscientious in regard to the use of goods produced by slave
labor, that they withdrew and organized a society known as "Anti



386


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Slavery" Friends. They would not use cotton cloths, sugar or anything they knew to be made by slaves. There were a number of these
societies in different parts of Indiana. The meeting in Cass county
was held in a log building in the grove on the farm; of the late James
E. Bonine in Penn township, and known as the Elk Park. The pastor
was the Rev. Charles Osborn, a renowned minister among Friends, and
hereinbefore mentioned in this chapter, and father of the late J. P.
Osborn of Cassopolis. His only surviving child is Mrs. Ann East of
Buchanan, Mich.
In the same log building the Anti-Slavery Friends had a school
for their children, James Osborn, son of Charles, being one of the first
teachers.
This little company of devoted Christians soon found they could
not cope with such a monster as slavery and their self-denial did not
prevent one stroke of the lash or cure one heartache of the black burden
bearer, so they returned to the mother church after a few years of fruitless effort.
In 1848 an "Alternate" meeting was established at "Prairie Grove,"
one mile south of Penn and continued until a church was built at that
place about the year I880.
Having plenty of money and more zeal with a strong desire for
a better house of worship, James E. Bonine and others began the work
of building the brick church at Vandalia in 1879.
James E. Bonine, Stephen A. Bogue, Silas H. Thomas, W. E.
Bogue and Henry Coate were the first trustees and the church was
dedicated the 28th of December, I879. Robert W. Douglas of Wilmington, Ohio, preached the dedicatory sermon and Rev. Henry Coate
became the first pastor and was probably the first minister in the Friends
church to receive a salary, it being one of the tenets olf the church that
the Gospel should be free to all. Now there are many salaried ministers
in the society.
There were branch meetings established, one at Long Lake, near
Traverse City; one at Log Chapel. These branch meetings, with Penn
and Birch Lake, constitute Vandalia Quarterly meeting and are loyal
subjects of Indiana Yearly meeting, the largest body of "Friends" in
the world.
At Birch Lake a neat little house has taken the place of the primitive log of years ago, and though not one of the first members lives to
tell its history, a goodly number of their descendants meet on the same



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


387


spot to worship, living in the same faith, upholding the same principles.
FIRST UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY OF DO\XNAGIAC.
This society was organized December 18, I858. In the following
year a building was erected and the regular departments of church work
instituted. The Universalist society is no longer active, but its ranks
contained some of the foremost citizens of Dowagiac.  Among the
foundries of the society may be mentioned Justus Gage, C. P. Prindle,
Mrs. A. S. Prindle, W. P. Bucklin, Mrs. Mary Ann Bucklin, Gideon
S. Wilbur, G. C. Jones, Azro Jones. At a later period the official list
comprised G. C. Jones, Hiram, Bo'wling, C. T. Lee, P. D. Beckwith,
Richard Heddon and Gideon Gibbs.
EVANGELICAL CHURCHES.
An Evangelical church was organized in Marcellus township
March 25, I868, with twenty-two members. A church building was
erected in Marcellus village and dedicated December 29, 1872.
Evangelical Paradise church, situated on the north side of Chicago
road in section 15 of Mason, was built in I874. The church was organized in the same year by Jacob Young, there being twelve charter
members.
UNITED BRETHREN CHURCHES.
In 1853 a society of this denomination was organized at the Bly
schoolhouse in Marcellus township.  Having increased sufficiently, in
1876 they erected a church in Marcellus village.
Rev. Henry Luse was the instrument in forming a church of the
United Brethren among the people of Mason township, seventy-nine
members constituting the first church that was formed in March, I869.
The church edifice at Sailor in section 14 was erected in 1874. Some
of the prominent members of this church in the past were the Luse
family, Moses McKissick, Dr. H. E. Woodbridge, J. Worth, D. Fisher
and others.
Newberg township has a United Brethren church at Bald Hill.
GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH.
The German Lutheran church at Dowagiac was built in I892. At
present its membership is only seven. The pastor is Rev. F. Rahn and
his predecessor was Rev. Schoen. The secretary of the church is August Abendroth.




388             HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL.
Dowagiac maintains the only regular Episcopal organization, although the rector from that church has served a mission in Cassopolis
at irregular intervals.  The congregation of St. Alban's Episcopal
church was organized in I897, and the first resident clergyman was
Rev. H. P. Vicborn, appointed in I899. The society was given the
use of the old Universalist church building for its services. The first
officers of this society were R. W. Sheldon, warden; R. R. Elliott, treasurer; W. G. Elliott, clerk.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY38


389


CHAPTER XXVII.
OFFICIAL LISTS.
STATE SENATORS FROM CASS COUNTY.*
I842-43-44, George Redfield; 1848-49., Alex. H. Redfield; i853,)
Jesse G. Beeson; 18-55, James Sullivan; I8,57-58, Alonzo: Garwood;
1859, George Meacham; i86i1-62, Gilman C. Jones; 81863-64, Emmions
Buell.; i865, Levi Aldrich; 1867, Charles W. Clisbee; i869-70, Amos
Smith; I87I-72, Uzziel Putnam, Jr.; 18-75, Matthew T. Garvey; 1879,
James M. Shepard; 190.5, James, G. Hayden (resigned 1906).
STATE REPRESENTATIVES FROM CASS COUNTY.
1835-36-3 7, Joseph Smith; 183 5-36-38-, James O'Dell; I8,37-38.,
William Burk; i839-40, James Newton; 1840, Henry Coleman; 1841,
Myron Strong; 1841, George Redfield; I842-43, 5. F. Anderson; I844,
James W. Griffin; 184.5-47, James Shaw; 1846-47, James L. Glenn;
1848-49, George B. Turner.; 1848, Milo Powell; 1849, Cyrus Bacon:
i85o, Ezekiel C. Smnith; i85il, George Sherwood,; i8.5i, William  L.
Clyburn; 1853 E. J. Bonine; I8-50-53, Pleasant Norton; i8 — Franklin Brownell; 1855, Uriel Enos; 1857-58, B. W. Scherfrierhorn; 1857-,8, Edwin Sutton; 1859, Geo~rge Newton; 1859, E. W. Reynolds;
1861-62, Edward H. Jones; i86i-62, Edwvard Shanahan; 18,63-64, H.
B. Denman; i863-64, Levi Aldrich; i865, Lucius Keeler; i8.65-71-72.,
Alexander B. Copley; 1867, Henry B. Wells; 18,67, Leander D.. O'sb-o~rn.; i869-70, Uzziel Putnamn, Jr.; i869-70, James Ashley; 187I1-72,
John F. Coulter; 1873-74, Alexander Robertson; 18,73-74, Thomas
O'Dell; I875, JOhn Struble; 1875, John B. Sweetland; T877-79-, Samuel Johnson; 188i1-82, James H. Hitchcox; 1883-85-87, Robinson J.
Dickson; T889-91-92, Edward R. Spencer; 1893, John Kirkwoocl; 18~),
Lucien E. Wood; 1897-98, Millard F. Phillips; i8qq-oo —oi, James L.
Robinson; 1903-05,'Thoma~s T. Higgins.
The Cass county members of the -first constitutional convention
which assembled at Detroit in May, 1835, where James, Newton., James
* NoTm-The dates designate the session years.




390


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


O'Dell, Baldwin Jenkins. In the first convention of assent, at Ann
Arbor, September 26, I836, were James Newton and James O'Dell.
And in the second convention of assent, at Ann Arbor, December 14,
1836, were Edwin N. Bridge, Jacob Silver, Joseph Smith and Abiel
Silver. The convention held at Lansing in I85O, which resulted in the
present fundamental law of Michigan, was attended from Cass county
by George Redfield, Mitchell Robinson, James Sullivan.
Of the more prominent state officials, Cass county has furnished
a state treasurer-George Redfield, I845-46; an attorney general-Andrew J. Smith, I875-77; Abiel Silver (I846-50), and Gen. George T.
Shafer (1891-92), commissioners of State Land Office.
COUNTY OFFICIALS.
JUDGES OF THE NOW OBSOLETE COUNTY COURT.
I831. Joseph S. Barnard, chief justice, and William Burk and John
Agard, associate justices; I834, William A. Fletcher, chief justice;
Abiel Silver and William Btrk, associates; I846 (on the re-establishment of the court), Joseph N. Chipman, first, and Mitchell Robinson,
second; (1849, Ezekiel S. Smith, vice Chipman, resigned); 850, Cyrus
Bacon, first, and Ezekiel S. Smith, second.
JUDGES OF THE CIRCUIT COURT.
1837, Epaphroditus Ransom, presiding judge, and James Cavanaugh and Richard V. V. Crane, associate judges; I839, Myron
Strong, vice James Cavanaugh, resigned; 1841, Epaphroditus Ransom,
presiding judge, John Barney and Thomas T. Glenn, associate judges;
1845, E. Ransom,, chief justice, Samuel F. Anderson and William H.
Bacon, associates.  Beginning with 18,48 only the circuit judges are
named:   1848, Charles W. Whipple; 1856, Nathaniel Bacon; I864,
Perrin M. Smith; I866, Nathaniel Bacon; T870, Daniel Blackman;
1872, Henry H. Coolidge; 1878, Charles W. Clisbee, appointed vice
Judge Coolidge, resigned; 1878, Andrew J. Smith (elected to, fill vacancy); I882, A. J. Smith; I888, Thomas O'Hara; 1894, 0. W. Coolidge; I899 (on formation of 36th judicial circuit), H. D. Smith, appointed to fill out the term; I900, John R. Carr; I906, L. B. Des
Voignes.
JUDGES OF PROBATE.
183I, Elias B. Sherman; 1837-40, Horace B. Dunning; I841-64,
Clifford Shannahan; I864-68, Matthew T. Garvey; I869-96, William




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY31


391


P. Bennett; 1896 (appointed to vacancy), L. B. Des Voignes; I897 -1906, Chester E. Cone (appointed to vacancy caused by resignation of
Des Voignes).
CIRCUIT COURT COM MISSIONERS.
18,53, Elias B. Sherman; 1855, Henry H. Coolidge; 1857, James
M. Spencer; 1859!-60, Charles WV. Clisbe-e; i86i-64, Uzziel Putnam,
Jr  187-8  Gerg   M   ir   86-70, Joseph B. Clarke; 18,71-2, Jh
R. Carr and N. B. Hollister; 1873-4, Joseph B. Clarke and George L.
Linder; 1875-80, George Ketcham and Jo-seph B.. Clarke,; i8.8i-82,
George Ketcham and John F. Tryon; 1883-84, John F. Tryon', Percy
L. Edwards.; i88.5-86, John F. Trvron*, Coy W. Hendryx; 1887-90,
Charles E. Sweet, Randolph T. Edwards; 1801-92, C'as-s-ius M. Elwv,
E. Esli Harwood; 1893-94, Cassius M. E-by, Joseph R. Edxvards; 1895 -96, Cassius M. Eby, Joseph R. Edwards;, 1897-98,, Cassius M. Eby,
Joseph R. Edwards,; I899-oo,- Joseph R. Edwards.. Walter C. Jones;
I90I-02, Chester E. Cone, George M. Field; 1903-04, C. E. Cone,
Joseph R. Edwards; 1905, C. E. Cone, Joseph R. E~dwards.
COUNTY CLERKS.
1830 (appolinted by governor), Joseph L. jacks; 1833, Martin C.
W~hitmnan; 18-35-40, Henly C. Lvbrook; 1840-41, H. B. Dunning; 1842 -4.3, H. C. Lyb~rook; 1844-49, George Sherwood; 18,51-52, WilliamSeares; 1853-56, E. B. Warner; i8,57-58, Benj. F. Rutter: 1859-62,
Charles G. Lewis; 1863-6   IaBonl187-78, Charles L.. Morton; 1879.-80:-82, Jos~eph R. Edwxards; 1883-86, Samuel WV. Breece;
1887-90, Barak L. Rudd: 1891-92., Abner M. Moon; 189.3-9,6, Robert
C. Sloan; 1897-98', U. S. Eby; 1899-00, John 33. Harmon; 1901-02,
C.. 0. Harmnonl; 1903-04, Jesse M. Palmer; 1905~-, C. XW. Rinehart.
PRO-SECUTING ATTORNEYS..831. Elias B. Sherman; 1840-42, Ezekiel S. Smjith; T84352
James Sullivan; 18.53-54,. H-. H. Coolidge; i85~-5-62, Andrew J. Smith;
86-64  Charles W. Clisbee; 1865-68, Andrew J. Smnith; i869-,
George Miller; 17-2      William  G. Ho-ward; 17-4       Spafford
Tryon; I875-76, Marshall L. Howell; 1877-80, Harsen D. Smith; i881i83, Joseph B. Clarke; 1883-86, John R. Carr; i887-90, Freeman J.
Atwell; 1891-92, L. B. Des Voignes; I89-3-96, Charles E. Sweet;
1897-I900, C. M. Eby; 1901-02, U. S. Eby; 1903-, George, M. Fields.
* NOTE-Died before beginning the term and L. H. Glover filled vacancy by appointment.




392


392      ~HISTORY OF CASS, COUNTY


SHERIFFS.
1830-32, George Meacham; 1832-34, Henry H. Fowler; 1835-36,
Eber Root; 18136-40, M. V. Hunter; i840-42, Walter G. Beckwith;
1842-44, James, L. 'Glenn; I844-46, Walter G. Beckwvith; 18-46-49,
Barak Mead; 185I1-52, Andrew W'oods; i853-54, Walter G. Beckwith; 18,55-56, Joseph Harper; 18-57-60, Joseph. N. Marshall; i86-i62, B. W. Scliermerhorn;, i863-66, William  K. P.almer; 1867-70,
Zacheus, Aldrich; 18,7I-72, Levi J. Reynolds; I873-74, William J. Mervin; 18,75-76., J. Boyd Thomas; 1877-80. James H. Stampi; 188I1-82,
John A. Jones; I883-86, Frank Ml. Sanders; i887-9,0', Jacob McIntosh;
189I-92, William Reagan: 1893-94, William H. Coulter; 1895-96, N.
J.Crosby:, 1897-00, William Reagan; i1901-04,' Fred A. Hadsell;
19,05-. E.. J. Rus-sey.
COUNTY TREASURERS.
1831, Andrew Grubb (appointed); 18-33, Jacob Silver (appointed); 1836, E-ber 'Root; 1 837, J6,seph Harper; 1838, Isaac Seares; 1839',
Joseph Harper; I840-43, Amos Fuller; I844-45, Asa Kingsbury; I846 -49. Joshua Lofland: IS o-Si, Henry R. Close; 18,52-53, Henry Tietsort; I854-57, Jefferson Osborn; 1858-59, \Villiam MI. P~eck; i86o6i, Ira, Brownell; i8,62-65, J. K. Ritter: i866-691, Isaac Z. Edwards;
1870-73, Anson L. Dutnn; I8715-78,, Hiram S. Hadsell; I8&79,-82, R. L..
Van Ness;: 188-3-86, John Manning; 1887-90,, James G. Hayden; 189 i94, Thomas J. E-dwards; 1 895-9,8, Norris Richardson; I899-02, Alonzo
P. Beeman; I9,03-06., George WI. Gard.
REGISTER OF DEEDS.
18,33, T. H. Edwards: 1835. Alex. H. Redfield; 1836-37, William Arrison; 18-38-42, joseph Harper; 1843-54, David M. Howell.;
1855-6-4, Ariel E. Peck; i865-68-, William L. Jackways; i869-72, Joel
Cowill; 1873-76, Henry L. Barney; I8'77-8,SehnL         ere
1883-88, Willi'am! M. Bunhury; 1889-92, Charles 0. Harmon; 189,3 -96, Zebedee Beverly; 1897-Ioo Edi.Lnse;10-04, Hermann Roebeck; 1905-, Warner D. Jones.
COUNTY SURVEYORS.
1831I, E.. B. Sherm-an;, T834. John Woolman; T838", J. C. S~axton;
184,Tenry Walton; T842-48. David P. Ward; 1849-0.Charles G.
Banks; 18,51-5,4, David P. Ward;' T855-56, Amos Smith; T857-60
Amos Smith; i86i-62, HT. 0. Banks; i863-64, Amos Smith; T865-70,




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


393


H. O. Banks; I871-74, John C. Bradt; I875-76, Austin A. Bramer;
1877-82, Amos Smith; I88.3-86, Charles G. Banks; 1887-88, John C.
Bradt; I889-I902, Fred E. Smith; I903-, John S. Haines.
COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS.
April, I867, Chauncey L. Whitney, elected. He resigned in October of same year and the vacancy was filled by the appointment of
Albert H. Gaston, who held the office during i868; I869-70, Irvin
Clendenen; I871-72, Lewis P. Rinehart; 1873-74, Samuel Johnson.
(For other county school officers see chapter on Education in State
and County.)
TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS.
It will be noticed that in the case of the townships which were
organized previous to 1838 the period of I839-40-4I shows the office
of supervisor not filled. This was due to a change from the township
supervisors' board to a board of county commissioners as the governing body of the county. In each township during that time one or more
assessors were elected, whose duty it was to assess the property, a
duty before and since performed by the supervisor. Where the names
appear in the list of supervisors it should be remembered that they
were the assessors.  The county commissioner plan did not long remain in favor. In this connection it will be of interest to quote from
an old southern Michigan paper dated February I8, 1842: "The legislature has abolished the office of county commissioners. The commissioner system was first projected by Mr. James O'Dell of Cass county.
Mr. O'Dell labored hard in 1836 to get such a law passed and in 1838
the system was established." The act creating the board of county commissioners was repealed February Io, 1842, and on the second Monday
in April following the boards of supervisors in the counties throughout the state began performing their duties.
In the book of miscellaneous records at the county clerk's office
appears the following, which will explain the change from the township supervisor to, the county commissioner system: "On the 20th of
November, I838, the county commissioners who were elected at the
general election held in Cass county on the 5th and 6th of November, inst., met at the county clerk's office in Cassopolis, were sworn in
and drew for their respective terms of service, which resulted as follows: James W. Griffin, three years; Henry Jones, two years; and David Hopkins, one year. Hereafter there will be one county commis



394


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


sioner to be elected annually." The first meeting of the commissioners
for transaction of official business was held in January, 1839.
Those who served in this office during its continuance were: William Burk, who succeeded David Hopkins in I840. James O'Dell succeeded Henry Jones, entering office in January, I841. William  H.
Bacon was elected for the three year term beginning in 1842.  The
last meeting of the commissioners was held March 9, 1842, and in the
following July the board of supervisors began their sessions.
Marcellus.


1843,
I844,
I845,
1846,
1847,
I848,
I849,
I850,
1851,
18'52,
I853,
18154,
1855,
I856,
1857,
1858,
T859.
I86o,
1861,
I862,
1863,
I864,
I865,
I866,
1867,
I868,
1869,
I870,
1871,
1872,


Daniel G. Rouse.
Daniel G. Rouse.
E. C. Goff.
E. C. Goff.
Joseph Haight.
D. G. Rouse.
D. G. Rouse.
D. G. Rouse.
Henry McQuigg.
Henry McQuigg.
Henry McQuigg.
Henry W. Bly.
William P. Bennett.
William P. Bennett.
H. Dykeman.
William P. Bennett.
M. E. Messenger.
William P. Bennett.
William P. Bennett.
William P. Bennett.
William. P. Bennett.
William P. Bennett.
John C. Bradt.
John C. Bradt.
William P. Bennett.
William P. Bennett.
John C. Bradt.
John C. Bradt.
John C. Bradt.
Thomas McKee.


1873,
1874,
1875,
I876,
I877,
1878,
I879,
i88o,
88 i,
1882,
T883,
I884,
1885,
I886,
I887,
I888,
1889,
I890,
189 I,
1892,
1893,
1894,
1895,
I896,
I897,
I898,
I899,
1900,


John C. Bradt.
A. F. Caul.
A. F. Cautl.
A. F. Caul.
A. F. Caul.
A. F. Caul.
A. F. Caul.
A. F. Caul.
A. F. Caul.
A. F. Caul.
Frank Savage.
A. F. Caul.
A. F. Caul.
James B. Fortner.
James B. Fortner.
James B. Fortner.
J. B. Fortner.
J. B. Fortner.
Edward Ketcham.
J. B. Fortner.
J. B. Fortner.
Clark H. Beardslee.
Clark H. Beardslee.
C. H. Beardslee.
J. B. Fortner.
J. B. Fortner.
J. B. Fortner.
J. B. Fortner.


I9oI-06, C. H. Beardslee.


I838, James Aldrich.
I839-4-4 I
1842-45, Hiram Wood.


Newberg.
1846-49, Barker F. Rudd.
T850, Hiram Harwood.
I851, B. F. Rudd.




HISTORY OF CASS, COUNTY      3T


395


1852-.54, J. M\. Chapman.
18-55-56, 5. Harwood.
1857-58,, Edward H. Jones.
18-59, James M. Chapman.
i 86o, B. F. Ruddl.
i86i1262, 5. Harwood.
i863-68, J. M. Chapman.
1869-7o, Anson L. Dunn.
1871, J. M. Chapman.
1872, W. H. H. Pemberton.
1873, Silas Harwood.
1874, J. S. Tompkins.


i875, N. Ha~rwood.
18,76, F. M. Doidge.
i8:77, -Anson L. Dunn.
18-78-79, LemuLel Chapman.
i88-o, B. F. Rudd.
i88o, (by appointment) W.
H. Pemberton.
188I, Nathan Skininer.
188,2, Benjamin F. Wells.
I8,83-85, James M. Chapman.
i886-99., A. P'. Beeman.
i900-o6, Frank Dunn.


H.


1833., Othni Beardsley.
18,34-35, Caleb. Calkins.
18,36, George Meacham.
18-37, Caleb Calkins.
18-38, George Meacham..
1 839, Oscar N. Long.
1840, George Meacham.
1841, Jonas Ha-rtman.
1842, Milo Powvell.
1843, William R. Merritt.
1844-405, Oscar N. Long.
1846-47, Rufus K. Charles.
18/48, John N. Jones.
18:49, Janius Hitchcox.
18150-5I, 0. N. Long.
18,52-55, Rufus K. Charles.
18-56, Milo Powell.
1857-59,, A. H. Lonig.


Porter.
i8,6o-63, Lucius Keeler.
18,64, J. H. Hitchcox.
i865-66, Thomas O'Dell.
1867, Lucius Keeler.
1868-69, Thomas O'D'ell.
1870-74, 1Hiram Meacham.
18-75, Nathan Skinner.
87-78 Nathan Skinnr
i879-8i, Edward T. Motley.
188I, Thomas O`Dell (by
pointment).1882, Abram D. Seager.
I883-8:5, John B. Harmion.
i886-87, Edward T. Motley.
1888-98., J. B. Harmon.
i899i-ig~oGo, Ed. T. Motley.
1901 I-05 S~amutel F. Skinner.
190,6, Daniel Ehy.


ap

1833-36, James. Newton.
18-37, David Hopkins.
1838', Hubbell Warner.
I839, Am-os Huff.
1842-44, Hubbell Warner.
1845, Joseph Warner.
1846-48, David Hopkins.
I849-50, James Fulton.
185 1-52, George- Newton.
1853-54, Hubbell Warn'er.
185 Enimo~s Buell.


Volinia.
i8.-6-58:, Alex. B. Copley.
185~9-6o, Milton J. Gard.
i86i-63, WV. L. Dixon.
18,64. A. B. Copley.
i86~5-66, Milton J. Gard.
1 867, A. B.. Copley.
1 868-70, John Huff.
1871, John Struble.
1872., A. B. Copley.
1873. John Struble.
1874-77, John Kirby.




396


396      ~HISTORY OF CASS, COUNTY


I1878-92, John Huff.
1893-i900, G. W. Gard.
i90i-o4, John H., Root.


19'05, William. R. Kirby.
i906, Carl A. Morton.


Penn.


1 83 1, John Agard.
I832-36, James O'Dell.
I837, Aipheus Ireland.
1838-39, Daniel Kelsey.
1840, James O'Dell.
84,Henry Jones.
I842-45, Ira Kelsey.
I846-48, Elias Carrier.
1849, Isaac L. Seely.
I850-5i, Alpheus Ireland.
I852, R. S. Pemberton-..
1853, Barker F. Rudd.
i854-55, R. S. Pemberton'.
I856-58., George D. Jones.
1 85s9, E. Alexander.
i86o, Amos Sm~ith.
i86i, R. S. Pemberton.
1862, E. C. Collins.
1863, C. C. Nelson.
1 864-65, Nathan Jones.
1 866-67, Amos Smith..
i 868, R. S. Pemberton.
i1869-70 John Alexander.


187i, Reaso~n S. Pemberton.
I1872-74, John Alexander.
I875-76, James H. Stamp.
1877, Stephen Jones.
1878', John H. East.
1879, Lucius D. Gleason.
i88o, Joseph H. Johnson.
i881, Charles F. Smith.
18,82, George Longsduff.
1883-84, Charles E. Carrier.
188:5, Georg-e Longsduff.
i886, Barak L. Rudd.
I8-87-88. Martin V. Stamp.
1889, William. Green.
i890-91, Martin V. Stamp.
I89-2-93, Elmnore F. Lewis.
i89)4-96, Wilber Van Slyke.
189-7-99, jasper White..
1900o, Elmore F. Lewis.
i901-o2, Lot J. Bonine.
1903-05, 5. Jennison Lincoln.
i906, Francis E. Gleason.


Calvin.


183 5-36, Plea-sant Grubb.
I837-38, William T. Reed.
1841, Joel East.
I842-43, John V. Whinnery.
1844, Peter Shaffer.
1845, Elijah Oshbon.
I846-47, Jesse Hutchinson.
1848, 5. T. Reed.'
1849, Johnson Packard.
185o, Leander Osborn'.
185I1-54, Jefferson Osborn".
I85 Daniel W. Gray.I856, Johns-on Patrick,
1857, Elijah Osborn.
1858-59, Beniah A. That-P.


i86o-6i, James Oren.
1862-66, B. A. Tharp.
i8,67-70, Levi T. Reynolds.
1871-72, B. A. Tharp.
1873-7.5, Leroy Osborn.
I876-77, B. F. Beeson.
1878,-79, Levi J. Reynolds.
i 88o, Levi J. Reynolds.
1881-83, B. F. Beeson.
18,84-8,5, Levi J. Reynolds.
i 88.6-88, Beni. F. Beeson.
188c)-99, J. L. Robinson.
1900-04, Cornelius Lawson (col'd).
1905, William F. Puterbaugh.
1906, Cornelius Lawson.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY3)7


397.


i836, Moses Stafford.
I838, Saxton P. Kingsley.
i8,39-40, Reuben Allen.
1841, 5. P. Kingsley.
I84:2-44, John S.. Bement.
i845, George Arnold.
1846-48, Ezra Hatch.
1849-5I, John S.. Bement.
1852, George Arnold.
i8.53-54, Ezra Hatch.
18,55-56, Geo-rge Arnold.
1857-6o, E. W. Reynolds.
186i-63, Henry Thompson.
1864, George Arnold.
18-65, W. H. Stevens.
1866-67, J. H. Graham.
i868, Williamn Allen.


Mason.
i1869, J. H. Graham.
1870, Lewis H. Miller.
187I-72, Henry Thompson.
1873-78, J. H. Graham.
1879, Henry Thompson (failed to
qualify).
1879o-82, J. H. Graham.
I1883-85, J. W. Snyder.
i886-87, J. H. Graham,.
i 888, J. W. Snyder.
1 889-92, J. H. Graham.
1893-94, J. W. Snyder.
1895-99, Charles A. Thompson.
I1900-04, J. H. Graham.
1905, Jasper J. Ross.
1906, J. L. Stevens.


Wayne.


183 5-36, Corneliuis Higgins.
1837-38, Abraham Weaver.
I839-41,
1 842, Abraham Weaver.
18,43, Cyrus Gage.
1844-45, John S. Gage.
1846, Jo~el C. Wright..1847-48, Ebenezer Gage.
1,849-50, William G. Wiley.
1851-53 M. V. Hunter.
18,54, John W. Trotter.
18-55-56, Ebenezer Gage.
18,57-59, Sylvanus Henderson.
i86o-6,-, Henry B. Wells.
i866-69, Israel Ball.
1870, William 0. Van Hise.
187I, Francis 0. Van Antwerp.,
1872, Samuel Johnson.
La:
18-30. Joseph S. Barnard.
1831-33,, James: Kavanaugh.1834, Jesse Palmer.
I83-5, John Fluallen.
1836, Jess,-e G. Beeson.
1837-38, John 'Fluallen.


18,73, Hiram H. Taylor.
1874, Henry B. Wells.
1875-76., Samuel Johnson.
1877, Wesley Ely.
1878., Thaddeus Hampton.
1879, Frank P. Lee.
188o, Hiram Nowlin.
i8-8i, Henry B. Wells.'
1882-86, Halbert R.''Taylor.,'
1887, John Kirkwood.
T888, Edward R. Spencer.
1889, John Kirkwood.
1 89o, Joh n P. Fiero.
1891-92, John. Kirkwood&
1893-1io1, Frank Atwood.
1902-04, James Ferrell.1905,-06, John J. Hare.
rGrange.
I8,39-4I,
18942, E. B. Sherman..
1843-461, Eli P.- Bonnell..
1847, George B.. Turner.1884,Henry Tietsort, Jr..185o, Simeon E. Dow.'




398


398    ~HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


1851-52, Henry Tietsort, Jr.
1853-54, Daniel S. Jones.
1855, C. B. Tietsort.
i8,6, Henry Walton.
1857, 'William G. Wiley.
i1858-6o, Daniel S. Jones.
i8,6i, William R. Fletcher.
i862-66, Daniel S. Jones,.
18,67, William T. Tinney.
i868., Daniel S. Jones.


1869, L. H. Glover.
1870,, Abram Fiero.
18,7I-73, Daniel S. Jo~nes.
1874-78, Robert Wiley.
1879, Daniel S. Jones.
1880-83, Robert H. Wiley.
1884-9I1, C. H. Kimmerle.
1892-94, Robert H. Wiley.
1895-i906,.C. H. Kimmerle.


Jefferson.l


1833, Robeyt Painter.
1834-38, Pleasant Norton.
1841, Maxwell Zane.
18,42., Joseph Sm~ith.
1843, Marcus Peck.
1844-45, Joseph Smith.
18461, Barton B. Dunning.
1847, Joseph Sm-ith.
1848-50, Pleasant Norton.
i85i, N. Aldrich.
1852, Pleasant Norton.
1853, Henry W. Smith.
1854, Nathaniel Monroe.
i855-56, J. N. Marshall.
185 7-58, Marcus Peck.
1859~-60, Joseph Hess.
i86i, Hiram R. Shutt.


8.62-63, MarcuLs Marsh.
18,64, C. S. Swan.
i86-,-66, G. W. Westfall.
1867, AndrewN, Woods.
i8",68. Marcus Marsh.
1 869, S. C. Tharp.
1870-72, John S. jacks.
1873, S. WV. Breece.
1874-76, Andrew Woods.
I877-80, Harley E. Bement.
1 881T-88, H. B. Shurter.
i 889-99, Robert Do-ol.
1900-01, Henry C. Davis.
1902, Henry B. Hicks.
1903-04, H. C. Davis.
1906, Henry B. Hicks.


On~twza.


183 1, Ezra Beardsley.
I832-34, Dempster Beatty.
1835, George Meacham.
1836-389, Joel Brown.
1839-41,
1842, William Bacon.
1843, Myron Strong.
T844, James W. Griffin.
1845, George Redfield.
1846, Myron 'Strong.
i847-48, Cyrus Bacon.
1849, Joseph L. jacks.
T8.50, james WV. Griffin.
T85T, N. Aldrich.


I1852, Cyrus Bacon.
1853-54, Charles Haney..1855~, A. Longstreet,
185~6, Charles Haney.
1857, Aaron Lisk.
185~8-60, Charles Haney.
i86i, Moses H. Lee.
1862-64, Charles Haney.
i86.5, Geo~rge F. Silver.
T866-67, Charles Haney.
1868-72, J. B. Thomas.
1873-75, Moses H. Lee.
1876-77, Noah S. Brady.
T878-80, William X. H-opkins.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


i8S1, Davis S. Minier.
1882-94, Noah S. Brady.
1895-98, Hiram Cobb.


i899-i905, George Bement.
-1900, D). S. Stryker.
Silver Creek.


18-37, Tim~othy Treat.
1838, P. B. Dunning.
I 839-41,
1842-43, John Woolman, Jr.
1844-45, John G. A. Barney.
1840-53, Daniel Bufsh.
18,54-56, B. W. Scherme-rhorn.
18-57-58, Gilman C. Jones,.
1859-60, B. W. Scherm~erhorn.
1861, justus Gage.
i1862-63, Daniel Blish.
1864, B. W. Schiermerhorn.
i8,65, Gilman C. Jones.
i866-67, William M. Frost.
i868-72, William K. Palmer.
18,73, Gilbert Conkling.


1874-76, Arthur Smith.
i8-77, William, M. Frost.
18,78,, Adam Suits.
i879;-8i, William M. Frost.
1882, John. Bilderback.
1883-84, J. H. Buckley.
i885-86, William H. Swisher.
i88.7-90, J erry Rourke.
1 891, C. L. Lybrook.
i 8 92, 2    Donahue.
1893-99, Jerry Rourke.
igoo-oi, John M. Cullinane.
1902-03, William H. Swisher.
1904, Edd Easton.
190o6, John F. Clendenen.


183 1, Squire Thompson.
1832, Johin Clark.
1833, Samuel Marrs.
I834-36, Lewis Edwards.
1837-38, Henry Houser.
I8,39-4I,
184243 Squire Thompson.
i844, William Burk.
18-45-46, Henry Houser.
1847, William L. Clyborn.
1848, M. Robinson.
i849-50, William L. Clyborn.
185 1-52, M. T. Garvey.
18-53, Frank Brownell.
1854, M. Robinson.
1855, Lewis Clyborn.
I856, M. T. Garvey.
1857. William L. Clyborn.


Pokagon.
18S58,~ M. T. Garvey.
1859, D. H. Wagner.
i86o, M. Robinson.
i86i, M. T. Garvey.
i862-69, Alexander Robertson.
187o, David W. Clemmer.
1871-76, B. -W. Schermerhorn.
18,77, M. V. Gray.
1878, Joseph Walter.
1879-8o, H. W. Richards.
188I, Alexander Robertson.
1882, Henry W. Richards.
1883-84, William Adams.
i885-86, William H. Garwood.
i887-92, Isaac Williams.
1893 -98., Thomas C. Rogers.
1899-06, John H. Phillips.
Howard.
I842-43, Ezekiel C. Smith.
T844, James Shaw..1845, Oscar Jones.
1846, James Shaw.


18,34, Samuel Marrs.
18-35, George Fosdick.
1836-37, Henry. Heath.
1838, Thomas Glenn.




400


400      ~HIS-TORY OF CASS COUNTY


i847-48, J. N. Chipnian.
i849, Oscar Jones..
1850, Elam Harter.
1851, Oscar Jones.
1852-53, Ezekiel C. Smiith.
1854, Elam Harter.
1855-56, Ezekiel C., Smith.
1857-58, Benj. Cooper, Jr.
18,59, William Curtis.
i86o, Ezekiel C. Smith.
i186i-70, William H. Doane.


1871-74, H. S. Hasdell.
i875-76, Benj. 0. Vary.
i877, William H. Doane.
I878-79, Walton W. Harder.
i88o-82, Asher J. Shaw.
1883-8-5, Samuel C. Thomson.
i886-92, G. Gordon Huntley.
1893-98, Samuel C. Thomson.
i899-ic900, 6. G. Huntley.
1901-03, Loren A. Allen.
i904-06, 5. C. Thomson.


1838-40, James Aldrich.
1841, George Smith.
1842, G. Howland.
1843, J. O'Dell.
1844, James. Taylor.
1845, Charles P. Drew.
1846, James Taylor.
1847-49, Henry Aldrich.
i8,So, James Taylor.
I851, Henry Aldrich.
1852., N. 0. Bowman.
1853-54, Uriel Enos.
Tg8. Henry Aldrich.
185S6, N. 0. Bowman.
1957, Henry Aldrich.
i8,s8., R. V. Hicks..


Milton.
1859g, H. Aldrich.
T86o, Isaac Babcock.
i86i, Henry Aldrich.
1862-64, Uriel Enos.
i865-72, William H. Olmstead.
18-73-78, Richard V. Hicks.
1879-81, William H. Olmstead.
1882-86, John A. Parsons.
188,7-90, Henry B. Hicks.
189I-93, William E. Parsons.
1894, W. H. Olmstead.
i8,95-96, William E. Parsons.
T897-I900, John H. Breece.
1901-05., Oren V. Hicks.
1906, Herman Ro-ebeck.


Note.-During the years. I83c-4o-41 the county was under the
County Commissioner Act, and the duties of the assessing officers of
the several assessing districts were confined to making the assessments.
There were no meetings of the Supervisoirs.for the purpose-of equalizing assessments or auditing accounts.


1877-8.4, Arthur Smith.
1885, Joseph R. Edwards.
1886-87, Cyrus Tuthill.
1888, William H. Vrooman.


t~y of D ozugiac.
i 889~-9o, Myron, Sta'rk.
1891i, Cyrus Tuthill.
1892, William D.' Jones.


First -Ward.


I 893 -96, Charles D. Butle r.
1897-99, John A. Lindsle'y.1900, W. H. Lindsley.


T901-03, William M. Vrooman.
190,4-05,"- Alhon C. Taylor.
1906, Jay P. Higgins.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


401


Second Ward.
190oj-o6, John' Bilcierback.


1839,Myron Stark.
i896-i1900, Willard Wells..


1893,
I894,
1895,


James Willis..
Davis Van Hfise.
Daniel Smith.


Third Ward.
i896, Davis Van Hise.
T89,7-i906, Daniel Smith.


VILLAGE OF CASSOPOLTS.


Presiden t
1864-Joseph Smith
i865-Hliram Brown
i,866-Tsaac Brown
i867-Tsaac Brown
i868 —Joseph Harper
i869-Joseph Harper
I870-Wrm. P. Bennett
T871-WiTn. P. Bennett
tT872-L. H. Glover
1873-John Tietsort
1874-John Tietsort
T875-Jordan P. Osborn
*1875..J.. P. Osborn
1876-J. P. Osborn
1877-H-enry C. French
1878 —S. S. Chapman
1879-Hl-. S. Hadsell
1880-H-iram H-. Hadsell
i88T-Henry J. Webb
1882-H. J. Webb
1883-G-eorge B. Turner
1884-George B. Turner
1885-Alonzo Garwood
i886-AM~. P. Bennett
1887 —M. L. Howell
i888 —J. F. Coates
i889g-J. F. Coates
i8go.-J. F. Coates
1899T-Mi. T. Garvey
T892-MT. T. Garvey
1893-M. T. Garvey
1894-M. T. Garvey
1895-Charles A. Ritter
is9o6-Charles A. Ritter
1897 —G. M. Kingsbury
T1898-G. MT. Kingsbury
i899, —G. AT. Kingsbury
igoo-G. M. Kingsbury
sgoT —G. M. Kingsbury
i902-D. L. Kingsbury
1903 —D. L. Kingsbury
T904-D. L. Kingsbury
19o5-D. L. Kingsbury
sgo6-D. L. Kingsbury


Clerk
L. H1. Glover
L. H. Glover
L. H. Glover
L. H. Glover
L. H. Glover
L. H. Glover
Ellery C. Deyo,
Ellery C. Deyo
Eber Reynolds
Eber Reynolds
William Jones
William Jones
William Jones
\William Jones
William Jones
Thomas WV. Smith
William Jones
W~illiam Jones
William Jones
W. A. Chess
W. A. Chess
G. M. Rivers
G. M. Rivers
William Jones
William Jones
William Jones
William Jones
William Jones
William Jones
William Jones
S. B. Tuirner
S. B. Tuirner
S. -B. Tuirner
F. Reynolds
E. Reynolds
E. Reynolds
E. Reynolds
E. Reynolds
E. Reynolds
E. Reynolds
E. R eynolds
E. Reynolds
F. Reynolds
E. Reynolds


Treasurer
Chas. H. Kingsbury
Chas. H. Kingsbury
C. H. Kingsbury
J. B. Chapman
J. B. Chapman
Barak M1%ead
Albert McGinnis
Albert 'M~cGinnis
Albert McGinnis
Albert ~vcGinnis
W. W. Peck
William W. Peck
James H. Farnum
James H. Farnum
Romi W. Gouicher
Stephen L. George
S. L. George
S. L. George
Stephen L. George
William Jones
William Jones
Geo. MA. Kingsbury
Geo. M A. Kingsbury
Geo. M\. Kingsbury
Geo: M. Kingsbury
Geo. NA. Kingsbury
Geo. T\. Kingsbury
Geo. 'N. Kingsbury
Geo. M,\. Kingsbury
Geo. M. Kingsbury
Geo. N.Kingsbury
D. L. Kingsbury
D. L. Kingsbury
D. L. Kingsbury
W. H. Voorhis
W. H. Voorhis
H. C. French
C. C. Nelson
H-. P. Thomas
H. P. Thomas
C. N. Pollock
C. N. Pollock
E. E. Stamp
E. E. Stamp


Assessor
Henry Walton
Henry Walton
Daniel S. Jones
Henry Tietsort
Henry Tietsort
Alonzo GarwNood
Andrew Woods
M\orris B. Custare
L. H. Glover
Charles G. Banks
Joel Cowgill
D. B. Ferris
Daniel S. Ferris
Daniel S. Jones
D. S. Jones
Daniel S. Jones
D. S. Tones
C. C. Nelson
C. Carrol Nelson
C. Carrol Nelson
C. Carrol Nelson
C. C. Nelson
H. C. Harmon
C. C. Nelson
C. C. Nelson
C. C. Nel son
C. C. Nelson
C. C. Nelson
C. C. Nelson
C. C. Nelson
C. C. Nel son
C. C. Nelson
W. W. Reynolds
XV. W. Reynolds
C. C. Nelson
C. C. Nel son
C. C. Nelson
L. H-. Glover
L. H-. Glover
L. H-. Glover
L. H-. Glover


t L. H. Glover resigned as president
vacancy.
* Special election after new charter.


and S. S. Chapman was appointed to the




402


402    ~HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


TRUSTEES OF CASSOPOLIS VILLAGE,.
i8,64-Daniel Blackman, Peter Sturr, Barak Mead, Charles G.
Banks, Charles MI. Clisbee, Alonzo Garwood.
i8,65-Daniel Blackman, Barak Mead, William WI. Peck, Peter
Sturr, Isaac Brown, S. T. Read.
i866-D-anie~l Blackman, Salvador T'. Read, Willi1am MI. Peck,
Ira Brownell, Darius L. French, Elias B. Sherman.
i8.67-Daniel Blackman, 5. 17. Read, William MI. Peck, Elias B.
Sherman, Charles H. Kingsbury, Darius L. French.
i86&-W. MI. Peck. Andrew J. Smith, Elias B. Sherman, Christopher C. Allison, 5. 17. Read, Louis D.. Smith.
i869-C. C. Allison, John Tietsort, Jordan P. Osborn, Daniel
Blackman, Morris B. Custard, C. C. Nelson.
I87o-John Tietsort, Morris B. Custard, Andrew Woods, C. C.
Nelson, Henry J. Webb, Alonzo B. Morley.
I87I-C. C. Nelson.' Joel Cowgill, John A. Talbot, Zacheus Aldrich, Matthew 17. Garvey'
18!72-NV. WI. Mcllvain, J. P. Osborn, Henry Shaffer, Ahijah Pegg,
John R. Carr, William P. Bennett.
187-3 —Mi\. B. Custard, William D. Reames, Marshall L.. Howell,
MI. MI. Mcllvain, J. P. Osborn., George MIV. Edinger.
18,74-Orson Rudd, Andrew J. Smith, J. B. Chapman, M~orris B.
Custard, \Villiamt D. Reames, M. L. Howell.
I1875-MI. D. Reames,       NV. MI. cllvain, MI. P. Bennett, Orson
Rudd, Andrew J. Smith, J. B. Chapman.
*I875\\V. WI. Mcllvain, Eber Reynolds, WI. D,. Reames, Stephen
Jones, S. C. Van Matre,, James Boyd.
18,76-Samuiel Graham, S. C. Van Matre, James Boyd, MI. MI.
MclvanEher Reynolds, WI. D. Reanmes.
&7-A. B. Morley, Abijah Pegg, MI. MI. Peck, Samuel Graham,
S. C. Van Matre, James Boyd.
178&-Samuel Graham. James Townsend, Joseph K. Ritter, A. B.
Morley, Abijah P'egg, MIT. MI. Peck.
i8,79-S. S. Chapman, MI. G. Watts, Henry Shaffer, Samuel Graham, James Towvnsend, J. K. Ritter.
i(88o-William Davis, Thomas, Stapleton, Isaac H. Wolf, S. S.
C-hapmian, MI. G. Watts, He~nry Shaffer.
i88,i-Hiram S. Hadsell, Darius L. French, W. G. Watts, Williarn Davis, Thomas Stapleton, I. H. Wolf.
I882-J. H. Farnumn, H. S. Hads~11, S. C. Van Matre, D,. L.
French, C. H. Kingsbury, MI. G. Watts.
I8893-C. H. Kingsbury. A. Garwood, I. V. Sherman., Eber Reynolds, WI. L. Pollock, S. C. Van Matre.
* Special el~ection after new charter.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY40


403


1884-A. Garwood, W. L. Pollock, Otis Moor, A. N. Armstrong,
M. Z. Norton, F. Burr.
i885-W. L. Pollock., G. L. Smith, Otis Moor, L. D. Tomnpkins,
A. N. Armstrong, M. Z. No~rton.
i8816-G. L. Smiith., C. A. Ritter, W. L.. Pollock, G. White, WV. B.
Hayden,, Lester Graham.
1887-C. A. Ritter, Lester Graham., G. L. Smith, W. B. Hayden,,
Otis Moor, J. F. Coates.
i888 —CL L. Smilth, WV. B. HaNyden, S. B. Turner, W. H. Voorhis.
Frank Feathers., T. WV. Anderson.
i8,89I-S. B. Turner, WV. B. Hayden, 'F. WV. Anderson, Frank
Feathers, W. H. Voorhis, H. C. Harmon.
1890-W. J. Kensey, A. N. Armstrong, WV. D. Hopkins, R. Patterso~n, Frank Feathers, W. B. Hayden.
1891i-W. D. Hopkins, R. Patterson', C. B. Zeller, Lester Graham,
Ai:f Z. Norton, Frank Feathers.
I89,2-M. Z. Norton, Lester Gra~ham, Frank Feathers:, R. Patterson, S. T. Read, H. C. French.
I89-3-H. C. French, J. L,. Yost, C. A. Ritter, G. M. Kingsbury,
R. Patterson, Frank Feathers.
i89,4-G. M. Kingsbury, C. A. Ritter, W. H. Vogle, J. L. Yost,
T.G. Hayden, Frank Feathers.
ig895-W. B. Hayden, Geo. F. Holloway, G. M. Kingsbury, Frank
Feathers, W. H. Vogle, J. G. Hayden.
i896-G. M. Kingsbury. WV. B. Hayden, W. H. Vogle, J. F.
Coates., I. V. Sherman, Geo. F. Holloway.
1897-R. C. Atkinson, D. L. Kingsbury, W. B. Hayden, I. V.
Sherman, H. D. Jones, J. F. Coates.
i898-D'. L. Kingsbury, R. C. Atkinson, H. D. Jones, W. B.
Hayden, Lester Graham. I. 'V. Sherman.
i89,-D-. 'L. Kingsbury, W. B. Hayden, H-. D. Jones, Lester Grahami, I. V. Sherman, R. C. Atkinson.
i90oo-D. L. Kingsbury, R. C. Atkinson, J. J. Fisher, W. B. Hayden, Lester Graham, H-. D. Jones.
i901-H. D. Jones, R. C. Atkinson, Lester Graham, D. L. Kingsbury, F. M. Fisk, J. J. Fisher.
T902 —F. M. Fisk, H-. D. Jones, William Reagan, D. L. French,
W. H. Berkey, C. E. Cone.
T903-F. M. Fisk, G. W. Tallerday, W. B. Hayden, D. L. French,
W. H. Berkey, C. E. Cone.
T904-F. M. Fisk, G. W. Tallerday. W. B. Hayden, D. L. French,
W. H. Berkey, C. E. Cone.
iTo05-F. M. Fisk, G., W. Tallerday, WV. G. 'Bonine, D). L. French,
W. H. Berkey, C. E. Cone.
T906 —F. M. Fisk, G. W. Tallerday. WY. G. Bonine,, D. L. French,
W. H-. Berkey, C. E. Cone'.




404


404     ~HISTORY OF CASS, COUNTY


VILLAGE OF DOWAGIAC.


President
i858 —Justus Gage
i859 —Joel H. Smith
i86o-james Sullivan
i86i-J. H. Smith
1862-Penly C. Lybrook
i863-Daniel Lyle
i864-Daniel Lyle
i860 —Joel H. Smith
i867-G. C. Jones
i868-Phillo D.' Beckwith
i869 —Joel H. Smith
i87o,-Elias Pardee
I87i-Lewis E. Wing
I872-Lewis E. Wing
i873-Alex. H. Mason
i874-B. W. Schermerhorn
1875-B. W. Schermerhorn
1876-Aldus L. Rich
i877-David WV. Clemmer


Clerk
David H. Wagner
Strawther Bowling
Strawther Bowling
Strawtber Bowling
Strawther Bowling
Strawtber Bowling
Strawtber Bowling
Strawtber Bowling
Strawther Bowling
Henry Michael
David W. Clemmer
David W. Clemmer
David W. Clemmer


Treasur-er
Henly C. Lybrook
Francis J. Mosher
Win. H. Campbell
Daniel Lyle
Daniel Lyle
Albert N. Alward
Albert N. Alward
Archibald Jewell
Daniel Lyle
John C. Comstock
John C. Comstock
William G. Howard
Alex. H. Mason
Rollin C. Osborne


Assessor
Roland C. Denison
R. C. Denison
Ira Brownell
George WV. Andrews
J. H-. Smith
Elias Pardee
Elias Pardee
Elias Pardee
Elias Pardee
Elias Pardee
John Patton
Elias Pardee
Elias Pardee
Elias Pardee
W. K. Palmer


Charles H1. Bigelow Burgette L. Dewey G. W. Andrews


C. H. Bigelow


B. L. Dewey


Henry Michael
Henry M~ichael


Frank W. Jones     B. L. Dewey


DOWAGIAC V7ILLAGE TRUSTEES.
185&-Harvey Bigelow, Azro Jones, Joel H. Smith, D~aniel Larzelere, A. Townsend, Ira Brownell.
i859~-Azro Jones, Daniel L~arzelere., Daniel Lyle, Ira Brownell,
Silas Ireland, D~aniel M. Hazelitt.
i86o —Silas Ireland, Charles B. Foster, Hubbell Warner, John
D. Olney, Morris S. Cobb, David H. Wagner.
i8,6i-Gideon Gibbs, P'. D. Beckwith, William Griswold, William
R. Sturgis,, William K. Palmer, Azro Jones.
i862 —Abel Townsend, Frederick H. Ross, Harvey Bigelow, John
G. Howard, Elias Pardee, Patrick Haniilton.
i863-Daniel Sanders, Philo D. Beckwith, Frederick H. Ros~s, C.
P. Prindle, AzoJones,. Daniel Larzelere.
i864-Phlilo D. Beckwith, Joel Andrews, Francis J. Mosher, Evan
P. Townsend, Daniel Henderson, Frederick H-. Ross..
i86,5-No record.
i866 —Atistin M. Dickson, Gideon Gibbs, Daniel McOmber, Alexander H. Mason, Philo D,. Beckwith, Daniel Henderson.
i 867-No record.
i868.-Ge~orge D,. Jones, Gideon Gibbs, Henry B. Wells, Austin M.
Dickson, Daniel Lyle, Frederick H. Ross.
i869-Alexander H. Mason, Edwin F. Avery, Willard Wells,
Francis 0.-Van Antwerp, Mark Judd, Daniel S. Sanders..
I87o-A. H. Mason, Fran~cis 0. Antwerp, William- C. Gardner




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY40


405


(these three elected for two years), Thomas WV. Adams, Jacob J. Van
Riper, George D. Jones (for one year).*
i871-.Tho~mas G. Rix, J. J. Van Riper, James, Atwood.
i8,72-Zadoc Jarvis (to fill vacancy), Francis E.. Warner, B. W.
Schermerhorn, Frederick H. Ross.
i873-Edwin F. Avery, Eli Green, Willard Wells.
i874-F. J. Mosher, Sanmtel Ingling, Daniel McOmber.
i8,75-Hiram Scoville, Daniel Hienderson, Daniel Smith.
i8-76-Azro Jones, George W. Adams, Philo D. Beckwith.
1877-Thomas W. Adams. George D. Jones', Daniel McOmhner.
CITY OF DOWAGIAC.


Mayor
tI877-Freemian J. At-,Well
1878-Thos. W. Adams
1879-Btirgette L. Dewey
i88~o-Ilirarn Scovill
188T-Philo D. Beckwith
1882-H-iraim Scovill
1883-P. D. Beckwith
1884-P. D. Beckwith
I885-H1iram Scovill
i886-P. D. Beckwith
1887 ---P. D. Beckwith
1889-james Hecidon
i8go —F. E. Lee
18j\1JWT-n1 Mv. Vroo-man
i892-XV. MIN. Vrooman
18993-W. M\. Vrooman.
189.4-Ira 13. Gage
180o5-W. D. Jones
1896-WN. D. Jones
1897-G. E. Bishop
1898-T. G. Rix
i899 —Frank W. Richey
Tpoo-F. W. Richey
190T-'MiltOn P. White
1902-W. D. Jones
1903 —W. D. Jones
i904-C. L. Merwin
19o5 —C. L. Mlerwin
Tgo,6-G. P. Herkirner


Clerk
Frank WV. Jones
Julius 0. Becraft
J. 0. Becraft
J. 0. Becraft
J. 0. Becraft
J. 0. IBecraft
J. 0. Becraft
J. 0. Becraft
J. 0. Becraft
J. 0. lBecraft
J. 0. Becraft
J. 0. Becraft
A. MA. 'Moon
Arthuir E. Ruidolphi
Arthur E. Ruidolphi
A. E. Ruidolphi
Hiram Arthur
Hiram Arthur
A. M. Mfoon
D. F. Connine
D. E. Connine
D. E. Connine
B. R. Thomas
Harry U- Rutter
Abner M. Mloon
H. L. Rutter
H. L. Rutter
H-. L. Rutter
I-T. L. Rutter


Treasurer
Hiram D. Bowling
Burgette 1L. Dewey
Thomas WV. Adam-s,
Thomas WV. Adams
William Griswold
William Jones
D. W. Forsyth
W~illard D. Jones
Myron Stark
Myron Stark
William IM. Vrooman
Chas. T. Amnsden
John Warren
Ira B. Gage
Ira B. Gage
John Schmidt
Edwin M. Lindsley
C. WV. Bakceman
Richard Holmes
Richard Holmes
Ch~arles Antisdel
Chiarles Antisdel
R. H-olm-es
Richard Holmes
Charles Antisdel
Charles Antisdel
Charles Sterrett
Charles Sterrett
A. C. Taylor


DOWAGIAC CITY ALDERMEN.
I8;77-Philo D. Beckwith, George W. Adams, Hiram Scoville,
Daniel Blish, F. 0. Van Antwerp, Alexander H. Mason.*
18,78-Theodo~re N. Winchell, Lorenzo Dillingham, T'homnas J.
Edwards.o
I8'79~-Gideon Gibbs, Willa rd Wells, WVilliam P. Grannis.
* Three were chosen for one year and three for two years, three. being chosen
at each annual election thereafter.
t First city officers elected April 3, I877.




406


406      ~HISTORY OF CASS. COUNTY


i88o —Willis MJ. Farr, Mark jtidd, Silas Doolittle.
i88i-Thomas J. Edwards, -Myron Stark, Thomas. Harwood.
1882 —M. D. Jewell, John H. Conklin, Philo B. White.
1883-Harm~on Defendorf, James Coleman, Charles H. Bigelow.
1884-Joseph Keeni. J. H. Conklin, Charles, Starrett.
18-85-David Blish, James. Coleman, T1homnas J. Edwards.
i8-8-6-Joseph Keen, Richard Holm1-es, H. A. Farwell.
i8.87-No record.
i888-No record.
i 8.8q-W. D. Jone-s, W'm. Hyslop, L. J. Carr.
i89o,-J. A. Linds-lev, Jas. P. Bond, C. W. Bakemnan.
1891i-No, record.
i89,2-J. A. Lindsley, A~bijah H. Pegg, Hiram Powell.
i89-3-WN. D. Jones, Chas. T. Amisden, Frank Richey.
i8,94-A. E.. Hilton, Henry Michael, WV. H-. Taylor.
189-5-Joseph Keen. W~m. Judd, Martin A,-rniolld.
1896-john Schmidt, Cyrus Tuthill, Win. H. Harmon.
1897-Mfarvin Defendorf, X V. F. Jutddl, Arthur K. Beckwith.
i 898-joseph Keen, Cyruis Tuthil11 Elmer Pollock.
i899.-S. W. Emmons', Charles Lamieraux, Martin Herold.
igoo-C. S. Hub-bard, Levi Gray, F. W. Van A~ntwerp..
190i-S. W. Emmons, Coy W. Hendryx, Joseph Keen, Nicholas
Hodgebo~on (vacancy).
I902-Frank Hartsell, Levi Gray Farnum Reed.
19'03-Albert E. Hliltonl Clarence M/erwin, Joseph Keen.
i904-Frank Hartsell, Joseph Breck, Benjamin Gebhard.
1905-William Wells, Smith M. Baits., M~alcolnfi A. Campbell.
i906-Frank L. Hartsell, H. E. Agnew. B. I.Gebb-ard.


MARCELL1IS OFFICERS.


President
i879 —David Snyder
i88o —David Snyder
i88i-David Snyder
i88:2-Horace Carbine
i883-C. E. Davis
i884-C. E. Davis
1885-J. Albert Jones
i886-Byron R. Beebe
1887-Edwin P. Avery
1888 —W. 0. George
i889 —Tbos. H. Cooley
i890-Geo. I. Nasb
i89i-H. C. Lambert
i892-H. C. Lambert
i893-Alexander Taylor
1894-Alexander Taylor
i895-Alexander Taylor
iS(.6-D. H. Palmer


Clerk
L-. B. DesVoignes
L. B. DesVoignes
L. B. DesVoignes
L. B. DesVoignes
Geo. R. Clemens
R. TP. Edwards
R. T. Edwards
R. T. Edwards
R. T. Edwards
Isaac MT. Smith
Isaac M. Smith
Isaac M. Smith
Isaac M. Smith
Isaac M. Smith
J.A. Sipley
J.A. Sipley
J.A. Sipley
Geo. R. Clemens


T'reasurer
C. E. Davis
C. E. Davis
C. E. Davis
Adam H-. Kester
Adam H1. Kester
Joseph Cromley
G. P. Worden
1IT. C. Lambert
E. P. H-artman
Win. Wikel
C. L. Kester
C. L. Kester
Chas. T. Nash
Chas. T. Nash
D. H. Palmer
D. H. Palmer
C. H. Hudson
C. H. Hudson


Assessor
W. R. Snyder
W. R. Snyder
WV. R. Snyder
N. W. Bucklin
Byron R. Beebe
Geo. I. Nash
jas. Cowling
G. G. Woodmansee
Win. G. Roy
Geo. I. Nash
Geo. I. Nash
Wmi. G. Roy
Chas. Wing
Geo. A. Paxon
E. E. Schall
E. P. Hartmnan
R. J. Walker
W. R. Walker




HIS-TORY OF-l CASS COUNTY       O


407


i897-D. H. Palmer   Gco. R. Clemens  H. F. Bent       F. S. 'Hall
i898-M. B. Welcher  Geo. R. Clemens  H. F. Bent      S. W. DeCoti
i8g9 —M. B. Welcher  Geo. R. Clemens  Bert S. Jones  F. S. Hall
igoo —J. A. Sipley  Geo. R. Clemens  Bert S. Jones   H-. M'. Nottingham
i9oi-J. A. Sipley   Geo. R. Clemens  Clyde Goodrich  F. S. Hall
19o2-T. E. Warr     Geo. R. Clemens  Bert Ward       F. S. Hall
1903-J. J. Nash     WV. M. Beadle    Bert Ward       F. S. 1-all
i904 —J. Y'. Nash   W. M. Beadle     LeRoy S. Long   J. B Fortuer
1905-C. E. Davis    AV. A\1. Beadle  LeRoy S. Long   J. B. Fortner
igo6-C. E. Davis    W. M. Beadle     C. \V. Dailey   LeRoy S. Long
At the first election six trustees were elected, three for two years
and three for one year. At each election thereafter three trustees wvere
elected. for two years and to fill vacancies as they occurred.
I8791-.Kenyon Bly, two years; WV. 0. Mathews, two Years; Leander Bridge. two years; B. R. Beebe, one yerAlexander Taylor, one(
ye ar; R. R. Beebe, one Year.
i88o ---Alex. Taylor,' F.' S. Sweetland, John Bane.
i88i-W ~~.0. Mathews, Solomon Stern, Win. Lutes.    Vacancies,
L. C. Burney, T. H1. G'oolley.
18,82-Alex. Taylor, I. M. Smith, J. A. Jones.. Vacancy, NV. R.
Snyder.
83 —David Snyder', Chas. Edwards, Isaac Zeigler.
1884-C. H. Hudson, J. C. Jo~iner, I. M. Smith.
1 88 5-Thos. H. Coolev, L. B. DesVoignes, Addison E. Sill.
i88.6-Toel I.Nash, Geo. ~N. Krowl, jas. S. Cowling.
1887-Chas. Edwards, 1. 0. Apted, F. H. Drummond.
i888-David Snyder. Wirn. Lutes, C. E. Dav.is.
i889~-G. P. Worden. F. M    Ketcham, 0. N-V. Remington.
i890-David Snyvder, R. D. Snyder, William:LuLtes.
i89i-J. A. Jones., Alex. Tay\)lor, H. C. Loveridge.
I892-NV. 0. George, G. NV. Krowl.7, Roh~t. Milliman.
18-93-Solomon Stern, Clark L. Beeb~e, Ernest Shillito. Vacancy,
Peter Schall.
i89!4-C. Lomison, Geo,. NV~. Jones, El. F. Moon.
i895 —Solomon Stern, Ernest Shillito, 31..1. Nash.
i89.6-G. NV. Adams, M. B. W\Aelcher, G. NV. Krowl.
I897-C. E. Carpenter, 1. M. Smith.' C. H. Hudson.
i898. —J. J. Fisher, G. NV. Krow~l, D. H. Palmer.
i 899-H. F. Bent, S. NV. D~eConi. Clyde Goo~drich. Vacancy, A.
A. Nash.
i9o0o-Joseph Gearhart, Thos. WN-arr, Abram HuItff.
i90i-S. WV. DeCou, T. NV. HolImes, H. F. Bent.
I902-T. H. Cooley, C. C. Long. Alex. Taylor. Vacancy, C.
Lomison.
I903-C. Lomnison, Thos. NWarr, E. S. Conklin. Vacancy, Solomon Stern.




0


408


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
I904-C. E. Carpenter., I. M. Smith, H. J. Ho-over-.
1905-A. E. Bailey, W. 0. George, C. C. Long.
i906-R. E. Yeuells, H. J. Hoover, J. E. Spigelnmyer.
VANDALIA.


P'residen t          Clerk
i875 —Geo. J. TIownsend Jos. L. Sturr
1876-Geo. J. Townsend Jos. L. Sturr
I877-Geo. J. Townsend Jos-, L. Sturr
1878-John H. East      Jos. L. Sturr
i879-John Alexander    Jos. L- Sturr
i88o-john Alexander    M\. A. Tlhompson
i88i —Geo. Longsduff   Jos. L. Sturr
I882-Geo. Longsduff    Jos. L. Sturr
1883 —Geo. Longsduff   Jos. L. Sturr
I1884- H. H. Phillips  Jos L Sturr
18S85-H. H. Phillips   Chas. F. Johnston
i 886-W. 0. Sisson     Leslie Green
i88 —Geo. J. Townsend R. S. Pemberton
J88 W   -.1Jny a. S   e  bro
I88p —W. H. H-oneyman R. S. Pemberton
89o-~ —W. H. Honeyman C. Fellows
i891 ---L. L. Lovenberg  F'. MN. Dodge
1892-W. C. Rinehart    F. M~. Dodge
1893-L. Osborn         C. I{. Dodge
1 8 9 4 - L.   O s b o r n   C.   1-I.   D o d g e~~~~~I
i894-L. Osborn         C. H. Dodge
I896 —    H.sHorneya C. H. Dodge
i8q6-W. H. Honeyman F. H. Dodge
i 8 W.0. Sisson    F. M\. Dodge
T899g-Geo. Longsduff   F. 'M. Dodge
igoo-Lot B. James     F7. M\. Dodge
i901-L-ot B. James     F  MN. Dodge
1902-J. M. Bonine      F. MA. Dodge
1903-WITI. Green       Percy E. Luites
19o4-E. F. Lewis       S. A. Bogue
i9o05-E. F. Lewis      W. H. Pemberton
i9o6-E. F. Lewvis      W. H. Pemberton


A-ssessor~
Geo. Longsduff
Geo. Longsduff
R. S. PermbertonI\'. A. Th'lompson.
J os. L. Sturr
Jos. L. Sturr
J os. L. Sturr
Jos. L. Sturr
Geo. Longsduff
A. L. TFharp
Geo. Longsduff
Geo. Longsduff
R. S.. Pemberton
J. Alexander
J. Alexander
J. Alexander
C. L. Pemberton
T. N. Curtis
L. L. Lavenberg
Geo. Longsduff
Geo. Longsdluff
Geo. Longsduff
Leslie Green
H. S. East
H. S. East
H. S. East
H. S. East
H. S. East
H-. S. East
H. S. East
S. A. Bogue


Treasurer
1. Alexander
J. Alexander
J. Alexander
Wmr. Green
WVm. Green
Win. Green
Win. Green
WnL Green
Lot B. Janies
Win. Green
Win. Green
J. N. Curtis
Wm   Green
Joel Shilling
Joel. Shilling
Joel Shilling
Joel Shilling
Joel Shilling
JToel Shilling
S. A. B o gu-e
Lewie Freer
S. H. Thomas
E. F. Lewis
Thos J. M-,,ealoy
Tho-s. J. Mealoy
F. E. Fauilkner
F. E. Faulkner
Geo. J. Townsend
J. M. Bonine
S. A. Bogue
Oscar L-oupee


Tr-ustees
1875-J. B. Lutz, Geo. LoDngsduiff, G. S. Osborn, J. H. East, Leander Osborn, Wv.
F. Bort. After this year hut three were elected, three holding over.
I876-Win. F. Bort, John King, John F. Lemon
1877-Win. Green. W. 0. Sisson, Chas. R. Dodge.
1878-H-. H. Phillips, Leander Osborn, James B. Bonine.
I879-F. H. Reiff, Win. Mulrine, Geo. J. Townsend.
i88o-Peter Snyder, Leander Osborn. Alex. L. Thorp.
i88i-R. S. Pemberton, Alex. L. Thorp, Win. Mulrine.
1882-Leander Osborn, H. A. Snyder, Geo. W. Van Antwerp.
1883-Win. Mulrine. D. K. Thurston, Peter Smith.
1884-Peter Smith, Wmn. Mulrine, W. 0. S~isson.
r885-N. J. Crosby, W. H. Honeyman, 0. C. Grennell.
i 886-B. L. Rudd, Nelson J. Crosby, W. H. Honeyman.
1887-S. W. Van Antwerp, Win. Mulrine, Chas. R. Dodge.
i888-Edwin Ely, E. T. Lundy. Geo. M. Wilson.
i889 —W. C. Rinehart, E. M. Alexander. L. L. Lavenberg.
1890-James B. B'onine, Edwin Ely, E. M. Alexander.
i89i-W. Carl Bogue, C. H. Bonine, E. C. Doane.
1892-Geo. Longesdtiff, D. K. Thurston, 0. C. Johnston.
1893-Chas. R. Dodge, L. L. Lavenberg, C. H. Bonine.




I




At- ^o'. And




6:1   W/1


i   2PVLn4~7




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




*


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY                          409
I894-W. H. Honeyman, E. F. Lewis, W. Carl Bogue.
I895-Chas. W. East, L. J. Reynolds, Jonas Ruple.
I896 —L. L. Lavenberg, John N. Bonine, James M. Bonine.
I897-Henry 0. Deal, Chas. W. East, Lot B. James.
I898-Fred W. Williams, John N. Curtis.
I899-G. L. Hollister, Chas. W. East, Chas. R. Dodge.
9goo-James M. Bonine, C. F. Fellows, John N. Bonine.
1901-Fred G. Pollock,-G. L. Hollister, C. H. Bonine.
1902 —Lot B. James, E. F. Lewis, Edwin Ely.
I903-D. K. Thurston, Geo. Longsduff, Harry J. Keen.
I904-Wm. Oxenford, Geo. Longsduff, Lot B. James.
I905-Harry J. Keene, F. W. Harris, George Longsduff.
g906-F. B. Lewis, B. L. Evans, Lot B. James.
HION. THOMAS T. HIGGINS.
For many years Hon. Thomas T. Higgins has been regarded as a
representative and prosperous farmer of Cass county, and at the present
time he is making a notable record as a member of the general assembly, being now for the second term representative from his district in
the Michigan legislature. To the energetic natures and strong mentality of such men is due the success and ever increasing prosperity of the
Republican party, in this state and in the hands of this class of citizens
there is every assurance that the best interests and welfare of the party
will be atte1nded to, resulting in a successful culmination of the highest
ambitions and expectations entertained by its adherents.  Throughout
his life Mr. Higgins has been a loyal citizen, imbued with patriotism
and fearless in defense of his honest convictions, and he is now advocating in legislative halls and before the people the principles which he believes will best advance the welfare of the commonwealth.  Such is the
man whose life history forms the theme of this article. He makes his
home on section 17, Jefferson township, and when not engaged with the
weighty duties of his office his time and energies are concentrated upon
the successful conduct of what is one of the best improved farms in
Cass county.
Mr. Higgins was born in Randolph county, Indiana, on the loth
of February, 1844. and is of Irish lineage, the family having been
founded in America early in the eighteenth century. The name Higgins was known in the old Emerald Isle as Higginson, but now       is
known as Higgins.    The representatives of the name in America are
descended from  Thonas Higgins, an early settler of Delaware, and
the family has furnished to various states prominent representatives,
who have held important public positions. This number includes Governor Higgins, of New York, who is a second cousin of the subject
of this review. His paternal grandfather, Joseph Higgins, was a native
of Ireland.  His father, James T. Higgins, was born in Wilmigton,
Delaware, at the old home of the family in I807, and there spent the




410


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


(lays of his boyhood and youth, while in the public schools he acquired
his education. In 1829, when a young man of twenty-two years, President Andrew Jackson gave him charge of the mail route from New
Castle to Fort Delaware.  While still a young man he assumed the
work of grading the first interurban railroad in the country, from New
Castle to Chesapeake Bay, working under Joseph Cannon. Much of
his life, however, was devoted to agricultural pursuits. He was married in the east but at an early day the spirit of the pioneer led him
to the wilds of Indiana, and for some time he resided in Randolph
county, whence in I858 he came to Cass county, Michigan, settling in
LaGrange township, where he purchased a tract of land and improved
a farm. He voted for McClellan in I864, but early gave his political
support to the Republi'can party. However, he cast his ballot for Fremont, its first presidential candidate, and for Lincoln in 86o0. He wedded Miss Mary Higgins, who was a native of New Jersey and was descentled from the sanie ancestry. She lived to he fifty-nine years of
age, while James T. Higgins, the father. reached the very venerahle
age of ninety-one years.  In their family were eight children, three
sons and five daughters, all of whom grew to manhood or womanhood,
but only three are now living: Thomas T., of this reviewe; George;
and Mary, the wife of William FHass, of LaGrange township.
Hon. Thomas T. Higgins was the eldest son and fifth child in his
father's family. He was reared in Richmond, Wayne county, and in
Randolph county, Indiana, and was a youth of sixteen years when he
came with his parents to Cass county, Michigan. His early education
had been acquired in the schools of Richmond, and he afterward continued his studies in what is known as the Mechanicsburg schiool in
LaGrange township. He has largely been dependent upon his own resources from the age of sixteen years and his inherent force of character, his utilization of opportunity and his unremitting diligence in
everything that he has undertaken have constituted the basis of his
success. When about twenty-one years of age he went south and was
employed as government teamster for about three months. This was
at the close of the war. He then returned to Cass county, where he
began farming on his own account and throughout his active business
career he has carried on general agricultural pursuits.
In I867 Mr. Higgins was united in marriage to Miss Caroline
Rathbum, a daughter of Lucius and Sarah (Glick) Rathbum and a
native of Jefferson township, her people having located in Jefferson
township, Cass county, at a very early day. Mr. Higgins lived upon
his father's farm for a time and afterward upon his father-in-law's
property, but in I869 took up his abode upon the farm on which he
now resides on section 17. Jefferson township.  At that time only
twenty acres of land had been cleared and cultivated.: He at once,
however, continued the work of development, placed the greater part
of the land under the plow and has put all of the improvements upon




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


411


the property, which is now a splendidly cultivated farm, comprising two
hundred acres of rich and arable land, from which he annually harvests
large crops. His first home was a log cabin, but this has long since
been replaced by a more commodious and substantial modern residence. In all of his farn work he is energetic and painstaking.  He
thoroughly unlderstands his business, and in fact thoroughness is one
of his marked characteristics, manifest in all that he has undertaken
in every relation of life. HFe is also thoroughly reliable in his business
transactions, his name being a synonym for integrity and straightforward dealing.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Higgins have been born five children: J. P.,
who   is now  living  in  Dowagiac, wedded    Miss Mabel Palmer
and is engaged in real estate: Florence, who is the wife of Ired
Shurter, a resident farmer of Jefferson township; Claude, who was
a mail carrier on a rural route, but now an agriculturist; he wedded
Leona Gifford; Leila, the wife of Fred Whitmore, also living in Jefferson township; and Elsie, the wife of Henry AtLee, of the state of
Washington.
In April, I871, Mr. Higgins was made a Mason and is one of
the oldest representatives of Cassopolis lodge. He also belongs to the
Chapter at Cassopolis and is a prominent representative of the fraternity here. In politics he has always been a stanch Republican, taking
an active interest in the local work of the party and doing everything
in his power to insure its success.  He has held various local offices.
but still higher political honors awaited him, for in 1903 he was chosen
to represent his district in the state legislature by a vote of two hundred
andl fiftv-two. He proved an active working member of the house and
that his constitutents regarded favorably his efforts in their behalf is
shown by the fact that in I)905 he was re-elected by a largely increased
majority of nine hundred. He has delivered various campaign speeches
and is a forceful, earnest speaker, and is today accounted one of the
prominent representatives of the party in the county. He has also left
the impress of his individuality upon state legislation. He has never
pretended to be an orator and the members of the house who at first
were not inclined to pay much attention to the speeches of the farmer
representative soon found out that they had to cope with a force on
which they had little reckoned. His earnestness and his honesty were
not alone his strong characteristics, although these traits are most
commendable.   His fellow members found, too, that he had been a
student of the questions and issues of the day and that he had a keen
and shrewd insight into matters which came up for discussion. A publication of recent date said:  "He is always steady and honest and
when he set himself the other day to oppose the attorney general's bill
to allow the institution in Ingham county of state cases against parties
f'c.f:-A1 sections of the state he won a victory. The house voted the bill
'lvri::  His speech on thAt occasion is regarded as his best address to




412


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


the legislature." Mr. Higgins also won wide attention by a plan for
the solution of the primary reform problem and his suggestion won
approval from both wings in the reform fight. In regard to this measure the reporter for the work of the house, H. M. Nimmo, said: "Representative H-liggins of Cass has come forward with a solution of the
primary reform muddle that has already found favor with several of
the opponents of direct nominations, including Governor Warner. His
compromise proposition is this: Retain the state conventions to name
candidates to be placed on the party ballots and give the people a chance
to choose the nominee by direct vote from among the candidates for
state offices so endorsed. Higgins has also accepted the suggestion that
each candidate be endorsed by at least twenty-five per cent of the delegates of the state convention before his name can go on the ballot.
His measure has received the endorsement of many men prominent in
the ranks of the Republican party, including Governor Warner, Chairman Stone of the house elections committee, banking commissioner
Moore and others."  As stated, Mr. Higgins has made himself felt as
a forceful factor in the affairs of the commonwealth, and that he has
won the confidence and support of his fellow citizens is indicated by
the fact of his largely increased majority at his second election. His
career has been one of activity, full of incidents and results, and by
his excellent public service and upright life he has honored the community that has honored him with official preferment.
GEORGE AV. JONES.
George W. Jones, at one time closely, actively and helpfully connected with the substantial development and progress of Marcellus
and Cass county, was born in Prelle county, Ohio, on the 3rd of
April, 1824, and died April 29, I896. He came to Michigan about 1830,
in company with his parents, Henry and Hannah Jones, who located
on Young's Prairie. In the spring of 1849, attracted by the discovery
of gold on the Pacific slope, he made his way to California, where he
turned his attention to mining. After two years, learning that unless
extraordinary efforts were made the large possessions of his fathernine hundred acres-would be lost, he returned to his home to do his
share toward saving the property. Six weeks after his return the father
died, leaving the weight of heavy financial obligations on his shoulders.
He was appointed administrator of the estate, which, however, was
much encumbered, and capable financiers said that he would never be
able to pay off the debts. Nothing daunted, however, and with resolute spirit and determined energy, he set to work, and with the assistance of his two younger brothers, F. J. and J. G. Jones, after eleven
years, as the result of good financiering, economy and unfaltering labor,
he was enabled to divide twenty-two thousand dollars among the eleven
heirs to the estate. Having purchased the interest of some of the other




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


413


heirs in the home property, he erected on the farm the present fine residence now owned by his heirs. Two years subsequent George W.
Jones, in company with Orson Rudd, purchased two hundred and seven
acres of land on which is now located the village of Wakelee and in
I882 he owned three-fourths of the original purchase. In all of his
business undertakings he displayed remarkable foresight and sagacity.
With prophetic eye he seemed to see the line of the railroad and recognized that the present site of Marcellus would prove an eligible one for
a village. Accordingly he bought two hundred and eleven acres of
land at what was then considered the extravagant price of thirteen thousand dollars. In I870 he began to lay out the village, and the success
that attended his efforts may be readily learned by a visit to this enterprising and prosperous town. In 1877, becoming impressed with the
fact that Marcellus needed a bank, he opened such an institution, although he had had no previous experience in the banking business.
He made his son, C. S. Jones, his cashier, and the new enterprise proved
successful beyond his anticipation. He displayed marked business ability, executive force and correct judgment, and whatever he undertook
seemed destined to win success. The secret of his prosperity, however,
is found in his unremitting diligence, careful study of any plan which
he formulated and his determination in carrying it forward to completion.
On the 28th of December, 1853, Mr. Jones was united in marriage
to Miss Emma B. Sherman, a daughter of E. B. Sherman of Cassopolis, by whom he had two sons, Frank S. and Carroll S., the latter the
present cashier of the bank, which was incorporated as a state bank
in I897. Carroll S. Jones was married to Miss Bessie E. Caul, a daughter of Andrew F. Caul, one of the prominent farmers of Marcellus
township, and they have two children, Donna V. and Carroll B. The
senior brother, who is unmarried, is president of the bank.
In I870 George W. Jones was called upon to mourn the loss
of his first wife, Twho died on the 20th of November of that year. On
the I5th of March, I876, he wedded Miss Lizzie Osborn, a daughter
of Nathan Osborn, who was a real estate dealer and one of the pioneers
of St. Joseph county, Michigan. He was circuit judge of that county
and held other positions of importance. His birth occurred in Connecticut, but his daughter, Mrs. Jones, was born in St. Joseph county,
Michigan, was educated there and became a resident of South Bend.
She was one of eight children, being the fifth in order of birth. Her
brother, Hon. James D. Osborn, was on the bench of the circuit court
at Elkhart, Indiana, and another brother, Hon. George W. Osborn,
represented St. Joseph county in the Michigan legislature. Unto Mr.
Jones by his second marriage were born two children: Henry B., who
is now a banker at Santa Rosa, New Mexico, and Vera May, the wife
of Walter F. Smith, of Goshen, Indiana, a real estate dealer of that
place.




414


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Mr. Jones was reared in the faith of the Society of Friends. but did
not become a member of any church, although he frequently attended
religious services and contributed liberally to their sunnort, being a
firm believer in Jesus Christ and His teachings. His political allegiance
was given to the Democracy, but he was without aspiration for office,
preferring to give his time and his energies to his business interests.
which were capably managed, winning for him a gratifying measure
of prosperity as the years went by. He died in T896, honored and respected by all who knew him not only by reason of the success he had
achieved, but also because of the straightforward business policy he
had ever followed.
ALEXANDER       TAYLOR..\lexander Taylor, who is giving his attention to the management
of a farm in Cass county and who in various offices has proved his lovalty to the general welfare, maintains his residence in Marcellus. He
was lborn in Scotland in 1845 and is a son of Alexander and Helen
(Stuart) Taylor, both of whom were natives of Scotland. The father,
who was a cattle dealer, spent his entire life there. The mother was a
descendant of the famous royal house of Stuart.  By this marriage
there were nine children, all of whom came to the United States, namely:
William. who died in Canada: Jane, who is the deceased wife of William Matthewson, a farmer of Will county, Illinois: Alexander, of this
review: John, a stonecutter of Illinois: Ellen, the wife of Joseph Thompson, a Chicago mechanic; Jessie, the deceased wife of Walter Grave, a
farmer of Will county, Illinois; Mary A., the wife of Albert French, a
capitalist of Chicago; Isabella, who married Allen Fleming, an agriculturist of McHenry county, Illinois; and William Andrew, who died
in early life.
Alexander Taylor was reared upon a farm and attended school at
Elgin, Scotland, his native place. The labor of the fields claimed his
attention in his later youth and early manhood, and in I866, hoping to
enjoy better business privileges in the new world, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and located in Will county, Illinois,' where he
began contracting for timber. In I875 he came to Michigan. settling
in Marcellus, and here entered into partnership with A. S. Hunt in
the sawmill business, under the firm style of Hunt & Taylor. This
was continued for a year, at the end of-which time he purchased his
partner's interest and admitted Alexander Doig to a partnership. That
association was.also maintained for a year. The firm of Hunt & Taylor lost heavily through a fire before Mr. Taylor formed his partnership
with Mr. Doig, whom he later bought out, continuing the business alone
for about fifteen years. During his partnership with Mr. Doig, however, a boiler exploded, killing three men and injuring Mr. Taylor. He
purchased a farm of two hundred and forty acres at Marcellus. constituting one of the best properties of the county, and for a number of




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY, 415


years his attention has been given to its supervision without other business interests, save that he is executor of the large estate of J. F. Goff.
In I8176 Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Beck,
a daughter of Levi and Catherine Beck and a native of Indiana. Her
father was a tailor by trade and was the owner of considerable land
in Marcellus township. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have become the parents
of four children: Belle, who married Arthur Pyne, a professor of music in Geneva, New York; Grace, a school teacher in Minneapolis: Florelice, the wife of Earl B. Sill, a farmer and stock buyer of Marcellus;
and Catherine, who is attending school in Marcellus.
The parents are memnbers of the Methodist Episcopal church, and
Mr. Taylor belongs to the Masonic fraternity, while his political sup]Xort is given to the Republican party. He was appointed by the state
land commissioner as appraiser of state lands, and for two terms he has
served as president of the village of Marcellus. During his incumbency
in that office the waterworks were built and modern reforms and improvements were inaugurated. For sixteen years he served on the city
council aid during that time was instrumental in establishing the village
electric light plant. He has likewise been a member and director of
the village school board for two terms and has been chairman of the
Rlepublican township committee, being recognized as one of the leaders
of his party in this portion of the county. Coming to America when
a young man, with laudable ambition to attain success, he has improved
his opportunities and so directed his labors as to win a place among the
enterprising citizens of the community and is now in possession of a comfortable competence that has been acquired entirely through his wvell
directed efforts.
J. V. BLOOD, M. D.
Dr. J. V. Blood, who is engaged in the practice of medicine and
surgery in Jones, is one of Michigan's native sons, his birth having occurred in Kent county on the I3th of February, I879. Although a young
man, he has met with enviable success equal to that of many a practitioner of twice his years. His father, J. M. Blood, was also a native of
Kent county, Michigan, and was a son of James Blood, who was born
in New York and became one of the early settlers of this state, taking
up his abode in Kent county when it was a pioneer district. He was of
English descent, his father having been born in England. He saw
Grand Rapids grow from its infancy to its present state of development,
and in the county where he lived took an active and helpful part in the
work of public progress and improvement.   Reared in Kent county,
T. M. Blood became a prominent fruit farmer of Oceana county, Michigan, and carried on business successfully there for many years. He
wedded Miss Sarah Angell, a native of Ohio, and they became the parents of two children; the daughter being Lena Rose, now the wife of
Roy Morgan, of Shelby, Oceana county,' Michigan.




416
9


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Dr. Blood, who was the elder of the two children, was but a young
child when taken by his parents to Oceana county, where he was reared
from the age of four years. He began his education in the district
schools and afterward attended the high school of Hart, from which
he was graduated in the class of I898. Having determined upon the
practice of medicine as a life work. he prepared for the profession as
a student in Hering Homeopathic Medical College, in which he completed the regular course and was graduated. He has now been practicing for about four years. He located in Jones in I905 and has built
up a good practice here, having demonstrated his ability to successfully
cope with the many intricate and complex problems which continually
confront the physician in his efforts to check the ravages of disease and
restore health.
Dr. Blood was married, in I905, to Miss Marie Von Bokopf. a
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Von Bokopf. She was born and
reared in Chicago, acquiring her education in the schools there. The
young couple have gained many warm friends during their residence
in Jones and the hospitality of their own pleasant home is greatly enjoyed by those who know them. Dr. Blood belongs to the Knights of
the Maccabees and to the Modern Woodmen camp and is medical examiner of the latter. He was assistant surgeon to Dr. R. H. Von Kotsch
for Swift & Company and for Libby, McNeill & Libby, of Chicago.
Dr. Von Kotsch is now a resident of Cassopolis. Dr. Blood is a member of the International Homeopathic Medical Association and also of
the State Medical Society. He has a fine practice over the county and
is making gratifying progress in his profession, where he has already
won a wide reputation and gained the respect and confidence of his professional brethren as well.
DUANE WITHERELL.
Duane Witherell, whose residence in the county dates back to a
period of early progress and improvement, was born on section 35, Pbkagon township, April 22, 1847. The traveler of today, looking over the
splendidly improved farms and noting the varied business interests of
the county, can scarcely realize the great change that has been wrought
within a half century, and yet it is within the memory of Mr. Witherell and other native sons of the county when much of the land was uncultivated and there was on every hand evidences of pioneer life. His
father, Gilman Witherell, was a native of New I-ampshire and in I833
arrived in Cass county, locating in Pokagon township about I835. He
was a cooper by trade and followed that business in the early days,
manufacturing barrels, which he would then haul to the Chicago market on wagons. He afterward turned his attention to farming and continued in the work of tilling the soil up to the time when his life's
labors were ended in death. He passed away when about sixty-eight




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


417'


years of age, while his wife (lied in I868. She bore the maiden name of
Mary A. Simpson and was born in New Hampshire in 1812. By her
marriage she became the mother of five children, two of whom (lied in
early youth, while Henry lost his life while defending his country in
the Civil war, as a member of Company I, Fourth Michigan cavalry.
George died in California, leaving Duane Witherell the only surviving
member of the family.
The youngest of the five children. Duane Witherell was reared
upon the old homestead and, like the others, acquired a common school
education, while in the work of the farm he was carefully trained, so
that he was well qualified to take charge of a farm of his own when he
started out upon an independent business career. He has always lived
in this county, and the days of his youth were unmarked by any event
of special importance until he was seventeen years of age, when he responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting in I865 as a member of
the Twenty-fourth Michigan Volunteer infantry. He continued with
tlhe army until the close of hostilities and then returned to his home in
Pokagon township, continuing farm work there upon the old family
homestead up to the time of his marriage. On June 24, 1873, he wedde(l Miss Dora Stansell, a daughter of William and Margaret Stansell.
Mrs. Witherell was born in the state of New York Augulst IO, 1852,
and was brought to Cass county when about five years of age. At the
time of their mlarriage the young couple located on a farm about a mile
and a half east of Pokagon, remaining, there until I901, lwhen they removed to their present home in Pokagon township. He has been a lifelong farmer and in his work displays a practical understanding of the
business in all of its departments, combined with unremitting industry
and energy that never flags. The farm comprises three hundred and
fifty acres of rich and valuable land in Pokagon township, and in addition to this property Mr. Witherell also owns one hundred and fifty acres
in Tennessee. He is now practically retired from the active work of
the farm, which lie has given over to the charge of others, while he is
now enjoying a well earned rest.
The hnme of Mr. and Mrs. \Vitherell has been blessed with two
children: Morris G. and Clarence D. The family is well known in the
county and the members of the household occupy an enviable position in
the regard of friends and neighbors.  Mr. Witherell belongs to the
Masonic lodge at Pokagon and Mrs. Witherell is a member of the Eastern Star of Dowagiac, Michigan, and he has been a life-long Republican. He has met with a fair measure of success in the business world
and though he has never sought to figure prominently in piblic' life
his career is that of a citizen of worth who by the faithful performance
of each (lay's duties contributes to the sum total of prosperity and'
progress.




418


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


JAMES McALLISTER.
James McAllister, one of the old settlers of Pokagon township
living on section 29, was born upon this farm March 12, 1848, and
comes of Scotch lineage. His father, John M. McAllister, was a native
of Scotland, born in 1814, and in that country he was married to Miss
Marian Forsyth, who was also a native of the land of hills and heather.
They remained in that country until 18.44, when, believing that he
might enjoy better business opportunities in the new rworld, Mr. McAllister came to the United States and journeyed at once into the interior of the county, settling upon the farm whereon his son James now
resides. He secured here a wild and unimproved tract of land, but
in the course of time he had developed it into good fields and he resided thereon until about 1870, when he went to Texas. He purchased
land with the intention of locating there, but he was not long permitted
to enjoy his new home, for his death occurred in 1875, when he was
in his sixty-first year. His widow long survived him and lived to the
advanced age of eighty-seven years, spending her last days upon the
old homestead farm in Pokagon township. In the family were seven
children, of whom the eldest two were born in Scotland, while the
others were all born in Cass county.
James McAllister, the fifth child of his father's family, spent his
boyhood and youth upon the old homestead and acquired a good English education in the district schools. His training at farm labor was
not meager and he has always given his attention to general agricultural pursuits. IHe now has ninety-two acres of land on section 29,
Pokagon township, and two hundred and forty acres on section 20 of
the same township, so that his realty possessions are quite extensive.
The land in this part of the state is rich and valuable and responds readily to cultivation, so that his fields are now quite productive. He votes
with the Democratic party, but has never been an aspirant for office,
preferring rather to give his attention to his business affairs.
JAMES H. LEACH.
James H. Leach is proprietor of an attractive summer hotel known
as Shore Acres, which stands in the midst of a valuable farm of eighty
acres devoted to the cultivation of fruit and garden products. In his
capacity of landlord he has become widely known and popular with
many patrons and is meeting with gratifying success in his business
affairs. Numbered among Penn township's native sons, he was born
on the 25th of November, I847, and is a representative of one of the
pioneer 'families of this part of the state. His parents were Joshua and
Matilda (Smith) Leach.   His father was born in Vermont in I8I2
and on leaving New England removed to Erie county, Pennsylvania,
whence he came to Cass county, Michigan, in 1833, casting in his lot




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


419


among the early settlers who were reclaiming the wild land and replacing the evidences of frontier life by the conditions which indicate improvement and progress.  He settled in Penn township, where he
purchased land, upon which he turned the first furrows. In course of
time he had broken the fields, had planted seed and with autumn came
good crops. He cleared up a great amount of land in the county and
his efforts were beneficial in the reclamation of what was once a wild
and unimproved district. He died in his seventy-ninth year. His wife,
who was a native of Ohio and a daughter of Eleazer Smith, of St.
Joseph county, Indiana, was sixty-five years of age at the time of her
demise. In their family were eight children, of whom four are now
living, James H. being the fifth child.
In taking up the personal history of James H. Leach, we present
to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known.
In retrospect one can see him a farm boy, trudging daily to school during the continuance of the sessions and afterward supplementing his
early educational privileges by a course in the high school at Cassopolis.
He worked in the fields upon the home farm through the summer
months and after completing his education continued to assist in the
farm work for some time. He afterward engaged in the grocery business in partnership with C. E. Voorhis for five years and on the expiration of that period sold out to his partner and went to Florida, where
he laid out an orange grove of four hundred orange trees and also
planted two hundred lemon trees, his place being in Hillsboro county,
while his postoffice was Limona. For four years his attention was devoted to the development of his fruit ranch in the south, and he then
returned northward, locating in South Bend, Indiana, where he engaged
in the operation of a planing mill and the conduct of a lumber yard, being actively connected with the business for about thirteen years. On
the expiration of that period he returned to Penn township, locating at
his present residence on the north shore of Diamond Lake. The place
is known as the J. C. Moon farm and the house is called Shore Acres.
He has a tract of land of eighty acres and he also owns other land in the
old homestead farm. He conducts the summer hotel in connection with
his general farming interests and the raising of fruit, having a fine
orchard, while from his fields he annually harvests good crops of grain.
On the 4th of April, I883, Mr. Leach was united in marriage to
Miss Fannie Punches, a daughter of Moses and Jane Punches. Mr.
Leach votes with the Democracy and is a member of the Woodmen of
the World. The family name has long figured in this county, being
indelibly inscribed upon the pages of pioneer history as well as of later
day progress and improvement. Mr. Leach has been watchful of business opportunities pointing to success, and has wrought along modern
lines of progress. He possesses a genial manner,. courteous disposition
and deference for the opinion of others, which have rendered him a popular. citizen.




420


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


CHARLES C. RICKERT.
Charles C. Rickert deserves mention among the old settlers of
Cass county, for during sixty years he has lived within its borders.
This covers the entire period of his life, his birth having occurred upon
the old family homestead where he now resides on the 3Ist of January,
1846. The farm is situated on section 7, Calvin township, and is well
improved property, which in its excellent appearance indicates the untiring labor and well-directed efforts of the Rickerts. The paternal
grandparents of our subject were Abram and Magdalene Rickert, who
on emigratilg westward from   Pennsylvania to Michigan settled in
St. Joseph county. Their son, Leonard Rickert, father of our subject,
was born in the Keystone state and accompanied his parents when they
sought a home in the middle west. About I840 he came to Cass county, settling on the farm where his son Charles C. now resides. It was a
wild and unimproved tract, but he at once began the work of transforming the raw prairie into productive fields. Plowing and planting
were carried on and the summer sun ripened the grain and good harvests were gathered in the autumn. He continued the work of cultivating and improving his property until his death.  He married Miss
Margaret Ann Crawford, a native of Ohio, who came with her parents
to Michigan in her girlhood days. By this marriage were born six children, one of whom died in early childhood, while five reached mature
years.  The father departed this life when about forty-two years. of
age and the mother died when fifty-six years of age.
Charles C. Rickert, the second child and eldest son in the family,
was reared on the farm where he yet makes his home. At the usual
age he began his education as a student in the district schools of
Calvin township, and he enjoyed the pleasures of the play-ground when
not occupied with his books or the farm work. He developed a selfreliance and force of character which have been strong elements in his
career. On the 25th of May, 1877, he was married to Miss Susanna
Shaw, a (laughter of Nathan and Marion Shaw and a native of Ohio,
in which state her girlhood days were passed. At the time of his marriage Mr. Rickert located upon the old homestead where he has since
lived, giving his attention to general' farming and stock raising. He
here owns one hundred and two and a half acres of good land, most
of which is under cultivation and in addition he has fifty acres of timber land in the same township.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rickert were born a daughter and son: Ellen, who is now engaged in teaching in Porter township: and Charles
Herman, at home, assisting in the work of the farm.
Susanna, the daughter of Nathan and Mariam Shaw. was born in
Columbiana county, Ohio, October 2gth, 184.. In 1856 she came with
her parents to Michigan, settling in St. Joseph county, afterwards moving to Cass county, where she resided up to the time of her death, May




CHARLES C. RICKERT AND FAMILY.








HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


421


25th, I897. On M/ay 24th, 1877, she was united in marriage to Charles
Rickert, who with two children, Ellen S. and C. Herman, survive her
She was ever a faithful and consistent Christian, always striving to
do the will of her Master and ever thoughtful for the welfare of others.
She was a thorough worker in whatever she was engaged and her loss
is greatly felt by all. who knew her.
For almost twenty years did Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Rickert
travel life's pathway together, sharing alike the joys and sorrows of
life. She was an amiable wife and a loving mother. She had always
stood by the side of her husband, ever ready to aid him in advice and
counsel in the building up of their comfortable home. She was a devout member of the Friends' Church, known as Birch Lake Friends'
Church, in Calvin township.  Her remains are interred in the Reams
and Norton cemetery, where a beautiful stone marks her last resting
place. There is a vacant chair in the home circle, and a link in the
mystic chain, which cannot be again filled.
Mr. Rickert has continuously resided in Calvin township with the
exception of nine months spent in Cassopolis, -where he removed in
order to give his children better educational privileges. His study of
the political issues and questions of the day has led him to give his
advocacy to the Democratic party.  He is a member of the Friends
church and his life exemplifies the teachings of that sect, which has
always promulgated a spirit of kindliness, consideration, charity and
righteousness. He has been identified with the upbuilding of the county through six decades, bearing his full share in the work of public
progress and improvement, and is justly accounted one of the representative citizens of Cass county.
J. M. LAKE.
J. M'. Lake, living on section 7, Penn township, where he owns
and controls ninety-seven acres of good land, his home being known as
"Stone Abutment Farm," was born in Chenango county, New York,
March 23, 1842. His father, Richard Lake, was a native of the Empire
state, as was the paternal grandfather of our subject, Joseph Lake, who,
however, spent his last years in Michigan. He lived for some time in
Cass county, where his death occurred in Niles, this state. It was in the
year I844 that Richard Lake took up his abode in Cass county, locating
on section I8, Penn township. As this fact indicates, he was a farmer by
occupation, his life being given to that pursuit, wherein he provided a
comfortable living for his family. He married Miss Hannah Crandall, a
daughter of Tanner Crandall, who was born in New York. In the family
of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lake were seven children, three sons and four
daughters, namely: Harrison H.; James M.; Charles N.; Mary, wife of
Byron Sprague; Sarah J., wife of Clayton H. Sigerfoos; Rosetta, wife
of B. Frank Slipper; and Emma, wife of Henry Ferrel. The father




422


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


died in the eighty-second year of his age, while the mother lived to be
about sixty years.
J. M. Lake was but two years old when brought by his parents to
Michigan and upon the home farm in Penn township he was reared. At
the usual age he entered the public schools and when not busy with his
text books his time was given to farm labor. After leaving school permanently he gave undivided attention to farm work on the old homestead up to the time of his marriage, which occurred in I873, the lady
of his choice being Miss Anna Tripp, a daughter of Chester Tripp.
She was born in Barry county, Michigan, and died in I892, leaving a
little daughter, who died in 1894. Mr. Lake has a farm of ninetyseven acres, which he has improved with modern equipments and which
he now rents. It is largely devoted to the production of fruit and he
has five hundred trees of peaches and apples upon the place. His trees
produce quite abundantly almost every season and the fruit shipped
from his place yields a good financial income. Mr. Lake has been a
resident of Cass county for sixty-four years, with the exception of one
year, which he spent in Pennsylvania, and is therefore well informed
concerning the history of the county and the progress it has made from
pioneer conditions to its present advanced state of cultivation and improvement. He has been a life-long Democrat, interested in the growth
and success of his party, and has served as school director. He formerly belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
JOSEPH C. KYLE.
Joseph C. Kyle, a veteran of the Civil war, who has been equally
loyal to his country in the performance of duties that devolve upon
him in connection with civic offices to which he has been called, has
for many years made his home in Union, where he has long been engaged in painting and plastering. His birth occurred in Kosciusko
county, Indiana, October 7, I845, and is a son of Andrew and Frances
S. (Jones) Kyle, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of
Virginia. They became the parents of four children, two sons and two
daughters, all of whom reached adult age. Joseph C. and Mary Cornelia are twins and the latter is now the wife of Henry Borne, of Bangor, Michigan. A brother, Alonzo R. Kyle, is living in Ellsworth,
Kansas, while the other daughter, Flora A., is the wife of Charles Nye,
a resident farmer of Pokagon township. On leaving the east Andrew
Kyle, the father, became one of the early settlers of Elkhart county,
Indiana, and in I849 he went to California, attracted by the discovery
of gold on the Pacific coast. He afterward returned to his native state,
however, and his last days were there passed. His wife lived to bp seventy-two years of age.
Joseph C. Iyle of this review has been a resident of Cass county
from the age of three years, arriving here in: 848. He was reared in




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


423


Porter township and was only eighteen years of age when he
enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a private of Company C,
Twenty-fourth Michigan Volunteer Infantry. He served until the close
of hostilities and after the war returned to Union, where he engaged in
painting and plastering. He learned the trades and followed the business for thirty years.  Because of his excellent workmanship many
important contracts have been awarded him and his services have been
in constant demand, so that he has won a good living and secured a
comfortable home.
Mr. Kyle was married September 3, 1865, to Miss Malissa Brown,
a daughter of Joshua and Sarah A. (Low) Brown, and a native of Elkhart county, Indiana. Mr. Kyle has resided in Cass county for fiftysix years and is one of its representative citizens. His political allegiance
has long been earnestly given to the Republican party, and he is now
serving as a member of the board of reviews. Fraternally he is connected with Carter post, No. 96, G. A. R., of Union, in which he has
filled some of the offices, and he also belongs to the Grange, while his
religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Freewill Baptist
church, in which he takes a helpful part, serving as one of its deacons,
and doing all in his power to promote the various church activities and
extend its influence. He is widely known in his part of the county by
reason of his interest and co-operation in public affairs and also on account of his business connections. He has been found reliable at all
times in his business career, faithfully executing his work in accordance
with the terms of his contracts, and his energy, perseverance, laudable
ambition and resolute purpose have been the strong and salient features
of his life record.
LESLIE C. WELLS.
Leslie C. Wells, residing on section 26, Pokagon township, was
born in Wayne township, Cass county, on the 8th of November, 1855.
His paternal grandfather, Woden Wells, was a native of Connecticut,
whence he removed to New York, and at an early day he came to Michigan, taking up his abode in Kalamazoo county. He was of Welsh
lineage. His son, Homer Wells, the father of our subject, was born
in the Empire state and when a youth of ten years accompanied his
parents on their removal to Kalamazoo county, where he remained until
1849, when he came to Cass county, taking up his abode in Wayne
township, where he engaged in general farming. He was for many
vears a representative and leading agriculturist of this part of the state
and his death occurred in I904, when he had reached the advanced age
of seventy-three years. In politics he was a stanch and earnest Republican, interested in the work of the party and doing all in his power for
its growth and success. He held a number of local offices, to which he
was called by his fellow townsmen, who recognized his worth and abil



424


'HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


ity and who found in him a capable official. In his early manhood he
wedded Miss Laura A. Reed, a native of Ohio and a daughter of A.
H. and Maria (Jennings) Reed, who went originally from Vermont to
Ohio and thence came to Michigan, settling in Wayne township, Cass
county. Mrs. Wells was at that time a young girl and she died when
but twenty years of age.
Leslie C. Wells, the only child, remained with his father, who
afterward married again, his second union being with Fannie Beverstock. In the public schools Mir. Wells acquired his education and during the summer months aided in the farm work until seventeen years
of age, when he left home, starting out upon an independent business
career. He entered the employ of the Michigan Central Railroad Company in connection with the construction gang and in the following
year he began teaching school, which profession he followed for twenty
years (uring the winter months.  He attended the Vicksburg high
school during that tine and he continually broadened his knowledge by
reading, observation and investigation. As an educator he was capable
and efficient, imparting readily to others the knowledge that he had
acquired and maintaining good discipline, without which successful
work is never done in the school room. During the summer months he
worked at farm labor and he also spent some years in California, Washington and Oregon. He likewise went to the south, passing one year
in Alabama.
In I88I Mr. Wells was united in marriage to Miss Mary A.
Shookman, a daughter of Otho and Elizabeth (Wright) Shookman.
She was born in Wayne township and for about fifteen years engaged
in teaching school, being also one of the successful teachers of this
part of the state. At the time of his marriage Mr. Wells located in LaGrange township, settling upon a part of the old homestead farm, upon
which he lived for three years, when he took up his abode upon a
rented farm in Silver Creek township, there living for two years. On
the expiration of that period, with the money which he had managed to
save from his earnings he purchased forty acres of land in LaGrange
township and cultivated that place for three years. His present farm
consists of one hundred and twenty acres in Pokagon township, where
he has resided for the past eight years. His farm is the visible evidence of his well-directed thrift and energy, for when he started
out on his own account he had no capital.   He has worked persistently and the years have brought him success, owing to his
diligence and capable management.   Goethe has said, "Merit and
success go linked together," and the truth of this assertion is verified again and again in the lives of such men as Mr. Wells, whose
prosperity is attributable entirely to his own labors. In politics he is a
stanch Republican, interested in the growth and success of his party.
He was foreman of the first grand jury that had been convened in the




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


425


county in forty-six years, acting in that capacity in I905. He is a
member of the Ma/sonic fraternity and also belongs to the Moderln Woodmen Camp.
WILLIAM H. GARWOOD.
The arduous task of developing and cultivating new land is one
familiar to William H. Garwood, a representative farmer of Pokagon
township, who in the successful management of his business interests
has displayed excellent business ability, keen discernment and unfaltering diligence.  He was born in the township w-here he yet resides
Novelmber 5, I846. His father, Jesse Garwood, was one of the old settlers of the county and was a native of Warren county, Ohio, where his
birth occurred on the I5th of August, I8o6. There he was reared and
educated, and on leaving the Buckeye state he removed to Terre Coupe
Prairie, Indiana, in i827. He worked at the Indian mission for two
summers and in 18,29 he came to Pokagon township, Cass county, Michigan, settling on his present farm. He had located this land in 1832.
It was all raw and unimproved, but he cleared sixty acres. He had two
hundred and forty acres in the original tract and the arduous task of developing a new farm fell to him and was successfully carried on. His
marriage on the 6th of December, I844, to Miss Rachel Prather was
celebrated in this county. The lady was a native of Madison county,
Indiana, born September 24, 1808, an( William H. Garwood was the
only child born of this marriage. The father voted with the Republican
party and was the champion of many progressive measures, especially
those which contributed to substantial progress and improvement. He
died September 1, I889, while his wife passed away in 1885.
In his youth WVilliam HI. Garwood worked upon the old farm
homestead and cleared the entire place save the sixty acres which his
father brought under cultivation. At his father's death he took possession of the entire farm and has since been one of the representative
agriculturists of the community, giving undivided attention to the further inlprovemnent of his property. Everything about the place is neat
and thrifty in appearance and the fields annually return to him golden
harvests.
On the 2ISt of November, I866, Mr. Garwood was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda F. Demmons, a native of Michigan, born on
the 23d of November, 1844, and a daughter of Alanson Demmons, who
was a farmer by occupation. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Garwood have been
born nine children, of whom six are deceased. Those living are: Amanson W., on his father's estate; Dwight, in Kansas City, Missouri; and
Blanch, wife of Charles Phillips, of Pbkagon. All were born upon the
old homestead farm.
Mr. Garwood is a member of the Masonic fraternity and also belongs to the Woodmen camp at Pokagon. In politics a Democrat, he
takes an active part in the local work of the party, served as supervisor




426


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


for two years and was also township treasurer for two years. His efforts in behalf of public progress have been effective and beneficial and
his support can always be counted upon to further any movement for
the general good. He has spent his entire life in P'okagon township and
as a native son and pioneer settler of Cass county well deserves representation in this volume, while his genuine worth entitles him to the
confidence and good will which are uniformly given him by his fellow
townsmen.
C. DELIVAN McCOY.
One does not have to carry his investigations far into the history
of Cass county without learning that the McCoy family became identified with pioneer progress at an early day. Upon the old farm homestead C. Delivan McCoy was born on the I3,th of November, I852. He
is a son of Richard McCoy, who is represented on another page of this
work. He was reared to the occupation of farming, early becoming
familiar with the labors of the fields as he assisted in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. To the public school system of the neighborhood he is indebted for the educational privileges he enjoyed.
In November, I875, he was married to Miss Estella Hartzel, a native of Pokagon, born July 28, I859.  She was reared in Pokagon
township, and is a daughter of Simon Hartzel, one of the early settlers
of Cass county, who, coming to this section of the state, gave his attention to farming interests and aided in the work of public progress and
improvement. Mr. and Mrs. McCoy have become the parents of eight
children, two sons and six daughters: Lena, now the wife of Henry
Silvers; Ida and Charles, at home: Ella, the wife of William Stewart,
of Dowagiac, Michigan; Hattie, the wife of Harry Walworth; Minnie
and Cecil, at home; and Clyde, deceased.
When the time came that Mr. McCoy should make choice of a
life work he determined to follow the pursuit to which he had been
reared, and lie has therefore always remained upon the old homestead,
where he has one hundred acres of land, the greater part of which is
under cultivation.  This place was cleared and improved by the McCoy family and the subject of this review is carrying on the farm work
in keeping with the general spirit of advancement that has been characteristic of the McCoys since the family home was first established in
this county.
ALEXANDER ROBERTSON.
iAlexinder Rol ertson, following the occupation of farming on section 27, Pokagon township, is a native of the Empire state, his birth
having occurred in Argvle, Washington county, New York, on the 3d
of March, 1826. His father, Archibald Robertson, was likewise a native of Washington county, born in Cambridge in I784, and in that
state he Was reared, becoming a farmer by occupation. He was married in Washington county to Miss Amy Robertson, who was born in




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


427


New York in I787, and remained a resident of that state until her
death, which occurred in 1852. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Archibald Robertson were born nine children, five sons and four daughters: William,
Peter C., Martha, Mary, Archibald, John, Joanna and Elizabeth, all
deceased; and Alexander, who is the youngest and only surviving member of the family. All were born and reared in Washington county,
New York. The mother died in Onondaga county, that state. In February, I854, the father emigrated westward to Cass county, Michigan.
settling in Pokagon township on the farm which is now the home of
his son Alexander. I-ere he carried on general agricultural pursuits
until his death, which occurred June 28, I867. His early political allegiance was given to the Whig party and upon its dissolution he joined
the ranks of the new Republican party.
Alexander Robertson obtained his education in the public schools
of New York and worked upon the home farm there until twenty-seven
years of age, when he came with his family to Michigan. He had been
married in the Empire state on the I3th of March, I850, to Miss Mary
E. Briggs, a native of Wayne county, New York, born June 20, I827.
She was reared in New York and was a daughter of William and Roxanna (Ely) Briggs, who were farming people.   After his marriage
Mr. Robertson remained for four years in New York and was a teacher
in that state for a long period, becoming actively connected with the
profession when seventeen years of age. After his arrival in Michigan
he taught school for two years at Summerville and was also a teacher in
LaGrange township for two terms, while in the winter of I874-5 he
taught the village school at Pokagon. He was thus closely associated
with the intellectual development of the community and ever upheld a
high standard of education and public instruction. His fitness for leadership being recognized by his fellow citizens he was elected to the state
legislature in 1872 upon the Republican ticket and served as a member of the house for two years. He has been a life-long Republican,
taking an active and helpful interest in the local work of the party and
doing all in his power to promote its growth and insure its success. He
has been a member of the school board since living in the county and
the cause of public instruction has indeed found in him a warm and
able champion.  He was township supervisor for eight years during
the war and subsequent to that time. At his father's death he took possession of the old homestead of eighty acres, to which he has since added
a similar tract, so that he now owns and operates a valuable farm of
one hundred and sixty acres, which annually returns to him an excellent income.
By his first marriage Mr. Robertson had eight children, a son and
seven daughters, namely: Eudora, deceased; Ella Evangeline; Ida E.;
Harriet and Ann, both deceased; Amy L.; Martha, who has passed
away; and Frank A.     Two of the children were born in New
York and the others upon the old homestead farm in Pokagon town



428


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


ship after the removal of the family to this county.  The wife and
mother died March 22, 1874, and several years later, on the 24th of
April, I883, Mr. Robertson was married to Mrs. Uzziel Putnam, the
widow of Uzziel Putnam, the first white child born in Cass county, his
natal day being in August, I826. Mrs. Robertson is a native of Galesburg, Illinois. Both our subject and his wife are esteemed by a large
circle of friends and he is numbered among the pioneer settlers of the
county, having cast in his lot with its early residents. From that time
to the present he has been a champion of progressive public measures
and has rejoiced in what has been accomplished in the county as the
changes have been wrought that have transformed it from a pioneer
region into one of rich fertility, bearing all the evidences of an advanced civilization.
JOSEPH LYBROOK.
Joseph Lybrook is the owner of a valuable farm of one hundred
and eighty-five acres on section 22, LaGrange township, and in addition to this property he also has forty acres on section 32 of the same
tow nsiip and is one of the stockholders in the creamery. His business
interests are characterized by close application and unfaltering diligence,
which constitute the basis of all desirable success. He seems to have
realized fully that "there is no excellence without labor" and has exemplified this adage in his life work. It was upon the farm where he
now resides that he first opened his eyes to the light of day, his birth
occurring on the '22nd of November, 18i45. The name "Lybrook" as
now spelled was in the original German text spelled "Leibroch."  The
grandfather, Henry Leibroch, was born in Virginia, April 2, I755,
and.lied August 22, I839. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war,
and many times saw General Washington.   Mr. Lybrook has in his
possession an old passport, dated February 27, I787, given Henry
Leibroch, which is written in a beautiful copper plate handwriting. He
also has four cf the parchment deeds bearing the following dates of
execution: two on November Io, I830, February 8, 1831 and April
I, 183I, and these deeds are all signed by President Andrew Jackson
and are valuable as relics.
John Lybrook, father of Joseph, was a native of Giles county, Virginia, horn October 25, 1798, and in I81 hle accompanied his parents
on their removal to Preble county, Ohio. In 1823 he came to Michigan, making the journey in order to assist Squire Thompson in his removal to this state. When he made the start he intended going only
fifty or sixty miles, but he continued with him on the journey until
Cass county was reached. On the last day of December of the same year
he started back on foot to Ohio accompanied by a young man of the
name of Eaton. They first camped near where Mishawaka now stands,
and from that point Mr. Iybrook continued on his way to Fort Wayne,
where he procured assistance for the return trip. His partner had his




dk'":








HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


429.


foot frozen about that time and Mr. Lybrook endured many hardships
and much exposure in his endeavor to reach his home, but eventually
the journey wvas completed.  However, he had become interested in
the western country and its possibilities for development, and in I824
he came once more to Michigan, bringing with him some cattle. In the
spring of 1825 he planted eleven acres of corn in what was known as
the Second Field below Niles. He afterward returned to Ohio with
a yoke of oxen hitched to the back wheels of a lumber wagon. In
the following spring, however, he returned to Michigan, bringing with
hiln a barrel of wheat, which was the first wheat sown in southwestern
Michigan. In the spring of 1828 he removed to the farm where Joseph
Lybrook now resides, and there continued to make his home until his
death. It was wild and unimproved land when it came into his possession and he turned the first furrows upon the place and planted the
first crops. In course of time he had transformed this into a valuable
property, which he continued to cultivate with success for many years.
He gave his support to the Democracy during the greater part of his
life, save that he voted for William Henry Harrison. He passed away
May 25, I88,, and the county thus lost one of its most prominent and
honored pioneer settlers-a citizen who from the earliest epoch in the
history of this section of the state had been identified with its improvement. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Hurd and was a native
of England, whence she came to America at the age of seven years.
She was born in I821, became a resident of Michigan in I836 and died
January 25, I903, at the very advanced age of eighty-two years. In
the family of this worthy couple were two sons and a daughter, but
Henry died in Oklahoma and Arminda is also deceasedl, leaving Joseph
as the only surviving member of the family.
Joseph Lybrook was the second child and has spent his entire life
upon the farm where he now lives, covering a period of more than sixty years. When a boy he took his place in the fields, and as his age and
strength permitted he assisted more and more largely in the work of
the home farm and has since been identified with the growth and development of the county. He has in his home place one hundred and
eighty-five acres of land, and also forty acres on section 32, LaGrange
township. His home farm is under a high state of cultivation and the
fields are improved with modern machinery, while the work is carried
on along the most progressive lines. He is also owner of stock in the
creamery. His political support has been given to the Democracy. A
rworthy representative of an honored pioneer family, he has carried forward the work which was begun by his father and the name of Lybrook
has thus long been closely associated with the substantial improvement
and development of Cass county.




430


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


CLIFFORD L. TAYLOR.
Clifford L. Taylor, a farmer and breeder of registered Poland
China hogs, being proprietor of the Round Oak herd, makes his home
on section 34, Pokagon township. He is a native son of the middle
west and in his life has exemplified the enterprising spirit which has
been the dominant factor in the rapid and substantial improvement of
the upper Mississippi valley. His birth occurred in Grant county, Wisconsin, on the I7th of April, I852. His father, James W. Taylor, also a
farmer by occupation, was a native of New York state, born in 1828,
and about I846 he became a resident of Wisconsin, settling on a farm
there. In I86o he left that state and with his family removed to Waterloo, Iowa, where.he was engaged in farming and also in operating a
threshing machine. After three years he left Iowa and took his family
to Indiana, settling thirteen miles south of the city of South Bend.
There he contracted with the well known Studebaker firm and cleared
a farm of thirty acres of land. On leaving Indiana he took up his
abode at Niles, Michigan, where he was again engaged in farming, and
in I871 he located in Pokagon township, Cass county, where he rented
the old Garrett Stancel farm of one hundred and five acres. Eventually,
however, he removed to Nebraska, where he has remained to the present time. In his political views he is an earnest Republican. Unto him
and his wife were born nine children, four sons and five daughters, of
whom Clifford L. is the eldest. Three of the number are now deceased.
Clifford L. Taylor accompanied his parents on their various removals until they went to Nebraska. Continuing a resident of Cass
county he rented his present farm from the estate of Jacob White, having charge of one hundred acres of land. He remained upon this place
for thirteen years, carrying on general farming, and in 1889 he removed
to Dowagiac, where he became connected with the Colby Milling Company, hauling flour and feed. He remained for two years. after which
he returned to the farm on section 34, Pokagon township. In I898 he
began raising registered hogs and has made a success of this venture,
having to-day some of the finest animals that can be found in the country.
On the I5th of October, I874, Mr. Taylor was married to Miss
Addie A. White, a native of Indiana, born August I5, 1856, and a
daughter of Jacob and Julia A. White, who were farming people of
Steuben county, Indiana. Her mother was a native of Pennsylvania,
born in 1838. Following the removal of the family to Cass county
they remained upon the farm where Mr. Taylor now resides until the
death of Mr. White in 1889. Mrs. White is still living upon this place.
In the family of this worthy couple were three children, a son and two
daughters, namely: Mrs. Taylor; Chandler, who died in infancy; and
Libbie May, who was born in 187I and is living in Pokagon township,
the wife of Jonathan L. Dillman. Mrs. Taylor was nine years of age




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


431


when she accompanied her parents on their removal to Cass county, and
here she was reared and educated. She has become the mother of two
children, but the daughter, Bessie May, born January 30, I886, died on
the 22d of February, I888. The son, Carl J., was born in this county
May 2, I893.
Mr. Taylor has been a lifelong Republican, giving unfaltering advocacy to its men and measures. He belongs to Round Oak camp, No.
II67, M. W. A., at Dovwagiac, and is a member of Crystal Springs, No.
325, I. O. O. F., at Pokagon. His business interests are capably conducted and he is numbered among the substantial agriculturists and
breeders of Poland China hogs in this part of the state.
WILLIAM H. McCOY.
William H. McCoy, who follows farming in Pokagon township,
was born in Pulaski county, Virginia, in that district then known as
Montgomery county, on the 22d of April, 183I. His father, Richard
McCoy, was one of the old pioneer settlers of. this state, and he, too,
was a farmer by occupation. His birth occurred in Virginia, and when
he had reached manhood he was married to Miss Maria Sifford, a native of the Old Dominion. Mr. and Mrs. McCoy came to Cass county
when the work of progress and improvement had scarcely been begun
in this portion of the state, and they shared with others in the hardships and privations of pioneer life and aided in reclaiming this district
for the use of civilization.  In their family were six sons and six
daughters, of whom  William  H. is the eldest son and third child.
Four of the children are now deceased, two having died in infancy. All
were reared and educated in Cass county, and those who still survive
are farming people. The elder members of the household were students
in the old-time log schoolhouses. The father first located with Henry
Sifford at Summerville, where he spent a few months, and in the following spring he removed to a farm of about eighty acres on section 27,
Pokagon township. This was all raw and wild land, not a furrow having been turned nor an improvement made upon the place, but he at
once began to clear and cultivate the fields and with the help of his
sons brought the farm to a high state of cultivation. As his financial
resources increased he also added to his original holdings, being the
owner of a valuable farm property of three hundred and twenty acres
in Pokagon township at the time of his death, upon which he resided
until 1852, when he started on the return trip to Virginia, but while en
route was taken ill and died within fifty miles of his destination. In
politics he was a lifelong Democrat, earnest and active in support of
the party.
In his youth William H. McCoy assisted his father in the work
of the home farm and after the father's death remained with his mother
upon the old home place, supervising the property and the cultivation




432


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


of the fields. His privileges and advantages in youth were such as the
pioneer district afforded. In 1873 he was married to Miss Mary J.
Wilson, a native of Ohio, who was born August 25, 1852, and is a
daughter of Isaac Wilson, one of the early settlers of Berrien county.
The father was a farmer by occupation. At the time of his marriage
Mr. McCoy took up his abode upon his present farm, comprising eighty
acres, and with characteristic energy began its further cultivation and
development.  He has one hundred and forty acres in Casco township, Allegan county, Michigan, which is partially a fruit farm. He
built his present residence and has added many modern equipments to
the place.  Unto him and his wife have been born three children, a
son and two daughters: Ellura, the wife of Orrin T. Moore, a resident fariner of Pokagon township; John; and Edna Gertrude. All
were born and reared upon the present farm.
In his political views Mr. McCoy is a Democrat, but at local elections usually casts his ballot without regard for party affiliations. His
entire life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits, and he regards
farm work as abundantly worthy of his best efforts. His labors have
been characterized by perseverance and diligence, and his persistency
of purpose has been one of the strong and salient elements in his life
work.
CHARLES H. KIMMERLE.
Charles II. Kimmerle is one of the leading representatives of Democracy in Michigan, and his invested interests are so extensive and important as to render him a leading business man of Cass county. Moreover he deals to some extent in real estate, but finds that his time is
largely occupied by the supervision of his property. He has long been
recognized as a prominent representative of the Democracy in his county and moreover has a very extensive and favorable acquaintance among
the leaders of the party in the state. For many years he has been known
for his sterling qualities, his fearless loyalty to his honest convictions,
his sturdy opposition to misrule in. municipal and state affairs and his
clear-headedness, discretion and tact as manager and leader.
Mr. Kimmerle is a native of Lagrange township, his. life record
having begun on the 12th of June, I860, upon his father's farm. He is
a son of Henry and Mary J. (Hain) Kimmerle and had two sisters.
IIis public scliool course was supplemented by study in the Northern
Indiana Normal College at Valparaiso, and thus well equipped he entered upon his business career. His father was one of the early California fortune seekers and, unlike many others, he met with splendid
success in his efforts to achieve financial independence on the Pacific
coast. At the time of his death in February, 1905,-he was one of the
wealthiest men in Cass county.  Although Charles H. Kimmerle has
inherited large property interests, such a condition of affairs has never




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


433


fostered idleness with him, and, on the contrary, he is a busy man, his
time being fully occupied with his private or public interests.
Happy in his home life, Mr. Kimmerle was married in I882 to
Miss Ella Dunning, and they have five children, three sons and two
daughters.
Fromi early manhood Mr. Kimmerle has been a student of the complex political problems before the people, and as an advocate of the
Democracy is well known in Michigan. He has been honored with the
candidacy of his party on various occasions, receiving the nomination
for county clerk in 188o, for judge of probate in 1888 and for the state
legislature in 1902, the strong Republican majorities, however, rendering election impossible. He has been a delegate to two national conventions of the Democratic party, I884 and 1900. In local affairs, where
party lines are not so strongly drawn, he has been a factor, serving for
twenty-one years as supervisor of Lagrange township, while for the
last fifteen years he has represented Cass county at the state equalization at Lansing.  For years he has served as chairman of the county
central committee and also as a member of the state central committee,
and has thus been the associate and co-laborer of the most distinguished
representatives of Democracy in Michigan.
Perhaps Mr. Kimmerle's most notable work has been in connection
with his efforts to suppress unjust assessment. In I903 the state tax
commissioners came to Cass county and raised the valuation of real
property in every assessing district from seventeen to sixty-five per
cent. Mr. Kimmerle questioned their authority to do so and for a long
time refused to surrender his assessment roll to them.. They, however,
finally succeeded, Mr. Kimmerle claiming that the commissioners made
promises to him which were not kept, and raised his valuation: sixtytwo per cent on all real property assessments. The matter was taken
into court and Mr. Kimmerle, with the other seventeen assessing officers, were enjoined from using the state tax commissioners' valuations
in apportioning the tax, but directed to use the figures adopted by the
supervisors and board of review. The next year the state tax commission called on Mr. Kimmerle and asked him to make a general raise in
the values. This he refused to do at their dictation, and because of this
refusal the commission, through Governor Warner, cited him to appear
and show cause why he should not be removed from office for wilfully
undervaluing property.  They also charged him   with favoritism  in
making assessments.  Between forty and fifty witnesses were called
by the prosecution and examined. The commissioner designated by the
governor to take the testimony reported that the prosecution had failed
to make out a case.
Before the governor acted on the report Mr. Kimmerle was elected
for another term by an almost unanimous vote. The result of his opposition to the state authorities led to the repeal of some objectionable
features of the law creating the commission and two of the commis



434


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


sioners who were so acting were legislated out of office. Mr. Kimmerle
is president of the state Supervisors' Association, composed of not less
than sixteen hundred assessing officers. He is at this writing (September, T906,) the Democratic nominee for the office of governor, and has
warm endorsement in various sections of the state. He is a man with an
eye to practical results and not glittering generalities. It will be observed
that his turn of mind is eminently judicial and free from the bias of
animosity. Strong and positive in his Democracy, his party fealty is
not grounded on partisan prejudice and he enjoys the respect and confidence of all his associates irrespective of party. Of the great issues
which divide the two great parties, with their roots extending down
to the very bed rock of the foundation of the republic, he has the true
statesman's grasp.  Well grounded in the political maxims of the
schools, he has also studied the lessons of actual life, arriving at his conclusions as a result of what may be called his post-graduate studies in
the school of affairs. Such men, whether in office or out, are the natural
leaders of whichever party they may be identified with, especially in
that movement toward higher politics which is common to both parties
and which constitutes the most hopeful political sign of the period.
C. E. VOORHIS.
C. E. Voorhis, a pioneer merchant of Cassopolis, is well deserving
of mention in this volume, having made a' creditable record in commercial circles and belonging to that class of representative American men
who, while advancing individual interests, also contribute to the general prosperity. He was born in Springfield township, Bradford county,
Pennsylvania, on the 25th of November, I828.   His father, James
Voorhis, was a native of New Jersey, was a carpenter by trade and
spent much of his life in Pennsylvania, where his death occurred. His
wife, Mrs. Charlotte Voorhis, was a native of the Keystone state, and
they became the parents of four sons and three daughters, of whom C.
E. Voorhis is the youngest son. Only two children are now living, one
sister, Lucinda Harkness, being a resident of Pennsylvania.
C. E. Voorhis was reared in the state of his nativity, spending his
boyhood days upon the farm, and acquired his education in the public
schools. In early manhood he chose a companion and helpmate for
life's journey, being married in the east to Miss Emeline Crandall, a
native of New York. About two years after his marriage he came to
Michigan, settling in Cassopolis, where he began working at day labor,
following any work that he could secure that would give him an honest living. In I863, with the capital that he had managed to save from
his earnings, he established a restaurant. He also spent one year as a
peddler, and about I865 he embarked in the mercantile business, in
which he still continues. His capital and stock were very limited at
first, but he has built up a magnificent trade and now carries a very ex



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


435


tensive and well selected stock. He owns the fine building in which he
is conducting his business and also has a fine home in Cassopolis, and
his store would be a credit to a city of much larger size.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Voorhis have been born two living children:
William H., who is now in charge of the store; and Eva, the wife of
Elmer Stamp. Mr. Voorhis votes with the Democracy, but has never
sought or desired office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his
business affairs. He is the pioneer grocery merchant of the city and
has enjoyed a prosperous career in this line of business, his success being attributable to his earnest desire to please his patrons, his close
application and his reasonable prices and straightforward dealing. He
has a very wide acquaintance throughout the county, having lived here
for half a century, and not to know Mr. Voorhis is to argue one's self
unknown in this section of the state. The prosperity of any community, town or city depends upon its commercial activity, its industrial
interests and its trade relations and therefore the real upbuilders of a
town are those who stand at the'head of its leading enterprises.
B. W. HAYDEN.
The business interests of Cassopolis find a worthy representative
in B./W. Hayden, a hardware merchant, whose activity and enterprise
have contributed in, substantial measure to the commercial prosperity
and upbuilding of the village. He was born in Calvin township, so that
he is numbered among Cass county's successful native sons, his birth
having occurred on the Ioth of August, I850. He is the second son in
the family of Joseph and Hannah (Lincoln) Hayden, who were among
the pioneer residents of Cass county, coming to this part of the state
about 818S. Mr. Hayden was reared in the place of his nativity, spending his youth upon the homestead farm in Calvin township and assisting in the work of fields and meadows as his age and strength permitted. In 187I he started out upon an independent business career,
working at anything that he could find to do that would yield him an
honest living. He entered the employ of the Redfield, Lacy & Bement
Milling Company at Redfield, Michigan, driving a team, and for three
years was in the employ of that firm, on the expiration of which period
he went to Waukegan, Illinois, where he spent three years and three
months. During five years' work he lost just one week's time. At
Waukegan he learned the milling business with the firm of Warren &
George and afterward went to Elkhart, Indiana, where he entered the
employ of the Beardsley Milling Company, with which he continued for
three months. On returning to Redfield, Michigan, he took charge of
the Redfield mills and continued to operate the plant for about two and
a half years, when Mr. Bement, one of the partners, died. At that time
Mr. Hayden rented the mill and carried on the business on his own account in connection with farming for five years. Following that period




436


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


he returned to Cassopolis and with capital that he had acquired through
his own labor and capable management he embarked in the hardware
business, in which he has since continued. He carries a full line of shelf
and heavy hardware, also agricultural implements, vehicles and harness,
and has a liberal patronage, his business being now large and profitable.
Since 1884 Mr. Hayden has been in business in Cassopolis, and from the
first month, January, 1884, up to the present time, 1906, he has kept
a faithful and true file of the increase of his business, which has been
steady and solid. In the months of January, February, March and
April of I906 it was $I,867.54, $2,307.46, $3,046.51 and $4,447.23 respectively, which shows a phenomenal growth in a town of I,500 population. He has been agent for the Standard Oil Company for fourteen years and for seven years he was engaged in the ice business. He
is also local treasurer for the Standard Savings & Loan Company of
Detroit, Michigan, having occupied the position for eleven years. It
will thus be seen that his efforts have not been, confined to one line, for
he is a man of resourceful business ability, energetic and enterprising,
who has not only quickly noted his business opportunities but has also
utilized them to good advantage and has thus gained a place among the
successful representatives of trade relations in Cassopolis.
In I877 Mr. Hayden was united in marriage to Miss Tillie Fulton, a daughter of W\illiam Fulton, of Waukegan, Illinois. This union has been blessed with three daughters and one son: Joseph, who is
associated with his father in business; Belle, the wife of Melvin Brown,
who is also connected with Mr. Hayden in his business interests in Cassopolis; Stella and Bernice, both at home.
In his political views Mr. Hayden is a Democrat, and has been
called to several local offices. He was a member of the school board
for nine years and a member of the village council for eight years, and
has done much to bring to the city a public-spirited administration of
its affairs that will result in permanent benefit. He holds membership
with the Knights of Pythias lodge of Cassopolis and the Methodist
Episcopal church, and his fraternal and church relations indicate the
character of the man and his interest in those things which tend to elevate humanity and develop a strong and honorable character. Whatever he has accomplished in life is due to his own efforts. Early coming to a realization that energy and honesty are a safe basis upon which
to build success he has worked year after year, carefully controlling his
labors so that as the time has gone by his efforts have been crowned
with the prosperity which is ever the goal of business endeavor.
ROBERT SNYDER.
Robert Snyder, one of the early settlers of Cass county now living
retired in Edwardsburg after long and active connection with farming
interests in Ontwa township, was born in Columbia county, Pennsyl



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


437


vania, the 5th of July, 18.39. His father, William Snyder, was a native
of New Jersey, born September I6, 1797, and in this state he was reared
until nineteen years of age, when he removed to Pennsylvania. He
was a cabinet-maker by trade, and followed that pursuit in early manhood, but in his later years turned his attention to farming. In 1848
he removed with his family to Indiana, settling in St. Joseph county on
the 8th of June of that year. There he followed cabinet-making to
some extent, but soon concentrated his energies upon agricultural pursuits, and was thus engaged until his retirement from active farm work
in I879. He then removed to Edwardsburg, where he lived until his
death, which occurred February 9', I882. He was married in Pennsylvania to Miss Jerusha Robbins, a native of the Keystone state, born
June 26, I797. They were the parents of ten children, four sons and
six daughters,'of whom Robert Snyder is the ninth child and fourth
son. The family record is as follows: Hiram, Joseph and John, all
deceased; Mary, Rachel, Katherine, Sarah and William, all of whom
have passed away; Robert; and Frances. All were born in Columbia
county, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Snyder was educated in St. Joseph county, Michigan, and
remained at home throughout his boyhood and youth, working with
his father in the fields until he attained his majority. He was married April I6, I863, to Miss Mary Hess, a daughter of Joseph Hess, a
pioneer settler of Cass county, who is mentioned on another page of this
work. Mrs. Snyder was born and reared in Ohio and with her parents
came to Michigan. For four years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs.
Snyder lived in St. Joseph county, and then in I867 came to Cass county, settling upon a farm of ninety-three acres of improved land in Jefferson township. To the further cultivation and improvement of that
property Mr. Snyder devoted his energies until I878' and there two of
the children were born.   Clara J., the eldest, born in I868, is
the wife of J. H. Keely, a dry goods salesman of Edwardsburg.
Laura Etta, born May 9, I869, is the wife of William Wade, an electrician of Edwardsburg.  The youngest daughter, Mary, was born
September 5, I888, and is still at home.
Mr. Snyder has been a lifelong Democrat and active in the local
ranks of his party. I-le served as treasurer of Jefferson township for
one year and after the removal to Ontwa township acted as treasurer
for six years at different times. He was also justice of the peace for
about a year and a half and a member of the school board for a number of years, and in these different offices labored earnestly and effectively for the general welfare.  He belongs to the Masonic lodge at
Edwardsburg and is well known. throughout Cass county, having for
many years been closely associated with its agricultural pursuits, making a creditable record in business circles and sustaining an excellent
reputation in public office and in private life. The prosperity that he
enjoys has been well earned and is justly merited.




438


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


GEORGE EMMONS.
George Emmons, who is classed among the leading and influential
farmers of Porter township, his home being on section 27, is a native
of Ohio. He was born in Lorain county on the I4th of September,
1848, and is a son of Lucius and Sabrina (Adams) Emmons. His
paternal grandfather was James Emmons, who settled in Ohio at a
-very early day, having made his way to that state from Massachusetts.
His maternal grandfather, William Adams, was. also a native of New
England and removed from Connecticut. to Ohio, casting in his lot with
-the pioneers who aided in reclaiming that state from the domain of
the savages and converting it into the 'center of an advanced civilization. Lucius Emmons remained a. resident. of Ohio until I858', when
he was!called to his final rest. His widow, however, still survives him
and.of their family of five children three were sons and two daughters.
George Emmons; the second child and second son, was reared in
the county of his nativity, spending. his boyhood days upon a farm and
early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the
lot of the agriculturist.  No event of special importance occurred to
vary the routine' of. farm life and he attended school and worked in
the fields until twenty-three years of age. About that time he was
married, having in 1871 wedded Miss Sarah Ann Locke who died
three years later, in I874. For his second wife, whom he married in
I88o, Mr. Emmons chose Mrs. May Loynes, the daughter of Charles
-and Mary (Tubbs) Williamis.  She was born' in Mount Holly, Rutland county, Vermont, February 4, 1847, and has one son born of her
first marriage, Frank Loynes, who is now living in Chicago.  Mrs.
Emmons came to Michigan in I874, making her way to Cass county,
and took up 'her abode upon the farm where she now resides. There
has been one child born of this marriage, Zaida, who is attending school
in' Hillsdale, Michigan. The parents of Mrs. Emmons were both natives 'of Vermont and they had but two children, the other one is now
deceased. Her mother was married a second time, becoming the wife
of Spencer Arnold, with whom she removed to Michigan from Ohio
in 1865, locating on a farm where Mr. and Mrs. Emmons now make
their home.  There was one child of the second marriage, William
Arnold.
Mr. Emmons has' a farm of one hundred and eighty acres and has
devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits but rents most
of his place, thus leaving its care and improvement to others, while he
is largely enjoying a well earned rest. He has served as township
treasurer for six years and has taken an active part in public affairs,
'laboring earnestly for the welfare and substantial improvement of the
community. He is a member of' the Grange and is well known in Cass
county, where he has lived for twenty-six years. In I902 his home
was destroyed by fire but he at once erected another dwelling and now








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go   t-4144       1ye 7v




I
I




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


439


has a fine two-story house, which is one of the attractive features of
the landscape. There are also good barns and other outbuildings upon
his place and all modern improvements and equipments in keeping with
a model farm. Everything about his place is neat and thrifty in appearance and Mr. Emmons has long been regarded as one of the practical, enterprising and respected farmers of his community.
CASSIUS M. DENNIS.
Cassius M. Dennis, at one time a factor in commercial circles in
Edwardsburg, where he was engaged in dealing in hardware, but now
giving his attention to the real estate and loan business, is a native of
St. Joseph county, Indiana, born on the 24th of October, 1845. His
father, Nathaniel B. Dennis, became one of the pioneer residents. of
Cass county. His birth occurred in Delaware in March, 18I3. He was
a farmer by occupation and at the age of eighteen years became a resident of St. Joseph county, Indiana,.taking up his abode upon a farm
there. In 1847 he removed to Milton township, Cass county, purchasing a tract of land of eighty acres, which was-partially improved. He
at once began the further development and cultivation of the place, and
there he resided until his death, which occurred on the 6th of February,
I899. HIe was identified with the Republican party and was frequently
called to fill township offices by his fellow citizens, who recognized his
worth and fidelity. In this county he was married to Miss Margaret
McMichael, who was a native of Pennsylvania and was of German
lineage. In their family were four sons and two daughters, of whom
Cassius M. Dennis was the second son and second child. Four of the
family were born in Cass county. Of the others William, Mary Florence and George are now deceased, while those living are Cassius M.,
Cave J. and Martha E. All reached manhood and womanhood, however, with the exception of George, who died in infancy.
Mr. Dennis of this review was only two years old when his parents removed to Milton township, Cass county, and in the district
schools he acquired his education, becoming familiar with the common
branches of English learning, which fitted him for the practical duties
of life. He was. reared to farm work, early becoming familiar with the
duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, and to his
father he gave the benefit of his services until twenty-two years of age.
Ile was then married, on the I2th of December, I867, the lady of his
choice being Miss Alphonzy Hopkins, a native of Cass county, born in
February, I848, and a daughter of Nathaniel and Ann Hopkins. One
child was born of this marriage, Orville, a native of Cass county. On
the 5th of May, I8815, Mr. Dennis was again married, his second union
being with Miss Lenora Shoup, who was born in Burbank, Ohio.
Following his marriage Mr. Dennis began farming on his own account and in the spring of 1882 he removed to Edwardsburg, where he




440


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


entered the employ of Mr. Dunning in the implement business, continuing with him until the death of Mr. Dunning in July, I885. He was retained in the store, however, by the management of the estate until
1886, when in that year he purchased the stock and began business on
his own account, so continuing until the spring of I899. As a hardware merchant he enjoyed a large and profitable trade, which he secured
by reason of his straightforward dealings, his practical methods and
his unremitting diligence. At length, however, he sold his hardware
stock and retired from mercantile fields, while at the present time he
is giving his attention to the real estate and loan business.
Mr. Dennis is a Democrat in his political views and for six years
served as township clerk. He is numbered among the pioneers of Cass
county and with the exception of six years his entire life has been passed
within its borders. He came to the county more than a half century
ago, so that he has largely witnessed its growth and development from
a primitive condition. to its present advanced stage of civilization wherein every, department of commercial and industrial activity is represented,
while the work of the agriculturist is seen in the splendid farms that
surround the enterprising towns and villages. While there have been
no exciting chapters in his life record the history of Mr. Dennis may
well stand as an example for worthy citizenship, upright manhood and
fidelity to every trust.
RUSSEL D. MAY.
Russel D. May, a retired farmer and early settler of Cass county
living in Edwardsburg, is a native of the Empire state, his birth having occurred in Chautauqua county, New York, on the 9th of December, I836. His father, Russel G. May, was born near Pittsfield, Massachusetts, on the 8th of May, I8O4, and was reared in the place of his
nativitiy. Where about twenty-two years of age he removed to Chautauqua county, New York, where he settled upon a tract of raw land,
not a furrow having been turned nor an improvement made upon the
place. He began clearing the farm and continued its cultivation until
1837, making great changes in its condition as he placed acre after acre
under the plow. He had been married in Massachusetts to Miss Hannah Stanton, a native of that state, born December 23, I807, and there
she spent her girlhood days. By this marriage Mr. and Mrs. May became the parents of two sons and two daughters: Martha Ann, de —
ceased; Hannah S. and Oliver, who have also passed away; and Russel
D.   The children were largely reared and educated in Cass county,
Michigan. In the year 1837 the parents left New York and came westward, settling in St. Joseph county, Michigan, where they lived upon a
rented farm for four years. In 1841 they came to Cass county, taking
up their abode in Milton township, where they remained for four years,
and in 1845 they settled on what is now known as May street, near
Edwardsburg, which was named in honor of the father. The family




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


441


home, however, was a farm of eighty acres of woodland, which Mr.
May cleared and cultivated with the assistance of his son Russel, making all of the improvements upon that place. There he remained until
I883, when he removed to a farm upon which his remaining days were
passed, his death occurring on the 8th of October, I886. His political
allegiance was given to the Democracy in early life, but upon the forma,
tion of the new Republican party he became one of its stanch champions
and gave it his support until within four years of his death, when he
voted the Prohibition ticket, believing the temperance cause one of the
paramount issues before the people. An earnest Christian gentleman,
he held membership in the Methodist denomination and assisted in
building the first church of the town.
Russel D. May was a little lad of four years when his father came
to Cass county and he was reared and educated in Ontwa township. He
early mastered the work of the fields, taking his place behind the plow
when a young lad, and to his father he gave the benefit of his services
up to the time of his marriage. That important event in his life occurred on the 27th of April, I859, the lady of his choice being Miss
Mary E. Adams, who was a native of New York, and a daughter of
the Rev. S. C. Adams, a local Methodist minister. Her mother was
Mrs. Britania Adams, and both the parents were natives of Massachusetts. In I887 Mr. May was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife,
who died on the.2d of November, of that year. They had become the
parents of six children, all of whom reached adult age, although Ida is
now deceased. The others are: Jesse E. is a resident of La Plata,
Missouri, and is a horticulturist. He was educated in the district
school. He wedded Miss Mattie Bishop, and they have two living children, Winnie and Dwight. Henry K., a resident of Burr, Minnesota, is
a grain dealer, and he is prosperous. He wedded Miss Henrietta Davis.
Frank E., a resident of Edwardsville, Michigan, is a physician and
surgeon, and graduated from Rush Medical College of Chicago. He is
now a horticulturist. He wedded Miss Rose James and they have two
sons, Leslie and Roy. Florence E. is the wife of Dr. J. J. Sweetland,
a resident of Mottville, Michigan, and who has a good practice. He graduated at Cincinnati, Ohio. They have one son, Dennis. Floyd B., a resident of Hunnewell, Kansas, graduated at Barnes Medical College of St.
Louis. All were born and reared upon the old homestead farm., for at the
time of his marriage Mr. May rented this farm from his father. After a
few years he became owner of the property, to which he added eighty
acres, and subsequently an additional tract of one hundred acres, so that he
had altogether three hundred acres of valuable land. Following the deatfh
of his first wife Mr. May was again married, on the I8th of June, I889,
his second union being with Mrs. M. Amelia Ray, a native of New
York, born in Cato, Cayuga county, on the 28th of September, I835.
Ifer parents were James and Rebecca (Paine) Burns, the former a
native of Washington county, born in May, I'798, while the mother's




44J2


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


birth occurred in Vermont in May, I8OI. At an early day Mr. and
Mrs. Burns removed to Orleans county, New York, settling at Albion
in I836. There they remained until called to their final rest, being
respected and worthy citizens of that community. In their family were
five children, three sons and two daughters, of whom two died in infancy, while Mrs. May, the youngest of the family, is the only one now
living. The others were Elias Freer, Oscar FitzAlan, James Edgar and
Caroline Amanda. Mrs. May was first married in Albion, New York,
in I854, to David W. Ray, a native of Columbia county, that state,
who was a journalist by profession. In I865 they removed to Detroit,
Michigan, where they resided until the death of Mr. Ray in 1867. In
their family were three children: Ida A., a graduate of Phipps Female
Seminary of Albion, New York, in the class of I870, wedded Charles
R. Critchell, a resident of the city of Denver, Colorado. He was engaged in insurance and loans in Chicago, and was successful. They
have three children, Charles Ray, Dorothy I. and Mary Amelia. D.
Willis Ray is a resident of Chicago, and with Farnum Willoughby Real
Estate Company, which is one of the largest concerns of the city. He
was educated in Cornell College at Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He wedded
Miss Anna Burns. Minnie died at the age of eighteen months.
Mr. May has been a resident of Cass county for sixty years. He
retired from active farming in I883 to enjoy a well earned rest and has
since lived in Edwardsburg, where he has a pleasant home. He was for
many years an active and energetic agriculturist and acquired a competence that now enables him to enjoy the comforts of life without regard for further labor. He was a member of the-school board for over
twenty years and he voted with the Republican party for a long period,
-but since I883 has been a stanch Prohibitionist. In his life he has displayed many sterling traits of character, not the least of which is his
loyalty to the temperance cause. He is a high type of manhood, believing in those principles which develop an upright character and regarding his own self-respect and that of his fellow men as infinitely of more
value than wealth, fame or position.
CHARLES C. AIKIN.
Charles C. Aikin, representing the business interests of Edwardsburg as a successful and enterprising lumber merchant, was born in
Summit county, Ohio, on the 27th of December, I846. His father,
Nelson C. Aikin, a native of Vermont, was born in 80o8, and by occupation was a farmer. He, however, learned and followed the cooper's.trade.in New York. state and in Ohio, and in July, 1856, he came to
-Michigan, taking up his abode in Berrien county. There he purchased
a farm and gave undivided attention to agricultural pursuits throughout.his remaining days. He was married in the Empire state to Miss
Abigail Van, a native of New York, and unto them were born eight




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


443


children,. four sons and four daughters. Seven of the number are now
deceased, two having died in infancy.. Charles C. Aikin was the seventh
child and third son and is the only surviving member of the family.
The others were: Marcus, Lucretia, Mary, Sarah, Abigail, Calvin C.
and. Albert. The three eldest sons were born in New York and the
other members of the family were natives of Ohio. Charles C. Aikin
was a lad of ten years when he accompanied his parents on their removal
from his native state to -Berrien county, Michigan.
HON. JOHN F. COULTER.
In this country, where no man is born to public office or to public
honor or comes to either by inheritance, but where all men are equal
before the law, where. the race for distinction is over the road of public usefulness and is open to everyone who chooses to enter, it is a matter of just pride when honors and distinction have been won. Among
the prominent and influential residents of Cass county is Hon. John
F. Coulter, who has been a member of the state legislature in Michigan
and has also aided in framing legislation in Kansas and Nebraska. A
man of distinct and forceful individuality, he has left and is leaving the
impress of his public spirit and work upon matters of general moment
and his influence has been a beneficial factor on various occasions. He
now resides on section 14, Howard township, his time and energies
being given to general agricultural pursuits. His birth occured in this
township on the I5th of November, I840. His father, James Coulter,
was a native of Ohio, born near Cincinnati, and was reared in Clinton
county, that state. He was married there in June, I836, and the same
year came with an ox team across the country to Cass county, Michigan, locating in Howard township.  His father, John Coulter, was
born in Ireland and had previously come to Michigan, making the journey in 1834, in which year he took up five hundred and sixty acres of
land in Howard township. On his removal to Cass county, James
Coulter settled upon the farm which his father had located and there
continued to make his home until his death, which occurred in I874.
He first built a log house, in which all of his family, numbering eight
children, were born. In 1855, however, he replaced this by a modern
brick residence, which is still standing on the farm. He was active in
public affairs and his efforts were always on the side of right, progress,
reform and improvement. He was a stanch Republican after the organization of the party and held various township offices, being faithful and
loyal in the discharge of the duties that thus devolved upon him. He
married Miss Ann Wilson, a native of Clinton county, Ohio, and a
daughter of the Rev..Amos Wilson, a minister of the Baptist church and
a schoolmate of Henry Clay.   They were Whigs together, stanchly
supporting the principles of that party. Rev. Wilson was of Welsh and
English lineage and displayed many of the sterling characteristics of




444


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


the ancestry from which he was descended. His daughter, Mrs. Coulter,
reached the advanced age of eighty-three years.  In the family were
eight children, of whom four reached manhood or womanhood. Mrs.
Margaret VWhite, the eldest, is now living on the old family homestead
in Howard township. William H. makes his home in Cassopolis and is
mentioned elsewhere in this work.  Mrs. Sarah Douglas is living in
Converse, Indiana.
John F. Coulter of this review is the first living son.  He was
reared in Howard township and acquired his preliminary education in
the district schools, after' which he continued his study in the Niles
high school. Subsequently he engaged in teaching through twelve winter terms in Jefferson and Howard townships, while in the summer
months his time and labors were devoted to farming. He was married
in April, I864, to Miss Sarah IJ. Vary, a daughter of B. 0. and Meriba
(Rogers) Vary, who came to Cass county, Michigan, from; New York
in I858. Mrs. Coulter was born in Chemung county, New York, April
23, I842, and came to Michigan with her parents, since which time she
has been a resident of this state.
At the time of their marriage the young couple located on a farm
in Howard township, where Mr. Coulter and his brother William were
engaged in general agricultural pursuits together.  In March, I874,
llowever, John F. Coulter went to the west, locating in Fillmore county,
Nebraska, where he remained for eight and a half years, during which
time he was engaged in farming and stock raising. He afterward removed to Kansas, living in Wilson county for three and a half years,
when he went to Edwards county, Kansas, and later to Logan county,
that state. There he was engaged in dealing in horses and cattle and
was also publisher of the Logan County Republican for over two years
in connection with his other business interests. In I898 he returned to
IHoward township, locating on the farm where he now resides on section 14 and, at the same time he still retains the ownership of property
in Kansas. He has taken a very active and influential part in public affairs and his influence has been widely felt in behalf of the growth, development and success of the Republican party. In I870 he was elected to
the state legislature from the second district of Cass county and served
during the term of 870-7I. In 1878 he was elected to the state senate
for the counties of Clay and Fillmore in Nebraska and was on the building committee to build the first wing of the present capitol at Lincoln,
that state.  He was also elected representative from  Wilson county,
Kansas, in I882, and in I892 was chosen to represent Logan county, Kansas, in the state legislature, while in I895 he was elected county commissioner of Logan county. He was chairman of the board, but resigned
that office in order to return to Michigan. He has long been active in
politics and his labors have been of a practical character that accomplishes results. At one time he was connected with the Knights of
Pythias. He has been a popular factor on the political stage and his is




HISTORY OF CASS, COUNTY


445


a sturdy Amnerican character and a stalwart patriotism. He has the
strongest attachment for free institutions and is ever willing to make a
personal sacrifice for their preservation. He is a man of stern integrity and honesty of purpose and never uses unworthy or questionable
means to secure success in any undertaking or for any purpose or to
promote his own advancement in any direction whether political or
otherwise.
ALEXANDER COOPER.
Alexander Cooper, living on section 9, Howard township, owns
and operates a good farm and in his business management displays
the qualities which eventually lead to success. A native of Ohio, he
was born in Marion county on the 25th of December, I829. The Cooper family was of English lineage. The grandfather, John Cooper, was
a native of England and came to America with the British troops in
1776, but tradition has it that he deserted the British Army at the time
of the battle of Bunker Hill. He constructed the first vessel that sailed
on Lake Erie, being a ship carpenter by trade, and throughout his active
business life he followed that pursuit. He went to Ohio at an early
period in the development of that state, taking up his abode in Marion
county, and was accompanied by his son, Benjamin Cooper, the father
of our subject. They also, came together to Cass county, Michigan, in
1832, and here John Cooper made the first blinds that were manufactured in the state of Michigan at Niles. They settled on a farm in
Jefferson township, comprising two hundred acres of land, which was
secured from the government. The father, Benjamin Cooper, was a
farmer during much of his life, but in early manhood learned and followed the shoemaker's trade. He was born in the state of New York
and was there reared, remaining in the east until after his marriage. He
was a member of the state militia of New York and was called out during the war of 1812. When about twenty-two years of age he was
joined in wedlock to Miss Clarinda Jones, also a native of the Empire
state, where her girlhood days were passed. She was of Dutch descent.
As before stated, Benjamin Cooper went with his father, John
Cooper, to Ohio, and together they came to Michigan in I832. Having
secured a tract of land of two hundred acres in Jefferson township,
Cass county, Benjamin Cooper began to clear and cultivate this place,
soon transforming the wild land into productive fields. As a pioneer
settler he contributed in substantial measure to the progress and prosperity of the county, his labors being of direct and permanent good. By
his first marriage he had twelve children, eight sons and four daughters,
namely: John and Benjamin, both deceased; Horace; Alonzo, who has
also passed away; Alexander; Daniel; Jefferson, Thomas, Cicero, Clarinda, Almira, Ann and Alvira, all deceased. The wife and mother died
in Jefferson township at the age of forty-four years and for his second
wife Benjamin Cooper chose Miss Nancy Gothop. There was one child




446


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


by this marriage, Jeanette. In early life Benjamin Cooper gave his political allegiance to the Whig party and afterward became a stanch Democrat. He served as justice of the peace for many years and his decisions were fair and impartial, winning him "golden opinions" from the
general public. He died at the age of ninety-three years and three
months, honored and respected by all who knew him because of his
activity and success in business life, his devotion to the general good and
his effective labor for the benefit of his adopted county.
Alexander Cooper was only about three years old when brought by
his parents to Michigan and he remained under the parental roof until
twenty-two years of age, aiding in the arduous task of developing and
cultivating new land. After attaining his majority he removed to his
present farm, which first comprised eighty acres. Of this he cultivated
and cleared forty acres. He has since added twenty acres to the original
tract and altogether has placed eighty acres under the plow, transforming it from the raw prairie into productive fields. His farm is now
valuable, well equipped and rich harvests are annually gathered.
As a companion and helpmate for life's journey Mr. Cooper chose
Miss Elizabeth Garwood, to whom he was married on the 7th of October, 185i; They are the parents of two sons, Z. S. and William A.
Cooper, both born and reared on the old homestead farm in Howard
township. Mrs. Cooper was born in Pokagon township May 12, I830,
and was a daughter of Joseph and Marietta Ann (Burden) Garwood.
Tier father was a native of Pennsylvania, where he was reared and educated, and at an early day he went to Ohio, whence he came to Cass
county, Michigan, in I829., settling on Pokagon prairie; where he secured three hundred acres of land from the government. Not a furrow
had been turned nor an improvement made on the place, and with characteristic energy he began to till the virgin soil and cultivate the crops
best adapted to the climate. His wife was a native of New Jersey,
where she spent her girlhood. Mr. Garwood had conducted a grist
mill in Ohio, but after coming to this state his entire attention was devoted to farming. In his family were nine children, five daughters and
four sons, of whom seven are now deceased, Mrs. Cooper having been
the eighth child and fifth daughter. Her parents were worthy and
honored pioneer residents here and their names are deeply engraved on
the minds of the early settlers of the county. Mr. Garwood gave his
political allegiance to the Whig party until its dissolution and then became a stanch champion of Republican principles. He remained upon
the old homestead farm throughout the period of his residence in Cass
county and at the time of his death was the owner of six hundred acres
of valuable land in addition to the home place. He passed away when
about seventy-six years of age. Mrs. Cooper was educated in one of
the old-time log school houses and like her husband is familiar with the
history of Cass county from the period of its early development down to
the present day, when all the evidences of later-day progress are seen.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


447.


Mr. Cooper has always voted with the Democracy and has held all
the offices in the township save that of supervisor, being continuously in
official service for about a quarter of a century. He is a member of the
Free Baptist church at Pokagon. With one exception he is the oldest
living settler in his township and he has a very wide acquaintance in
the county, having lived here since early pioneer times and witnessed
its entire growth and development. Like others he shared in the hardships and privations incident to the establishment of a home on the
frontier, but.as the years went by he was enabled to overcome all difficulties and obstacles in his path and while promoting his individual success he also contributed to the general welfare by the active co-operation
which he gave to all plans formulated for public progress. He can relate many interesting incidents of pioneer days and is indeed a worthy
citizen and honored early settler of Cass county
S. M. HOWSER.
On the roll of Cass county's honored dead appears the name of
S. M. Howser, who at one time was an enterprising and prosperous
farmer of Howard township. He came to this section of the state at an
early period in its development and assisted in the work of general progress and improvement. At all times he rejoiced in what was accomplished in the county, for he was public spirited in citizenship and had
a deep and sincere interest in his adopted state. His birth occurred in
Preble county, Ohio, on the 27th of June, I829, while his father, Henry
Howser, was a native of Maryland, born in I8oo. Having spent the
days of his boyhood and youth in that state Henry Howser removed to
Ohio, settling in Preble county. He was married to Miss Mary Brown,
a native of Ohio, and in I836 they came to Cass county, Michigan, taking up their abode in Pokagon township, where Mr. Howser entered
land from the government, becominig owner of about two hundred and
sixty acres. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made
upon this place, for the entire tract was covered with the native growth
of timber, but he cleared the farm and in course of years made splendid
improvements there, transforming the once wild land into a very productive tract.  The Howsers were one of the oldest families in the
county and upon the homestead the parents reared their family of seven children, five sons and two daughters.  Henry Howser died in
Dowagiac in his seventy-seventh year, having spent his last days in
honorable retirement there after a long, active and successful connection with agricultural pursuits. He was a Republican in his political
views and while he never sought or desired office he was always interested in the work of public progress, and as a private citizen contributed
in substantial measure to the task of reclaiming this part of the state
for the uses of civilization.
S. M. Howser remained upon the old homestead farm up to the




448


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


time of his marriage. He had spent about thirteen years in his native
state and had then accompanied his parents to Michigan. Here he not
only shared in the hardships and trials of pioneer life but also assisted
in the arduous task of developing a new farm, cutting down the trees,
clearing away the brush and stumps and breaking the first furrows in
the fields. He not only cleared most of the place but he also split the
rails with which to fence the farm and the early years of his manhood
were fraught with earnest and unremitting toil.
On the 24th of December, I86o, was celebrated the marriage of
Mr. Howser arid Miss Minerva Knight, who was born at Berrien
Springs, Berrien county, Michigan, December 29, 1842, and was a
(laughter of Jonathan Knight, a farmer of Berrien county, who was
born in Ohio on the 6th of June, 1817. There he spent the days of his
boyhood and youth and about 1839 he removed to Berrien Springs, taking up his abode upon the farm where he resided up to the time of his
death, which occurred in his eighty-third year. He endorsed Republican principles and though he never sought office was always faithful
in friendship and interested in the public welfare. Unto him and his
wife were born two sons and three daughters, Mrs. Howser being the
eldest daughter and second child in the family.  She was reared in
Berrien county. where she remained up to the time of her marriage.
Mr. and Mrs. Howser removed to the homestead farm in Howard township about 8.68, purchasing here two hundred and sixty-three acres of
land, which he cultivated and improved, transforming it into a valuable and productive farm. At a later date a portion of the land was sold
but the farm still comprises one hundred and eighty-two acres and returns a gratifying annual income for the care and labor bestowed upon
it. As the years passed by three children came to bless the home of Mr.
and Mrs. Howser, but the elder daughter, Mary Jane, is now deceased.
The others are Henry J. and Cora Myrtle, who were born on the present
homestead, while Mary was born in'Berrien county.
Mr. Howser voted with the Republican party but never sought or
desired office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business
affairs. In this way he acquired a comfortable competence for his family and he also left to them an honorable name by reason of his straightforward business dealings. He was widely known as an honored pioneer
settler of the county and a man who merited and received the respect
and good will of those with whom he was associated.
PERRY AKIN.
Perry Akin has had an eventful and interesting experience during
a residence in California in the early period of its development and
also by reason of his connection with Cass county in pioneer days. He
is now the owner of the old homestead farm, and resides in Jefferson
township, where he has valuable landed possessions. He was born in








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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


449


Montgomery county, Ohio, on the i7th of July, 1835, and traces his
ancestry back to Ireland.  His father, William Akin, came to Cass
county in I839, first settling in Calvin township, where he purchased a
sawmill. For a number of years he was closely connected with industrial interests of the county through the operation of this mill and the
manufacture of lumber. He had a very wide acquaintance among the
pioneer settlers and lie belonged to that class of representative men who
while promoting individual success also advance the general welfare.
He died in this county in I847. His wife, Miss Catherine Benner, was
a native of Pennsylvania and was of German lineage. She lived to
be about sixty years of age and was the mother of eleven children,
nine of whom reached adult years. Perry Akin was the fifth in order
of birth and the fourth son. He was only four years of age at the
time of the removal of the fanily to Michigan and he was therefore
reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life, sharing with the family in
the hardships and trials incident to the establishment of a home in a
frontier district far removed from the comforts and conveniences of the
older east. He is today the owner of the old homestead property and the
residence which was built by his father when he came to the county
more than sixty-five years ago. When about six years of age he began his education in one of the old time log school houses common at
that day. It was a little building seated with slab benches, while the
writing desk was formed by laying a board upon wooden pins driven
into the wall.  Reading, writing and arithmetic were the principal
branches taught, and to some extent instruction was given in grammar
and geography. When not busy with the duties of the school-room
Perry Akin learned the value of industry and economy in the active
affairs of life and worked earnestly and energetically to support his
mother, to whom he gave the benefit of his services until twenty-seven
years of age. He was married on the 27th of November, I862, to Miss
Melissa Danforth, who was born in Logan county, Ohio, on the I4th
of June, 1842, and was a daughter of Samuel Danforth, a native of
Vermont, while her mother, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth McDonald, was. born in Pennsylvania and was also of Scotch lineage. In
the Danforth family were eight children, six sons and two daughters,
of whom Mrs. Akin is the eldest. She came to Cass county in I854,
when a maiden of twelve summers, in company with her parents, who
settled in Calvin township, and there her father developed and improved a farm. Mr. and Mrs. Akin spent the first winter after their
marriage in this county and in the spring of I863 Mr. Akin started for
California, where he remained for seven years. He then returned and
took his wife to the west with him, locating at Fish Lake, Nevada.
There he was the owner of a valuable farm of eight hundred acres,
upon which he resided for fourteen years.  His place was largely a
hay and stock ranch and in connection with its cultivation he harvested




450


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


and sold a large amount of hay. He also had considerable stock upon
his place. After spending about twenty years in the west he sold his
property in that part of the country about I883 and returned to Cass
county, locating on the old homestead, where he resided until I902.
In that year he took up his abode upon the farm in Jefferson township
upon which he yet lives.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Akin have been born six children, three of
whom are yet living: Alma, now the wife of R. H. Kidder, a resident
of Montana; Clara, who was the wife of Charles Foreman and is now
deceased; Charles E., residing upon the old homestead; and Ora B.,
who is the wife of Delbert Closson, of Redfield, Cass county. Two
other children have also passed away. The family is one of prominence
in the community and Mr. and Mrs. Akin occupy an enviable position
in social circles, having the warm regard of many friends and acquaintances. They have an elegant collection of beautiful and valuable stones
and ores from the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Nevada,
and also have a lariat over twenty-three feet long made from the hair
of Mrs. Akin's head, an instance not found in the entire county of
Cass. This is a valuable souvenir.
Mr. Akin has made eleven trips to California by rail and one by
water and is thoroughly familiar with the western part of the country,
the growth and development of which he has witnessed to a great extent. He has always voted with the Republican party and has kept
well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but has never
sought or desired office, preferring to give undivided attention to his
business interests. Coming to Cass county in his early boyhood days,
he still has many friends among those who have known him from his
youth to the present time, a fact which indicates that his life has been
honorable and upright.  Great changes have occurred here since his
youth and in his farm work he has always kept abreast with ideas of
modern progress and improvement. He has never placed his dependence upon any fortunate combination of circumstances or waited for
anything to turn up to assist him in his business career, but has labored
zealously and earnestly and has found that honesty and persistency of
purpose constitute an excellent foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of prosperity.
SAMUEL C. THOMSON.
The farming interests of Howard township find a worthy representative in Samuel C. Thomson, who capably manages his business affairs and at the same time is efficiently serving as supervisor. He was
born in Scotland on the 28th of July, 1842, his parents being Samuel
and Lillian (Atkin) Thomson. The father was a native of Scotland,
born April 22, 1798, and in his young life served as surveyor. Later
he devoted his attention to merchandising. He was married in Scot



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


451


land to Miss Lillian Atkin, who was born in that country in 1802, and
there spent her girlhood days. Eight children were born of this union,
of whom Samuel C. is the fifth in order of birth. In I844 the parents
came to America, making their way direct to Berrien county, Michigan,
where the father purchased eighty acres of land and spent his remaining days in that locality, devoting his energies to agricultural pursuits
and there rearing his family. He died in Berrien county at the age of
eighty-four years, while his wife passed away at the very advanced age
of ninety-seven years. In politics he was a Democrat.
Samuel C. Thomson was only two years old when brought by his
parents to the United States. Hie worked upon the home farm until
1881, when he came to Cass county and settled at his present place of
residence, clearing a farm of two hundred and sixty acres in Howard
township. This is a valuable property, splendidly improved and giving every evidence of the careful supervision of the owner, who is practical in his methods, farsighted in his judgment and enterprising in all
his labor.
On the 20th of November, I884, Mr. Thomson was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Gerberich, a native of Berrien county, Michigan,
born February 15, I848, and a daughter of David P. Gerberich, who became a farmer of Cass county, where Mrs. Thomson was reared. Mr.
and Mrs. Thomson have become the parents of a son and daughter,
Samuel and Josephine, both born upon the present farm. In the midst
of an active and useful career as an agriculturist Mr. Thomson has
found time to devote to the general welfare and has co-operated in many
measures for the public good. His fellow townsmen recognizing his
worth and ability have called him to public office and he was elected
and served for two years as supervisor, having also previously served
eight years, which shows his efficiency, being chosen upon the Democratic ticket. He has been a lifelong supporter of that party and is still
unfaltering in his advocacy of its principles. Mr. and Mrs. Thomson
are both devout members of the First Presbyterian church at Niles,
Michigan, and he served for thirty years as elder and is now superintendent of the Sunday-school in the society.
FRED McINTYRE.
Fred McIntyre, who carries on farming in a practical, profitable
and progressive manner on section 21, Lagrange township, was born in
Harrison county, Iowa, April 13, I876.  His paternal grandfather,
Philester McIntyre, came from New York to Cass county, Michigan,
at an early period in the development of this part of the state. His son,
Edward E. P. McIntyre, father of our subject, was born in the Empire
state and accompanied his parents on their removal to the west. He was
reared amid pioneer conditions in Cass county and in 1867 he removed
to Harrison county, Iowa, where he located upon a farm. He is now




452


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


living in Harrison county in that state. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Miss Sarah Parkins, was a native of Iowa and is now deceased. In their family were three children, namely: Fred, of this
review; May, the wife of James Poor, of Harrison county, Iowa; and
Hugh, deceased.
Fred Mcintyre is the only representative of the family now in Cass
county. He was reared in the state of his nativity, where he remained
until I892, when he came to Cass county and here four years later he
was married, in I896, to Miss Sarah E. Corwin, a daughter of James
and Nancy Corwin. She was born in Cass county, Michigan, and has
spent her entire life here. From I897 to I899 Mr. McIntyre was in the
employ of Mr. Dodge in Penn township, and in I900 he purchased the
farm upon which he now resides, having here one hundred and fiftynine acres of land, which is well cultivated. He carries on general farming with good results and the well tilled fields indicate his careful supervision by reason of the neat and thrifty appearance which characterizes
the entire place.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. McIntyre have been born three children: James
E., Catharine D. and Lenn. The parents are highly esteemed and occupy an enviable position in social circles. Mr. McIntyre is a Democrat
but without aspiration for office. He is regarded as a well-to-do young
farnler of the county, having achieved notable success for one of his
years, as he has not yet attained the age of thirty. He has wrought
along modern business lines, brooking no obstacle that could be overcome by persistent and earnest purpose, and his diligence has proved the
salient feature in his prosperity.
DAVID L. KINGSBURY.
David L. Kingsbury, assistant cashier of the First National Bank
of Cassopolis. was born in LaGrange township, Cass county, Michigan,
on the 9th of July, i867, and is the youngest son of Asa and Jane (Monroe) Kingsbury, who are mentioned on another page of this work. No
event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life
for David L. Kingsbury in his youth. He was reared in LaGrange
township until sixteen years of age and attended the district schools in
his early boyhood days. He afterward continued his studies, however,
in the high school of Cassopolis, from which he was graduated in the
class of i888.  Subsequently he attended the agricultural college at
Lansing for one year and was also a student in Kalamazoo Business
College for six months, being thus well equipped for life's practical and
responsible duties. Subsequently he engaged in the dry goods business
in Cassopolis in partnership with his brother, under the firm style of G.
M. & D. L. Kingsbury, which connection was maintained for five years,
at the end of which time Mr. Kingsbury became assistant cashier of the
First National Bank on the ist of April, I891I. He has since occupied




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


453


that position and is one of the popular, competent and trustworthy representatives of this strong financial institution,.
In I893 occurred the marriage of David L. Kingsbury and Miss
Frances Grahan, a daughter of E. R. and Sabrina Graham. They have
one son, Asa Joseph. Mr. Kingsbury has been connected with the village board since attaining his majority either as its treasurer or president, having been elected president for five consecutive times. In the
discharge of his duties he has been prompt and efficient and his labors
have been very beneficial to the town. He is a Democrat in his political
views, active in the work of his party, and his devotion to the general
good is above question. Prominent in Masonic circles, he belongs to
Kingsbury Chapter, R. A. M., and Niles Commandery, K. T., and he
also holds membership relations with the Knights of Pythias of Cassopolis. For a number of years he has been classed among the prominent
and progressive citizens of this place and he has earned for himself an
enviable reputation as a careful man of business, who in his dealings is
known for his prompt and honorable methods, which have won him the
deserved and unbounded confidence of his fellow men.
WARNER D. JONES.
-Abraham Lincoln has said, "You can fool some of the people all
of the time, all of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all of
the people all of the time," and the truth of this assertion is abundantly
verified in the political system of the country, where public office is conferred by public vote and is an indication of trust reposed in the individual and a recognition of his merit. It is true that corruption exists
to some extent, especially in the larger cities, but in smaller communities where individual character and personal traits of the candidate are
known it is usually men of real worth and ability who are called to
serve in positions of public trust. This is certainly true in the case
of Mr. Jones, who is filling the office of register of deeds. He was born
in Penn township, Cass' county, December 6, I869, and as his entire life
has been passed in this section of the state his life history is as an open
book to the majority of citizens in the county. He is the third son and
fifth child of Nathan and Lydia (Bonine) Jones, who are mentioned
on another page of this work. He was reared in the township where
his birth occurred and pursued his education in the schools of Vandalia
and Cassopolis.  He afterward entered college at Richmond, Indiana,
and when he put aside his text books he concentrated his energies upon
farm labor and was connected with agricultural interests in Cass county
until he was elected register of deeds in I904. This position he now
fills, having been chosen to the office as the candidate of the Republican
party. He has always taken an active and helpful interest in the work
of that party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the
day, so that he is able to support his position by intelligent argument.




454


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Mi. Jones was married in 1903 to Miss Viola Struble, who was
born in this county in I873 and was educated in the common schools.
Thus both Mr. and Mrs. Jones are natives of Cass county and are widely known, their circle of friends being constantly extended as the circle of their acquaintances increases. Mr. Jones has always been recognized as a reliable business man, possessing laudable ambition and enterprise, and in office he is found loyal to the trust reposed in him,
faithfully performing his duties to the best of his ability. In a fraternal
sense Mr. Jones is a member of the K. of P., Castle No. I29, of Pierian
Lodge of Cassopolis.
A. N. ARMSTRONG.
A. N. Armstrong, the popular and efficient postmaster of Cassopolis, was born in Redford, Wayne county, Michigan, on' the 2d of November, 1858. His father, Nathaniel A. Armstrong, was a native of
Massachusetts, where he was reared, educated and married. Removing to the west he located in Redford, Wayne county, Michigan, in
1841. Hie was a. farmer by occupation and improved a valuable tract
of land, carrying on general farming throughout his entire life. He
held membership with the Methodist Episcopal church and gave his early
political allegiance to the Democracy, but afterward became a stanch
Republican. He was of Scotch and Irish descent and in his life he displayed many strong and sterling characteristics which won for him the
esteem of all with whom he was associated. He died at the age of seventy-two years, and is yet survived by his wife, who bore the maiden name
of Harriet Macomber and is a native of Massachusetts. A. N. Armstrong is the only child born of their marriage. Both the father and
mother were previously married and the former had eleven children by
his first union, while the mother had two children by her first marriage.
A. N. Amstrong was reared in Redford, Michigan, until twelve
years of age. The father had died when the son was only six months
old and about I870 the mother removed to Farmington, Oakland county, Michigan, where Mr. Armstrong of this review remained until nineteen years of age, when in 1874 he came to Cassopolis. He was educated
in the public schools and also spent two years in the Ypsilanti State
Normal School and at Green Business College. He was likewise a student in Bryant & Stratton's Business College at Detroit in I874. Entering upon his business career, he secured a clerkship in a hardware
store and in 18;77 he embarked in the hardware business on his own
account, in which line of trade he continued until 1892. He has been
very active and prominent in political circles and was deputy superintendent of the department of collections at the World's Fair in Chicago
in 1893. During the two succeeding years he was clerk of the senate
committee on finance and appropriation in the Michigan leigslature and
in 1896-7 was sergeant-at-arms in the general assembly. On the Ist
of September, 1897, he took charge of the postoffice at Cassopolis, hav



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


455


ing been appointed to the position in July of that year by President McKinley and reappointed in I9OI by President Roosevelt. He has been
a lifelong Republican, taking an active and helpful interest in the party
both in local and state politics, and has been called to various local offices, the duties of which he has discharged with promptness and fidelity.
On Marclh I, 19o6, he took charge of the Michigan State Prison, having been appointed warden of the institution by Governor Warner, who
had known him intimately all his life. This is the oldest and largest
penal institution in the state and is considered the most responsible of
all appointive positions in the state government.
In I88o Mr. Armstrong was united in marriage to Miss May S.
Smith, a daughter of John and Adelia (Tielsort) Smith, who were
natives of Cass county. The father was a son of Major Joseph Smith,
who was a prominent Democrat and early settler of Cass county, while
the maternal ancestors were also pioneer people in this section of the
state, contributing in substantial measure to the progress and development of Cass county. Mrs. Armstrong was born in Cassopolis, was a
student in the public schools and was the first graduate of the high
school of this city. One child has been born of this marriage, Katharine, whose birth occurred in I884. Mr. Armstrong is a member of
the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the Blue lodge, the chapter and
the commandery. In the field of political life and commercial activity
he has won distinction and is to-day numbered among the leading, influential and honored residents of his city. His worth is widely acknowledged and his unfailing courtesy, deference for the opinions of others
and commendable characteristics have gained for him the respect of
those with whom he has been associated. Honored and respected in
every class of society, he has for many years been a leader in: thought
and action in the public life of Cass county.
ANDREW F. CAUL.
Andrew F. Caul, a prominent farmer' residing on section 35, Marcellus township, has from an early period in the development of Cass
county resided within its borders. He was born in Chillisquaque township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, September 28, 1834, a son
of Neal and Susannah (Fetzer) Caul, both also natives of Northumberland county. From the Keystone state they came to Michigan, taking
up their abode in Marcellus township, Cass county, where they spent
the remainder of their lives, the father passing away at the age of fiftyseven years, while the mother survived until she had reached the seventy-third tmilestone on the journey of life. They were the parents of four
children, namely: Andrew F., whose name introduces this review; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Norman Hoisington, and died in Marcellus township; Daniel, who laid down his life on the altar of his country
during the Civil war, in which he served in a carpenter's corps, return



456


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


ing home with typhoid fever, from the effects of which he died; and
Emeline, the wife of Highland Sweet, of Marcellus township.
Until eighteen years of age Andrew F. Caul remained in Chillisquaque township, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, the place of his
nativity, there receiving his education, and when not employed with the
duties of the school room, worked on the canal. In I852 he came with
his parents to St. Joseph county, Michigan, where for three years he was
employed on his father's farm, and in 1856 the family took up their
abode within the borders of Cass county, the father here purchasing one
hundred acres of wild land. Soon after coming to his new home, however, the father died, and Mr. Caul and his brother placed the farm under cultivation, and the former erected all the buildings which now
adorn the place. He has also added to the original purchase until
he now owns Iwo hundred acres of fertile and well improved land on
section thirty-five, Marcellus township. When this pioneer family first
located on this place their nearest trading point and postoffice was Three
Rivers, while at the present time their mail is delivered to them at their
door from Marcellus.
In I859 Mr. Caul was united in marriage to Lydia Stannard, and
after her death he married Mary C. Cook. For his third wife he chose
Ida Denio, and they have five children, namely: Bessie, wife of Kit
Jones, of Marcellus; Harley, who conducts the home farm; Myrtle L.,
the wife of Charles Britton, of Ohio; Donald, who died at the age of
nine years; and Lamont, a resident of the state of Washington. In his
political affiliations Mr. Caul is a lifelong Democrat, and his first presidential vote was cast for James Buchanan. In 1873 he was elected to
the office of supervisor of Marcellus township, in which position he
served for ten terms.
KLECKNER W. HARTMAN.
Kleckner W. Hartman, one of the early settlers of the county now
located on section 34, Porter township, where he owns and operates
one hundred and sixty acres of land, dates his residence in this township back to I838. Thus sixty-eight years have been added to the cycle
of the centuries since he took up his abode in Cass county.  He is,
however, a native of Michigan, his birth having occurred in St. Joseph
county, February 22, I836. His father, Jonas Hartman, was a native
of Pennsylvania, born in I796, and was reared in the Keystone state.
He married Eliza M. Kleckner, who was born in Pennsylvania in I795,
their wedding being celebrated in that state in I8I7. They remained
residents of the east until 183I, when they came westward to Michigan, settling in St. Joseph county, where Mr. Hartman built and
operated a brewery.  He there lived until I838, when he disposed of
his business interests in that county and came to Cass county, purchasing here a large tract of land. He then built a sawmill in Porter town







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MRS. ELIZA HARTMAN.




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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


457


ship, which he conducted for many years, and he was likewise engaged
in the operation of a threshing machine. He had a very wide acquaintance in the early days, being known to nearly all of the pioneer settlers
of the county and he was closely identified with many movements and
business interests that have contributed to its development and upbuilding. He conducted a hotel on the Chicago road in Porter township
and was a man of marked enterprise and energy, carrying forward to
successful completion whatever he undertook and readily recognizing
and utilizing business opportunities.  He died when about forty-five
years of age.   His wife, long surviving him, passed away in her
eightieth year. She kept the children together after the death of their
father and maintained a home for them until they were able to care
for themselves. In the family were twelve children: Jefferson, John
H., Hannah and Elias, all now deceased; David, a resident of Missouri;
Emanuel and Edward, who have passed away; Kleckner W., of this
review; Charles and Amelia, also deceased; Margaret, who was born
in I829 and now resides with her brother Kleckner; and Barbara,
who is the widow of Samuel King and is living in Porter township.
Kleckner W. Hartman was the eleventh in order of birth in this
family and was only two years of age when brought by his parents to
Porter township. He was therefore reared on the old homestead farm
here and at the usual age he entered the district schools, wherein he
mastered the branches of learning usually taught in such institutions.
When sixteen years of age he won the consent of his mother to his
leaving home. He then began earning his own livelihood and he sent
his wages largely to his mother, in fact giving her all that he earned
with the exception of enough to buy his clothing. He was employed
in this way in the county until twenty-one years of age, when he returned to the old homestead, whereon he remained for a year. On the
expiration of that period he went to the Rocky Mountains, his destination being Pike's Peak, where gold had been discovered. He worked
in the mines there for some time but later returned home and afterward made his way to the territory of Idaho, where he spent about a
year and a half. He then again came to Porter township and in connection with his younger brother, Charley Hartman, purchased the
interest of the other heirs in the old homestead.  They worked the
farm together, and in I86o built the house which is still standing here.
They also improved the farm in many ways, built good barns and
other outbuildings and continued in business together until the brother
died. His sister Margaret became a partner with him in business and
here they have been living and keeping house together for many years.
Mr. Hartman has a farm of one hundred and sixty acres and also
owned another tract of one hundred and sixty acres in St. Joseph county, which he sold. He has lived in Porter township for sixty-eight
years, and by his well directed business affairs and agricultural inter



458


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


ests he has contributed to its substantial development and improvement.
At one time he was quite successfully engaged in the stock business,
buying and selling horses and shipping hogs. He has been identified
with various business enterprises and is a stockholder in the Commercial Bank at Constantine, Michigan.  He has been very successful,
making judicious investments and capably managing his business affairs, so that by hard work, unfaltering industry and close application
he has accumulated a handsome competence and now owns valuable
property and invested interests.
E. S. CONKLIN.
E. S. Conklin is the resident partner and manager of the Marcellus Milling Company, in which connection he is a prominent representative of industrial interests in the village of Marcellus. The qualities of
a successful business man are his-close application, unfaltering enterprise and indefatigable diligence. A native of Wisconsin, he was born
in Waupaca on the I7th of May, 1863, his parents being Sidney H.
and Mary L. (McQueen) Conklin, the former a native of Geauga county, Ohio, born near Akron, and the latter a native of Paisley, Scotland.
The mother came to the United States when thirteen years of age with
her parents, who landed near Waukegan, Illinois, and in Waupaca, Wisconsin, she gave her hand in marriage to Sidney Conklin. Both died at
Neenah, Wisconsin, Mr. Conklin at the age of sixty-six years, and
his wife when sixty-five years of age. He was a miller by trade and
followed that pursuit throughout his entire business life. In the family were two children, the elder being Elmer, who died at the age of
twenty-one years.
E. S. Conklin spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his parents' home and when ten or twelve years of age accompanied them
on their removal to Neenah, Wisconsin. When his education was completed he entered the milling business in connection with his father, who
followed that pursuit for thirty-five years, and remained as his assistant until twenty years of age, when he removed to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he was employed at milling by other parties. He took
charge of the mill, which he managed for one and a half years, and on
the expiration of that period he went to Ripon, Wisconsin, and was afterward in Berlin and Royalton, in the line of his trade, subsequent to
which time he returned to Neenah, where he remained for five years.
He next went to Antigo, Wisconsin, where he spent eight and a half
years. He again located at Green Bay, where he took charge of the
mills with which he had previously been connected when in that place
before.  Six years ago he purchased a half interest in the Marcellus
Milling Company, the plant being owned jointly by the Colby Milling
Company of Dowagiac, Michigan, and Mr. Conklin, who as resident
partner and manager is in full control. He has the entire confidence of




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


459


the community in. which the mill is located, and to his careful management and enterprise the satisfactory business enjoyed by the company is
due. He has had charge of thirteen different mills and has thus gained
broad practical experience, which now enables him to give capable management to his individual interests. The equipment of the mill is unusually good for an establishment of this extent. The mill building, a
substantial brick structure of three stories, with ten-foot basement and
engine and boiler room, was erected in I891I, and has an Allis equipment
throughout for a daily capacity of two hundred barrels of flour. The
main building is forty by fifty feet in size, with an addition thirty-six
by forty feet in size, for office and storage purposes. The mill has fire
protection from a standpipe to the top of the mill, with hose on every
floor, and connection with the village waterworks. It also is steamheated throughout. The company enjoys a steady flour trade, both locally and wholesale. Its brands are "Alpine" (full patent) and "Royal"
(straight), while "Colby Patent" and "Splendid" for the larger bakeries are as well known as any flours in Michigan. Besides handling all
kinds of grain, seeds, etc., the company sells annually quite an amount
of hard and soft coal, with storage rooms for five hundred tons each,
the sidings and warehouses occupying an advantageous location convenient for local trade and shipments.
The manager, Mr. Conklin, is very proud of his mill from every
point of view. IHe particularly insists that the mill should be kept like
a home, and he extends a welcome to callers and inspectors at any and
all times. HIe is a practical miller in all details, and came into charge
of this plant from the milling section of central and northern Wisconsin.
On the 24th of August, I898, was celebrated the marriage of E. S.
Conklin and Miss Katheryn Cornish, a native of Wisconsin.   They
now have two sons, Roscoe S. and Horace F. The parents are widely
known in Marcellus and the hospitality of the best homes is freely
accorded them. Mr. Conklin is a valued member of the Masonic fraternity, being identified with both the lodge and chapter, and in his life
he is most loyal to its teachings and tenets. He has made a creditable
business record as a man of ability and trustworthiness and is thoroughly conversant with his trade, and added to a complete command of the
technical side of the business is an executive ability and keen insight into
trade relations and possibilities.
CLINTON L. KESTER.
Clinton L. Ktster, the present postmaster of Marcellus, whose public-spirited citizenship stands as an unquestioned fact in his life, was
born in Parkville. St. Joseph county, Michigan, December I4, I86I.
He is a son of Adam H. and Emaline (Bodmer) Kester, the former a
native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Ohio. In early life they became




460


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


residents of Michigan and were married in this state. The father devoted much of his time and energies during his business career to mercantile pursuits, save that the last fifteen years of his life were spent upon a fari in Missouri, where he died February 14, I9o6, at the age of
seventy-four years. He had long survived his wife, who passed away
on the 14th of November, I876, when thirty-nine years of age. In his
political views Mr. Kester was a stalwart Republican. In his family were
six children: Millie, who is now living in Missouri; Clinton L., of
this review; Herman; Ada, the wife of O. F. Wilson, also of Missouri;
Frank, whose home is in St. Joseph, Missouri; and Burton, of the same
state.
Clinton L. Kester was a youth of fourteen years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Marcellus. He worked in his
father's store for about ten years, thus acquiring his early business
training and experience.  He afterward went to Colorado, where he
engaged in clerking for a time and later he joined his father, who had
removed to Missouri and was there engaged in farming. After an absence of two years spent in the west, Clinton L. Kester returned to
Marcellus, Michigan, and again entered the field of business activity
here as a general merchant of the firm of Kester & Arnold. This relation was maintained for four years, when Mr. Kester withdrew and
afterward engaged in clerking in the general store of S. Sterns & Company, in which capacity he served until appointed postmaster eight years
ago. He has recently received his third appointment in the office, the
duties of which he has discharged with credit to himself and general satisfaction to tile public. He owns a fifty-acre vineyard, one mile east
of the village, which he oversees and which is kept in excellent condition, yielding large crops. His political allegiance has always been given to the Republican party and he is thoroughly in sympathy with its
principles and policy. For four years he served as treasurer of the village and was a faithful custodian of its funds, while at all times he is
loyal to those interests which tend to promote public progress and improvement.  His social relations connect him  with the Masons. the
Knights of Pythias and the Knights of the Maccabees, and he is regarded as a valued representative of these organizations, exemplifying
in his life the beneficent spirit of the different orders which are based
upon the idea of the brotherhood of man.
JOSEPH Q. CURRY.
Joseph Q. Curry is one of the native sons of Michigan, who has
found in this state ample opportunity for the exercise of his native
talents and has become fully cognizant of the fact that in Michigan
earnest labor brings a sure and just reward, for through his close application and earnest efforts he has become one of the substantial residents of Cass county. He now makes his home in Marcellus and was




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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


461


born in Decatur township, Van Buren county, October 6, 1834, living
retired after many years of active, successful and honorable connection
with agricultural interests. He is a son of David Curry, who was born
in Pennsylvania in December, 1807. The family removed to the vicinity of Columbus, Ohio, on leaving Pennsylvania, and about 1829 David
Curry came to Michigan with the family, who were journeying to this
state. IIe afterward returned to Ohio, however, and with his brother
John again made the trip to Michigan in 1830. He worked for one
year for Josephus Gard and was then married and entered upon an independent business career. It was in the year 18,32 that he entered from
the government his farm in Decatur township, Van Buren county. The
land which came into his possession was entirely wild and unimproved
and all around him stretched the native forest and uncultivated tracts
of land. For fourteen years he devoted his time and energies to the subjugation of the wilderness and to the development of his farm, and was
then killed by being thrown from a load of straw in the year 1846, leaving an estate of two hundred and forty acres of land. He was employed in Valencia township, Cass county, when he first came to Michigan, but the first and only home he ever earned was on section 34, Decatur township, Van Buren county. He had the finest cabin on the
prairie at that time, it being eighteen by twenty feet, and it was the only
one containing a sawed wood floor. There were no windows nor doors
nor floor, however, when they moved into it. The Indians were frequent visitors and Joseph Q. Curry remembers well the calls that the
red men paid at that pioneer home. The father was a prominent and
honored pioneer resident in the epochal events which form the early
history of his section of the state. He served in the Indian wars against
the members of the Sac tribe and in recognition of the military aid
which he rendered received a land grant. He married Miss Elizabeth
Gard, who was born in Union township, Union county, Indiana, on
Christmas day of 1811. She long survived her husband and passed
away in Van Buren county, Michigan, in I878. She was a daughter
of Josephus and Sarah Gard. The former entered from the government a farm now owned by Mr. Curry, and he bought three quarter-sections of land. The homestead property of our subject comprises a quarter-section which was inherited by Mrs. Elizabeth Curry, who was one
of the esteemed pioneer women of this section of the state. By her
marriage she became the mother of nine children: Jonathan, who was
born May 8, 1833, and died in the Indian Territory January 4, I905;
Joseph Q., of this review; Juliet, who was born April 5, I836, and
passed away in I88o; Marshall, who was born October 24, 1837, and
has departed this life; David O., who was born September 25, 1839, and
died on the old home farm March 28, 1906; Elizabeth, who was born
March 27, 1841, and is acting as housekeeper for her brother Joseph;
Mary Jane, who was born February 20, 1843, and was the only one of
the family that married, becoming the wife of Jacob High, of Park




462


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


township, St. Joseph county, Michigan; Nancy H., who was born March
26, I844, and died at the age of three years; and John B., who was born
November 6, I845, ard passed away January 2, I865. Of this family
David served as a soldier of the Civil war from I86I until 1865, as a
member of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry. He was one of three hundred
men who captured Jefferson Davis, and he retained as a souvenir of
that expedition the saddle bags taken from General Regan, who was a
member of Davis' cabinet. These saddle bags are now in possession of
Joseph Q. Curry.
Joseph Q. Curry, whose name introduces this review, remained
upon the farm upon which he was born until sixty-two years of age and
assisted in its development and cultivation as the years went by. He
was early trained to the work of the fields and meadow and became a
man of energy and industry, whose success is attributable to his own
persistent efforts and capable business management. In I896 he removed to the farm which he now owns, and has made it his home for
the past decade. It comprises one hundred and sixty acres of land on
section 21, Marcellus township, and was entered from the government
by his grandfather, Josephus Gard, since which time it has been continuously in possession of the family. The land had been cleared and
good buildings had been erected by Mr. Curry and his brother Jonathan.
This is indeed a fine farm, being perhaps the best in the township, and
eighty acres of the land lies within the corporation limits of Marcellus,
a half mile from the center of the village. He also owns two hundred
and eighty acres of land in Decatur township and eighty acres in Park
township, together with fifty-six acres near Cassopolis. Throughout his
entire life Mr. Curry has devoted his energies to general farming and
stock-raising and has become widely known as a breeder of trotting
horses. He now has a team that has a record of 2:25, both animals being raised on the home farm. This is the fastest team in the township
and Mr. Curry may well be proud of these travelers. He is a representative business man, ever watchful of opportunities, and in all hisbusinessrelations he has been found reliable and straightforward. He has traveled quite extensively in the middle west, as has his brother. All of
the family are advocates of the Democracy and Jonathan Curry has held
a number of township offices, the duties of which he has discharged
with. promptness and fidelity. Mr. Curry is a worthy representative of
a pioneer family, one that has been associated with Michigan's history
from an early period in territorial days. He lived here at the time most
of the homes were log cabins and these were widely scattered. Comparatively few roads had been made through the forests, the land being
still covered with the native timber. The streams were unbridged and
it seemed that the work of improvement had scarcely been begun. The
Curry family have always borne their full share in the development of
the agricultural interests of this section of Michigan and deserve much
credit for what they have accomplished.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


463


HENRY L. LOVERIDGE.
Henry L. Loveridge, living on section 8, Marcellus township, is
the popular owner of Island Park, on which is a beautiful lake, famous
for its good fishing. Michigan, with its excellent climate, its fine parks
and beautiful lake regions, furnishes excellent opportunity for the development of attractive sunmmer resorts, and Mr. Loveridge in connection with the improvement of his agricultural interests has spent considerable time in promoting Island Park, which is now a most popular
resort. He was born at Paw Paw, in Van Buren county, Michigan,
December I5, 1857, his parents being John and Kate (Hinkley) Loveridge, who were natives of New York. The mother came to Michigan
about seventy years ago, when only three years old, and Mr. Loveridge
arrived in this state when about twenty-five years of age. They were
married in Michigan and for a long period the father devoted his attention to contracting. In early life he learned the carpenter's trade and
for a considerable period was closely associated with building operations in this section of the state. At the time of the Civil war he put
aside all business and personal interests, however, and espoused the
cause of the Union, serving as a member of Company A, Thirteenth
Michigan Infantry, during the last of the war. He died in Cass county
January 15, I9oI, at the age of sixty-nine years, and is yet survived by
his widow, who now resides in Marcellus. She is one of the esteemed
pioneer women of this part of the state, having niade her home in Michigan for the allotted Psalmist's span of three score years and ten.
Henry L. Loveridge, their only child, remained in his native county until fifteen years of age, when he went to Kalamazoo, Michigan,
where he remained until twenty-two years of age. During that period
he spent five years as an employe in a store, and for two years was in
the service of the American Express Company. He then returned to
Paw Paw, and for five years remained upon the home farm following
his marriage. In I886 he removed to Marcellus and opened a store,
which he conducted for fifteen years, carrying on a prosperous bakery
and grocery business. He also conducted a store at Schoolcraft for one
year, and four years ago he came to Fish 'Lake and took charge of the
resort which his father had established three years previous. He has
nine acres of ground situated on a peninsula, extending from the east
shore into Iish Lake. He has sold fourteen lots, and ten cottages have
been built since he arrived. Mr. Loveridge has also erected a hotel and
has a boarding house which his father built. There were also two cottages erected before Mr. Loveridge came to this place. Island Park is
a natural forest of beech, oak, ash, maple, basswood and ironwood.
In fact there are nearly all kinds of timber except black walnut. The
fine fishing is one of the most attractive features of the district, there
being a chain of nine lakes all accessible with a row boat. Mr. Loveridge
has done much to develop and improve the resort, which is now indeed




464


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


very popular, being annually visited by a large number of people who
find in the shady forests a cool retreat from the heat of the cities in
summer, while the fisherman has every opportunitiy to enjoy his prowess
with the finny tribe.
Mr. Loveridge was married in September, I879, to Miss Rose
Taylor, a native of this township and a daughter of John Taylor. They
now have one son, Bert, who is advance agent of the Forepaugh & Sells
circus. Well known in this part of the state, Henry L. Loveridge has
gained a wide acquaintance through his business interests as merchant
and hotel proprietor, and his social, genial manner and consideration for
others have gained him wide and lasting popularity with those with
whom he has been associated.
DANIEL K. BYRNES.
Daniel K. Byrnes, a farmer and representative citizen of Pokagon
township, was born and reared upon the place which is yet his home, his
natal day being June 28, 1847. His father, John Byrnes, was one of
the pioneer settlers of Cass county, where he, too, carried on agricultural pursuits. He was born in county Cork, Ireland, in 1815, and when
about sixteen years of age went to Syracuse, New York, where he
learned the carpenter's trade. The year I857 witnessed his arrival in
Michigan, his destination being Niles, and there he followed carpentering until about twenty-six years of age, when he was married. Not
long afterward he took up his abode upon what has since been known as
the Byrnes farm on section 28, Pokagon township. He began there
with eighty acres of timber land and he at once cleared away the trees
and brush and grubbed out the stumps, after which he plowed the fields
and cultivated crops. He married Miss Arsula Clyburn, who was born
in Virginia in 1817. The Clyburns were among the oldest settlers of
Cass county and Mrs. Byrnes was reared and educated here. Unto the
parents of our subject were born six children, three sons and three
daughters, of whom Daniel K. was the second. The father gave his
political support to the Whig party in early life, but afterward became
an advocate of the Democracy, and still later joined the ranks of the
Prohibition party because of his views upon the temperance question.
He was also a local minister of the Methodist church in pioneer days,
was a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Pokagon lodge,
No. 36, A. F. & A. M., and he served as master under dispensation. He
took an active part in the organization of the lodge and he also labored
untiringly for the advancement of church and temperance work, and in
fact did everything in his power to promote the moral progress of the
community and uplift his fellow men. He had a very wide acquaintance
throughout Cass county and his memory is yet enshrined in the hearts
of many who knew him. His death occurred March 12, I902, when he
had reached the advanced age of eighty-seven years, and his example is




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


465


one well worthy of emulation, while his influence is still a potent factor for good among those who came under his teachings.
Daniel K. Byrnes was reared in Pokagon township and worked
upon the home farm of his father until the latter's death. On the Ist
of April, 1874, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Parker, who
was born in Berrien county, Michigan, December 6, I855, and is a
daughter of Henry C. and Mary Parker, who removed from Ohio to
Berrien county at an early epoch in its development. Subsequently they
came to Cass county when it was still a pioneer district and Mrs. Byrnes
was reared upon the old Parker homestead in Pokagon township. Unto
our subject and his wife have been born six children: Zulu, now deceased; Lewis K.; Ella May, the wife of John McCoy; Robert J.; Lena;
and Eliza Bell. All were born and reared upon the present Byrnes
farm. This place comprises seventy-seven acres of land that is very productive and is now under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Byrnes has
cleared and cultivated the greater part of it himself and it is the visible
evidence of his life of thrift and enterprise. He has worked diligently
and his labors have been resultant factors in winning for him a place
among the substantial residents of the county. He belongs to Pokagon
lodge, No. 136, A. F. & A. M., and to Crystal Springs lodge, No. 325,
I. O. O. F. In politics a Democrat, he has served for thirty years as
justice of the peace, and no higher testimonial of capability could be
given, for his long service indicates his fair and impartial decisions and
his fidelity to duty under all circumstances.
FRANK DUNN.
Frank Dunn, who is now filling the position of supervisor in Newberg township and resides on section 22, is one of the native sons of
this township, his birth having here occurred on the 8th of February,
1867. He is a representative of one of the old and prominent pioneer
families of the county. His paternal grandfather, Archibald Dunn,
came to Michigan when this section of the state was a wild and unimproved region and cast in his lot with the early settlers who were extending the frontier and planting the seeds of civilization here. His
son, Anson L. Duinn, was born in this state and was reared amid pioneer environments -and conditions. He pursued his education in the public schools and after arriving at years of maturity led a very busy, useful and active life. He was a prominent man, who held many offices in
his township and proved himself at all times worthy of the trust and
confidence reposed in him. He filled the position of county treasurer
for four years and was a supervisor for several terms. He made a close
study of the needs and possibilities of the county and exercised his official prerogatives to advance every movement that he deemed would
prove of public benefit. His acquaintance was a wide one and all who
knew him entertained for him genuine respect and unqualified regard.




466


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


He wedded Miss Mary Gill, who.is now a resident of Jones, but Mr.
Dunn passed away in I888. In the family were three children.
Frank Dunn, the youngest of the children, was reared in his native
township and at the usual age entered the public schools, wherein he
mastered the common branches of learning. In the summer months
he assisted in the farm work and throughout his entire life he has carried on general agricultural pursuits. He now has a farm of two hundred and thirty-seven acres, which he rents, while he is interested also
in the ownership of the store in connection with his brother at Jones.
He possesses good business qualifications, keen sagacity and enterprise,
and his labors have been a source of gratifying income. Like his father
before him, Mr. Dunn is recognized as a leading and valued member of
the Republican party, working earnestly and effectively for its welfare.
He has held many offices, serving as township clerk for nine years, while
in I899 he was elected supervisor, which position he has filled to the
present time, covering a period of seven years. He is a worthy and
capable official, never faltering in the performance of any duty, and that
he enjoys the public confidence is indicated by the fact that he has long
been retained in the office. He is popular in political, business and social
circles in the county where his entire life has been passed.
MAY ARNOLD: OLDS.
May Arnold Olds, interested in general farming on section 6,
Mason township, was here born on the 4th of July, I858, and thus
the home place is endeared to him through the associations of his boyhood as well as through the connections of later years when he has
found in the old farm the source of a good livelihood gained through
his untiring efforts to cultivate and improve the fields. He had two
uncles, Harvey and Lester Olds, who were among the early settlers of
the county and occupied the first store in Adamsville. They were extensive grain dealers, conducting a very important business in that day.
His father, Mills Olds, was a native of Cayuga county, New York,
and was there reared and married. He wedded Miss Mary Brown
Arnold, whose birth occurred in Cayuga county in the year 1822. Being early left an orphan, she was reared by her grandparents, but Joseph
Arnold was her guardian. The Olds family comes of English and
German ancestry. The parents of our subject were married at Sennett, New York, on the 24th of December, 1845, and began their
domestic life in the Empire state, whence in 849 they removed to
Cass county, Michigan, locating on section 6, Mason township, where
Mr. Olds paid five dollars per acre for a tract of land which was then
unimproved. He built a log house and in true pioneer style began
life in this district. He placed his fields under the plow, carried on
the farm work until he had made excellent improvements upon the
farm and converted it into a productive and arable tract of land. There




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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


467


he continued to reside until his death, which occurred when he was in
the sixty-eighth year of his age. His political allegiance was given
to the Democracy, and though he never sought office or attempted to
figure in public life in that way he was numbered among the pioneers
of the county who were closely connected with its upbuilding and progress, co-operating in the labors of those who have made the county
what it is today. His wife died in her thirty-seventh year. In the
family were two sons, but the elder, Stephen S. Olds, is now deceased.
May Arnold Olds, whose name introduces this record, was but
six months old at the time of his mother's death, after which he was
reared by his aunt, Harriet Olds. His education was acquired in the
Adamsville schools and after putting aside his textbooks he entered
business life in connection with the conduct of a meat. market at Nappanee, Elkhart county, Indiana. There he remained for four years,
but with this exception he has continuously been a resident of Mason
township, Cass county, from his birth to the present time. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss Allie Thompson,
whom he wedded on Christmas day of I883.      Her paternal greatgrandfather served for more than seven years in the Revolutionary war,
taking part in many important engagements. He lived to enjoy the
benefits of liberty, passing away at the very advanced age of ninety
years, at which time he was making his home in Kentucky. Her grandfather, Samuel Thompson, was a soldier of the war of I812. She is
a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Holmes) Thompson. Her father
was born near Coventry in Orleans county, Vermont, December I6,
8I88, and came to Cass county, Michigan, in June, 1837, when in his,
eighteenth year. He located first at Adamsville, where he was employed in a flouring mill and he afterward became a partner with Mr.
Redfield in the milling business, conducting that enterprise for six
years.  In the meantime he had purchased eighty acres of land on
section i6, Mason township, and he turned his attention to farming
after retiring from the milling business. He voted with the Democracy, and held a number, of local offices, including that of township
supervisor, in which he served for many years, his long continuance in
office standing in incontrovertible evidence of his ability and fidelity.
He was also connected with the national Democratic paper at Cassopolis at an early day, and his interest in political affairs was that of a
public-spirited citizen, who places principle before mere partisan measures and desires the welfare of the community rather than personal
aggrandizement. He was married in February, 1848, to Miss Elizabeth Holmes, a native of Rochester, New York, and they became the
parents of seven children, of whom two died in infancy, one of these
being killed by lightning. Mr. Thompson was twice married, his second union being with Maria King and there were four children born
to them.




468


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Mrs. Olds is the youngest child of her father's first marriage and
was only about six months old when her mother passed away at the
age of thirty-six years. Mrs. Olds was born on section I6, Mason
township, September 27, I858, and pursued her education in the schools
of Elkhart and in the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso.
She became a successful educator, teaching for eight and a half years
in Jefferson, Calvin and Mason townships and also in the city of Elkhart, Indiana. By her marriage she has become the mother of two
sons: Henry Thompson, who was born August 31, i886, and is at
home assisting in the improvement of the farm; and Carlton, who was
born September 14, I889, and is now a student in Elkhart.
Following their marriage in I883, Mr. and Mrs. Olds located in
Nappanee and in 1887 returned to the farm upon which they now reside, having since made it their home, and the pretty country seat is
known as "June Mede." Here Mr. Olds has one hundred thirty and
a half acres of well improved land and is carrying on general farming, having placed his fields under a high state of cultivation, so that
he annually harvests good crops. He organized what is known as
the Pullman Telephone Company, of which he is now president, its
lines covering Mason township and also extending into Ontwa township. He was the promoter of the telephone company and thus instituted a business which has been not only a convenience but a source
of direct benefit to citizens in this part of the county. His political
support is given to the Democracy, and he has held the office of justice of the peace, taking an active part in the administration of public
affairs and doing all in his power to promote the general welfare. He
has been almost a life-long resident of the county, and in all relations
has been known as a man of worth and reliability, enjoying in large
measure the esteem of those with whom he has been brought in contact.  Mr. and Mrs. Olds have in their possession some of the old
continental scrip money to the value of seven dollars, a part of the money
paid Mrs. Olds' great-grandfather when a soldier in General Washington's army.
NELSON A. HUTCHINGS.
Nelson A. Hutchings is probably the oldest resident of Newberg
township, for he has lived continuously within its borders for seventy
years, and he now makes his home on section 32. As one travels over
the county to-day and notes its thriving towns and cities, its highly cultivated farms, its business interests, its excellent schools and other public insitutions, it is almost impossible to realize what was the condition
of the county during Mr. Hutchings' boyhood. One looks to-day over
broad but richly cultivated fields, but at that time there was an almost
unbroken wilderness, the forest trees still standing in their primeval
strength. Few roads had been laid out and only here and there was a




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


469


little clearing to show that some progressive pioneer had made his way
into the forest and was endeavoring to establish a home.
Mr. Hutchings was born in Portage county, Ohio, February I6,
1833, and was the sixth in order of birth in a family of nine children,
five daughters and four sons, who were born of the marriage of Samuel
and Polly M. (iVan Curen) Hutchings. The paternal grandfather also
bore the name of Samuel Hutchings. The father was born in New York
September 14, I796, and on leaving the Empire state became a resident
of Portage county, Ohio, where he remained until I835, when he removed to Cass county, Michigan, being one of its first settlers. He located inl Newberg township and from the government entered a tract
of land on section 31. It was entirely wild and undeveloped, but he at
once began to clear and cultivate it, and in the course of time improved
a good. farm., upon which he spent his remaining days, being long recognized as one of the enterprising and successful agriculturists of the
community. He died in his eighty-third year, respected by all who
knew him. His early political allegiance was given to the Whig party,
and upon its dissolution he joined the ranks of the new Republican party, with which he continued to affiliate until his death. He held membership in the Baptist church and was well known throughout the county as an upright, honorable man and a worthy pioneer, whoi aided in
laying broad and deep the foundation for the present development of
this part of the state. His wife, also a native of New York, was born
on Christmas day of I798 and died in the eighty-third year of her age.
She was a daughter of Jonathan Van Curen, who was of German descent. Of the nine children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Hutchings one died
in infancy, while the others all reached manhood or womanhood, while
two sons and two daughters are yet living.
Nelson A. Hutchings was only three years of age when brought
by his parents to Michigan, since which time he has lived in Cass county. He was reared upon the old homestead farm in Newberg township
and shared in the usual experiences and hardships of frontier life. His
educational privileges were limited. He attended one of the log school
houses of the county, where he received instruction in the elementary
branches of learning, but experience and observation in later years have
greatly broadened his knowledge, making him a well informed man.
During the spring and summer months he aided in the labors of the
fields, taking his place at the plow almost as soon as old enough to reach
the plow handles. He remained at home until the time of his marriage.
On the I7th of October, I88I, he was joined in wedlock to Mrs. Sarah
Hartman. the widow of Albert Bogert. She was born in St. Joseph
county, Michigan, where she was reared, her father being Reuben Hartman, one of the early settlers there. In 1882 Mr. and Mrs. Hutchings
removed to the farm upon which they now reside, it having been their
home continuously since. They have become the parents of one son,
Marvin Carlton, who married Jennie Paxton and has one daughter,




470


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Wilda C. By her former marriage Mrs. Hutchings had a family of two
children, Katie L. and Albert J. Bogert.
The home farm of Mr. Hutchings comprises' one hundred and
twenty acres of good land, which is rich and productive, and he carries on general farming and stock-raising, having good grades of stock
upon his place. He is a carpenter by trade, however, and in earlier
years assisting in building many structures in Cass county, including
the "Forest Hall" at Diamond Lake and other well known buildings.
I-e has always voted with the Republican party, casting his ballot for
each presidential candidate of that organization since attaining his majority. He has held local offices in the township and is deeply interested in the growth and success of his party. At one time he was a
member of the Masonic fraternity. As stated, he is perhaps the oldest
resident in the township in years of continuous connection therewith,
having lived here for seventy years. His mind forms a connecting link
between the primitive past and the present with all of its progressiveness. He can remember when Indians occasionally visited the neighborhood, when wild game was to be had in abundance and when most
of the settlers lived in little log cabins. There was a spirit of generous hospitality and helpfulness, however, that existed, which compensated for the hardships and privations. of pioneer life. He has always
rejoiced in what has been accomplished along lines of improvement,
but yet has many pleasant memories of the early days.
GEOIRGE STANDERLINE.
Nature seems to have intended that man in the evening of life
should enjoy a period of rest. In his youth he is full of vigor and enterprise, is hopeful and ambitious. In his. more mature years his efforts
are tempered by experience and sound judgment resulting in successful
accomplishment if he but uses his talents and powers to the best of his
ability. If he does this he wins the competence that enables him later
to put aside business cares and enjoy a well earned rest. Such has been
the career of Mr. Standerline, who after many years of active and honorable connection with agricultural pursuits is now living retired in
Corey. He is a native of Lincolnshire, England, born on the I4th of
October, I830, and is a son of Thomas Standerline, whose birth occurred in the same locality. He was a farmer by occupation and thus
provided for the support of his wife and children. He married Elizabeth Graham, a native of Lincolnshire, who spent her entire life in England. In their family were three daughters, George Standerline being
the only son. The days of his childhood and youth were spent in his
native land and he is indebted to its public school system for the educational privileges he enjoyed. In his boyhood he became familiar with
farm work and later engaged in general agricultural pursuits on his
own account.
Mr. Standerline was married in his native country in 18154 to Miss




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


471


Jane Hollandtrick, who was born in Lincolnshire, England, October 23,
I835, a daughter of William and Maria (Peck) Hollandtrick, who were
also natives of that country and spent their entire lives in England.
Ten days after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Standerline started for
America, for they believed that they might enjoy better opportunities
in the new world, of which they had heard such favorable reports.
They were seven weeks on shipboard crossing the Atlantic from England to Quebec, Canada, and thence proceeded up the St. Lawrence river
to the lakes. They made their way first to Toledo, Ohio, where they
spent one sulmmer, after which they came to Michigan, making their
way to White Pigeon, St. Joseph county, Michigan. They resided on
Pigeon prairie for thirteen years, on the expiration of which period Mr.
Standerline came to Newberg township, Cass county, and purchased a
farm on section 25. He was the owner of that property until 1902,
when he sold the farm. He had lived, however, in Corey for twentytwo consecutive years, having retired from active business life to enjoy
in his comfortable home a well earned rest and the fruits of his former
toil.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Standerline have' been born seven children,
who are yet living, namely: Richard, at home; Thomas, a resident of
Newberg township; William and George, who are living in Newberg
township; James, of Mishawaka, Indiana; Alice, the wife of Marshall
Hughes, a resident of South Bend, Indiana; and Annetta, the wife of
Frank Rockwell, of Newberg township.
Mr. Standerline is one of the leading and representative citizens of
Cass county and has assisted in making it what it is to-day. He has
been a Republican since the organization of the party, never faltering
in his support of its principles. He served as highway commissioner
and school director and at this writing is a member of the board of review. IIe has always been interested in public affairs and has labored
earnestly for tie welfare of the county. He belongs to the Grange and
he has many warm friends in that organization and throughout the community in which he has so long lived. He displays in his life many
sterling traits of character and his good qualities have won him the
genuine and unqualified respect of his fellow men.
WILLIAM STANDERLINE.
William  Standerline, township clerk and a. prominent farmer of
Newberg township, resides on section 28, where he has. a well improved and valuable farm, of sixty acres. He is one of Michigan's native sons and the enterprise and progressive spirit which have been the
dominant factors in the upbuilding of the west find exemplification in his
active business career. He was born in Florence township, St. Joseph
county, M.ichigan, October 24, 18,58. His father. George Standerline,
was a native of England, in which country he spent the days of his boyhood and youth and was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Jane




472


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Hollandtrick, also a native of that country. They bade adieu to friends
and native land about 1854 and sailed for America, locating first in
Toledo, Ohio, whence they afterward removed to St. Joseph county,
Michigan, settling there upon a farm. They remained for about thirteen years in that county and in I867 came to Cass county, locating in
Newberg township, where Mr. Standerline purchased a tract of land.
They are still living in this township and in I905 they celebrated their
fiftieth wedding anniversary, having traveled life's journey together
for a half century, sharing with each other its joys and sorrows, its
adversity and prosperity. As the years went by they became the parents of ten children, of whom seven are now living.
William Standerline is the third child and third son in this family
and was but nine years of age when brought by his parents to Cass
county. IH-e spent his boyhood days in their home, was educated in the
district schools and through the summer months aided in the work of
the fields, giving his father the benefit of his services in the work of the
home farm until after he had attained his majority, when he started out
in life on his own account.
On the Ist of April, I882, Mr. Standerline was married to Miss
Stella Arnold, a daughter of H. D. and Mary (Dunn) Arnold. Mrs.
Standerline was born in Newberg township, where her parents located
at an early period in the development of this county. By her marriage
she has become the mother of three children, who are yet living: Della, the wife of Guy Harwood, a resident of Newberg township; Bert,
who is attending school in Vandalia, Michigan; and Glenn, who is at
home.
The farm upon which the family resides comprises sixty acres of
good land, and here Mr. Standerline is successfully carrying on general
agricultural pursuits. He has placed his fields under a high state of
cultivation and annually harvests good crops. Everything about his
farm is kept in good condition and in his methods he is practical and enterprising. He has been quite active in local politics, recognized as one
of the strong and stalwart advocates of the Republican party. He was
treasurer of Newberg township for two years and has been clerk for
six years, holding the position at the present time. Having spent the
greater part of his life in this county he is widely known and his prominence in public affairs has made him a leader in his community. His
long continuance in office is indicative of his faithful and capable service.
In business matters he is found to be straightforward and reliable, as
well as energetic, and the success which he has enjoyed is well merited.
GEORGE W. ROBBINS.
G. W. Robbins, who carries on farming interests on section 27,
Porter township, and is numbered among the prominent early settlers
of the county, was born December I6, I840, on the place where he yet




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


473


resides. The family name has long been closely and honorably associated with the history of the county in the work of development and
improvement. His father, Moses Robbins, was a native of Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, where he was reared to the age of eighteen years, when,
in I83I, he came to Michigan, settling in I833 upon the farm which
is now the home of G. W. Robbins of this review. He was one of the
earliest residents of Porter township and he also took up land from the
government in Motville township, St. Joseph county, that he traded for
the farm upon which our subject now resides. On the latter tract he
built a log cabin on the bank of what is now called Robbins Lake, having been so named in his honor. Subsequently he built the log house in
which G. W. Robbins first opened his eyes to the light of day and subsequently he erected a brick residence that yet stands on the farm and
is one of the old and prominent landmarks of this portion of the county.
He died in 1849 at the comparatively early age of forty-two years, yet
during the period of his residence in the county he took an active and
helpful part in reclaiming the district for the purposes of civilization and
in laying broad and deep the foundation for the present progress and
prosperity. His wife bore the maiden name o'f Elizabeth Davison and
was a native of Ohio. She lived to the age of seventy-five years. In
their family were five children: Lucinda J., now deceased; William,
who is living in Elkhart, Indiana; George W., of this review; Mrs.
Nancy Ellen Cundiff, whose home is in Aledo, Illinois; and Mrs. Mary
L. Speece, of Porter township.
Mr. Robbins was the third child and second son of the family and
upon the old homestead farm he spent the days of his boyhood and
youth, alternating his work in the fields through the summer months
with attendance at the district schools in the winter seasons. His entire life has been passed upon this farm and thus its present state of
improvement and development is largely attributable to his persevering
and diligent effort. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he
chose Miss Sarah J. Rogers, to whom he was married on the 6th of
October, I863. She is a daughter of Jesse and Mary A. (Bates) Rogers and was born in Yates county, New York, on the I7th of October,
1844. In her early childhood, when only about two years old, she was
brought by her parents to Cass county, the family home being established in Porter township, where she has since lived. By her marriage
she has become the mother of eight children: Lefy, now the wife of
L. C. Chadwick, a resident of Grangeville, Idaho; Linward G., a farmer
who owns a good property in Constantine township, St. Joseph county,
Michigan; M. L., who is engaged in the grocery business at Elkhart,
Indiana; Leslie D., a civil engineer, residing in Mexico; Lyle M. C.,
now of Montana; Lena G., who is attending the Hillsdale (Michigan)
College; and two-are deceased.
Mr. Robbins has a farm of one hundred and sixty-three acres,
which is supplied with modern equipments, and also owns another val



474


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


uable property of two hundred and nine and a half acres on section 35,
Porter township. His landed possessions in all embrace three hundred
and sixty-three and a half acres, which property returns to him a very desirable income.  His business is carefully conducted and everything
about his place is indicative of a progressive spirit and practical methods. He has voted with the Republican party since age gave to him, the
right of franchise and has taken an active interest in political questions
and issues of the day and the success of the party organization. He has
held various local offices, including that of highway commissioner and
township treasurer, serving in the latter position for two terms. He
has been a lifelong resident of the county and his mind bears the impress
of its early historic annals. He can relate many interesting incidents
of pioneer life and experiences and he is a worthy representative of that
class of citizens whose labors, while promoting individual success, have
also been of benefit to the county in furthering its agricultural development and also in promoting its political status.
CHARLES W. POE.
Charles W. Poe has been a resident of Newberg township for fiftythree years and therefore justly deserves to be classed with the old
settlers. He has a farm of one hundred and forty-eight acres, which
is carefully cultivated and improved, his entire life having been devoted
to agricultural pursuits. This tract of land lies on section 2T, Newberg
township, and is now a valuable property, owing to the care and labor
which he has bestowed upon it. Mr. Poe is one of Michigan's native
sons, for his birth occurred in Fabius township, St. Joseph county, on
the 5th of August, I853.  His father, Charles R. Poe, was a native of
Crawford county, Ohio, and was the son of George Poe, who continued
his residence in Crawford county until 1835 and then sought a home in
Michigan, making his way to Cass county, which was then a wild and
unimprcved region. Most of the land was raw and uncultivated and
only here and there had a little settlement been made amidst the dense
forest to show that the work of civilization and improvement had been
begun. George Poe located on land on section 22, Newberg township,
entering the same from the government on the I6th of September, I8;35.
Not a furrow had been turned, not an improvement made, and the arduous task of developing the land devolved upon Mr. Poe and his sons.
He, however, possessed the spirit of the pioneer such as was displayed
by his ancestor, Adam Poe, the famous Indian fighter.
Charles R. Poe, the father of our subject, was reared amid the wild
scenes of frontier life, sharing with the family in the usual hardships
and trials incident to settling in the far west. He took part in the work
of cutting the timber, clearing the land, and throughout his entire life
he followed the occupation of farming. He was twice married, the
first union being with Miss Cassie Newell, who died leaving three chil



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


475


dren, one of whom yet survives, namely: George W. Poe, who makes
his home near Jones. After losing his first wife Mr. Poe was joined in
wedlock to Miss Julia Schall, a native of Pennsylvania, who' came to
Michigan with her parents, the family home being established in St.
Joseph county. There were two sons and four daughters born of this
marriage and with one exception all are yet living. All were born in
this county with the exception of Charles W. and George W. Poe, who
were young when their parents removed to Newberg township.
He was reared here to farm life and pursued his education in the
district schools, wherein he mastered the branches of English learning
usually taught in such institutions.  During the summer months he
worked in the fields and remained at home until twenty-two years of
age, assisting in the task of clearing the farm and placing it under the
plow. He gained practical knowledge of the best methods of tilling the
fields, learned to know what was demanded in the soil for the various
crops and the most favorable time of planting, so that he was well qualified to engage in farm work on his own account when he married and
established a home of his own.
It was on the 25th of August, I875, that' Mr. Poe was united in
marriage to Miss Carrie Thomas, a daughter of William and Delight
(Galpin) Thomas. Her father was a native of New York and on removing to Michigan settled in Macomb county. In his family were
six children, two sons and four daughters, of whom Mrs. Poe was the
second child. She was thirteen years of age when brought to the west
and has since lived in Cass county. At the time of their marriage Mr.
and Mrs. Poe began their domestic life on a farm on section 22, Newberg township, and there in the midst of the forest he cleared a tract
of land. Their first house was a log cabin eighteen by twenty-four feet,
two stories in height. Mr. Poe continued the work of cultivating the
place for fourteen years, when he removed to his present farm on section 21, Newberg township. Here he has one hundred and forty-eight
acres of productive land, which he has brought under a high state of cultivation. I-e has been a hard-working man and has lived a busy and
useful life, his labors resulting in bringing him a comfortable competence.
Unlto Mr. and Mrs. Poe have been born four daughters: Loviso,
the wife of Delbert Stephenson, who is living in Newberg township;
Minnie, the wife of William Kahler, also of Newberg township; Mabel,
the wife of William Meek, of Emmet county, Michigan; and Leon, at
home. The name of Poe has been closely associated with the history of
the county through many long years, the grandfather of our subject
taking a very active and helpful part in the early pioneer development,
and Poe cemetery was named in his honor. The work of progress was
carried on by the father and has been continued by our subject, who is
an enterprising citizen, desirous of promoting the best interests of the
county. In his political views he is a Democrat, but without aspiration




476


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


for office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business affairs. He is well known in Cass county, where he has so long resided,
having lived continuously on sections 21 and 22 in this township for
fifty-three years, and has an extensive circle of friends. Both he and his
wife are estimable people and well deserve mention in this volume
among the representative citizens of the county.
ALONZO P. BEEMAN.
Alonzo P. Beeman is a worthy and successful representative of
agricultural interests, who has long been identified therewith in Cass
county. He owns here a valuable property and in its control and management displays excellent business ability and keen foresight. Moreover he deserves mention in this volume because of the active and helpful part which he has taken in matters of public interest, serving on
various occasions in office, the duties of which he has performed with
faithfulness, ability and fidelity. He now resides on section 14, Newberg township. His birthplace was in Crawford county, Pennsylvania,
his natal day being February 6, I84I. His father, Myram Beeman, was
a native of New York and was a son of Gideon Beeman, whose birth
occurred in Connecticut and who was of English descent, the family
having been established in America in colonial days. In the state of
his nativity Myram Beeman was reared and educated, and throughout
his entire life followed the occupation of farming. He was married in
New York to Miss Lucena Libhart, also a native of New York, and of
German descent, her father having been born in Germany, while his
death occurred during the infancy of his daughter. Myram Beeman
removed from the Empire state to Pennsylvania about I835, and there
resided for twenty-two years, when in I857 he came to Michigan, settling in Cass county. Here he also carried on farming and his death
occurred in Newberg township when he was seventy-nine years of age.
He held membership in the United Brethren church and was one of the
ministers of that denomination. His acquaintance was a very wide and
favorable one and his influence was ever a potent element for good in
the communities where he lived. He stood for iustice, truth and right
under all circumstances, and by example as well as by precept taught
the nobler principles which elevate mankind.  His wife also passed
away in Newberg township, being in her ninetieth year at the time she
was called to her final rest. In their family were eight sons and two
daughters, and of that number eight reached years of maturity, while
six are now living, being residents of various sections of the country.
Alonzo P. Beeman is the only one now residing in Cass county. He
is the seventh son and eighth child in the family. His early youth was
spent in the state of his nativity, and he is indebted to the public school
system of New York for the educational privileges which he enjoyed
and which prepared him for life's practical and responsible duties. When




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


a youth of fifteen years, it being necessitous that he provide for his
own support, he started out to make his way in the world, and chose
the west as the scene of his labors. Accordingly in 1856 he made his
way to Centerville, St. Joseph county, Michigan, and in the fall of the
same year came to Newberg township, Cass county. Here he worked
at the carpenter's trade and assisted in building many houses in the
township at an early day. In I863, in response to the country's call
for troops, he enlisted for service in the Union army as a private of
Company G, Nineteenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and served
throughout the remainder of the war with patriotic ardor and undiminished loyalty. He was wounded in the left side at the battle of Resaca,
and was in the hospital for eight months, but as soon as possible returned
to his regiment and served until the close of the war. He participated
in many prominent battles which led up to the final victory that crowned
the Union arms, and was always faithful to his duty under all circumstances. When the war was over he participated in the grand review
at Washington, D. C., the most celebrated military pageant ever seen
on the western hemisphere, where thousands of soldiers of the Union
army marched by the reviewing stand on which stood the president and
other high officials of the land, greeting the return of the victorious
troops.
Mr. Beeman received an honorable discharge at Jackson, Michigan,
on the 5th of August, I865, and immediately afterward returned to his
home in Cass county. He soon purchased a farm in Newberg township
which he cultivated for about two years and then sold. In I867 he
removed to Kansas, where he remained for a short time, after which he
returned to Newberg township, Cass county. Here he purchased a
farm upon which he has since resided, his residence here covering more
than a third of a century. There were no improvements upon the place
when he took possession, but he has wrought a marked change in its
appearance by adding good buildings, well kept fences, by tilling the
soil and otherwise carrying on the farm work along modern, progressive
lines. The place comprises one hundred and sixty acres of good land,
which responds readily to the care and cultivation which he bestows
upon it, the fields yielding golden harvests in return for the work which
he puts thereon.
Before leaving for the front at the time of the Civil war Mr.
Beeman was married on the I4th of October, I862, to Miss Nancy V.
Bogert, a daughter of Thomas Bogert, and a native of Adrian, Michigan. She was brought to Cass county when but seven years of age
and her girlhood days were passed in Newberg township;  Unto this
marriage have been born five children:  Annie, the wife of Wiley
Russie; Lewis, who married Ida O'Comnor and is now living in Newberg township; Stella, the wife of Sherman Poe, a resident of St. Joseph
county, Michigan: Alonzo Guy, who married Lura Waltz and is living
in Newberg township; and Ned, at home.




478


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Mr. Beeman is a stalwart Republican, believing firmly in the principles of his party, and he has been active in its support, doing all in
his power to secure its success. His fellow townsmen have rewarded
him for his party fealty by electing him to various positions of public
honor and trust, the duties of which he has faithfully performed. He
was township treasurer for two years, supervisor for fourteen consecutive years, and then resigned that office by reason of his election to the
position of county treasurer in I898. He served for two terms and was
then re-elected in I9oo, holding the office to the time limit, for no one
is allowed to serve for more than two terms in this position. He then
retired from the office as he had entered it-with the confidence and
good will of all concerned. He has been school director for'eighteen
years and the cause of education has found in him a warm friend. He
is a member of May post, No. 65, G. A. R., at Jones, in which he has
filled all of the chairs, including that of commander. In public office
as well as in the field of battle he has displayed his loyalty to his country,
and in an active life has portrayed those sterling traits of character which
win success and at the same time gain the respect and trust of one's
fellow men. Starting out in life on his own account when but fifteen
years of age he has steadily advanced through his own well directed
efforts and may well be termed a self-made man, for he has been both
the architect and builder of his fortunes.
ORREN V. HICKS.
Orren V. Hicks, following the occupation of farming and also
serving as supervisor in Milton township, was born on the 27th of
September, I869, in the township which is still his home. He represents one of the honored pioneer families, being a son of R. V. Hicks,
who was a farmer by occupation and came to Cass county at an early
epoch in its development. A native of England, he resided in that
country until 1837, when he crossed the Atlantic to America and made
his way at once to Michigan. He was about eighteen years of age at
the time, his birth having occurred in Land's End,, England, on the
17th of November, I8I9. Having heard favorable reports concerning
the business opportunities of the new world he made the ocean voyage
and joined his brother in Ontwa township, where he remained for a
short time. He then located in Niles, securing a position in a distillery
owned and operated by John Dodge & Company, with whom he worked
for a short time, becoming foreman of that place. Further mention
of Mr. Hicks is made on another page of this work.
Orren V. Hicks, whose name introduces this review, was reared
upon the homestead farm and is indebted to the district school system
of Milton township for the educational privileges he enjoyed. He
pursued his studies through the winter months and in the summer
months worked at the labors of the field. Wishing to have a home of








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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


479


his own he completed his arrangements therefor by his marriage on
the i3th of January, I892, to Miss Bertha F. Thompson, a native of
Ontwa township, born December 3, 1871, and a daughter of B. F.
Thompson, who followed farming in Ontwa township. He settled in
Cass county when it was emerging from pioneer conditions, having
come to the middle west from Delaware. Mrs. Hicks graduated in
the High School of Edwardsburg, in the class of I888, and entered the
state normal at Ypsilanti, Michigan, taking the English course, spent
one years there and meant to take a full graduating course, but health
forbade her. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hicks has been blessed
with two daughters: Florence B., who was born June 6, I896, and
Vivian Leona, born April 13, 1903.
At the time of his marriage Orren V. Hicks removed to what
was known as the Enos farm, comprising sixty-seven acres of land,
and he has become the owner of forty acres adjoining, also eighty
acres just north of his present farm, and forty acres of timber, making a total of two hundred and twenty-seven acres in Cass county.
The eighty acres received only one transfer, and Mr. and Mrs. Hicks
have in their possession the old parchment deed signed by President
Andrew Jackson. It bears the date of execution of April I, 1831, and
this is the fifth deed of the kind found in Cass county. He now has
a well improved farm here, equipped with good buildings and substantial.improvements, while well tilled fields return him golden harvests for the care and labor he bestows upon them. For three years he
filled the office of township clerk, having been chosen to that position
on the Democratic ticket. In I9OI he was elected supervisor and
served in that office for five years, being the present incumbent. He
has thus taken an active part in local political affairs and he keeps
well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He is a charter
member of Edwardsburg tent No. 723, K. 0. T. M., and he enjoys
the warm regard of his brethren in the fraternity as well as of the
general public. His wife is also a member of the Edwardsburg Hive
No. 345, L. O. T. M. He is widely known in the county where hsis
entire life has been passed and where he has so directed his labors
as to win a gratifying measure of prosperity, and at the same time
make for himself an honorable name.
FRANKLIN CHAPMAN.
The agricultural interests of Newberg township find a worthy representative in Franklin Chapman, who is now living on section 17, where
he owns and operates one hundred and sixty acres of land, in connection with which he is successfully engaged in stock-raising, making a
specialty of St. Lambert and Jersey cattle. He was born December
I8, I853, on the farm where he yet resides, in a little log cabin which
was one of the typical pioneer homes of the county. He is descended




480


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


from an old New England family, his paternal grandfather being Levi
Chapman, who was a native of Vermont and was of Scotch lineage.
The father, James M. Chapman, was born in Medina county, Ohio,
February 3, I818. He came to this state, however, at an early day,
settling in Cass county in 1844, being the first resident in this part of
the county, his nearest neighbor being two or three miles away. There
in the midst of the forest he cleared and developed a farm, cutting away
the trees before he could plow and cultivate the land. As the years
passed he wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of the
place, which became a well developed property, and he resided thereon
until his death, which occurred when he was in the eighty-first year of
his age. From the time of the organization of the Republican party he
was one of its stanch supporters and took an active interest in its growth
and success. His fellow townsmen frequently called him to office and
he served as supervisor for a long period, perhaps about fourteen years
in all. He was loyal to every trust reposed in him and his life was in
entire harmony with his professions as a member of the Baptist church.
He took a very helpful part in church work, contributed generously of
his means to its support, assisted in the various church activities and was
a deacon for many years. He wedded Miss Mary Haggerty, who lived
to be seventy-four years of age. In their family were two sons, the
elder being Harvey. Chapman, who died at the age of two years.
Franklin Chapman, the younger son and the only representative of
the family now living, was reared upon the old farm, homestead in Newberg township, where he yet resides. At the usual age he began attending
the district schools and as his age and strength permitted he assisted more
and more largely in the work of the farm during the summer months,
aiding in the plowing, planting and harvesting. He was first married
on the Ist of March, 1873, the lady of his choice being Miss Lovina
Cleveland, who died leaving two children: Mrs. Lulu Van Stallen, who
is now a widow; and Verna, who is the wife of Arthur Pound, of Newberg township. On the 2oth of March,. I882, Mr. Chapman was again
married, his second union being with Miss Minnie Williams, a daughter
of A. H. and Julia A. (Marshall) Williams. Mrs. Chapman was born
in Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, and was brought to, Michigan
when about five years of age, the family taking up their abode in St.
Joseph county. She was fourteen years of age when they came to Cass
county. She pursued her education in Colon, Michigan, and in the Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso, Indiana,' and for five years was successfully engaged in teaching in Cass county. She spent two years as
a teacher in the Vandalia schools and was an able educator, imparting
readily and impressively to others the knowledge that she had acquired.
Unto Mr. and Mrs.. Chapman have been born three children: Bion
F., who is at home; Virginia, who is a graduate of the Dowagiac high
school and of the Agricultural College and is now engaged in teach



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


481


ing; and Mildred J., the wife of Leonard R. Norton, a resident farmer
of Newberg township.
Mr. Chapman is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of
arable land on section 17, Newberg township. His farm is divided
into fields of convenient size by well kept fences and he has good improvements upon the place, including the latest improved machinery
to facilitate the work of the fields. In his farm work he is practical,
is systematic in his methods and is accomplishing good results through
his unremitting diligence. He is now making a specialty of raising
fine cattle of the St. Lanbert and Jersey breeds. In his political views
Mr. Chapman has always been a stanch and earnest Republican, identifying himself with the party when age conferred upon him the right of
franchise. He has served as township treasurer for four years, proving
a capable officer, but prefers to give his time and energies to his business affairs, in which he is meeting with signal success.
GEORGE W. HARDY.
George W. Hardy, the proprietor of the Clover Leaf Dairy Farm,
situated on section 17, Marcellus township, has prospered in his undertakings and is now conducting a successful business. He was born
near Three Rivers, St. Joseph county, Michigan, on the I7th of September, I846, and is a son of George Hardy, Sr., who was a native of
Yorkshire, England, and came to the United States with his parents,
who were among the early settlers of St. Joseph county, Michigan,
locating there when the Indians were numerous and when little was
done to subjugate the wilderness and convert it into uses for the white
race. There the father of our subject spent his remaining days, his
time and energies being given to the development of a farm in the
midst of the forest and its further improvement as the years went by.
He lived to the age of sixty years. He married Frances Arney, who
was born in Pennsylvania, and died in St. Joseph county, Michigan,
when seventy years of age.  She was a daughter of John Arney, a
native of England, who served in the Revolutionary war on the American side and lost an arm on board ship while acting as a member of the
navy. He received from President Jackson a leather deed to land which
he entered from the government in St. Joseph county, Michigan, his
farm lying in Lockport township. This was given him in recognition
of his military service, and upon this place he remained until called to
his final rest when he was eighty years of age. In his family were
four children, including Mrs. Frances Hardy, the mother of our subject.
In the family of Mr. and Mrs. George Hardy, Sr., were nine
children: Mary, deceased; Joseph, now living in Kansas; Ruth, deceased: Mrs. Lydia Dickinson, of St. Joseph county, Michigan; Mrs.
Jane Fonda, living in Denver. Colorado; John, a resident farmer of
this county; George W., whose name introduces this record; Charles,




482


HISTORY OF-CASS COUNTY


who resides in Kalkaska county, this state, and Carrie, who died at the
age of twenty-six years.
George W. 'Hardy spent the period of his minority upon his
father's farm and was trained to the labors of the fields, early becoming familiar through actual experience with all the duties that fall to
the lot of the agriculturist. In 1878 he was married to Miss Lydia A.
Northrop, who was born in Fairfield, St. Joseph county, Michigan, June
23, I858, a daughter of John G. and Maria (Fonda) Northrop, who were
natives of New York and in their childhood became residents of Michigan.
Following his marriage Mr. Hardy began farming on his own
account, and after a short time he and his wife removed to the old
home place near Three Rivers, where they resided until they took up
their abode on their present place on section 17, Marcellus township,
twenty-five years ago. Here Mr. Hardy has one hundred and twenty
acres of land which was partially improved when it came into his possession. He now has good substantial buildings upon the place, and
the land has been brought under a high state of cultivation. For some
years he carried on general farming, but for the past two years has
made a specialty of dairying, and his place is known as the Clover Leaf
Dairy. He keeps fifteen Jersey cows and has a wagon from which he
retails milk in Marcellus, having a good patronage because of the excellent quality of the milk which he furnishes and his honorable business
methods. He has long been recognized as an active and enterprising
business man, and his energy and capable management constitute the
basic elements of his success.
Mr. Hardy has five children, two by a previous marriage: Orin,
now living in Chicago; Minnie, the wife of Milo Vincent, of Porter,
Michigan; Charles, at home; Elmer, also of Porter; and Lester, at home.
The father and his four sons are all stanch supporters of the Republican party, and Mr. Hardy is interested in general progress to the extent
of giving hearty endorsement and co-operation to those movements
which are of direct benefit to the community at large and further the
material, intellectual and political progress of the community.
ALBERT J. SHANNON.
Albert J. Shannon is the owner of one of the finest farms in Marcellus township, situated on an elevation commanding a fine view of
Fish lake. Moreover he is regarded as a progressive and popular resident of this portion of Cass county, and is well known as a successful
agriculturist and breeder of fine horses. He was born in Huron township, about two miles east of Alton, in Wayne county, New York,
January 22, 1844, and is a son of Archibald Shannon, also a native
of Wayne county, spending his entire life in Huron township, where
he died when about seventy-seven years of age. In early manhood he




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


483


wedded Miss Mary Hyde, who was born in Rose, Wayne county, New
York, and there died, when about twenty-six years of age, a few days
after the birth of her son Albert, who was her only child. After losing
his first wife the father married her sister, Miss Jane Hyde, and there
was one child to this marriage, Lester, who is now living in Huron, New
York.
Albert J. Shannon was reared in the place of his nativity and
acquired his education in the public schools. He continued his studies
in Wayne county until the fall of I870, when he went to Iowa, spending some time in Marshalltown and various other places.  A few
months passed in looking over a favorable location there, but not finding what he wanted he came to Cass county, Michigan, in the spring
of 187I, and bought one hundred and twenty acres of his present
farm, of which thirty-five acres had been improved. Mr. Shannon
cleared the remainder, placed it under the plow, and in course of time
gathered golden harvests. He also erected good buildings, and he bought
eighty acres of land adjoining, so that he now has two hundred acres
in his home place, which is situated on sections 5, 8 and 9, Marcellus
township. He also bought sixty acres on section 4 of the same township, and now has an excellently improved property. He has placed
-under cultivation altogether about one hundred and fifty acres of land,
and his well developed farm is indicative of his care and labor, his progressive methods and the determination with which he carries forward
to successful completion whatever he undertakes.
In 1862 occurred the marriage of Albert J. Shannon and Miss Jane
Gatchell, who was born in Van Buren township, Wayne county, New
York, a daughter of Elisha and Margaret (Britton) Gatchell. They
have one son, Herbert, who is now living in Calhoun county, Michigan.
They have also reared an adopted daughter, Kate Moon, who is married and resides in Chicago. The home of the family is a beautiful
farm, in fact hardly equalled in Marcellus township. The family residence is situated on an elevation commanding a splendid view of Fish
lake, the landscape presenting altogether a. beautiful picture. In addition to the cultivation and improvement of the farm he is well known
as an extensive and successful breeder of fine horses, and has placed upon
the market some splendid specimens of the noble steed. His political
allegiance is given to the Republican party, and he was its candidate for
supervisor. He is active in its ranks, and for two years he served as
highway commissioner. For thirty years he has been a Mason and has
served as master of the lodge and high priest of the chapter at Marcellus.
He is a charter member of the chapter, having joined the organization
when capitular Masonry was first introduced ihto that town.  Mr.
Shannon is both popular and progressive, a business man of enterprise
and in his social relations he displays those qualities which win warm
friendships and high regard.




484


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


EDGAR J. GARD.
Edgar J. Gard is one of the extensive land owners of Cass county,
having in one tract three hundred and seventy-three acres, but half belongs to his sister, Mrs. Fulton, upon which he has lived since I898.
This constitutes one of the valuable farms of the county. It is located
on section 20, Volinia township, and is improved with modern equipments and accessories, many of which have been placed thereon by the
present owner. Mr. Gard is one of the native sons of the township, his
birth having occurred here on the 9th of February, I856. The family
name has figured long and prominently in connection with the development and improvement of this portion of the state. His paternal grandparents were Jonathan and Elizabeth Gard, who came from Ohio to
Cass county in a very early day, locating in Volinia township, where
Jonathan Gard entered land from the government. He was a typical
pioneer citizen, courageously meeting the hardships and trials of frontier
-life in order to establish a home for his family and his labor proved a
factor in the substantial development and improvement which has followed the united and concerted labors of the early settlers.
Isaac N. Gard, father of our subject, was born in Ohio, and with his
parents came to Cass county, here being reared, educated and married.
In fact he continued a resident of Volinia township up to the time of
his death, which occurred when he was about seventy-six years of age.
His wife, who bore the maiden name of Nancy Shaw, still resides in
Volinia township. By her marriage she became the mother of one son
and two daughters, namely: Julia, now the wife of Henry Hepworth,
of Kansas; Mrs. Orley Fulton, and Edgar J., of this review.
The youngest of the family, Edgar J. Gard was reared in Volinia
township and was given good educational privileges, pursuing his studies
in the village school of Volinia, also in Decatur and later in the Indiana
Normal School at Valparaiso. He was thus well'equipped for life's
practical and responsible duties by thorough mental training, which
stimulated his latent talents and prepared him to meet the business
duties and obligations that devolved upon him as he started out in life
on his own account. IHe lived at home up to the time of his marriage,
and then settled upon a farm on section 21, Volinia township, where he
resided until I898, when he bought his present farm, the tract comprising three hundred and seventy-three acres of rich and valuable land
all in one body, but half of this land belongs to his sister, Mrs. Fulton.
He has since given his attention to.general farming, raising the various
cereals best adapted to soil and climate. He also has good grades of
stock upon his farm and the buildings are in keeping with ideas of
modern progress. He also owns a sawmill on section 21, Volinia township, which he operates in addition to his agricultural pursuits.
On the I4th of October, I879, Mr. Gard married Miss Flora Warner, a daughter of James H. and Rachel (Rich) Warner.   She was




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


485


born in Cass county, her parents being pioneers of this part of the state.
Mr. and Mrs. Gard now have one son, Dana W., who is pursuing his
education in the schools of Decatur. Fraternally Mr. Gard is connected
with the Knights of the Maccabees, while politically he is a Republican,
having never faltered in his allegiance to the party since he cast his first
vote. All his life he has lived in this county and he is a typical western
man, alert and enterprising.  He possesses an indomitable spirit and
strong will that have been factors in winning for him his present desirable success, enabling him to overcome all the difficulties and obstacles
which checker every business career. He is a man of strong convictions, quick to discern the best course to pursue. Difficulties vanish
before him as mist before the morning sun and he is penetrative and
practical in all that he does.
W. R. KIRBY.
W. R. Kirby, filling the office of supervisor in Volinia township,
resides on section 21, and his attention is given to the development and
improvement of his farm, which comprises a good tract of arable and
productive land. He was born in Otsego county, New York, near
Cooperstown, December 31, I843, and is of English lineage.  His
parents were John and Mary J. (Rouse) Kirby, the former a native of
England and the latter of New York. Mr. Kirby was born in Yorkshire, England, and was only about two years old when brought by his
parents to Michigan, the family home being established in the Empire
state, where he was reared. On leaving the east he came to Michigan,
settling in Flowerfield township, St. Joseph county. His wife spent
her girlhood days in the Empire state and by her marriage she became
the mother of eight children, three sons and five daughters, of whom
seven reached years of maturity.
W. R. Kirby, the second child and eldest son in the family, was
only about three years old when brought by his parents to Michigan.
His childhood and youth were therefore passed in Flowerfield township, St. Joseph county, where he was reared in the usual manner of
farm lads of that period, working in the fields through the summer
months, while in the winter seasons he acquired a fair English education in the district schools. He continued a resident of St. Joseph
county until I865, when he came to Cass county, settling in Volinia
township. He began keeping house on the farm where he now resides,
and in 1877 he was married to Miss Mary J. Mack, a daughter of
William and Theressa (Wykoff) Mack. He brought his bride to the
farm upon which they yet reside and here he has continuously carried
on general agricultural pursuits. Year by year he has tilled his fields,
and through the rotation of crops and the careful management of his
business affairs he has been able to secure good harvests and to find a
ready sale for his products upon the market.




486              HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
Mr. and Mrs. Kirby have no children of their own, but have reared,
two adopted children, Joseph M. and Anna B. Mr. Kirby is deeply interested in political issues and questions of the day, and has always kept.
well informed on subjects of vital interest to the community, the state
and the nation. He has voted, with the Republican party since attaining
his majority and has held various local offices, being first called to the
position of path master. He has also been township treasurer for two.
years, was town clerk for twenty years, and in 1905 was elected supervisor on the Republican ticket. His official.record has been creditable
and commendable, and no public trust reposed in him has ever been.
' betrayed in the slightest degree. He belongs to Volinia Lodge, No.
227, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a charter member, and he is in
hearty sympathy with the purposes of the craft. For more than forty
years he has lived in the county and he has been found to be trustworthy
in business and progressive in citizenship, while in social relations he
is genial, companionable and entertaining.
JOHN HUFF.
John Huff, one of the pioneer settlers of southern Michigan, is
living on a farm of two hundred and sixty acres on section 17, Volinia
township, and his life of activity and well-directed effort is indicated
by his ownership of this property, for he started out in life emptyhanded and all that he now possesses and enjoys has been gained through
his persistent labor and capable management. His natal day was August
3, I833, and the place of his birth near Springfield, in Clark county,
Ohio. His father, Amos Huff, was born in New Jersey, and in his
boyhood days accompanied his parents to Pennsylvania. He was a
son of James Huff, of German descent. On leaving the Keystone state
he removed to Clark county, Ohio, and was there married to Miss Margaret Case, whose birth occurred in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, but who was reared in Ohio. Her father was John Case, one of
the pioneer settlers of Butler county, Ohio. Amos Huff came first to
Michigan in 1833 but did not take up his permanent abode here at that
time. In I834, however, he returned with his family to Cass county
and identified his interests With those of the pioneer settlers.  He
secured land from the government, entering a claim in Volinia township, and as the years passed his attention was directed to farm. labor,
his fields being placed under a high state of cultivation. Not a furrow
had been turned nor an improvement made when he took possession of
his farm, but with characteristic energy he began the arduous task of
cultivation and development, and in the course of years had a valuable
property. His life was honorable and upright in all things and he was
regarded as an exemplary and devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he served as class leader, while in the various
departments of church work he took an active and helpful interest. He




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


48?


died in his eighty-fifth year, while his wife passed away when about
eighty years of age. They were people of the highest respectability,
and in their death the cotitty lost two of its worthy pioneer representatives. They had a family of nine children, six sons and three daughters,
and with one exception all reached adult age, but only three are now
living, the brothers of our subject being James Huff, a resident of
Mountain View, California, and Clark, who is living in Voiinia township.
John I-uff was only a year old when brought to Cass county, and
was reared in Volinia township, where he has spent his entire life.
He has vivid recollections of. pioneer conditions when the homes of the
settlers were largely log cabins. There would be -an immense fire-place
which was used for heating purposes and also served to cook the meals,
which were prepared in huge kettles hung from the crane or else in
covered iron skillets which were placed among the coals. The first
school house in Volinia township was built in 1833 in the district in
which Mr. Huff resided, and there he pursued his early education,
mastering the tasks assigned in reading, writing, arithmetic and other
elementary branches. His training at farm labor was not meager, for
his aid was needed in the development and care of the fields, so that he
had practical experience when he started out as a farmer on his own
account. He remained at home up to the time of his marriage, which
occurred in 1872, Miss Eliza J. Wright becoming his wife. She was
a daughter of James and Sarah (Giffis) Wright, and was born in Volinia
township. Her parents were pioneer settlers of the county and she was
early trained to household duties.  Mr. and Mrs. Huff began their
domestic life in a log house upon his farm, occupying it until the erection of the present substantial and commodious frame residence in 1882.
As the years went by three children were added to the family: Amy
and Otis were born in the cabin home, and are still living; and Harley,
who died in his second year.
The home farm of Mr. Huff embraces two hundred and sixty acres
of land, which through care and cultivation has become very productive.
He has placed all of the buildings upon his property, including his
modern home, his barns and sheds. He has also fenced the place and has
plowed and harvested crops which have found a ready sale on the market, thus bringing to him an enlarged income each year. He has also
been active in public affairs and for four years served as township treasurer, while for eighteen years he was township supervisor. In all things
pertaining to the good of the community he has taken an active and
helpful interest, and he was formerly a member of the Volinia AntiHorse Thief Society, serving as its secretary for thirty years. He yet
belongs to the Masonic lodge of Volinia and has the kindly regard of
his brethren of the fraternity. A self made man, as the architect of his
own fortunes he has builded wisely and well, and his life record proves




488


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


what can be accomplished when one possesses laudable ambition and
unfaltering determination. He started out in limited financial circumstances but is now one of the prosperous residents of his township.
GEORGE LONGSDUFF.
While "the race is not always to the swift nor the battle to the
strong," the invariable law of destiny accords to tireless energy and
indefatigable effort a measure of success which is gratifying and desirable. The truth of this assertion is verified in the life record of such
men as George Longsduff, who in his active business career has so
directed his efforts that he is now enabled to live retired, making his
home in Vandalia. He was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania,
on the I6th of March, I826, and has therefore long passed the psalmist's
span of three score years and ten. His paternal grandfather, Martin
Longsduff, Sr., was a native of Germany, and in that country was
reared and married. Crossing the Atlantic to the new world he became
one of the early residents of Pennsylvania.  In his family were ten
children, of whom Martin Longsduff, Jr., was the eldest. He was a
native of the same state and was there reared and educated. He was
married twice and in I834 he removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio,
taking up his abode in Union township, Logan county, where he secured
a tract of land and improved a farm..He remained a resident of that
state for almost four decades and came to Michigan in I872. Here he
spent his remaining days, passing away at the age of eighty-five years.
In his religious views he was a Lutheran, and he exemplified in his
life his belief in the teachings of holy writ. The mother of our subject
bore the maiden name of Matilda Quigley, and was a native of Hagerstown, New Jersey, where her girlhood days were passed. She was the
second wife of Martin Longsduff, his former union having been with a
Miss Searfoss, by whom  he had one daughter, Elizabeth.  By the
second marriage there were born eleven children, one of whom died
in early youth, while ten reached adult age and four of the number,
two sons and two daughters, are still living and are residents of Cass
county.
Mr. Longsduff, of this review, is the fifth child and third son in
the family. He spent the first eight years of his life in the state of
his nativity and then accompanied his parents on their removal to
Logan county, Ohio, where he remained until he was twenty-one years
of age. His educational privileges were those afforded by the common
schools, and when not busy with his text-books he aided his father in
tilling the soil, caring for the crops and performing such labor as was
necessary in the development and cultivation of the home farm. The
year I847 witnessed his arrival in Cass county, and he then started out
upon an independent business career. He located first in Penn township, and as it was necessary that he provide for his own support he








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cThL6I/f AcJ56A








HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


489


began working by the day, making rails. He also engaged in ditching
and in other such work as would yield him an honest living and gain
him a start in business life. At the time of his marriage he located on
a farm on section 14, Penn township, his home being a little log cabin
to which he had to cut a road through the woods for two miles. Not
a furrow had been turned or an improvement made on, the farm, and
in the midst of the green forest he began the arduous task of clearing
and cultivating fields. In the course of time he had cut down the
trees, grubbed out the stumps and plowed his land.  The seed was
then planted and in due course of time rich harvests were gathered.
He also built a good barn and house, and remained upon his farm
until October, 1872. He was practical in his methods, systematic in
all that he did, and accomplished through energy and determination
and assisted by his estimable wife, an excellent work that has contributed to the general agricultural progress of the county and at the same
time brought to him a very desirable competence. In the year 1872
he left his farm and removed to Vandalia, where he has since resided.
He began with only eighty acres of land, to. which he added forty
acres.  Subsequently he sold that property and bought one hundred
and eighty acres on sections I4, 24, I3 and 23, all, however, being comprised within one tract. After leaving the farm and locating in Vandalia he turned his attention to dealing in grain, fruit and stock, and
conducted quite extensive operations in those lines of trade. He was
ever watchful of opportunities pointing to success and his diligence,
well formulated plans and unremitting attention to his business won
for him still further success. Within the last two or three years he has
given little attention to farming, simply supervising his landed interests,
for he has rented his farm. In connection with his other interests Mr.
Longsduff was a promoter of the creamery at Vandalia, and is president of the company. This has proved an important productive industry
of the community, furnishing an excellent market for farmers keeping a
large number of cows, and at the same time it has been a source of gratifying income to the stockholders.
On the 9th of February, 1851, was celebrated the marriage of Mr.
Longsduff and Miss Rachel S. Dodge, a daughter of Joseph and Ann
(DePuy) Dodge.    She was born in New York, near Baldwinsville,
and was about eight years of age when she came with her parents to
Michigan, the family home being established in Cass county. She has
thus spent the greater part of her life here, and to her husband she has
been a faithful companion and helpmate on life's journey, ably assisting him by her encouragement and also by her careful management of
the household affairs. Unto them was born a son, Charles D., who is
now deceased. He married Jennie MuIrine, and they had two daughters, Lucile and Georgiana, both of whom have been well educated in a
business way.




490


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Charles D. Longsduff, born January 27, I86I, died September 19,,1892, and. was. buried in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Cassopolis, Michigan.
The funeral was conducted by. the Masonic order and was one of the
largest ever held in the place, which was an evidence of the. high esteem
his life had merited, and in which he was held by the whole community.
'He was kind and obliging in all his business transactions with his
neighbors, a kind and indulgent father and husband, and is very much
missed by the whole community. At his death. he left. a wife, two
daughters and a host. of friends.
The daughter, Lucile, is well educated, having attended the Commercial College of South Bend, Indiana, and was there employed by
one of the responsible firms of the city. She is a fine pianist. Georgiana,
the second daughter, graduated in the Vandalia High School in the
class of I906, and was the leader of the class. She passed her teacher's
examination in the studies before she was eighteen years of age. It is
expected by her grandparents to fit her for the teacher's life. The grandparents took these little girls and have reared and educated them and
cared for them as if they were their own children.. Surely they have
fallen into good hands, when Grandfather and Grandmother Longsduff
have assumed the care and education of them.
George Longsduff is an earnest advocate of Democratic principles,
having supported the party since I840 and taking an active interest
in its work and progress. He has been called to various local offices,
serving as supervisor for two years, also as a member of the school
board and president of the village of Vandalia for about seven terms,
during which time he has given to the village a public spirited and practical administration, resulting beneficially along many lines.  He has
also been a member of the village board for many years, and throughout
his official service his course has been prompted by untiring devotion to
the welfare of his community. He has long been an active member of
the Masonic fraternity, with which he became identified in I8.52. He
is now the oldest living Mason initiated in Cass county, being the fourth
member received into the first lodge of the county. He acted as worshipful master of Vandalia lodge for thirteen years, and has been very
earnest and helpful in his work in connection with the craft. He became a charter member of the lodge at Vandalia, and both he and his
wife are members of the Order of the Eastern Star, in which Mrs.
Longsduff is now serving as chaplain, while Mr. Longsduff is its treasurer. She belongs to the Christian church, in which she is a very
active and helpful worker, and although not a member Mr. Longsduff
has contributed liberally to the support of the church and has been
active in all things pertaining to the good of the county. His residence
in Penn township covers fifty-seven years, and he has been identified
with the making of the county from an early epoch in its pioneer existence down to the present era of progress and prosperity. There was




HISTORY OF CASS: COUNTY


491


only one public road.-in the tQwnship; when he, located. here. He has
ever favored good rroads, good schools and in fact. all. interests that tend
to advance the material, intellectual, political, social and' moral welfare
of the community. In a review. of his life history is seen that he has
ever been busy and active, and upon the substantial qualities of perseverance and diligence he has placed his. dependence with good results.
JOHN LEWIS ROEBECK.
The farming interests find a worthy representative in John Lewis
Roebeck, who is living' on section 6, Milton township. 'He has here
one hundred and twenty acres of land that is arable and productive,
responding readily to the care and cultivation which he bestows upon it,
and he has made it a valuable property. Moreover his fidelity to the
public good is manifest in various offices which he has ably filled. A
native of Germany, he was born in the province of Posen on the I Ith of
December, I840. His father, John Roebeck, was also-a native of that
country and came to America about I873. His last days were spent
in Niles, Berrien county, Michigan, where he departed this life when
about sixty-five years of age. In early manhood he had married Anna
Kruger, who was also born in Germany and died in that country. There
were three children in the family, two daughters and a son.
John Lewis Roebeck, of this review, was reared in his native
country and attended the common schools until fourteen years of age
in accordance with the laws of that land. His youth was also given to
farm labor and when about twenty-five years of age he entered the employ of the government, being overseer of the government forest reserve until I87I. Thinking that he would have better advantages in
the new world and that business opportunities might more readily come
to him here, he sailed for the United States in 1871, first locating in
Michigan City, Indiana. He scorned no employment that would yield
him an honest living and began here by chopping wood. For six years
he remained in Michigan City, and then removed to Vandalia, Cass
county, Michigan, where he entered the employ of the Michigan Central
Railroad Company as a section hand, being thus engaged for three
years. He was then appointed night watchman at the handle factory
in Vandalia, occupying that position for two and a half years, after
which he purchased a farm in Penn township, comprising eighty acres
of land. He then located upon this farm, which he sold after two years,
at the end of which time he rented a farm in Calvin township. There
he continued to reside for about three years, when he went to Jefferson
township, where he again rented land, living on three different farms
in that township during a period of eight years. All this time he worked
energetically and persistently, and as the result of his earnest labor
and his industry he acquired the competence that enabled him to purchase
the farm upon which he now resides on section 6, Milton township.
Here he owns one hundred and twenty acres of land which has been




492


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


made arable and productive by reason of the cultivation which is bestowed upon it. Year after year he has worked hard in order to make
his farm a valuable property, and is now enjoying the fruits of his toil
in the ownership of richly cultivated fields which annually return to him
good harvests.
Mr. Roebeck was married in I862 to Miss Amelia Hanke, also a
native of the province of Posen, Germany. Unto this union have been
born ten children: Charles, at home; Anson, a farmer of Berrien
county; Frederick, at home; Hermann, of whom mention is later made;
Emma, at home; Bertha, the wife of Yust Reum, of Milton township;
Augusta, the wife of Wilhelm Reum, of Milton township; Minnie, the
wife of Edward Geidemann, who is living in Niles; Hattie, at home;
and Catherine, who is engaged in teaching. The family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death, and five of the children were born.
in Cass county. Hermann Roebeck, who was born in Penn township,
January 6, I878, took an active part in politics and was elected recorder
of deeds in I9oo. Ile held the office for four years, having been reelected in 1902. He was township clerk of Milton township at the time
he was chosen to the county office, and at all times he has been found
faithful and loyal to the trust reposed in him. For one term he was
school inspector. In the spring of I906 he was elected supervisor of
Milton township on the Democratic ticket. He now resides in Milton
township, although he was engaged in the real estate business in Niles,
Michigan. Fraternally he is connected with the Elks lodge at Dowagiac.
John L. Roebeck exercises his right of franchise in support of the
men and measures of the Democracy, and has been called upon to fill
a number of public positions by those of his fellow townsmen who
recognize in him a trustworthy and progressive citizen. He has been
justice of the peace for two terms and his decisions were fair and impartial. He was highway commissioner for one term and is now a member of the board of review. Mr. Roebeck has a wide and favorable acquaintance in this county and with pleasure we present the history of
his life to the readers of this volume.
JOHN MARCKLE.
John Marckle, one of the leading and energetic farmers of Milton
township, who resides on section 20, was born in Stark county, Ohio,
December 25, 184L. His father, Peter Marckle, was a native of Germany, where he was reared and educated. He came to America prior
to his marriage and in Ohio was joined in wedlock to Miss Catharine
Klein, who died during the early boyhood of her son John. There
were three children in the family, of whom Mr. Marckle, of this review,
is the second child and eldest son.
He was only six years of age when he accompanied his father on
the removal from Ohio to Indiana, locating in St. Joseph county, where




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


498


he continued until about twenty years of age. No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for him in his boyhood days, as he worked in field and meadow during the greater part
of the year, and in the winter seasons attended school. He then came
to Cass county, Michigan, making his way to Milton township, where
he worked by the month as a farm hand until after the inauguration
of the Civil war. He then enlisted for service in the Union army in
I862 as a member of Company F, Twelfth Michigan Volunteer Infantry. He joined the army as a private, but after about six months
was promoted to second sergeant and carried the colors for two years.
He was in the battles of Shiloh, Iuka, Hatch's Run and many others,
including the engagements at Vicksburg, Mechanicsburg and Little
Rock, Arkansas.  He reported every day for duty and was always
faithful to the call made upon him for any service that contributed to
the interests of the army and thus led to the final result which crowned
the Union arms.   He was more than four years in- active service,
having enlisted on the 22d of February, I862, while on the 6th of
March, i866, he was honorably discharged..He proved a brave and
loyal soldier on many a southern battlefield and participated in the
grand review in Washington, D. C., where the victorious Union troops
marched through the streets of the city and passed the reviewing stand
where they were cheered by the president and other distinguished men
of the nation as well as by thousands of northern people who rejoiced
that the war was over and that so many soldiers had been spared.
When the country no longer needed his aid Mr. Marckle returned
to Cass county and bought the farm upon which he now resides. He
has added to this place until he has two hundred and six acres of land
which is well improved. By following the rotation of crops and carefully cultivating his fields he has made his farm very productive, and
the rich land returns to him a gratifying annual income from the sale
of his harvests.
Mr. Marckle was married in 1867 to Miss Elizabeth Landgraf,
a native of Germany and a daughter of Michael Landgraf, who was
also born in that country. This union has been blessed with two
children, a son and a daughter, Flora, who is now the widow of Charles
W. Zeitter. Mr. Marckle has always taken an active interest in public
affairs and does everything in his power to promote the best interests
of the community, displaying the same loyalty which he manifested when
he followed the old flag on southern battlefields. He has always voted
with the Democracy and is firm in support of his honest convictions.
He believes that the principles of that party contain the best elements
of good government, and he has -never wavered in his allegiance thereto.
He has been justice of the peace and township treasurer and has held
all of the school offices. He served as highway commissioner in an early
day and is interested in every movement that pertains to the upbuilding
of the schools, the improvement of the roads or the substantial devel



494


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


opment of the county in any direction. He was also a member of the
grand jury in I905. In a review of his life work we note many salient
characteristics which are most commendable. Without extraordinary
family or pecuniary advantages at the outset of his career he has labored
energetically and persistently year after year. He started out when
a poor boy, having no capital save his strong determination and willing
hands. These qualities have constituted the basis of his success, and as
the architect of his own fortunes he has builded wisely and well.
GEORGE W. SMITH.
'In a history devoted to the early settlers and the men who in later
years have been factors in the substantial growth, progress and upbuilding of Cass county, mention should be made of George W. Smith, who
at an early day in the development of this part of the state took up his
abode in Cass county. He now resides on section I6, Milton township,
where he has good farming interests, owning and operating one hundred and sixty acres of land, which constitutes a neat and well kept
farm. He was born in Kent county, Delaware, January Io, I83I. His
father, Manlove Smith, was also a native of that state, and was there
reared, married, lived and died, passing away when about sixty years
of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary M. McKnett,
was a native of Delaware, and died when about fifty-eight years of age.
In their family were seven children, of whom two passed away in
infancy, while five reached manhood or womanhood. Only one daughter
is 'now living.
Mr. Smith is the youngest of this family'and was only two years
old when his father died, and a little lad of but six summers at the time
of his mother's death. 'Thus left an orphan he was reared by his eldest
brother, with whom he remained to the age of sixteen years on the old
family homestead in the east. He then started out in life for himself
and whatever success he has achieved is attributable entirely to his own
enterprise and labors. He worked as a farm hand by the month or day
and to some extent was employed in a store owned by his brother at
Greenville, Delaware. The opportunities of the new and growing west,
however, attracted him, and he resolved to seek his fortune in Michigan.  Accordingly he made his way to this state in I854, settling
in Cass county, and for more than a half century he has resided here,
being actively connected with its farming interests to the benefit of the
county and to the promotion of his own individual resources.
As a companion and helpmate for life's journey Mr. Smith chose
Miss Josephine B. Powell, to whom he was married on the I6th of
December, I856, her parents being Thomas and Mariam   (Bowman)
Powell, who were also natives of Kent county, Delaware. They came
to Cass county in I834, locating in Milton township, when there were
few settlers in this part of the state. All around them was wild and




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


4t95


unimproved.  The timber was uncut and the land uncultivated, but
they cast in their lot with the early settlers and aided in reclaiming this
district for the uses of civilization. Mrs. Smith was less than a year
old when brought by her parents to Milton township, and has always
resided in this county.
At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Smith located on the
old family homestead in Milton township, where they remained fot
about four years, when they took up their abode upon the farm where
Mr. Smith now resides. Here he has lived for forty-six years and the
splendid appearance of the place with its well tilled fields, good buildings and modern accessories, is indicative of the practical and enterprising spirit of the owner.
As the years went by six children were born unto Mr. and Mrs.
Smith: Truman M., who is now living in Houston, Texas; Thomas F.,
at home; Redora M., the wife of Arza G. Griffin, who resides in Aurora,
Illinois; William C., who married Pearl Clark and is living in Granger,
Indiana; Robert G., deceased, and Clarence P., who married Miss Gertrude Abbott and is living in Milton township. All were born in Milton
township, Cass county.
Mr. Smith has been a lifelong farmer and is now the owner of
one hundred and sixty acres, constituting a well improved farm. He
started out in life on his own account empty-handed, but has worked
earnestly and persistently, and as the years have gone by has achieved
both success and an honored name. He has been identified with the
county from its early history, and while carrying on his individual business pursuits has at the same time promoted public progress along lines
of substantial advancement. He has taken an active and helpful interest
in matters pertaining to the general welfare, and for many years has
supported the Republican party. For about sixty years he and his wife
have been members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has
held all of the offices, taking an active part in its work and doing all in
his power to promote its influence and growth. He has been true to
its teachings, and his close adherence to its. principles has made his life
an upright and honorable one. He has been straightforward in his
business dealings, considerate of the rights of others and true to high
and manly principles, and as one of the early settlers and successful
farmers of the county he certainly deserves mention in this volume.
WILLIAM E. PARSONS.
William E. Parsons, prominent among the old settlers of Cass
county, his home being on section 23, Milton township, has for more
than a half century resided in this part of the state. He has seen the
country develop from a wild region with only a few white inhabitants
to a rich agricultural district containing thousands of good homes and
acres of growing towns inhabited by an industrious, prosperous, en



496


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


lightened and progressive people.  He, too, has participated in and
assisted the slow, persistent work of development which was necessary
to produce a change that is so complete that the county of today bears
scarcely any resemblance to the district in which he spent his boyhood
days.
Mr. Parsons is, however, a native of Milton township, born January. 18, I85. His father, Benjamin Parsons, was a native of Delaware and came to Cass county, Michigan, about 1845, settling in Milton
township. He died when forty-five years of age and was long survived
by his wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Abbott and was a native of Delaware.  Her death occurred in Milton township in I892,
when she had reached the age of sixty-five years.  They were the
parents of seven children, one of whom died in infancy, while all the
others reached manhood or womanhood and are still living.
William E. Parsons is the second child of the family and was
reared in the usual manner of farm lads, no event of special importance
occurring to vary the routine of farm labor and school work in his
youth. He attended the common district schools, thus acquiring a good
practical education, and he has always followed the occupation to, which
he was reared, engaging in general farming. He has also carried on
threshing for about twenty-five years in this county, and has thus become well known here.
Mr. Parsons has taken an active and helpful interest in public
affairs, his progressive citizenship standing as an unquestioned fact in
his career. He votes with the Democracy and has held many offices in
his township. He was treasurer for two years and supervisor for six
years, being elected to the latter office for several terms. His entire
life has been passed in this county and he is closely indentified with
its farming interests.  He now owns ninety-two acres of good land
on section 23, Milton township, and has brought his farm under a high
state of cultivation, adding to it modern equipments and so developing
the fields that he now annually harvests rich crops.
JOHN H. YOUNG.
John H. Young, residing on section 9, Milton township, and now
filling the position-of township treasurer, was born in St. Joseph county,
Indiana, September 2, I86I. His father, Jacob Young, was a native of
Germany and was brought to America when only nine years of age.
the family home being established in Ohio. There he was reared to
the age of sixteen years, when he removed to Indiana with his parents,
George and Catharine Young, who located in St. Joseph county, being
among the early families of that part of the state. Having arrived at
years of maturity Jacob Young- was married there to Miss Catharine
Cocher, who was born in Pennsylvania but was reared in St. Joseph
county, Indiana, where her people located upon a farm. Mrs. Young




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


4'37


passed away in October, 1903, but Jacob Young is still living. There
were three children in the family:  Millie, now the wife of Frank
Kieffer, of South Bend, Indiana; John H., of this review, and Kittie,
who is the wife of William Reaves, of South Bend, Indiana.
John H. Young, the only son of the family, was reared in the
county of his nativity, and pursued his education in the Harrison
Prairie schools. He remained at home until twenty-eight years of age,
assisting in the work of the farm, and the knowledge thus gained of
the practical methods of tilling the soil and cultivating the fields enabled
him to successfully carry on general farming when he secured a home
of his own.
Mr. Young was married in I889 to Miss Cora Butts, a daughter
of Mrs. Mary J. Butts, of Milton township, Cass county, in which
locality Mrs. Young was born. Mr. Young has been a resident of Milton township for sixteen years, and has been active and influential. in
public affairs. He is a stanch supporter of the Democracy, holding
office for a number of years. He was elected township treasurer in 1905
and has acted in other local positions. He was also elected highway
commissioner but refused to qualify. No public trust reposed in him
has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree, for he is ever loyal to
the general good and puts forth his best efforts for the welfare and upbuilding of the community.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Young have been born two children, Charlie
and Lloyd. The family home is on a farm of one hundred and seventy
acres, all of which Mr. Young cultivates, giving his attention to general
agricultural pursuits. In tilling the soil he has followed practical methods and has secured excellent results, and he annually gathers golden
harvests as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon his
place. Socially he is connected with the Knights of the Maccabees and
with the Masons. He is also a member of the Methodist church, and
these membership relations indicate the character of the man and the
principles which govern his conduct and are manifest in his daily lifeprinciples which in every land and clime command respect and awaken
confidence.
LEWIS C. VAN ANTWERP.
Lewis C. Van Antwerp, who is conducting a meat market in Edwardsburg, was born in Ontwa township, May IO, I856. His father,
Simon Van Antwerp, was a native of New York and became one of
the pioneer settlers of Cass county, Michigan, his youth, however,
being passed in the Empire state, further mention of whom is made
in connection with the sketch of G. H. Redfield on another page of this
work.
Upon the old home farm in Ontwa township Lewis C. Van Antwerp spent the first four years of his life. His father then removed
to South Bend, Indiana, where his death occurred when the son Lewis




498


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


was but eleven years of age. The latter afterward returned to Ontwa
township and has since been a resident of Cass county. He devoted his
time and energies to agricultural pursuits between the ages of eleven and
thirty-six years, and also engaged in operating a threshing machine in
his early manhood. About the time he attained his majority he rented
land from George Redfield and was engaged in farming for several
years. Later he removed to Mason township, where he rented another
farm of Mr. Redfield. When his financial resources made other purchase
possible he added five acres from Mrs. Joy, and then twenty-six acres
of land to the other tract, buying the latter of George Ketchum. All
of this was wild and unimproved, but he cleared and cultivated it,
transforming it into productive fields. As the years went by his labors
brought to him a good financial return and his farm work resulted in
the improvement of a splendid property. He resided thereon until I892,
when he removed to Cassopolis, where he embarked in the butchering
business, continuing in the trade there for seven years. In I899 he
came to Edwardsburg, where he again opened a meat market, and has
since been identified with the business interests of the city in this way.
Mr. Van Antwerp was married in I883 to Miss Bertha L. Schutt,
a daughter of A. S. and Lydia Schutt, and a native of Noble county,
Indiana, born July 7, I858. She resided there with her parents until
about ten years of age when, in I868, the family removed to Elkhart
county, Indiana, where Mrs. Van Antwerp lived until she reached
womanhood.   She has become the mother of two children:   Blenn,
who was born in Mason township, April Ig, I885, and Harmon, born
in Cassopolis, December 9, I898. The elder was graduated from the
high school of Edwardsburg.
Mr. Van Antwerp is a Republican and a member of the Woodmen
camp at Edwardsburg. He has little desire for public office, preferring
to give his attention to his business affairs, and whatever success he has
attained is attributable to his close application, earnest purpose and
honorable methods.
E. F. LEWIS.
E. F. Lewis, who for many years was engaged actively in farm
work, but who now rents his land and makes his home in Vandalia,
where he took up his abode about I898, has been associated with events
which have molded the pioneer history of the county and have contributed to its later development. He is one of the older native sons of
Cass county, his birth having occurred in Newberg township on the
8th of November, 1847. His father, J. W. Lewis, was a native of New
York, in which state he was reared, but was married in Ohio, the
wedding taking place in Medina county, where he won the hand of Miss
Emily Ferguson, a native of that county. In the year I8'40 they came
to Cass county, Michigan, and settled in Newberg township, where
their remaining days were passed. Both had died at a comparatively




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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


499


early age, the father in his forty-fifth year, while the mother was about
thirty-six years of age at the time of her demise. In their family were
five sons: Francis S., who, enlisting for service in the Civil war as a
defender of the Union in the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, Company
I, gave his life for his country at the battle of Stone River in I863;
James H., who also died at the battle of Stone River while serving as
a member of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, to which his brother also
belonged; E. F., of this review; Misael B., now living in St. Joseph
county, Michigan; and Charles E., who maintains his residence in
Pennsylvania.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of
farm life for E. F. Lewis in his boyhood days. He was reared in his
native township and attended the common schools, his time being divided
between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the play-ground
and the work of the home farm. However, in I864, he responded to
his country's call for aid. His two elder brothers had become soldiers
and had given their lives in defense of the Union in the previous year,
and E. F. Lewis, although only sixteen years of age, thrilled with the
spirit of patriotism, offered his aid to his country, being enrolled with
the boys in blue of Company H, Nineteenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, as a private. He served until the close of the war, took part in
the battle of Savannah, and went with Sherman on the celebrated march
to the sea, and through the Carolina campaign. Although he enlisted
during the latter part of the struggle he tasted fully the fortunes and
experiences of war, and all of the hardships meted out to the soldier.
Following the fall of Richmond and the surrender of Lee he took part
in the grand review in Washington, D. C., where the victorious Union
army marched past the stand upon which the president viewed the
troops. It was a glad day for the soldiers, knowing that this meant the
close of their military service, which had been long and arduous, and
that it also meant that victory had perched upon the Union arms and
that the country was not to be dismembered, to the dissatisfaction of the
south. Mr. 'Lewis received his honorable discharge at Detroit. Michigan, and was mustered out at Washington.
Not long after he was again at his work in the fields in Newberg
township, being employed for some time as a farm hand by the month.
He also engaged in grubbing stumps and any other work necessary for
clearing and improving the land. In I868 he married Miss Narcissus
T. Pemberton, a daughter of R. S. and Margaret (Miller) Pemberton.
Reason S. Pemberton died at his son's residence in Marcellus,
April 27, I896. after a long and painful sickness, aged seventy-four
years, one month and four days. He was born in Wayne county, Ohio,
March 23, 1822, and came to Cass county, Michigan, in 1836, with his
uncle, Joseph Pemberton, with whom he made his home, having been
left motherless when very young. Like a great many of the early




500


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


pioneers, his advantages for getting an education were very poor, and
young Reason, like many a poor boy of those days, began to use the
axe, the tool that has felled the forests of Michigan, converting the land
into vast fields for the present generation. Notwithstanding the meager
chanches for obtaining an education, he always had a strong desire for
learning. Having gained a copy of that important factor in pioneer education, Webster's elementary spelling book, he soon learned to read and
spell. That, with the Testament and a few books he borrowed, constituted
young Reason's library, which he read and studied by the hight of' the
fireplace.  Three months of schooling in an old log schoolhouse in
Indiana, where he had gone from Michigan, completed his early education, during which time he put in good work learning to "cipher."
After having taught a few terms of school he was married, in I840, to
Margaret Miller, a German girl of thrifty parentage, and with his wife
returned to Michigan, where they made their home and lived until
the death of Mrs. Pemberton in I885, at the age of sixty-four years.
The hardships and trials of this couple were like those of all pioneers.
The log cabin, with its fireplace, the small piece of cleared land, surrounded by the deep tangled wildwood, with its deer, its wolves and its
Indians, were all well known to the early pioneers. Twelve children
were born to' this couple, seven of whom are now living, and all were
present at the time of his death but one, Mrs. J. A. Powell, living in
Oklahoma.   Mr. Pemberton and his wife united with the Christian
church at Vandalia during the early days of its organization. In I855
he became a charter member of the Vandalia F. & A. M., in which
organization he remained an active and faithful member till death. He
has held, during his career, all the township offices, from supervisor
down to constable, and for over twenty years held the important position of justice of the peace. "Uncle Reas," as he was known, had a
remarkable memory for retaining dates and events and reproducing
them with clearness. In his official capacity he was frequently consulted
in matters pertaining to law, and although only self-taught on the subject, his opinions on such matters have been a guide to a great many
people. Being a life-long Democrat, he subscribed for and donated to
the National Democrat during its early struggles for existence, and the
paper was always a welcome weekly -visitor, furnishing the literary
matter for the family.
The funeral services were held at the Christian church in Vandalia,
conducted by Rev. George Barrows, and attended by a large number of
relatives and friends. The F. & A. M. organizations of Marcellus and
Vandalia, with visiting members from Cassopolis and Dowagiac, attended in a body, and with the ceremonies of their order interred the
remains in the Vandalia cemetery, there to await the resurrection morn.
In his death was lost an honored and respected neighbor, brother and
father.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


501


Wisdom and love have ordered all the past,
All shall be blessedness and joy at last;
Cast off the cares that have so long oppressed,
Rest, sweetly rest.
Margaret Pemberton, wife of R. S. Pemberton, Sr., died at her
residence in Vandalia, after a short illness. She was the daughter of
Jacob and Barbara Miller, and was born in the German state of Hesse
Darmstadt, March 10, 182I.  In I832 she came with her parents to
America, and the family (father, mother and six children), settled
near Fredericksburg, Maryland, where they lived until 1836, when they
emigrated to near Cadiz, Henry county, Indiana, where her parents
commenced the laborious task of making a farm in the wilderness, in
the work of which she bore no small part. In I840 she was married to
R. S. Pemberton, and in I842 she came with her husband to Penn township, Cass county, Michigan, where she continued to live until her death.
After their arrival in Michigan they moved from place to place for a
time, but in I847, they bought land a short distance northeast of this
village and began in earnest the experience'of the trials and vexations,
the joys and freedom of pioneer life. They continued to live on the
farm until 1877, when they moved to this village, where they afterward resided. She was the type of a class of pioneers that are fast
passing away. She was the mother of twelve children, seven of whom
are now living, and excepting one (Barbara), were with her in her
last sickness. Traits of character-a cheerful disposition to do the work
which fell to her lot, unceasing care for her family, active sympathy for
those in affliction-these she possessed to a high degree. The funeral
was held at the Disciple church, of which denomination she was a member for forty years, having obeyed the gospel under the ministration of
Ruben Wilson in I845. The burial took place at the graveyard near
the village, Elder Brown officiating.
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis began their domestic life upon a farm which
he had purchased in Newberg township, and there he carried on general
agricultural pursuits for about three years, after which he engaged in
digging wells, giving about fifteen years of his time to that business.
He then began following the more advanced methods of driving wells,
and he has also engaged in farming in Penn township. He bought
the property that he now owns about 1875, and he lived upon the place
until I890. He now enjoys a well earned rest in Vandalia, where in
I898 he erected one of the finest residences of the village. He rents
his farm and is practically retired from active business, although he is
now one of the trustees and stockholders of the Vandalia creamery.
He also loans money and in this has been quite successful.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have been born a son and three daughters: Frank B., born August 12, I870, who is now engaged in drilling
wells in Cass county; and Fancheon D., born October i, I885, is the




502


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


wife of William D. Kimmick, who is living upon the old homestead.
Two daughters are deceased, Birta M., born April I8, I874, and died
May IO, 1874; and Vadie E., born August 7, I876, and died June 28,
I8179. The parents are members of the Christian church, taking an active part in its work and contributing generously to its support. Mr.
Lewis has been a life-long resident of Cass county, and has rejoiced in
the fact that this county has won a place among the leading counties of
the great commonwealth. The result is due to the aggregate endeavor
of its many public spirited, energetic and enterprising citizens, in which
class he belongs. In politics he is an earnest and unfaltering Republican, and his fellow townsmen have called him to various offices. He
acted as supervisor of Penn township for four terms and he is now president of the village of Vandalia, serving for the second term in that
position, giving to the city an administration that is characterized by
the utmost devotion to the general good and by practical and progressive
methods for the benefit of the town. He belongs to the Grand Army
of the Republic at Jones, Michigan, W. J. Maple Post, and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades.  Indolence and
idleness have ever been utterly foreign to his nature, and whatever
work he has undertaken, whether in his private business life or in behalf of the community, has been characterized by close application and
an unfaltering purpose that has enabled him to carry forward to successful completion the task that has claimed his time and energies.
ALLISON D. THOMPSON.
Allison D. Thompson is numbered among the old settlers of Cass
county and makes his home on section I6, Milton township, where for
a long period he has carried on general agricultural pursuits. He has
attained the age of seventy-three years, his birth having occurred in
Delaware, June 25, I833. His father, Shelley Thompson, was also a
native of Delaware, and in the year I836 sought a home in the middle
west, settling in Milton township, Cass county, Michigan, where he
took up land from the government, for at that time much of this
portion of the state was still unclaimed by settlers or speculators. The
virgin forests stood in their primeval strength, the streams were unbridged and the land uncultivated. Shelley Thompson became one of
the pioneers of Cass county and was closely identified with its early
history as it was reclaimed for the uses of civilization, and its wild land
was transformed into productive fields.
Allison D. Thompson was but three years of age at the time of
his parents' removal to the middle west, and was reared upon the old
homestead in Milton township. The mode of life at that day was very
different, for pioneer conditions existed on all hands, and invention had
not brought about the revolution in methods of farm life that is now
familiar. His education was acquired in one of the old log school




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


houses common to that day, and he shared with the family in the hardships of frontier life, assisting in the strenuous task of developing a new
farm.  He has always remained a resident of Cass county, and the
changes which have occurred and the events which have wrought its
history have left their impress upon his memory, so that he is well informed concerning the county's development and progress.  He has
been married twice, his first union being with Miss Julia Adams, by
whom he had two children, a son and daughter. The latter is Mrs.
Belle Parvis, of South Bend, Indiana, and the son, Jesse, is now deceased. For his second wife, Mr. Thompson chose Mary E. Parvis,
whom he wedded in r870. She was born in Delaware, February 23,
I849, and is a daughter of Solomon and Ellen (Fowler) Parvis, who
came to Berrien county, Michigan, in I8.6o.
For two years after his first marriage Mr. Thompson was a resident of Howard township, and for twelve years lived in Pokagon township, where he was engaged in farming, but the greater part of his life
has been spent in Milton township and he is well known as one of its
leading settlers and representative agriculturists.  Unto him and his
wife have been born four children: Bertha, who is now the wife of
Bert Kizer, of Niles, Michigan; Arthur, who was born in Berrien
county, Michigan, where the parents lived for about two years, his
natal day being December 3, I874. He was reared, however, in Milton
township, Cass county, and was educated in the district schools of that
township and of Pokagon township. He was married on the I6th of
May, I895, to Miss Mary E. Reid, a daughter of Alexander and Emma
(Dupert) Reid. There is one child of this marriage who is yet living,
Helen May. Two children of Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Thompson are deceased. Arthur Thompson is now looking after the interests of the
home farm, which comprises one hundred and fifty-nine acres of rich
land. It is under a high state of cultivation and is improved with many
modern equipments and accessories.
Mr. Thompson, of this review, is a member of the Gleaners and his
political allegiance is given to the Democracy. He has a very wide
and favorable acquaintance in Cass county, and through the years of
his residence here has so lived as to win and merit the esteem and
good will of all with whom he has been associated. He carried on'
farming actively for a long period and has now given over the supervision of his farm to his son, while he is leading a more quiet life, his
rest being well merited because of his activity in former years.
HENRY ANDIRUS.
Henry Andrus, editor of the Edwardsburg Argus and a prominent
temperance worker of Michigan, was born in Waterloo township, Lyon
county, Kansas, near the town of Wilmington, on the 26th of October,
I86I. His paternal grandfather, Hazzard Andrus, was a native of




504


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Kings county, New York, born October 3, I788, and in I835 came to
Michigan with his family. He had been married in the Empire state
in I824 to Miss Fannie Bishop, and they were the parents of nine
children, five of whom are deceased. The living are: James H., of
Edwardsburg; Mrs. Porter Lybarker, of Mason township, Cass county;
Nelson, of Dayton, Washington; and Riley, who is living at Dayton,
Oregon. The grandparents remained residents of Edwardsburg until
called to their final rest, Hazzard Andrus passing away on the 3d of
March, I862, while his wife, long surviving him, died January 29, I894.
James H. Andrus, father of our subject, was born in Ontwa township, at the north bank of Eagle lake, July 30, 1837, and remained a
resident of this township until I86o, when he went to Kansas, where
he was married on the 7th of October of that year to Miss Cylinda M.
Haring, a daughter of Henry and Nancy Haring, who had also removed
from Cass county to Kansas in that year. In I862 Mr. Andrus returned
with his family to Michigan, and in the course of years there were born
unto him and his wife four children, three sons and a daughter. The
latter, Cora M., died July 2, I877. Those still living are: Henry;
William Riley, of Michigan City, Indiana.; and George S., of LaCrosse,
Wisconsin. The mother, who was a native of New York, born December 9, I840, was but two years of age when brought by her parents'
to Michigan, the HIaring family being established in Mason township.
Her death occurred October 4, 1903.
James H. nMdrus enlisted in Company L, Second Michigan Cavalry
Volunteers, in I864, and served till the close of hostilities, when he
received his honorable discharge and returned to don the civilian's garb.
Henry Andrus was brought by his parents to Cass county in I862,
the family horne.being established in Edwardsburg, but after a short
time a removal was made to Mason township, and later to Calvin township. In the year I869, however, the family returned to Edwardsburg.
Henry Andrus attended the district schools of Mason and Calvin townships, and following the removal to Edwardsburg continued his education in the high school of this city. At the age of eighteen years he
began working in the office of the Edwardsburg Argus, then published
by John B. Sweetland, and remained in the employ of that gentleman
for nearly twenty years, or until the death of Dr. Sweetland on the Igth
of February, I899. He then purchased the printing office of the heirs
and has continued the publication of the paper to the present time. He
is a well know newspaper man and his journal has a wide circulation,
which makes it as well a good advertising medium. He therefore receives a good patronage in that direction, and the Argus has proved a
profitable investment.
Mr. Andrus is widely known as a leading Prohibitionist of Michigan. Throughout his entire life he has been a strong advocate of the
temperance cause, and since attaining his majority has given his ballot
for the support of the party that embodies his views on this question.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


50b


In 1896 he received the Prohibition nomination for lieutenant governor,
and in 1898 was honored by his party with the nomination for auditor
general, while in I902 he was a candidate for representative to the state
legislature. He is now serving as a member of the board of education
of Edwardsburg and for twelve years has held the position of director.
Through the columns of his paper, and individually as well, he has
co-operated in many movements for the general good, and is the champion of every plan formulated and measure instituted for the development of his city along the lines of material, individual and moral
progress.
On the 3Ist of December, I8812, Mr. Andrus was united in marriage
to Miss Ida E. Kitchen, a native of Columbia county, Pennsylvania, and
a daughter of Nelson and Subrina (Eves) Kitchen, who removed with
their family to Cass county in the spring of 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Andrus
have become the parents of two sons: George R., born October 13,
I883, and Charles H., born June 14, I894.
GEORGE HAMMOND REDFIELD.
George Hammond Redfield, who follows farming and also operates a cream separator business at Edwardsburg, is a native of Ontwa
township, born August 21, I855, and in the years of an active manhood
has made a creditable business record. His father, George Redfield,
was a native of Connecticut, born October 6, I796, and in I8oo went
with his parents to Ontario county, New York, where he was reared
and acquired his education. His youth was spent upon a farm about
three miles from Clifton Springs, New York, the famous hospital resort.
In 1825 and 1826 he engaged in teaching school in Milledgeville,
Georgia, which wa. then in the heart of the slave country. He afterward returned to his father's farm and aided in its further development
and improvement up to the time of his marriage, which was celebrated
in Ontario county, New York, on the 9th of January, 1835, the lady of
his choice being Miss Julia Mason, of Palmyra, New York. They became the parents of three children, Ann Maria, Julia and Louis. H., deceased. Coming to the west, they settled in Ontwa township, Cass county,
Michigan, in 1835, and in August, 1848, George Redfield was called
upon to mourn the loss of his wife. In September, I85I, he was again
married, his second union being with Jane E. Hammond, a daughter of
Judge Hammond, of Essex county, New York. She was reared and
-educated in the Empire state and her death occurred in I865. By this
marriage there was one son and three daughters, the eldest being George
Hammond, of this review. His sisters are: Bertha, now the wife of
H. E. Bucklen, of Chicago; Myra J., the wife of W. C. Hewitt, a professor in the State Normal School at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and the
author of a work on political science; and Abby, deceased at the age of
twenty-six. All of the children of the second marriage were born in
Cass county.




506


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


On coming to Michigan George Redfield, Sr., took up his abode
upon a farm, purchasing eight hundred and four acres of raw land
from the government. lie cultivated this tract, which was located in
the southeastern part of Ontwa township, and in the development of this
property contributed largely toward the substantial improvement of the
county. His attention was given to agricultural pursuits until his death,
which occurred October 31, 1887. He was a lifelong Democrat, and
in early life took an active part in politics. In 1841 he was elected representative to the state legislature, and in I842 and I843 served as
state senator. He was also presidential elector in 1844 and in I845 he
was appointed state treasurer by Governor Barry.  In I850 he was
appointed secretary of state, and.he was a member of the convention
that framed the constitution of Michigan. Thus he was most active in
public life, and left the impress of his individuality for good upon the
measures which have formed the political history of the state. He had
a very wide and favorable acquaintance among the distinguished citizens of Michigan, and his name is engraved high on the roll of her
honored men.
George H-amnond Redfield was reared upon the old farm homestead, whlere he remained until I873, when he became active in the operation of his father's grist mill in Jefferson township, there residing until
1878. He then removed to Mason township, locating on a farm which
he received from his father, comprising one hundred and sixty acres,
which at that time was partially improved.
Mr. Redfield had been married on the I8th of July, I875, to Miss
Julia A. Van Antwerp, a native of Ontwa township, born December i8,
I85T, and a daughter of Simon and Louisa (Hewitt) Van Antwerp.
The latter was a daughter of Dethic Hewitt, one of the honored pioneer
residents of Cass county, who made his home in Edwardsburg and for
forty years filled the office of justice of the peace. Simon Van Antwerp, father of Mrs. Redfield, was a native of the Genesee valley, New
York, and his wife was born in Pennsylvania. They became pioneer
residents of Cass county and the present home of Mr. and Mrs. Redfield
is the house in which they ate their first meal after arriving in this
county. Mr. Van Antwerp was a Republican and throughout his active
business career carried on agricultural pursuits, but at the age of fiftyfour years retired from farming and removed to South Bend, Indiana,
where he remained until his death, which occurred in I866, when he was
sixty-one years of age. They were the parents of six children, two sons
and four daughters, of whom Mrs. Redfield was the third in order of
birth. The others were: Lynn; Elber, who died in infancy; Louis;
Daniel; and Lucy. All were born in Cass county. Mr. Van Antwerp
was twice married, his first union being with Nancy Halsted, a native
of New York, whom he wedded in Scotchville, New York. They were
the parents of three children: Louisa; Jonas, deceased; and Elsie. The
wife and mother died in Calhoun county, near Marshall, Michigan, and




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


507


later Mr. Van Antwerp married Louisa Hewitt, who became the mother
of Mrs. Redfield.
Following his marriage Mr. Redfield settled in Jefferson township, where he lived for three years. and then removed to Mason township, where he made his home until 1904, when he took up his abode in
Edwardsburg. He has led a most busy and useful life, winning sucsuccess as a farmer by the capable manner in which he has cultivated his
fields and cared for his crops. He has also operated a creamery, and
both branches of his business have proved profitable.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Redfield have been born two sons, but Louis
Harold, born August I8, I877, died on the Ioth of December, I88I.
The surviving son, George Russell, was born January 8, I89I, on the
old homestead farm in Mason township. Mr. Redfield has never faltered in his allegiance to the Democracy, supporting that party since age
gave to him the right of franchise. He was justice of the peace in Mason township for twenty-two years, was township clerk for six years
and was also township treasurer. He has also been a member of the
township board, has taken a most active interest in politics, has proved
a capable officer and has done everything in his power to promote the
growth and insure the success of his party. He belongs to the Knights
of Pythias lodge at Bristol, Indiana, and to the Maccabees tent at Union, Michigan, and to the Michigan State Grange, and his wife also
holds membership relations with the last two. Mr. Redfield is a worthy
and prominent representative of an honored pioneer family and has
carried forward the work which was instituted by his father, becoming
through the careful direction of his business interests one of the substantial citizens of this part of the state.
ALFRED STOCKLEY.
In a review of the history of the county back to pioneer times it
will be found that Alfred Shockley was a resident here in the early days
and he now makes his home on section 9, Milton township, where he has
a good farming property. He has passed the seventy-seventh milestone
on life's journey, his birth having occurred in Sussex county, Delaware, on the I7th of June, 1829. His father, Littleton Shockley, was a
native of Maryland, where he was reared. By occupation he was a
farmer, thus providing for his family. In the year I833, he came westward to Michigan, settling in Milton township, Cass county, where he
took up land from the government. Michigan was still under territorial
rule, and there were more Indians than white people in the state. The
greater part of the land was still unclaimed and the work of improvement and development had scarcely been begun.  At long distances
could be seen a pioneer cabin to show that an attempt was made to claim
the district for the uses of civilization. Mr. Shockley cast in his lot with
the early settlers and shared in the arduous task of reclaiming the re



b08


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


gion and developing a new farm. When quite young he was left an
orphan and he lost all trace of his people, so that little is known concerning the ancestral history of the family. His death occurred in the
8'os, and tius passed away one of the worthy pioneer settlers of the
community. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Emily Messick,
was a native of Delaware and was there reared. She, too, reached an
advanced. age, passing away in her eighty-second year. There were
eight children in the family, four of whom reached adult age.
Alfred Shockley was the sixth in order of birth and was a little
lad of five summers when brought to Cass county, Michigan, by his
parents. He was reared in Milton township and early became familiar
with the experiences of pioneer life. The family had removed from
Delaware to Richmond, Indiana, when he was only a year old, and in
1833 they came to Cass county, since which time the family name has
figured in the records of this part of the state and has been a synonym
for good citizenship and for progressiveness. The Indians were numerous in this section of the state during his boyhood days and he has many
times seen wigwams and has had in his possession various things made
by the Indians. He came to know much of their manners and customs
of living and in course of time saw them supplanted by the white race,
while they sought reservations farther west. His education was acquired
in one of the old-time log school houses, in which the methods of teaching were primitive, as were the furnishings of the little building. He
assisted on the farm when he became old enough and remained upon the
home place until his father died. On the I6th of September, I86i, in
response to the country's call for aid, Mr. Shockley offered his services
and was enrolled as a member of Company L, Second Michigan Cavalry. He served as a private until August, I865, having re-enlisted in
the same company in I862, continuing with the command until after
the cessation of hostilities. He was offered a promotion but would not
accept it, content to do his duty in the ranks. He drove a team most of
the time and was with the Army of the Cumberland.
After receiving his final discharge at Jackson, Michigan, Mr.
Shockley returned to his old home in Milton township, Cass county, and
engaged in general farming on the place where he now resides. He
made further preparation for having a home of his own by his marriage
on the 5th of November, I865, to Miss Victoria Bower, the only child of
John and Mary (Gardner) Bower and a native of Goshen, Indiana. She.was reared, however, in Niles, Michigan. Since the war Mr. Shockley
has resided continuously in the home which he now occupies, with the
exception of one year spent in Niles. His farm comprises one hundred.and thirteen acres of land, which is rich and productive and which he
now rents, thus leaving the active work of the fields to others. As the
years went by the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Shockley was blessed with
eleven children: Addie, now the wife of James W. Brown, who resides in Clay township, Elkhart county, Indiana; Emily J., who has




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


509


passed away; Elizabeth E., the wife of Jehu Huff, of Niles; Elias J.;
Alfred C., a member of the police of Niles; Victoria May, the wife of
William  Needles, of Milton township; George B., who is living in
Milton township; Sylvester W., of Niles, who served for three years
with the regular army in the Philippines; Charles H., who is a rural
mail carrier on route No. I from Niles; Eva E., the wife of Julius
Leech, of Milton township; and Cora A., who is at home. All of the
family were born on the farm where Mr. and Mrs. Shockley now reside.
In his political affiliations Mr. Shockley is a Democrat and has
served as constable and as a school officer in an early day. He has been
a resident of the county for seventy-three years and well may he be numbered among its pioneers, having aided in making the county what it is
to-day. He has been active in its upbuilding and development and has
done much hard work in clearing land and' promoting its agricultural
interests, especially in his boyhood, youth and earlier manhood. He is
now the oldest settler of Milton township and is well known in the
county as a man of genuine worth, whose life has been well spent. He
has always been busy and energetic and his life of usefulness has won
for him the esteem and confidence of those with -whom he has been associated. Almost three-quarters of a century have passed since Mr.
Shockley came to this county to cast in his lot with its pioneers. People of the present time can scarcely realize the struggles and dangers
which attended the early settlers, the heroism and self-sacrifice of lives
passed upon the borders of civilization, the hardships endured, the difficulties overcome. These tales of the early days read almost like a
romance to those who have known only the modern prosperity and conveniences. To the pioneer of the early times, far removed from the privileges and conveniences of city or town, the struggle for existence was
a stern and hard one and these men and women must have possessed indomitable energy' and sterling worth of character, as well as marked
physical courage, when they voluntarily selected such a life and successfully fought its battles under such circumstances as prevailed in the
northwest.
M. H. CRISWELL, M. D.
It is contended by many that the practice of medicine is the most
important work to which,a man may direct his energies, and all accord
the profession high rank. Not only must the successful physician pos —
sess broad and accurate knowledge concerning the great principles which
underlie the medical and surgical science, but he must also possess a
broad humanitarian spirit, a ready sympathy and a cheerful nature
which inspires hope and courage and proves a valued supplement to his
technical knowledge. In these qualities Dr. Criswell of Cassopolis is
well equipped. A native of Knox county, Ohio, he was born on the
ioth of August, 1863, his parents being Benjamin F. and Mary E.
(Walker) Criswell, the former a native of Stark county, Ohio, and the




510


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


latter of Fredericktown, Knox county. The father was a merchant
tailor by trade and devoted his life to that occupation, passing away
at Akron, Ohio, when seventy-one years of age. He was of Scotch
lineage. His wife died when only forty-one years of age. In their
family were six children, of whom one died in infancy.
Dr. Criswell is the youngest of the surviving members of the family and his youth was passed in Canton, Ohio, where he acquired his
literary education as a public school student. He began the study of
medicine under the direction of Dr. A. V. Smith at Canton and subsequently spent one term as a student in a medical college. He afterward
devoted three years to the business of a traveling salesman, and in 1887
he resumed his medical studies and was graduated from the Homeopathic College in Chicago with the class of I89I. He then located for
practice in Edwardsburg, Michigan, where he remained for about nine
years, when he removed to Cassopolis in Igoo.  Here he has since
been located, and his business has reached gratifying proportions, as he
has demonstrated his ability to cope with the intricate problems which
continually confront the physician in his efforts to check the ravages of
disease and restore health. He is a member of the Northern Indiana
and Southern Michigan Medical Associations and also the American
Medical Association, and through the reports of those bodies he keeps
in touch with what is being done in the line of medical and surgical practice. He is quick to adopt any new method or idea which he believes
will prove of practical benefit in his work and at the same time he is
slow to discard the old and time-tried methods whose value has been
proven.
In I891 occurred the marriage of Dr. Criswell and Miss Kate
Stophlet, a daughter of David Stophlet. In social circles they occupy- an
enviable position, the hospitality of the best homes of Cassopolis and
vicinity being extended them. Dr. Criswell is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, the Knights of the Maccabees, of the Modern Woodmen of
America, and he gives his political support to those men who are pledged
to support the principles of the Republican party. For fourteen years
he has practiced in Michigan with constantly growing success, and in
Cass county is accorded a position of prominence among the representatives of his chosen profession.
LOT BONINE.
Few men are more prominent or more widely known in Penn township than Lot Bonine, who has been an important factor in agricultural
circles, having conducted extensive interests as a stock raiser, especially
in the line of the sheep industry. In him are embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, unabating energy and industry that
never flags, and while capably conducting his business affairs he is at
the same time recognized as a public spirited citizen, thoroughly inter



A::
S a
' 4~5~


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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


511


ested in whatever tends to promote the welfare of his adopted county.
He is a western man by birth and training, and in his life has exemplified
the spirit which has led to the rapid and substantial upbuilding of this
section of the country. He lives on section 34, Penn township, and is
numbered among the old settlers of the county. His birth occurred in
Richmond, Wayne county, Indiana, on the i8th of July, I825. His
father, Isaac Bonine, was a native of Tennessee, born at the family
home on the Holstein river. The family is of French descent, and the
paternal grandfather was Daniel Bonine, who for many years resided
in Tennessee. There Isaac Bonine was reared and it was subsequent to
his marriage that he sought a home in Indiana, casting in his lot with
the pioneer settlers of Wayne county. Again he took up his abode
upon the frontier, when in 1840 he came to Cass county, Michigan,
locating in Penn township. He then purchased a tract of land, a part
of which had been improved, and he at once began the task of its further development and cultivation. In his work he prospered, and as
his financial resources permitted he purchased more land from time to
time, becoming the holder of extensive realty possessions.  He was
born and reared in the faith of the Society of Friends (Quakers)
and was very active and earnest in the church work. He manifested
the kindly, considerate and gentle spirit so characteristic of the followers of that sect, and he bore an unassailable reputation for integrity,
not only in business, but in all life's relations as well. He voted with
the Whig party until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the
Republican party, continuing one of its stalwart supporters until his
demise. He was called to the office of highway commissioner, but was
never an aspirant for the honors nor emoluments of office. content to do
his public service as a private citizen. He married Miss Sarah Tolbert,
also a native of Tennessee, and, like her husband, a birthright Quaker.
She was a daughter of Jacob Tolbert and was of English lineage, so
that there is an intermixture of French and English blood in the veins
of our subject. Isaac Bonine lived to be about eighty-three years of
age, while his wife reached the age of eighty-two years, and in the
passing of this venerable couple Cass county lost two of its most esteemed pioneer settlers.  In their family were eleven children, eight
sons and three daughters, of whom two died in childhood.
Lot Bonine was the sixth in order of birth and is the only one now
living. He was fifteen years of age when he came to Cass county,
Michigan, with his parents in 1840. He had gained his education in
the schools of Richmond, Indiana, and after coming to Michigan he
spent the winter months as a student in a little log schoolhouse, which
was a typical "temple of learning" of a frontier district. Throughout
the remainder of the year his time and energies were given to farm
work, as lie took his place in the fields when the work of early spring
planting was begun. In fact he assisted in the work of clearing and




512


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


developing the home farm, upon which he remained until the time of
his marriage, which was celebrated in I845, this being one of the early
weddings of the county. The lady of his choice was Miss Susan Donnell,
who died a number of years-later. There had been six children born of
that union, of whom five are still living, namely: Jonathan D., John N.,
Sarah L., Janes M. and Rose E. The deceased daughter was Estella.
After losing his first wife Mr. Bonine was again married, his second
union being with Miss Amanda I. Price, a daughter of James and Rose
A. (Emery) Price. Her father was born in Clark county, Ohio, near
Dayton, and came to Cass county, Michigan, in I829, locating in what
is now Penn township, as one of its pioneer settlers.  Michigan was
still under territorial rule at that period. It-required men of considerable courage and determination to brave the dangers and hardships of
pioneer life in a country where the work of improvement had as yet been
scarcely begun. There were large bands of Indians still in the state,
the forests were uncut, the streams unbridged, and the prairies uncultivated. Mr. Price belonged to that class of honored pioneer residents
to whom the state owes a debt of gratitude for what they accomplished
in the early development of the commonwealth. He gave his attention
to farming and was recognized as one of the leading early residents of
Cass county. His father was John Price, a carpenter by trade, who
was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but was reared in New Jersey,
where he resided until his removal to Ohio, whence he came to Cass
county in I828. Mr. and Mrs. Bonine have become the parents of two
daughters, but one, Effie I., is now deceased. The other, Arlie I. Bonine,
is living in Penn township, and is the wife of James 0. Graham. She
graduated in the class of I9O0 in the Vandalia High School.
At the time of his marriage Lot Bonine and his bride began housekeeping in a little log cabin which stood upon a tract of land in Penn
township. There he lived for about a year, devoting his time to the
cultivation of the farm and then removing to his father-in-law's farm,
upon which he lived for two years. Following the discovery of gold in
California he was attracted to that state by its mining and other business opportunities, and went via New York and the isthmus in 1851,
but after a year spent in California he returned to Cass county and
once more settled in Penn township, locating upon the farm on which
he now lives in that year-I853. Again his home was a log cabin,
but though it was of small dimensions it sheltered brave hearts and willing hands. With determined courage to make the most of his opportunities Mr. Bonine began clearing his land, which he had owned from
the time that he was eighteen years of age. He now has a valuable
farm property of one hundred and sixty acres, which he has transformed from a raw state into one of rich fertility and productiveness.
He has added many modem improvements, including good buildings
and fences and the latest improved machinery. In connection with




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


513


the tilling of the soil he has been largely interested in the raising of
stock, making a specialty of sheep, having had sheep upon his farm for
over sixty years.
Mr. Bonine votes with the Republican party, to which he has
given earnest and stalwart support since its organization, while previous to that time he was a.n old-line Whig. He has held a number of
local offices including that of highway commissioner and has opened
up several roads in his township. In public affairs he has been deeply
interested and his co-operation could always be counted upon as a helpful measure. He has ever worked for the good of the county, in which
he has now lived for sixty-five years, and he has paid large sums in
taxes, whereby the work of public improvement has been carried on.
He assisted in building the school house at Vandalia and the cause of.
education finds in him a warm friend. He is also a member of the
Friends church and his life has been in conformity with its teachings
and faith. There have been many interesting chapters in his record because of the connection with pioneer experiences, and also by reason
of his sojourn in the far west in the early days-of mining excitement
there. Throughout much of his life, however, his labors have been
concentrated entirely upon agricultural and stock raising interests and
he has found ample opportunity for the exercise of his talents in the
every-day duties of life. He has won success through earnest and persistent labor, and moreover he is rich in the more desirable qualities of
character-the integrity and justice and consideration which work for
honorable manhood and have won respect and esteen in every land and
clime.
GEORGE W. GARD.
Cass county figures as one of the most attractive, progressive and
prosperous divisions of the state of Michigan, justly claiming a high
order of citizenship and a spirit of enterprise which is certain to conserve consecutive development and marked advancement in the material
upbuilding of the section. The county has been and is signally favored
in the class of men who have controlled its affairs in official capacity and
in this connection the subject of this review demands representation as
one who has served the county faithfully and well in positions of distinct
trust and responsibility. He is now filling the office of county treasurer,
to which he has been elected for a second term. His birth occurred in
Volinia township April 4, 1848, and he is a representative of one of the
honored pioneer families of this portion of the state.  His paternal
grandfather, Jonathan Gard, was born in Ohio and became a pioneer
resident of Cass county. He had lived for some time in Indiana and on
removing to Cass county settled on what is known to this day as Gard's
Prairie. There he entered land and improved a farm, remaining there
up to the time of his death, which occurred when he was fifty-five years
of age. His son, M. J. Gard, was born in Indiana and came with his




514


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


father to Cass county in I829, being about seven years of age at the
time of the removal. He was therefore reared and educated here and
almost his entire life was passed in Volinia township, where he died
when more than seventy-five years of age. He was a prominent citizen,
who held all the offices in the township, including that of supervisor,
while for many years he was township clerk. His study of the political
issues and questions of the day led him to give a stalwart support to
the Republican party from the time of its organization until his death.
Prior to its formation he had voted with the Whig party. In his fraternal
relations he was a Mason. His wife bore the maiden name of Olive
Green and her death occurred when her son George was but three years
of age. The family was well known in the county and the name of
Gard has been closely interwoven with the history of development and
progress here from early pioneer times. George W. Gard was the only
child born unto M. J. and Olive (Green) Gard, but the father was a
second time married, his second union being with Susan Fox, by whom
he had seven children.
In taking up the personal history of George W. Gard we present to
our readers the life record of one who is very widely and favorably
known in this part of the state. He was reared and educated in his
native township and acquired his education in the common schools. He
afterward engaged in teaching school, which profession he followed for
one hundred and twenty-two months, devoting the winter seasons to
that work, while in the summer months he engaged in farming. He had
charge of the largest district school in the county. There was an assistant teacher and an enrollment of ninety-seven pupils. His fitness for
leadership and for public service also led to his selection for various offices. Iie served as supervisor for nine years, was justice of the peace
for fourteen years and also township clerk. In 1902 he was elected
county treasurer and discharged his duties with such ability and fidelity
that in I904 he was re-elected and is still holding the office.
Mr. Gard was married in 1872 to Miss Rachel Kirby, a daughter
of the Rev. John and Mary (Rouse) Kirby and a native of St. Joseph
county, Michigan. There is but one living child of this marriage, Olive,
who is now acting as bookkeeper for Mr. Smith in Cassopolis. The son,
Manley B., died at the age of thirteen years.
Mr. Gard in connection with his property in Cassopolis owns a
farm of eighty acres and the income therefrom, together with his salary,
enables him to provide a very comfortable living for his family. He is
a stalwart Republican, unfaltering in his devotion to the principles of the
party, and in addition to the other offices which he has filled he has
served as secretary of the schools of the county in I888-9. He is also
prominent in Masonic circles, belonging to the Blue Lodge of Volinia,
No. 227, also Kingsbury Chapter at Cassopolis, No. 78, and he was a
charter member of the Knights of the Maccabees lodge at Volinia.
While acting as justice of the peace he settled more cases by compromis



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


515


ing than in any other way, always advising such a plan rather than
recourse to the courts. In all of his public service he has been actuated
by an earnest desire to serve his constituents faithfully and well and to
promote the general good of the community which he has represented.
Men know him as a gentleman of unfaltering honor and integrity, and
with pleasure we present the record of his life to our readers.
CHARLES O. HARMON.
Charles O. Harmon, who since I898 has been numbered among the
representative citizens of Cassopolis, where he is now engaged in the
practice of law and also in the abstract business, was born in Porter
township, Cass county, on the 6th of March, I866. His father, John
B. Harmon, was a native of Wabash county, Indiana, and came to this
county with his parents when about six months old. He was reared in
Porter township and became a teacher by profession, following that
calling for a long period and contributing in substantial measure to the
intellectual progress of his community. He was married in Porter township to Miss Catherine Eby, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Gabriel
and Caroline (Wagner) Eby, who were early settlers of Porter township, coming to Cass county in 1848. Her father still resides in that
township, being one of the honored pioneer settlers and venerable citizens of his community. John B. Harmon, the father of our subject,
was deeply interested in politics and for about eighteen years served as
supervisor of his township. In 1898 he was elected county clerk and
served in that office for two years and one month, when his official service was terminated in death on the 28th of June, I9oI. He was a most
earnest and zealous advocate of Republican principles, never faltering
in his allegiance to the party. In the family were four children.
Charles 0. Harmon, the eldest, was reared in Porter township,
where the family was established in early pioneer days, his grandfather,
William Harmon, having been one of the earliest settlers of Cass county, where he followed the occupation of farming throughout the remainder of his life. He was of German lineage. Mr. Harmon of this
review acquired his early education in the public schools and afterward
attended the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso, Indiana.
He taught school to a considerable extent between the ages of sixteen
and twenty-two years, being thus closely associated with intellectual
progress in Cass county. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth
and ability, called him to public office and he was chosen register of
deeds in i888. He entered upon the duties of the position on the ist of
January, 1889, when only twenty-three years of age, and capably served
until the Ist of January, 1893, when he retired from office as he had entered it-with the confidence and good will of all concerned. He then
went to the department of state at Lansing and occupied a position in
the compiling room until July, 1896. During that time he devoted his




516


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


leisure hours to the study of law and was admitted to the bar at Lansing,
after which he resigned his position there and removed to Dowagiac,
Michigan, where he opened an office and entered upon general law
practice. In December of the same year he removed to Marcellus, Michigan, where he remained until November, I898, and then came to
Cassopolis, where he entered into partnership with Judge Harsen D.
Smith. In December of the same year they bought the abstract books
of Cass county. This partnership was continued until I9OI, when Mr.
Harmon purchased Judge Smith's interest in the abstract business. In
April of that year he was elected county clerk to fill the vacancy caused
by the death of his father and served throughout the remainder of the
term, or until the 3Ist of December, 1902, since which time he has
devoted his attention to the abstract business and the practice of law.
He has thoroughly qualified himself for the legal profession and his
labors have been attended with the success that results from close diligence, unremitting effort and marked capability in handling the intricate problems that continually confront the lawyer and judge.
On the 6th of March, I8891, Mr. Harmon was married to Miss
Catherine Greenawalt, a daughter of Daniel S. and Rebecca (Planck)
Greenawalt, who was born in Newberg township, Cass county. Her
parents were early settlers of Cass county, Michigan. By her marriage
Mrs. Harmon has become the mother of two children, but one died in
infancy, while Charles Maxwell is still at home.
Fraternally Mr. Harmon is connected with the Masonic lodge and
chapter at Cassopolis and also the Knights of Pythias, Pierian Lodge, No.
126, and in politics he has been an earnest Republican since age gave
to him the right of franchise. He is likewise a prominent member of
the Baptist church, active in its work and serving as superintendent of
the Sunday-school. Its teachings have been a permeating influence in
his life and he has done all in his power to promote the church work and
extend its influence. His business integrity is above question and in
citizenship and in social life he has displayed those sterling traits of
character which in every land and clime command respect and confidence.
ROBERT DOOL.
Among the enterprising farmers of the county is numbered Robert
Dool, living on section 3, Jefferson township. His birth occurred in the
province of Ontario, Canada, near the St. Lawrence river, on the 2Ist
of June, 1838, and he comes of Scotch descent. His father, William
Dool, was a native of Scotland and was a son of Thomas Dool, whose
birth occurred in the same country. He was a freeholder of Scotland
and a man of considerable prominence and influence in his community.
William Dool came to America. He married Miss Hester Dobson, and
unto them were born ten children, nine sons and one daughter.
Robert Dool, the fifth in order of birth in this family, was reared




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


517


in his native land and acquired his education in the common schools.
At the age of twenty-two years he went upon the lakes as foreman on
an Americcan express boat and was thus employed for two seasons. In
I863 he came to Cass county, locating in Penn township, where he purchased a farm, upon which he resided continuously for about thirteen
years, or until 1876, when he sold that property and bought land on section 14, Jefferson township. His time and energies were devoted to its
further improvement and development until about 1901, when he located upon the farm where he now lives, on section 3, Jefferson township. His landed holdings are now extensive, comprising four hundred
and seventy-two acres, of which one hundred and sixteen acres are in
LaGrange township. He carries on the work of the farm himself and
it is a splendid property, the land being very productive and responding
readily to the cultivation which he bestows upon it. His fields are well
tilled and everything about the place is kept in good repair, showing the
careful supervision and painstaking efforts of an enterprising owner.
In I88o Mr. Dool was united in marriage to Miss Georgiana
Iafer, a daughter of Jacob Hafer. They have become the parents of
ten children: Bert, Raymond, Theo, Fred, Charles, Ina May, Georgiana, Myrtle, Reo, and Robert. All were born in Jefferson township
and were here reared. Bert is now a resident of Seattle, while Theo
is married and resides in Vicksburg. The others, however, are still
under the parental roof and most of them are attending school.
Since age gave to Mr. Dool the right of franchise he has been a
supporter of Democratic principles and has taken an active and helpful
part in the work of the party. He is, however, somewhat liberal in his
views, being never a bitter partisan. He was elected supervisor of Jefferson township in I889 and filled the office for eleven years, his reelection being proof of the trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen
and his fidelity thereto. He was also superintendent of the poor for
three years. Forty-two years have come and gone since he arrived in
this county, during which period he has directed his labors along welldefined lines of business activity. He has been energetic, prompt and
notably reliable and has manifested a genius for devising and executing
the right thing at the right time. Moreover he has an excellent fund
of that quality of common sense, which is too often lacking, and which
proves the reason of failure in many a life record. Added to this he has
displayed keen perception and honesty of purpose, and thus as the years
have gone by he has worked his way upward from an humble financial
position to one of affluence.
HENRY BLAKELY HICKS.
Henry Blakely Hicks is well known as a representative of farming
interests in Jefferson township, his home being on section 3I, where he
owns and cultivates two hundred and forty acres of land. This consti



518


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


tutes a well improved and valuable farm, which in its thrifty appearance
indicates his careful supervision and practical progressive methods. He
realizes that diligence and close application are the basis of all desirable
success and through this means he has won the prosperity which he is
to-day enjoying.
A native son of the county, Mr. Hicks was born in Milton township
on the I5tll of October, I845, and is a son of Richard V. and Catherine
(Ullery) Hicks. The father was a native of England and spent the
first seventeen years of his life in that country, acquiring a good education there.  Hearing favorable reports concerning opportunities and
advantages in the new world, he resolved to try his fortune here and
crossed the Atlantic to the United States in I8137, making his way direct
to Cass county, Michigan, where he first located in Ontwa township.
He was married, however, in Shelby county, Ohio, and afterward took
up his abode in Milton township, Cass county, Michigan, where he reared
his family. He has for many years been a resident of Milton township,
and now makes his home on section 12. He has been closely identified
with the upbuilding and progress of the county, where he has lived for
almost seventy years, during which time great and important changes
have occurred as this district of Michigan has put aside all the evidences
of frontier life and emerged into modern civilization, great improvement being shown in all lines of business development as well as in the
intellectual progress of the county.  His wife, who bore the maiden
name of Catherine Ullery and was born in Ohio, lived to be seventy
years of age.
Unto this worthy couple were born nine children, of whom Henry
Blakely Hicks is the second in order of birth. He was reared in Milton
township and at the usual age began his education, attending district
school No. I in Milton township. There he mastered the elementary
branches of learning, which well qualified him to meet the practical and
responsible duties of his business career. Through the summer months
he aided in the farm work, remaining at home after he had attained his
majority and carrying on the work of further development and progress
here for seventeen years. He then purchased his present farm in I880,
and in 1891 he located thereon and has since made it his home.
February Io, i8qi. Mr. Hicks was united in marriage to Miss
Kate L. Miller, a daughter of Anton and Elizabeth (Herald) Miller and
a native of Milton township, Cass county. She was born May I, I866,
and was educated in the common schools, also a student at the Dowagiac high school. She is a lady of more than ordinary education and
can speak fluently the English, German and French languages. She is
a lady who loves good books and is by nature a poet. Her best companions are the best of literature. Her father, Anton L. Miller, was born
in Ravensburg, Wurtemberg, Germany, June I6, 1821, and died June
20, 1896. He was reared in Germany and educated in the national
schools. He was thirty-five years of age when he came to America.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


519


He was a stonemason by trade, but was also a successful agriculturist.
He was a kind and generous man and a Roman Catholic in religion.
Mother Miller was born September 26, I833, and died October 14, 1885.
She was born in Schifferstadt, Bavaria, Germany, and was a young
woman of twenty when she came to America. She was a devout Catholic. Mrs. Hicks is a member of the Royal Neighbors. Unto Mr. and
Mrs. Hicks have been born a daughter and son: Hazel A., who is attending school in the eighth grade and who takes vocal and instrumental music; and Henry B., who was seven years of age on the 2nd of
October, I905.
The family have a pleasant and attractive home on section 3I,
Jefferson township, where Mr. Hicks owns two hundred and forty acres
of land that is rich and arable. He has placed excellent improvements
upon the property and everything about the farm is kept in good repair, while the latest improved machinery is used in tilling the soil and.
caring for the crops. A glance from the passerby would indicate that
the owner is a man of progressive spirit, practical and systematic in his
work. There is every evidence of careful and painstaking supervision,
and in his business Mr. Hicks has prospered, being now one of the energetic men of his community, whose labors have been crowned with the
acquirement of a valuable farm. He votes with the Democracy, keeps
well informed on questions and issues of the day and has taken an active
interest in the work of the party, for he believes that its principles contain the best elements of good government. He was supervisor of Milton township for four years and in I902 was elected supervisor of Jefferson township, to which office he was again elected in 1905, SO that
he is the present incumbent, while in Milton township he was also a
highway commissioner. HIe has been a resident of Cass county throughout his entire life, covering a period of sixty years, and his labors have
been a resultant factor in bringing about its present advancement. The
character of Mr. I-icks is indicated by the fact that he is a Mason in good
standing, his life being an exemplification of the teachings and tenets
of the craft, which through many centuries has inculcated principles of
mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness among its followers.
WILLIAM SALISBURY.
Upon a farm on section 5, Jefferson township, resides William
Salisbury, who is numbered among the old settlers and venerable citizens
of Cass county. He has traveled life's journey for more than eightytwo years and has been a resident of Cass county for more than the allotted psalmist's span of three score years and ten, having come to this
county seventy-two years ago.  Respected and honored by all who
know him and with a wide acquaintance, his life record cannot fail to
prove of interest to our many readers and with pleasure we present his
history in this volume. He was born in Huron county, Ohio, August




520


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


8, 1823. His paternal grandfather, Emanuel Salisbury, removed from
the east to Ohio, where his last days were passed. His father, Robert
Salisbury, was a native of New York, where he was reared and married,
and in pioneer times he became a resident of Ohio. Removing from the
Buckeye state to Michigan he settled in Howard township, Cass county,
where he took up land from the government. Much of the county was
still unclaimed and he cast in his lot with those who have borne the
hardships and privations of a frontier existence and have planted the
seeds of civilization and prosperity now enjoyed by the representatives
of a later generation. He improved a farm and remained upon the old
homestead up to the time of his death, which occurred about I866.
There was only one store and one grocery in Niles at the time of his
arrival here. It was a long distance to market and mill and the settlers
had to depend largely upon what they could produce, not only for food
but also for clothing. Luxuries were few and oftentimes comforts were
denied, but it was a day in which hospitality reigned supreme, the latch
string ever hanging out, while a cordial welcome was extended to friend,
neighbor or stranger. Robert Salisbury was united in marriage to Miss
Martha Olmstead, likewise a native of the Empire state. Her death
occurred in Howard township, Cass county, when she was about sixtysix years of age. In the family of this worthy couple were eleven children, four daughters and seven sons, all of whom grew to manhood or
womanhood.
William Salisbury, the sixth child and thie only surviving member
of the family, remained a resident of Ohio during the first ten years of
his life, and then came with his parents to Cass county, the family home
being established in Howard township, where they lived in a pioneer
cabin, sharing in the hardships, privations and dangers incident to the
establishment of a home in a frontier district. Only a short time before
had the Indians been led to leave their hunting grounds in this part of
the state and seek new fields in which to range and ply their customary
pursuits of hunting and fishing. In fact Mr. Salisbury has seen many
specimens of the red men in this part of the state. There were also
various kinds of wild animals, while deer and other kinds of wild game
were to be had in abundance by the settler who was a good shot. Few
roads had been laid out, and at certain seasons in the year these were
almost impassable, especially during the time of the spring rains. It
was considered a big undertaking to go to mill and market in those
days and the time of the settlers was mostly given to the arduous task
of clearing away trees or brush and improving and cultivating the fields.
Williamn Salisbury acquired his education in a log school house seated
with slab benches and heated by a fire-place. Reading, writing, arithmetic and sometimes geography and grammar were taught and the session of the school was held for only a few months during the winter
season when the children's aid was not needed upon the home farm, for




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


521


crops had been harvested and the work of the farm was practically over
until the coming of another spring. Mr. Salisbury remained at home
until twenty-two years of age, doing his share in the work of the fields,
and then started out in life on his own account. He was employed by
the month as a farm hand for a time and then with the money which
he had saved from his earnings he bought a tract of land in Jefferson
township, which was entirely raw and undeveloped, but he at once began the task of clearing, plowing and planting, and in due course of
time had some well cultivated fields. He resided upon that property
from 1845 until I866, when he purchased the farm upon which he now
resides and which has been his home through forty consecutive years.
A great change has been wrought in its appearance, as he has cleared
the land and placed it under cultivation, adding substantial buildings
and all modern equipments.
On the 2Ist of October, 1845, Mr. Salisbury was married to Miss
Caroline J. Milliman, a native of Ohio, who came to Cass county in
I842. They have become the parents of four children, who are yet living: Anne, the wife of Henry Messenger, of Cassopolis; Eliza, who
is the wife of James H. Farnum and also lives in Cassopolis; Arthena
M., the wife of Willet Verry, who is living in California; and Guy L.,
of Chicago. After losing his first wife Mr. Salisbury was again married, his second union being with Miss Anna Cissna, a daughter of Joseph Cissna, who was born in Detroit, Michigan, is of French descent and is now living at the very advanced age of ninety-seven years.
Mr. Salisbury has been a resident of Cass county for seventy-two
years and has aided in making the county what it is to-day, one of the
leading sections of this great commonwealth. He has always voted for
men and measures rather than party and has held various local offices.
He served on the school board for twenty-two years and has always
taken an active part in public affairs, doing everything in his power to
promote the work of general progress and improvement. He has lived
peaceably with his fellow men, has ever been straightforward and honorable in all his dealings and would sacrifice his own interests rather
than take advantage of another. He has never had a lawsuit in all his
life and has long been recognized as a devoted, faithful and exemplary
member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has lived during what
has been the greatest age of invention in all the history of the world,
has seen the building of the railroads, the introduction of the telegraph
and telephone, the construction of the interurban lines, while a revolution has also been wrought in modes of living, both upon the farm and
in the city, because of improved machinery and the introduction of
steam and electric power. It is a marvelous age and Mr. Salisbury has
been an interested witness of what has been accomplished and in his
special department of life has kept in touch with uniform progress.




522


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


JESSE H. AUSTIN.
Jesse I-. Austin, superintendent of the Cass County Infirmary, is
a native of the neighboring state of Indiana, his birth having occurred
in South Bend on the 7th of November, 1875. His father, W. H.
Austin, was a native of Calhoun county, Michigan, while his mother,
who in her maidenhood was Mary Hartsell, was a native of Pennsylvania. The former died when fifty-four years of age.
Jesse H. Austin, their only son, was reared in the city of his nativity until about thirteen years of age, when he came with his father
to Cass county, settling in LaGrange township upon a farm. His mother had died during their residence in South Bend and the father afterward married Agnes Townsend, subsequently removing to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where his last days were passed. Jesse H. Austinf remained with his father until he had attained his majority and was engaged in farming through the period of his youth when not busy with
the duties of the schoolroom, wherein he acquired a good English education. He was appointed to his present position in I904 and has since
been keeper of the poor farm, in which position he has displayed good
business ability and discernment. Under his guidance the farm is made
a paying property, the fields being well tilled, while good stock is raised
and garden products are also cultivated.
In 1903 Mr. Austin was united in marriage to Miss Maude Reams,
a daughter of George Albert and Adella (Salisbury) Reams. In his
political views Mr. Austin is an earnest Republican, supporting the party
since age gave him the right of franchise. He served as deputy sheriff
in  901o, 1902, I903 and a part of I904, and during that time was a
resident of Cassopolis. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity
in the county seat and has recently united with Backus Lodge, No. 55,
F. & A. M., and has taken all three degrees, making him  a Master
Mason and a member of the Blue Lodge. He has a wide circle of friends
in this county, where he has lived from the age of thirteen years. Most
of his life has been devoted to the public service and he is regarded both
as a capable officer and a popular citizen, having social, genial qualities
which win him warm and enduring friendships.
AMOS SMITH.
Amos Smith, now deceased, was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, August 7, 1829, and died in Battle Creek, Michigan, at seven o'clock
in the evening of September 18, 900o, at the age of seventy-one years,
one month and eleven days. He was a son of Charles F. and Emily
(Leach) Smith, the latter a daughter of James Leach, one of the brave
soldiers of the war of 1812, who was killed at the battle of Niagara
Falls on the 26th of July, I814.
Amos Smith acquired an academic education in the county of his




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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


523


nativity and in the year 1848 came to Michigan, where his first work
was teaching in the Geneva district school in Penn township, being
then about nineteen years of age. The following winter was devoted
to teaching in Yazoo, Mississippi, and upon his return to his native state
he taught writing and bookkeeping for a time and completed his own
education in Clinton, New York. He had received instruction in writing
from P. R. Spencer, the originator of the famous Spencerian system.In the fall of 1852 he returned to Cass county and was once more engaged in teaching. He likewise extended his efforts to surveying, for
he had made a study of that profession in the meantime, and he became
assistant to the county surveyor. Later he was made deputy county
surveyor, and in 1854 was elected to the office of county surveyor,
discharging the duties incumbent upon him in a very satisfactory
manner. During the next fourteen years his time was largely given
to teaching and surveying, and so well did he discharge the duties of the
different offices entrusted to him, and so greatly were his services appreciated by the public that he was recognized as well qualified for
further political honors, and in I868 was chosen by popular suffrage to
the responsible position of state senator, being elected by the Republican party, to the principles of which he was devotedly attached. He
was also supervisor of his township and he was frequently appointed
guardian and administrator of estates, performing the duties of those
positions in connection with other official service. Ever alive to matters of public importance, he was one of the most influential and prominent men of his county, and his efforts proved of far reaching value.
On the 22nd of November, I855, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Martha Jane East, who was born in Wayne county, Indiana, and died at their home in Cass county in I882, leaving a family
of three sons: C. F., Fred E. and George D. Smith. On the 4th of
October, 1883, Mr. Smith was again married, his second union being
with Miss Sue Bogue, who, with the sons, mourn the loss of a devoted
husband, loving father and wise counselor. In the year of his first
marriage he purchased forty acres of land, which he continued to make
his home up to the time of his death, although he steadily increased the
boundaries of his farm by additional purchase until he owned over three
hundred acres of rich, productive and valuable land. In connection
with the tilling of the soil and the production of the cereals best adapted
to the climate he made a specialty of fruit raising, and some of the best
fruit of Michigan was produced upon his place. He was ever a lover of
the beautiful, especially as manifest in flowers, and he had around him
many superb specimens of floriculture.  He took great delight and
pleasure in working with his flowers and his study of conditions and
needs of plants led to splendid results.
Mr. Smith was a member of the Masonic fraternity and several
times served as worshipful master. At the time of his demise he was




524


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


also a member of the Royal Arch chapter at Cassopolis.  The first
master of his lodge, he was chosen on various occasions to act as its representative to the grand lodge, and at all times he was deeply interested
in Masonry and in the work of the order, which finds the exemplification
of its principles in the honorable manhood and stalwart devotion of its
representatives. A man of much public spirit, Mr. Smith ever endeavored to advance the best local interests and perhaps labored for no
other cause more efficiently than for the public schools of Vandalia,
the upbuilding of which is due more to him than to any other man. His
life was indeed of value to his fellow townsmen because of his reliability
in business, his faithfulness in office, his devotion to the work of general progress and his-strict regard for all the obligations and privileges,
of friendship. He was highly esteemed wherever known, and most of
all where best known, and while he ever displayed commendable characteristics, his best traits were reserved for his family and his immediate fireside.
ALAMANDEL J. TALLADAY.
Alamandel J. Talladay, whose name is enrolled among the old settlers of the county, resides on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres
on section 3, Jefferson township, and is one of the best known citizens
of the community. He was for twenty-five years in charge of the county farm, and over the record of his public service there falls no shadow
of wrong or suspicion of evil, for he was ever actuated by fidelity to the
general good and by zeal in the faithful performance of the work entrusted to him. He has always lived in the middle west, his birth having occurred in Osceola township, Elkhart county, Indiana, on the 3Ist
of October, I845. His father, Jesse Talladay, was a native of New
York and became one of the early settlers of Indiana, whence he afterward removed to Michigan, settling in Cass county in I845. They settled in Mason township. Mr. Talladay was engaged in farming up to
the time of his death, which occurred in his forty-ninth year in Jefferson township. He married Miss Sophia Mechling, a native of Pennsylvania, who went to Indiana with her parents and there gave her hand
in marriage to Jesse Talladay. She lived to be about sixty-five years of
age. In their family were ten children, seven of whom reached years
bf maturity.
Alamandel J. Talladay, the third child, was about two weeks old
when brought to Mason township, Cass county. He was reared upon
the old family homestead there until he reached the age of twelve years,
when he became a resident of Jefferson township. His education was
acquired in a district school near the family home and through the vacation periods he worked in the fields and assisted in the farm labor until after he had attained his majority. At the death of his father he was
appointed administrator of the estate and managed the business in capable and energetic fashion.  In 1874 he took charge of the county




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


525


farm, continuing in the position for eight years, after which he began farming on his own account in Jefferson township, where he carried on the work of tilling the soil for five years. He then once more
took charge of the county farm and was its superintendent for seventeen years, so that his service in that position all together covered twentyfive years. His long incumbency stands in incontrovertible evidence of
his capability and the trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. He
brought to bear in the discharge of his duties the same earnest purpose
and indefatigable energy that have always characterized him in the management of his private business interests, and he not only carefully
looked after those who were dependent upon the county's bounty but also
by his capable control made the farm a paying institution.
On the ISth of September, 1877, Mr. Talladay was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth George, a native of Monroe county, New York,
born on the I4th of August, 1857. Her parents were Luke and Maria
(London) George, both of whom were natives of near London, England. Crossing the Atlantic, they became residents of the Empire state,
and in I865 arrived in Cass county, Michigan, taking up their abode in
Cassopolis.  The father was a farmer by occupation, following that
pursuit in order to provide for the needs and wants of his family. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, Mrs. Talladay being the
eighth in order of birth. She was only eight years of age when brought
to this state, so that the greater part of her life has been passed in Cass
county. The marriage of our subject and his wife has been blessed with
three sons: Gideon W., a successful merchant now engaged in the
hardware and furniture business at Cassopolis, was educated in the common schools and graduated in the Cassopolis city schools in the class
of I895. He is also a graduate of the Valparaiso Normal in the class
in the winter of I896-97. He wedded Miss Jessie Bachelor and they
have two little daughters, Loween and Myrn.  He is one of the successful merchants of Cassopolis. Jesse L., who received a common
school education and also graduated in the Cassopolis high school, has
been on the lakes six or seven years as a sailor. Ray G., who graduated in the eighth grade, and was in the eleventh grade of the Cassopolis high school, was also a student at the Valparaiso Normal. He
is at home. All were born in Jefferson township. Mrs. Talladay has
an old oaken chest which her great-grandmother brought from England,
and it is hand carved and over a century old. They also have an old
almanac published in I838.
Mr. Talladay is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land
and carries on the farm work in energetic and able manner, so that he
annually harvests good crops. He also has good grades of stock upon
his place and his farm is divided into fields of convenient size by well
kept fences.  In his work he is systematic and methodical and his
sound business judgment is manifest in the excellent results which have
attended his labors. In politics he has been a lifelong Democrat where




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


state and national questions are involved, but at local elections votes
independently, considering only the efficiency of the candidate. He belongs to Backus lodge, No. 55, F. & A. M., of Cassopolis, also Kingsbury Chapter, R. A. M., and his wife is a member of the Baptist church.
They are highly esteemed in the communitiy where they reside, the
hospitality of many of the best homes being cordially extended them.
Mr. Talladay is one who is well known because of his fidelity to public
trust and his many good qualities have gained for him a favorable
position in the regard of all who know him.
H. C. DAVIS.
Among the thrifty and prosperous farmers of Cass county is numbered H. C. Davis, residing on section 35, Jefferson township. He dates
his residence in the county from 1840, being a young lad of but four
years of age at the time of his arrival here. His mind bears the impress of many of the early historic annals of the state as well as of later
day progress and development. He is familiar with conditions which
existed when this county was a frontier district, when most of its residents lived in log houses and when the homes of the settlers were widely scattered. Only here and there was a mill or business establishment
which could furnish the settlers with needed supplies of wearing apparel or food products.  Journeys were taken very infrequently because of the poor condition of the roads and the fact that the labor
of all the people was needed upon the farms in the reclamation of the
wild land for the uses of civilization.
Mr. Davis of this review, who for long years has successfully carried on farming, was born in Clark county, Ohio, on the I3th of November, I836. His father, Reuben B. Davis, was a native of West Virginia,
in which state he remained until early manhood. When about twentytwo years of age, however, he removed westward to Clark county, Ohio,
where he secured a tract of land and engaged in farming. He was married in that state to Miss Susanna Smith, whose birth occurred in Clark
county on the ist of February, 1813. She was a daughter of Henry
Smith, who was born in New Jersey and became one of the pioneer residents of the Buckeye state. His marriage, however, was celebrated
in Virginia. He was of German descent, while the Davis family is of
Welsh lineage. Reuben B. Davis lived to the advanced age of eighty
years, while his wife passed away at the extreme old age of ninety years,
her death occurring in Jefferson township.  They had removed from
Ohio to Cass county about I840 and became identified with pioneer
interests, sharing in the arduous task of developing the land and establishing a home in the midst of the forest. In their family were seven
children, of whom only three sons reached adult age, these being: H.
C. of this review; James, a resident farmer of Jefferson township; and
Elijah P., who is living in Boulder City, Colorado.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


527


H. C. Davis, who was the eldest son and second child of the family, was only four years of age when brought by his parents to Michigan. The family home was established in Cass county and he has resided upon his present farm for sixty-five years.  It is dear to him
through the associations of his boyhood and youth as well as of his
later manhood. In early life he received loving care and attention from
his parents, and in their declining days he gave to them filial affection,
thus repaying them for their devotion in his youth. At the usual age
he entered the public schools and acquired a knowledge of the common
branches of learning that equipped him for life's practical duties. His
training at farm labor was not meager, for when not busy with his
text-books he worked in the fields, assisting in plowing, planting and
harvesting as crops were brought to their fruition.  When he had attained man's estate he chose a companion and helpmate for life's journey, being married on the I5th of June, I863, to Miss Samantha Rosbrough, one of the native daughters of Jefferson township, who has
spent her entire life in this part of the county. Her parents were John
and Mary (Richardson) Rosbrough, and the mother came of Irish
lineage, while the father was of German descent. The home of Mr. and
Mrs. Davis has been blessed with three sons and two daughters, namely: Charles E.; Henrietta, now the wife of H. K. May, of Minnesota;
Fred S., a resident farmer of Jefferson township; Carrie, the wife of
Dr. J. F. Condon, who is living in Breckenridge, Colorado, about one
hundred and ten miles from Denver; and Pliny, of Dowagiac.
Mr. Davis is now the owner of one hundred and sixty-nine acres
of good land constituting a well improved farm. His entire life has
been given to the occupation to which he was reared and he has found
in this work a good source of income, resulting from his close application, capable management and straightforward dealing. His first home
was a log cabin that is still standing upon the place. It was erected in
1834 and is a mute reminder of the great changes that have occurred.
It was, however, a hospitable home, in which friends, neighbors and
strangers were always made welcome. As the financial resources increased, however, this primitive dwelling was replaced by one of more
modern architecture and also more commodious. There have also been
great changes in methods of farming. In his youth the sickle was used
in the harvest field and the sheaves were bound by hand, while the
threshing was done upon the barn floor, the grain being tramped out by
horses or oxen. Invention, however, brought improved farm machinery and Mr. Davis has kept in touch with the universal progress along
such lines. He now has a splendidly improved farm, the products of
which find a ready sale upon the market, and thus his income is materially increased annually.
In his political views Mr. Davis is an earnest Democrat, active in
the work of the party where issues are involved, though at local elections he frequently votes independently, considering only the capabil



528


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


ity of the candidate. In I885-6 he was township treasurer, and from
900o until I904 inclusive he was supervisor of his township. He was
also school officer for twenty-seven years and the duties that have devolved upon him in these connections have been promptly, faithfully
and capably performed. He is never remiss in citizenship nor negligent in business, and he has based his business principles and actions
upon strict adherence to the rules which govern industry and unswerving integrity.  By constant exertion associated with good judgment
he has raised himself to the position which he now holds, having the
friendship of the many and the respect of all who know him.
NELSON E. THATCHER.
The agricultural interests of Penn township find a worthy representative in Nelson E. Thatcher, who is living on section 20. Here he
owns eighty acres of land and is carrying on farming along modern
lines of progressive agriculture. He was born in Ontario county, New
York, on the 3oth of January, I85I, and comes of English ancestry,
the family, however, having been founded in the new world at an early
period in its colonization. His paternal grandfather, Israel Thatcher,
was a native of Greenfield, Massachusetts, and removed from that state
to New York, where occurred the birth of Lyman Thatcher, father of
our subject. He was reared to the occupation of farming in the Empire state, where he resided until about I883, when he came to Michigan, spending his remaining days within its borders. His death occurred in Lansing in I9go. His wife, who bore the maiden name of
Annie E. Trembley, was born in Ontario county, New York, and there
spent her girlhood days, her father being John Trembley, who was of
French lineage but was born in Paterson, New Jersey. Mrs. Thatcher
passed away in the same year in which her husband's death occurred,
being called to her final rest on the 2nd of February, 1900. In their
family were eleven children, five sons and six daughters, of whom
one son and one daughter died in childhood, while the others grew to
manhood or womanhood.
Nelson E. Thatcher, who was the sixth in order of birth in this
family of eleven children, was reared in his native county and is indebted to the public school system for the educational privileges he enjoyed in his youth. During the summer months he assisted in farm
labor and remained at home until twenty-one years of age, when he
started out upon an independent business career. He has since won a
fair measure of success, which is attributable entirely to his own welldirected labor and unfaltering diligence. He was married in I874 to
Miss Mary E. Fenton, who died in March, 1884, leaving four sons, the
youngest being about sixteen months old. These were: Sylvester F., who
is now a resident of Portland, Oregon; Nelson E., deceased; Holester W.,
also living in Portland; and Ernest M., who was a soldier in the United




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


529


States army and died in the Philippine Islands. After losing his first
wife Mr. Thatcher was again married in I896, his second union being
with Lillian S. Brody, the widow of Frank White and a daughter of
Hugh and Annie Brody. Her parents and grandparents were pioneer
residents of Cass county and she was born upon the farm on section 20,
Penn township, where she has spent the greater part of her life. Mr.
Thatcher came to Cass county in I895. He afterward went to North
Dakota, locating at Sheldon, where he accepted a clerkship in a general
store. On the expiration of that period he returned to Cass county and
located on the farm where he now resides, purchasing the interest of the
old Brody homestead from the other heirs. He has built a good barn,
has improved the place in many ways and has now an excellent property, attractive in its appearance and equipped with all modern accessories. He has been offered a good price for his farm, showing that
it is one of the valuable properties of the locality. In politics he is a
Democrat and he belongs to the Masonic lodge at Vandalia. Although
his residence in Cass county covers a comparatively brief period he has
become widely and favorably known and the circle of his friends is
constantly growing.
NATHAN JONES.
Nathan Jones, a retired farmer and one of the old settlers of Cass
county, is living on section 21, Penn township. He has passed the
eighty-first milestone on life's journey, his birth having occurred in
Preble county, Ohio, April 6, 1824. His father, George Jones, was a
native of Georgia and was a son of George Jones, Sr., whose birth likewise occurred in the same state, whence he removed to Ohio on account
of slavery in the south, establishing his home in Preble county. He was
a Friend or Quaker in his religious faith and he lived to be about sixtysix years of age. After spending some years in Ohio he sought a home
in Michigan, locating in Penn township, Cass county, in 1829, which
was several years before the admission of the state into the Union. He
was accompanied by four of his sons and they took an active and helpful part in the development and early progress of the county. The family is of Welsh descent, but the first representatives of the name in
America came from England to the new world.
George Jones, the father of our subject, was a young man when his
parents removed to Preble county, Ohio, and there he was reared to the
occupation of farming, which he has made his life work. He came to
Cass county, Michigan, at the same time his father and brothers sought
a home in this state. and from the government he entered a tract of land
in Penn townshipr upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made. With characteristic energy, however, he began tilling the soil and planting crops and in due course of time had developed
a good farm. He had lived for six years in the county before he could
enter his land and he took a helpful part in the work of early improve



530


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


ment and progress. He died when a comparatively young man, passing away at the age of thirty-two years. His wife bore the maiden name
of Mary Bogue and was born in North Carolina, where her girlhood
days were passed. She removed with her parents to Ohio. Her father
was Joseph Bogue, also a native of North Carolina, who was of Quaker
faith, adhering closely to that religious denomination up to the time of
his demise. Mrs. Jones reached the very advanced age of eighty-two
years, thus long surviving her husband. In their family were six children.
Nathan Jones, the third in order of birth, was only five years of
age when brought by his parents from Preble county, Ohio, to Cass
county, Michigan, and he was reared in Penn township amid the wild
scenes of pioneer life, sharing with the family in all the hardships,
privations and trials incident to the settlement of the frontier. When
a boy he pursued his education in a log school house, sitting upon a
slab bench. In one end of the room was a large fire-place and the
desks were made of slabs laid upon pins driven into the wall. The
methods of instruction were also primitive and he frequently made
his way through the snow for three miles in order to attend school.
The family were left in somewhat limited financial circumstances, so
that his privileges were comparatively meager. He assisted his mother
upon the old home farm up to the time of his marriage, which occurred
in 1847, Miss Lydia Bonine becoming his wife. She was a daughter
of Isaac and Sarah Bonine, who settled in Cass county in 1842. Mrs.
Jones was born in Wayne county, Indiana, and died in this county in
I899 when about seventy-one years of age. By her marriage she had
become the mother of six children, namely: Mary E., Sarah Inda,
Isaac B., George, Warner D. and one who died in infancy. In I900,
Mr. Jones was again married, his second union being with Louisa Jones,
who was born in London, England, but was brought to the United
States during her infancy.
Mr. Jones has been a resident of Cass county for seventy-six years
and throughout that entire time has been connected with agricultural
pursuits. He owns three hundred acres of land in Penn township and
his valuable farm with its excellent improvements and richly cultivated
fields indicates a life of thrift and enterprise. He is a stanch Prohibitionist in political matters and formerly was a Republican, and
for many years has served as township supervisor of Penn township.
In his religious faith he holds to the church of his ancestors and is a
Friend or Quaker. His life has been ever honorable and upright and
he has never been known to take advantage of the necessities of his
fellow men in any trade transaction. Few of the citizens of the county
have so long resided within its borders and his name is indelibly engraved upon the pages of its history. His memory goes back to the
time when there were few roads through the forests and the traveler
often found his way by means of a blazed trail. There were no rail



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


531


roads, no telegraphs nor telephones and only here and there would be
found a little clearing to indicate that the work of improvement had
been begun. The few homes were mostly log cabins and similar structures were used for school purposes or houses of worship. The farm
machinery was very crude as compared to that in use at the present day.
The mowing was done with a scythe or sickle, the grain bound by
hand and was threshed out with oxen or horses. Most of the cooking
was done over a big fire-place and much of the clothing of the family
was woven by the women of the household. Great changes have occurred and Mr. Jones has kept in touch with the universal progress,
rejoicing in what has been accomplished as Cass county has won a
place among the leading counties of this great commonwealth.
GILBERT WHITE.
Gilbert White, a retired farmer living in Cassopolis, was born in
Allegany county, New York, on the i8th of September, I835, and in
both the paternal and maternal lines comes of Irish and English ancestry. His parents were Albert and Rhoda (Castleman) White. The
father was born in Seneca county, New York, and in the year 1843
emigrated westward to Cass county, Michigan, reaching his destination on the Ioth of September. As a pioneer settler he was identified
with the work of early progress and improvement and his aid could
always be counted upon to further any measure for the local good.
His time and energies were devoted to farming and he contributed to
the agricultural prosperity of the community.  He voted with the
Whig party until its dissolution and then became a stanch Democrat.
His death occurred November 25, I876, when he was in the seventyfourth year of his age. His wife, also a native of the Empire state,
died in Cass county when about fifty-five years of age. They were
the parents of five sons and one daughter, all of whom reached years
of maturity, but the daughter died when about twenty-two years of
age, and the sons have also passed away with the exception of Gilbert
White and his brother, Nathaniel White, who is now living in Penn
township.
Gilbert White was the youngest son and fifth child in the family
and was but eight years of age when he became a resident of Cass
county. His youth was passed upon the old family homestead, where
he early began work in the fields, aiding in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. The district schools afforded him his educational
privileges and he had to walk two and a half miles to the little old
school house in Penn.  His education was therefore acquired under
somewhat unfavorable circumstances. His training at farm labor, however, was not meager and he remained at home assisting in the work
of the farm until twenty-one years of age, when he started out in
life on his own account. As a companion and helpmate for life's




532


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


journey he chose Miss Elizabeth Broner, whom he wedded in I857.
She was born in New York city and was a daughter of Jacob and Mary
Broner. She came to Cass county in I857 and the same year gave
her hand in marriage to Mr. White.
Following his marriage Gilbert White purchased his father's farm,
took up his abode thereon and was engaged in general farm work until
the fall of I88o, when he came to Cassopolis. He then retired from
active business and enjoyed a well earned rest for a number of years,
but in I890 once more entered the field of business activity and has
since been engaged in dealing in agricultural implements in addition
to looking after his farm property in Penn township, comprising one
hundred and forty acres of land. He carries a good line of farm machinery of the best makes and his patronage is extensive and is constantly growing.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. White have been born three children: Frank
A., now deceased; Evadell, the wife of Aaron Reinhart, who resides
upon the old family homestead; and Floyd B., who is living in Cassopolis. Mr. White belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen,
with which he has been connected for twenty-three years.  He also
holds membership relations with the Benevolent & Protective Order of
Elks and since attaining his majority has given his support to the
Democracy. He has held the office of justice of the peace and other
local positions and for about twenty years has been a member of the
school board, taking an active interest in the cause of public education
and in various movements and plans for substantial advancement in
the county. He has lived in the county for sixty-three years and his
position in public regard has been won through a strict adherence to
high and manly principles. In his business dealings he has never been
known to take advantage of the necessities of his fellow men in any
trade transaction, but in the legitimate channels of trade has gained
the competence which he now enjoys. He has traveled life's journey
with his wife for almost a half century and they are regarded as a most
estimable couple whose names should be engraved high upon the roll of
honored pioneer settlers and who justly deserve prominent mention in
the history of this part of the state.
THOMAS J. LILLEY.
Thomas J. Lilley is numbered among the early settlers of Cass
county who for many years has been an interested witness of the
changes that have occurred here and the transition that has been wrought
as time and man have brought the county to its present position of
advancement and development.   He lives on section 18, LaGrange
township, and is the owner of four hundred and forty-six acres of rich
and valuable land, but leaves the work of tilling the soil to others.
while he is now living retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


533.


His birth occurred in LaGrange township on the I3th of October, 1844,
and he is therefore among the older of the native sons of the county.
His parents were David and Sarah (Simpson) Lilley, in whose family
were four children. The father was a native of Ohio and emigrating
westward cast in his lot with the pioneer residents of Cass county. He
entered a small claim from the government, was married in LaGrange
township and reared his family upon his home farm here. He was
identified with the making of Cass county, with its permanent improvement and substantial development, and his fellow townsmen recognized
in him a citizen of worth and value. His political allegiance was given
to the Democracy. It was in this county that he was married to Miss
Sarah Simpson, a native of Virginia, who was brought to Michigan by
her parents when about four years of age. Her father was Thomas
Simpson, one of the earliest settlers of this part of the state, living in
LaGrange township, where he aided in the reclamation of the wild
land for the purposes of civilization. Mr. and Mrs. David Lilley long
traveled life's journey together, the former passing away when in his
eighty-first year and the latter when seventy-nine years of age. Of
their children three are now living, Thomas J. being the eldest and
the only surviving son.  His two sisters are:  Matilda, the wife of
Austin Charles, of Decatur, Michigan; and Catharine, now the wife
of Orville Wales, of Chicago.
In taking up the personal history of Thomas J. Lilley we present
to our readers the life record of one who has a wide and favorable acquaintance in Cass county, for during long years he has lived within
its borders, shaping his life in accordance with rules of upright conduct,
of honor in business, loyalty in citizenship and devotion to all that is
commendable in friendship and home life. In the period of his youth
he assisted his father in carrying on the work of the farm and in
early manhood sought a companion and helpmate for life's journey,
being married in I867 to Miss Nancy Hurdle, a daughter of Jacob and
Catherine (Brown) Hurdle. Her father was born on the ocean while
his parents were crossing from Germany and the mother was a native
of Ohio. They became residents of Cass county in 1833, settling in
Wayne township, where they cast in their lot with the pioneer settlers.
Mr. Hurdle did his full share in improving and developing this region
and his value in the work of reclamation was acknowledged by all who
knew of his career. Mrs. Lilley was born on the family homestead in
Wayne township, June 29, 1848, and has lived all her life in Cass
county.  In their family were three daughters:  Lora, the wife of
John Shephard, who resides upon the old homestead in LaGrange township; Birdie, at home; and Sadie. the wife of Dr. L. C. Simmons, of
Shelbyville, Indiana. All were born in LaGrange township, where Mr.
Lilley has spent his entire life. He has carried on farming throughout
his entire business career, but leaves the more active work of the fields
to others at the present time. His possessions embrace four hundred




534


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


and forty-six acres of rich and arable land under a high state of cultivation and well improved with modern equipments. He has prospered
in his business affairs and he now rents his farm, resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil and in the competence which
comes to him from the rental of his place. He has erected many buildings in the county and has lived a life of untiring industry and enterprise resulting in success. He votes with the Democracy but has never
sought or desired office, preferring to give his undivided attention to
his business affairs. He started out on his own account at an early age
and has steadily worked his way upward undeterred by the difficulties
and obstacles that one always meets in a business career. These on the
other hand seemed to serve as an impetus for renewed effort and his
purposeful action and sound judgment have made him one of the
prosperous residents of the community.
JOSEPH H. JOHNSON.
Joseph H. Johnson, living on section 8, Penn township, is a native
of Monroe county, New York, his birth having occurred about six miles
east of Rochester on the 2nd of March, 1840. His father, Job Johnson, was a native of England, and when a young man came to America,
for he had heard favorable reports concerning business opportunities
in the United States and hoped to better his financial condition by emigrating to the new world. When a young man in England he learned
the blacksmith's trade and thus had a good foundation upon which to
build the superstructure of success after crossing the Atlantic. Being
favorably impressed with his adopted land, he afterward returned to
England for his bride and was married there to Miss Andulusia Gregoiy; a native of England, whom he then brought with him to the United
States, arriving here about 1838. They located in Monroe county, New
York, where they resided continuously until the spring of 1852, when
they came to Cass county, Michigan. Mr. Johnson secured land about
a mile south of Vandalia, where he was engaged in farming. There he
died at the age of fifty-three years, while his wife passed away in her
fiftieth year. By the first marriage of Mr. Johnson there were born
five children, and'by his second marriage-Miss Fannie Doyle becoming
his wife —there were born three children.
'Joseph H.'Johnson is the eldest of the first family, and in Monroe
county,' New York, he spent the' first twelve years of his life, becoming
a public school student there. Subsequently he continued his studies in
Cass county following the removal of his parents to Michigan. His
mother died, however, when he was only about thirteen years of age,
and he then started out in life on his own account. He worked by the
month during the summer seasons and in the winter attended school.
Desirous of gaining a good education and realizing its value as a
factor in a successful business career, he attended Hillsdale College in




/f  I  ^!>^




I




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


535


1864, providing for the expenses of the college course by his own labor.
After his marriage he rented the Bonine farm for six years, and then
with the capital which he had acquired through his own earnings he
bought a tract of land of eighty acres. Later he spent four years in a
jewelry store at Columbus, Indiana, after which he returned to Cass
county and purchased a second farm, becoming owner of the property
which he now occupies. Later he again spent two years in Columbus as
a bookkeeper in a large flouring mill, but once more he again took up
his abode in Cass county, making his home with his brother.
In I867 Mr. Johnson married Miss Caroline Davis, a daughter
of Allen and Hannah Davis. She died December 25, I869, leaving one
child that died in infancy.
Mr. Johnson is now the owner of one hundred and thirty acres of
land in Penn township and also forty acres in LaGrange township. He
is likewise one of the directors of the First National Bank of Cassopolis,
in which he has been a stockholder for over thirty years. In fact he is
one of the oldest stockholders of the institution. In his business life
he has been thoroughly reliable and all that he 'possesses is attributable
to his energy and careful management. Since age gave to him the right
of franchise he has been a Republican, actively interested in the work
of the party and its success and doing all in his power for the extension
of its local influence. He has served as township supervisor for one
term and was also township treasurer for two years, and he is now a
member of the county central committee, with which he has been thus
allied for a number of years. His interest in behalf of public progress
and improvement has been manifest by active co-operation in many
movements for the general good. Starting out in life for himself at the
early age of thirteen years, he soon became acquainted with earnest and
unremitting toil and gained a realization of the fact. that only through
close and persistent effort may honorable success be achieved. He has
used his opportunities to the best possible advantage, and as the years
have gone by he has wisely invested in property that is now classed with
the fine farms of Penn township.
BENJAMIN F. GARWOOD.
Among the early settlers who have long been witnesses of the
growth and development of Cass county is numbered Benjamin F.
Garwood, who now makes his home on section 3, Penn township, where
he owns a well improved farm of ninety acres. He still gives personal
supervision to the property and the cultivation of the fields and his life
record in this respect should put to shame many a man of much younger
years, who, having grown weary of the struggles of a business career,
would relegate to others the burdens that he should bear. Mr. Garwood has now passed the seventy-ninth.milestone on life's journey




.536


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


but is yet a factor in agricultural circles here, giving supervision to the
care of his farm.
A native of Logan county, Ohio; he was born on the g9th of
May, 1827, and was third in order of birth in a family of eleven children, five sons and six daughters, all of whom with one exception
reached adult age. Their parents were William and Elizabeth (Brown)
Garwood, the father born in Virginia and the mother in North Carolina.  The father was reared, however, in Logan county, Ohio, and
was there married to Miss Brown. They resided for a long period in
Ohio, whence they came to Cass county, Michigan, about I845, locating in Jefferson township, but Mr. Garwood soon afterward purchased
one hundred and twenty acres of land in Penn township, to which farm
he removed his family, but afterward was a resident of Missouri for
some time, continuing there about two years, when he returned to
Penn township to reside up to the time of his demise. His widow survived him and (lied in Missouri.
Benjamin F. Garwood was about eighteen years of age when
he came with his parents to Michigan. He had attended the district
schools of Logan county and he continued his studies in the district
schools of Jefferson township, Cass county, which he attended through
the winter months, while during the remainder of the year he worked
at farm labor. He continued to assist in the cultivation of the fields
and in harvesting the crops until his marriage on the 27th of October,
1853, to Miss Catharine Lamb.    There were four sons and four
daughters born of that marriage: Elvira, Mary Ann, William, Charles,
Lydia, Warren, Euceba and John A. The mother passed away October 8, I88,. On the i2th of April, 1883, Mr. Garwood was again
married, his second union being with Malinda T. Bonine, who was
born in Henry county, Indiana, December 2, 1835, and was a daughter
of Simeon and Olive (Elliott) Thomas. Her first husband was Jacob
Bonine and to them were born two children: Lot J. and Olive. Mrs.
Garwood came to Michigan about I854. Both Mr. and Mrs. Garwood
are old settlers of Cass county and are widely and favorably known.
His first presidential vote was cast for a Republican candidate. He is
a member of the Friends' Church and his life has been in sympathy
with that religious sect, whose followers exemplify a spirit of Christian
patience, consideration and virtue that has made them widely known
and has awakened a universal feeling of respect for the denomination
which they represent.
ULYSSES S. EBY.
TUlvsses S. Eby, engaged in the practice of law in Cassopolis,
where his thorough understanding of iudicial principles and careful
preparation of cases have been manifest in the able manner in which he
has handled in the courts the litigated interests entrusted to his care,
was born in Porter township, this county, on the 7th of August, T864,




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


537


his parents being Gabriel and Caroline (Wagner) Eby.  The father
came to this county in 1842 and has remained on his farm ever since.
He was born in Ohio, while his wife is a native of Germany, having
been born near the Rhine.
After attending the common schools U. S. Eby became a student
in Valparaiso University at Valparaiso, Indiana, and was graduated in
law in June, I9oo. Prior to this time he had successfully engaged in
teaching school in Cass county and following his admission to the bar
he entered at once upon the active practice of his profession, in which
he has continued since with a large and distinctively representative
clientage. The true measure of success is determined by what one has
accomplished and, as taken in contradistinction to the old adage that
a prophet is not without honor save in his own country, there is particular interest attaching to the career of the subject of this review.
since he is a native son of the county where he has passed his active
life and so directed his ability and efforts as to gain recognition as one
of the representative citizens and able lawyers of Cassopolis. In I896
he was elected county clerk and held the position for two years. In
I900 he was chosen by popular suffrage to the office of prosecuting attorney, in which capacity he also served for two years, while for three
years he has been a member of the board of education.
On the 26th of September, I888, Mr. Eby was married at Union,
Michigan, to Miss Clara A. Loupee, a daughter of Oscar Loupee, of
Vandalia, Michigan, and they have one son, Ulysses Guy Eby, born
August 25, I889. Mr. Eby is a member of the Knights of the Modern
Maccabees, which he joined in I892 as a charter member at Jones,
Michigan. For two years he was commander of the tent. In politics
he is a stalwart Democrat, although his seven brothers are all Republicans. In I890 he joined the Free Baptist church at Union, Michigan, and is still identified therewith. He is a respected and worthy
citizen of Cassopolis, where his professional labors, his political service
and his fidelity to social and moral obligations have made him a man
worthy of the high regard and esteem which is uniformly accorded
him.
PETER EBY.
Peter Eby, who for fifty-eight years has been a resident of Porter
township, may well be termed one of the old settlers of the county and
has demonstrated his right in many ways to rank with its representative citizens, for he belongs to that class of men who in the faithful
performance of each dav's duties of every public task devolving upon
him, manifests his loyalty 'and interest in the general good. He resides on section 6, south Porter township, and is a native of Elkhart
county, Indiana, born on the qth of August, I848. He is the eldest
son of Gabriel and Caroline (Wagner) Eby, and was only about two
months old when the parents removed from    Indiana to Mlichigan,




538


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


settling in Porter township. He has therefore been a lifelong resident
of Cass county and yet resides in the township where his boyhood and
youth were spent. He remained at home until twenty-one years of
age and assisted in clearing up and improving the farm. When he was
about twenty-five years of age he bought the land upon which he now
resides. In the winter seasons he attended the early schools of the
township, spending about three months each year in school, while
the remainder of the time was given to the task of plowing, planting
and harvesting.  He continued to work in the fields for the benefit
of his father until he attained his majority.
Mr. Eby won a companion and helpmate for life's journey when,
in I871, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Carman, a daughter
of Chauncey and Elsie J. (Adams) Carman, who was born in Winnebago county, Illinois, and was there reared to the age of thirteen
years, at which time she came to Porter township, Cass county, with
her parents. Mr. Eby has a farm of eighty acres, upon which he has
made all of the improvements. There are now substantial buildings
upon the place, good machinery and well tilled fields. He raises the
cereals best adapted to soil and climate and also has some good stock
upon his place, but his attention is chiefly given to the cultivation of his
fields.
~Unto Mr. and Mrs. Eby have been born three children: Florence,
the wife of George Wagner, of Mason township; Raymond, who is
upon the home farm and who married Lois E. Richardson, a daughter
of Jesse and Clara Richardson, well known residents of Porter township; and Ralph C., who is attending college in South Bend, Indiana.
The attractiveness of Cass county as a place of residence is indicated
by the fact that many of her native sons have remained within her
borders and Mr. Eby may be classed with this number, as he was but
two months old when brought to Michigan. He early became familiar
with the best methods of cultivating and improving land and on attaining his majority determined to devote his life to the occupation to
which he was reared. Not to the fact of any fortunate combination of
circumstances has he prospered, but through his own unfaltering labor,
perseverance and diligent effort-qualities which may be cultivated by
all and which ever produce the best results. In his political views Mr.
Eby is a Republican, active in the support of the party, with which he
has been allied since attaining his majority. He has never been away
from his present farm for more than four weeks at a time and with
persistent purpose has carried on his work, being today one of the
representative agriculturists of the community.
HIRAM SMITH.
Hiram-Smith, who is engaged in farming on section 20, Calvin
township, was born in Genesee county, New York, January 5, I836.
His father, Samuel Smith, was a native 6f the Empire state and came




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


539


to Cass county in 1835, locating his land in Calvin township. He
found here a pioneer district, but was pleased with its prospects and indications for future development and resolved to make his home here.
He then returned to the Empire state and brought his family to Michigan, taking up his abode upon the farm now known as the James
Bullen place. He lived to be seventy-two years of age and his life was
devoted to agricultural pursuits, whereby he provided a comfortable
living for his family. His wife bore the maiden name of Fannie Foreman and was also a native of New York. She died in I893.
Hiram Smith of this review was the eldest of a family of thirteen children, eleven of whom reached adult age and only one was
born outside of Cass county, that being the subject of this review, who
was but six months old when he was brought to Michigan. The family
home being established in Calvin township, he was reared under the
parental roof and pursued his education in the public schools, the little
"temple of learning" being a log building such as was common in the
early days. He continued to make his home with his parents until
twenty-one years of age, but in the meantime worked as a farm hand
by the month or day, his earnings going to his father. He early
learned the value of earnest, unremitting toil and upon that quality has
builded his success in later life.
Mr. Smith was married the first time in I859. the lady of his
choice being Mrs. Hannah J. Haden, a daughter of Samuel Lincoln
and the widow of Joseph Haden. She died leaving three children who
were born of her second marriage, while by her first marriage she
had six children. These were: Esther Ann, who died when about
two years old; George, also deceased; Addie, the wife of Jesse Parker,
of Calvin township; William B., a hardware merchant of Cassopolis;
James G., a prominent and distinguished citizen of this county, who is
represented elsewhere in this work; and Mattie, the wife of Jacob Keen.
The children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith were: Charles, a resident
of Cassopolis; Freddie, a farmer of Calvin township; and Edward, of
Elkhart, Indiana, who is in the employ of the railroad company. After
losing his first wife Mr. Smith wedded Miss Alfretta Allen, a daughter
of Jerry Allen, and unto them were born five children: Stephen; Dell,
deceased; Harmon; Clark; and Frank.
Mr. Smith has been a resident of Calvin township for seventy
years and is its oldest citizen who was not born in this county. He
has a very wide and favorable acquaintance and has always taken an'
active and helpful part in measures and plans for the public good. His
political allegiance has been given to the Republican party since its
organization and he has held several school offices in the township, the
cause of education finding in him a warm and stalwart friend. He belongs to Mathews Artin Post, G. A. R., at Calvin Center, being entitled to membership therein by reason of the fact that he enlisted in
1864 as a member off-the Twelfth Michigan Volunteer Infantry and




540


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


served until the close of the war. He has been equally loyal to his
country in days of peace, and local advancement and national progress
are both causes dear to his heart. Through his business career he has
carried on farming and is now the owner of ninety-two acres of good
land under a high state of cultivation. Everything about his place is
neat and thrifty in appearance and his labors are attended with a
measure of success that indicates his capable management and unremitting diligence.
REV. WALTER CLARK.
Rev. Walter Clark is numbered among the capable agriculturists of
Penn township, living on section 5 and for many years he has also devoted much of his time to the work of the ministry as a preacher of
the Brethren church. His life record is indeed worthy of emulation,
commanding for him the respect, confidence and good will of all. He
was born in New York, September 23, I837. His grandfather, Eli
Clark, was a native of the Empire state and died in Ohio. His father,
William L. Clark, was a native of New York and removed to Cass
county, Michigan, about i844, settling on section 4, Penn township,
where he developed a tract of land hitherto wild and unimproved. He
turned the first furrows upon various fields, planted his seed and in
due course of time gathered good crops. After residing there for a
number of years he removed to Bertrand township, Berrien county,
Michigan, but afterward returned to Cass county and settled in Silver
Creek township.  This was about 1852, and in I856 he removed to
Penn township, where he resided until I86i. In that year he became
a resident of Pipestone township, Berrien county, Michigan, where his
remaining days were passed, his death occurring when he had reached
the age of about seventy-eight years. The wife of William L. Clark
was in her maidenhood Miss Almira West and she, too, was born in
the Empire state, while her death occurred in September, I86o, when
she was forty-six years of age. In their family were eight children, of
whom Walter Clark is the eldest son and also the eldest now living.
When about seven years of age Walter Clark of this review removed with his parents to Cass county and here he has since lived with
the exception of the brief intervals spent in Berrien county when a
small boy. He returned to Cass county in I856 and was married here
in I86I to Miss Maria Gould, who was born in the state of New York.
They began their domestic life upon the farm where they yet reside
and their marriage was blessed with one daughter, Almira, now the
deceased wife of Samuel Rice. There was one daughter by this marriage, Verna Rice.
Rev. Clark has a farm of one hundred and fourteen acres situated
on section 5, Penn township, and his land is productive, yielding good
harvests annually. He has also added many modern improvements to
his place and he uses good machinery in cultivating the fields and




4<Ct/a








HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


541


caring for the crops.  He also has good grades of stock upon his
farm and the property is the visible evidence of his well-directed labor
and life of thriift. He cleared the land, erected a residence and barns
and has fenced the tract, first enclosing it with a rail fence made of
rails which he himself split. Industry has-been the dominant factor in
his life and his Christian faith has been the keynote of his character.
He has long been a member of the Brethren church, in which he has
served as elder and minister and in the work of which he has taken a
very active and helpful part, devoting about forty years to the work
of the ministry, during which time he has exerted a wide and beneficial
influence in behalf of the religious development of the community.
He has also been instrumental in erecting three houses of worship in
Cass county. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, casting his ballot for Abraham Lincoln in I860 and again in I864 and for each presidential candidate of the party since that time. He has been officially
connected with the schools, and while serving as a member of the board
of education has done all in his power to promote the cause of public
instruction in his locality.
SAMUEL B. HADDEN.
Samuel B. Hadden, who is engaged in general agricultural pursuits in Ontwa township, is a native son of New York, his birth having occurred on the 5th of October, I837. His father, Charles D.
Hadden, was born in Westchester county, New York, in I81II and he,
too, was a farmer by occupation, devoting the greater part of his life
to the work of tilling the soil. In early manhood he was married in
Tompkins county, New York, to Miss Nancv Blythe, a native of Ireland, who came to this country when a little girl and was reared in
New York. Mr. and Mrs. Hadden became the parents of six children,
four sons and two daughters, Mary, George M., Charles A., deceased,
Elizabeth and James G., all of whom are natives of the Empire state.
In the year I867 the father left New York and came with his family
to Cass county, Michigan, settling on section 7, Ontwa township, where
he secured three hundred and ninety-seven acres of rich land, much
of which had been improved. With characteristic energy he took up
the task of further cultivating and developing this place and continued to make it his home until his death. He took an active interest
in political questions and in the work of the party, and was a stanch
Republican. While residing in New York he served as supervisor of
his township for three years but he never sought office after coming
to the west as his time was fully occupied by his business cares in
relation to, the farm. He died January 29, I878, and was survived by
his wife until December, 1887, when she, too, was called to her final rest.
Samuel B. Hadden was reared in New York and was brought up
as a farmer, assisting his father in the cultivation of the fields upon



542


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


the old homestead until the time of his marriage, which occurred February Io, I870, the lady of his choice being Miss Matilda Hadden, a
daughter of Gilbert and Harriet (Adams) Hadden, who came from
Westchester, Putnam  county, New York, to Michigan.    She was
reared, however, upon her father's farm in Putnam county. Mr. and
Mrs. Hadden of this review began their domestic life upon the old
farm homestead, where they lived for a year and then removed to
Jefferson township, settling on a farm of eighty acres, where they
resided for four years. On the expiration of that period Mr. Hadden
sold his property and returned to Ontwa township, locating on his
farm here, and he built a pretty home on the seven acres just west of
Edwardsburg. He owns all together one hundred and seventy-seven
acres in this township, the greater part of which is well improved,
constituting a productive property, from  which he annually gathers
rich harvests, that, finding a ready sale on the market, bring him a
very gratifying income.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hadden have been born five children: Henrietta, who was born June 14, I8'73, is the wife of Frank Stophlett, a
mail clerk of Cass county; John B., born May I2, I875; Carrie, born
August 7, I877; Fred, November 7, I88o; and Martha, December 24,
1882, all at home, and all were born upon the present farm in Ontwa
township with the exception of Henrietta, whose birth occurred in
Jefferson township.
Mr. Hadden is a Republican, actively interested in the success and
growth of his party, and he belongs to the Presbyterian church of Edwardsburg. Coming to Cass county at an early period in its development he is numbered among its pioneer settlers and has been a witness of the progress that has been made as pioneer conditions have
given way before the advancing civilization.  He has done his full
share for the improvement of the county along agricultural lines and
in the careful management of his business affairs has won a just reward for his labor in a comfortable competence.
DON A. FLETCHER.
Don A. Fletcher is numbered among the old settlers of the county,
having for fifty-five years resided within its borders, so that he has been
a witness of many great changes here. His memory goes back to the
time when much of the land was still in its primitive condition, when
there were no railroads or telegraph lines and when the now thriving
towns and cities were but little villages or had not sprung into existence.
Today the country has been divided up into many farms and the fields of
waving grain and the well kept stock all indicate a population of prosperous and contented people, while churches, schools and other evidences
of culture are numerous.
Mr. Fletcher is a native of Wayne county, New York, born on the








A-d  // c/  / /-I




~li~~~~~~I


fJtit


AND DAUGHTER.




IV,




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


543


7th of April, 1837, and comes of English ancestry, the family having
been established in New England at an early period in its colonization.
His paternal grandparents were Russell and Rachel Fletcher, who resided for a number of years in Vermont and afterward removed to
Wayne county, New York. In the year I846 Russell Fletcher made his
way westward to Kalamazoo county, Michigan, and on to Cass county,
where his last days were passed. William R. Fletcher, father of our
subject, was born in the Green Mountain state, where he remained
until eighteen years of age, when he accompanied his parents on their
removal to New York. He was married in Wayne county to Miss
Sarah A. Stearns, whose birth occurred in that county. Following his
marriage William R. Fletcher located on a farm in Wayne county, New
York, and in 1846 he removed to Michigan, journeying westward in
the fall of that year. He spent the winter in Cass county, and in the
following spring removed to Kalamazoo county, where he remained for
three years.  On the expiration of that period he returned to Cass
county, settling in LaGrange township, and for many years he was
numbered among the agriculturists of this part. of the state. In all of
his work he was practical and enterprising, and he assisted in large measure in the development and upbuilding of this part of Michigan. He
died at the home of his son, D. A. Fletcher, in his eighty-fourth year,
respected and honored by all who knew him. He had been supervisor
and commissioner of highways, and whether in office or as a private citizen he was always interested in the welfare of his community and could
be counted upon as a co-operant factor in measures for the general
good.  He voted with the Democracy.   His wife lived to be about
seventy-four years of age. She came of an old Canadian family of
French ancestry. Unto Mr. and Mrs. William Fletcher were born five
children, three daughters and two sons, all of whom are living at this
writing.
Don A. Fletcher, the eldest of the family, was but nine years of
age when he came to Michigan with his parents, and he has resided continuously in Cass county from the age of thirteen years. In his boyhood days he attended the common schools and in the summer months
was trained in the work of the fields. He remained with his parents
until twenty-five years of age, when in I862 he was united in marriage
to Miss Sarepta D. Shurte, a daughter of Isaac and Mary (Wright)
Shurte. She was born in LaGrange Prairie, in Cass county, October
29, 1838, her people having been pioneer settlers of this section of the
state. They came here when only a few homes had been established
within the borders of Cass county, and were closely identified with its
early development. The year following his marriage Mr. Fletcher
located upon the farm where he now lives and has resided here continuously since, although he spent one year in California. In 1864 he went
across the plains with a horse train by way of Salt Lake City, traveling




544


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


across the long, hot stretches of sand and through the mountain passes.
He returned, however, by way of the water route, crossing the Isthmus
of Panama and thence sailing to New York City, after which he journeyed into the interior of the country and ultimately reached his home
in LaGrange township. He is today the owner of two hundred and
sixty acres of valuable land in the old homestead and one hundred and
twenty-six acres on section I6, LaGrange township. He has on his
home property good improvements, while the fields yield to him rich harvests in return for the care and labor he bestows upon his land. Everything about his place is neat and thrifty in appearance, and his work
has been characterized by the most practical and resourceful methods.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher have been born three sons and a
daughter. William Isaac is now a resident of Oregon. Mary Lyle,
the wife of Byron Poor, of Dowagiac, Michigan, is a graduate of the
Dowagiac High School in the class of I886. She has been one of
Cass county's successful teachers for over twelve terms, having taught
six terms in one district. She received her diploma from the South
Bend Commercial College in the class of I89o. Ross A. took a course
in the Dowagiac High School and graduated in the South Bend Business College in the same year as his sister Lyle. C. Clare is a graduate of the Cassopolis High School in the class of I895. Both are
assisting in the cultivation of the home farm. Mr. Fletcher can look
back into a remote era of the county's development and progress, having
for fifty-five years resided here, and he has taken an active part in the
work of making the county what it is today. He can remember the
time when few of the roads had been laid out, when few bridges had
been built and when only here and there could be seen a settlement to
indicate that the work of development and cultivation had been begun.
He has always voted with the Democracy, and has served as road commissioner and as a member of the board of reviews. Fraternally he is
connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is well
known in the county where he has lived so long and where he has so
directed his efforts that signal success has attended his labors.
SAMUEL J. LINCOLN.
Samuel J. Lincoln, who is filling the office of township supervisor
in Penn township and follows the occupation of farming on section 13,
was born upon the old homestead farm on this section May 23, 1850.
His father, Bela Lincoln, was a native of New York and became a resident of Cass county before Michigan was admitted into the Union, the
year of his arrival being 1833. He came in company with his parents,
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Lincoln, who located near Vandalia.  Samuel
Lincoln was a scythe maker and also engaged in shoeing oxen in the
early days. An industrious man, he took an active and helpful part in;
the early development of the county, performing much of the arduous




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


545


task incident to the settlement of a frontier district and its conversion
to the uses of civilization.  His son, Bela Lincoln, was only eleven
years of age at the time of the arrival of the family in Michigan and
was therefore reared amid the environments of pioneer life, sharing in
the hardships and trials incident to establishing a home in a frontier
district.  Returning to Ohio, he was there married to Miss Achsah
DeCou, who was born in Green county, Ohio. After their marriage
they located for a short time on Young's Prairie in Cass county, but
soon afterward removed to section 13, Penn township, Mr. Lincoln
trading a horse for forty acres of land. He went in debt for the horse,
paying for it at the rate of six dollars per month. For four years
Mr. Lincoln was in the employ of Charles Jones at farm labor. He
was a carpenter by trade and he built the first union schoolhouse in
Cassopolis. He also laid out the plan from draft and put in the foundation for the Custard House in Cassopolis and prior to that he built
a sawmill in Penn township, after which he operated it for a number
of years or until it was destroyed by fire. He thus figured prominently in industrial interests in the county. Rebuilding his mill he continued in the manufacture of lumber for a few years, when he sold
out and again resumed work at the carpenter's trade and at the same
time followed the millwright's trade. In his business life he was very
industrious and energetic, was reliable and trustworthy and his good
workmanship and known honesty secured for him a liberal patronage.
He was highway commissioner at one time and always gave his political
allegiance to the Republican party, taking an active interest in its
work and doing all in his power to promote its growth and insure its
success. Living in Cass county from early pioneer days he was one of
the best known citizens within its borders and at his death in I88I the
community lost one of its honored and representative men. In the
family were two children who grew to adult age, the sister of our subject being Mrs. Beulah Green, the wife of Elam E. Green, of Penn
township.
Samuel J. Lincoln, whose name introduces this review, was reared
and educated in Penn township, attending the district schools, wherein
he mastered the common branches of learning usually taught in such
institutions. He then remained at home until twenty-four years of
age, assisting his father in carpenter work and following that pursuit for about thirty years. He was thus an important factor in building operations in the county and in many places are seen evidences of
his skill and ability in that direction. He was always a thorough and
accurate workman and won an excellent reputation in that direction.
In I875, Mr. Lincoln was united in marriage to Miss Florence A.
Tompkins, a daughter of Jabez Tompkins. Mrs. Lincoln was born in
Ohio and when about five years of age was brought to Cass county
by her parents. At the time of their marriage the young couple located
on section 12, Penn township, where they lived for about four years,




546


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


when his father died and he returned to the old homestead to care for
his aged mother, who is still living, having reached the advanced age
of seventy-nine years, her birth having occurred in I828. Unto Mr.
and Mrs. Lincoln have been born three sons and a daughter: Neva J.;
Bela J., who is married and now studying law in Detroit; Clayton D.,
a stenographer now employed by the Dodge Pulley Company at Mishawaka, Indiana; and Raymond A., who is attending school. There is also
one granddaughter, Mildred D. Barney.
Mr. Lincoln now gives his attention to the produce shipping business at Penn and rents his farm, which returns to him a good income.
Moreover he is actively interested in public affairs and his worth and
ability are widely recognized by his fellow townsmen, who have therefore called him to public office. He was elected supervisor of Penn
township in 1903, and was re-elected in I904 and again in I905, so
that he is the present incumbent in the position. He belongs to the
Masonic lodge at Vandalia, and his life is in harmony with the teachings and tenets of the craft. He has always been an earnest Republican and his public-spirited interest in the general welfare has led to
hearty co-operation in many plans and movements for the welfare of
the community.   For fifty-five years he has resided in Penn township, either upon his present farm or within a quarter of a mile of his
present home.  His life has been one of untiring and well-directed
activity resulting in gratifying success.
LEVI J. REYNOLDS.
Levi J. Reynolds, residing in Vandalia, is well known because of
an active and honorable business career and also by reason of capable
and faithful service in public office in this county. He is numbered
among the worthy citizens that Ohio has furnished to Michigan, and
he has now passed the seventy-sixth milestone on life's journey. His
birth occurred in Portage county, Ohio, July I8, I830. His father,
Edward Reynolds, was a native of Ireland and his parents were of
the Catholic belief and because Edward Reynolds would not accept the
faith he was driven away from home and came to America when a
young lad of about fourteen years. He made his way to New York
and in the Empire state was employed at farm labor. Eventually he
became a resident of Cass county, Michigan, where he arrived in
I847. He located on a farm on the borders of Calvin and Porter townships and throughout his remaining days devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits.  He was truly a self-made man, for he
started out in life amid unfavoring circumstances and with no influential friends or inheritance to assist him. He early developed a self
reliant character, however, and determined spirit, and with these qualities to aid him in his business career he made steady advancement and
won not only a comfortable competence but also an untarnished name




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


547


by reason of his genuine worth of character. He married Betsy Miner,
a native of Massachusetts, and both lived to be sixty-two years of age.
Mrs. Reynolds was twice married and by her first husband, Mr. Iles,
she became the mother of six children, while by her marriage to Mr.
Reynolds seven children were born. Twelve of her thirteen children
reached adult age, Mr. Reynolds being the third child of the second
marriage.
He was reared in Knox county, Ohio, until nine years of age, when
he accompanied his parents to Steuben county, Indiana, and when a
young man of seventeen years he left the Hoosier state for Cass county,
Michigan, where he was employed at farm labor. In this way be made
a start in life and when he had saved enough from his earnings to
justify his purchase of a farm he invested in land in Calvin township.
As an agriculturist he displayed practical methods, was systematic in
all of his work, and in the tilling of the soil and also in his care of
his stock, he showed himself to be an energetic farmer with good
business qualifications.  He was also an auctioneer for many years,
met with success in that business and thus became one of the best
known men of the county.
Mr. Reynolds has been married three times. In Cass county in
J851 he wedded Miss Martha A. East and they became the parents of
two sons: Austin M. and Albert. For his second wife Mr. Reynolds
chose Sarah A. Story, the widow of Albert Kennicott. By this marriage there were two daughters. For his third wife Mr. Reynolds
chose Mary A. Royer, and at her death the following lines were written;
"Mary A. Royer was born March 20, 1842, in Stark county, Ohio,
and died March 17, I905, in Vandalia, Cass county, Michigan, aged
sixty-two years, eleven months and twenty-seven days. In early childhood she moved with her parents to Indiana, where she resided a
number of years. The latter part of her life was spent in Vandalia,
Michigan, where she was united in marriage to Levi J. Reynolds in
I886. In early youth she became a Christian and has since been a
consistent and faithful follower of Christ, having been identified with
the Church of Christ since I885 in Vandalia. She leaves a kind and
affectionate husband and loving brothers and sisters to mourn their
loss. Her pastor frequently called to see her during her sickness and
ever found her the same kind, patient and Christian sufferer, submitting
her will to the will of the Divine. The night before the Angel of
Death came to bear her Christian spirit home she left the following
beautiful lines:
"'When the waiting time is over,
When from sin and sorrow free,
We shall meet beyond the river,
There to dwell eternally.'




548


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


"In the death of Mary A. Reynolds, Vandalia Chapter 235, O. E.
S., lost an honored and greatly esteemed charter member."
In his political affiliation Mr. Reynolds is a stanch and unfaltering
Republican, who has taken an active interest in political affairs and
keeps well informed on all the questions and issues of the day. He
served as sheriff of Cass county for two years and then owing to the
ill health of his wife he would not accept a second nomination. As
justice of the peace he rendered decisions which were strictly fair and
impartial and during many years' service as supervisor of Calvin township he worked earnestly for the general good of the community. He
belongs to the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in the lodge
and chapter, and he is a most earnest and devoted member of the
Christian church, in which he is now serving as elder, while in its
work he takes an active and helpful part. His influence is ever given
on the side of right, justice, truth and progress and at all times he
has been found worthy of the confidence and trust which have been
uniformly given him.
Calvin K. East, who married the sister of Levi J. Reynolds,
was born in Calvin township, Cass county, Michigan, October 7, 1834,
and died at his home in Vandalia, April 17, I906, aged seventy-one
years, six months and ten days. He was married December 25, I854,
to Mabel P. Reynolds. To this union were born seven children, five
of whom are still living: Oscar J., of Muskegon; Rollie M., of Niles;
Bertha Wright and Mary Williams, of Traverse City; and Harley
M., of Vandalia, all of whom were present to comfort their mother, upon whom the affliction falls so heavily.  He was a member of the
Friends' church and a faithful attendant until disease laid its heavy
hand on him, and had for a few months kept him confined to his home.
He leaves besides a wife and five children, ten grandchildren and many
other relatives and friends to mourn his loss. Rev. Stephen Scott of
Penn conducted the funeral services. Interment in Birch Lake cemetery.
JACOB McINTOSH.
On the roll of pioneer settlers of Cass county appears the name of
Jacob McIntosh and his personal qualities and life of activity entitle
him to the position of prominence that is uniformly accorded him.
He resides on section 33, Penn township, not far from the place of
his birth, which was on section 32 of the same township, his natal day
being March 15, I840. His paternal grandfather was Daniel McIntosh,
a native of Scotland. He was a wagon-maker by trade and in early
manhood emigrated with his family to the new world, settling at
Baltimore, Maryland, where he carried on business for some time. He
afterward took up his abode in Ohio and in I832 came to Cass county,
Michigan, locating on Young's Prairie in Penn township. He was one
of the pioneer settlers of this section of the state and became identified




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


54'3


with the territorial interests of Michigan, for the state had not at
that time been organized. He purchased a claim of one hundred and
sixty acres of land and at once began its improvement. At the time
of the purchase there was a double log house upon the farm and this
was the original home of the family in Cass county. As the years
passed he added more modern improvements and continued his farm
work along progressive lines of agriculture. On one occasion he met
with an accident while on his way to Tecumseh. He had a herd of horses,
some of which got away, and he went to hunt them, becoming lost in
the woods. For seven days and six nights he wandered around unable
to find his way to a settlement. The horse which he rode also got away
from him and he was in a severe snow storm and his feet were frozen
so badly that they had to be amputated and for many years thereafter
he walked upon his knees, but he possessed an indomitable spirit and
unfaltering energy and he did a man's work without feet. His death
occurred when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-seven years.
William McIntosh, the father of our subject, was born in Inverness,
Scotland, and was only three years of age at the time of the emigration
of his parents to America. He lived with them in Baltimore, Maryland, and eventually removed to Ohio, whence they came to Michigan
about the time of the removal of Daniel McIntosh to this state.
However, he afterward returned to Ohio and was there engaged in
the operation of a sawmill for several years. Eventually, however, he
returned to Cass county and was married at Three Rivers, St. Joseph
county, to Miss Sarah Mclntaffer, who was a native of the Buckeye
state and in her girlhood days was brought to Michigan by her father,
Jacob Mclntaffer, who was of German descent.  He settled in St.
Joseph county, becoming one of the pioneers of that part of the state,
and in connection with a man by the name of Buck he entered nine
hundred acres of land, upon which the town of Three Rivers has since
been built.  He built the first log house and sawmill upon its site
and took a very active and important part in the work of early development and improvement leading to the present prosperous condition of that section of the state today. He died there from exposure
and was buried at Three Rivers. His daughter, Mrs. William McIntosh, died when seventy-five years of age. By her marriage she had
become the mother of nine children. five daughters and four sons, one
of whom died at the age of eight years and another when about sixteen years of age, while the remaining members of the family reached
years of maturity.
Jacob McIntosh is the eldest son and fourth child and was reared
in Penn township in the usual manner of lads of pioneer times. He
now resides upon a portion of the farm upon which his birth occurred.
In his youth he enjoyed the educational advantages afforded in a log
school house. But few branches of learning were taught and it has
been largely through reading, experience and observation in later years




550


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


that he has become a well informed man.- He walked to school two
miles in the winter seasons and in the summer months aided in the
work of the farm, assisting his father in the fields until twenty-one
years of age. In I86I, having attained his majority, he responded to
his country's call for troops and enlisted as a member of Company D,
Sixth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, with which he went to the front
but was afterward transferred to the heavy artillery. He served for
three years and was promoted from a private to the rank of corporal
and afterward to sergeant. At the battle of Port Hudson on the 27th
of May, 1863, he was wounded in the upper part of the right leg
by a minie ball. He was then detailed as assistant cook so that he
would not be sent to the hospital. He participated in the entire siege
of Port Hudson and was one of about forty who charged over the
works on the 30th of June, I863, a military movement that has become famous in history as Dwight's charge. When the siege was
begun the troops were under command of General Butler, but at the
time the charge was. made over the works General Banks was in command.
Following the close of the war Mr. McIntosh received an honorable discharge at Kalamazoo, Michigan, and with a most creditable
military record returned to his old home in Penn township, where he
resumed farming. Throughout his active business career he has carried on general agricultural pursuits and as a companion and helpmate
for life's journey he chose Miss Emily J. Rivers, to whom he was married on the 28th of November,- 1865. She is a daughter of James and
Delilah (Chase) Rivers. Her birth occurred in New York, in which
state she remained until twelve years of age, when she accompanied
her parents on their removal to Mokena, Illinois, whence they came
to Cass county, Michigan, in I864. At the time of his marriage Mr.
McIntosh located on the farm where he now resides, but after a year
removed to Cassopolis, where he followed the trade of carpentering,
becoming a well known contractor and builder of that city. He was
awarded a number bf important contracts and continued his identification with building operations until about I870, when he returned to
the farm. He has cleared his land here and erected all of the barns and
outbuildings as well as the residence and in connection with the cultivation of his fields and the improvement of his property he has also followed the business of moving and raising barns and other buildings for
about eight years. He is also the patentee of a ratchet gate and is
quite extensively engaged in its manufacture, it being now in general
use in this and adjoining counties of Michigan and also in Illinois.
The gate is one of the most complete of the kind ever placed upon the
market. It can be raised over a drift of snow and until Mr. McIntosh's
invention was perfected this was one of the great problems of the
farmer, who would find that the snow would drift against the fences,.
making it almost impossible to open a gate. His farm comprises eighty




I


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY                       55
acres of land, which responds readily to the care and cultivation placed
upon it, for the land is arable and productive.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. McIntosh have been born the following named:
Minnie B., now the-wife of Dr. Don A. Link, of Volinia, Cass county;
and J. Howard, of Chicago, who for three years was located in Ann
Arbor, Michigan, but is now engaged in the abstract business in the
former city.
Mr. McIntosh was reared in the faith of the Democratic party,
but is now a stanch Republican and is deeply interested in the political
issues and questions of the day, keeping well informed upon all such,
and at the same time putting forth every effort in his power to promote
Republican successes.  He has been called to serve in several local
positions, has been highway commissioner, was township treasurer and
in I886 was elected sheriff of Cass county, in which position he discharged his duties with such promptness and fidelity that he was reelected in I888. He was also justice of the peace and constable for
seventeen years and his official service has ever been characterized by
promptness, accuracy and thorough reliability.. He is now undersheriff.
He is a charter member of Albert Anderson Post No. I57, G. A. R.,
in which he has filled several positions and is now officer of the guard.
Through his association therewith he maintains pleasant relations with
his old army comrades and greatly enjoys the reminiscences of the
campfires. He likewise belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, both of Cassopolis,
and he holds membership in the Baptist church at Brownsville and
erected the house of worship there.  He is president of the AntiHorse Thief Association of Penn township. His son, J. Howard McIntosh, is a member of Backus Lodge No. 50, A. F. & A. M., and
has attained the 32nd degree of the Scottish rite in Chicago Consistory,
S. P. R. S. At one time he was president of the Wolverine Club at
the University of Michigan for two years. Sixty-six years have been
added to the cycle of the centuries since Jacob McIntosh began his life
record in Penn township, where he has lived almost continuously since,
He has never made his home beyond the borders of Cass county, so that
he is widely known here. His best friends are those who have known
him longest, a fact which indicates an honorable life and exemplary
principles. His work has been of a character resulting beneficially to
the county as well as to himself and he belongs to that class of representative American men who while promoting individual welfare also
contribute in substantial measure to the good of the community with
which they are connected.
GEORGE M. KINGSBURY.
G. M. Kingsbury, president of the Cassopolis Manufacturing
Company and a well known resident of Cassopolis, was for many
years a leading merchant of the city and was a valued and prominent




552


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


factor in its business interests because of his connection with its manufacturing affairs and its banking business as a director of the First
National Bank. He was born in LaGrange township, this county, on
the 23rd of April, I862, and represents one of the pioneer families.
His father, Asa Kingsbury, was a native of Massachusetts, and came
to Cass county, Michigan, during an early epoch in its development
and progress. Establishing his home in Cassopolis, he became a prominent merchant and banker here, and was closely identified with the
early upbuilding and progress of the village.  He belonged to that
class of representative American citizens who while promoting individual
success also contribute in large measure to the general prosperity. His
fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability and his devotion
to the general good, several times called him to the office of county
treasurer. His death occurred when he had reached the age of seventy-six yars, and he left behind him the record of an honorable, upright
and successful life.  He was married twice, and in his family were
fourteen children, G. M. Kingsbury being the ninth in order of birth.
Under the parental roof in Cassopolis Mr. Kingsbury of this review spent his boyhood and youth, his time being divided between the
duties of the schoolroom and the pleasures of the playground.  He
afterward attended the Jackson High School, ifrom  which he was
graduated in the class of I88I, and, returning to Cassopolis, he here
embarked in merchandising, having become somewhat familiar with
the business by assisting at odd times in his father's store. For eighteen
years he was a representative of commercial life here, conducting a
large and well stocked store which brought to him a good patronage
because of his reliable business methods and his earnest efforts to please
his customers.  In the spring of I900, however, he sold his store to
G. L. Smith, since which time he has given his attention to manufacturing interests, being president of the Cassopolis Manufacturing Company, which was organized in the fall of I899. He is also one of the
directors of the First National Bank of Cassopolis, and his name is an
honored one on all commercial paper.
October I8, I882, Mr. Kingsbury was united in marriage to Miss
Stella Powell, a daughter of Francis I. and Mary (Huff) Powell and
a native- of LaGrange township. Her people were early residents of
the county, the name of Powell figuring in connection with many of
the early events which constitute the pioneer history of this part of
the state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kingsbury has been born a daughter,
Charlotte, who is now at home.
In his political views Mr. Kingsbury is a stalwart Democrat, unfaltering in his devotion to the party and active in its work. In I892
he was a delegate to the national convention at Chicago.  He has
several times served as a village officer, being president of the village
board for four years, was treasurer for a number of years, had also
been trustee and is a member of the board of trustees of the cemetery.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


553


Whatever tends to promote the permanent improvement and material
progress of the city receives his strong endorsement and hearty cooperation. He belongs to Backus Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Cassopolis,
has also taken the degrees of capitular and chivalric Masonry and is
now a member of the Mystic Shrine. Prominent in the ranks of the
craft, he is acting as grand scribe of the grand chapter.  He is a
member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is widely
recognized as one of Cassopolis' leading and influential citizens. He
possesses keen business discernment and an ability which enables him
to readily comprehend a business situation and its possibilities.  He
has therefore wrought along lines that have led to affluence and is today
one of the substantial residents of his community.
Since the above was compiled, Mr. Kingsbury passed away and
the following Masonic obituary is appended:
"GRAND CHAPTER ROYAL ARCH MASONS OF MICHIGAN.
"Jackson, Mich., March 2, I9o6.
"To all Royal Arch MIasons wheresoever dispersed:
"For the second time within the year are we called upon to mourn
the loss of one of the active officers of our Grand Chapter and to join
the funeral cortege to pay the last sad homage to a beloved companion.
"GEORGE M. KINGSBURY,
"R. E. GRAND SCRIBE,
Died at his home in Cassopolis, Mich., Tuesday evening, February 27,
1906. Companion Kingsbury's failing health has been regarded with
much anxiety by his friends for several years, but the dread scourge
consumption secured too 'firm hold on his system and the inevitable
has resulted.
"George M. Kingsbury was born at the old family home in Cassopolis, April 23, I862.  At the age of I4 he went to Jackson to
finish his schooling, afterwards embarking in the mercantile business
which he followed until 90oo. At the organization of the Cassopolis
Manufacturing Co. in I899, he was made its president and general
manager and continued in that office until a short time before his death.
"Companion Kingsbury was always alive to the business interests
of his home village, and many times was called to serve it in official
capacities. He was president for four years, treasurer for six years,
member of the school board six years, and was member of cemetery
board at the time of his death. In every position he gave his best
efforts and his administration was always marked by a move in the
line of progress.
"October I8, 1882, he was united in marriage to Miss Estelle
Powell, of Dowagiac, and to them was born one daughter, Miss Lottie,
who with the devoted wife are left to mourn their irreparable loss.
"The Masonic record of Companion Kingsbury has been a bright




554             HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
one. He was raised to the degree of Master Mason in Backus Lodge
No. 55, F. & A. M., December io, 1883. He was exalted to the sublime
degree of Royal Arch Mason in Kingsbury Chapter No. 78, R. A. M.,
June I8, I885, and first appeared in Grand Chapter as High Priest
in I892, serving his Chapter in that position for twelve years. He
was elected Grand Master of the Second Veil January 17, I900, and
has been steadily advanced by his companions until at his death he
was acceptably filling the station of Grand Scribe.
"He was Knighted in Niles Commandery No. I2, K. T., November 20, I885, and received the degrees of Royal and Select Master in
Niles Council No. 19, R. & S. M., April I6, I903. He was made a
member of Saladin Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., October I8, I895.
"The funeral of Companion Kingsbury was held at his home
March 2, I906, and he was buried in Prospect Hill Cemetery with
Masonic honors under the auspices of Backus Lodge No 55, Niles
Commandery No. 12, headed by a military band acting as escort. The
officers of the Grand Chapter of Michigan were in attendance to honor
the memory of a beloved Companion.
"As a token of respect to the memory of this distinguished Companion and of our affection for him it is ordered that this memorial
be read at the first regular convocation after its receipt, and that it be
preserved in the Memorial Record of the Chapter prepared for that
purpose. It is further ordered that the Chapter and Altar be draped
in mourning for sixty days thereafter.
"THOMAS H. WILLIAMS,
Grand Hight Priest.
"Attest:
"CHARLES A. CONOVER,
Grand Secretary.
JUDGE C. E. CONE.
The bench and bar have ever been a civilizing influence in the
history of state and nation and Judge Cone is actively connected with
a profession which has important bearing upon the progress and stable.prosperity of any section or community and 'one which has long been
considered as conserving the public welfare by furthering the ends of
justice and maintaining individual rights. The present probate judge
of Cass county is a gentleman whose superior educational attainments
and understanding of the law have given him prominence in connection
with his chosen profession and won him the position which he now
fills through appointment of Governor Warner, who recognized his
ability and merits. In his social and official relations he is well known
in Cassopolis and Cass county. C. E. Cone has much to do with
public interests in Cassopolis. He is director of the school board and
has been a helpful factor in many movements for the general good.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


His business interests have been in the line of law practice and he is
recognized as one of the most able attorneys of the county, possessing
in large measure the qualities which contribute to success at the bar,
including perseverance and an analytical mind, which is at the same
time readily receptive and retentive of the fundamental principles and
intricacies of the law.
Mr. Cone is a native of the Empire state, his natal place being
Oswego, New York, his natal day April 25, I867. His father, Chester
Cone, was also born in New York and was a cooper by trade. Emigrating westward, he settled in Van Buren county, Michigan, about I868
and afterward removed to Elkhart, Indiana. He has resided in southern Michigan and in northern Indiana since that time, making his
home at present, in I9o6, in Goshen, Indiana. His wife, who bore
the maiden name of Maggie Rourk, was a native of Canada, where her
girlhood days were passed. She died when her son, C. E. Cone, was
about five years of age, leaving three children, namely: C. E. Cone;
Mrs. Millie Keller, who died in Enid, Oklahoma; and William Cone,
who is a resident of Elkhart.
C. E. Cone, the eldest of the family, was only about a year old at
the time of his parents' removal from the Empire state to Michigan.
He began his education in Elkhart and continued his studies in the
schools of Goshen and of Bristol, Indiana. He engaged in teaching in
the village school at Bristol and for seven months in the district schools
of the Hoosier state.  Locating at Vandalia, he spent about fifteen
months in a general store owned by W. R. Merritt, after which he
engaged in teaching for one year as assistant principal. During this
year he studied and earned a first grade teacher's certificate and was
elected principal the following year, which position he filled for four
years.  Under his guidance the schools made satisfactory progress,
for he maintained a high standard of excellence and put forth practical effort to improve the schools and worked for their permanent
good.  He attended the Agricultural College at Lansing, Michigan,
where he studied chemistry, physics, geology and astronomy. Following this work he took the state teachers' examination and won a life
certificate in 189I. He was elected county commissioner of schools in
1893 and came to Cassopolis. For eight years he occupied that position and the cause of education has ever found in him a stalwart friend,
whose labors in its behalf have been effective and far reaching. In
1896 he began the study of law and was admitted to the bar in April,
I899,. Following the expiration of his term of office he entered at
once upon the active practice of the law, opening an office in the Chapman building on the 8th of July, I90o. In his practice he is gifted
with a spirit of devotion to wearisome details and is quick to comprehend the most subtle problems, while in his conclusions he is entirely logical. He is also fearless in the advocacy of any cause he
may espouse and few men have been more richly gifted for the achieve

J




556


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


ment of success in the arduous and difficult profession of the law.
He has twice been elected circuit court commissioner and is filling
that position at the present time. On the election of Probate Judge
L. B. Des Voignes to the circuit bench, Mr. Cone was appointed by
Governor Warner to fill the vacancy and entered upon the duties of
the probate office September 7, I906. He is also a member of the
village council and has been found a co-operant factor in many movements and plans for the promotion of the best interests of Cassopolis.
On the Ist of December, I886, Mr. Cone was united in marriage
to Miss Grace Forgus, a daughter of Wellington and Anna (Evans)
Forgus and a native of New Jersey. Her father was a minister of the
Episcopal church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cone have been born five children, the eldest, J. Gorton, being now eighteen years of age. The
others are Grace, Muriel, Wellington and Esther. Mr. Cone is a prominent worker in Republican ranks and has been secretary of the Republican county central committee.  He is secretary of Kingsbury
Chapter No. 78, R. A. M., and belongs to a number of other fraternities.
HON. JAMES M. SHEPARD.
Hon. James M. Shepard, whose marked individuality and strength
of character well entitle him to the position of leadership which is
accorded him in Cass county, is now American consul at Hamilton, Ontario, and has figured prominently in political and business circles in
Cass county for many years.  He is a native of North Brookfield,
Massachusetts, where he was born on the 24th of November, I840.
The paternal grandfather, Jared Shepard, was a descendant of Thomas
Shepard, the founder of Harvard College. The family is of English
lineage and among its members have been many who have figured prominently in public life in one way or another. Thomas Shepard came
to America in 163.8. To this family belonged General Shepard, who
put down Shay's rebellion. The father of our subject, Rev. James
Shepard, was a native of Hampden county, Massachusetts, born in
1802, and was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was
graduated from Westfield Academy and in his holy calling he exerted
a wide and beneficial influence, contributing in substantial measure to the
growth and development of his party and at the same time taking a pronounced stand upon the slavery question, his influence being far reaching in behalf of opposition to that institution of the south. At length
on account of ill health he was forced to leave the ministry and his
last days were passed on Bunker Hill, Charlestown, Massachusetts,
where he died at the age of fifty-two years. His wife bore the maiden
name of Lucy Bush, and was a native of Westfield, Massachusetts,
born in 80og. She, too, was of English lineage and lived to the advanced age of eighty years. In the maternal line she was descended
from the nobility of England. By her marriage she became the mother




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


557


of four children, one of whom died in infancy. Jared, the eldest, was
at the head of what was known as the Foreign Money Department of
the Suffolk Bank of Boston, the original "Clearing House," but put
aside business ambitions at the outbreak of the Civil war and joined
the Union army as a lieutenant, his death occurring near New Orleans
while he was in the service. Esther is the wife of Rev. Daniel Richards,
of Somerville, Massachusetts, her husband living a retired life there.
Hon. James M. Shepard, the youngest of the family, was educated in Cambridge, Massachusetts, attending the Latin school, afterward the Wilbraham Academy and subsequently the Wesleyan University. He studied medicine and dentistry in Boston and was connected
with the medical department of the navy during the war of the rebellion.
He went out first with the Mansfield guards, a regiment of Connecticut
militia, and later joined the medical department of the navy, with
which he continued until the cessation of hostilities. On the 3rd of
September, I868, Dr. Shepard came to Cassopolis, where he opened
an office for the practice of dentistry, which he followed continuously
until I876, when he purchased the Vigilant and has been sole proprietor
since I8178. As a journalist he is well known and through the publication of his paper has done much to mold public thought and opinion.
He is the champion of every progressive movement and his labors
have been effective in securing the adoption of many measures that
have contributed largely to the public good.
Mr. Shepard is even more widely known because of his activity in
political circles. He was elected to represent the twelfth district, comprising Cass and Van Buren counties, in the state senate in I878, receiving five thousand two hundred and fifty-seven votes against twelve
hundred and eight cast for Josiah R. Hendryx, the Democratic candidate, and four thousand two hundred and thirty for Aaron Dyckman,
the candidate of the National or Greenback party. While a member
of the upper house of the general assembly Mr. Shepard was made
chairman of the standing committees on the liquor traffic and printing
and also a member of the committees on education, on mechanical interests and on engrossments. He proved an active working member of
the senate and did all in his power to promote the welfare of the commonwealth. In 1882 he became clerk of the committee on territories in
the house of representatives of the forty-seventh congress and he was
private secretary to Senator Palmer during the sessions of the fortyeighth, forty-ninth and fiftieth congresses. He was also clerk of the
senate committee on agriculture during the discussion of the legislative movements leading up to the formation of a department of agriculture, and he was secretary to the president of the World's Columbian
Commission at Chicago from June, I890, until the final official report
was rendered in i896. He served as one of the commission of charities and corrections for the state of Michigan under the administrations
of governors Rich and Pingree, which position he resigned upon accept —




558


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


ing the appointment as American.consul to Hamilton, Ontario, on the
-16th of July, I897.
In I870, James M. Shepard was united in marriage to Miss Alice
Martin, the eldest daughter of Hiram and Margaret (Silver) Martin.
They have two children. Melville J., who was born November I8,
1872, is assistant bookkeeper in the Beckwith estate at Dowagic, Michigan. He married Pearl Lum, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and has one
son, James L., born March 20, I902. The daughter, Blanche, born
November 2, 1878, is the wife of Ernest W. Porter, of Newark, New
Jersey.
Dr. Shepard is a member of Albert Anderson Post, G. A. R., of
which he is a past commander. He is also past chancellor commander
of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, a member of the Knights of the
Maccabees, and is a 32nd degree Mason. He has a very wide and
favorable acquaintance among the prominent men of the state and
nation, and has always kept in touch with the great and momentous
questions which involve the welfare of the country. Moreover in local
affairs he is deeply interested, and his influence and aid are ever given
on the side of progress and improvement. While he enjoys the respect
of many with whom he has come in contact in connection with important
public service, in his home town where he has long lived he has that
warm personal regard which arises from true nobility of character and
deference for the opinions of others.
JASPER J. ROSS.
Jasper J. Ross, filling the office of township supervisor in Mason
township and residing upon a farm on section 14, was born April 2,
1858, upon this place which is yet his home. He therefore belongs to
ove of the old families of the county. His father, Richard C. Ross, was
a native of Stark county, Ohio, and at the age of fourteen years accompanied his parents, Jacob and Betsy Ross, to Cass county, settling first
in Edwardsburg, in Ontwa township. There Jacob Ross took up forty
acres of land, which was wild and unimproved, and began the development of a farm. Richard C. Ross also secured a claim from the
government, and Mr. and Mrs. Ross have in their possession one of the
old parchment deeds bearing date and execution of September 10, I838,
and bearing the signature of President Martin Van Buren, the fourth
deed of the kind found in Cass county. It is a valuable document and
heirloom in the Ross household. This was in December, 1832, and
they were among the original settlers of the county. The most farsighted could not have dreamed of the development and progress which
were soon to transform the district into a region of rich fertility and
productiveness, and yet there were to be many years of arduous toil on
the part of the pioneers and subsequent settlers before this result could
be accomplished. The grandfather and father of our subject were both








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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


559


active in reclaiming the wild land for the purposes of civilization, and
turned the first furrow upon many an acre. Having arrived at years
of maturity, Richard C. Ross was united in marriage in 1848, in Mason
township, to Miss Mehitable Bougart, who was born in Geneseo, New
York, April I, I815, and was a daughter of John 0. and Mehitable
Bougart, who came from the east to Michigan in I829, settling in
Edwardsburg, Cass county. Mrs. Ross was then a little maiden of
eight summers, and was therefore reared in Michigan amid pioneer surroundings and environments. The homes of the settlers were largely
log cabins and the furnishings were very primitive and meager as
compared to the homes of the present day. Mrs. Ross proved to her
husband a faithful companion and helpmate for life's journey and possessed many excellent traits of character of heart and mind, which endeared her to all who knew her. She reached the advanced age of
eighty-five years and nine months, while Richard C. Ross departed
this life on the 22d of April, I9OI, at the very venerable age of eightyseven years. His early political allegiance was given to the Whig party,
and upon the organization of the new Republican party, formed to prevent the further extension of slavery, he joined its ranks and continued
one of its stalwart advocates until his demise. He took a very active and
helpful part in the settlement and upbuilding of Cass county, and his
name is enrolled among those to whom the citizens of the later day
owe a debt of gratitude for what the pioneers accomplished in the early
period of development here. Unto him and his wife were born two
daughters and a son, the sisters of our subject being Mrs. Julia Ort,
who is living in Mason township, and Mrs. Samantha Luse, whose home
is in Elkhart, Indiana.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of
farm life for Jasper J. Ross in his boyhood days. He was reared upon
the farm where he now resides, and at an early age he took his place
in the fields, aiding in the plowing, planting and harvesting. His education was obtained in the old brick schoolhouse in district No. 5. He
has never been away from the farm for an entire week in his life, but
has applied himself earnestly and faithfully to his farm labor, and is the
owner of one hundred acres of rich and productive land, which is devoted to general farming. He has good grades of stock upon his place
and is enterprising in his work, which has brought him the success which
he to-day enjoys.
On Christmas day of I887 Mr. Ross was united in marriage to
Miss Nettie Cormany, a daughter of Jonathan and Lydia (Garl) Cormany, and a native of Elkhart county, Indiana, although her girlhood
days were largely passed in this state. Mr. Ross cared for his parents
until their deaths. By his marriage there have been born'two daughters,
Bessie M. and Shirley M., both at home. The family are held in high
esteem in the community, having many warm friends.




560


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Mr. Ross is an earnest Democrat in his political views, active in
the interests of the party, and has held all of the township offices to
which he has been called by his fellow townsmen, who recognize his
ability and his loyalty to the public good. He has served as township
treasurer two terms, has been highway commissioner and in 1905 was
elected township supervisor, being the present incumbent in the office.
Mr. Ross is a member of the United Brethren church, in which he has
served as trustee, and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend,
who has done effective service in behalf of the school as a member of
the school board during nine years incumbency in that office. He has
been a life-long resident of the county, living for forty-eight years upon
the same farm and has been closely identified with its development, its
agricultural interests and its political welfare.
JOHN H. PHILLIPS.
John H. Phillips, an enterprising citizen and merchant of Pokagon
township, who is also filling the office of township supervisor and exerts
strong and beneficial influence in behalf of public affairs, was born in
the western part of Germany on the I2th of July, I841. His father,
John Phillips, was a native of the same country and was a shoemaker
by trade. He married Miss Helen Hill, likewise a native of Germany,
and they became the parents of five sons, John H. being the fourth in
order of birth. In the year I856 the father crossed the Atlantic to
America, locating first in New  Buffalo, Berrien county, Michigan,
where he purchased forty acres of raw land. This was covered with
timber, which he cleared away, and as the years advanced he placed his
farm under a very high state of cultivation and made it a productive
property. There he remained until his death, which occurred in I868.
His political support was given to the Democracy, and he was a worthy
and public spirited citizen.
John H. Phillips spent the first fifteen years of his life in the land
of his birth and then accompanied his parents on their emigration to the
new world. Farm work early became familiar to him and he gave his
attention to general agricultural pursuits until I864, when, at the age of
twenty-three years, he enlisted as a member of Company F, Eighth
Michigan Cavalry, in defense of the Union. He served with that command until the close of the war, being mostly engaged in scouting, and
in October, 1865, he was mustered out, having made a creditable record
by his faithful performance of every duty that was assigned him.
When the country no longer needed his aid Mr. Phillips returned
to Berrien county and entered upon his active business career as clerk
in the freighting office of the Michigan Central Railroad Company. He
was there employed until I872, when he came to Cass county, Michigan, settling in the village of Pokagon. Here he was also in the employ
of the-Michigan Central Railroad Company until I885, when, with the




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


5.61


capital he had saved from his earnings, he established a general store,
which he has since conducted, being an enterprising merchant and meeting with very desirable success. His earnest efforts to please his patrons,
his reasonable prices and his straightforward dealing constitute the
basis of his prosperity since he became a factor in mercantile circles in
Pokagon.
Mr. Phillips had been married in Berrien county in I865 to
Miss Mary Raiza, a native of Germany, who was brought to America
when four years of age, and was reared in Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs.
Phillips have become the parents of thirteen children, seven sons and six
daughters. In his religious faith Mr. Phillips is a Catholic, and in his
political affiliation is a stanch Democrat. In 1897 he was elected township supervisor and has since held the office by re-election. He has
also been township clerk for a number of years. His fraternal relations
are with the Odd Fellows and Masons, and he is true to the teachings of
these orders, exemplifying in his life the beneficent spirit upon which
the lodges rest.  He has been found capable in public office, trustworthy in his business relations and faithful in his friendships, and thus
the consensus of public opinion concerning L.' H. Phillips is most
favorable.
JAMES M. EMMONS.
James M. Emmons, who after long years of active connection with
farming interests is now living retired in the enjoyment of a well
earned rest, is one of the old settlers of Cass county, having from an
early period been a witness of its development and progress as modern
conditions have replaced those of pioneer life. He was born in Giles
county, Virginia, on the 6th of April, 1827, and has therefore passed
the seventy-eighth milestone on life's journey. His father, William
Emmons, was also a native of the Old Dominion and was there reared,
turning his attention to agricultural pursuits as a life work after he
attained his majority. In the fall of I828 he came with his family to
Michigan, settling in Berrien county, which was then a largely unimproved tract, the work of development and progress having scarcely
been begun within its borders. All around stretched the native forests
or the unbroken prairie land, and it remained for the pioneer settlers to
convert the district into a productive region wherein agricultural and
commercial interests might be profitably conducted. Mr. Emmons was
a leading representative of industrial interests, operating a sawmill in
Berrien county until 1834, when he removed to Cass county, settling in
Pokagon township. Here he took up forty acres of land from the government, upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement
made, and he also bought eighty acres from Mr. Ritter. This place
he improved, carrying on the work of the fields year after year, or until
called to his final rest. He was married in Virginia to Miss Elsie Kirk,
a native of that state, and unto them were born eight children, three




562


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


sons and five daughters, of whom James M. Emmons was the sixth
child and second son. One of the number died in infancy. The father
voted with the Democracy and kept well informed on the questions and
issues of the day, but had little desire for public office.
James M. Emmons was about five years of age when his father
came to Cass county, and here he was reared amid the wild scenes of
frontier life. He acquired his education in one of the little old-time log
school-houses, where the methods of instruction were almost as primitive as the building in which the sessions of school were held. His training at farm labor, however, was not meager, for he early began work in
the fields and remained at home during his father's life, assisting him in
the arduous work of the farm. There he remained until his marriage,
when he removed to his present place of residence, comprising two hundred and seventeen acres of land in Pokagon township. He has since
given his attention to the further development of this property. He
built first a log cabin in which he lived until after the Civil war, when
the pioneer home was replaced by a frame residence. He has also built
barns and outbuildings and has added equipments that facilitate the
farm work and make his labor more profitable.
On the 22d of February, 1852, Mr. Emmons was married to Miss
Phebe Hawkins, who came from Ohio to Miohigan with her parents,
Daniel and Alvira Hawkins, who were early settlers of Cass county,
where Mrs. Emmons spent the days of her girlhood. She has had no
children of her own, but out of the kindness of their hearts Mr. and
Mrs. Emmons have given homes to four orphan children, two sons and
two daughters: Emma, now the wife of Solon Straub and acting as
housekeeper on Mr. Emmons' farm; Richard Parsons; Alvira; and
Orson.
Mr. Emmons has always been actuated by high and honorable principles, by a conscientious regard for his obligations to his fellow men
and by a loyalty to duty that is above question. For twenty-one years
he has given earnest support to the Prohibition party because of his firm
belief in temperance principles and his opposition to the liquor traffic.
He is well known and for many years was accounted a leading farmer of
Pokagon township, but at the present writing has given over to others
the care and improvement of his farm, while he is enjoying a well earned
rest. This is certainly as nature intended, and he is not only a retired
citizen of Cass county, but also one of its respected and honored men,
well known in this part of the state from pioneer times down to the
present.
JOSEPH HARPER.
In all those affairs which touch the general interests of society,
which work for civic integrity and virtue and for loyalty in citizenship
as well as for material progress, Joseph Harper was deeply interested,
and though he did not win national renown and was perhaps not widely




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


563


known in the state, he was in his home community a man of prominence
whose influence was ever found on the side of progress and improvement. A native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, he was born on
the I9th of December, I805, and when about thirty years of age came
to Cassopolis, Michigan, the year of his arrival being I835. Here his
remaining days were passed, and on the 28th of August, I894, when in
the eighty-ninth year of his age, he was called to his final rest. By
trade he was a carpenter and joiner, and for nearly sixty years was a
prominent figure at Cassopolis. He built the first courthouse and was
one of the five contractors for the building of the second courthouse.
Many evidences of his superior handiwork are seen in substantial
structures in the county, for his work was of a most enduring character,
and in business circles he sustained an unassailable reputation for reliability. The year following his arrival at Cassopolis Mr. Harper was
married, in October, 1836, to Miss Caroline Guilford, whose birth
occurred in Northampton, Massachusetts, September 4, I8I6. They
traveled life's journey together for more than fifty-seven years, and
Mrs. Harper survived her husband until the 29th of January, I9o2.
They were the parents of four daughters, all born in Cassopolis. Emily
S., born March 31, 1838, was married August 20, I857, to Jeremiah
B. Chapman, and died January 7, I902. Melissa C., born March 3,
1841, was married March 28, I86o, to Joseph Graham, who was born in
Erie county, Pennsylvania, February 5, 1838, and died May 23, I905.
Janette, born October 27, 1843, became the wife of Charles L. Morton,
February I, I870, and died February 27, I88o. Maryette, born April
12, I846, was married October 3, I865, to Lowell H. Glover, the historian. All of the deaths in the family occurred in Cassopolis, and the
marriages were here celebrated.
Mr. Harper continued his building operations in the county seat
and surrounding districts until the early days of the gold excitement
in California, when he made his way to the Pacific coast and spent
several years working in the mines. He afterward went to Pike's Peak
and later to Montana, where he remained for about three years, engaged in mining operations.  At the time of the Civil war he left
home to serve as captain of Company A, Twelfth Michigan Volunteer
Infantry, and with his command did valiant service in defense of the
Union cause.
Mr. Harper gave his political allegiance to the Whig and then to
the Republican party, and was one of the first justices of the peace
elected after the admission of the state into the Union. At different
times he was called to the office of register of deeds, treasurer and
sheriff of the county, and following the election of General Grant to the
presidency Mr. Harper was appointed postmaster at Cassopolis, and
served for nine years. His official duties were ever discharged with
promptness and fidelity. He and his wife were among those who united




564


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


with the Presbyterian church the day following its organization in 1842.
He was a man of positive opinions and of incorruptible integrity, and
was respected by all with whom he held social or business relations.
LEANDER BRIDGE.
Leander Bridge was for many years an enterprising and prominent
farmer of Cass county, where he took up his abode in pioneer days
and before the seeds of civilization had scarcely been planted in the.
western wilderness. He bore his full share in the work of development
and progress and gained and retained the honor and respect of his fellow
men as the years went by. He was born in Angelica, Allegany county,
New York, December 26, 1827, a son of Samuel Bridge. His early
boyhood and youth were spent in the Empire state, but when nineteen
years of age he came to Cass county, Michigan, with his parents, and
spent his remaining days upon what became known as the old Bridge
homestead farm, the then site of the village of 'Marcellus. However,
at the time of his arrival here there was no village, and the entire district was covered with the native growth of timber. At twenty-four
years of age Leander Bridge was married. He started in life on his
own account with forty acres of land, which he brought under a high
state of cultivation, performing the arduous task of developing the fields
and making the farm productive. As his financial resources increased
he added to his property from time to time until within the boundaries
of his place were comprised one hundred and sixty acres of good land.
Throughout his entire life he carried on general agricultural pursuits,
and for about six years he was also engaged in the grain business. For
several years he devoted his energies to the conduct of a grocery store
and for two years was proprietor of a meat market. He was likewise
express agent for a time, and in all these varied interests he conducted
his business affairs with capability and enterprise, realizing that close
application and unfaltering diligence constitute a sure and safe basis
upon which to build prosperity.
It was in 1852 that Leander Bridge was united in marriage to Miss
Harriet A. Bair, who was born in Newberg, Cass county, Michigan, on
the 23d of January, 1835. His death occurred August II, I880, while
his widow, surviving for more than two decades, passed away on the
I6th of April, I902. They were people of the highest respectability,
enjoying in highest regard the esteem and friendship of those with
whom they came in contact through business or social relations. Mr.
Bridge was a stalwart. champion of Republican principles, and in his
fraternal relations was a Mason. He was also a very active and helpful member of the United Brethren church and assisted in building the
house of worship at Marcellus. These connections indicate much of the
character of the man and show forth the motive power that prompted
his actions, making him a man whom to know was to respect and honor.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


-565


Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bridge were born two children:    William,.who was born March I7, -1855, died in infancy, while Mary Alice, born
March 20, 1856,-is the wife of Collins J. Joiner. Her husband was born.in the western reserve of Ohio, on the 23d of January, I850, and was a
son of J. C. and Mary (Stafford) Joiner, in whose family were four
daughters and three sons. He came to Michigan with his parents in
-his boyhood days, and after acquiring a good education engaged in
teaching school in early life for a number of terms. He was also for
a number of years station agent and telegraph operator on the Michigan
Central Railroad. In 1883 he was married to Miss Mary Alice Bridge
and removed to Jonesville, where he engaged in merchandising for four
years. He afterward went to Quincy, Michigan, where he edited and
'published the Quincy Herald for five years, later conducting the dry
'goods store there for some time. On the first of April, I896, he entered
'into partnership with F. T. Ward and purchased the Hillsdale Standard
of F. W. Rolston, continuing in charge of the paper until the time of
his demise, which occurred December 17, I898. He always published a
thoroughly modern and up-to-date paper, devoted to general interests
and the dissemination of local news, and he ever stood for public
progress and improvement, using his influence as a journalist for the
betterment of the communities with which he was connected. While
living in Hillsdale he also conducted a boot and shoe store for a few
months prior to his death.
Mrs. Joiner has devoted her life to art for the past fifteen years,
having been a student under Professor Knight, of Hillsdale, and Professor Harding, of Jonesville. She does now superior work in oil and
water colors and pastel, and has produced some highly artistic work
in landscape and marine views, flowers and portraits. She was also a
teacher of music for many years, but now gives her attention to painting and has gained much more than local reputation in her art. Mrs.
Joiner is well known in this part of the county both by reason of personal worth and the fact that she is connected with one of its most honored pioneer families, and she deserves prominent mention in this
volume.
ARTHUR E. BAILEY.
Arthur E. Bailey, editor and proprietor of the Marcellus News,
was born in Liverpool, Medina county, Ohio, in I864, his parents being
James E. and Hannah Sophia (Kirby) Bailey, both of whom were
natives of the Buckeye state. The father was of English lineage, was a
wagon maker by trade and died three years after the birth of our subject, passing away in the fith of the Methodist Episcopal church, of
which he was a consistent member. His wife, who was also of English
lineage, survived her husband for but a brief period. She was a member of the Baptist church. In their family were a daughter and a son,
the former, Alice, being a resident of Marcellus.




566


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


The son, Arthur E. Bailey, largely acquired his education in the
schools of Cassopolis, for his mother removed to the vicinity of that
city after her husband's death, and the children were reared by relatives.
He mastered the branches taught in the high school of that place, after
which he learned the printer's trade in the office of the Vigilant of
Cassopolis, under the direction of Messrs. Shepard & Mansfield. He
entered the office in the capacity of "devil" and gradually worked his
way upward until he had become manager of the paper. He was appointed postmaster at Cassopolis under President Harrison, holding the
position for four and a half years as a successor of L. H. Glover. After
retiring from that position he purchased the Marcellus News of C. E.
Davis and is now its editor and proprietor. The paper was founded in
1877 and at present is a six-column quarto, published weekly. It has a
large circulation, has a good advertising patronage, is a non-partisan
sheet and is ably edited.
In October, 1892, Mr. Bailey was married to Miss Fanchon Stockdale, who was born in Jefferson township, Cass county, in February,
1872, and is a daughter of Anthony and Jeanette (Smith) Stockdale.
Her father was one of the pioneer settlers of Jefferson township. Mr.
and Mrs. Bailey have two children: Agnes, who was born in August,
1893; and Harold, born in July, I896. The parents are consistent and
faithful members of the Baptist church, in the work of which Mr. Bailey
takes a very active part and is now serving as one of its officers. He
belongs to the Masonic fraternity and in politics is a Republican. He
has held village offices in Marcellus and is now serving as a trustee. He
is the champion of everything pertaining to the welfare and upbuilding
of this part of the state, and his efforts in behalf of public improvement
in Marcellus have been far-reaching and beneficial.
HENRY H. BOWEN.
Henry H. Bowen, one of the old settlers of the county, who has
assisted in clearing and developing four farms, and thus contributing
in large measure to the agricultural improvement of this section of the
state, is now the owner of one hundred and fifty acres of good and well
improved land on section I6, Porter township. He is, moreover, one
of the native sons of Michigan, his birth having occurred at Plymouth
Corners, near Detroit, in Washington county, on the 20th of March,
I839. He was the fourth member of a family of nine children born of
the marriage of Joseph and Sallie Ann (Austin) Bowen, both of whom
were natives of New York. In the year I840 Joseph Bowen came with
his family to Cass county, settling in north Porter township, and
throughout his remaining days his attention was devoted to general
agricultural pursuits, which indeed he made his life work. He passed
away at the advanced age of seventy-nine years, respected and honored
by all who knew him, and his wife, who was a most worthy and esti



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


567


mable lady, also departed this life in Cass county, her remains being
interred in Porter township.
H. H. Bowen, of this review, lacked eight days of being a year old
when brought by his parents to Cass county, and upon the old home
farm in Porter township he was reared. At the usual age he began his
education, the little "temple of learning" being a log building such as
was common in the early days. Its furnishings were primitive, consisting of rude benches and a table, behind which the teacher sat ruling
over the little kingdom. The room was heated with a large fireplace
and the school work was ungraded, the pupils studying the branches
that they wished. The larger pupils attended only through the winter
months, for their services were needed upon the farms during the spring,
summer and fall seasons.  Mr. Bowen remained continuously on the
old farm until the age of eighteen. He has assisted in clearing four
different farms in the county. In his youth he aided in the arduous
task of developing new land, turning the first furrows on many an acre.
His early boyhood was largely a period of strenuous toil, but he developed thereby the practical knowledge, and gained the experience that
enabled him to carefully and successfully carry on farming interests
when he started out upon an active business career.  He remained
at home through his minority and when twenty-four years of age was
united in marriage on the 6th of April, I863, to Miss Diana Charles,
a daughter of Rufus K. and Emeline (Joy) Charles, the former a native
of North Carolina and the latter of New York. Mrs. Bowen, who was
the eldest of their three children, was born in Porter township, Cass
county, September 13, 1842, her parents having there located at an
early day in the pioneer epoch of Michigan's history. The family home
was upon the farm and she was trained to the duties of the household,
so that she was well qualified to take charge of a home of her own at
the time of their marriage. The young couple began their domestic
life upon a part of the old Bowen homestead, where they yet reside, and
Mr. Bowen devoted his time and energies to the tilling of the soil until
the early part of I865, when, in response to the country's call for further
aid in the suppression of the rebellion in the south, he offered his services and was assigned to duty with Company A, of the Twenty-fourth
Michigan Volunteers, serving with that regiment until the close of the
war. He is now a member of William J. May Post, No. 64, G. A. R.,
at Jones, and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. He has filled various offices in the post, including that of commander. His political allegiance has always been given to the Republican party, of which he is a stanch advocate, and he has labored
earnestly and effectively for the welfare of the party in, this locality.
His first presidential ballot was cast for Abraham Lincoln in I86o, and
lie again voted for the martyred president in I864. In fact he has
assisted in electing every Republican president of the nation. Called
to public office, he has served as constable in the township, was also




'568


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


treasurer and filled the office of township clerk for about seven years,
the duties of the different positions being discharged in a capable,
prompt and able manner.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bowen have been born three sons, two of whom
are yet living, namely: Barnard, of Constantine, Michigan, and Frank
Raymond, who is living in Townsend, Montana, where for about ten
years he has occupied a position as clerk in the employ of one firm,
a fact which indicates his fidelity to duty. Rufus K. died at the age
of nineteen years. The home farm comprises one hundred and sixty
acres of land on section I6, Porter township, and he has a well improved property, equipped with many evidences of progress along agricultural lines. With the exception of his first year Mr. Bowen has
resided continuously in Porter township throughout his entire life, and
'the farm upon which he yet resides is endeared to him through the associations 'of his boyhood as well as those of later manhood. He has.always been a busy man, working persistently and earnestly, realizing
-that there is no excellence without labor. It has been said that'merit
'and success go linked together, and the truth of this assertion is proven
in the life history of such men as H. H. Bowen, who has prospered
by reason of his diligence and sterling worth, and he well deserves!mention in this volume as one of the representative early settlers.
JAMES J. MINNICH.
The Germans and their descendants have always been noted for
their thrift and enterprise. To the German farmer the middle west is
indebted for the beautiful and well-improved farms, in the states of
Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Iowa. Mr. Minnich is a true representative of this class of citizens in Cass county, Michigan. He comes
from Pennsylvania German ancestry and is possessed of those requisites
which go to make the successful stockman and farmer. He is a native
of the Keystone state, born in Snyder county, October 3, 1856, and the
third in a family of thirteen children, nine sons and four daughters,
born to Elias and Sophia (Garman) Minnich. There are eight children
living, namely: Peter, a resident of Three Oaks, Michigan, is a farmer
and fruit grower and is married. Mr. Minnich is next. Andrew, a
resident of Mason township, Cass county, is a manufacturer of cider
and jellies, and is prosperous. He is married. Carrie, wife of Rev.
W. C. Swenk, a resident of Ida, Michigan, and is pastor of the Evangelical church. Charles G., a resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan. He
is a composer and teacher of music. He graduated under Prof. A. P.
Barlow.  He is married.  Ellsworth, a resident of Berrien Springs,
Michigan, is a manufacturer of cider and jellies, the firm being styled
the American Cider Company, and he is married. Jane is the wife
of William Stover, a resident of Berrien county. John, a resident of
Los Angeles, California, is a machinist and millwright, being foreman in




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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


569


a box factory known as the California Fruit Association. He is the
youngest living.
Father Minnich was born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, in
1834, and he is yet living at the age of seventy-two. He was educated
in both the German and English languages, and was a teacher of writing
in the early years of his manhood. He had great musical talent. His
chosen vocation was that of a farmer. When he had reached man's
estate, the age of twenty-one, he had no capital. He was about fourteen years of age when he came with his parents to Snyder county,
Pennsylvania, and was reared and married there, May 20, 1853, to Miss
$ophia Garman. In I866 he emigrated to the middle west and located
at Bristol, Indiana. He purchased seventy-two acres of land in Mason
township, Cass county, it being partially improved, and then traded it for
one hundred and eighty acres in the same township. He there resided
for fourteen years, and then sold and invested in forty acres in Berrien
county, but later sold thirty-three acres and kept seven acres, and is now
living retired in comfortable circumstances.  He is a Republican in
politics. He and his wife are devout members of the German Evangelical Association. Mother Minnich was born in Snyder county, Pennsylvania, May 20, I835, and is living. She is a kind and affectionate
mother, and has reared her children to lives of usefulness.
Mr. Minnich, of this review proper, was about nine years of age
when he became a resident of Bristol, Indiana. His parents being poor,
he was called early in life to aid them in making a home. He remained
with his parents and gave them his care and wage till the age of
twenty-two, which indicates that he surely did a son's part in the care of
his aged father and mother. He received a very meager education,
mostly obtained through the aid of his estimable wife. At the age of
twenty-one he could not exhibit ten dollars as a foundation to begin life.
He chose for his companion in life Miss Eliza Kissinger, who has proven
to be a wife who has aided him with her wise counsel and advice in the
years past, in the building of their pretty home. They were married July
30, 1876, and when they began life for a short time they resided with
his parents. Then, concluding to have a home of their own, they took
twenty dollars of the fifty dollars which Mrs. Minnich had saved and
purchased a little cheap outfit of furniture and set up a little home of
their own, but after a short time they returned to reside with Mr. Minnich's parents. They began very modestly as renters, as is oftentimes
said, began at the lowest round of the ladder of life, but they made a
firm resolution to make a success of their lives. The first land they
purchased was thirteen acres near the village of Sailor, Michigan, in
I888, and they went in debt for most of it. There was not a sign of an
improvement on the little place. They entered into the work with
zealousness and erected a good residence and excellent outbuildings,
and resided there two years, then renting it, and removed to Berrien




570


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


county, and there they lived four years, and then returned to Mason
township, this being in I892, and here resided till I9o4, when they sold
their little place. They then moved upon the farm where they now reside, which comprises one hundred and ten acres of fine land, which at
that time was terribly run down,-dilapidated fences, tumble-down
buildings, and the whole place presenting a very discouraging proposition.
Mr. and Mrs. Minnich set to work with that true German characteristic to make a model farm, which they surely have done. They
have erected a pretty country residence, fitted up in city style, with
large and commodious rooms, nicely and cosily furnished, and handy
and homelike for the housewife, an excellent cemented cellar, the water
piped through the house, and the grounds nicely laid out, which indicates hard and unremitting toil. New fences have been built, also a
new windmill, the outbuildings have all been overhauled, and the surroundings now present the healthy, clean appearance of a model country
home, as the accompanying engraving indicates. Mrs. Minnich is one
of the most careful and efficient wives, who knows how to manage and
superintend her home. She is a native of Elkhart county, Indiana, born
September 2, I858, and she is the eldest in a family of six children, two
sons and four daughters, born to William and Caroline (Stoner) Kissinger. There are five of the children living, viz.: Mrs. Minnich is
the oldest; Frances, widow of Cullen Green, a resident of Elkhart,
Indiana; Mary, wife of William Skeer, a resident of Elkhart, Indiana,
and he is a mechanic; Charles A., a resident of Elkhart, Indiana, and a
moulder by trade, wedded Miss May Finch; John E., a resident of
Mishawaka, Indiana, who owns property in that place and also in South
Bend, Indiana, is a pit moulder and is a receiver of high wages. He
wedded Miss Jennie Lintsenmeyer. He is the youngest.
Father Kissinger was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania,
June Io, 1830, and died July 28, I895. He was an agriculturist. He
came to Stark county, Ohio, with his parents when but a boy and was
reared and educated in that county. He received a good education in
the common schools, and also a short course in college. He was married in Stark county. He was a soldier in the Civil war, serving his
country till he received his honorable and final discharge, and was an
ardent Republican in politics. In the early years of his life he was a
member of the Dunkard church. He came to Elkhart county in an early
day and there died. Mrs. Kissinger was born in Stark county, Ohio,
November 31, 1840, and died October I, I878, in Elkhart county.
She was' reared in old Stark county.    She was always known
as a good and kind woman, good and charitable to the poor
and  needy.   Mrs. M'innich was born, reared   and   educated  in
Elkhart county, Indiana. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob
Minnich have been born three sons, all living, viz.: Charles W., who




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


571


was educated in the common schools. He is a practical stockman and
farmer. He is now located at Gray's Harbor, Washington, near the Pacific ocean. He controls three hundred and eighty acres of land near
there and owns one hundred and sixty acres in Idaho. He is a very
prosperous young man. He wedded Miss Ida Traub, and they have one
little son, Paul. Edwin J. is located in Aberdeen, Washington, and has
four lots in the town and two hundred acres near Elma, Washington.
He wedded Miss Myrtle Ullery. He was a soldier in the Philippine contest, being there and on the ocean for eighteen months. He received
his honorable discharge, and was always true to the "Stars and Stripes."
Herbert F. is the youngest and is also located at Aberdeen, Washington.
He is a young man who commands many friends by his open and frank
disposition. Mr. and Mrs. Minnich may well be proud of their sons.
Mr. Minnich is a Republican, true and loyal to the principles of
this grand old party, and cast his first presidential vote for Hayes, having always upheld the banner of Republicanism. Officially he served as
highway commissioner for two terms. For his honesty of character the
St. Louis & S. W. Railroad Company in the. years I9OO and I9oI selected him as immigration agent in the states of Arkansas, Texas and
the Southwest, and presented him quarterly passes over all their lines.
For his efficiency they offered him a good salary to take up the work,
but he preferred to pursue his calling, that of a farmer. Fraternally he
belongs to the Grange. Both he and his wife are members of the United
Brethren church at Sailor, Michigan, and have always been active in
the Sunday-school work. He is a lover of good stock and has the
Duroc swine and good standard bred horses and cattle.
In the years I900 and 19go  Mr. and Mrs. Minnich took an extended journey to the Pacific slope to visit their children and meet their
son Edwin on his return from the Philippine war. They had a lovely
trip, crossing the straits to Vancouver Island, and then returning to the
east through Canada, via the Canadian Pacific, passing through some of
the most beautiful scenery in the great northwest. We are pleased to
present this review of this worthy couple to be recorded in The Twentieth Century History of Cass County, Michigan.
ERNEST SHILLITO, M. D.
Dr. Ernest Shillito, whose capability in the practice of his profession is indicated by the liberal patronage accorded him and by the
favorable mention made of him throughout the community in which
he makes his home, was born in Espyville, Pennsylvania, in 1864, his
parents being George and Amanda (Slocum) Shillito, the former a
native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Vermont. The father, whose
birth occurred in Espyville, was of Irish descent, his father having emigrated from the Emerald Isle to the United States in I8oo. George
Shillito was a farmer by occupation and became well-to-do through the




:572


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


icareful management of his agricultural and stock buying interests. He
held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and gave his politi-cal support to the Republican party. He died in I893, at the age of
seventy years, and is still survived by Mrs. Shillito, who is living in.Grove City, Pennsylvania, at the age of seventy-four years. She is of.English descent and members of the family served in the Revolutionary
war. She belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and has been a
devoted wife and mother and earnest Christian woman. In the family,were -the following children: Arthur M., attorney-at-law of Chicago;
Fred, a practicing physician at Kalamazoo; Amos G., who is engaged
in the-practice of medicine at Independence, Iowa; Georgiana, the wife
of Edward Fithian, a manufacturer of gas engines of Grove City,
Pennsylvania; Ernest, of this review, and Hosaih, deceased.
Dr. Shillito, whose name introduces this record, was reared upon
-his father's farm and after attending the country schools became a high.school student in Linesville, Pennsylvania, while subsequently he attended the State Normal School at Edinboro, Pennsylvania, and also
Allegheny College in that state. In I886 he entered the medical depart'ment of the state university of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and was graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Chicago in I888.
He then entered upon the practice of his profession in Marcellus in
July of that year, and has since followed his chosen calling here with
splendid success.
In 1897 Dr. Shillito was married to Miss Sadie M. Warsom, who
was born in Sturgis, Michigan, in I875. Her father was a pioneer
farmer of Indiana. Dr. Shillito is a Republican in his political views
but has never sought or desired office. He belongs to the Masonic
fraternity and to the State Medical Association, and through his connection with the latter keeps in touch with the advanced thought of the
medical fraternity. He has never sought activity outside of the regular
routine of active practice, but with an ability that enables him to master
the difficult problems of medical and surgical practice he has gained a
gratifying patronage.
RAYMOND S. HALLIGAN, M. D.
Although one of the younger members of the medical fraternity
in Cass county, Dr. Halligan, who is practicing in Marcellus, seems not
to be limited by his years in the extent of his practice or in the
ability with which he copes with the difficult problems that continually
confront the physician. He has been very successful in his work, and
is now accorded a gratifying patronage. He was born in Albion, Nebraska, in I878, and is a son of John and Ellen Halligan, the former a
native of Ireland and a farmer by occupation.
After acquiring his literary education in the district schools, Dr.
Halligan, of this review, having determined upon the profession of




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


573.


medicine as a life work, spent three years as a student in the medical
department of the University of Michigan, and was afterward a student
in the medical department of the Northwestern University at Chicago,
Illinois, in I902. He then entered upon the active work of his profession in Sault Ste. Marie, where he remained for eight months, and was
then interne at a hospital at Saginaw, Michigan. While interne he
graduated from Saginaw Medical College in I903. On the Ist of June,
I903, he came to Marcellus, where he has since been remarkably successful in his chosen field of endeavor. In I904 Dr. Halligan was
united in marriage to Miss Anna Kalthoff, a daughter of Caspar Kalthoff, of Erie, Pennsylvania. She died September 12, I9o4, and Dr.
Halligan wedded Miss Ethel Apted, of Marcellus, May 17, 90o6. They
have won many friends among the residents of Marcellus, the hospitality of the best homes of the city being extended to them.
Dr. Halligan belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp and the Maccabees tent, and he is medical examiner for both orders. In politics he
is a Republican, but without political aspiration, preferring to give his
time and attention to his professional duties.
FRANK ENGLE.
The farming interests of Pokagon township have a worthy representative in Frank Engle, who is living on section 14, where he owns
and operates a good farm that is equipped with modern conveniences
and improvements. He is a native son of Michigan, his birth having
occurred in Van Buren county on the I6th of September, I855. His
father, Benjamin Franklin Engle, was born in Allegany county, New
York, on the 2nd of April, 1833, and was the fifth in order of birth in a
family of seven children. In June, I844, when a youth of eleven years,
he became a resident of Van Buren county, Michigan, to which district
he removed with his parents. There he spent about twenty-one years,
and in I865 he came to Cass county, taking up his abode in LaGrange
township. Upon this place he built a house and then with characteristic
energy began the improvement of his eighty-acre farm, which he placed
under a high state of cultivation. In addition to the tilling of the soil
and the raising of cereals best adapted to soil and climate, he also devoted
considerable attention to fruit culture. He was married on the 23d of
December, I854, to Miss Lovina Elliott, a daughter of Jonathan Elliott.
This union was blessed with five children, Frank, May, Silas, Hattie
and Laura, but the last named is now deceased. All were born in Van
Buren county, but were reared and educated in Cass county. In the
course of an active business career Mr. Engle was always respected by
reason of his genuine worth and fair dealing, never being known to take
advantage of the necessities of his fellow men in any trade transaction.
In politics he voted with the Republican party, but was without aspiration for office for himself. His wife passed away February 3, I90I.




574


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Frank Engle spent the first ten years of his life in the county of his
nativity and then with his parents took up his abode on what is known
as the old farm homestead in LaGrange township. He assisted in the
arduous task of clearing the fields and planting the crops, and remained
on the old home farm until I896, when he removed to his present place
of residence-a well improved farm of eighty acres in Pokagon township. His time and attention have since been given to the further development of this property and through the rotation of crops, the use of
modern machinery and the exercise of practical common sense in his
work he has won a comfortable competence and made for himself a
place among the substantial agriculturists of his community. He has
set out a good orchard on his place which yields its fruits in season,
and he has also made other improvements in keeping with the modern
spirit of agricultural progress.
On the 28th of March, 1878, Mr. Engle was married to Miss Lou
M. Tremmel, a daughter of Jacob and Martha (Woods) Tremmel.
The Woods family were the third white family to settle in Berrien
county, Michigan, and they came to Cass county in I854, taking up
their abode in Howard township. It was upon that place that Mrs.
Engle was born and reared, being the third in a family of eight children,
of whom two are now deceased. Her father died in December, I879,
and was survived by his wife until January, 1883, when she, too,
passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Engle have become the parents of three
children, of whom two are living: Lena, born August 3, I879; and
Mable, born April 25, i886. The youngest, Walter, was born January
2I, I889, and died on the I3th of June, 1904. Mable and Walter were
born in Morgan county, Indiana, while Lena's birth occurred on the
old home farm in this county.
Mr. Engle is a stanch advocate' of temperance principles, as is indicated by the fact that he exercises his right of franchise in support of
the candidates of the Prohibition party. He belongs to the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows of Pokagon, and holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at Dowagiac. In all life's relations he is found
loyal to the trust reposed in him, and he earnestly espouses and supports every cause in which he believes.
SAMUEL F. SKINNER.
Samuel F. Skinner, who is successfully carrying on general farming on section I2, Porter township, was born October I6, I853, in this
county, his parents being Nathan and Sophia (Dayhuff) Skinner. He
is the youngest in a family of four children, one of whom died in infancy. His youth was passed in his native township and his education
was acquired in the district schools, where he mastered the usual branches
of English learning. He was trained to farm work and early learned
the best methods and time of planting and cultivating the fields, so




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


575


that when he began farming on his own account he had good practical
experience to aid him. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey
he chose Miss Rachel Maria Roof, a daughter of Daniel and Catherine
(Eberhard) Roof, the parents being early settlers and well known farming people of Porter township, where Mrs. Skinner was born.  Her
father is now deceased but her mother is still living, and has reached
the very advanced age of eighty-seven years. Mrs. Skinner is the only
daughter and the younger of two children, her brother being David
Roof. One daughter has been born of this union, Mary R., who
graduated in the high school at Vandalia in the class of I895, and she
spent almost two years in Albion College studying music, and is now
a teacher of instrumental music.  It was November 26, I874, that
Rachel M. Roof gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Skinner, and they
located upon the old homestead farm, where they lived for one year.
On the expiration of that period they removed to section 2, Porter
township, where he carried on general farming, placing his fields under
a high state of cultivation. There he resided until he again located
upon the old homestead farm, where he remained until I89o, when he
removed to his present place of residence "on section 12, Porter township. Here he has a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, and the
soil is rich and alluvial, responding readily to the cultivation placed
thereon, so that he annually harvests good crops. In addition to the
raising of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he is also engaged
in stock raising, making a specialty of high grade hogs.  In both
branches of his business he has met with very gratifying success and is
now one of the prosperous and enterprising agriculturists of Porter
township.
When age conferred upon Mr. Skinner the right of franchise he
identified his interests with those of the Republican party, which he has
continuously and loyally supported. As every true American citizen
should do, he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day
and has taken an active and helpful part in the support of the party in
which he believes. He was justice of the peace for several years, rendering decisions which were strictly fair and impartial. He was also
constable, and in I9oI he was elected township supervisor, to which
position he has since been re-elected, so that he has held the office
continuously for five years, being the incumbent at the present time.
He has also served as school officer since he attained the age of twentyone years, and the cause of education finds in him a warm and helpful
friend, for he does all in his power to advance the success of the schools
through the employment of good teachers and upholding the standard
of instruction. He belongs to Tent No. 805, Knights of the Maccabees,
at Jones, and Mrs. Skinner to the L. O. T. M., Hive No. 353. He is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church in that village, and is very
active and helpful in church work, serving as one of the trustees and
co-operating in various lines of church activity. During fifty-two years




576


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


he has lived in Porter township, and that his life has been honorable
and upright is indicated by the fact that many of his stanchest friends
are numbered among those who have known him from boyhood to the
present time.
EDWARD T. MOTLEY.
Edward T. Motley is now the owner of a well improved farm
comprising two hundred and thirty-one acres, situated on section Io,
Porter township, and his careful supervision and practical labors are
indicated in the neat and thrifty appearance of the place. He is one of
the native sons of this township, his birth having here occurred on the
7th of October, 1848. In the paternal line he comes of English lineage.
His father, James Motley, was born in Lincolnshire, England, in
August, I805, was there reared and educated, and in that country was
first married. He had one daughter, Elizabeth, who is now the wife
of Samuel H. Gilbert, one of the early settlers and worthy citizens of
Porter township. It was in the year I837 that James Motley came to
Michigan, settling first in Washtenaw county, where he remained for
three years, when, in I840, he took up his abode in Porter township,
Cass county  He was married a second time, Miss Bethesda McNiel
becoming his wife in New York. She was born in New York and was
a daughter of John McNiel, who was of Scotch descent. The parents
of our subject took up their abode on section 23, Porter township, in
184o, and there they spent their remaining days, both attaining an advanced age, James Motley passing away at the age of eighty-five years,
while his wife was in her eighty-first year when she was called to her
final rest. They were the parents of nine children, six of whom reached
maturity, while four of the number are vet living at this writing, in I906.
Edward T. Motley, the seventh child and fourth son of the family,
was reared in the usual manner of farm lads in a pioneer locality. He
had few advantages, no event of special importance occurring to vary
the routine of farm life for him in his boyhood days. He lived with
his parents on the old homestead and acquired his early education in
the district schools, while later he enjoyed the benefit of a course in
Kalamazoo College. He was engaged in teaching in the winter seasons
for about ten years in Cass county, and in Washington, near Walla
Walla, while in the summer months he followed farming on the old
homestead, and there resided continuously until about 1901.
Mr. Motley was first married in I882, the lady of his choice being
Miss Florence Sharp, and unto them was born a daughter, Florence.
The wife and mother passed away in 1885, and in I896 Mr. Motley
was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Sarah A. Driskel,
a daughter of Peter Smith and the widow of Oscar P. Driskel. They
resided on the old home place until I901, when Mr. Motley purchased
the farm whereon he now resides. It comprises two hundred and
thirty-one acres of good land, and upon the place is a substantial resi



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


577


dence, also barns and outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock.
The farm is well fenced, there is good improved machinery, and in
fact all of the equipments of a model farm are found upon this place
and indicate the progressive spirit of the owner. He is practical in his
methods and has therefore accomplished excellent results, being now
one of the substantial agriculturists of his community.
In his political views Mr. Motley is an earnest and unfaltering
Republican, and has been called to various township offices. The first
position which he ever held was that of township clerk, serving therein
for two years. He was also township supervisor of schools and highway commissioner for seven years, and for sixteen years he acted as
justice of the peace, in which office he was strictly fair and impartial,
rendering decisions which were seldom reversed by the higher courts.
He was also school inspector, was township treasurer for one year and
has been supervisor. He was elected to the last named office in 1879,
and was re-elected in I886 and again in I887. Then after an interval
of seven years he was chosen for the same office in I898, I899 and 190o,
making his incumbency in the office cover a period of eight years. No
higher testimonial of capability could be given than the fact that he has
been so many times chosen to positions of political preferment. He is
a member of the Grange and at one time was connected with the Knights
of the Maccabees. He has been a lifelong resident of Cass county and
is a worthy representative of a prominent pioneer family. The name
of Motley has ever stood for advancement and improvement, not only
in agricultural lines but also in general citizenship, and like the others
of the family, Edward T. Motley has given his allegiance and support
to many movements which have had direct and important bearing upon
the welfare and upbuilding of the county.
BYRON FIERO.
Byron Fiero is a prominent farmer residing on section 5, LaGrange township. His birthplace was a little log cabin in this township and his natal day September 8, I853. His father was Abram
Fiero, and the family history is given on another page in this work in
connection with the sketch of John Fiero, a brother of the subject of
this review.
Byron Fiero was the second child and second son in his father's
family and was reared upon the old homestead farm, while in the district schools of LaGrange township he began his education, which was
afterward completed in the high school of Dowagiac. Later he engaged in teaching school for seven terms, spending five terms of that time
as teacher in district No. 6 and the remainder of the time in the Dewey
and Maple Grove districts. When still a youth he became familiar with all
the work incident to the development and cultivation of a farm, and
during the greater part of his life has carried on general agricultural




578


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


pursuits. He was. however, engaged for three years in the dairy business, delivering milk to Dowagiac. He has one hundred and eighty
acres of land, most of which is under cultivation, and the well tilled
fields return to him golden harvests for the labor that he bestows upon
the land.
On the 24th of December, 1874, was celebrated the marriage of
Mr. Fiero and Miss Emma Webster, a daughter of Nelson and Mary
Webster. She died leaving one child, Winnie, who is now the wife
of Harry Larzalere, of LaGrange township. In I888 Mr. Fiero was
again married, Miss Iva Wright, a daughter of Milton and Elizabeth
Myers Wright, becoming his wife. They have a pleasant home in the
midst of a good farm, and its hospitality is greatly enjoyed by their many
friends. Mr. Fiero was reared in the faith of the Republican party,
but for some time has given his political allegiance to the Democracy.
He became candidate of his party for probate judge in I896, but lost the
election by twenty-one votes. He has filled the office of township treasurer in LaGrange township for two terms, and in the discharge of all
public duties has been prompt and faithful, and is deeply interested in
everything pertaining to general progress and improvement. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp at Dowagiac, and is well known
in the county where his entire life has been passed. He has largely concentrated his efforts upon the management of his farm, and has been
found reliable in business, at the same time ever manifesting those traits
of character which have made him best liked where best known.
SILAS H. THOMAS.
The connection of Silas H. Thomas with the interests of Cass
county dates back to an early period in its development and settlement.
He is now a resident of Vandalia, where he is enjoying in well earned
ease the fruits of his former toil. He was for many years closely associated with agricultural interests in the county and kept in touch with
the onward march of progress along agricultural lines. His birth occurred in Grant county, Indiana, on the I4th of May, 1832. His paternal grandfather was Elijah Thomas, a native of South Carolina, who
removed from that state to Indiana, taking with him his family and
casting in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Wayne county. He was
the father of Samuel Thomas, who was also born in South Carolina and
was a young lad at the time of his parents' removal to the west. He
was therefore reared and educated in the Hoosier state and after arriving at years of maturity was married there to Miss Sarah Bogue, a native of North Carolina and a daughter of Benjamin Bogue, whose birth
occurred in the same state. In religious faith they were Friends or
Quakers. Soon after his marriage Samuel Thomas located in Grant
county, Indiana, where the town of Marion now stands, and there he
was engaged in farming until his removal to Penn township, Cass




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1)hella




I




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


579


county, in 1842. Here he located on a part of the land now comprised
within the corporation limits of Vandalia in the eastern part of the town.
He reached the age of only forty-nine years and then passed away, leaving behind the priceless heritage of an untarnished name, for his entire
life was in harmony with his professions as a member of the Friends'
church. He took a very active part in its work and was very deeply
interested in the cause of moral development as well as material progress in his community. His wife long survived him and passed away
when about seventy-three years of age. In their family were seven children, six sons and a daughter, and with one exception all reached adult
age, while four are still living.
Silas H. Thomas of this review was the third child and third son
of the family. He continued a resident of his native county during
the first ten years of his life, after which he accompanied his parents
on their removal to Cass county. He was reared in Penn township,
sharing in the hardships and privations of existence on the frontier.
When he was about seventeen years of age his father removed to St.
Joseph county, Michigan, and there Silas H. Thomas remained for six
years, after which he returned to Penn township. No event of special
importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for him in his boyhood days. He pursued his education in the public schools and worked
in the fields during the summer months, performing the farm labor with
such primitive agricultural implements as then existed. The work of
the farm was at that time much more arduous than at the present, when
the agriculturist can ride over his fields upon the planter or mower and
when improved machinery of various kinds takes the place of hand
labor.
On the 7th of May, I856, Mr. Thomas was united in marriage to
Miss Elvina Bogue, a member of one of the well known and prominent
pioneer families of southern Michigan, her parents being Stephen and
Hannah (East) Bogue. She was born in Penn township January I9,
1836, and has spent her entire life in this township. Her parents came
to Cass county in I83I, and took up their abode on Young's Prairie
when much of the land was still in its primitive condition. The breaking plow had not yet turned the furrows upon many a tract and it was
only here and there in the edge of the forest that clearings had been
made. The Bogues were pioneer settlers and the name is closely associated with the early and substantial development of this portion of
Michigan.  Mr. Bogue made the journey on horseback from Preble
county, Ohio, and afterward returned in the same manner to his old
home, where he then made arrangements to bring his family to the
wilds of Michigan. Mrs. Thomas was the third in a family of six
children. Her father was married twice and Mrs. Thomas was born
of the second marriage.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas took up their abode upon a rented farm, on




580


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


which they lived for three years, after which they removed to the woods
on section 34, Penn township, their home being a little log cabin twenty
by twenty-four feet. In that house they resided until I87I, when the
present commodious and attractive good farm residence was built. As
the years passed Mr. Thomas continued the work of clearing and cultivating the land and he added to his original purchase until he now
owns one hundred and sixty acres. He placed the fields under a high
state of cultivation, fenced his land and added modern equipments and
accessories. His time and energies were devoted to farm work until he
retired from active business, locating in Vandalia in I904. In the meantime, however, he had lived in the village for seven years and had then
again taken up his abode on the farm, where he continued, as before
stated, until he came to occupy his present home in I904.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have been born six children: James
Arthur, now deceased; Edwin F., who has also passed away; May E.,
the wife of Rev. R. W. Gammon, of Pueblo, Colorado, a minister of
the Congregational church now located in Decatur, Illinois; Blanche A.,
the wife of C. M. Ratliff, an attorney at law of Marion, Indiana, and
a leading worker in the ranks of the Republican party, now serving as
chairman of the county central committee and a member of the committee for the congressional district comprising Grant and Blackford counties, but now retired from the practice of law and now a farmer; Florence A., the wife of Rev. Frank Fox, a minister of the Congregational
church at Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Cora A., who died in I89o.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas also have the following grandchildren, namely:
Grace B., Carlton R., Claude F., Genevra and Mark H. Ratliff, and
Florence E., Harold W., Clement S., Mary A. and Rachel Fox. Mr.
and Mrs. Thomas reared their family in Penn township and the living children were all married there with one exception. Mr. Thomas is
a stalwart Republican. His father and also his wife's father were identified with the Abolition party and their homes were stations on the
famous "underground railroad," whereby they assisted many a fugitive
negro on his way to freedom in the north, being strongly opposed to the
system of slavery. Both Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are members of the
Society of Friends or Quakers and he has been an elder in the church
for twenty-five years and in its work has taken a very active and helpful part. He is an honest man, fearless in defense of what he believes
to be right, active in support of many measures and movements for the
general good, and his personal worth of character has endeared him to
a large circle of warm friends.
Since the above was written Mr. Thomas lost his dear companion
in life. They had almost passed a half century together as husband
and wife, traveling together hand in hand, and had shared alike the joys
and sorrows of this life as loving husband and wife. The family circle is now broken, and the vacant chair is seen in the home. The place




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


581


of mother and wife can never be filled again. We append the obituary
of Mrs. Thomas, which appeared in The Cassopolis Vigilant April I9,
19o6:
' Elvira Bogtue was born in Penn township January 19, 1836, and
married Silas H. Thomas, who survives her, May 7, I856. She died at
her home in Vandalia April 12, 1906. Six children were born to this
union. Three preceded the mother by many years and three, Mrs. Gammon of Decatur, Illinois, Mrs. Ratliff of Fairmount, Indiana, and Mrs.
Fox of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, were with her the last few days of
life to comfort and console her in her great suffering. There were also
at her bedside her sister, Mrs. Amos Smith, and brothers, W. E. and S.
A. Bogue. Mrs. James E. Bonine, another sister, was unable to be present. While her life had many shadows, there was much of sunshine and
deep love for family and friends.  A few more weeks would have
brought the fiftieth anniversary of her married life. Instead there is a
grand reunion over yonder. A life-long member of the Friends' church,
and a faithful officer in the same, she worked and prayed and overcame
and now rests. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Stephen Scott
at the Friends' church, Vandalia, Saturday at ten o'clock. Interment
at Prairie Grove cemetery. Fifteen members of the Valentine Association attended the funeral and each one impressively placed a floral offering on the casket of the departed member."
DAN M. HARVEY.
A valuable farm of two hundred and twenty acres on section 3,
Porter township, is the property of Dan M. Harvey, who is accounted
one of the leading and representative agriculturists of his community,
early gaining recognition of the fact that success is the outcome of industry, determination and laudable ambition, who has throughout an
active life so directed his efforts that excellent results have attended
his labors. His life record began on the i8th of February, 1842, in
Constantine township, St. Joseph county, Michigan, and he represents
one of the old and prominent pioneer families of the state. His paternal
grandfather, Ephraim Harvey, was a native of Vermont, and was a son
of Philip Harvey, who was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war,
who came to America from the north of England, and when the colonies
attempted to throw off the yoke of British oppression he fought for
independence. Norman Harvey, father of our subject, was also a native
of Vermont. In early manhood he heard the "call of the west," and
imbued with the hope of enjoying better business privileges in this section of the country, he made his way to Michigan, settling in St. Joseph
county in 1832. The entire district was largely wild and unimproved
and he took up land from the government, after which he located upon
his claim, where he lived for some time. He was not only connected
with agricultural interests, however, but also became a promoter of




582


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


industrial interests and built the first factory and was a partner in the
first carriage foundry and woolen mills in that county. He also built
and operated a large grist mill and established the first hardware and
tinware store in Constantine, Michigan.  His activity and enterprise
proved strong and potent elements in the development of his part of the
state and he was recognized as one of the leading men of his community,
who wielded a wide influence and left the impress of his individuality
for good upon the work of upbuilding. As he prospered in his undertakings he placed considerable money in the safest of all investmentsreal estate-and at one time owned more land than any other man in the
county. He was extremely successful in his business affairs in accumulating money and land, and his prosperity was well merited, not only
by reason of the fact that he possessed keen discernment in business
affairs and unfaltering diligence, but also because his methods were
ever straightforward and honorable, and would bear closest investigation and scrutiny. He also aided many others in buying farms, and in
this way contributed to the settlement of the county. He was a good
man, honest and honorable at all times, and was never known to take
advantage of the necessities of another in any business transaction. He
had a very wide and favorable acquaintance in the county, and his
death was the occasion of deep regret, when at the age of sixty years
he was called from this life. He laid out many roads in the county
and otherwise contributed to its material improvement. He started the
first bank in Constantine, and afterward organized the First National
Bank. His business interests were of a character that contributed not
only to individual success but also to the public prosperity, and his
name is inseparably interwoven with the history of St. Joseph county,
where he lived and labored to such goodly ends. His early political support was given to the Whig party, but upon the organization of the new
Republican party he joined its ranks and remained one of its stalwart
advocates. He held many township offices and he also figured in military circles, being captain in the state militia. In early manhood he
married Miss Rhoda Moore, a native of Rupert, Vermont, and a
daughter of Seth Moore, who was also born there and was of Welsh
descent. Mrs. Harvey passed away at the age of fifty-four years, and
like her husband was held in warm regard, for she possessed many
estimable qualities of heart and mind. This worthy couple became the
parents of thirteen children, most of whom reached adult age.
Dan M. Harvey, the eighth child of the family, was reared in Constantine township in St. Joseph county, and was educated in the Union
schools at Constantine and in Hillsdale College. He also pursued a
commercial course in Bryant & Stratton's College at Detroit, Michigan, and was thus well qualified for life's practical and responsible
duties when he entered upon his business career. He was thus connected with the hardware trade at Constantine, where he established a
store and conducted business for some time. On disposing of his hard



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


583


ware stock he engaged in the lumber business and also carried on farming and stock raising. He remained a resident of St. Joseph county
until I87I, when he removed to his present farm' on section 3, Porter
township. He purchased four hundred and fifty acres of land, but in
recent years, wishing to retire from active business life, has sold part
of the place and now owns two hundred and twenty acres. All of this
land he operates himself.
Otn the 25th of July, I867, Mr. Harvey was united in marriage to
Miss Mary E., daughter of Philo Hovey, and they have four children:
Helen, died in infancy; Delia, now the wife of Rev. Charles Eastman,
a Baptist minister; D. Elbert, living in Constantine; and Mary Alice,
the wife of Rev. O. V. Wheeler, a minister of the Baptist denomination,
who occupies the pulpit of a prominent church in Chicago, and his wife
is also a worker in the church. The children have all received collegiate
training.  D. Elbert, the son, is foreman in the Carbolite Factory in
Constantine, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey have several of the old
parchment deeds executed under the hand and seal of President Andrew
Jackson, which are valuable souvenirs in the family.
Mr. Harvey has always voted the Republican ticket.   He is a
member of the Masonic fraternity and in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft. He is well known in Cass county, where he
has now lived for many years, and he has gained a large number of
friends by reason of his cordial manner, kindly disposition and affability.
In business life he has displayed excellent qualifications and now he is
living retired, enjoying the fruits of former toil.
BRUCE BEEBE.
Bruce Beebe is an honored veteran of the Civil war and a citizen
well worthy of representation in the history of Marcellus and Cass
county, because he displays many sterling traits of character and the
qualifications of good citizenship as well.  He was born in Huron
county, Ohio, August 27, I840, and has been a resident of Marcellus
since the spring of I848, when he came to Michigan with his parents,
Roswell R. and Mary (Young) Beebe. The father was a native of
Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, born on the 3d of November, I806. He
accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio. Both his father and
mother were natives of Connecticut, were of English descent and were
representatives of ancestry that was connected with New England history from early colonial days. When a young lad Roswell R. Beebe
accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio, where he was reared
and married. TIe devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits, thus
providing for his family. His political allegiance was given to the
Whig party until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the new
Republican party, continuing one of its stanch supporters until his death
in April, 1893. He had for more than a half century survived his wife,




584


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


who passed away in 1840, when her son was only two weeks old. The
father afterward married again.  He had three children by his first
marriage and two by the second, and the family record is as follows:
Gideon T., now living in Marcellus; Sally Lee, deceased; Bruce, of this
review; Byron R., who is also living in Marcellus; and Mrs. Wealthy
Currier, who is also living in Marcellus.
As previously stated, Bruce Beebe was a lad of eight years when he
carne with his father to Michigan. There was no village on the present
site of Marcellus, the entire tract being covered with the natural forest
growth.  The family home was established on section I, Marcellus
township, on a farm of two hundred and sixty acres, from sixty acres
of which the timber had been cut. Upon that farm Bruce Beebe aided
in the arduous task of further developing the land and bringing it under
a high state of cultivation. He shared in all the work of the fields and
after he had attained his majority continued to engage in general
agricultural pursuits. He resided upon the old home place until September, I897, when he removed to the village of Marcellus. He still
owns, however, eighty acres of the farm and his brother, Byron R., also
owns eighty acres of it. Bruce Beebe likewise has two acres within the
corporation limits of Marcellus, and has a good residence which he
erected. His entire life throughout his business career has been devoted
to general farming pursuits with the exception of three years which
were spent in the army.
It was on the IIth of August, I862, that Mr. Beebe, prompted by
a spirit of patriotism and loyalty, tendered his services to the government and became a member of Company D, Twenty-fifth Michigan
Volunteer Infantry, under command of Colonel Orlando H. Moore.
He participated in various important engagements including the battles
of Mumfordsville, Kingston, Tennessee, Mossy Creek, Tunnel Hill,
Rocky Face, Georgia, Resaca, Cassville, Ottawa River, Altoona, Pine
Mountain, Lost Mountain, Culp Farm, Kenesaw, Atlanta, East
Point, Otter Creek, the siege of Atlanta and the battles of Jonesboro,
Rome and Cedar Bluff. He was thus in many hotly contested engagements and was often in the thickest of the fight, never faltering in the
performance of any military duty assigned him, whether it called him to
the firing line or stationed him on the lonely picket line. After about
three years war service he became ill and was sent to the hospital, from
which he was discharged on the 3Ist of March, I865. He then rejoined
his regiment and was honorably discharged from the army after the
close of the war, on the 26th of June, I865, being at that time in North
Carolina. He returned home with a most creditable military record,
and he deserves the credit and praise which should ever be bestowed
upon the loyal soldier who defended the Union.
On the IIth of October, I869, Mr. Beebe was married to Miss
Gertrude Lutes. who was born in Marcellus, October I, I85I, a
daughter of William H. Lutes. Her father married Mrs. Eugene Sat



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


585


terlie, who was a widow and bore the maiden name of Schofield. She
was a native of New York. Mr. Lutes arrived in Michigan in 1844,
and they were married in this state. Both died in Cass county, Mr.
Lutes at the age of eighty-one years, while his wife passed away when
fifty-eight years of age. He was born in Wayne county, New York,
October 30, 1824, and died in Marcellus, March 26, I9o6.  When
twenty years of age he removed with his parents to Cass county and
largely made his home in the vicinity of Marcellus from that time until
his death. When twenty-four years of age he married Mrs. Eugene
Satterlie, who died September 7, I884, and on the i6th of October,
I888, he wedded Mrs. Emily Sweet, who survives him. He was the
father of two children, both of whom are living, John and Mrs. Beebe.
He also had an adopted daughter, Mrs. Hattie Moore, now of Chicago.
An earnest Christian man he joined the United Brethren church in early
life, and some years afterward he united with the Methodist Episcopal
church, of which he was ever afterward a devoted and faithful member.
At the time of the Civil war, his sympathy being with the Union cause,
he offered his services to the government but was rejected.  In connection with Mr. Kester and Joseph Cromley he planted the three trees
in front of the Methodist Episcopal church, which add so much to its
beauty.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Beebe have been born a son and daughter:
William R., who is living upon his father's farm and is married and has
one child, Olin; and Grace K., the wife of Edward Bond, a resident of
Marcellus. The family is widely and favorably known in this part of
the county, Mr. Beebe having long been a worthy and prominent representative.of agricultural interests.- In politics he is a Republican since,
age conferred upon him the right of franchise. In times of peace he has
been as faithful to his country as when he followed the old flag upon
southern battlefields, and in military service and in private life has made
a creditable record.
HENRY J. FRENCH.
Henry J. French, proprietor of the Eagle Lake Resort, is a native
of Ontwa township, Cass county, born on the I6th of December, I863.
The father, Caleb French, was one of the old settlers of this part of the
state and contributed in substantial measure to the material development
and progress of the community. He was a native of Lancastershire,
England, born on the i6th of May, 1828, and in his native place was
reared.  After arriving at manhood he was married in England to
Miss Martha Iles, also a native of that country, and two children,
Charles and Thirza, were born unto them ere they crossed the Atlantic
to the 'United States. When they came to the new world they settled
in Baltimore, Maryland, where they lived for about a year, and in I856
arrived in Cass county, Michigan, settling in Edwardsburg. There the
father followed the mason's trade, which he had learned in his native




586


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


country. After about a year spent in Edwardsburg he removed to near
Eagle lake, where he purchased eighty acres of land, the greater part
of which had been improved. His first wife died during the early period
of his residence upon that farm, passing away in I86I, and in March,
I863, he was again married, his second union being with Hannah Salmonson, a native of Ohio, born March 8, I830. Her father was Richard
Salmonson, one of the pioneer settlers of this part of the state, and she
was reared in Ontwa township amnid the conditions and environments
of pioneer life. Henry J. French was the only child born of the father's
second marriage. In his political views Caleb French was a Democrat,
but never sought or desired public office, preferring to give his undivided
attention to his business interests, and he died upon the old home farm
in February, I882. He was well known and well respected in Cass
county and enjoyed in large measure the trust and good will of his
fellow men.
Henry J. French was reared upon the farm which is now his home,
and worked with his father until the latter's death. He then rented the
farm from the other heirs for ten years and in I8912 by purchase became possessor of the property. In 1897 he converted the tract near
the lake into a summer resort, calling it the Eagle Lake Resort, and has
many visitors here during the summer months. He has made this a
very productive place, supplied with many of the accessories which add
to the pleasure and comfort of the summer sojourner. In his general
agricultural pursuits he has also met with a creditable measure of success, having conducted his interests so carefully and practically that he
has gained very gratifying prosperity.
On the 3Ist of October, I886, Mr. French was united in marriage
to Miss Myrtle D. Lowman, a native of Jefferson township, Cass county,
born January 29, I866, and a daughter of John Lowman, whose birth
occurred in Ohio in I844. He was brought to Cass county when ten
years of age and was reared in Jefferson township. After arriving at
years of maturity he wedded Miss Nancy Keene, who was born in
Calvin township, Cass county, in I844. Mrs. French was the eldest of
four children, two sons and two daughters, and by her marriage she
has become the mother of two sons: Ford, who was born September
8, 1892; and Harry, who was born April 8,, 1895, both on the old homestead.
In his political affiliation Mr. French is an earnest Democrat and
keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but is without aspiration for public office. He belongs to the Woodmen camp at
Edwardsburg and has many friends among his brethren of the fraternity. His entire life having been passed in Cass county he is widely
known, and he has made an excellent reputation as a thoroughly reliable, energetic and progressive business man.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


587


GEORGE M. HADDEN.
George M. Hadden, a practical and progressive farmer who is
profitably conducting his business interests on section 13, Milton township, is a native son of the Empire state, his birth having occurred in
Wayne county on the 4th of August, I84I. His father, Charles D.
Hadden, was born in Westchester county, New York, in I8II, and he,
too, was a farmer by occupation, devoting the greater part of his life
to the work of tilling the soil. In early manhood he was married in
Tompkins county. New York, to Miss Nancy Blythe, a native of Ireland, who came to this country when a little girl, and was reared in
New York. Mr. and Mrs. Hadden became the parents of the following
children: Mary, George M., Charles A., deceased; Elizabeth and James
G., all of whom are natives of the Empire state. In the year I867 the
father left New York and came with his family to Cass county, Michigan, settling on section 7, Ontwa township, where he secured three
hundred and ninety-seven acres of rich land, much of which had been
improved. With characteristic energy he took up the task of further
cultivating and developing this place, and continued to make it his
home until his death. He took an active interest in political questions
and in the work of the party, and was a stanch Republican. While residing in New York he served as supervisor of his township for three
years, but he never sought office after coming to the west, as his time
was fully occupied by his business cares in relation to the farm. He
died January 29, 1878, and was survived by his wife until December,
I887, when she, too, was called to her final rest.
George M. Hadden spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the
east, acquired a good practical education in the public schools and when
twenty-six years of age came with his parents to Michigan, the family
home being established in Cass county. He settled with his father upon
the farm in Ontwa township and helped to clear and cultivate that place.
There he resided continuously until I875, when he removed to his present farm in Milton township.   The place originally comprised one
hundred and twenty acres of land, but he has since extended its boundaries by additional purchase until he now has a valuable property of
two hundred acres. Here he carries on general farming and raises such
stock as is needed for home consumption and for carrying on the work
of the farm. In all his methods he is practical and diligent and his
energy and perseverance have been the strong and salient factors in a
successful career.
On the 27th of December, 1871, Mr. Hadden was united in marriage
to Miss Jane Foster, a daughter of Andrew Foster, who entered from the
government the farm  which adjoins the homestead property of Mr.
Hadden. Mr. Foster was one of the honored pioneer settlers of Cass
county, coming to this state from Pennsylvania in 1832. Few were
the residents in this locality at that time. Occasionally in the midst of




588


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


the forest the smoke might be seen ascending from the fire in some little
cabin home, but there were long distances between the farms and the
greater part of the country was covered with its native timber growth.
Mr. Foster took an active and helpful part in reclaiming the region for
the purposes of civilization and in the improvement of his business interests, developing an excellent farm, which gave him a good income. He
built the house and barn which' are still standing upon his old home
place. This is one of the landmarks of the county, having for long
years been a mute witness of the changes that have occurred and illustrating by contrast the rapid progress that has been made. In his political views Mr. Foster was an earnest and stalwart Democrat, and was
one of the stockholders in the National Democrat; Mrs. Hadden was
born and reared on the old farm homestead and was the youngest of
eight children, six of whom were born upon this farm. Unto our subject and his wife were born four sons and two daughters, namely:
Charles B., Mary, Andrew F., Robert A., Margaret, and George L., all
natives of Cass county, five having been born on the old homestead farm
in Milton township. The elder daughter is now the wife of Victor
D. Hawkins.
Mr. Hadden exercises his right of franchise in support of the men
and measures of the Republican party and for one term was township
treasurer, but has had little aspiration for office, although in citizenship
he is always loyal and progressive. He belongs to the Woodmen camp
at Edwardsburg and is an active and honored member of the Presbyterian church there, in which he is now serving as elder.
J. FRED EMERSON.
J. Fred Emerson, one of the early residents of Cass county, who has
long witnessed the growth and development that have wrought many
changes here and brought about an advanced state of civilization, was
born in Ontwa township, where he still lives, owning and operating one
hundred and twenty acres of rich land. His father, Matthew Emerson,
was a pioneer resident of Cass county, coming to Michigan when this
portion of the state was largely a wild and unimproved district. He
was born in Concord county, New Hampshire, on the II th of December,
I8o8, and was there reared upon his father's farm, where he remained
until twenty-one years of age. The paternal grandfather, Joseph Emerson, was likewise a native of the Old Granite state and became a farmer,
devoting his entire life to the tilling of the soil. He married Miss Susanna Harvey, a descendant of Dr. Harvey, the celebrated discoverer
of the system of the circulation of the blood. Their son Matthew was
the second in order of birth in a family of five children and was reared
and educated in New Hampshire, where he early became familiar with
farm work, also giving a portion of his time to milling and school teaching, following the latter profession for two or three terms. He was




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


589


also employed in a hardware store in Albany, New York, and in I839,
attracted by the business opportunities of a new but rapidly developing
western country, he came to Cass county, Michigan, taking up his abode
near Edwardsburg. He there planted a crop of wheat on what is now
the Harris farm. In 1841 he removed to the old farm homestead on
section 13, Ontwa township, at first purchasing eighty acres of partially improved land. He made most of the improvements upon the
place, however, and converted it into a splendid property. In I848, owing to ill health, he was compelled to rent his farm, and he then entered
the employ of M. G. & M. Sage, of Adamsville, remaining in their service for five years, when, his health being greatly improved, he returned
to the farm in I853. He was then engaged in its cultivation and further
development until his life's labors were ended in death on the 17th of
March, I877. He had prospered in his undertakings and at his demise
left a valuable property of one hundred and twenty acres. In 1841, in
Adamsville, he had married Miss Alzina Allen, who was born in Vermont January 27, 1823, and was twelve years of age when she came
to Cass county with her parents. She was a daughter of Reuben Allen,
who came of the same stock as Ethan Allen, the noted hero of Ticonderoga in the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Emerson was the eldest of
three children, the brother being Joseph Allen, who died in I889, and
the sister Antinette, now the widow of Murry Morse, of Jefferson township, Cass county. It was in the year 1835 that the Allen family was
established in Mason township. Mr. and Mrs. Emerson became the
parents of three sons, of whom the second died in infancy. J. Fred is
the eldest and Allen at present lives in Buchanan, Michigan. He commenced to learn the trade of coach and carriage making at seventeen
years of age in the city of Buffalo, New York. In September, I879, he
went to Buchanan and worked at his trade a number of years, while at
present lie is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business. He
married Miss Ida Weaver, a member of an old and very highly respected
family of the vicinity. The father was a Democrat in his political views
and served for many years as justice of the peace, his decisions being
strictly fair and impartial. His religious faith was indicated by his
membership in the Baptist church.
J. Fred Emerson was reared upon the old farm homestead, working in the fields through the summer months, or until after the crops
were harvested in the late autumn. The public schools afforded him his
educational privileges. He was married October 23, 1878, going to
Vermont for his bride, who in her maidenhood bore the name of Delia
A. Thomas. She was born January 27, 1847, and died November 24,.
I90o. She was a daughter of Horace and Anna (Wainwriglht) Thomas,
farming people of the Green Mountain state. With his young wife Mr.
Emerson returned to Cass county, and the marriage has been blessed
with two children: Ralph W., who was born November 8, I879, and
is now a bookkeeper in Elkhart, Indiana; and Fred Ray, who was born




590


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


February 14, 1885, and is at home, assisting his father in the operation
of the farm.
Throughout his entire life Mr. Emerson has devoted his attention
and energies to the occupation to which he was reared, and is to-day the
owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land in Ontwa township, all
improved. Upon the place are substantial buildings, good farm machinery and other modern equipments that facilitate the work of the farm.
Mr. Emerson votes with the Democracy and like his father has served
for a number of years as justice of the peace, "winning golden opinions
from all sorts of people" by his "even-handed justice." His life has
been largely passed in a quiet manner, and yet he has displayed the
sterling characteristics of an honorable manhood and loyal citizenship.
CARLETON W. RINEHART.
Carleton W. Rinehart, county clerk of Cass county and a resident
of Cassopolis, was born in Porter township on the 22nd of November,
1869. His paternal grandfather was a native of Germany and his maternal grandfather was born in Scotland. The former, John Rinehart, became a pioneer resident of Cass county and entered from the government what is now known as the James Bonine farm in Penn township,
selling it some years later to the gentleman whose name it bears. He
then removed to Porter township and improved another farm.  His
son, Abraham Rinehart, was born in Virginia and when thirteen years
of age removed with his parents to the vicinity of Dayton, Ohio. About
I829 the family came to Cass county, and he was reared amid the wild
scenes and environments of pioneer life. He was first married to Miss
Elizabeth Owen, of Illinois, who died about a year later, and he afterward married Hannah E. Denton, who was born in the state of New
York and was brought to Cass county in her girlhood days. Mr. and
Mrs. Rinehart then located in Porter township upon a farm, where he
carried on general agricultural pursuits for many years, his last days
being spent upon the old homestead there. He died September 3, I895,
at the age of seventy-eight years, respected and honored by all who
knew him. In politics he was a stanch Republican, and he was a prominent representative of the Baptist church, becoming a charter member
of the Baltimore Prairie church. In its work he took an active and helpful interest, and his life was ever characterized by honorable, strong and
manly principles. In his family were eleven children, six of whom
reached adult age.
Carleton W. Rinehart, the youngest of the family, was reared in
his native township, early becoming familiar with farm work in all of
its departments, and when he was nineteen years of age he joined his
brother Clarence in the purchase of all the stock and farming implements of the old homestead, after which they carried on general farming. The partnership in the management of the farm was maintained




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


591


for four years, at the end of which time Carleton! W. Rinehart bought
his brother's interest and operated the farm alone for a year. On the
expiration of that period he removed to Mason township, where he was
engaged in farming until elected county clerk in I9o4. In addition to
the tilling of the soil he engaged quite extensively in raising, buying and
shipping fruit, and his business was profitably conducted.
On the 25th of November, I891I, Mr. Rinehart was married to Miss
Grace McKissick, a daughter of Moses and Clara (Wilkinson) McKissick. Mr. Rinehart has been a lifelong Republican, active in the interests of the party, and his efforts have been effective and far reaching in
its behalf. As a public officer he is most loyal to his duty, and over the
record of his public career and his private life there falls no shadow of
wrong or suspicion of evil. He belongs to the Freewill Baptist church
at Union and is temperate in his habits. It will thus be seen that his
years have been characterized by upright manhood and by strict fidelity to a high standard of moral conduct.
JOHN W. MECHLING.
John NW. Mechling is now living retired in the village of Union
but for many years was closely identified with industrial interests, devoting his time and energies to many business duties, with the result
that success attended his work and now enables him to rest without
recourse to further labor.  He was born in Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania on the 28th of July, 1828. His father, Phillip Mechling,
was a native of Pennsylvania and spent the days of his boyhood and
youth in that state. Removing to the west he took up his abode in
Elkhart county, Indiana. He spent the first winter, however-that of
1835-in South Bend. He then located four miles east of Elkhart and
remained a resident of that locality until called to his final home, lacking but one month of being ninety years of age at the time of his demise.
His wife, who bore the maiden name of Charlotte Shoemaker, died
in I844. In their family were thirteen children, of whom John W.
was the youngest of a family of seven daughters and six sons, but all
are now deceased with the exception of Mr. Mechling of this review
and his sister, Mrs. Mary Jones, who is now eighty years of age and
makes her home in Porter township.
John W. Mechling spent the first seven years of his life in the
state of his nativity and then accompanied his parents on their removal
to Indiana, where he lived for a decade. About 1845 he came to Cass
county, settling in Union, where he worked at any business that he
could find to do. He was afterward engaged in the operation of a
sawmill and also gave his attention to buying and selling produce, but
in I86I he put aside all business cares and personal considerations and
offered his aid to his country, then engaged in the Civil war. He had
watched with interest the progress of events in the south, had noted




692


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


the threatening attitude of the slave-holding community and determined
that if an attempt was made to overthrow the Union he would strike
a blow in its defense. He therefore enlisted as a member of Company
A, Chandler's Horse Guard, serving for three months. He afterward
carried the mail from Bristol to Union for eight years and subsequently
was engaged for a number of years in blacksmithing at Union.
Mr. Mechling was married in i86I to Miss Lovisa V. Dibble, and
unto them were born two daughters and one son, but Lydia L. and
Lottie L. are both deceased. The son, John D., still resides with his
father. The wife and mother passed away April II, I904. She was
an estimable lady, having many good traits of character and her loss
was regretted by many friends.
Mr. Mechling is now retired from active business after a busy
and useful life. He receives a pension of seventeen dollars per month
because of ill health incurred by his service in the war. He is a member
of the Masonic fraternity and has taken a very active and helpful part
in public affairs, his political allegiance being given to the Democracy, of
which he is a stanch advocate. He served as deputy sheriff for six
years, has been school director and also treasurer of school district No.
9 for fourteen years. He was likewise road overseer for many years.
He has been a resident of Cass county for six decades, and is well known
in the county as one of its pioneer settlers. He has now passed the
seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey and is a venerable and respected man, having many friends in Union and throughout this portion of the state.
H. SYLVESTER CHAPMAN.
H. Sylvester Chapman, owner of one hundred and thirty acres of
as fine land as can be found in Cass county, resides on section 17, Penn
township. He was born in Medina county, Ohio, December 5, 1839,
and represents one of the old families of New England, his ancestors
having been represented in this country through various generations.
His great-grandfather was Benjamin Chapman, a native of Vermont.
His grandfather, Levi Chapman, who was also born in the Green Mountain state, was a farmer by occupation and removed to Ohio with his
family at an early date in the history of Medina county, where he
took up his abode.
Amory H. Chapman, his son, was born in Enosburg, Vermont, and
was about five years of age at the time of his parents' removal to the
Buckeye state. He was reared and educated in Medina county and was
married there to Miss Lucinda Hastings, a native of New York and a
daughter of Walter Hastings, who was likewise born in the Empire
state. He was a lumber merchant, who engaged in rafting lumber down
the Susquehanna river to Baltimore. For three years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Amory H. Chapman lived in Ohio, and then came to








i~"
4;




5511








HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


593


Cass coulty, Michigan, in I845, settling in Newberg township: Mr.
Chapman took up the work of farming, tilling the soil which hitherto
was uncultivated and unimproved. For many years he was an active
factor in agricultural circles and his death occurred in Newberg township when he had attained the advanced age of eighty years. He was a
man of good principles, who fearlessly espoused any cause in which he
believed and he left to his family an untarnished name. When age gave
to him the right of franchise he voted with the Whig party, which he
supported until the organization of the Republican party.  He was
closely identified with the upbuilding of the county, settling in the
midst of the forest upon his arrival here, making a clearing and in due
course of time developing a good farm. He performed all the arduous
labor incident to such a task, shared in the hardships and trials of frontier life and aided in laying broad and deep the foundation for the present development and progress of this part of the state. In his family
were but two sons, the brother being Herman L. Chapman, of Marcellus, Michigan.
H. Sylvester Chapman, the elder son, was.but five years old when
his parents left Ohio and came to Cass county. In his early youth he
attended school in Vandalia and afterward pursued his studies in
Cassopolis. Through the periods of vacation he aided in the farm work
and he remained at home until nineteen years of age, when he began
contracting and building, possessing considerable natural mechanical
ingenuity that well qualified him for this work. He built what is now
known as the Chapman school in Newberg township and also other buildings of the locality, and was thus identified with that line of business
until the time of his marriage.
Mr. Chapman has been married twice. In April, I86O, he wedded
Miss Mary Carrier and unto them were born two children: Irma, now
the wife of Professor Seth C. Wilson, of Spokane, Washington, who is
principal of the schools of that place; and Clif C., who is living upon
the home farm. The daughter was a student in the Valparaiso College in northern Indiana, and has taken a course in the business department of the University. She is also educated in instrumental music.
Following the death of his first wife Mr. Chapman was married to Miss
Olivia E. Rudd, a daughter of Stephen and Lydia (Green) Rudd, who
were early settlers of Penn township. Mrs. Chapman was born in that
township December 29, 1842, and was married first to John H. Underwood, by whom she had one son, Hon. Fred Underwood, who is now a
member of the state legislature at Bismarck, North Dakota. Hon. Fred
Underwood received his education in the Cassopolis high school, and
was a student in the Valparaiso College. also in the Kalamazoo Business College. He has been located in Dakota since I88I.
At thle time of his marriage Mr. Chapman concentrated his energies upon agricultural pursuits. He began farming in Newberg town



594


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


ship, where he remained until I87I, when he went to California, whence
he returned by way of the water route and the Isthmus of Panama. On
again reaching Cass county he purchased the farm upon which he now
resides. In I88I he went to North Dakota and improved a farm in Ransom county, spending the summer months there during four years. He
still owns that property, comprising three hundred and twenty acres of
land, and in his home place he has one hundred and thirty acres of very
rich and productive land, no finer farm property being found in the
county. In the World's Columbian Exposition in I893 he exhibited
six different varieties of his wheat grown on his farm, and was awarded
a diploma and medal for the superiority of the cereal, which is an honor
rare for old Cass county. He has erected a very attractive residence,
which stands in the midst of a well kept lawn, and his barns and outbuildings are in keeping with ideas of modern agriculture. His fields,
too, are well tilled and he is making a specialty of raising cattle, having
a fine herd of thirty head of Jerseys, all being registered stock. He has
never been a follower in business lines, but is a leader in the progress
which results in successful accomplishment. He votes with the Democracy and is in sympathy with the platform promulgated at Kansas
City.
The beautiful home of Mr. and Mrs. Chapman, known as "Linden
Lea," is beautifully finished in rare woods, and the entrance to the pretty home is artistically finished in sumach, showing the beautiful grains
of the wood, while the library is finished in red cedar, and the work was
accomplished by Mr. Chapman himself. In fact, the residence is finished
in different woods.
EDWIN N. AUSTIN.
Edwin N. Austin, who carries on general agricultural pursuits in
a practical, progressive and profitable manner, is living in Pokagon
township and is to-day the owner of one hundred and eighty acres of
land, the greater part of which is under cultivation, giving proof in its
excellent appearance of the careful supervision of the owner. A native
of St. Lawrence county, New York, Mr. Austin was born on the 8th of
August, I850. His father, John W. Austin, was also a native of the
Empire state and was a farmer by occupation. Coming to the west he
settled in Allegan county in I863,, taking up his abode upon a fartm,
which he cultivated and improved until he had acquired a handsome
competence, when he retired from active business life and removed to
the city of Allegan, where he spent his remaining days in the enjoyment
of a well-earned rest, his death there occurring in 1893. He was married in the Empire state to Miss Lucinda Sage, who was born in New
York and was there reared. This union was blessed with a family of
four sons and two daughters, all of whom were natives of the Empire state. As the result of study and investigation concerning the po



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


595


litical questions of the day and the attitude of the two parties Mr. Austin gave his support to the Republican organization, and at all times he
commanded the respect and confidence of his fellow men by reason of
an honorable and upright life.
Edwin N. Austin spent the first twelve years of his life in the
county of his nativity and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Allegan, Michigan, where he resided until twenty-two years
of age, during which time he actively assisted his father in the work
of. the home farm. He then left home and came to Cass county, taking up his abode upon a farm in Pokagon township.   Here he was
married to Miss Rebecca Simpson, a daughter of Moses and Sarah
Simpson, pioneers of Cass county, having settled within its borders
when the white residents here were comparatively few. Mrs. Austin
was born and reared in Pokagon township.
Moses W. Simpson, deceased, one of the pioneers of Pokagon,
was born in Pembroke, New Hampshire, May I6, I8o8. He was the
eldest in the family of Samuel and Rebecca (Dickerman) Simpson,
which consisted of seven children, four sons and three daughters. The
elder Simpson was a farmer and was possessed of those elements of
character that have always distinguished the sons of the Granite state.
Moses was reared on the farm, and the rugged hills and sterile soil
aided in the development of a robust constitution and many admirable
traits of character.  He early evidenced a desire for books, which
was fostered by his parents, and he received a liberal academical education. He remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-five
years of age, and at that time he was married to Miss Sarah H. Blaisdell, of Hopkinton, New Hampshire, where she was born September
8, I8I I. Her parents, Samuel and Dorothy (Straw) Blaisdell, were
of English parentage and New England birth. In 1836 Mr. Simpson
and wife came to Pokagon and settled on the farm which was ever
afterward his home. He took an active interest in all matters pertaining to the advancement of the township, and largely identified himself with its growth and prosperity; his ability was soon recognized
by his fellow townsmen, and he filled many positions of trust and
responsibility with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all. His
death occurred on June I6, 1849. In the accumulation of property
Mr. Simpson was successful. His social qualities were of a high order
and his generosity and hospitality were proverbial. He left two daughters, Rebecca, now Mrs. Edwin Austin, and Lydia T. After the death
of her husband, Mrs. Simpson assumed the management of the estate,
which she conducted successfully until I850, when she was again married, to John H. Simpson, brother of her first husband.  He was a
native of New Hampshire and a man universally esteemed. He died
August 19, I879, in the fifty-sixth year of his age.
Mrs. Simpson resided upon the old homestead until her death,
January 4, 1889, a lady very highly esteemed.




596


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


For two years after his marriage Edwin N. Austin lived upon his
father-in-law's farm and then removed to his present place, first purchasing sixty acres of land, to which he has since added part of the
old Simpson farm, so that his landed possessions now comprise one
hundred and eighty acres, the greater part of which is under cultivation.
He has built good buildings here and has improved the property until
it is now one of the valuable and productive farms of the township. In
its improvement Mr. Austin has displayed good business ability, executive force and keen discernment and in his business relations has commanded the respect of those with whom he has had dealings.
GEORGE H. TOLBERT.
George H. Tolbert, who is filling the position of township treasurer and is accounted one of the representative and enterprising farmers of Porter township, his home being on section 28, was born in this
township September 30, I867. His father, Seth Tolbert, was a native
of New York, where his childhood and youth were passed. He came
to Miclhigan about 1845, making his way to Cass county, and here he
was married in Porter township to Miss Sarah Loupee, a sister of John
Loupee and a representative of one of the old and well known pioneer
families of the county, mention of whom is made on another page of
this work, in connection with the sketch of John Loupee. Seth Tolbert
took up his abode in Porter township, where he continued to reside until
his death, which occurred when he was in his seventy-eighth year. He
was a lifelong farmer and was one of the early representatives of agricultural interests in his community, where he carried on the work of
tilling the soil and raising crops until he put aside the active work of
the fields in his later years. He was a member of the Baptist church
and his religious faith permeated his life and promoted his kindly and
considerate relations to his fellowmen and his honorable dealings in all
trade transactions..His political allegiance was given to the Republican party from the time of its organization until his demise. His widow
is still living at this writing, in I9o6, and yet resides upon the old
homestead farm. In their family were ten children, of whom George
HI. was the seventh in order of birth.
In his youth George H. Tolbert was reared and to the public school
system of the county he is indebted for the educational privileges which
he enjoyed. His attention was divided between the work of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the labors of the fields upon
the home farm, and after he finished his education he gave his entire
attention to general agricultural pursuits on the old homestead up to
the time of his marriage.
It was on February 19, 189o, that he was joined in wedlock to Miss
Linda Harmon, a sister of Charles O. Harmon, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Tolbert was the third child and only daugh



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


597


ter in a fanlily of four children, and was born in Porter township March
I, 1872, where her girlhood days were passed.  Their home is now
on section 28, Porter township, where Mr. Tolbert owns and operates
seventy-six acres of land, which is productive and valuable. There he
carries on general farming and stock-raising, keeping good grades of
cattle, horses and hogs upon his place, while at the same time cultivating
the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and annually harvesting
good crops. He votes with the Republican party, having been reared
in that faith, while his matured judgment sanctioned its principles, so
that he has given his allegiance to its candidates from that time. He
served as highway commissioner of his township, and in I904 was elected
township treasurer, the duties of which office he discharged so capably
that he was re-elected in 1905 and is now filling the position. He and
his wife belong to the Grange of which he is now master, and he also belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp at Jones. Mr. and Mrs. Tolbert are
both devoted members of the First Baptist church in Porter township,
and they are both interested in Sunday school work. Mrs. Tolbert was
superintendent of the Sunday school for five years, and organist of the
church for several years, and she was. a successful teacher in Porter township for two years.
JOHN D. ROCKWELL.
Among the citizens of Cass county who have long been connected
with its history, their residence here dating back to an early period, so
that they are entitled to rank with the old settlers, is John D. Rockwell,
now living on section 25, Porter township, where he owns a good farm.
He was born in Huron county, Ohio, September 8, 1842. His paternal
grandfather was Caleb Rockwell, of English descent. His father, Samuel R. Rockwell, was a native of Connecticut and was there reared. In
early life he learned and followed the carpenter's trade and also carried
on farming. The reports which he heard concerning business opportunities in the west induced him to seek a home in Michigan, and in
the fall of 1844 he came to this state, taking up his abode upon the farm
in Porter township, Cass county, upon which his son, John D. Rockwell, now resides. He had, however, been a resident of Huron county
for a brief period when he traded a farm of eighty acres in that county
for one hundred and sixty acres of land here without seeing the place.
The tract was an unbroken wilderness, not a furrow having been turned
nor an improvement made. There was not a single building and he
built a small frame house in the midst of the forest and began to cut
away the timber and clear and cultivate the land. In the course of years
where once stood the dense forest were seen waving fields of grain,
promising rich harvests and as time passed he became one of the substantial citizens of the community as the result of his carefully directed
business affairs. He died December I6, 1884, in his eighty-first yearone of the venerable, respected and honored citizens of the county. He




598


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


was a resident of Constantine for about twenty-two years, having retired
from active business life, the evening of his days being spent in the
enjoyment of a well earned rest. He was also justice of the peace in
Porter township for about sixteen years and for a similar period in
Constantine and his decisions were strictly fair and unbiased, neither
fear nor favor swerving him in his application of the law to the points
at issue. His political allegiance was given to the Democracy.  He
was an honest man, whose integrity was at all times above question and
by reason of this and his ability he was called upon to transact many
business interests for other people. He was closely identified with the
early history of Cass county and his labors contributed to its substantial
progress and improvement. He married Mary Ann Bushman, a native
of New York, who was born near Rochester and was a daughter of
George Bushman. She died in I856 in the thirty-ninth year of her
age, and Samuel R. Rockwell afterward married Celia Butler. There
were five sons of the first union: George B., who died in I904; Francis M., who is living in Three Rivers, Michigan; John D., of this review; Henry 0., who passed away February 8, I86o; and Edson W.,
who is living in Porter township, Cass county. The children of the second marriage are: Ralph, who died about I868; and Libby, who passed
away the same year.
John D. Rockwell was only two years of age when brought by his
parents to Cass county, the family home being established in Porter
township, where he was reared. His education was acquired in the
public schools, pursuing his studies in the little school-house which his
father built. Throughout the period of his minority he remained upon
the home farm, assisting in the labors of field and meadow and in the
care of the stock. He was thus occupied until he attained his majority,
after which he operated the home farm for one year. In I864 he went
to Virginia City, Montana, where he remained until i866, being engaged
in mining in that locality. He then returned again to the old homestead, where he has since resided, his attention being given in undivided
manner to agricultural interests.
On the 2Ist of February, 1867, was celebrated the marriage of
John D. Rockwell and Miss Adelia Miller, a daughter of Charles F. and
Rebecca (Odell) Miller, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the
latter of Ohio. They became residents of Michigan at an early day,
settling in St. Joseph county in I836, when the work of improvement
and development had scarcely been begun there. They established a
home on the frontier, casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers and
sharing in the hardships and trials incident to life in the far west-for
Michigan was then a border state. Mrs. Rockwell was born in St.
Joseph county, March 25, 1843, and was there reared and educated. At
the time of their marriage they located on the old homestead farm,
which has since been their place of residence. As the years went by
Mr. Rockwell gave his undivided attention and energies to the develop



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


599


ment and cultivation of his land and to the improvement of his farm,
which is now a valuable property, supplied with all of the equipments
and conveniences found upon a model farm of the twentieth century. In
1883 he built his present residence, and he now has two houses upon
the place, also commodious and substantial barns and outbuildings, furnishing ample shelter for grain and stock. His place comprises two
hundred and twenty-seven and a half acres of good land, the soil being
alluvial and responding readily to the care and labor which are bestowed
upon the fields and which return golden harvests. Mr. Rockwell personally manages and operates the farm and is a wide-awake, progressive
agriculturist, meeting with very gratifying success in his chosen life
work.
Three children were born unto our subject and his wife, namely:
Jennie G., who is now the wife of L. N. Ruch, of Chicago; Hattie L.,
the wife of Phar Stenberg, who resides upon the old homestead in
Porter township; and Cora B., who was born December 22, I874, and
died February I6, I875.
Mr. Rockwell votes with the Democracy, when national questions
are involved, but at local elections casts an independent ballot, supporting the men whom he regards as best qualified to take charge of the
business interests of town or county. He has been school treasurer of
his district for twenty years and could have held other offices but would
not accept, preferring to concentrate his time and energies upon his
business affairs. He is a man of liberal spirit and has contributed to
many good causes. He belongs to the Grange and is intensely interested in all that pertains to the agricultural development of the county.
He has been a resident of Porter township for sixty-one years and is
one of its pioneer and representative citizens, helping to make the county
what it is today. His name is closely interwoven with its history and
his successful career should serve to encourage and inspire others, for
his prosperity is largely due to his own well directed labors, capable
business management and keen discernment.
HENRY C. BENSON.
Henry C. Benson makes his home on section 3, south Porter township, and was born December i, 1845, on the farm where he now resides. His father, Joseph Benson, was a native of Livingston county,
New York, and came to Michigan in I843, making his way at once to
Cass county and took up his abode upon the farm which is now owned
and occupied by Henry C. Benson. He was married in Porter township in 1844 to Miss Harriet Weed, a daughter of Seth and Catherine
Weed. Her father was for many years a justice of the peace and held
the office of supervisor and other local positions, the duties of which
were always promptly, faithfully and capably performed by him. He
was a prominent man and teacher in the county and exerted a strong




600


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


and beneficial influence for the intellectual development and moral progress of his locality, also upholding its legal and political status. Joseph
Benson, for many years an enterprising and well known agriculturist
of the county, died August 8, 1878, when sixty-six years of age. He
was at one time a member of the Masonic fraternity and at all times
exemplified in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. His wife long
survived him, reaching the age of eighty-eight years. In their family
were two sons, Henry C. and Joseph, the latter still a resident of Porter
township.
Henry C. Benson spent the days of his boyhood and youth under
the parental roof. He was educated in the common schools and for a
short time continued his studies in South Bend, Indiana, becoming an
apt student and readily mastering the common branches of learning.
At the age of seventeen years he began teaching, which profession he
followed successfully for five years in Cass, Berrien and St. Joseph
counties. He was at the same time engaged in farming and fruit-growing, devoting the winter seasons to educational work, while the summer
months were given to agricultural and horticultural pursuits.
January 23, I88I, Mr. Benson was united in marriage to Miss
Martha V. Rcots, a daughter of Windsor and Mary Ann (Bennett)
Roots. Mrs. Benson was born December 5, I862, in DeKalb county,
Indiana, but was reared in Porter township, Cass county, and is the
elder of two daughters. At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs.
Henry C. Benson began their domestic life upon the old homestead
farm, living with his father and mother until they were called from this
life. Two children grace the marriage of the younger couple, namely:
Ida May, now the wife of Lewis Arnold, of Porter township; and
Jennie D., who is at home.
Mr. Benson owns a farm of more than two hundred acres, which
he is carrying on. He has placed his land under a high state of cultivation and annually harvests good crops as a reward for the care and
labor he bestows upon the fields, and in addition to raising the cereals
best adapted to soil and climate he also raises some stock, mostly, however, for his own use. He has a well improved place and a glance will
serve to indicate to the passerby the progressive and practical methods
of the owner. In his political adherence he has always been a stalwart
Republican, interested in the party and its success and his investigation
into the questions and issues of the day has led him to believe that the
Republican platform contains the best elements of good government.
He has been twice elected to the office of justice of the peace, his second
term expiring in July, 90o6. He has filled the position for eight years
and has ever been fair and impartial in his movements, basing his decisions upon the law and the equity of the case. After serving as justice
of the peace for eight years, he has been importuned by the best element
to again assume the onerous position, and without a dissenting voice
from any party, which speaks volumes for his integrity and manhood.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


601


He has been officially connected with the schools through a long period,
serving on the school board for about nine years, and he belongs to the
Grange. His entire life has been passed upon the farm which he yet
owns and occupies, having lived here for sixty years. The place is endeared to him through the associations of his boyhood as well as those
of later years, and the name of Benson has ever stood for progress along
agricultural lines, in which regard Henry C. Benson fully sustains the
reputation of the family.
SAMUEL H. GILBERT.
On the list of pioneer settlers of Cass county appears the name of
Samuel H. Gilbert, who is now living on section 23, Porter township.
He dates his residence in the county from  1835. Few, indeed, have
longer resided in this -portion of the state or have for a greater period
witnessed the changes that have been wrought here. He is not only
familiar with the history of the county from hearsay but has been an
active participant in the work that has led to its present development
and upbuilding. The story of pioneer life is a familiar one to him, for
he settled here in the days when the homes were pioneer cabins, when
much of the work of the fields was done by hand, when the sickle and
scythe formed a part of the farm implements, when the houses were
lighted by candles and when the cooking was largely done over the open
fireplace.
Mr. Gilbert is a native of Onondaga county, New York, his birth
having occurred in Lysander township, on the I8th of April, I824. His
father, Stephen Gilbert, was born in Massachusetts and there was reared.
When a young man he left New England and went to New York, whence
he came to Michigann i18135, making his way direct to Cass county.
He located in Porter township, and at once became engaged in the arduous task of developing a new farm, making his home thereon until his
death, which occurred when he was seventy-three years of age. His
father, Samuel Gilbert, was a native of Huntington township, Fairfield
county, Connecticut, born March 10, I76I, and was a soldier of the
Revolutionary war. espousing the cause of the colonists when they could
no longer endure the yoke of British oppression. He saw Major Andre
when he was hanged as a spy. Mr. Gilbert was under the command of
General Washington for one year and three months and for thirty years
of his life received a pension of twelve dollars per month from the government in recognition of the aid which he had rendered to his country
in her struggle for independence. He was supposed to have been of
English descent and he died September IO, 1849. The mother of our
subject bore the maiden name of Almira Colgrove, was a native of Rutland, Vermont, and a daughter of Calvin Colgrove, of English parentage. She lived to a very advanced age, passing away in her ninety-fifth
year. By her marriage she became the mother of five sons and three




602


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


daughters, who reached adult age and all were married and reared
fanilies.
Samuel H. Gilbert is the eldest living member of the family today.
He was a lad of eleven years when his parents left the Empire state and
came west to Michigan, locating in Porter township, where he pursued his studies in a log school-house. He was also educated in a similar school-house in New York. The methods of instruction were very
primitive, in keeping with pioneer times and conditions, and he pursued
his studies only in the winter months, for throughout the remainder of
the year he worked in the fields and assisted in clearing and cultivating
the farm. He was an expert in handling a mall and wedge and was a
very strong man in his younger days. All the farm; work became familiar to him from actual experience and he assisted in the fields from the
time of early spring planting until after crops were harvested in the late
autumn.
Mr. Gilbert was married on the 3Ist of October, I847, to Miss
Elizabeth Motley, a daughter of James and Fannie (Elkington) Motley,
both of whom were of English lineage. The mother died in Montreal,
Canada. Mrs. Gilbert was born in England, July 5, I829, and was only
six months old when her parents bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed for America. Her mother died when the daughter was
but fourteen months old and the father afterward married Bethesda McNeil, by whom he had nine children. At the time of their marriage Mr.
and Mrs. Gilbert located on the farm where they now reside, it having
been their place of residence for fifty-nine years and he has owned it
for a year longer. Full of hope and courage they began the task of
establishing a home here in the midst of the wilderness, Mrs. Gilbert
carefully managing the-household affairs, while Mr. Gilbert performed
the work of the fields, transforming the raw and undeveloped land into
a tract of rich fertility, from which he annually harvested good crops.
In all of his work he has been practical and as invention has given to
the world improved farm machinery he has introduced this into his work
and thus facilitated his labors. There is little similarity in the methods
of farming today, and those which were followed by the agriculturists
a half century ago. Then the farmer walked back and forth across the
fields, guiding his handplow. His grain was cut with a scythe and
bound by hand into sheaves. Today he rides over the fields upon the
plow and the cultivator and the harvesting machine and thresher are
familiar sights in all farming localities.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert have been born eight children, of whom
four are now living: Ida, the wife of Frank L. Orr, who resides in
West Pullman, Illinois; Orrin, a contractor and builder, carrying on
business in Portland, Oregon; George, a farmer of Porter township;
Arthur, a twin brother of George, who follows farming in South Dakota; and Helen, who died at the age of twenty-eight years. She was a
student in Hillsdale College, Michigan, and afterward engaged success



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


603


fully in teaching school. Mr. Gilbert has led an honorable, useful and
active life. He has always been a strong temperance man and is a Prohibitionist in his political views, regarding the use of intoxicants as one
of the most important questions today before the people. He has never
used tobacco in his life and none of his sons is addicted to it. He and
his family are members of the First Baptist church in Porter township,
in which he has served as trustee for many years, while in the work
of the church he has taken a most active and helpful part. He is today
the oldest resident in Porter township, having for seventy-one years
made his home within its borders and has seen the country develop from
a wilderness to its present state of cultivation and improvement, while
cross-roads villages have grown into thriving towns and cities. His
life has been actuated by many noble principles and toward his fellowmen he has displayed consideration and fairness that have commanded
uniform confidence and esteem. His record is indeed in many respects
worthy of emulation, showing what may be accomplished through earnest and persistent effort in the business world and at the same time
displaying sterling traits of character which work for development along
the lines of truth, righteousness and justice.
JOHN LOUPEE.
John Loupee, who for twenty-five years has resided upon his present farm on section 21, Porter township, where he owns one hundred
and fifty-four acres of land, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, August
23, I840. His father, George Loupee, was a native of Germany and
the days of his boyhood and youth were spent in that country, where
he was married to Miss Wilhelmina Steiner, also of German birth.
Crossing the Atlantic to America with the hope of having improved
business opportunities in the new world they located in Wayne county,
Ohio, where they resided until coming to Michigan about I84I, at which
time they took up their abode in Porter township, George Loupee entering land from the government. He was not long permitted to enjoy
his new home, however, and had scarcely begun the work of transforming the raw wild land into a cultivable farm when death claimed him.
His wife lived to be about sixty-two years of age. There were eight
children in the family, all of whom reached manhood or womanhood.
John Loupee, the seventh in order of birth, was only about a year
old when brought by his parents from Ohio to Cass county, and he has
been a lifelong resident of Porter township and is indebted to the public
school system for the educational privileges which he enjoyed and which
fitted him for life's practical and responsible duties. Owing to the death
of his father he was early thrown upon his own resources, working by
the month as a farm hand. He was thus employed throughout the period of his youth and until his labors brought him capital sufficient to
enable him to engage in farming on his own account. His boyhood




604


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


therefore was a period of earnest and unremitting toil with few advantages, educational or otherwise.
In June, I862, Mr. Loupee was united in marriage to Miss Eliza
Ann Taylor, a daughter of Dr. Somner Taylor, who became a resident
of Cass county sixty years ago and died September 22, 1876. In his
family were four children. Mrs. Loupee was born in Huron county, New
York, March 23, 1835, and came to Cass county with her parents in
1845. Her father was one of the pioneer physicians of the county, who
engaged in the practice of medicine here in the early days when it necessitated long rides over the country through the hot summer sun or
winter's cold. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Loupee have been born three daughters: Zella, now the wife of Charles Stearns living in Porter township,
Cass county; Frances 0., the wife of James Stage, living on the home
farm; and Edith I., the wife of William Doane, a resident of Howard
township, Cass county.
At the time of his marriage Mr. Loupee located in south Porter
township and for twenty-five years has resided on his present farm,
which comprises one hundred and fifty-four acres of land that is rich
and arable. He now rents the land, leaving the active work of the farm
to others, while he is largely living a retired life. His political views
are in accord with the principles of Democracy, yet he has never been
an aspirant for office, preferring to leave office holding to others, while
he gives his time and energies to his business affairs.  He belongs
to Siloanl lodge, No. 35, F. & A. M., of Constantine.     He has
for sixty-five years made his home in this county and has been
closely identified with its upbuilding, especially along agricultural lines.
He is a self-made man and deserves much credit for what he accomplished, for he started out in life in early boyhood empty-handed,
having no assistance from inheritance or from influential friends, but
depended entirely upon his own labors, realizing that hard work is a
sure foundation upon which to build success. His life has been one of
earnest toil, and as the years have gone by he has gained a fair measure
of prosperity, due to his close application and diligence.
JOHN O'DELL.
John O'Dell, one of the prominent and influential farmers and
early settlers of Porter township, living on section I6, was born October 30. 1836, in this township and is therefore one of the oldest native
sons of the county. He is a son of Nathan and Sarah (Drake) O'Dell.
His paternal grandfather, Nathan G. O'Dell, Sr., was born in Virginia,
November 4, 1772. The progenitors of this family came originally
from  England, and although for many generations the ancestors of
our subject lived in Virginia, not a single member of the family ever
owned slaves, and so far as is known all were opposed to the institution
of slavery. Nathan G. O'Dell, Sr., was married to Miss Rebecca Kife,




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


605


who was born in the old Dominion in July, I780. He was a miller by
trade and owned a mill in Virginia, where in connection with the operation of the plant he also carried on farming. Early in I800, however,
he removed with his family to Ohio, settling in Wayne county, where
he took up land from the government. It was entirely raw and unimproved, but his strenuous labors soon converted it into a productive
farm. lie likewise owned and operated a grist mill, and was for twentyeight years associated with business interests in the Buckeye state. In
1828 he came to Michigan, taking up his abode in the eastern part of
what is now Porter township, Cass county. Here, too, he was a pioneer
settler, living upon the frontier and sharing with others in the hardships and privations incident to life in a far western district. He continued to make his home in Porter township until his death, which
occurred in October, 1835, and his wife followed him to the grave two
months later. In their family were nine children: Thomas, the eldest,
born June 22, I796, was for more than forty years a minister of the
Methodist church. He went to Iowa, where he devoted his life to his
holy calling and there (lied in I86I. James, born September 13, I798,
married Nancy Carr and in early life came to Michigan, his death
occurring in St. Joseph county, this state, September 24, I835. John,
born March 24, I8oI, died in Ohio, August I9, I826, prior to the removal of the family to Michigan. Nathan G., father of John O'Dell
of this review, was the next of the family. Elizabeth, born May 21,
I806, was married in Ohio. May 19, 1835, becoming Mrs. Metcalf.
Enos P., born August 7, I8o8, went to Illinois, where he followed
farming until his death on the 22d of February, 1852. Lorenzo Dow,
born October 9, i8io, was a member of congress from Ohio and died in
that state about 1883. Rebecca, born May 17, I812, married Thomas
Burns, with whom she came to Michigan, and her death occurred in this
state in September, 1846. Silas P., born April 15, 1814, died at the
age of two years, on the 29th of September, I819.
Nathan G. O'Dell, Jr., father of our subject, was born in Ohio,
October i, I803, was there reared and was married in that state in 1828
to Miss Sarah Drake, whose birth occurred April io, I8Io. Immediately after their marriage they left Ohio, and with several other
families came to Cass county, Michigan, settling in Porter township,
where Mr. O'Dell and his father took up government land. He there
began the development of a farm and in the course of years brought
this land under a high state of cultivation. Unto him and his wife were
born five children: James S., was born January Io, I830. He married
Jane Travers, who died about a year afterward leaving a child a few
days old, who died when about nine years of age. On the 27th of Febluary, 1859, James O'Dell wedded Caroline Loupee, who was born in
Wayne county, Ohio, November 8, 1837, while her parents were natives
of Germany. James O'Dell has four children: Martha, born April 23,
I86o; Carrie M., May I8, I865; Ida, December II, I870; and Ross,




606


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


February 24, I875. Thomas, born June 30, I83I, married Miss Lavina
Travers. He was a farmer by occupation and was a leading and influential factor in local political circles, serving as justice of the peace
and as supervisor and also as a member of the state legislature of Michigan. He died June 30, I892, leaving a family of six children. David,
born March 27, I833, went to Iowa and there enlisted for service in the
Civil war. After being honorably discharged he returned to Iowa and.
died soon afterward. Margaret M., born November 9, I834, was; married to Henry Brown, who died in 1884. She is still living in Porter
township. John is the subject of this review. The mother of these children died in October, 1836, soon after the birth of John O'Dell, and
later Nathan G. O'Dell, Jr., was married to Miss Eliza Shivel, by whom
he had two children. Sarah Wealthy, the eldest, born December 25,
1842, became the wife of John Draper and died while her husband was
serving in the Union army. Nathan Eben, born December 27, I843,
went into the army when but sixteen years of age and remained until
the close of the war in 1864. He married Miss Nettie Motley, and
they have three living children and two deceased.
When John O'Dell was only nine years of age he was bound out
to Jacob Lintz, of Constantine township, and lived with him for nine
years, during which time he worked at farm. labor in its various departments. He afterward returned to Porter township, Cass county, where
he has resided continuously since. The only educational privileges he
enjoyed were those afforded by the district schools and he had little
opportunity for that, because he was only nine years old when his father
died, and he was thus thrown upon his own resources and has since
had to provide for his own support. He was married in Porter township, Cass county, to Miss Jane A. Smith, a daughter of Deacon and
Cornelia (Hart) Smith. She was born in Porter township May 30,
1842, and there spent her early girlhood days, her parents being old
settlers of Cass county. At the time of her marriage the young couple
took up their abode in a log house on a forty-acre farm on section I6.
Later Mr. O'Dell sold that property for three thousand dollars and
bought forty-three acres where he now lives.  He has since added
seventy-eight acres to this place, making a farm of one hundred and
twenty-one acres. It is fine property, well improved with modern equipments. There are good buildings upon the place and excellent farm
implements, and for many years Mr. O'Dell carried on the active work
of the fields, but is now renting his land, leaving the practical farm
work to others, although he still gives his supervision to the place.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. O'Dell have been born three children: Lucy,
the wife of O. K. Harvey, of Constantine, Michigan: Lydia Grace. the
wife of Charles Barnard, who is also living in that place; and Dr. John
H. O'Dell, who is a practicing physician of Three Rivers. Mr. O'Dell
is one of the old settlers of the county, and has been identified with its
upbuilding and progress through a long period. He has always voted




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY'


607iO


with the Republican party, casting his ballot for Lincoln in I860 and
again in I864, and for each man at the head of the ticket of that party.
He and his wife belong to the First Baptist church at Porter, and he has
led a life of integrity and uprightness, worthy the regard which is
uniformly given him. He has now reached the psalmist's span of three
score years and ten, and his entire life has been passed in this county.
He can remember in his boyhood days of the forests which covered
what are now some of the best farms in the county. There were few
roads laid out through the wilderness, and often one followed old
Indian trails in making their way among the trees to a given point. The
work of development and upbuilding seemed scarcely begun and Mr.
O'Dell shared in the task of improving the county. He became familiar
with the arduous work of developing and cultivating new land, and for
many years was closely associated with agricultural interests, but is
now living retired, having a good property which returns him a gratifying income, thus supplying him with all of the comforts and many of the
luxuries of life. He can tell many tales of pioneer days which show
the onward march of progress, for Cass county has always kept pace
with the work of improvement elsewhere, and has become one of the
leading counties of this great commonwealth. Although it was once a
heavily timbered region it is now one of the good agricultural districts of
the state.
E. W. BECKWITH.
E. W. Beckwith, formerly engaged in merchandising, but now devoting his attention to farming on section 14, Jefferson township, represents one of the pioneer families of this part of the state, the name
of Beckwith having been interwoven with the history of the county
from 1833 down to the present time. It has always stood as a synonym
for business integrity and for loyalty in citizenship, and the record of our subject is in harmony with that of others of the name.
He was born in Cassopolis, Michigan, October 12, I847. His father,
Walter G. Beckwith, was a native of West Bloomfield, New York, and
came to Cass county, Michigan, about I833. Few settlements had
been made in this portion of the state at the time, and as far as the eye
could see there were uncut forests and uncultivated tracts of prairie.
Only here and there had a clearing been made to show that the work of
agricultural development had begun, while the now thriving cities were
but small villages, or had not yet sprung into existence. Mr. Beckwith
took an active part in molding the early public policy of the county. He
was one of the first sheriffs and his activity touched many lines that have
led to permanent improvement and benefit here. He was president of
the State Agricultural Society for about fourteen years, a position which
was indicative of the place which he held as a representative of farming interests and of the high regard reposed in him by his fellow agriculturists throughout Michigan. Far sighted, he extended his time and




608


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


energies not only to his business affairs but to public interests as well,
and his efforts were far reaching and beneficial. He voted with the
Democracy, and he kept well informed, not only on political questions,
but upon all issues and events relating to the progress and welfare of
the country at large. In early manhood he wedded Miss Eliza Lee, a
native of West Bloomfield, New York. She lived to be about sixty-five
years of age, while Mr. Beckwith reached the advanced age of seventysix years. They were the parents of only two children, who reached
adult age, and E. W. Beckwith, of this review, is now the only surviving member of the family.
Upon the old homestead farm in Jefferson township E. W. Beckwith became familiar with the' duties and labors that fall to the lot of
the agriculturist.  His early education was acquired in the district
schools and was supplemented by study in the Kalamazoo Baptist College. In I868 he established a shoe store at Dowagiac, in which he
continued for ten years, or until 1878, since which time his attention
has been given in undivided manner to his farm pursuits. He has ever
labored to produce maximum results with minimum effort, which is
the basis of all business success.
In I870 Mr. Beckwith was united in marriage to Miss Clara Sullivan, who died leaving two sons: Charles, an electrician engaged in
business in Cleveland, Ohio; and Walter, at home.
Mr. Beckwith was reared in the faith of the Democracy, and his
mature judgment has led him to the belief that the party platform contains the best elements of good government. He has labored earnestly
for its success and has filled a number of local offices, acting for eighteen
years as superintendent of the poor. He belongs to the Knights of
Pythias fraternity, and in that order and throughout the county as
well he is esteemed as a valued citizen, whose interest in public affairs
has been of an active and helpful nature. His co-operation can always
be counted upon to further any movement for the general good of the
community.
C. CARROLL NELSON.
Among the leading citizens of Cass county whose life record forms
an integral part of the history of this section of the state is numbered
C. Carroll Nelson, who is now living a retired life and whose position
in the regard of other pioneer residents of the state is indicated by the
fact that he is now serving as treasurer of the Old Settlers' Association.
His career has been a long, busy and useful one, marked by the utmost
fidelity to the duties of public and private life and crowned with the
respect which is conferred upon him in recognition of his genuine
worth. His name is inseparably interwoven with the annals of the county, with its best development and stable prosperity. He is one of Michigan's native sons, his birth having occurred in Washtenaw county on
the 3ISt of July, I835. His father, I. S. Nelson, was a native of Mas







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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


609


sachusetts, born in Deerfield, whence he came to Michigan in I830, locating in Washtenaw county, where his remaining days were passed,
his death occurring in I837. His wife, who bore the maiden name of
Eliza Arms, was born in Conway, Massachusetts, and following the
death of hler first husband she gave her hand in marriage to Rulef D.
Crego.
C. Carroll Nelson was brought to Cass county in 1842, when a
youth of seven summers, the family home being established in Newberg
township, where he was reared and educated. After attending the common schools he continued his studies in Hillsdale College for two years
and afterward engaged in teaching in the public schools through the
winter months, while in the summer seasons his labors were devoted to
the work of the farm. He was the only child born unto his parents that
grew to mature years. He remained at home with his mother until
twenty-one years of age and then started out in life on his own account.
With a full realization of the fact that advancement can be most quickly
secured through close application and unremitting diligence, he worked
persistently and energetically and in due course of time he gained a
place among the representative agriculturists of his adopted county. He
was married on the Ioth of August, I86I, to Miss Phebe Pegg, a daughter of Reuben and Rebecca (Hinshaw) Pegg, who were pioneer settlers
of Cass county. Mrs. Nelson was born in Penn township on December
12, I84O, and has been a lifelong resident of Cass county. Her parents
were natives of Randolph county, North Carolina, and came to Cass
county in I828, and her father was also one of the earliest settlers within the borders of this county. They were married at what was then
called Whitinanville, but is now LaGrange, and they located in Penn
township, where they continued to reside until called to the home beyond. They were the parents of five children, three daughters and two
sons, of wholn William and Sarah are now deceased. The others are:
Mary, Ab.ijah and Mrs. Phebe Pegg Nelson.
The young couple began their domestic life upon a farm in Penn
township and in I866 removed to Cassopolis, where Mr. Nelson established a sash and door factory in company with A. H. Pegg, in which
business he continued until 1877, theirs being one of the leading productive industries of the county. In that year Mr. Nelson met with an
accident, losing his left arm and also the sight of one eye. In the same
year he was appointed postmaster and entered upon the duties of the
office in 1878, filling the position for eight years and eight months in a
most capable and satisfactory manner, giving a public-spirited and
progressive administration. He then handed over the keys to L. H.
Glover, who is editor of this volume, and in July, 1887, he embarked
in the undertaking and furniture business, in which he continued until
January, 1904. With the capital he had acquired and which was sufficient to supply him with the necessities and comforts of life through




610


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


his remaining days, he retired from active business and is now enjoying
a well earned rest. I-e has been a representative of agricultural, industrial and commercial life and in all departments of labor has displayed
perseverance and industry combined with unfaltering business integrity.
In politics Mr. Nelson is a stanch Republican and in I863 he served
as supervisor of Penn township. He was also superintendent of the
poor from I873 until I876 and was village assessor of Cassopolis for
about fourteen years. Upon the organization of the Cassopolis Library
Association in March, 1871, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson took an active part in
its work and have since done all in their power for the interests of the
library. Mr. Nelson acted as president of the association during the
first eight years of its existence and Mrs. Nelson was one of its directors, the first meeting being held at their home. In fact they were
instrumental in establishing the library, and this institution, which is
now a credit to the village and a matter of local pride, owes its existence
and success in large measure to their efforts. For nineteen years Mr.
Nelson has been treasurer of the Pioneer Society and active in its work.
He is also connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and
his wife holds membership in the Disciples church. Mr. Nelson has
been a resident of Cass county for sixty-three years and his wife
throughout her entire life, and no couple are more deserving of esteem
and confidence or are more justly entitled to representation in this
volume than C. Carroll Nelson and his estimable wife. His entire freedom from ostentation or self-laudation has made him one of the most
popular citizens of Cass county, with whose history he has now been
long and prominently identified. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have some old
and rare relics of "ye oldenl tyme." They have a linen table cloth which
is over a century old, and it was woven by Mr. Nelson's grandmother
Nelson. They also have one of the most extensive libraries in the county of Cass. Mrs. Nelson has several rare bound volumes of collected
views and engravings, which as a rare collection could not be found
in southern Michigan.
ELBRIDGE JEWELL.
Elbridge Jewell, one of the thrifty, prosperous and enterprising
farmers of LaGrange township, living on section 26, is a native son of
Cass county, born on the 8th of January, I838. His father, Hiram
Jewell, was a native of New Jersey, and was a son of John Jewell. The
family was established in the east at an early period in the colonization
of the new world. John Jewell, removing from New Jersey, became a
resident of Ohio, and spent his last days in Butler county. Hiram
Jewell came to Cass county in I830, settling in LaGrange township,
where he secured government land that was raw and unimproved. A
part of Cassopolis now stands upon a portion of his farm. He improved




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


611


a tract of land on section 27, and there spent the greater part of his life.
In the early days the family shared in the hardships and trials incident
to the settlement of the frontier, but afterward enjoyed the comforts
which came with an advancing civilization. In his work he was energetic and reliable, making for himself an untarnished name and enviable
reputation in business circles. He lived to be eighty-two years of age,
while his wife readied the age of sixty years. She bore the maiden
name of Martha Waldron, and is supposed to have been a native of
Ohio. In this family were five children, two sons and three daughters,
of whom two died in early life. Those still surviving are Elbridge and
his sister, Miram, who is the widow of Henry S. Quick, of LaGrange
township.
Elbridge Jewell, the third child and second son in the father's
family, was reared upon the old family homestead on section 27, LaGrange township, and when a boy pursued his studies in a log school
house, to which he walked a distance of a mile and a half through the
woods. The school session was of comparatively short duration, for
throughout the remainder of the year the services of the boys and girls
of the neighborhood were needed at home, as there was much arduous
labor incident to the development of a new farm. Mr. Jewell continued
to assist in the cultivation of the fields upon his father's place until after
his marriage, which important event in his life occurred in 1857, the
lady of his choice being Miss Sarah J. Bonnel. They located on a farm
on section 27, LaGrange township, there residing until I86O, when they
removed to another place. In I86I, however, they returned to the old
homestead and in I865 removed to Iowa, settling in Warren county,
northwest of the city of Des Moines. After a brief period, however,
they again took up their abode upon the old home farm in Cass county,
and there Mr. Jewell continued to engage actively in agricultural pursuits until I889, when he went to Cassopolis, where he remained for
five years, being engaged in the agricultural implement business. When
he sold out he located on the home farm and then traded that property
for the farm upon which he now resides on section 26, LaGrange township. He has here one hundred and twenty-eight acres of land which
is rich and arable and which he rents, so that he is relieved of the more
arduous duties of farm life. He operated a threshing machine from
1870 until I887, covering much territory throughout the county and
finding in the business a profitable source of income.
In I88o, Mr. Jewell was called upon to mourn the loss of his first
wife, who died on the I2th of May of that year. On the I4th of November, I880, he was married to Lucy A. Davis, a daughter of Charles
F. S. and Susan (Batchelor) Davis. Mrs. Jewell was born in Dowagiac
on the farm   owned by Samuel Aarons, January 28, 1859.     Her
parents had come to Cass county about 1857, from the state of Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Jewell have become the parents of two sons: Hiram E.,
a telegraph operator of Vicksburg, Michigan; and Fred C., a telegrapher




612


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


living at home. Mr. Jewell belongs to the Ancient Order of United
Workmen of Cassopolis, and he has many friends both in and out of
the order. Having always lived in Cass county, his acquaintance has
grown as the years have gone by, and the circle of his friends has been
extended as his genuine worth has won regard and confidence.
He has swung the old "Turkey Wing" cradles from morn to night.
Mr. and Mrs. Jewell have one of the "old Longfellow clocks," which
stands over six feet in height and it is over a century old, but keeps
perfect time. It is a rare specimen, and not such another relic will be
found in the whole county of Cass. His father had the large frame
made himself. They have a Bible which was printed in I839.
WILLIAM     McGILL.
William McGill, residing in Union, is a native of Canada, born on
the 22d of August, 1830, and in his life has displayed many of the
sterling characteristics of the Scotch race. His father, Andrew McGill,
also a native of the land of hills and heather, was a farmer by occupation. He was reared, educated and married in his native land, and
in 1831, accompanied by his family, he crossed the Atlantic to the new
world, taking up his abode near Troy, New York. There he spent his
remaining days, living to be about sixty-five years of age. His wife,
Mrs. Magaret McGill, also a native of Scotland, died in her eightyeighth year. In their family were ten children, and no death occurred
in the family circle until after all had reached mature years. There
were four sons and six daughters, but only four are now living.
William McGill, of this review, is the youngest son and is the only
representative of the family in Cass county. He was about six months
old when his parents left Canada and came to the United States, and he
was reared in Rensselaer county, New York, pursuing his education in
the schools of Stephentown. His youth was passed upon the home farm,
and he assisted in its cultivation and improvement until about twentythree years of age. He came to Michigan in I866, locating in St.
Joseph county, and bought a farm in Motville township, where he
remained for ten years, his time and energies being given to its development and cultivation. On the expiration of that period he traded the
property for four hundred acres of land on the state line, three miles
from Union. As his financial resources have increased he has extended
his posessions by additional purchase from time to time, until he is one
of the most extensive land owners of this part of the state, having about
two thousand acres more, which lies across the border line in Indiana,
but the greater part is in Cass county. He has also engaged in loaning
money for many years and buys and sells horses, and frequently he
rents out both horses and cows. His business extends into St. Joseph
county, Michigan, St. Joseph county, Indiana, to Van Buren, Cass and
Berrien counties, and he is one of the most prominent and influential




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


613


residents of this part of the state. He has been very successful in his
business, possessing keen foresight and broad capacity and carrying
forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. He is seldom
at error in matters of business judgment, and his enterprise, discrimination and industry have been strong and salient features in his prosperity.
Mr. McGill is a stalwart Republican, but takes no active part in
the work of the organization. He belongs to the Presbyterian church
and he makes his home in Union. He is today the largest land owner
of the county. His life record shows what may be accomplished through
close application and unremitting diligence.  He had no special advantages when he started out in life, but he was not afraid to work and
he possessed laudable ambition. He has made good use of his opportunities and has prospered from year to year, conducting all business matters carefully and successfully, and in all his acts displays an aptitude for
successful management.
JOHN R. COLLINS.
Among the citizens of Mason township whose worth and fidelity
to the general good are manifest in the faithful performance of public
duties is numbered John R. Collins, who is now filling the office of township clerk. He resides on section I i, Mason township, and is one of the
native sons of this locality, born on the I5th of July, 1853. His father,
William Collins, was a native of Ohio, and came to Michigan with his
father, John Collins, who took up their abode in Cass county in pioneer
days, settling in Mason, township in I83I. He found the district
largely wild and unimproved. Much of the land was still in possession
of the government, and he took up a claim of eighty acres on section
I4. With characteristic energy he began the cultivation and development of a farm, and after clearing the land placed it under the plow.
William Collins was a youth of twelve years at the time of the removal
of the family from Ohio to Michigan, and was reared upon the old
homestead on section 14. Mason township, where he early became familiar with the arduous task of developing new land. There were many
hardships and trials to be borne in those days, for few roads had been
laid out and many of the now thriving towns and villages had not yet
sprung into existence, so that the settlers had to go long distances to
market anrd mill. Much of the farm work was done by hand, and the
machinery then in use was very crude and primitive. Having arrived
at years of maturity William Collins was united in marriage in Wisconsin to Miss Marietta Peck, who was born in Connecticut, and was there
reared to the age of fifteen years, a daughter of Reuben Peck. She
then came to the west and at the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs.
William Collins located in Mason township, where they lived most of
their lives. The father died on the 23rd of October, 1902, which was
the seventy-fifth anniversary of his birth, and the mother passed away
in I867. Having lost his first wife, William Collins was again married,




614


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


his second union being with Ellen Dokey. There were two sons of the
former union: John R., of this review; and Fred W., who is living in
Minnesota.  By the second marriage there was a son and daughter,
William and Sylvia. The former is now living in Minnesota but the
latter died in childhood.
John R. Collins was reared in Mason township and pursued his
education in the district schools. He started out in life on his own
account when fifteen years of age, working by the month as a farm hand
in Mason township, being employed in that way for eight years. He
was married on the 30th of July, 1873, to Miss Philoma Curtis. a
daughter of Joseph A. and Deborah (Jordan) Curtis, a native of Mason
township, where she has spent her entire life. Unto this marriage has
been born one son, Nial J., who at the age of nineteen years is living
at home, assisting in the operation of the farm.
John R. Collins is a carpenter by trade, having learned the business
when a youth. He followed that pursuit for a number of years, but
now concentrates his energies upon his farming operations, and is the
owner of a good tract of land of fifty-five acres, which he has brought
under a high state of cultivation, so that he annually harvests good
crops. In his political views he is a Democrat, and has for many years
served as township clerk, elected the last time in April, I905. He has
taken an active interest in public affairs and does all in his power to
promote the material, intellectual and moral progress of the community.
Fraternally he is connected with the Gleaners, and religiously with the
United Brethren church, in which he is one of the trustees. He takes
a most active and helpful interest in its work and is an advocate of all
that is right and just in man's relations with his fellowmen. In his
own business career he has never taken advantage of the necessities of
others in any transaction, and on the contrary has placed his dependence
upon the safe and sure qualities of enterprise and unfaltering labor.
Whatever prosperity he has enjoyed is due to his own persistent purpose
and the course in life that he has pursued has gained for him the uniform
respect and good will of his fellowmen.
WILLIAM ARNOLD.
William Arnold, a prominent old settler of the county, whose home
is on section 12, Mason township, is classed with the worthy citizens
that Ohio has furnished to Michigan. He was born in Cuyahoga county,
August 30, I832, and is descended from an old New England family.
His father, Henry Arnold, was a native of Massachusetts, born July
25, I807, and his youth was passed in his native state, where he was
married to Miss Maria Hewitt. who was also born in Massachusetts. Removing to the west they took up their abode in Cuyahoga county, Ohio,
in I828, which wyas the year of their marriage. There they resided for
about eight years, when, in 1835, they came with their family to Cass




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


615


county, Michigan, and Mr. Arnold entered a tract of land from the
government in what is now Mason township. Not a furrow had been
turned nor an improvement made upon the place. In fact he had to cut
his way through the woods to his claim, for no roads had been laid out.
There were some old Indian trails through the forests, but the trees
stood in their primeval strength and there was little evidence of future
development or improvement to be seen. Mr. Arnold built a little log
cabin with a stick chimney. There was a large fireplace which occupied
almost one entire side of the room, and this not only furnished heat for
the little cabin, but cooking was also done over the fire, the pots and
kettles hanging from the crane, while baking was done by placing the
iron pans amid the coals. The Arnold family is one of the oldest pioneer
families of the county. Few indeed were the settlers living within its
borders at the time they arrived, and there were many difficulties to be
met, owing to their remoteness from towns or villages, which would
afford them the comforts and conveniences of life. The journey westward had been made with teams, for it was long- prior to the era of
railroad building in this part of the state. Mrs. Arnold was not long
permitted to enjoy her new home, but during the period of her residence here prQved a worthy pioneer woman, ably assisting her husband
in his efforts to establish a home in the midst of the wilderness. She
died in 1844, and was long survived by Mr. Arnold, who lived to the
advanced age of eighty-two years. By that marriage there were born
five children, three of whom are natives of Ohio. For his second wife
the father chose Lovica Dille, and they had six children. His third
wife was Mrs. Jerusha Lake.
William Arnold, whose name introduces this record, was the second
child of his father's first marriage, and was only three years old when he
was brought to Cass county, the family locating in Mason township.
He was reared in this township, where he has now lived for seventy-one
years. When a boy he attended the district school, walking two miles
to a little log school house, wherein he conned his lessons, sitting on
a slab bench. There was a large fireplace in one end of the room, and
the few pupils were arranged around the teacher's desk to receive the
instruction in reading, writing, arithmetic and perhaps a few other
branches of learning, but the curriculum was quite limited at that day.
Mr. Arnold's training at farm labor, however, was not limited, as
from an early age he was set to the tasks incident to the development and
cultivation of the farm, and he remained at home until he had attained
his majority. On the day that he became twenty-one years of age, he
started out in life on his own account, and whatever success has come
to him in later years, is owing entirely to his persisfent effort and honorable labors. lie first secured a situation as a farm hand at ten dollars
per month for five months, and he worked in that way until he was able
to carry on farming on his own account.
An important day in his life record was that of April 5, 1857, at




616


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


which time he was united in marriage to Miss Ada Hatch, a daughter of
Ezra and Sarah (Allen) Hatch, both of whom were natives of the state
of New York, and in their family were six children, Mrs. Arnold being
the second. Her birth occurred in Mason township in I837, and the
family did much for the development and improvement of the county.
At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Arnold located upon
the farm where they now reside, living at first in a little log cabin with
its fireplace and primitive furnishings, and over that open fire Mrs.
Arnold did her cooking. They started with very little, and made all that
they possessed by hard work and strict attention to business. The improvelnents upon the farm are the visible evidence of the life of thrift
and industry which Mr. Arnold has led, all having been made by him.
As the years have passed he has prospered and has erected here a comfortable house. good barns and other outbuildings for the shelter of
grain and stock. He has secured the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields, and everything about his farm is neat and attractive in appearance.  He began with only fifty acres and had to
incur an indebtedness to secure that amount, but he soon discharged
his financial obligation, and in the course of years has added to his
property from time to time until his farm now comprises three hundred
acres of excellent land, and he gathers from the fields rich crops annually.  The home has been blessed with two children: Ruell C.,
who is a speculator; and Aileen, who is at home. Mr. Arnold is the
oldest continuous resident of Mason township, having lived here for
more than the psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten.
He has been identified with the growth and development of the county
and is familiar with its history from pioneer times down to the present.
He has watched each progressive movement that has had bearing upon
the welfare and progress of this portion of the state, and has done his
full share in the line of agricultural development. His political allegiance has been given to the Democracy. His life has indeed been a
useful one, and he has closely adhered to the golden rule as his life
motto, doing unto others as he would have them do unto him, and thus
living at peace with all men, being honest in his business dealings and
considerate of those with whom he has come in contact. Such a course
in life is well worthy of emulation, and his example might be profitably
followed, for his life history proves the value of character and at the
same time shows what may be acomplished through earnest labor, for
Mr. Arnold started out in life empty-handed and has worked his way
upward from a humble financial position to one of affluence, with the
aid of his estimable wife, who has aided him in counsel and advice in,the rearing of their children and the founding of their happy home.
For almost a half century have Mr. and Mrs. Arnold traveled life's
journey, sharing alike the joys and sorrows of this life, and now in
the golden eve of their lives they enjoy that peace and contentment
which comes of a well spent life.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


617


MARION     McNEIL.
Marion McNeil, who is now serving as township treasurer and
resides on section 14, Mason township, where he carries on general agricultural pursuits, was born on this farm, his natal day being May I,
1862. His father, H. C. McNeil, was a native of Cayuga county, New
York, born August I, 1822, and was a son of James McNeil, who was
born in the same county. H. C. McNeil was brought to Michigan by
his parents when but twelve years of age, the family home being established in Cass county, upon the place where our subject now resides.
This was in the year I835, and the property has since been in possession
of the family. The grandfather took up the land from the government,
thus coming into possession of a claim which was entirely wild and
uncultivated. Mr. and Mrs. McNeil have in their possession one of the
old parchment deeds, which dates September IO, 1838, and it is signed
by President Martin Van Buren-the third deed of its kind found so
far in the county. In the way of old relics they have an old bull's eye
watch, which is one hundred and fifty years old. It passed down from
Mr. McNeil's great-grandfather, and it was given him by a soldier in
the Irish rebellion of Ireland, about the seventeenth century.  Mr.
McNeil at once began the development and improvement of the farm,
but was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, for his death occurred a few years later, as he passed away in 1841.
H. C. McNeil was reared upon the home farm from the age of
twelve years and shared with the family in the usual experiences and
hardships of life on the frontier. He early became familiar with the
arduous task of developing a new farm, and for many years was closely
associated with general agricultural pursuits. On the ist of January,
I849, he was united in marriage to Miss Martha A. Ives, who Wvas borr
in Lewis county, New York, June 14, 8&29, and was a daughter of
Samuel and Roxann (Hubbard) Ives, who were born in New York
state. They removed to Calhoun county, Michigan, in 1835, and thus
in both the paternal and maternal lines Mr. McNeil of this review is
descended from an honored pioneer ancestry, his mother having been
but fourteen years of age when she came with her parents to Cass
county.. Mr. and Mrs. H. C. McNeil located on the old family homestead at the time of their marriage, purchasing the interests of the other
heirs in the property. By trade he was a carpenter and joiner, and followed that business in connection with farming, erecting many buildings
in his township. He was well known in the county by reason of his
activity in business life, his capable service in public office and his devotion to high and honorable principles in his social and home relations.
His political allegiance was given to the Democracy, and he held many
local offices, the duties of which he discharged with absolute loyalty and
fidelity.  He was township clerk for fifteen years and treasurer for
two years, while for a long period he acted as justice of the peace, ren



618


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


dering decisions which were strictly fair and unbiased and which "won
him golden opinions from all sorts of people."  He was a member of
the Masonic fraternity and in his life exemplified the beneficent and
-helpful spirit of the craft. He died October 4, 1897, and thus the
community lost one of its honored and representative pioneer settlers
who for almost two-thirds of a century had lived in the county. There
were seven children in the family: Harriet Emma, Mary Adelaide,
Carrie Ellen, Lenora, Annetta, Marion and Sherman, all of whom are
now living, and were born upon the farm which is now the home of our
subject.
Marion McNeil is the eldest son and sixth child in his father's
family, and was reared upon the old family homestead to farm work,
devoting his time and energies to the labors of field and meadow through
the summer months. He was educated in district school No. 5, in
Mason township, and has always continued to reside upon the farm
which his grandfather entered from the government with the exception
of a brief period of one year spent in the northern peninsula of Michigan. He was married on the i6th of March, 1892, to Miss Mabel
Bement, a daughter of George and Mary (Walker) Bement, and a
native of Ontwa township, Cass county.
Mr. McNeil is a Democrat, with firm faith in the principles of the
party, and has taken an active and helpful interest in its work. In
I899 he was elected township treasurer and was re-elected in I904,
since which time he has filled the office. He is well known in the
county where he has always resided, representing a pioneer family, the
name of McNeil being inseparably associated with the history of development and progress since 1835. The work which was instituted by
his grandfather and carried on by his father, has been continued by
him, and he is now a leading agriculturist of his community with a valuable farming property which he keeps under a high state of cultivation
and well improved with modern equipments.
SIDNEY J. GRAHAM.
Sidney J. Graham, a prominent farmer living on section 2, Mason
township, was born in Medina county, Ohio, March I8, 1842. His
father, Lyman Graham, was a native of Vermont, and after leaving
New England took up his abode in the middle west. He settled in
Cass county, Michigan, in 1835, and as much of the land was still in
possession of the government, he entered a claim and began the development of the farm upon which his son Sidney now resides. It was
in the year I845 that he removed his family to this place. His attention was given to its cultivation and development, and as the years
passed, he transformed the land into rich and productive fields. He
was of Scotch descent and displayed in his life and character many of
the sterling traits of the Scotch people. His political allegiance was




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


619


given to the Democracy, and he died in Union, Michigan, at the age
of sixty-seven years. In early manhood he had married Miss Sarah
Knapp, a native of Ohio.
Sidney J. Graham is the only child of their marriage, and was
three years of age when his parents took up their abode in Mason township, Cass county, so that he was reared upon the farm where he now
lives, early becoming familiar with the practical methods of tilling the
soil and caring for the crops. He was only nineteen years of age when
in response to the country's call his patriotic spirit was aroused, and
he offered his aid to the government, becoming a member of Company
H, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He joined the service as a
private for three months, and on the expiration of that period, it being
seen that the war was to be a prolonged and bitter contest, he re-enlisted
on the I2th of August, i86I, for three years' service, or during the
continuance of hostilities. At this time he became a member of Company E, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served as a private
until the close of hostilities. He once more enlisted in 1864 as a member of the same company and regiment, and continued with the army
until the 9th of June, I864, when he was wounded at the battle of
Buzzard's Roost by a gun shot in the left arm. On the 20th of June,
because of his injuries, he received an honorable discharge after a
faithful and valorous service of over four years. His military record is
one of which he has every reason to be proud, and he is numbered
among the brave boys in blue to whom the country owes a debt of
gratitude that can never be repaid for what they did in support of the
Union cause. He was with the Army of the Cumberland and participated in all of the battles of that military organization until he was injured.
In the spring of I866, Mr. Graham located on his present farm,
which is the old family homestead that was taken up as a claim by his
father. He made further arrangements for having a home of his own
by his marriage on the first of June, I866, to Miss Elizabeth Bagley,
a daughter of Knapp Bagley. She was born in Ohio and has been to
him a faithful companion and helpmate on life's journey. They have
become the parents of two daughters: Lulu, the wife of George Russell, who is living in Mason township; and Myrtie, who married Albert
Keeley, their home being in Calvin township, Cass county.
Mr. Graham owns one hundred and sixty-five acres of well improved land and now rents his place, thus leaving the active and arduous
work of the farm to others, while he is enjoying a well-earned rest.
He is a member of Carter Post, No. 96, G. A. R., at Union, and is also
a member of the Masonic lodge at Edwardsburg. His political allegiance has always been given to the Republican party, and he has taken
an active and helpful interest in its work, doing all in his power to
secure its success. With the exception of a period of about four years
spent in Ohio, he has resided continuously in Cass county for six dec



620


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


ades, and at all times has been loyal in his citizenship, displaying the
same devotion to the public welfare that he manifested when at the outbreak of the Civil war he donned the blue uniform of the nation and
entered his country's service. His farming interests have been carefully
conducted and his labors have resulted in bringing to him a goodly measure of suctess.
GABRIEL EBY.
No history of Cass county would be complete without mention
of Gabriel Eby, who is the oldest living resident of Porter township,
having passed the eighty-eighth milestone on life's journey. His residence is on section 6, South Porter township, and from pioneer times
he has remained upon this farm, an interested witness of the changes
that have occurred and the transformation that has been wrought as the
county has been developed from a wild and unimproved region into one
of rich fertility, becoming a center of agricultural development in Michigan. Mr. Eby was born in Stark county, Ohio, five miles east of Canton, on the 27th of July, 1I88. His paternal grandfather, David Eby,
was born on the ocean while his parents were en route from Germany
to America and the fanily home was established in Virginia in early
colonial days. His father, the Rev. John Eby, was a native of Virginia
and was a minlister of the United Brethren church, who devoted his entire life to the cause of preaching the gospel. He exerted a wide and
beneficial influence in behalf of moral development and wherever he went
labored earnestly for the welfare of the people among whom he located.
He became a pioneer settler of Stark county, Ohio, and there he died
in the sixty-second year of his age, leaving behind an honored name and
a memory that has been cherished by all who knew him. His wife bore
the maiden name of Mary M. Dague and was of Pennsylvania Dutch
descent. She died at a comparatively early age, being but forty years
old when called to her final rest. Rev. Eby afterward married again,
his second union being with Miss Mary Hamper, and by the two marriages he became the father of seventeen children, all of whom reached
adult life. By the first marriage there were nine children, eight sons and
a daughter, while of the second uninh four sons and four daughters
were born.
Gabriel Eby was the seventh child and sixth son of the first marriage, and was reared in Stark county, Ohio, amid the wild scenes and
environments of pioneer life. The work of improvement and cultivation had scarcely been begun in that section of the state in his early
youth. Only here and there was a little cabin to show that some adventurous settler was endeavoring to found a home in the wilderness.
He was sixteen years of age when the first schoolhouse was built in his
district and iln tosequence his educational privileges were limited, but
through experience and observation he has gained a good practical business knowledge. He was nineteen years of age when he left Ohio and




AND LITTLE GRANDSON.








HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


621


made his way to Elkhart county, Indiana, but later he returned to the
county of his nativity and was there married in I846 to Miss Caroline
Wagner. With his bride he returned to Elkhart county, where he resided for a brief period, when, in I848, they removed to Cass county,
Michigan, settling in Porter township. They took up their abode upon
the farm where Mr. Eby yet resides and their first home was a little
log cabin sixteen by eighteen feet, in which they lived for fifteen years.
He had up to this time always lived on the frontier, first in Ohio, later
in Indiana and now in Michigan, and the hardships and privations incident to settlement in a pioneer country were familiar to him and were
courageously borne in his attempt to establish a good home for his family. He lived in his first house for fifteen years, during which period
it was roofed three different times. Later he built a brick house, manufacturing the brick on his own farm. His life has been one of earnest
and unremitting toil, and it has only been in recent years that he has
left the work of the farm to others. He secured one hundred and sixty
acres of land on coming to the county and resolutely began the task of
clearing and cultivating this, placing it in the course of time under a
high state of cultivation.  He still owns eighty acres of the original
tract, having sold the remaining eighty acres to his son.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Eby were born eight sons and one daughter,
and the family circle remained unbroken until after all had attained years
of maturity. The record is as follows: Catherine, the widow of John
B. Harmon and a resident of Cassopolis; Peter, who is mentioned on
another page of this work; Christian, who is living in Antrim county,
Michigan; William. who is engaged in the grocery business in Union,
Cass county; Samuel, a resident of Jones; Daniel, a teacher and farmer
living in Porter township; Gabriel, who is devoting his attention to
fruit-raising in the same township; Ulysses S.. who is engaged in the
practice of law in Cassopolis; and David, who is devoting his time and
energies to the profession of teaching. In I89I the family were called
upon to mourn the loss of the wife and mother, who died on the 7th of
November of that year. In 1893 Mr. Eby was again married, his second union being with Melissa Morse, who was born in Newark, Wayne
county, New York, in the year 1844, and was brought to Michigan in
1853 by her father, E. Z. Morse.
Mr. Eby cast his first presidential ballot for William Henry Harrison in 1840, and continued to support the Whig party until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the new Republican party, voting
for Lincoln in I86o and again in 1864. Since that time he has not
voted a straight ticket, but has voted for the men whom he has thought
to be best qualified for office, being fearless in support of his honest
convictions. For about forty years he has been a member of the Freewill Baptist church and has always taken an interest in the material
progress, educational development, moral advancement and political




622


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


standing of his community. In fact he gives his approval and in many
cases his co-operation to the various movements which have been of direct and serviceable benefit to the county, where for fifty-eight years he
has lived, watching its development from a pioneer district to its present advanced state of progress and prosperity. He is now the oldest
living settler in Porter township and is remarkably well preserved for
one of his years. He has led a busy, useful and active life, living at
peace with his fellowmen, faithfully performing the duties that have
devolved upon him, and now in the evening of his days he can look back
over the past without regret. He has won the regard and friendship
of all who know him and is indeed worthy of representation in the history of this county.
E. A. PLANCK, M. D.
He whose name introduces this review has gained recognition as one
of the able and succesful physicians of Cass county, and by his labors,
his high professional attainments and his sterling characteristics has
deserved the respect and confidence in which he is held by the medical
fraternity and the local public. He resides in Union, where he is practicing his profession, and he is also serving as county coroner.
Dr. Planck is a native of Indiana, his birth having occurred in
LaGrange county on the 27th of September, I869. His father, C. K.
Planck, was a native of Pennsylvania, and a miller by trade. He followed that pursuit in Indiana for a number of years, and in I877 crossed
the border into Michigan, settling in Porter township, Cass county,
where he is still living, devoting his attention to agricultural pursuits.
He married Miss Emma Duesler, a native of Ohio, born in Sandusky
county. She, too, is yet living. In their family were six children, three
sons and three daughters, and Dr. Planck, who is the eldest of the number, was a youth of thirteen years when the family came to Michigan.
He attended school in Union, living during that time with Dr. Bulhand,
and at the age of sixteen years he began teaching, which profession he
followed successfully and capably for seven years in the district schools
of the county. He afterward continued his studies in the Northern
Indiana Normal College at Valparaiso, and in the University of Illinois,
and thus gained broad, general information, which served as an excellent basis for his professional knowledge. Determining upon the practice of medicine as a life work he matriculated in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Chicago, and completed the regular course, being
graduated there in the class of I894. Immediately afterward he located
in Union, where he has since been successfully engaged in practice,
and that he is capable and skillful is indicated by the liberal patronage
extended to him.
Dr. Planck was united in marriage in 1892 to Miss Grace E. Hartman, a daughter of Joseph and Eliza (Rinehart) Hartman. Three
children have graced this marriage, Joseph W., George E. and Lena,




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


623


but the latter died at the age of fifteen months. Dr. Planck votes with
the Republican party and is serving for the third term as county coroner,
having been elected in 1898, again in I902 and a third time in 1904.
He has held various local offices in, his township and his duties have
been promptly and faithfully performed. He belongs to the Knights of
the Maccabees and to the Masonic fraternity, and in his life work finds
ample opportunity to exemplify the spirit of beneficence and helpfulness,
which is the basic element in the craft. In addition to a large private
practice he is examining physician for many insurance companies and
he belongs to Cass County Medical Society, the Michigan State Medical Society, the Mississippi Valley Medical Association and the American Medical Association. He thus keeps in touch with the advance
thought of the profession, and by reading and research is continually
broadening his knowledge and promoting his efficiency. He is widely
recognized as an able physician, not only by the general public, but also
by the medical fraternity.
CHARLES OUDERKIRK.
Charles  Ouderkirk, a  representative  agriculturist, thoroughly
familiar by reason' of practical experience with the best methods of
carrying on farm work, resides on section 4, Mason township, where he
now owns and operates ninety-six and a half acres of land. He was
born in the neighboring state of Indiana, his birth having occurred on
the banks of the St. Joseph river on the site of the present city of Elkhart, in Elkhart county, October 8, I843.  His grandfather, Adam
Ouderkirk, was born in Scotland, where he spent his boyhood and youth,
and in early manhood, seeking better business opportunities and advantages, he crossed the Atlantic, locating in New York city. His father,
John Ouderkirk, is a native of Onordaga county, New York, where he
was reared and educated. Removing westward, he settled in Elkhart
county, Indiana, in T1841, upon a tract of land upon which the city has
since been partially built. He first rented land and afterward removed
to a farm three miles northeast of Elkhart, where he continued to make
his home and carry on general agricultural pursuits up to the time of
his death, which occurred when he was in his seventy-ninth year. His
life was a busy and useful one, and his unfaltering diligence constituted
the key which unlocked for him the portals of success. In his political
allegiance he was a Democrat, and served as township trustee. John
Ouderkirk was united in marriage to Miss Mary Wilkes, a native of
New York, whose father was a native of England. Mrs. Ouderkirk
also lived to a very advanced age, passing away in her eightieth year.
She shared with her husband in the hardships and privations of pioneer
life, and was a worthy assistant and helpmate to him on life's journey.
In their family were five children. three daughters and two sons. all of
whom reached mature years, the family record being as follows: Elma




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Jane and Andrew H., both now deceased; Elizabeth, the wife of J. M.
McDonald, of South Bend; Charles, of this review; and Amelia, who is
the wife of Orlando Babcock, of Waverly, Iowa.
Charles Ouderkirk was the fourth in order of birth in this family
and was reared in the county of his nativity, acquiring a common school
education, after which he assisted in the work of the home farm until
he had passed his twenty-first birthday. In I865 he enlisted in response
to his country's call for troops, and served with the Union army as a
member of Company A, One Hundred and Fifty-second Indiana Volauteer Infantry, until the close of the war, acting as duty sergeant.
When hostilities had ceased he returned to Elkhart and was engaged
in farming on the old homestead.
On the 22d of January, 1872, Mr. Ouderkirk was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Dickerhoof, a daughter of Samuel and Abigail
(Gearhart) Dickerhoof, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of
Pennsylvania. She had a twin sister, Lovina, and they were born in
Portage county, Ohio, August 2, 1847, being only two years old when
taken by their parents to Indiana, their girlhood days being passed near
Elkhart.
In the year 1892 Mr. and Mrs. Ouderkirk removed to Mason
township, Cass county, locating on the farm where he now resides.
He is a general farmer and stock man, who has placed his fields under
a high state of cultivation and raises good grades of stock which find
a ready sale on the market. There has been nothing especially exciting
in his life history, which has been characterized, however, by faithfulness
to duty in all life's relations. Unto him and his wife have been born
three children, but all have passed away. He votes with the Democracy,
and has served as a member of the board of review. He is a member of
Elmer Post, G. A. R., at Elkhart, Indiana, and in fraternal and social
circles is esteemed for his genuine worth. His attention is given to his
farm, which, comprising ninety-six and a half acres of land, has been
placed under a high state of cultivation and is now an excellent tract,
returning golden harvests for the care and labor bestowed upon it.
G. H. DENIKE, M. D.
Dr. G. H. Denike, who is engaged in the practice of medicine and
surgery in Union, was born in Ottawa, Canada, on the I5th of December, I864, and is a son of Andrew J. and Delilah (Snider) Denike.
who were also natives of Canada. The paternal grandfather was a physician in England, and on coming to the new world settled in Canada
at an early day, there practicing his profession up to the time of his
death, which occurred when he was in his sixty-seventh year. The
mother of our subject was of Irish lineage, and her father came to
Canada from Ireland also at an early period in the development of the
northern country.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


625


Dr. Denike was the fifth in order of birth in a family of three
sons and three daughters. He was reared and educated. in his native
country, attending the common and high schools and also Alexander
University, from which institution he was graduated on completing a
classical course. Determining upon the practice of medicine as a life
work he took up study in Queen's Medical College at Kingston, Ontario, with broad general learning to serve as a foundation upon which
to rear the superstructure of his knowledge.  He completed his collegiate course by graduation in the class of I882, and immediately afterward located for practice at Campbellsford, Ontario. He was afterward
upon the road for about four years as examiner for insurance companies,
when, in I898, he came to Union, where he has since engaged in the
practice of medicine and surgery. In order to still further perfect himself in his chosen calling he pursued a course in I904-05 in Hahnemann
Medical College and Hospital of Chicago. Afterward he resumed his
professional labors in Union. He is well versed in the principles of
practical science, and that he possesses skill and ability is indicated by
the excellent results which have followed his efforts.
Dr. Denike was married in I888 to Miss Ida A. Wilson, a daughter
of George Wilson, of Sterling, Ontario, in which place she was born
and reared. This union has been graced with three daughters, Pearl,
Nellie May and Ollie.  The family occupies an enviable position in
social circles, the hospitality of the best homes of Union and the surrounding district being freely accorded them. Dr. Denike is a member of Elkhart Medical Association, of Elkhart, Indiana. He is well
known as a physician and citizen, and is prominent and popular, both
socially and professionally. He has given undivided attention to his
professional duties since entering upon the active practice of medicine,
and a liberal patronage is now accorded him.
CHARLES A. RITTER.
Charles A. Ritter, cashier of the First National Bank of Cassopolis,
\was born in Cassopolis, September 19, 1858. His paternal grandfather,
John Ritter, was a native of Virginia, and came to Michigan in I828,
first locating in Berrien county, but the following year he removed to
Cass county, and located on the prairie in LaGrange township. He
had but recently completed his cabin when one morning, while standing
in the door, he was struck by lightning, his death occurring in the year
of his arrival in this county. He left a family of three sons and one
daughter, including Joseph K. Ritter, the father of our subject. He
was the youngest and was reared upon the old homestead farm in LaGrange township.  In 1851 he came to Cassopolis and engaged in
the dry goods business. In I862 Mr. Ritter was elected county treasurer, and served in that capacity four years. In I865 he again went into
business, and continued in active mercantile life until I875. He was




626


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


one of the original stockholders and a director in the First National
Bank of Cassopolis, and was made president in 1884, which position he
held at the time of his death, which occurred July 30, I891I. Joseph
K. Ritter was married to Miss Amanda F. Kingsbury, a native of
Needham, Massachusetts, and a daughter of Asa Kingsbury, who is represented on another page of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Ritter became
the parents of four children, one died in infancy and one daughter at
the age of thirteen years, the other daughter, Mrs. Dr. Funk, is living
in Cassopolis.
Charles A. Ritter is the second child of the family and was reared
in Cassopolis. On the ist of July, I8,77, he entered the First National
Bank of Cassopolis as bookkeeper. Soon afterward he was made assistant cashier, continuing in that capacity until I891, when he was chosen
cashier, which position he is now filling. His connection with the bank
covers a period of more than twenty-eight years, and the success of the
institution is attributable in no small degree to his efforts.
On the I3th of December, I88I, was celebrated the marriage of
Mr. Ritter and Miss Mary E. Davis, a daughter of William and Eliza
F. (Saunders) Davis.  Mrs. Ritter was born in Trenton, Michigan,
but was reared and educated at South Bend, Indiana. They have one
son, Joseph K., who is yet at home with his parents.
Mr. Ritter was a trustee of the village of Cassopolis for a number
of years and also president of the village board for two terms, and he
exercised his official prerogatives in support of all movements which
he deemed of public benefit.
WILLIAM    H. STRETCH.
William H. Stretch is one of the old settlers of Cass county, and as
such deserves representation in this volume, for through many years he
has lived within its borders, his mind bearing the impress of the early
historic annals of this part of the state. He resides on section 27,
LaGrange township, and is numbered among the native sons of Pokagon
township, his birth having occurred upon the old Taylor homestead
there on the 2Ist of April, I846. His father, John Stretch, was a native
of Wayne county, Indiana, and came to Cass county when only six
years of age with his parents, Joseph and Sarah Stretch, who were
among the first settlers of the county. They received the first deed to
a farm in their locality. The grandfather cultivated and improved a
tract of land, spending his entire life upon the farm which he entered
from the government, his efforts contributing in substantial measure to
the material improvement of this part of the county.
John Stretch was reared in Cass county amid the wild scenes and
environments of pioneer life. The primitive home of the family was
a log cabin, and the members of the household shared in all the hardships and trials incident to life on the frontier. All around them was




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


627


unbroken prairie or stretches of timber land, and the work of cultivation
seemed scarcely begun. Only here and there would be seen a little
cabin to indicate that the seeds of civilization had been planted which
were in due time to bring forth good fruit. John Stretch assisted in the
arduous task of developing new land and chose as his life work the
occupation to which he was reared, always giving much of his time and
attention to farming. However, he was likewise a preacher of the German Baptist church, and in this connection was well known in the
county, his influence and efforts being of no restricted order. Both by
precept and example he led many into the better way of life and his
memory is still cherished by a large number of those who were his
friends and neighbors in his lifetime. He lived to be about sixty-five
years of age. His early political support was given to the Whig party,
and upon its dissolution he joined the ranks of the new Republican
party. He married Miss Emily V. McCoy, a native of Virginia, who
came to Cass county with her parents when about five years of age,
and was here reared. She is still living in her eighty-first year, one of
the most highly esteemed old ladies of the county. In their family were
five sons, all of whom reached mature years; and they also reared an
adopted daughter, Mrs. Anna Scheline. Mr. Stretch, of this review,
is the eldest of the five children, and four of the sons are now living in
Cass county, while George is a resident of Berrien county, Michigan.
The others are: Joseph, who resides in Pokagon township; Isaac, who
is foreman in the drill shop at Dowagiac; and Ira, who is living upon
the old homestead.
William H. Stretch was reared in Pokagon township and pursued
his education in the common schools. He assisted in clearing the farm
in his boyhood days and in performing the various duties incident to
the work of the old homestead. He continued under the parental roof
until twenty-four years of age, when he was married. He first wedded
Miss Margaret J. Collins, who died leaving one son, Clyde L. After
losing his first wife, Mr. Stretch was married to Mrs. Edith (Jewell)
Goodrich, who was killed by lightning.  His present wife bore the
maiden name of Emma Grace White, and at the time of their marriage
was the widow of W. W. Van Slyke. Mr. Stretch made his home in
Pokagon township until about eight years ago, when he sold his property
there and removed to LaGrange township, settling on section 27, where
he yet resides. He has been a life-long resident of Cass county, having
made his home here for fifty-nine years. Any movement or plan for
the public good receives his earnest attention and endorsement, and his
aid can always be counted upon to further any movement that promises
to result beneficially to the county. He is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church of Cassopolis, and his life has ever been honorable
and upright, in harmony with his professions. He has had a full realization of his duties of citizenship, and also of his duties to his fellow men,
and has never been known to take advantage of the necessities of others




628             HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
in any trade transaction. In fact his life is in many respects worthy of
emulation and his fellow townsmen speak of him in terms of regard
and esteem.
JOSEPH HESS.
Joseph Hess, influential and enterprising, has found in his intense
and well-directed energy the key that has unlocked the portals of success. Without special advantages to aid him at the outset of his career
he has nevertheless persevered in his work and has today valuable land
holdings in Cass county. He resides on section 34, Jefferson township, where he has eighty acres of land and in addition to this he owns
eighty acres of the old family homestead, ninety-three acres on section
21, Jefferson township, and ninety-two acres in Ontwa township, so
that his landed possessions now comprise two hundred and sixty-five
acres, some of which he rents. Ohio has furnished a number of representative and valued citizens to Cass county, including Mr. Hess, who
was born in Huntington township, Ross county, of the Buckeye state,
on the I6th of August, I846. His parents were Joseph and Belinda
(Staines) Hess, both of whom have now passed away.    The father
was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, where he spent his youth,
subsequent to which time he removed to Ohio, locating in Ross county
about 181381. There he lived for more than a decade, when with his
family he came to Michigan in I849, settling in Cass county. He then
located in Jefferson township, where he purchased a farm., his land lying
in both Jefferson and Ontwa townships. It was largely raw and unimproved when it came into his possession but his labors soon wrought
a transformation in the appearance of the property and the once uncultivated tract began to yield him good harvests as a reward for the care
and labor he bestowed upon the fields. His entire life was devoted to
farming and he kept in touch with modern progress as the primitive
machinery was replaced by improved agricultural implements and large
and commodious buildings were erected to supercede the small log cabins
of pioneer days. In all matters of public progress he was deeply interested, rejoicing in what was accomplished in the county and giving his
active co-operation to any plan or measure for the public good. His
study of the political issues and questions of the day led him to support the
Democracy and upon that ticket he was elected supervisor and also to
other local offices, the duties of which he discharged with promptness
and fidelity. As a member of the school board he proved his interest in
the cause of education by his advocacy of measures that tended to raise
the standard of public instruction. He was a member of the old school
Baptist church and his life was characterized by integrity that was unassailable, while his business reputation would bear the closest investigation and. scrutiny. He was twice married, his first union being with Miss
Belinda Staines, who was a native of Pennsylvania and was of. German and Swiss descent. She died'at the age of sixty-two years, after




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


629


which Mr. Hess was again married, his second union being with a Mrs.
Lewis. There were eight children born of the first marriage and one
son by the second marriage. Of this number four are still living:
Sarah, who was the wife of Richard Turner, a resident of Chillicothe,
Ohio; Anna, who was born in Pennsylvania, May 3, I838, and is now
keeping house with her brother upon the old homestead farm; Joseph,
of this review; and John, of Chillicothe, Ohio. The father reached the
very venerable age of eighty-five years and in his death the county
mourned the less of one of its representative pioneer settlers.
Joseph Hess, the youngest member of his father's family, was a
young lad when he came with his parents to Ohio. In fact he had
scarcely attained his third year. His sister Anna, too, was a young
child and both were reared in Jefferson township upon the farm where
they have been keeping house for many years. Mr. Hess was educated
in the district schools and received ample training at farm labor under
the direction of his father, working at the plow from an early age and
performing all such farm work as his years and strength permitted. He
afterward purchased the interest of the other heirs in the old home property. Both he and his sister Anna own eighty acres of land in Jefferson township, to the cultivation and improvement of which he gives his
energies and his close application and strong purpose are winning for
him success that increases year by year. He also has ninety-three acres
of land on section 21, and ninety-two acres in Ontwa township, so that
his farm property covers two hundred and sixty-five acres, some of
which he rents. He is likewise one of the stockholders in the creamery
at Edwardsclurg, a productive industry which is of value to the community, furnishing a market to the farmers who keep a large number
of cows and who sell their milk to the institution.
Mr. Hess has been a lifelong Democrat, giving inflexible support
to the principles of his party. He belongs to Edwardsburg camp, No.
I492, M. W. A. If one could see a picture of the county as it appeared
fifty-six years ago when Mr. Hess was first brought here there would
be large tracts of forest in which not a tree had been felled, while upon
the prairie would be seen the native grasses, as the land had not yet
been broken. No bridges had been built across the streams and few
roads had been laid out and it seemed that the work of development
and improvement lay entirely in the future. The Hess family bore their
full share in the work of upbuilding and the name has ever stood as a
synonym for progressive citizenship and reliability in business during
the long connection of the family with Cass county.
GEORGE M. FIELDS.
George M. Fields, the prosecuting attorney of Cass county, is possessed of legal learning, an analytical mind and a readiness in grasping
the points in an argument-qualities which combine to make him a cap



630


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


able lawyer of the Cass county bar. While his professional duties call
him largely to Cassopolis he continues to make his home in Dowagiac.
His natal day was December 14, I868, and his birth occurred upon a
farm in Ottawa county, Ohio. His father, Edward Fields, was also a
native of that county and is a farmer by occupation. He still resides
upon the old honlestead where his entire life has been passed. His
parents died when he was only ten years of age, and he then started
out in life on his own account, since which time he has been dependent
entirely upon his own resources. He was a soldier of the Civil war,
serving for about four years, and he lost his left arm while participating
in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain. He married Miss Louisa Hunt,
a native of Seneca county, Ohio, who is also living. In their family
were two sons, the elder being Hosea, who is an attorney by profession
but a farmer by occupation.
George M. Fields, reared upon the old family homestead, began his
education in the country schools and afterward continued his studies in
the high school at Monroeville, Huron county, Ohio, where he completed his course in I889. He then engaged in teaching school for one
year in the Buckeye state, after which he entered the Michigan State
University at Ann Arbor for the study of law and was graduated from
the law department in the class of I893. He was then admitted to
practice at Columbus, Ohio, and opened a law office in Toledo, that
state, in I894. In June, I895, he came to Dowagiac, where he entered
into partnership with Charles E. Sweet, which connection was continued for one year, since which time he has been alone in business. He
was elected circuit court commissioner in I9o0 and prosecuting attorney in I9o2, since which time he has been re-elected, so that he is now
serving for the second term. He was also city attorney of Dowagiac in
1900.
In I895 occurred the marriage of George M. Fields and Miss Emily
F. Bond, of Dowagiac, by whom he has one son, Harold B. In political affairs Mr. Fields is deeply interested, keeping well informed on
the questions and issues of the day and giving his aid to every legitimate
measure which he believes will promote the success of the party and
thereby advance the good of the state and nation. Fraternally he is
connected with the Elks Lodge, No. 889 at Dowagiac, and he has personal characteristics which make him popular with his fellow townsmen, gaining for him wide friendships and favorable regard.  Since
locating in Dowagiac his practice has been quite extensive and of an
important character and he prepares his cases with provident care and
wide research.
WILLIAM F. PUTERBAUGH.
William F. Puterbaugh, supervisor of Calvin township and living
on section I8, is a native of the neighboring state of Indiana, his birth
having occurred in Concord township, Elkhart county, on the 25th of








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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


631


September, I852. He is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Patterson) Puterbaugh. His paternal grandfather, George Puterbaugh, was a native of
Pennsylvania, and the great-grandfather, a native of Germany,
was the only representative of this family that ever came to America as far as the knowledge of his posterity extends.    George
Puterbaugh was reared in the Keystone state, learned the millwright's
trade in early life and built many mills. He was also a farmer and was
quite a successful business man, providing liberally for his family. He
was also a minister of the German Baptist church and took an active
part in the moral development of the communities in which he lived and
labored.
Joseph Puterbaugh, father of our subject, was born in Ohio and
in the year I849 removed to Elkhart county, Indiana, where he engaged in farming. For many years he followed that pursuit, but eventually put aside business cares and in the enjoyment of a well earned rest
made his home in the city of Elkhart during the last ten years of his
life. He also filled the office of justice of the peace and was assessor
of Concord township. Local progress and national advancement were
both causes dear to his heart and his active co-operation could be counted
upon for the benefit of any plan or movement intended for the general
good of his county. He married Miss Sarah Patterson, who was born
in central Indiana and died in Elkhart county in her sixty-fifth year.
She was of Scotch lineage and was a daughter of William Patterson,
who was born in the state of New York. He left home when a small
boy under peculiar circumstances and therefore little is known concerning the ancestral history of the family.
William F. Puterbaugh, whose name introduces this record, is the
eldest in a family of three sons and two daughters. He was reared in
Concord township, Elkhart county, Indiana, and at the usual age entered the district schools, wherein he mastered various branches of
learning that qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties.
He afterward remained at home until about twenty-six years of age
and assisted in the work of the farm from the time of early spring planting until crops were harvested in the late autumn. Thus he gained
practical knowledge of the business which he has made his life work and
which now claims his time and energies.
Mliarch 17, 1878, occurred the marriage of Mr. Puterbaugh and
Miss Ida M. Dodge, a daughter of Eliphalet and Sarah J. (Riggs)
Dodge. Mrs. Puterbaugh was a native of Elkhart county, where her
parents located at an early day, and there her girlhood days were passed.
She, too, was a student in the public schools and in her father's home
she was trained to the duties of the household, so that she was well
equipped to care for a home of her own at the time of her marriage.
Supplementing her training in the common schools she took a full
teacher's course at the Goshen Normal, at Goshen, Indiana, graduating




632


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


in the class of 1874, and was a successful teacher in her native county
of Elkhart, Indiana, from 1872 to I878. Mr. and Mrs. Puterbaugh
began their domestic life in Concord township, Elkhart county, where
he engaged in farming. He lived in three different townships of that
county, remaining for four years in Concord township, two years in
Osolo township and one year in Baugo township. He then removed to
California, in 1884, and spent one year on the Pacific coast, crossing
the continent each time by rail. When he again came to the middle
west he established his home in Calvin township, Cass county, where he
purchased the farm upon which he has since resided. Here he has one
hundred and seven acres of good land, which he has improved in many
ways. H-e has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and
annually harvests therefrom good crops. Hte also has good grades of
stock upon his place and the improvements are in keeping with the modern farm properties of the twentieth century. He votes with the Republican party, and in I905 was elected to the office of township supervisor, which position he has since filled. He has also been officially
connected with the schools of this community, and he is a valued and
exemplary member of the Masonic lodge at Cassopolis and of the Odd
Fellows lodge at Redfield, Cass county. His residence in the county
covers about twenty-two years, and his record has ever been such as
would bear close investigation and scrutiny, for he has conducted his
business affairs honorably, has lived at peace with his fellow men and
has wrought along lines contributing to individual success and to the
public good as well.
JOHN LONGSDUFF.
Long a resident of Cass county, John Longsduff has therefore witnessed much of its growth and development as the years have gone by
and changes have been wrought that have transformed it from a frontier
district into one of the leading counties of this great commonwealth.
He lives on section 8, Calvin township, where he has a good farm property comprising one hundred and twenty-eight acres of rich and arable
land. Here he took up his abode in I865 and in partnership with his
wife he owns this property and gives his attention to its further development and cultivation.
His life record began in Pennsylvania on the 2oth of August, I836.
He is a son of Martin Longsduff, also a native of Pennsylvania and a
brother of George Longsduff, one of the enterprising citizens of this
county. His paternal grandfather, Martin Longsduff, Sr., was a native
of Germany and in that country was reared and married. Crossing
the Atlantic to the new world he became one of the early residents of
Pennsylvania. In his family were ten children, of whom Martin: Longsduff, Jr., was the eldest. He was a native of the same state and was
there reared and educated.' He was married twice and in I834 removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio, taking up his abode in Union town



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


633


ship, Logan county, where he secured a tract of land and improved
a farm. He remained a resident of that state for almost four decades
and came to Michigan in 1872. Here he spent his remaining days,
passing away at the age of eighty-five years. In his religious views he
was a Lutheran and he exemplified in his life his belief in the teachings of holy writ. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name
of Matilda (uigley and was a native of Hagerstown, New   Jersey,
where her girlhood days were passed. She was the second wife of Martin Longsduff, his former union having been with a Miss Searfoss, by
whom he had one daughter, Elizabeth. By the second marriage there
were born eleven children, one of whom died in early youth, while ten
reached adult age and four of the number, two sons and two daughters, are still living and are residents of Cass county.
John Longsduff was only about a year old when his parents removed
to Logan county, Ohio, where they remained for eleven years, and he
then accompanied them on their removal to Michigan.  The family
home was established in Cass county near Vandalia and he grew to manhood upon the farm from the age of twelve years. His educational
privileges were those afforded by the public schools of the different
localities in which he resided. The period of his minority was spent
upon the old family homestead and he assisted in the operation of the
farm and in the support of his mother. After attaining his majority
he purchased land and improved a farm in Penn township. On the 9th
of February, 1865, he was married to Miss Martha E. Hull, who was
born on the farm where she now resides. Her parents were Isaac and
Maria Hull, who came from Ohio to Cass county at an early day. In
the year of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Longsduff located where they
now reside and his labors have further improved the property until it
is now a splendidly cultivated farm. In connection with the tilling of
the soil he engaged in buying and shipping hogs for a number of years
and found this a profitable source of income.
Mr. Longsduff exercises his right of franchise in support of the
men and measures of the Democracy and is regarded as an enterprising
citizen of the county, who has taken an active interest in public affairs,
his efforts proving far reaching and beneficial. He is connected with
one of the prominent old families of this part of the state and is justly
entitled to mention among its representative citizens.
BARAK L. RUDD.
Barak L. Rudd, proprietor of the Forest Hall Hotel, at Diamond
Lake, near Cassopolis, was born in Newburg township, October 2I,
18:46, and belongs to that class of citizens who find in the faithful performance of each day's duties opportunity for the exercise of their talents and energies and gain through their industry, perseverance and
diligence the success which is the desired goal of all business endeavor.
Mr. Rudd is descended from New England ancestry. His father,




634


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Barker F. Rudd, was a native of Rutland, Vermont, born in I8Io, and
in 1834 he came to Cass county, being then a young man of twentyfour years. He found here a district largely wild and unimproved, and
he established his home in what is now Newberg township, being one
of the first settlers of the county, and aiding in its primitive development
and progress. He assisted in organizing the township, in formulating
its plan of government and he was afterward called to the offices of
justice of the peace and supervisor. In politics he was originally a
Whig, and upon the organization of the new Republican party joined
its ranks, continuing to give it his support until his death, which occurred when he was seventy years of age. In early manhood he married Lucinda Brakeman, a daughter of Lewis Brakeman, who was captain of a schooner and was lost on Lake St. Clair. The Rudds were of
Scotch and Irish descent. In the father's family there were four daughters and four sons.
Barak L. Rudd, the second son and fourth child, was reared upon
the old family homestead and in his youth attended the common schools,
while in the sunmer months his attention was devoted to the work of
plowing, planting and harvesting. He was a young man of but seventeen years when in response to his country's call for aid he enlisted in
1863 as a member of the Fourteenth Michigan Battery of light artillery.
He joined that command as a private and served for two years, or until
the close of the war, being largely engaged in duty in the vicinity of
Washington. Following the cessation of hostilities he returned to his
native township, where he was engaged in farming. He continued to
till the soil until I88o, when he turned his attention to commercial
pursuits, opening a store in Vandalia, where he carried on business for
six years, or until I886. The same year he was elected supervisor of
Penn township, and was also chosen to the office of county clerk, which
position he held for four years, or two terms. In I89I he purchased the
Forest Hall Hotel, which he has since been conducting.  It is a well
known hostelry, containing about forty rooms, and is pleasantly situated on the north shore of Diamond lake. A liberal patronage is accorded, the hotel having become a favorite summer resort, and in connection with its conduct Mr. Rudd also maintains a boat livery. He
closely studies the needs and wishes of his patrons, and does everything
in his power for the comfort, welfare and happiness of his guests. At
the same time he manages the business interests of the house with capability and is meeting with good success.
In I88o Mr. Rudd was united in marriage to Miss Alice G. Gephart, a daughter of Jacob and Margaret Gephart, and unto them has
been born a son, Leo B. Rudd, Nwho died when eleven years of age.
When age gave to Mr. Rudd the right of franchise he acknowledged
his belief in the principles of the Republican party, and has since been
one of its stalwart advocates. He is a member of the Albert Anderson
Post. No. I57, G. A. R., and maintains pleasant relationships with his




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


635


old army comrades at the camp fires and in the work of the organization. His devotion to his country is manifest in the same loyal spirit
of helpfulness and progress which he displayed when upon southern battlefields he fearlessly defended the old flag and the cause which it represented. He has always lived in Cass county and the fact that many
of his stanchest friends are numbered among those who have known him
from his boyhood days down to the present is an indication of an honorable and upright life.
HENRY CLAY WALKER.
Henry Clay Walker is one of the prominent old settlers of Cass
county and a veteran of the Civil war. Hte resides on section 5, Calvin township, being owner of Brookside farm, which is a well improved
property. His birth occurred in LaGrange township, Elkhart county,
Indiana, on the I3th of September, 1841, and he is descended from an
old New England family. His father, Lucius Walker, was a native of
Vermont, in which state he spent the days of his boyhood and youth.
He became a farmer by occupation and has devoted his entire life to
that calling. About I846 he removed to Indiana, establishing his home
in Elkhart county. He married Miss Lydia S. Sanborn, who was also
a native of New England, born either in Vermont or New Hampshire.
They became the parents of eleven children, nine of whom reached manhood or womanhood, while five are living at this writing in I9o6.
Henry Clay Walker, the ninth in order of birth in his father's
family, spent his youth in the county of his nativity. In I858 his parents removed from the farm to Bristol, Elkhart county, and he remained
at home until the time of his enlistment for service in the Civil war.
His patriotic spirit was aroused by the continued attempt of the south
to destroy the Union, and in August, I862, he enrolled his name among
the boys in blue of Company I, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He joined the army as a private and served until the following January, when he was honorably discharged on account of physical
disability occasioned by illness.
Following his return to Bristol, Mr. Walker continued his education by pursuing a course of study in the Northern Indiana College at
South Bend, where he remained for one year. He afterward entered
business life as a merchant at Vandalia, Michigan, opening a general
line of goods there. He was also postmaster of the town for nine years
and discharged the duties of the position in connection with the management of the store, in which he met with a fair measure of success,
enjoying a growing trade by reason of his fair dealing and his earnest
desire to please his patrons. In I873, however, he retired from commercial life and took up his abode upon the farm on which he now
resides on section 5, Calvin township, and has since given his attention
to general farming. His fields are well tilled and the place is equipped




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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


with many modern improvements, including the best machinery for
plowing, planting and harvesting. In his work he is practical and methodical and his labors have been so carefully directed that a gratifying
measure of prosperity has attended him. His farm comprises two hundred acres, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation
and it is appropriately named Brookside farm.
In 1872 Mr. Walker was united in marriage to Miss Olive M. Hull,
a daughter of Isaac and Maria Hull. They have become the parents
of one daughter and one son, but the former, Minnie, died when only
three years of age. The son, T. McKinnon Walker, an accomplished
pianist, is at home.
Mr. Walker has taken an active interest in public affairs and his
fellow townsmen, recognizing his fitness for positions of public trust,
have called him to a number of offices. He has served as township
clerk, occupying that position while in Vandalia and for three terms
has been township treasurer in Calvin township. The cause of education finds in him a stalwart friend and all matters for the general good
receive his endorsement and co-operation. He has been justice of the
peace for about sixteen years, rendering decisions which are strictly
fair and impartial and he always votes with the Republican party. Fraternally he is connected with Albert Anderson Post, No. 258, G. A. R.,
at Cassopolis, and has filled some of the offices in that order. Throughout his entire life he has manifested the same spirit of loyalty which
prompted his enlistment for service in the Civil war.
WILLIAM    H. COULTER.
William H. Coulter, a grain dealer of Cassopolis, was born in
Howard township, this county, on the ioth of October, 1842. He is a
son of James Coulter and a grandson of John Coulter, the latter a native
of Ireland, who served as a soldier in the Irish rebellion. He came to
America in I798, becoming the founder of the family in the new world,
establishing his residence in Cincinnati, where he was married. At a
later date he removed to Clinton county, Ohio, and in I834 he came to
Cass county, Michigan, locating over seven hundred acres of land in
Howard township. The journey was made with an ox team and John
Coulter cast in his lot with the pioneer residents of this part of the
state. Few improvements had been made as yet, the greater part of the
land being still in its primitive condition, while the forests were uncut,
the streams unbridged and the sod unturned upon the prairies.
James Coulter, father of our subject, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio,
and on coming to Cass county in 1835 located in Howard township.
He was then a young man and he bore his full share in the work of
early improvement and progress here. After two years he returned to
his native state and was then married, after which he brought his bride
back to Howard township, where he spent his remaining days, there




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


637


developing and improving a good farm. He was an active supporter
of the Republican party and held various local offices. His early political allegiance, however, was given to the Democracy, and he voted for
Franklin Pierce, but in I856 he cast his ballot for John C. Fremont,
the first presidential candidate of the new Republican party.  In the
Methodist Episcopal church he was a very earnest and active worker
and in Howard township he erected a house of worship, which is still
standing. He died in his sixty-sixth year, and his loss was deeply regretted by many friends, for all with whom he had come in contact
knew him to be a man of sterling integrity, of steadfast purpose and of
unquestioned honor. He married Miss Ann Wilson, a native of Clinton county, Ohio, and a daughter of Amos Wilson, also of the same
county. Her father was a Baptist minister and was of Welsh descent.
Mrs. Coulter lived to be eighty-three years of age. In the family were
seven children, all of whom were born in Howard township, Cass county,
and of this number two sons and two daughters are yet living, namely:
Margaret, the wife of Ephraim White, who is living upon the old Coulter homestead in Howard township; John, a prominent politician and
farmer, who resides in the same township; William H., of this review,
and Sarah A., the wife of James Douglas, of Marion, Indiana.
Mr. Coulter is the sixth child and youngest son in the family. No
event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life
for him in his youth. He was reared upon the old family homestead
in Howard township and early became familiar with the best methods
of tilling the soil and caring for the stock. He resided upon the farm:
until I89'2, when he was elected sheriff of Cass county and the same
year took up his abode in Cassopolis. Following the expiration of his
term of service he made a trip to California, where he remained from
January until April, enjoying the mild climate and the beauties of that
sunny land. He then returned to his farm in Howard township, where
he again lived for two years, when he once more took up his abode in
Cassopolis. Here he turned his attention to the grain trade in company
with James Johnson, which partnership continued for a year, since which
time Mr. Coulter has'had different partners. He is now associated with
John Atkison under the firm style of Coulter & Atkison, grain shippers. He has done quite a large business and has thereby provided an
excellent market for local producers. He deals in grain, produce and
coal and has a large patronage, so that he makes extensive sales annually. He also owns a farm of one hundred and sixty-seven acres in
Jefferson township, which is valuable and productive land and returns.
to'him a good income.
Mr. Coulter was united in marriage on the 4th of January, I866,
to Miss Abigail Vary, a daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Rogers)
Vary, who was born in Oneida county, New York, near Rome and came
to Cass county in i860 when she was twelve years of age. She died in
1893 during her husband's incumbency in the office of sheriff, and on the




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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


3rd of January, I89.5, Mr. Coulter was again married, his second union
being with Addie Smith, a daughter of D. B. and Charlotte Smith. They
have no children of their own, but have adopted a daughter, Maria W.
Mr. Coulter has ever manifested the interest of a public spirited citizen
in all matters relating to the general welfare, and he exercises his right
of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican
party. He desires general advancement and improvement along lines
of permanent good, and in his views relating to the public welfare he
is practical as well as progressive. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a trustee and in the work of
which he takes an active and helpful part.
DAVID CLARENCE THICKSTUN.
David Clarence Thickstun, a well known dealer in lumber and coal
in Cassopolis, was born in Cassewago, Crawford county, Pennsylvania,
on the 26th of May, I85o. His father, David Thickstun, was a native
of the same locality and was a farmer by occupation. His death occurred at the place of his nativity when he was about sixty years of
age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Nancy Erwin, was also
a native of Crawford county, where she died when fifty-seven years of
age. In their family were six children, who reached adult age.
David C. Thickstun, the youngest, was reared under the parental
roof, remaining at home until twenty-three years of age, when, thinking that he might have better business opportunities in the middle west,
he made his wav to Lapeer, Michigan, where he secured a position as
bookkeeper in the employ of J. L. Beringer & Company, dealers in lumber. He continued with that house until his removal to Cassopolis to
take charge of a branch lumber yard here. After two years he was
admitted to a partnership in the business in Cassopolis by Mr. Beringer,
this relationship being maintained for about two years, when he purchased his partner's interest, being alone in business until I905, when
he admitted his son-in-law, Frank E. Arnold, to a partnership under the
firm style of Thickstun & Arnold. Mr. Thickstun has now been engaged
in the lumber business in Cassopolis for twenty-seven years and is one
of the best known and most prominent business men of the town, having a liberal patronage, which is accorded him in recognition of his
straightforward and honorable dealing, his reasonable prices and his
earnest efforts to please his customers.
Mr. Thickstun married Miss Hattie May Rogers, a daughter of
Stilman M. Rogers, who was born in Mexico, New York. Her mother
bore the maiden nalne of Sarah Runkle and was a native of Paterson,
New Jersey. Mr. Rogers departed this life at the age of fifty-seven
years and his wife when fifty-eight years of age. They were the parents of ten children, five sons and five daughters. of whom Mrs. Thickstun is the youngest. Unto our subject and his wife have been born two




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


639


daughters: Elnora, the wife of Frank E. Arnold, who is engaged in
business with her father; and Irma, the wife of Vernon Tourje, who is
abstract clerk in the Grand Trunk freight office at Durand, Michigan.
In his political affiliation Mr. Thickstun is a Democrat, while fraternally he is a prominent Mason. He has taken the degrees of the
lodge, chapter and comnmandery, is also a member of the Mystic Shrine
and belongs to the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks and also to
an organization of lumbermen, the Hoo Hoos. He has been a representative of the lumber trade in Michigan for over thirty years and is thoroughly informed concerning the business in all its departments. He
has from the beginning of his residence in Cassopolis enjoyed a constantly increasing trade and his excellent business qualifications and enterprise combined with strong purpose and unfaltering diligence have
constituted ite source of his prosperity. He found in the middle west
the business opportunities he sought, and by the improvement of his
advantages made steady progress until he is now classed with the substantial and prosperous residents of Cass county.
JONATHAN      H. RENCH.
Jonathan H. Rench, formerly identified with agricultural interests
and now a well known resident of Cassopolis, was born in Clark county,
Ohio, January IO, 1842. His father, Dlaniel Rench, was a native of
the Buckeye state and came to Cass county in 1856. Two years afterward he removed to Calhoun county, Michigan, where his remaining
days were passed. He was a farmer and miller, devoting his entire life
to the milling business, while in Ohio and in Michigan he gave his attention to the tilling of the soil. His father was of a Pennsylvania Dtitch
family. Daniel Rench reached the advanced age of seventy-seven years
ere he was called to his final rest in Calhoun county. His wife bore
the maiden name of Mary Williams, was a native of Ohio and died in
Calhoun county, Michigan, in the eighty-fifth year of her age. In their
family were twelve children, of whom two passed away in childhood,
while ten reached mature years and seven are now living.
Jonathan H. Rench is the ninth child in his father's family and
was sixteen years of age when he came to Cass county. Here he began
working by the month as a farm hand and he has since been dependent
upon his own resources, so that he may well be termed a self-made
man, who as the architect of his own fortunes has builded wisely and
well. It was about the time of his arrival in Cass county that he cast
his first presidential vote supporting the Democratic nominee for president and he has never failed to vote at a presidential election since that
time.
In 1863 Mr. Rench was united in marriage to Miss Percilla J.
Thorp, a daughter of Laben and Lydia (Reams) Thorp, who came to
Cass county at an early epoch in its development. Mrs. Rench was




640


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


born in Jefferson township, Cass county, on the 4th of January, I846,
and has spent her entire life here. At the time of their marriage Mr.
and Mrs. Rench located on a farm in Jefferson township, their home
being a log house in which they lived in pioneer style. He continued
farming there for about ten years, when he removed to Cassopolis and
for a time was in the employ of the Michigan Central Railroad Company. Later, however, he turned his attention to' the butchering business, which he followed for eleven years, at the end of which time he
invested his capital in fifty-five acres of land about a mile and a quarter
south of Cassopolis. There he carried on farming, but at a more recent
date he sold the property and now lives just outside the corporation
limits of Cassopolis. His life has been active, his years characterized
by enterprise and diligence and 'he is now in possession of a comfortable
competence which has come to him through his own labors.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rench have been born four children: Capitola,
now the wife of H. D. Badgley, of Cassopolis; Grant, who is living in
Battle Creek, Michigan; Verna, the wife of S. S. Albright, of Sacramento, California; and Delpha, who is at home. Mr. Rench has been a
lifelong Democrat, and for fourteen years he has filled the office of
supervisor of roads. He belongs to the Knights of Maccabees fraternity, and has a wide acquaintance in Cass county, where for forty-nine
years he has made his home, taking an active and helpful interest in its
public affairs. He has rejoiced in what has been accomplished as the
conditions of pioneer life have been done away with.through the efforts
of the enterprising citizens in behalf of general improvement and advancement.- He has never sought to figure prominently in official circles, but has been content to perform his daily duty and found in labor
the -reward which has made him one of the substantial citizens of his
community, now enabling him to live a retired life.
ZADOK JARVIS.
Few residents of Cass county have resided longer within its borders than has Zadok Jarvis, who for almost seventy-three years has been
a citizen 'here, watching with interest its growth and development as.great changes have occurred. He has been a witness of its various
transition stages as the evidences of pioneer life were replaced by the
indications of a more advanced civilization and as the county has taken
on all of the improvements of our modern day prosperity and progress.
His mind goes back to the time when Cassopolis was but a small village
and other cities of the county had not yet sprung into existence or' were
but mere hamlets. He remembers where there were great stretches of
forest where now are seen fields of waving grain, for much of the land
at that time was still in possession of the government and only here
and there was a little cabin to indicate that the work of clearing and
development had been begun. There was much' hard labor to be done




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


641


in those early days, for the improved farm machinery of the present
time was unknown and much of the work had to be done by hand. Few
of the household comforts now so common were then enjoyed, but
there was a spirit of hospitality abroad in pioneer districts that made
those early homes notable. As a representative pioneer settler Mr. Jarvis certainly deserves mention in this volume.
He was born four miles south of Richmond in Wayne county, Indiana, on the 15th of December, I827, a son of Zadok and Lucy
(Owens) Jarvis, both of whom were natives of North Carolina, born in
Rowan county. After living for some time in Indiana the father came
with his family to Cass county in I8.33, locating first in LaGrange township. He was a lifelong farmer, always following that occupation in
order to provide for those dependent upon him for support. In many
ways he was identified with the improvement and upbuilding of the
county and aided in laying broad and deep the foundation upon which
has been builded the present superstructure of progress and prosperity.
He voted with the Democracy, was fearless in support of his honest
convictions and was regarded as a man whom to know was to respect
and honor. His death occurred in his sixty-eighth year, while his widow
reached the very advanced age of ninety-seven years, being perhaps the
oldest citizen of Cass county at the time of her demise. In the family of
this worthy couple were seven children, four sons and three daughters,
all of whom reached mature years, married and reared families of their
own with the exception of one sister, who was married but had no
children.
Mr. Jarvis of this review was the sixth child and youngest son,
and was a little lad of six summers when he came with his parents to
Cass county, Michigan. He can remember many incidents of those early
days-incidents which became important factors in the history of the
county. His education was obtained in the pioneer schools and he received ample training at farm labor, taking his place in the fields as
soon as old enough to handle the plow. He remained with his father
until the latter's death and in fact he is the only surviving member of
the family. In I85i he was married to Miss Rebecca Simpson, whose
birth occurred in Cass county, her parents being Elias and Rachel
Simpson, who were pioneer settlers of this part of the state.
Immediately after his marriage Mr. Jarvis located upon the farm
upon which he now resides, and it has been his home almost continuously
since, save that he spent about three years in Dowagiac. The farm was
covered with timber or stumps at the time it came into his possession
and he entered upon the difficult task of preparing the fields for the
plow. He has cleared most of the farm himself and for fifty-four years
has lived in LaGrange township, working earnestly and persistently year
after year and gaining through his unfaltering purpose and capable management the reward of all well-directed labor. He now owns one hun



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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


dred and twenty acres of good land and in I905 he gave to his son
John eighty acres of land.
Unto Mr. Jarvis by his first marriage were born five children,
namely: Henry, Helen, Francis, Almanson and Almira, the last two
being twins. Having lost his first wife Mr. Jarvis was again married,
his second union being with Margaret Cudderback. They became the
parents of four children: Zed, John and two who are now deceased.
Mr. Jarvis voted with the Republican party until I872, when he
became a Democrat. He has served as a member of the township board,
was at one time a member of the Masonic fraternity and belongs to the
Methodist Episcopal church at Dowagiac. An honorable and straightforward life characterized by recognition of the rights of others in business has made Mr. Jarvis one of the esteemed and prominent old settlers
of LaGrange township. He can remember the days when the pioneers
had to go long distances to market or mill and often over roads that in
certain seasons of the year were almost impassable. There were no
railroads and all communication with the outside world was made by
private conveyance or by stage. The most far sighted would not have
dreamed that there would one day be a rural mail route and that there
would be telephonic connections between the towns and the farm homes.
As we look back and think of the conditions that existed in those early
days the change seems marvelous, and yet it has resulted from the careful, laborious effort of the settlers who have been men of enterprising
spirit and have kept pace with the uniform progress and improvement
here. Mr. Jarvis has made continual advancement in his business career, keeping in touch with ideas of modern farming and as the years
have gone by he has prospered in his undertakings.
WILLIAM H. C. HALE.
William H. C. Hale, county commissioner of schools and a resident of Cassopolis, was born in Wells county, Indiana, on the 6th of
July, 1853. In the paternal line he comes of Scotch and English ancestry. His grandfather, Henry Hale, was a native of Maryland, born in
1787, whence he removed to Jefferson county, Ohio, there devoting his
time and energies to farming until his later years, when he put aside
active business cares. He died in the ninety-fourth year of his age.
Stephen HIale, father of our subject, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio,
was reared to the occupation of farming and made that pursuit his life
work. Removing westward, he became one of the early residents of
Wells county Indiana, where he settled about I840, and in January,
I864, he removed to Cass county, Michigan, taking up his abode in Calvin township, where he was engaged in general agricultural pursuits up
to the time of his death, which occurred when he was sixty-six years of
age. Realizing the value of education, he was deeply interested in the
cause of public instruction, and for some years served as a school director.  In politics he was a lifelong Republican. He wedded Miss




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


643


Nancy Reed, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Arthur Reed,
who was born in Ireland. Mrs. Hale passed away at the age of sixtyfive years. By her marriage she had become the mother of eleven children, seven daughters and four sons, of which number seven reached
adult age.
Professor William H. C. Hale of this review was the third son and
tenth child. He was reared in his native county until ten years of age,
when he came with his parents to Cass county, and after acquiring his
preliminary education in the district schools he entered the State Normal College at Ypsilanti, Michigan, completing the common school
course in 1878. He then engaged in teaching school for several years
in Cass county, after which he returned to Ypsilanti in I889 and completed the regular normal course by graduation in I89I, having finished
the assigned work in the literary and scientific departments. He received a teacher's life certificate for the state of Michigan and for three
years he was principal of the Quinnesec school, after which he returned
and taught in Cass county for about four years. He was then elected
county commissioner of schools in 1901 and was re-elected in I903, so
that he is still holding the office. He has made a close and earnest study
of the needs and possibilities of the schools and his efforts in this direction have been attended with gratifying success, for under his guidance
the standard of the schools has been raised and good work has been
done.
Other political offices and honors have been conferred upon Professor Hale, who for four years served as justice of the peace in Calvin township.  His decisions were strictly fair and impartial and he
proved a capable officer: He was also school inspector in the same
township for six years and in 90oo he took the United States census
in Calvin township. In 1884 he was the Republican candidate for county clerk, but that year witnessed a Democratic landslide and he failed
of election. He is now and for some years has been a member of the
Republican county central committee and does all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of his party. His entire life
has been devoted to educational work and official duties, and over the
record of his public and private career there falls no shadow of wrong,
for his labors have been characterized by an unquestioned fidelity to
duty. Earnest effort, close application and the exercise of his native
talents won him prestige as an educator, while his personal characteristics have made him a popular citizen.
ALLEN M. KINGSBURY.
Allen M. Kingsbury, resides on section 29, LaGrange township,
where he owns and controls valuable farming interests and in addition
to carrying on agricultural pursuits he is also acting as vice-president
of the First National Bank of Cassopolis. He represents one of the




644


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


oldest and most prominent pioneer families of Cass county. The student of history cannot carry his investigations far into the annals of
this county without learning of the close, valuable and honorable connection of the Kingsburys with the events which have molded the policy and shaped the development of this part of the state. His father
was Asa Kingsbury, a native of Massachusetts, who came to' Michigan
when much of this district was wild and unimproved. In his family
were thirteen children, seven sons and six daughters, of whom Allen
M. Kingsbury is the third child and second son. He was born upon the
old homestead farm in LaGrange township and was there reared to
manhood, acquiring his education in the schdols of Oak Grove, Cassopolis and Jackson townships. When not busy with his text-books he
aided in the work of field and meadow and continued to assist his father
in the operation of the home farm until twenty-one years of age, when
he started out in life on his own account, following the pursuit to which
he had been reared. He became an energetic agriculturist of LaGrange
township and as the years have gone by has carefully conducted his
farming interests. After his marriage he located upon the old homestead for a year and then removed to the farm upon which he now
resides and which has since been his place of residence. It comprises
two hundred acres of rich and arable land, which responds readily to
the care and cultivation that is bestowed upon it. He is both practical
and progressive in his methods, is methodical and systematic in his work
and keeps in touch with the most advanced ideas of modern farming.
He is also numbered among the stockholders of the First National Bank
of Cassopolis and is now serving as its vice-president.
In I877 Mr. Kingsbury was united in marriage to Miss May L.
Haynes, who was born and reared in Jackson county, Michigan. and
by this marriage five children have been born: Floy, who is now the
wife of Fred B. Lamb. a resident of Perth Amboy, New Jersey: Jessie
who is engaged in teaching in Lewistown, Montana; Alberta, who is a
teacher in New Jersey; Allen W., who is assisting his father in the work
of the home farm; and Catharine, who is attending school in Cassopolis.
All are natives of Cass county and were reared upon the old family
homestead.
Mr. Kingsbury has likewise spent his entire life in Cass county
and is a worthy representative of one of its most honored and prominent pioneer families, and his lines of life have been cast in harmony
therewith. He has always stood for good citizenship and for all that
is straightforward in man's relations with his fellow men, and he receives and merits the confidence and good will of those with whom he
has been associated. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has voted for the men who are pledged to support the principles of Democracy.   He served as township treasurer of LaGrange
township and has also been justice of the peace, rendering decisions in
that office that were strictly fair and impartial. In the Masonic fra



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


645


temity he has attained the Knight Templar degree and he is ever true
to the teachings of the craft whose principles make for good citizenship
and for honorable manhood.
REV. 0. P. MILLER.
Rev. O. P. Miller is active in both church and temperance work
and his influence has ever been for the uplifting and benefit of his fellowmen. There is in him an abiding sympathy and charity which have
won for him the deserved confidence and good will of his fellow townsmen and his efforts have been a moving force in the moral development
of the community in which he has long made his home. He was born
in Jefferson township, Cass county, Michigan, on the 20th of February, I847, his parents bein'g the Rev. John P. and Mary (Shrum) Miller, prominent and honored residents of this part of the state. In their
family were the following 'named: Mrs. Sarah Garvy; Adam, deceased; Martha, the widow of Jeremiah Keneston and a resident of Jefferson township, Cass county; Mrs. Lydia Weaver, who died in I898;
Rev. B. R. Miller, who is living in Goshen, Indiana; Susan, who died
at the age of thirteen years; 0. P., of this review; and Leander, deceased.
As the above record indicates, Rev. O. P. Miller is next to the
youngest of the fanily. His boyhood days were quietly passed in the
usual manner of farm lands. He was reared in Jefferson township and
his education was acquired in the common schools. When not busy
with his text-books he often aided in the work of the fields, and he remained with his father up to the time of his marriage, which event was
celebrated on the 20th of November, I864, Miss Jane Wade becoming
his wife. She was born in Canada but was reared in Illinois and Michigan, her parents being William B. and Anna (Gilmore) Wade, who
removed from Canada to Illinois and afterward came to this state. Mr.
and Mrs. Miller began their domestic life upon a farm in Jefferson
township, where they resided until I881, in which year they took up
their abode in LaGrange township, two miles west of Cassopolis. There
Mr. Miller carried on farming until I891, in which year he was ordained
to the ministry of the Christian church and he has since devoted his
life to preaching the gospel. He is now located in Cassopolis. He
comes of a family of ministers, there having been many clergymen
among the Miller family. In the father's family there were four brothers who became preachers of the word, most of them being connected
with the Church of the Disciples or Christian church.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been born three children: Edwin,
who is living in Cassopolis; Anna 0., now the wife of Lewis Cays,
of the same city; and Alva, who is at home. They also reared two
adopted children, Charles Wade and Addie Miller, both of whom became members of the household in infancy.




646


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


At one time Mr. Miller was a stanch advocate of Democratic principles but in later years has been associated with the Prohibition party,
which embodies his views on the temperance question. He has done
all in his power to promulgate temperance principles and has been very
active in the work of the church. He is an earnest and conscientious
minister of the gospel, laboring untiringly for the adoption of the religious principles in which he believes and his efforts have carried considerable weight and influence in the community. All who know him respect him for his fidelity and for his courageous expression of the views
which he entertains and he has won the love and confidence of many
by his sympathy and his earnest work in behalf of those who have
needed not only spiritual but material aid as well.
NELSON J. CROSBY.
Nelson J. Crosby, one of the widely known citizens of Cass county,
who has figured quite prominently in political affairs and is now engaged
in dealing in horses in Cassopolis and is also a well known real estate
agent, was born in Lenawee county, Michigan, on the 3rd of February,
I847, and is descended from Irish ancestry. The family, however, was
founded in America at an early day, the grandfather, William Crosby,
having been a native of New York. The father, Asaph Crosby, was
also born in that state and settled in Lenawee county in 1835, becoming
one of its pioneer residents. He was a farmer by occupation, devoting
his entire life to that pursuit, and on his removal to Cass county in
1856 he located upon a farm in Penn township, which he greatly improved, bringing it under a high state of cultivation and transforming
it into a valuable tract. He lived a life of well-directed energy and
unfaltering enterprise. In early manhood he wedded Julia Holmes, who
was a native of New York and was also of Irish descent. She died in
1852 in Lenawee county and Mr. Crosby survived for twenty years,
passing away in Cass county in I872 when more than sixty-six years
of age.
Nelson J. Crosby was the sixth in order of birth in a family of
eight children, five sons and three daughters, all of whom reached manhood or womanhood. He was about nine years of age at the time of
the removal of his father to Cass county, and upon the old family homestead in Penn township he spent the days of his boyhood and youth,
acquiring his education in the schools of Vandalia. He has largely been
dependent upon his own resources from the age of seven years. He
was only five years old at the time of his mother's death, and about two
years later he began working, since which time he has provided largely
for his dwn support, doing any labor for which his age and strength
permitted him upon the farms of the neighborhood. Thinking that he
would find other occupation more congenial, when eighteen years of
age he began learning the cooper's trade, serving an apprenticeship of




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


647


one year, during which time he received only his board in compensation for his services. He afterward worked for a year as a journeyman and then purchased the shop in which he had learned the trade,
thus becoming a factor in the business life of Vandalia. He carried on
the business there for about twelve years, meeting with good success,
after which he disposed of his shop and resumed farming operations,
becoming an agriculturist of Penn township, where he engaged in tilling the soil for seven years. Oin the expiration of that period he removed to Cassopolis and was appointed undersheriff under Sheriff MacIntosh, occupying that position for four years, at the end of which time
he was elected village marshal and served for two years.  He then
again became undersheriff under Sheriff W. H. Coulter and after two
years was elected sheriff in I896, filling the office for one term. His
previous experience as undersheriff had well qualified him for the position, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity.
Since his retirement from office he has been engaged in dealing in
horses and has also engaged in real estate operations, handling considerable valuable property.
In June, I872, Mr. Crosby was united in marriage to Miss Mary
Snyder, a daughter of Peter Snyder. He has been a stanch Republican
and served as constable in Penn township for a number of years in
addition to the offices previously mentioned.  His fraternal relations
are with the Odd Fellows and the Masons. He has taken the degrees
of the lodge, chapter and commandery, in which he has filled some of
the offices, and he is also a member of the Mystic Shrine, having crossed
the sands of the desert with the nobles of that ancient Arabic order.
Through much of his life he has resided in Cass county, being identified with its interests and giving helpful co-operation to many movements that have been of direct and permanent good to the community.
WILLIAM     C. McCUTCHEON, M. D.
By the consensus of public opinion Dr. William C. McCutcheon
is accorded a creditable position as a representative of the medical fratelnity of Cass county.  He is practicing successfully in Cassopolis,
where he is accorded a liberal patronage, and in the conscientious performance of his duties he is rendering valuable aid to his fellowmen,
while his fellow members of the medical fraternity recognize his devotion to a high standard of professional ethics.
Dr. McCutcheon was born on Seeley's Bay in the province of Ontario, Canada, December 29, 1870, and is the eldest in a family of three
children, whose parents were James and Sarah (Collinson) McCutcheon,, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of America.. Dr.
McCutcheon was reared in the place of his nativity and continued his
education in the Sydenham High School and at the Gananoque Collegiate Institute. from which he was graduated in the class of I888. The




648


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


following year he matriculated in Queens University for the preparation for the medical fraternity and after completing the prescribed
course in medicine and surgery he was graduated with the class of
'I894. He then came to Cassopolis, opening an office here on the ISth
of June of the same year, and has continuously practiced. He is also
a licensed physician of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons
of Kingston and he belongs to the Cass County Medical Association,
the Michigan State Medical Society and the American Medical Association, thus keeping in touch with the onward march of the profession.
In I897 Dr. McCutcheon was united in marriage to Miss Bertha
Kingsbury, a representative of a prominent family of Cassopolis, her
father being the late C. H. Kingsbury, who was one of the pioneer
settlers of this county and a son of Asa Kingsbury. Mrs. McCutcheon
was born in this county and has many warm friends among those who
have known her from her girlhood days as well as among the acquaintances of her later years. Dr. McCutcheon is a valued representative
of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree. In politics he is a Republican, but is without aspiration
for office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his professional
duties. He is now local surgeon for the Grand Trunk Railroad, and
he is recognized as a leading member of his profession in Cassopolis,
which is indicative of the large measure of confidence reposed in him
by his fellow townsmen. There is perhaps no profession which calls
for greater care, precision and accuracy than does the practice of medicine, where the issues of life and death are in the hands of the physician. He must make no mistake in his administration of remedial
agencies and his efforts must be founded upon broad and comprehensive
knowledge of tie scientific principles which underlie his work. Dr.
McCutcheon, with a keen sense of conscientious obligation, follows his
chosen calling, rendering valued service to his fellow men and finding
in his chosen work the deserved financial reward of his labor.
HUGH P. GARRETT.
The people of the younger generation cannot realize the conditions
which were met and the work which has been done by the early settlers
of the county. The traveler of today noting the enterprising towns and
villages and improved farms, the substantial homes and other evidences
of prosperity and culture, cannot realize- that scarcely more than a half
century has passed since the greater part of Cass county was an undeveloped wilderness. It requires stout hearts and willing hands to subdue the wilderness and plant the seeds of civilization in a wild district,
and early settlers certainly deserve the praise and gratitude of those
who follow later and enjoy the benefits of their labors. Mr. Garrett
is numbered among the early and honored residents of Cass county,
and at his pleasant home on section 31, LaGrange township, is enjoying




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


649


the fruits of his former toil. His mind forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present. He was born in
Montgomery county, Ohio, his natal place being in Miami township
and the date of his birth October 26, 1830. His father, John Garrett,
was born near Belfast, Ireland, and when twenty years of age crossed
the Atlantic to America, thinking that he might enjoy better business
opportunities and privileges in the new world than could be secured on
the green Isle of Erin. He landed at Philadelphia and made the journey on foot across the Alleghany mountains to Cincinnati, Ohio, whence
he afterward went to Montgomery county, that state. He had no
money and he worked at anything that he could get to do that would
yield him an honest living. He was thus employed up to the time of
his marriage to Miss Rosa Petticrew, a native of Montgomery county,
Ohio. He then turned his attention to farming, and in partnership
with an uncle established what was a large distillery for those days in
Montgomery county. They conducted quite an extensive business not
only in the manufacture of whiskey, but also engaged largely in the
raising of cattle and hogs, which they fed upon the refuse of the distillery. They shipped their stock by canal to Cincinnati and for a number of years conducted a prosperous business. At length, however,
Mr. Garrett disposed of his interests in Ohio and came to Michigan,
arriving in Cass county on the 2nd of April, I848. He afterward removed to VanB3uren county, this state, where he remained until called
to his final home in the sixty-third year of his age. His widow continued to reside upon the old homestead farm there until her death, which
occurred in I878, when she was in her seventy-third year. This worthy
couple were the parents of ten children, three sons and seven daughters,
all of whom reached adult age before there was a death in the family.
Five of the number, three sons and two daughters, are yet living at this
writing, in I906.
Hugh P. Garrett, the eldest, spent the first seventeen years of his
life in his native state and during that period worked with his father
and attended the common schools. He then accompanied his parents
to Michigan, locating in LaGrange township, Cass county, and when
about twenty years of age he started out upon an independent business
career, since which time he has relied entirely upon his own efforts for
a living. He was first employed as a farm hand by the month and he
also spent two years in a commission warehouse at Lockington, Shelby
county, Ohio. Following that interval he returned to Cass county and
here he sought a companion and helpmate for life's journey, being married on the I th of November, 1854, to Miss Elizabeth White. Losing
his first wife, he was married October 22, 1857, to Miss Julia A. Dunn,
and unto them were born two sons: John S., who is now a resident
farmer of Hamilton township, VanBuren county, Michigan; and David
E., who makes his home in Fillmore county, Nebraska. The wife and
mother died October 9, 1874, and on the loth of April, I876, Mr. Gar



650


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


rett was again married, Miss Phoebe Crawford becoming his wife.
She died leaving three children: Charles W., who was born in I877
and is living in Howard township; Ralph F., who also resides in Howard township; and Rosa A., who was born May 14, 1885, and died
August 21, I903. Mr. Garrett's second wife had a son and daughter by
a former marriage: William H. Garrett, who is living in Nebraska;
and Emma J., now the wife of James McCarty, of Owosso, Michigan.
His third wife had one daugther by a former marriage, Mrs. Viola F.
Jones, the wife of Warner D. Jones, of Cassopolis.
At the time of his first marriage Mr. Garrett rented land in Wayne
township, whereon he resided for a year. He afterward lived at various places and he found his second wife in Franklin county, Indiana,
where he resided until I865. In that year he returned to Michigan and
bought the farm where he now resides. In I880 he sold this property
and removed to Fillmore county, Nebraska, settling on a farm of one
hundred and sixty acres. In the fall of 1883 he sold this farm and
returned to Cass county, where he purchased the old homestead upon
which he now resides.  He rents his land at the present time, but
gives his personal supervision to the property, having one hundred
and five acres which constitutes a valuable farm that returns him a
good income. He has been -a Republican since the organization of
the party "under the oaks" in Jackson, Michigan, in I854. Previous to
that time he had voted with the Whig party and he cast his first presidential ballot for General Winfield Scott. He voted twice for Lincoln
and twice for Grant, also for McKinley, and in fact has supported
each presidential nominee of the Republican party. He has kept well
informed on questions and issues of the day and has never faltered in
his allegiance to the principles which he espouses, but he has never
sought or desired political preferment for himself. He was reared in
the faith of the Presbyterian church. His life has been straightforward, characterized by honesty in all his business dealings, and he is
well known in Cass county for his genuine personal worth.
E J. RUSSEY.
On the roster of county officials in Cass county appears the name
of E. J. Russey, who is serving as sheriff and who makes his home in
Cassopolis. His birth occurred in Howard township on the I3th of October, i866. His father, William Russey, was a native of Winchester,
Tennessee, born in 1811. His paternal grandfather, William Russey,
was of French lineage and the name was originally DeRussey. About
1821 the grandfather removed with his family to Muncie, Indiana, where
William Russey, then a youth-of ten years, was reared and educated.,He continued a resident of that state until about 1856, when he came
to Cass county, settling at Vandalia. Here he was engaged in the hotel
business for a times but later removed to Howard -township, locating




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


651


on a farm, where he resided until I877, when he removed to Newberg
township. There he carried on general agricultural pursuits, and his
death occurred there on the I8th of March, I892. He was a Republican
in politics and was justice of the peace. His interest in community affairs was deep and sincere and arose from an earnest desire for public
progress and improvement. He was one of the active workers of the
Republican party and never missed an election. His fraternal relations
were with the Masons, and his life exemplified the beneficent spirit of
the craft in its teachings concerning mutual helpfulness and brotherly
kindness. He lived to be eighty years of age and since his death his
memory has been enshrined in the hearts of many who knew and respected him. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Brakeman, and
she was a native of St. Clair county, Michigan, born March 25, I830,
and in I836 she came to Cass county with her mother. Her father,
Captain Lewis G. Brakeman, was drowned in Lake St. Clair while
commanding a vessel. The mother, Mrs. Candace Brakeman, afterward
removed to Cass county, settling in Newberg township, where Mrs.
Russey was reared, the family being among the early pioneer residents
of that locality. Mrs. Russey has watched almost the entire growth
and development of this part of the state, watching its transition from
a wilderness to its present state of cultivation and improvement. She
is now seventy-five years of age and she makes her home with her son,
E. J. Russey. She was married in this county and became the mother
of five sons, two of whom are now deceased. The three yet living are:
William B., a resident of Owosso, Michigan; Wiley, who is a twin
brother of William and follows farming in Newberg township, Cass
county; and E. J. of this review.
The last named was reared on the old homestead farm in Newberg
township and acquired a common-school education. He worked at farm
labor during the period of his youth and remained a resident of his
native township until 900o, when he came to Cassopolis to accept the
position of undersheriff, which he filled for four years. In I904 he was
elected sheriff by the Republican party of Cass county, which position
he is now filling. He was married in December, I89I, to Miss Carrie
Harwood, a daughter of William   and Clarissa (Easton) Harwood,
who was born in Newberg township and there was reared, her parents
being pioneer settlers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Russey have four
children: Lena, born June 3, I894; Mabel, May Io, I897; Mark Hanna, August 9, I899; and Hazel, January 3, 1902.
Mr. Russey is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees. He
has been a lifelong resident of Cass county, being connected with agricultural pursuits until called to public office, wherein he has discharged
his duties with promptness and fidelity. Realizing 'fully the responsibility that devolves upon him,, he has displayed neither fear nor favor
in the exercise of his duties, and his course has made him a menace to




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


all representatives of the criminal class, while those who hold themselves amenable to law regard him as a stalwart defender of life, liberty
and justice.
ISAAC S. POUND.
Isaac S. Pound is one of the leading old settlers of Cass county and
a veteran of the Civil war. Coming to southern Michigan at an early
day he has assisted in making the county what it is, the labors of the
early settlers winning for it a place among the leading counties of this
great commonwealth. His mind bears the impress of the early historic
annals of southern Michigan and he can relate many interesting incidents of the early days when the land was largely unimproved and the
work of development had been scarcely begun. He was born in Ontario
county, New York, September 22, I837, and is of English lineage. His
paternal great-grandparents came from England, settling in New Jersey.  The great-grandfather, Thomas Pound, served as a soldier of
the Revolutionary war, becoming aide-de-camp on the staff of General
Wrashington and acting for a part of the time as staff quartermaster.
Hle had three sons, Thomas, Isaac and John. The second was the grandfather of our subject and he, too, manifested his loyalty to his country by serving in the war of 1812 as a private. The family record is
notahle because of the industry, integrity and high principles of its
representatives. There has never been a drunkard, a pauper nor a criminal among the Pounds and such a record is one of which any man
might well be proud.
Thomas Pound, father of our subject, was a native of Orange
county, New York, in which locality he was reared and educated. He
was married in that county to Miss Sallie Smith, also a native of that
county and a daughter of Isaac Smith, who likewise served as a private in the war of 1812. He was supposed to have been of Irish lineage.
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Pound removed to
Chemung county, New York, and afterward became residents of Ontario
county, that state, where they resided until I844. Hoping to enjoy better opportunities in the west they then started for Michigan and, as this
was before the era of railroad transportation, they traveled by wagon,
making their way direct to Newberg township, Cass county, where Mr.
Pound had secured one hundred and sixty acres of land. The tract was
entirely wild and uncultivated, not an improvement having been made
on the place. He first built a log house about sixteen by twenty-four
feet and then began to clear the land, performing the arduous task of
cutting away the timber, taking out the stumps and preparing the fields
for the plow. In due course of time, however, his land was placed under
cultivation and brought forth rich harvests. He was a hard working
man, energetic and enterprising, and was regarded as one of the leading and representative early citizens of his community. His political
allegiance was given to the Whig party until the organization of the








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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


653


Republican party, when he joined its ranks and continued one of its supporters until his death. He served as highway commissioner and acted
as a member of the grand jury that held a session in I856. His religious faith was indicated by his membership and loyalty to the Protestant Methodist church. He died upon the old homestead November 26,
1863, and was for some years survived by his wife, who reached the
advanced age of eighty-three years. In their family were eight children, seven sons and a daughter, of which number five reached adult
age, while four are still living.
Isaac S. Pound, the second child and the first son born of this marriage, was a lad of seven summers when brought by his parents to Cass
county. His education was acquired in one of the old-time log schoolhouses of the township, with its slab seats and other primitive furnishings. The building was heated by a large fireplace, occupying almost
one entire end of the room. His educational privileges, however, were
very limited, for his services were needed upon the farm and he assisted
in the development of the fields until about twenty-one years of age.
He afterward took charge of the old homestead property, which he
farmed for three years, when he purchased the place upon which he now
resides. For a year thereafter he kept "bachelor's hall," but in March
1862, won a companion and helpmate for life's journey, being married
at that time to Miss Elizabeth Hinchman, a daughter of J. K. and
Panena (White) Hinchman. Mrs. Pound was born in Boone county,
West Virginia, and was seven years of age when she came to Cass
county with her parents, who settled in Silver Creek township. She
was the youngest in a family of eleven children. At the time of his
marriage Mr. Pound brought his bride to the farm upon which he now
resides, having lived here for forty-five consecutive years with the exception of a brief period of four years spent in Van Buren county and
his term of service in the war of the Rebellion. In Augusf, 1864, he
responded to the country's urgent need for troops, enlisting as a member of the Fourteenth Michigan Battery of Light Artillery, and served
until July, I865, when, the war having closed, he was mustered out as
a private and returned to his home. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs.
Pound has been blessed with six children, who are yet living: Ella.
now the wife of Fred W. Timm, a resident of Cassopolis; Fred J., a
mail carrier living in Marcellus, Michigan; Eva E., the wife of Andrew
J. Poe, whose home is in Newberg township; Carrie, the wife of Thomas
G. Barks of Vandalia; Arthur W., who is living upon the old home
farm; and Jane, the wife of W. Butler of Newberg township.
Throughout his entire life Mr. Pound has followed the occupation
cf farming, and is now the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of
arable land, which he has brought under a high state of cultivation,
and it is known as " The Maple Grove Farm." There are good buildings upon the place and he has divided the land into fields of convenient




654


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


size by well kept fences. He has secured many of the late improved
farm implements and in all of his work is progressive and enterprising.
He votes with the Republican party and is unfaltering in his advocacy
of its principles. He has attended the county conventions for forty
years or more, usually as a delegate, and his opinions have carried
weight in the party councils. He held some minor offices, and at all
times is loyal and progressive in his citizenship. He belongs to W. J.
May post, No. 65, G. A. R., in which he has filled all of the chairs save
that of chaplain, and he has been a member of the Grange for more than
thirty years. His residence in the county covers a period of sixty-one
years, and he has been closely and helpfully identified with its development and progress. When the family located in Michigan there were
only about twenty-five voters in Newberg township, and now there are
about five hundred. There were a number of wild animals and considerable wild game, including bears, wolves, deer and turkeys and prairie
chickens, so that it was not a difficult task for the pioneer settler to
secure game for his table. This was largely a timber region, the forests having as yet been uncut, but to-day there are seen waving
fields of grain where once stood the native trees. The little pioneer
cabins have long since given place to commodious and substantial farrh
residences, while here and there towns and villages have sprung up,
containing excellent industrial and commercial interests. Mr. Pound
rejoices in what has been accomplished, and at all times he is regarded
as a citizen whose aid can be counted upon to further every movement or
measure for the public good.
C. H. FUNK, D. D. S.
Dr. C. H. Funk is engaged in the practice of dentistry in Cassopolis, where he has a well equipped office, and in his work he keeps in
touch with modem scientific research and with the most advanced ideas
and methods of the profession. He was born in Elkhart, Indiana, May
17, 1855. His father, William Funk, was a native of Pennsylvania
and became one of the early settlers of Elkhart county, Indiana, where
he carried on farming and milling. He was of German descent, as
was his wife, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Myers. In their
family were four sons and five daughters, all of whom reached adult
age and are still living with but two exceptions.
Dr. Funk is the third child and eldest son. H-e was reared and
educated in Elkhart county, pursuing his studies in Goshen, Indiana,
after which he engaged in teaching school for four years in that county.
The year 1878 witnessed his arrival in Cassopolis. He had previously
studied dentistry under the direction of Dr. Cummins, of Elkhart, and
he practiced for four years in Cassopolis. He afterward attended the
Indiana Dental College, from which he was graduated in the class of
1883, when he once more resumed practice in Cassopolis, where he has




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


655


remained continuously since. By reading, investigation and study he
has kept in touch with the progress made by the dental fraternity and
he has the mechanical skill and ability without which no member of the
profession attains the highest success. His work has given a uniform
satisfaction and his patronage is large and growing. He is also interested in real estate, has negotiated some important property transfers
and has contributed to the improvement of the city through the building of the Ritter & Funk block and the postoffice block in Cassopolis.
He is also interested in farming in connection with Mr. Ritter, so that
the extent and scope of his activities have made him a prominent business man of Cassopolis.
Dr. Funk was married in I890 to Miss Ellen R. Ritter, a daughter of Joseph K. and Amanda F. (Kingsbury) Ritter. She was born
and reared in Cassopolis and has become- the mother of two sons, Leland R. and Cyrus R.
Dr. Funk is a well known Mason, having taken the lodge and chapter degrees in the craft. He is an honorary member of the Indiana
State Dental Society, a member of the Michigan State Dental Society
since I885, and is president of the.Southwest Michigan Dental Society.
He supports the Republican party, giving his ballot to those men who
are pledged to uphold its principles, and in the work of the organization
he has taken an active and helpful part, serving as secretary of the Republican county central committee. His residence in Cassopolis covers
twenty-eight years, during which time he has served for five years on
the school board and for three years as its treasurer. The cause of education finds in him a warm and stalwart friend and he is also the champion of every progressive movement that tends to prove of practical
and permanent good to the county. He is wide-awake, alert and enterprising, and is a typical representative of the citizenship of the middle
west productive of the rapid and substantial advancement of this section of the country.
TOHN ATKINSON.
The growth and substantial progress of a community do not depend upon the efforts of a single individual but are the result of the
aggregate endeavor of many who have due regard for opportunity and
exercise their powers for the general improvement and progress. To
this class belongs John Atkinson, a dealer in carriages, wagons, farm
implements, hay and grain in Cassopolis. He possesses the enterprising
spirit which has been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of the
west. He is a western man by birth, training and preference, having
first opened his eyes to the light of day in Mason township, Cass county,
on the 8th of May, 1858. His father, Thomas Atkinson, was a native
of England, and in an early day crossed the Atlantic to the new world,
settling in the state of New York, whence he afterward removed to
Elkhart, Indiana. On leaving that locality he came to Cass county,




656


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Michigan, where he met his death, being killed when forty-five years
of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Jane Ann Ingledo,
was a native of England and also became a resident of New Castle,
Indiana. She long survived her husband and died in Cass county at
the ripe old age of seventy-eight years. In their family were thirteen
children, eight of whom reached adult age, while seven are now living.
Mr. Atkinson is the tenth in order of birth in the family of thirteen
children. He was reared in his native township and remained at home,
assisting in the work of the farm in his early youth and when twelve
years of age beginning work as a farm hand in the neighborhood by
the month. The first pair of boots which he ever owned were paid for
by a month's wages at farm labor. The money which he made during
his minority went to support the family. He was only about five years
of age when his father was killed, leaving a family of seven children,
one of whom was born after the father's demise. The family were left
in limited financial circumstances, so that the boys had. to support the
mother and the smaller children. Mr. Atkinson early came to a realization of the value of earnest and persistent endeavor and by his close
application and stalwart purpose he made good progress in the business
world. After working by the month for eleven years Mr. Atkinson
went to Manistee county, Michigan, and engaged in lumbering in the
midst of the forests of that district. He worked for a part of the time
by the month, spending about two years in the lumber trade. Leaving
the lumber woods he came to Cass couity, Michigan, where he engaged
in the manufacture of ties for the Michigan Central Railroad. He also
devoted a portion of his time to farm labor, spending two and a half
years in this way, on the expiration of which period he came to Cassopolis and engaged in shipping wood and in baling hay. He also traded in
hay and wood, getting in exchange wagons and buggies from the Studebaker Company of South Bend, Indiana. He also traded for the brick
which was used in the construction of the first hotel in the town. He
has now one of the largest business enterprises of Cassopolis, his trade
representing one hundred thousand dollars per year. He is in the grain
business in addition to the agricultural implement business, and in the
various departments of trade with which he is connected he has secured
a liberal patronage. He shipped one hundred and sixty car loads of
hay, straw and grain in I900. He has likewise extended his efforts to
the field of real estate operations, buying and selling farms. He makes
a specialty of heavy farm machinery and has sold threshing machines
to the value of fifteen thousand dollars since the ist of February, I905.
He also handles sawmill machinery, boilers and engines and does all of
the trade in this line in the county. In the year I905 he sold sixtyseven head of horses. He has a farm comprising about two hundred
acres of land, and as has been indicated his business interests are of a
varied and important nature, bringing to him gratifying success by reason of his careful control, capable management and keen insight.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


On the I5th of June, I888, Mr. Atkinson was united in marriage
to Miss Ida Belle Hunt, who was born in Ontwa township, Cass county,
and was reared by Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Hunt. Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson have become the parents of five children, but lost their daughter,
Zerl. The others are: Maud, Lucile, Louis and Cyrus.
Mr. Atkinson is a lifelong Republican, who has worked earnestly in
behalf of the party but has never sought or desired office, nor would he
accept any political preferment. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen camp and is well known in the county as a liberal man who has
contributed generously to the support of many measures for the general
good..Ie is also a stalwart advocate of the-temperance cause, working
earnestly in behalf of the party. An analyzation of his life record shows
that energy and strict attention to business have been his salient characteristics and have constituted the secret of his success. He has sought
to live honorably and peaceably with his fellowmen, practicing the golden
rule in daily affairs and at all times he has enjoyed in full measure the
confidence, good will and trust of those with whom he has been brought
in contact.
HARSEN D. SMITH.
Harsen D. Smith is a prominent attorney of Cassopolis equally well
known because of his activity in political circles. He has chosen as a
life work a profession in which success results only from individual
merit, from comprehensive knowledge and close application, and his high
reputation is well deserved because he has manifested all of the salient
characteristics demanded of the successful and able lawyer. A native
of Albion, New York, he was born on the I7th of March, I845, and is
a son of E. Darwin and Maria (Arnold) Smith, the former a native of
Connecticut and the latter of New York. The paternal grandfather,
Moses B. Smith, was a minister of the Universalist church and had a
very wide and favorable acquaintance in the western part of the Empire
state, to which he removed from New England. He was of Scotch lineage, his father, Moses Smith, Sr., having emigrated from the land of
the hills and heather to the new world. E. Darwin Smith, father of our
subject, was a manufacturer of agricultural implements. Following his
removal to New York he devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits.
He married Miss Maria Arnold, a native of the Empire state and a
daughter of Benjamin Arnold, who was of English descent. They became the parents of three children, two daughters and a son.
Harsen D. Smith, who was the second in order of birth, acquired
an academic education at Newark, Wayne county, New York, where he
was graduated. He afterward engaged in teaching school in that state
for a short time, and in 1862 he went to Iowa, locating at Eldora, where
for one year he acted as principal of the Eldora Union Schools. He
then became a teacher in the Iowa Lutheran College at Albion, Iowa,




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


being professor of mathematics. In the meantime he had taken up the
study of law and for a period was a student in the office of Governor
Eastman, of Iowa.   Subsequently he went to Rochester, New York,
where he entered the law office of Judge George F. Danforth, a member of the court of appeals of the Empire state. For about two years Mr.
Smith remained in that office and was then admitted to the New York
bar, after which he removed to Coldwater, Michigan, and spent about
six months in the office of E.. G. Fuller. He afterward removed to
Jackson, Michigan, and entered the office of Hon. W. K. Gibson. Tn
August, 1R7o, he removed to Cassopolis, where he formed a partnership with Hon. Charles W. Clisbee, with whom he continued for two
years. THe then practiced by himself for a year, after which he formed
a partnership with Judge Andrew J. Smith, that connection being thus
continued until Andrew J. Smith was elected circuit judge, since which
time Harsen D. Smith has been alone in practice. He has for thirty-five
years been a representative of the Cassopolis bar and is therefore numbered among the pioneer attorneys. of the county.  He has gradually
worked his way upward, demonstrating his ability to cope with intricate
problems of jurisprudence and in the handling of his cause he displays
great strength, while his devotion to his clients' interest is proverbial.
In October, 1873, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Sate
R. Read, who was born in this county in I853, and is a daughter of S.
T. and Rhoda R. (Hayden) Read.
In his political views Mr. Smith is a stalwart Republican, thoroughly in sympathy with the principles of the party. He was elected
and served as chairman of the Republican County Central Committee
for ten years, was a member of the State Central Committee for six
years, and for four years a member of the executive committee. He is
widely recognized as one of the foremost Republicans of Michigan, and
his efforts in behalf of the organization have been far reaching and beneficial. In 1876 he was elected prosecuting attorney, filling the office for
four years, and in I898 he was appointed by the governor to the position of circuit judege to preside over the bench of a new circuit until an
election could be held. He served in that capacity for one year. He
was a member of the state pardon board for about seven years, but
when appointed judge resigned that position. Following his retirement
from the bench he was reappointed on the pardon board. He was nominated for state senator in I884, but that was the year of the Democratic landslide. Fraternally he is connected with the lodge, chapter
and commanderv in the Masonic fraternity and also with Saladin Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Grand Rapids. He has been very successful in his practice, being connected with the greater number of the importaift cases tried in his district and his broad intellectuality, great
strength of character and determined purpose have made him a valued
factor, not only as a legal practitioner but also in social, fraternal and




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


059


political circles. He has done much to mold public thought and opinion
in his community and is justly classed with the prominent and representative citizens of Cass county.
JOHN F. SWISHER.
John F. Swisher devotes his time and energies to agricultural pursuits. More than a century ago George Washington said that "agriculture is the most honorable as well as the most useful occupation of
man," and the truth of this assertion has been abundantly verified in all
the ages. Mr. Swisher has given his entire life to farm work and now
has a good property on Section 8, Silver Creek township, which is the
farm upon which he was born, his natal day being March 7, I858. His
father, John T. Swisher, was a native of Virginia, born in I812, and
with his parents he removed to Ohio when seventeen years of age, the
family home being established in Preble county. There he grew to manhood and was married there to Miss Millicent Elliott, a native of South
Carolina, weho was brought to Preble county, Ohio, during her infancy
and was there reared. Her parents died when she was a small child.
She remained in Preble county until after she gave her hand in marriage
to Mr. Swisher. About I849 they removed to Cass county, Michigan,
settling in Silver Creek township, where their remaining days were
passed. Mr. Swisher departed this life in his seventy-ninth year and
left behind him that priceless heritage of an untarnished name, because
he had always been loyal in citizenship, straightforward in business and
honorable in private life. He took an interest in political questions and
situations and was a stanch Republican who held various township offices, the duties of which were capably and promptly performed. He
was a devoted member of the Christian church and was a leader in the
work of building the house of worship. while in the various church
activities he took a helpful part. His wife, who was a faithful companion and helpmate to him on life's journey and who displayed many
sterling traits of heart and mind, also passed away in Cass county. In
their family were nine children, four sons and five daughters; all of whom
reached adult age.
John F. Swisher, the youngest of this family, was reared upon the
old homestead farm, where he now lives. His early educational privileges were afforded by the district schools of Silver Creek township and
later he continued his studies in Battle Creek high school. During the
periods of vacation he worked in the fields, assisting his father in the
task of developing and improving his land, and he thus gained good
practical knowledge of the best methods of farm work. He was married in i883 to Miss Alice G. Calvert, and unto them have been born
two children, Clarence and Erma, but the latter died January 9, I89I.
She won the first premium as the prettiest girl among thirty-three contestants at the Dowagiac fair in I890. Her loss was deeply felt by




660


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


]er parents and many friends. Her mother survived her for only a few
months, passing away August 23, I89I, at the comparatively early age
of thirty-three years.  In I893 Mr. Swisher was again married, his
second union being with Emma J. Benner, the widow of George Norton. There is one child of this marriage, Neal, who is now eight years
of age.
-  Mr. Swisher has been a general stock farmer and in addition to tilling the soil has raised high grades of stock, finding both branches of
his business profitable. He has led a busy and useful life, characterized
by thorough understanding of his work, by diligence in all that he.does
and by straightforward dealing at all times. His political allegiance is
given to the Republican party, and he is a firm advocate of its principles and does all in his power to promote its growth and extend its
influence. In 1902 he was elected to the office of supervisor, and his
capable service during his first term of service led to his re-election in
I903. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church, in which he is now serving as deacon, and for twelve years,
with the exception of a brief interval of two years, he has been continuously superintendent of the Sunday-school. His efforts in behalf
of the church have been far-reaching and beneficial and he is most earnest
and zealous in his labors to promote religious instruction among the
young, realizing the beneficial effects upon one's after life.  He has
always lived in this county and is a valued representative of a worthy
pioneer family. The circle of his friends is extensive because he has
ever displayed those sterling traits of character which in every land and
clime command confidence and regard.
CHRIS A. HUX.
Chris A. Hux, well known in financial circles in Cass county as the
cashier of the Lee Brothers & Company bank at Dowagiac, is a native
son of Michigan and seems imbued with the spirit of enterprise and
energy which have been the dominant factors in the upbuilding of the
middle west. His birth occurred in Grand Haven on the ist of June,
i868. His father, Christian Hux, was a native of Germany, and in
that land spent his youth and acquired his education in the scliools of
Wurtemberg. Crossing the Atlantic to America, he made his way into
the interior of the country, locating at Lansing, Michigan, where he
followed the machinist's trade, which he had mastered in his native
country. He later was engaged in similar work at Grand Rapids, and
subsequently took up his abode in Grand Haven in I866. There he
carried on business as a machinist until his removal to Owosso, Michigan, where his last days were passed, his death occurring when he was
in the fifty-ninth year of his age. He had married subsequent to his
arrival in the new world Miss Frederica Lambert, a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, who came with her parents to the United States, the




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


661


family settling in Lansing, - Michigan, about I864.- She is still living
and now makes her home in Dowagiac. The members of the family are:
Chris A., of this review; Lizzie, the wife of William Elliott, of Owosso;
Michigan; Fred, who is residing in Durand, Michigan; Emma; and
Charlie, who is also living in Owosso.
Chris A.- Hux, the eldest of his father's family, spent the greater
part of his youth in Owosso, whither his parents removed in his early
boyhood days. IHe spent five years as a-student in the Flint school and
was afterward sent to the Fenton public schools. After putting aside
his text books he secured a position in the employ of the Michigan
Central Railroad Company in the freight department at Owosso. Later
he was transferred to Jackson, Michigan, and subsequently sent to
Grand Rapids, to Augusta and to Dowagiac, whence he went to Chicago Heights, Illinois, on the i3th of October, I892. In I896, however,
he returned to Dowagiac and became cashier in the private bank of Lee
Brothers & Company, in which capacity he has since remained. He has
thoroughly acquainted himself with the banking business in every department and has rendered faithful and capable service to the house
which he represents. At the same time he has become popular with its
patrons by reason of the uniform courtesy which he extends to them
and the promptness and ability with which he discharges the business
which he transacts for them.
Mr. Hux is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has
attained high rank. He is now a past eminent commander of Niles
Conlmandery No. I2, K. T., has also attained the thirty-second degree
of the Scottish rite and is a member of the Mystic Shrine. He is one
of the youngest Masons in Michigan to have'advanced thus far in the
craft and is a worthy exemplar of the order, being in hearty sympathy
with its principles of brotherly kindness and mutual helpfulness. Although he usually gives his political support to the Republican party,
he does not consider himself bound- by party ties and often casts an independent ballot in support of the candidates whom he thinks best qualified for office. He is very widely and favorably known in his part of
the county, having been a resident of Dlowagiac for thirteen years,
his business and social relations bringing him into contact with many
people, and he easily wins their friendship and regard by reason of the
possession of those sterling traits of character which everywhere coma
mand respect and confidence.
ANDREW BARNHART.
Andrew Barnhart is one of the old settlers of Cass county now living on Section I8, Silver Creek township. Many are the changes that
have occurred since he took up his abode in this portion of the state
and the traveler of today can scarcely realize that it has been within
only a few decades that this county was covered with a dense growth of:




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


forest trees and that the work of clearing and developing had scarcely
been begun. Mr. Barnhart is moreover one of the most venerable citizens of the county, having reached the eighty-fourth milestone on life's
journey. He was born in Preble county, Ohio, about 1822 and was one
of a family of ten children, six sons and four daughters, who were born
of the marriage of David and Sarah (Shoemaker) Barnhart, both of
whom were natives of Indiana, while their respective parents were of
German birth. Both Mr. and Mrs. David Barnhart lived to a good old
age and all of their ten children grew to years of maturity, although but
one sister of our subject is now living, Mrs. Hulda Young, who yet resides in Preble county, Ohio.
Andrew Barnhart remained at home during his boyhood and youth
and assisted in the farm work. His education was received in a log
schoolhouse in Preble county and he attended school for only a brief
period during the winter months, while during the remainder of the
year he worked at farm labor, taking his place in the fields at the time
of early spring planting and continuing to assist in their cultivation until
the crops were harvested in the late autumn. Farm work was also more
difficult than at the present time, for the machinery was crude and much
of the labor was done by hand. Mr. Barnhart started out in life on
his own account at the age of twenty-one years, coming to Michigan on
foot. He made his way direct to Cass county and settled in Silver
Creek township, where he purchased the farm upon which he now lives,
paying two dollars per acre for a tract of one hundred and sixty acres,
which was all covered with trees. In the midst of the green trees he
began clearing the land. There were no improvements whatever upon
the place and he had to cut down the timber and grub out the stumps
before he could plow and plant the fields. His first home was a little
log cabin about sixteen by sixteen feet and containing only one room.
When he had made arrangements for having a home of his own he returned to Ohio and was married in Preble county to Miss Mary Ann
Fraze, who was born in P'reble county, Ohio. He returned to Cass
county with a team and. wagon bringing his bride. He also drove two
cows. In true pioneer style the young couple began their domestic life
on the western frontier, and for many years they traveled life's journey
together, sharing with each other its joys and sorrows, its adversity
and prosperity, but in 1891 Mr. Barnhart was called upon to mourn the
loss of his wife, who died on the 28th of January of that year. They
had no children of their own but adopted three: William Mott, who
died at the age of thirteen years; Mrs. Sarah E. Strackangast, also deceased; and Mary E. Fraze, who is the only one now living. She was
born in Winchester, Indiana, and is the wife of C. A. Green. They
reside upon the old homestead with Mr. Barnhart.
From the age of twenty-one years to the present time Mr. Barnhart has continuously been a resident of Cass county and is therefore
numbered among its pioneer settlers. He is now the owner of one hun



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


663


dred and eighty acres of good land which he rents. He started out in
life practically empty-handed but he possessed strong determination and
unfaltering enterprise and upon this as a foundation has builded his
success. After working for a time at farm labor he was enabled to
make purchase of his land at the very low price at which property
sold in those days, and through the intervening years he has improved
his farm, converting it into a valuable place. As the years have gone by
he has prospered in his undertakings and is now in comfortable financial
circumstances. Such a life record should serve as a source of inspiration
and encouragement to others, showing what may be accomplished by
unfaltering energy, diligence and perseverance. For long years he gave
his political allegiance to the Republican party, but because of his pronounced views on the temperance question and his belief that it is one
of the dominant issues before the people, he joined the ranks of the
Prohibition party, and has since done all in his power to promote its
growth and insure its success. He has for many years been a member
of the Christian church, has served for a long period as one of
its elders, and has labored effectively and earnestly for the interests of the denomination.   His life has indeed been honorable
and upright characterized by devotion to those principles which work
for righteousness, justice and truth, and now in the evening of his days
he can look back over the past without regret, knowing that he has never
taken advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in any business transaction nor favored any movement or measure that would prove detrimental to his town or county. He has on the contrary supported all
plans for the public good and is justly classed with the representative,
respected and honored pioneer citizens of Silver Creek township.
MARK JUDD.
Mark Judd, a pioneer lumberman and sawmill operator of Dowagiac,
was born in Fairfield county, Connecticut, June I8, I833. The family
is of English lineage in the paternal line and William Judd, the father
of our subject, was also a native of Fairfield county, Connecticut, where
in early life he learned and followed the cooper's trade. Emigrating
westward in 1844, he took up his abode in Silver Creek township, Cass
county, Michigan, where he located upon a farm, giving his attention
to its cultivation and improvement for a number of years. His last
days, however, were spent in Dowagiac, where he died at the age of
ninety-three years. His wife, Abigail Beardsley, was also a native of
Connecticut, and died in New York when her son Mark was only about
four years of age. In the family were four sons and four daughters.
After losing his first wife the father was again married.
Mark Judd, the youngest of the eight children, came to Cass county,
Michigan, when about twelve years of age, and when a young man of
seventeen years started out in life on his own account, working as a




664


HIST'ORY OF.CASS COUNTY


farm hand by the month. He was thus employed for three years, when,
thinking that he might find other occupations more congenial, he began
learning the carpenter's and joiner's trade, which he followed for several years, becoming intimately associated with building operations in
Cass county.  Watchful of opportunities pointing to success, he was
enabled, in 1859, as the result of his enterprise, diligence and frugality
in former years, to establish a planing mill, of which he became onethird owner and which was conducted under the firm style of Ashley,
Case & Company. The firm had an existence of about four years in its
original form and then became Case & Judd, business being carried on'
in that way for some time, when Mr. Judd becanie sole owner. This
is the oldest enterprise of the kind in the county, or in fact in any of
the adjoining counties, having a continuous existence of almost a half
century. The planing mill was the first built in this part of the state,
there being none nearer than Kalamazoo. The mill has been in operation throughout all these years and its manufactured product represents
an enormous amount of lumber.
Mr. Judd was married in 1864 to Miss Amanda Stillwell, a native
of Michigan, and they now have three sons: William, who is living in
Porter township; Allie, the wife of Arthur Jewel, of Dowagiac; and
Lena, the wife of Dr. George W. Green, a practicing physician of
Dowagiac.
In his political affiliation Mr. Judd has been a life-long Republican;
joining the party on its organization. He has held several offices, act-:
ing as alderman for two years and in other connections has done effective service for the welfare and progress of his home town. He is a
member of Dowagiac Lodge, No. 214, A. F. & A. M., in which he has
attained the degree of Master Mason, and he is also connected with the
Ancient Order of United Workmen. A pioneer business man of Dowagiac, he has spent the greater part of his life in Cass county and has
been identified with its interests both in behalf of public progress and
through his business relations. He stands today as one whose success
is the fitting crown of earnest and honorable labor. Realizing that work
-earnest, persistent work-:is the basis of all- desirable prosperity, he has
in his business career spared not that laborious attention to detail which
is one of the chief elements of success and as the outcome of his clear
judgment, his enterprise and diligence he is today classed with the substantial residents of his adopted county.
HOIN. JAMES G. HAYDEN.
Hon. James G. Hayden, elected to the state senate of Michigan in
I904, is one of the distinguished and honored citizens of Cassopolis and
in public life has won attention and esteem by reason of his devotion to
duty and his masterful grasp of every problem that has been presented
for solution. His life record began in Calvin township, Cass county, on




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I




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


665


the ioth of November, I854. His father, Joseph G. Hayden, was a native of New York and a pioneer settler of this part of the state, contributing in substantial measure to the early progress and improvement
of Cass county. He was of Irish lineage and died when his son James
was only three years of age. The mother, who bore the maiden name
of Hannah Lincoln, was a native of Ohio and was brought to Cass
county during her early girlhood, so that she was married here. She
died when sixty-six years of age, and.of her six children, one died in
infancy.
Hon. James G. Hayden, who was the fourth member of the family and the third son, was reared by an uncle in Cassopolis until eighteen years of age, when, desirous of providing for his own support, he
engaged to work on a farm by the month. He was thus employed for
two years, after which he returned to Cassopolis and again attended
school for six months. He then entered commercial life as a clerk in
a general store, where he remained for three years, after which he pursued a course of study in Bryant & Stratton's commercial college in
Chicago, spending a year in that institution.  Following his return
home he engaged in farming in LaGrange township, devoting his energies to general agricultural pursuits for seven years.  Whatever he
undertook was carried forward to successful completion by means of
his unremitting diligence and strong purpose.
In I879 Mr. Hayden was united in marriage to Miss Ruth T.
Kingsbury, a daughter of Asa and Mary (Monroe) Kingsbury. Mrs.
Hayden was born in Cassopolis, her people having been early settlers
of the county. In I886 Mr. Hayden returned to Cassopolis and engaged in the grocery business. In November of the same year he was
called by popular suffrage to the office of county treasurer, which position he filled for four years and then retired in I888, enjoying the same
confidence and trust which was given to him when he entered office. In
the meantime he continued in the grocery trade, which he successfully
conducted for seven years, and then gave his attention to the hard wood
lumber business for two years. When that period had passed he returned to the home farm, whereon he continued for seven years, when
in I902 he once more took up his abode in Cassopolis, this time giving
his attention to the real estate and insurance business, in which he has
since continued, having now a good clientage.  He handles a large
amount of valuable realty each year and he is thoroughly informed concerning property in this part of the state. All through the period of an
active business career Mr. Hayden has also maintained a deep interest
in political questions, and has done much effective work for his party.
In I904 he was elected state senator and is now in I906 a member of
the upper house of the Michigan legislature. His first office was that of
township treasurer, and although the township -had a normal Democratic majority of one hundred and twenty he was elected on the Re



666


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


publican ticket. Over the record of his official career there falls no
shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, and he has proved himself an
active working member of the house, unfaltering in his support of any
measure or movement which he deems of public value or general utility.
lie has also been president of the Cass County Agricultural Society and
of the Farmers' Institute, occupying the latter position for three years.
Deeply interested in the agricultural development of the county, his labors in those positions proved effective and far reaching. At the present writing he occupies the position of county superintendent of the
poor, and he assumed the duties of postmaster at Cassopolis March I,
1906.
Mr. and Mrs. Hayden have become the parents of five children.
Asa, who was born in!88I, is a graduate of the high school of Cassopolis and of the law department of the state university at Ann Arbor and
is now engaged in the practice of his chosen profession in the county
seat. Vera is a graduate of the state normal school at Ypsilanti, Michigan, and is now engaged in teaching in Kalamazoo. Jay G. is now a
student in the state university. Hazel, who is a graduate of the high
school at Cassopolis and now a student of the Western State Normal
School, is now at home. Robert is a student in the schools of Cassopolis.
iMr. Hayden belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has
taken the Royal Arch degree.   He is likewise connected with the
Knights of Pythias and with the Modern Woodmen of America, and
his activity is manifest in many lines. He is president of the Creamery
Association and connected.with other local affairs, and his efforts in
behalf of progress along agricultural and commercial lines, of intellectual development and of general progress have been effective and
beneficial. He lost his father when only three years of age and was
left with no inheritance. He educated himself and he had some hard
knocks when a boy, but he developed self-reliance and force of character and has steadily worked his way upward, gaining a prominent position in public regard and honor, his course reflecting credit upon those
who have honored him.
JOHN BILDERBACK.
When the tocsin of war sounded in I86I men from; all walks of
life flocked to the standard of the nation. They came from the counting
houses, the offices, the shops and the farms and representatives of all
classes mingled and met together with the one common purpose of defending the Union. There has been on the pages of the world's history
no greater record of loyalty and patriotism than was displayed by the
sons of the north when the supremacy of the Federal government was
threatened. Mr. Bilderback, now living retired in Dowagiac, was among
the number who followed the stars and stripes, making a creditable
military record on various battlefields of the south.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


A native of Preble county, Ohio, he was born on the I8th of June,
1843, and was of German lineage. His father, William Bilderback,
was a native of New Jersey, and when a young man went to Preble
county, Ohio. Throughout his entire life he carried on farming, and
removed from Ohio to Michigan in I846, settling in Berrien county,
where he remained until I850, when he came to Cass county. Here
he located in Silver Creek township, about three miles from Dowagiac,
and as the years came and went he worked in the fields, bringing his
land under a high state of cultivation and annually harvesting good
crops. While his attention was chiefly directed to his business interests
he yet displayed a commendable and patriotic citizenship and was ever
loyal to the public good, giving his co-operation to many movements for
the promotion of the general welfare. He served as highway commissioner, and as justice of the peace rendered decisions which were strictly
fair and impartial. In early life he became a member of the United
Brethren church and afterward joined the Methodist Episcopal church.
He lived as a worthy Christian gentleman and died at the age of sixtynine years, respected and honored by all who knew him. His wife,
who bore the maiden name of Sarah Nye, was born in Preble county,
Ohio, in I818, and spent her last days in Cass county, where she passed
away in I889, at the age of seventy-one years. She was devoted to her
family and was always faithful to the ties of friendship, and her death.
was deeply regretted by many who knew her. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bilderback were born three sons and three daughters. Peter, who in response
to the country's call for aid became a private in the Twelfth Michigan
Infantry, died at Pittsburg Landing while in the service of his country,
his death being occasioned by arduous military duty and the exposures
and hardships incident to war. William W. was but sixteen years of
age when he enlisted and was but a boy when he laid down his life upon
the altar of his country. Mary, the eldest daughter, is now the wife of
D. W. Sammons, a resident farmer of Silver Creek township. Martha
A. is the wife of James H. Momany, also living in Silver Creek township. Sarah R. is the wife of Elias Smith, a resident farmer of Pokagon
township.
John Bilderback, who was the second son and second child in the
father's fanily, was only two years old when the parents left Ohio and
came to Michigan, making the journey westward with teams after the
primitive manner of travel in those days before the advent of railroad
transportation. They first lived in Berrien county and Mr. Bilderback
of this review was a lad of six summers at the time of the removal of
the family to Cass county. He was then reared in Silver Creek township and pursued his studies in a log schoolhouse such as was common
on the frontier. In one end of the room was a large fireplace and the
furnishings were primitive and the methods of instruction were very
crude as compared with modern ideas of education. The family lived
in a log cabin and shared in the usual hardships and privations of pioneer




668


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


life. It was not until 18158 that the father built a frame house. John
Bilderback remained at home through the period of his youth and assisted in clearing up the farm, working in the fields through the summer
months, while in the winter seasons he pursued his study. He was thus
engaged until August, I86I, when at the early age of eighteen years
he responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting for service as a
private of the First Michigan Cavalry. He was with that command for
about four and a half years and was then honorably discharged as first
duty sergeant, at which time he was attached to the Army of the Potomac. He took part in many of the principal battles and a number of
the lesser ones of the war. He was never wounded nor captured and
his experience in the hospital covered only three days. With the exception of that very brief period he was continuously on active duty
during the four and a half years of his connection with the Union army.
His last service was in the west at Camp Douglas, Salt Lake City, and
he participated in the Grand Review in Washington, D. C., where "wave
after wave of bayonet crested blue" swept by the reviewing stand on
which stood the president and other dignitaries of the nation cheering
the return of the victorious army, whose brilliant efforts, heroism and
patient endurance had saved the Union. Mr. Bilderback received an
honorable discharge at Salt Lake City and returned home by way of
San Francisco, the Isthmus of Panama and New York City, making his
way to Dowagiac.
When he again arrived in Cass county Mr. Bilderback took up his
abode in Silver Creek township, purchasing a tract of land adjoining his
father's farm. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose
Miss Cynthia A. Becraft, to whom he was married on Christmas day
of I866. She is a daughter of Isaiah and Caroline (Wallace) Becraft,
the former born May 2, 1811, and the latter on the 4th of December,
I8I7. They became the parents of four children, of whom Mrs. Bilderback was the youngest. She has one brother living, W. F. Becraft, who
resides in Augusta, Kalamazoo county, Michigan. After losing his first
wife Mr. Becraft was again married. Of this union there were five
children, of whom three sons are living: Julius O., M. C. and I. W.
Becraft. Mrs. Bilderback was born near Detroit, but in Macomb county,
Michigan, on the Ist of November, 1843, and came to Dowagiac with
her father in June, I849, since which time she has been a resident of this
county. Her father was prominent in public affairs in an early day,
serving as postmaster of Dowagiac, also as deputy sheriff and as provost
marshal during the period of the Civil war. He was closely identified
with the early history of Cass county.
Mr. and Mrs. Bilderback at the time of their marriage located on
a farm in Silver Creek township, where he engaged in general agricultural pursuits until I899, when he retired from active business cares
and removed to the city. While farming his place displayed every evidence of careful supervision and painstaking effort. The land was trans



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


669


formed into productive fields and he annually harvested good crops, and
in all of his work he was practical and energetic. Unto him and his
wife were born two sons and two daughters: Ella Grace, who is now
the wife of D. J. Stilwell; Jesse N., a mail carrier of Dowagiac; Verna
C., who is the wife of I. C. Scattergood, who is living in Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania; and William R., who is a molder residing in Dowagiac.
Mr. Bilderback has a farm of eighty acres which is well improved
and this yields to him a good financial return. He is a Republican, having given inflexible support to the party since age conferred upon him
the right of franchise. He has been called to various positions of public
trust, serving as justice of the peace, as supervisor, as township treasurer of Silver Creek township and treasurer of the school district for
thirty-two years, resigning the last named position when he removed to
Dowagiac.   He is and has been supervisor of the second ward of
Dowagiac. Every public duty has been faithfully performed and the
trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen has been well merited. That
he occupies an honored position in Grand Army circles is indicated by
the fact that he has been commander of H. C. Gilbert Post No. 47,
G. A. R., for about twelve years. He has been a member of the Baptist
church for thirty years, and Mrs. Bilderback also belongs to this church
and has taken a most active and helpful part in its work. They contribute
generously to its support and do everything in their power to promote
its activities and extend its influence and for about a quarter of a century
Mr. Bilderback served as superintendent of the Sunday-school. He has
no business interests now save the administration of estates, but varioustrusts of this nature have been given to him. He has been a resident
of Cass county for fifty-six years and in looking back over his history it
will be seen that there are many commendable elements in him, as displayed in his patriotic service in defense of the Union, in his straightforward and honorable business life, in his devotion to duty in civic
office and his fidelity to the ties of friendship and of the home. He is
one of the best known citizens of the county and it is with pleasure that
we present the record of his career to our readers.
EDD W. EASTON.
Edd W. Easton operates and occupies a fine farm of two hundred
and twenty acres, pleasantly situated on section 21, Silver Creek township. It was upon this farm that his birth occurred on the I7th of Febru —
ary, I86I. Throughout his entire life he has lived in Silver Creek township and has become widely recognized as an enterprising, progressive
agriculturist, whose business interests are capably conducted and who in
all his dealings is upright and reliable. His father, Thomas Easton, was
a native of Kentucky and came to Michigan with his parents when a boy,
locating in Berrien county, where he was reared amid pioneer surroundings. When a young man he removed to Cass county and was married




670


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


here to Miss Emily Hinchman, a native of Virginia, who came with her
parents to this state in her early girlhood days. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Easton located on Section 21, Silver Creek
township, where the husband devoted his time and energies to general
agricultural pursuits, placing his land under a high state of cultivation
and developing an excellent farm. He continued in active farm work
until his life's labors were ended in death, when he was in his seventyfifth year. He is still survived by his wife, who is one of the worthy
pioneer women of the county. In their family were four children, three
sons and a daughter, namely: Dr. W. W. Easton, who is living in
Dowagiac; Jennie, the widow of William Allen, also a resident of
Dowagiac; Dr. J. M. Easton, of Decatur; and Edd W., of this review.
The youngest of the family, Edd W. Easton, was reared under the
parental roof upon the farm where he now resides, and pursued his education in the common schools of the township. When not busy with his
text-books or engaged with the pleasures of the playground his attention was given to the work of the farm, and in early life he became
familiar with the best methods of cultivating the soil and caring for the
crops. He remained at home until his marriage, which was celebrated
on the I4th of October, I883, the lady of his choice being Miss Florence
Mason, a daughter of A. H. and Temperance (Cross) Mason, the former
a native of New York and the latter of Canada. They came to Cass
county in an early day, being among the first settlers of Dowagiac. The
father is a carpenter by trade but has conducted a hotel and planing mill
and has been closely associated with the business development of his
adopted city. Mrs. Easton was born in Dowagiac August 7, I862, and
is the seventh in order of birth in a family of nine children. She remained with her parents during the days of her girlhood and is indebted
to the public school system of her native city for the educational privileges which she enjoyed. At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs.
Easton located upon the faim where he has since resided with the exception of a brief period spent in Dowagiac. He has here two hundred
and twenty acres of land belonging to his mother. He has placed the
farm under a high state of cultivation and it richly repays his efforts
in splendid crops which the fields annually yield. Everything about the
place is kept up in good condition and its neat and thrifty appearance
indicates the careful supervision of a practical and progressive owner.
Unto M1r. and Mrs. Easton have been born two daughters. May,
who finished the eleventh grade in the Dowagiac city school, took the
normal course in I906, and also has taken instrumental music. She will
take charge of District No. Six in Silver Creek. Alma, the youngest,
is in the fourth grade. The family is well known in the community
and have many warm friends here. Mr. Easton is an earnest Republican in his political views, and in I9o4 was elected to the office of
supervisor of his township, in which capacity he served for a year. He
has been a school director for a number of years, and the cause of edu



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


671


cation finds in him a warm friend. In fact he is a recognized supporter
of all progressive movements, and his co-operation has been of value in
measures for the public good. lie belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees at Dowagiac. He has known no other home than Cass county
nor has he wished to change his place of residence. The lives of such
men are an indication of the attractiveness of the county as a place of
residence and of the opportunities here afforded to the citizens, for were
conditions otherwise enterprising men like Mr. Easton would seek homes
elsewhere, On the contrary they recognize that they have good advantages here and they are always laboring to promote the welfare and
progress of the county, while at the same time carefully conducting private business interests.
HON. HENRY B. WELLS.
Hon. Henry B. Wells, whose position in public regard has long been
a creditable and enviable one and who has been entrusted with various
duties of a public nature, showing the confidence reposed in him by his
fellow townsmen, makes his home on Section 28, Wayne township, where
he conducts and cultivates a farm of two hundred acres. Its excellent
improvements are indicative of his progressive spirit, which has been
manifest in all the associations of public and private life.
Mr. Wells is a native of the state of New York, his birth having
occurred in Otsego county on the 4.th of February, I829. His father,
Werden Wells, was a native of Rhode Island and a son of Joshua Wells,
who was a son of one of seven brothers who came from England and,
settling in Rhode Island, established the town of Wellsville. When a
young lad Werden Wells accompanied his parents on their removal front
New England to Otsego county, New York, where he acquired his education and was married. In early life he learned the trade of a harnessmaker and continued in that business for a number of years. He wedded
Miss Julia Baker. a daughter of Henry Baker and a native of Otsego
county, New York, where they began their domestic life, remaining there
for a number of years. In 1835, however, the father brought his family
to Michigan, making his way to Kalamazoo county, where he took up
government land in Charleston township. It was wild and unimproved,
but he at once began its cultivation and developed therefrom a good farm,
which he made his place of residence until he was called to the home beyond, when about eighty-five years of age. His first wife died when
forty-five years of age and he afterward wedded Mrs. Elipha Filkins, a
widow. There were ten children born of the father's first marriage and
two of the second marriage. Of the first family only three are now living.
Henry B. Wells, the second child and second son born of that
union, was a youth of seven years when he accompanied his parents to
Kalamazoo county, where he remained until nineteen years of age. He
then came to Cass county in 1848 to enter upon an independent business




672


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


career here. He had mastered the branches of learning taught in the
little log schoolhouses of the early days and feeling the necessity of
providing for his own support, following his removal to this county,
he at once began working for the Michigan Central Railroad Company
at or near Dowagiac. He was employed as station hand at Decatur, and
about 1851 he took the contract for loading piles for the railroad company, which supplied him with an engine and train. He afterward made
arrangements to run a construction train for the company and continued
in that department of the railroad service until I854, when he was called
upon to take charge of the construction of the St. Mary ship canal, which
was to be completed by the following May. He pushed the work forward so vigorously that he had fulfilled the terms of the contract by
December of the same year. In I905, fifty years after the work was
completed, he made a visit to the canal. Following its building he returned to the Michigan Central Railroad Company, which he represented as wood and lumber inspector for a number of years. He was
afterward made conductor on a regular train of that line running from
Marshall to Chicago, in which capacity he served for about fifteen years.
Each step in his career has been a forward one. He has eagerly watched
his opportunities for advancement and his capable service, unflagging industry and promptness in the discharge of his duties won him recognition and gained him promotion. Ambitious, however, to engage in
business on his own account, he at length left the railroad company
and with the money which he had saved from his own earnings he embarked in merchandising at Dowagiac, opening a general store in I866.
He continued in that business for four years and was then in the grain
trade for about six years. In I876 he located upon the farm which he
had purchased in I849 and which he had carried on in connection with
the management of his other business interests from the time that it had
come into his possession. During a part of that period he had also made
his home upon the farm. He is now giving his undivided attention to
agricultural pursuits and is the owner of two hundred acres of land which
is rich and productive. The fields annually return good harvests and
there are modern improvements upon the place which indicate a progressive spirit.
In December, 1854, Mr. Wells was married to Miss Phebe Carr,
a daughter of Cary and Eliza (Hazlett) Carr. Mrs. Wells was born
in the Empire state but was brought to Cass county when eleven years
of age and has resided here continuously since. They now have two
living children, a son and daughter: Alice, the wife of Judge Harry
B. Tuthill, of Michigan City, Indiana,; and Elbert C., who is in the
mail service on the railroad and makes his home in Grand Rapids.
Mr. Wells is a stanch Republican, having supported the party continuously since its organization. He voted for Fillmore in 1852, for
Fremont in I856 and Lincoln in I86o and he has since supported each
presidential nominee of the party. He has been township treasurer and




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


673


supervisor for six years and held other local offices. In I866 he was
elected to the legislature to represent the northern district of Cass
county and in that position as in local offices he was found worthy the
trust reposed in him, discharging his duties with credit to himself and
satisfaction to his constitutents. In the Congregational church at Dowagiac in which he holds membership he has filled most of the offices,
acting as treasurer, trustee and in other positions and co-operating in
many movements for the extension of the influence of the church and
its power as a moral force in the community. He has been a continuous
resident of Cass county for fifty-seven years, active in all things pertaining to its good, and now in the evening of life, for he has passed
the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey, he receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded those of similar years
whose career has been characterized by all that is honorable and straightforward.
F. H. ROSS.
The German poet, Goethe, has said, "Merit and success go linked
together," and this statement finds verification in the life record of F. H.
Ross, who by his diligence and unabating energy acquired the competence that now enables him to live retired in the enjoyment of wellearned ease at his pleasant home in Dowagiac. He was born in Essex,
New York, August 3, 1834, a son of Henry H. Ross, who was also a
native of that county. The paternal grandfather, Daniel Ross, was born
in Rosshire, Scotland, and following his emigration to the new world
became a manufacturer at Essex, New York, where he was connected
with the operation of iron works and also the conduct of a lumber industry. Henry H. Ross followed the acquirement of his literary education by the study of law and became a practicing attorney in the village
of Essex, New York, where his last days were passed. He was one of
the electors on the presidential ticket when Zachary Taylor was chosen
chief executive of the nation.. His ability in the trial of important law
cases won him prominence and enabled him to command high fees. For
a single case he received ten thousand dollars. His mind was keenly
analytical, logical and inductive and he had comprehensive knowledge
of the principles of jurisprudence and displayed great accuracy in their
application to the points at issue. He filled the office of judge of the
circuit court in New York and was also a general of the state militia,
serving as aid-de-camp on the staff of General McComb at the battle of
Plattsburg. He lived to be seventy-two years of age and was regarded
as one of the ffiost prominent and honored men in his portion of the
Empire state. His wife bore the maiden name of Susanna Blanchard
and was a daughter of Judge Blanchard of Salem, New York, who was
of French Huguenot descent and became a distinguished attorney of the
Empire state. Mrs. Ross was also a representative of the family of Dr.
Proudfoot, who was a noted Presbyterian minister. She was reared and




674


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


educated in Salem, which was the place of her birth and she lived to be
seventy-two years of age. In the family were seven children, two daughters and five sons, all of whom reached adult age, while the daughters
and two of the sons are yet living, namely: John, who resides in Plattsburg, New York, where he is connected with manufacturing interests;
Frances Ellen; and one daughter who is living in New York City.
F. H. Ross of this review was the third in order of birth of the
seven children. He acquired a common school education in Essex and
was graduated at Burlington College. He studied law but on account
of his eyesight was compelled to relinquish the plan of following the
profession and came west to Detroit, where he entered upon his business
career as a clerk in a hardware store. In I86o he removed to Dowagiac
and established a hardware business on his own account, conducting the
same with success until I886, when he disposed of his stock and turned
his attention to the real estate, loan and insurance business, in which he
soon secured a good clientage, continuing in that business until I9OI,
when he retired altogether from active connection with commercial or
industrial interests. He won a fair amount of prosperity in his undertakings and in fact accumulated capital sufficient to now enable him
to rest in the enjoyment of his fruits of his former toil, having all of
the necessities and comforts and some of the luxuries of life.
Mr. Ross was married in I859 to Miss Frances Dixon, daughter of
Captain William Dixon, of Burlington, Vermont. She was born in that
city, where her girlhood days were passed and her education was acquired.
Two children have blessed this union: Frances Minnie, at home; and
Susanna D., who became the wife of R. W. Sheldon and died, leaving a
son, Frederick R., who is the only grandchild of Mr. and Mrs. Ross.
In his political affiliation Mr. Ross is independent, voting for the candidates whom he regards at best qualified for office. He has served as
president of the village board, but has never been an office seeker and
has refused to become a candidate. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the Royal Arch degree. For many years
he has been identified with the interests of Dowagiac, his residence here
covering four decades. The town contained only about seven hundred
inhabitants when he arrived, and from that time to the present he has
been closely associated with its business interests and its material, intellectual, moral and social progress. His life has been actuated by no
mad rush for wealth, for he has been content with a fair share of the
world's goods and is now enjoying life in well-earned rest.
CHARLES T. AMSDEN.
Charles T. Amsden, the secretary of the Dowagiac Gas & Fuel
Company and also partner in a grocery enterprise of this city, possesses
excellent business and executive ability that have gained him prominence
and won his success in his business operations. He was born in Red




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


675


Wing, Minnesota, on the 3Ist of October, 1856. The ancestral home
of the family in this country was in Newr York and one of its representatives served as a soldier in the war of I812. The Amsdens came of
English lineage. George W. Amsden, the father of our subject, was born
in New York and came to Michigan in 1857, while at the present writing, in I905, he is living in Baldwin, Kansas. Following the occupation of farming throughout his entire business career, he located on a
farm in Wayne township when he took up his abode in Cass county
and while residing here served as supervisor of Wayne township for
a number of years. He was at one time an active and valued member
of the Masonic fraternity and his political support has long been given
to the Republican party. He now makes his home in Baldwin, Kansas,
at the age of eighty years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of
Caroline Turner, is a native of Ohio. She belongs to the Congregational
church. In their family were seven children: Israel, deceased; Charles
T., of this review; Israel, the second of the name, who has also passed
away; Lois, the wife of Roland E. Morse, a grocery merchant of
Dowagiac; Clara, the wife of William Stillwell, a farmer of Ocosto,
Washington; Ida, the wife of A. C. Vaughan, who is also a farmer of
Ocosto; and Daniel C., who is engaged in the hardware business at
Dinuba, California.
Mr. Amsden of this review was reared to farm life and early became
familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He was only about a year old when brought by his parents
to Michigan and he pursued his education in the schools of Cassopolis,
after which he engaged in teaching school for four years. He then
became connected with mercantile interests as a clerk in the employ
of Mosher & Palmier, grocers of Dowagiac, with whom, he remained
for four years. He then embarked in the grocery business on his own
account in association with James P. Bond, and that partnership was
maintained for four years. In 1888 Mr. Amsden and Julius Becraft
purchased the Dowagiac Republican and in the second year thereafter
Mr. Amsden retired and embarked in the grocery business in connection
with Roland E. Morse, with whom he is still associated, their business
being a profitable enterprise of the city. In I8I9 the Dowagiac Gas &
Fuel Company was organized and the following year the plant was
installed. Mr. Amsden has been secretary and manager since that time
and devotes the greater part of his attention to the duties of this office
in connection with the management of the interests of the gas company,
which has given to its patrons good service and is a valued industrious
enterprise of the city.
In 1882 Mr. Amsden was united in marriage to Mrs. Susan E. Jewel,
a native of Cass county and a daughter of John N. and Mary A.
(Bonnell) Jewel.  Her father was a farmer by occupation.  In his
fraternal relations Mr. Amsden is a Mason, having attained high rank
in the craft, for he is now a Knight Templar and a Shriner. He also




676


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


belongs to the Elks lodge, the Knights of the Maccabees, the Legion of
Honor and the Knights of Pythias. In politics he is an unfaltering
Republican, and has served for two terms as city treasurer, as city clerk
for one term and as alderman for the second ward for two terms. In
the discharge of his official duties he displays the same fidelity and care
which are manifest in the management of his private business interests
and in Dowagiac he has a wide and favorable acquaintance resulting
from a genial manner and an upright life.
THEODORE F. WILBER.
Theodore F. Wilber, an honored veteran of the Civil war, who
enlisted in defense of the Union when only seventeen years of age,
is now living in Dowagiac. He was born in Seneca county, New York,
at the family home on the west bank of Cayuga Lake, June 12, 1846.
His father, Gideon S. Wilber, was also a native of Seneca county,
where he resided until I8,54, when with his family he came to the
middle west, settling first on a farm in Wayne township, Cass county,
where he lived for about a year. In the spring of 1855 he bought a
farm in La Grange township, removed to, that property and continued
to make his home there throughout his remaining days.  His entire
life was devoted to general agricultural pursuits and he tilled the fields
and cultivated the crops until his life's labors were ended, being a diligent, energetic man.  He was also a. public-spirited citizen and his
fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and loyalty, frequently called
him to positions of trust and responsibility.  He held; many offices
during the years of his residence in this county. He was superintendent of the poor for about fifteen years and was deputy sheriff for two
years. He gave his political allegiance to' the Republican party from
the time of its organization, watched with interest the progress of
events in the south prior to the Civil War and when the Republican
party was formed to meet existing conditions, he joined its ranks and
was one of its most loyal advocates. For forty years he was a reader
of the semi-weekly New York Tribune and at one time was the only
subscriber to the paper in this part of the country. He was well known
in the county as a man of public spirit, interested in! everything relating
to the material, intellectual and moral as well as political progress of
the cbmmtnity, and he assisted in building three different churches,
although he did not ally himself with any denomination. He was, however, a man of high moral principles and genuine worth who was reliable in business affairs and at all times commanded and merited the
confidence and esteem of those with whom he came in contact. He
married Miss Louisa M. Hause, also a native of Seneca county, New
York, and a daughter of John Hause, whose birth occurred in the Empire state and who died in Cass county at the age of eighty-three years.
The death of Gideon Wilber occurred when he had reached the vener



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


677


able age of eighty-five years. In his family were five children, one daughter and four sons, all of whom are living with one exception.
Theodore F. Wilber, the second child and eldest son, was about
eight years of age when brought by his parents to Michigan and has since
remained a resident of Cass county. He began his education in the
public schools of New York and continued his studies in the district
schools of LaGrange township. Through the summer months he aided
in the work of the fields and remained at home until seventeen years of
age, when, in response to his country's need, he enlisted as'a private
of Company M, First Michigan Cavalry, in I863. With that command
he served until the close of the war and was then sent among the Indians
on the frontier to aid in the suppression of the uprisings among the red
race. He thus did duty in the far west until March, I866, after serving
for nearly three years. He was ever a faithful and loyal soldier, never
faltering in the performance of any duty that devolved upon him whether
it led him to the firing line, stationed him on the lonely picket line or
called him to the frontier.
WVhen the war ended Mr. Wilber returned to his old home in LaGrange township and resumed farming on his father's place. He gained
intimate knowledge of the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for
the crops and was thus well qualified to carry on farm work on his own
account when he established a home for himself. He was married on the
24th of December, I868, to Miss Fannie Jennings, a daughter of Milton
and Margaret (Burns) Jennings. Her father was born in Connecticut.
Her mother died when Mrs. Wilber was only two years old. There
were three children in the family, the eldest being Charles, who enlisted for service as a soldier in the Civil war and was killed in battle.
The elder daughter, Martha, is now deceased, leaving Mrs. Wilber, the
youngest member of the family, as the only one now surviving with the
exception of a half sister, for the father was married twice. Mr. and
Mrs. WVilber have one son, Fred J., who is a civil engineer, who was
graduated on the completion of the engineering course in the Michigan
state university at Ann Arbor in I9o0  and is now located in Buffalo,
New York.
Mr. Wilber is executor for the father's estate, comprising two hundred and sixty acres of land, and in the management of this property displays good business ability and executive force. He belongs to H. C.
Gilbert Post, G. A. R., of Dowagiac, and is now senior vice commander.
He has always taken an active part in the work of the Grand Army of
the Republic and is a stalwart advocate of the principles upon which
this order is based. He enjoys recounting incidents of army life around
its campfires amid the genial companionship of his old army comrades.
He was but seventeen years of age when he enlisted and twenty years
of age when honorably discharged and was therefore not a voter until
one year after he had completed his term of military service. His first
presidential ballot was cast for General Grant and he has always been




678


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


an advocate of the Republican party. He has resided in this county for
a half century and is now the only Wilber here representing his father's
descendants. He is well known and his strong and salient characteristics have been such as have won for him favorable regard from his
fellowmen. Great changes have occurred since he came to the county
as the work of improvement has been carried forward and Mr. Wilber's
mind reverts back to the time when much of the land was still uncultivated, when there were considerable stretches of forest yet uncut and
when several of the towns which are now the centers of business and commercial enterprise had not yet been founded. He has ever been deeply
interested in the work of development and has borne his full share in
this task, manifesting at all times the same loyalty which he displayed
when upon southern battlefields he followed the stars and stripes.
H. A. CREGO.
H. A. Crego, known throughout Cass county as Squire Crego, has
for thirty-six years been justice of the peace, and no stronger evidence
could be given of capable service and impartial decisions than the fact
that he has so long been retained in the office. He has lived in Cass
county from an early day and now makes his home on section 29, Volinia township. Moreover he is entitled to representation in this volume
as a native son of Michigan, his birth having occurred on the 2nd of
August, 1840, in Lenawee county, at the junction of the Chicago and
Monroe turnpikes. His parents were Rulef D. and Eliza (Arms)
Crego. The father was born in the Mohawk valley of New York and
there remained until about thirty years of age, when, believing that he
might enjoy better business opportunities in the new but growing west,
he made his way to Michigan, settling in Lenawee county. He had
been married in New York. His first wife was Mary J. Strannahan
and there were ten children born of that marriage. Following the
death of the mother the father married again. His wife was a native
of Conway, Franklin county, Massachusetts, and was there reared. She
first married Ichabod Nelson, and it was subsequent to his death that
she gave her hand in marriage to Rulef D. Crego. By this marriage
there were born three children, of whom Squire Crego is the second.
The other two, however, died in infancy, so that the subject of this
review is the only surviving member of the entire family.
When only two years old Squire Crego was brought to Cass county by his parents, the family locating in Newberg township, where he
was reared in the usual manner of farm lads of that period and locality.
He was educated in the district schools and shared with the family in
the pioneer experiences incident to the establishment of a home on the
frontier. The father died when the son was eighteen years of age and he
and his mother remained in Newberg township for about four years
thereafter, when Mrs. Crego also passed away.  Squire Crego, how



k








HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


679


ever, continued to reside in the same township for some time thereafter and was married there on the I4th of February, I863, to Miss Mary
Lynch, a daughter of George and Rebecca Lynch, who lived in Adamsville, New York, and came from the Empire state to Michigan. The
birth of Mirs. Crego occurred in Adamsville, and at her death she left
one son, Charles C. Crego, who is now a salesman in a department store
in Washington. Ill 1869 Mr. Crego was married to Miss Phebe Hinshaw, who died leaving one son, Frank R., now a resident of Volinia
township. In 1897 occurred the marriage of Squire Crego and Mary
Jane Newton, who was born upon the farm where she now resides January I, I853, her parents being George and Esther (Green) Newton,
who came to this county in pioneer days, the father in I831 and the
mother in I834. The name of Newton has since been associated with
the history of progress and development here and has always stood as
a synonym of good citizenship.
Squire Crego has been a life-long farmer and is now following
agricultural pursuits on section 29, Volinia township. He has voted
with the Republican party since age gave to him the right of franchise,
and has been honored with a number of local positions of public trust,
having served as constable and as township clerk in Newberg township,
as highway commissioner of Volinia township and as justice of the
peace for about thirty-six years. His positions were strictly fair and
impartial and have "won golden opinions from all sorts of people."
He belongs to the Methodist Protestant church and is a member of the
Masonic lodge at Volinia and also the Knights of the Maccabees. He
has been a resident of the county for sixty-four years and in 1905 was
elected president of the Pioneers' Association.
C. L. SHERWOOD.
C. L. Sherwood is the pioneer druggist of Dowagiac and has been
connected with this line of commercial enterprise in Michigan and elsewhere for fifty-two years. The consensus of public opinion is altogether
favorable regarding his business qualifications, reliability and enterprise
and no history of the commercial development of Dowagiac would be
complete without the life record of Mr. Sherwood. He was born in
Erie county, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of September, 1838, and is of
English lineage, the family having been founded in America by three
brothers of the name who came from England to the new world at an
early period in its colonization. One of the brothers located in New
York, one in the south and the other in New England. The grandfather
of our subject was John Sherwood, a resident of the Empire state. His
son, P. W. Sherwood, was born in Tompkins county, New York, and
became a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was reared
and educated in Pennsylvania and, determining to devote his life to the
work of the gospel, he prepared for the ministry and for forty-five years




680


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


labored earnestly in advancing the cause of the church in Pennsylvania,
New York and Ohio, where he filled various pastorates. His influence
was a potent element for good in every community in which he lived
and his memory remains as a blessed benediction to many who knew
him and came under his teaching. His last days were spent in Ohio,
where he passed away at the age of eighty-three years. In early manhood he wedded Miss Orilla Frye, a native of Vermont, who, however,
was reared in Erie county, Pennsylvania.  She was the daughter of
John Frye, who was of English descent. Her death occurred in 1862
when she was about forty-five years of age. Four children had been
born of that marriage, two sons and two daughters, of whom C. L. Sherwood of this review is the eldest. The others are: Lucy, the wife of
Gibson J. Strannahan, of Lima, Ohio, where he is engaged in business
as an employee of the Standard Oil Company; Mary, the wife of P. T.
Mowry, an insurance agent of Chicago, Illinois; and Oscar M., who
died when about thirty-six years of age, was a resident of Dowagiac,
and was a druggist.
C. L. Sherwood spent the first thirteen years of his life in the state
of his nativity and then moved to New York. In I859 he returned to
Pennsylvania, settling at Union City, and in I868 he came to Dowagiac,
Michigan, where he has since made his home. He entered the drug
business at Holley, New York, and continued in the drug trade at
Union City, Pennsylvania. On coming to Dowagiac he purchased the
drug store of Howard & Halleck and he also purchased the stores of
M. B. Hollister and Asa Huntington. He has since continued in business and is today the oldest druggist of the city. He has a well equipped
establishment, neat and attractive in its arrangement and he carries a
large and well selected line of'drugs and sundry goods. His trade has
constantly grown with the development of the town and surrounding
country and almost from the beginning the business has proved a profitable one, so that as the years have passed Mr. Sherwood has become
one of the substantial citizens of his community.
In I862 Mr. Sherwood was united in marriage to Miss Mary W.
Wood and unto them were born two children, but both died in childhood. Mr. Sherwood is identified with the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Knights
of Honor. He is also a very prominent Mason, having attained the
thirty-second degree of the Scottish rite, while with the Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine he has crossed the sands of the desert. His political
allegiance has long been given to the Republican party and he served
as postmaster in Pennsylvania under appointment of Abraham Lincoln.
He has also been postmaster of Dowagiac for eleven years under the
administrations of presidents Grant and Hayes and he was mayor of
Union City, Pennsylvania. No public trust reposed in him has ever
been betrayed in the slightest degree, his official service being characterized by unfaltering devotion to duty. He has been in business in Dow



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


681


agiac for thirty-eight years, the firm being now Sherwood & Burlingame,
and in addition to his store he owns valuable property interests here,
including two business blocks, houses and lots. All that he possesses
has been acquired through his own enterprising efforts and his life record shows what may be accomplished by unremitting diligence and
energy that never flags. He has not made the accumulation of wealth,
however, his sole end and aim in life, for he has had due regard to the
duties of citizenship, of home life and of social relations and is recognized as a man of genuine personal worth.
GILBERT COINKLIN.
Gilbert Conklin, a prominent farmer living in Silver Creek township whoce capable management of his business interests is indicated by
the success that follows his efforts, was born in Otsego county, New
York, March 17, 1839. He is the eldest child of Abram and Belinda
(Gilbert) Conklin. The family is descended from three brothers, who
came from England to America in early colonial days. The paternal
grandfather, Simeon Conklin, was a native of New York, born in Otsego
county. There he devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits, spending his last days upon his farm.
Abram Conklin, father of our subject, was born in Otsego county,
and in 1851 came to Michigan, locating first upon a farm known as the
Hess property in LaGrange township.  The following year, however,
he removed to Silver Creek township and took up his abode on the east
shore of Indian lake, where he developed and improved a farm, giving
his attention to its cultivation for many years thereafter. In fact he
resided upon that property until his death, which occurred when he was
in his seventy-sixth year. He married Miss Belinda Gilbert, a native
of Herkimer county, New York, and a daughter of William B. Gilbert
of the same county. He was of French descent. Mrs. Belinda Conklin died upon the home farm in Silver Creek township at the age of
fifty-two years. There were eight children in the family, one of whom
died in infancy. The others are: Gilbert, of this review; Simeon;
Abram; Jane; George, who died at the age of fourteen; Charles; and
Lydia.
Gilbert Conklin was reared in the county of his nativity and acquired his education there in the district schools. He came to Cass
county, Michigan, with his parents and remained with them until his
marriage, in the meantime assisting in the work of the fields and the
development o'f a new farm. On the i3th of February, 1862, he was
joined in wedlock to Miss Maria Bedford, a daughter of George and
Ann (Smith) Bedford, both of whom were born in Lincolnshire, England. They spent their childhood there in that country, were married
there and in I835 crossed the Atlantic to America, locating near Syracuse, New York, where they remained for about six years. In T84T




682


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


they came to Michigan, settling in Silver Creek township, Cass county,
where they spent their remaining days, both attaining an advanced age,
the father passing away when he had reached the age of seventy-five
years, while the mother's death occurred when she was seventy-four
years of age. In their family were six daughters and two sons, of
whom three died in infancy. Two of the number were born in New
York, while the others were natives of Silver Creek township. There
are four daughters and a son living. Mrs. Conklin, who was the third
child and second daughter, was born in Silver Creek township, June 5,
1842, and has been a life-long resident of this part of the county. At
the usual age she began her education in the district schools and afterward she engaged in teaching, which profession she followed successfully up to the time of her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Conklin began
their domestic life upon the farm where they now reside, living first in
a small frame house which was practically nothing more than a little
shanty twelve by twenty feet. As the years passed by, three children
were added to the family: William G., who was born in I863 and died
in I893 at the age of thirty years; Linda, who is an artist now living
in Chicago, Illinois; and Dr. Alice I. Conklin, a practicing physician
residing in Chicago.
Mr. Conklin has extensive and valuable landed interests in this
county, his farm comprising three hundred and forty-eight acres of rich
land which responds readily to the care and cultivation he bestows upon
the fields, bringing forth rich and abundant harvests. He has long
been recognized as an enterprising agriculturist of his community and
he has a well improved farm, using good machinery to facilitate the
work of the fields. HIe has been almost a life-long resident of the
county, coming here in his boyhood days and his residence here now
covers more than a half century, during which time he has witnessed
the greater part of the development and improvement of this portion
of the state. He has been a stanch champion of the cause of temperance and is an earnest prohibitionist, working eagerly for the success
of his party. At one time he was supervisor of his township. He is
a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is district trustee.
His life has been honorable, his actions manly and sincere, for at all
times his conduct has been actuated by Christian principles and devotion to truth, justice and right.
ALBON C. TAYLOR.
Albon C. Taylor, supervisor of the first ward of Dowagiac, was
born in Franklin county, New York, April 8, I86I. His father, Marshall W. Taylor, was also a native of that state and during the period
of the Civil war espoused the Union cause, donned his country's uniform
and went forth to defend the stars and stripes. He died while serving
as a soldier. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Jane Abbott, was




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


683


a native of Toronto, Canada, and was taken by her parents to the state
of New York when only four years of age. By her marriage she became the mother of three sons: Arthur J., who is now  residing in
Malone, Franklin county, New York; George E., who makes his home
in Kalamazoo, Michigan; and A. C., of this review.
Mr. Taylor, the youngest of the family, was reared in the place
of his nativity until sixteen years of age and during that period acquired
his education in the district schools. He then left home and made his
way westward to Michigan, settling in Allegan county, where he was
employed at farm labor until about the time he attained his majority.
He then entered upon railroad work in the employ of the Michigan Central Railroad Company, securing a position in the freight department
at Kalamazoo. He came to Dowagiac about I892 as foreman of the
freight house for the Michigan Central Company, spending six years
in that capacity, after which he resigned his position and became connected with the Dowagiac Manufacturing Company in the molding
department. He has since been with the Round Oak Stove Company,
with which he occupies a good position.
Mr. Taylor was married in February, I891, to Miss Irma Thompson, a daughter of Dr. W. C. and Kate Thompson. She was born in
St. Joseph county, Michigan, and has spent her entire life in this county.
By her marriage she has become the mother of two sons, Curtis and
Glenn.
Mr. Taylor votes with the Republican party and has taken an active
and helpful interest in its work and in promoting its success. He was
also supervisor of the first ward in 1904 and again in I905 and is now
filling the position. In the spring oaf I9o6 he was elected as city treasurer of Dowagiac, Michigan, and is the present incumbent of this office.
He is vice-president of the Round Oak Relief Association and was one
of its charter members and organizers. He also belongs to the Modern
Woodmen camp. Coming to Michigan when but a youth, he has resided here continuously since, and his life history is well know to the
citizens of Cass county among whom he has now lived for many years.
JOHN MATER.
Among those to whom fate has vouchsafed an honorable retirement from labor in recognition of former toil and activity, is John
Mater, a retired farmer living in Dowagiac. He was born in Parke
county, Indiana, June 7, I838. His father, George Mater, was a native
of Pennsylvania, where he spent the days of his youth. The paternal
grandfather was George Mater, Sr., who for seven years was a soldier
in the Revolutionary war under General Washington and valiantly
fought for the independence of the nation. On leaving the Keystone
state George Mater, father of our subject, removed to Ohio and afterward to Indiana, whence, in I844, he came to Michigan, settling in




684


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Pokagon township, Cass county, about three miles south of Dowagiac.
At a later day he returned to Indiana but again came to Michigan, and
then once more went to Indiana, while his death occurred in Illinois
in I875, when he was seventy-four years of age. His wife, who in
her maidenhood was Elizabeth 'Crum, was a daughter of Zachariah
Crum, who was also a Revolutionary soldier, being with the army under
command of General Anthony Wayne. The Mater family is of German lineage, while the Crum family is of Holland descent. Mrs. Mater
died when forty-five years of age. By her marriage she had become
the mother of thirteen children.
John Mater of this review was the seventh child and third son. He
remained under the parental roof until fourteen years of age, when his
mother died. It was not long after this that he started out in life on
his own account, working at farm labor or at anything he could find
to do which would yield him an honest living. When about fifteen
years of age he returned to Michigan, where he has since made his
home. He was variously employed here until after the outbreak of the
Civil war, when, on the I2th of August, I86I, he enlisted as a member
of Company B, Ninth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, joining the army
as a private. He served until October 7, I862, when he was honorably
discharged on account of disability. On the 4th of January, however,
he re-enlisted in the same company and regiment to which he had formerly belonged and served until the close of the war. He was appointed
corporal six months after his first enlistment and was made sergeant in
the fall of I864. He was altogether for about three years in the service and proved a brave soldier, being a worthy representative of an
ancestry that furnished several heroes to the Revolutionary war. His
regiment was taken prisoner at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, on the I3th
of July, I862, and was sent to Camp Chase, there remaining until exchanged in the following September. Mr. Mater became ill and for
this reason was discharged. The regiment was under command of General Thomas, acting as guard at headquarters, and remained as such
from the battle of Stone River during the war.  Mr. Mater received
his second discharge at Jackson, Michigan, and was mustered out at
Nashville, Tennessee, after which he returned to his home.
On the 29th of October, I865, occurred the marriage of Mr. Mater
and Miss Albina Dewey, a daughter of Jonathan and Mary (Griffin)
Dewey, both of whom were natives of Indiana and became pioneer settlers of Cass county, locating in Pokagon township April 2I, 1839. She
is a granddaughter of Henry Dewey, who was also one of the pioneer
residents of this county and took up land from the government in Pokagon township, where he developed a new farm. At the time of their
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Mater located on a farm in Pokagon township,
and there resided until about I89o, when he put aside business cares,
then removing to Dowagiac. For many years Mr. Mater successfully
and ably carried on the work of the fields, producing good crops and




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


685


securing a gratifying financial income as he placed his grain on the
market. He was practical and enterprising in all his farm work and
the neat and thrifty appearance of his place indicated his careful supervision. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mater were born two children: Dr. Elmer
Lincoln Mater, who is a graduate of the Chicago Medical College and
is now a practicing physician in Dowagiac; and Mary Grace, a teacher,
who is living in South Haven, Michigan.
Mr. Mater still owns a farm of eighty-nine acres of rich and productive land, and this returns him a good income. He is a member
of H. C. Gilbert Post, No. 47, G. A. R., in which he has filled nearly
all of the offices, including that of commander. He is also a Mason,
belonging to the Blue lodge and the chapter at Dowagiac. His religious
faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church,
in which he has also held office, taking an active and helpful part in its
work. He has been a life-long Republican, and has done much for the
party in this community, serving as a delegate to all of the county conventions since his return from the army and doing everything in his
power to promote the growth and insure the success of the political
principles in which he believes. He represents an old pioneer family
of the county, having for sixty-two years resided within its borders and
at all times and under all circumstances he has been as loyal to his country and her welfare as when he followed the stars and stripes on southern battlefields. Fidelity to duty has ever been one of his strong and
salient characteristics and his integrity in business, his loyalty in citizenship and his honor in all life's relations have made him one of the representative men of the county.
ALONZO J. HARDY.
Alonzo J. Hardy, who after many years' connection with farming
interests in Michigan is now living retired in Dowagiac, certainly deserves the rest which is now vouchsafed to him and his life record brings
to mind the lines of the poet:
"How blest is he who crowns in shades like these
A youth of labor with an age of ease."
Mr. Hardy was born in Otsego county, New York, June 6, I843.
His paternal grandfather, William Hardy, was of English lineage, but
the family was established in America in colonial days and William
Hardy was born in New York. His son, Peter Hardy, was a native
of Otsego county, that state, was reared to the occupation of farming
and made that pursuit his life work. He continued to reside in the
east until I862, when, thinking that he might enjoy better business opportunities in the middle west, he came to Michigan, settling in LaGrange township, Cass county, where he secured a tract of land and
engaged in farming until I8691. He then removed to Dowagiac and




686


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


retired from active business, spending his remaining days in the enjoyment of a well-earned rest. He lived to be seventy-two years of age.
In the Methodist Episcopal church he held membership and in its work
was deeply interested, doing all in his power to promote the various
church activities. His life was ever upright and honorable and commended him to the good will and trust of his fellow men. Prior to the
Civil war he was a stanch opponent of the system of slavery and advocated the cause of abolition, and when the Republican party was formed
to prevent the further extension of slavery he joined its ranks. He was
well known in the county as a man of the highest respectability and
worth. He married Miss Lydia Huntington, also a native of Otsego
county, New York, and a daughter of Benjamin Huntington, who came
of New England ancestry, removing from   Vermont to the Empire
state. Mrs. Hardy died in Cass county when seventy-nine years of
age. In the family were but two sons, A. J., and George Hardy,
who live together in Dowagiac.
Mr. Hardy of this review spent his boyhood days in the place of
his nativity. At the usual age he entered the common schools and
therein mastered the elementary branches of English learning. He was
nineteen years of age when in I862 he responded to the country's call
for aid, enlisting as a member of Company D, One Hundred and Fiftysecond regiment of New York volunteers as a private. He served for
three years and took part in a number of hotly contested engagements,
including the battles of Cold Harbor, Reams Station and Petersburg.
He was with the army as it followed Lee up to Appomattox, where the
Confederate forces surrendered. Mr. Hardy then went with his command to Washington and participated in the Grand Review in that city,
which was the most celebrated military pageant ever seen on the western
hemisphere, thousands of soldiers passing in review before the stand
upon which stood the President watching the return of the victorious
army, whose efforts and bravery had saved the Union. Mr. Hardy was
mustered out at Albany, New York, having made an excellent military
record.
After receiving an honorable discharge he came to Michigan in
I865, making his way direct to Cass county, at which time he located
upon the farm in LaGrange township that he still owns. For many
years thereafter he was engaged in general agricultural pursuits and as
a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss Lina E.
Elliott, to whom he was married in this county on the 2d of September,
I868. She is a daughter of the Rev. G. C. and Calesta (Elliott) Elliott,
both of whom were natives of the Mohawk valley of New York, whence
they came westward to Michigan in I868, settling in LaGrange township, Cass county. Mrs. Hardy was born in Otsego county, New York.
May 15, 1845, and was the third in order of birth in a family of five
children, two daughters and three sons. Her father was a minister of
the Methodist Episcopal church and she was reared in a household char



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


687


acterized by culture, refinement and high principles. She acquired her
literary education at Cazenovia Seminary, New York, and, like the
others of the family, enjoyed excellent educational privileges.
At the time of his marriage Mr. Hardy took his bride to his farm
and there lived continuously until I885, when he removed to Dowagiac.
le continued to engage in the cultivation of his farm, however, until
about I899, when he retired from active business life. He has a valuable tract of land of one hundred and ninety acres, well improved. The
entire place is under the plow save but about fifteen acres, which is
covered with timber. He brought his fields under a high state of cultivation, built good fences and added modern improvements to his farm
and as the years passed he harvested good crops. Thus he added annually to his income year by year until he has accumulated a gratifying
competence that now makes it possible for him to rest from further
labor.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hardy have been born two children, a daughter
and son. The former, Grace, is now the wife of Dr. H. T. Cole, a
practicing physician located in the Champlain Building, Chicago. The
son, Dr. F. C. Hardy, is a practicing physician of Kendalville, Indiana.
Mrs. Cole has a son, Gordon Hardy Cole, and Dr. Hardy has one child,
Flint Weidla Hardy.
In his political views A. J. Hardy has been a stanch Republican
from the time age conferred upon him the right of franchise and he has
done all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of
his party. He belongs to A. C. Gilbert Post, G. A. R., and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. He has also taken
the third degree of the Blue lodge in Masonry, while his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. For forty years Mr. Hardy
has resided in this county and his wife for almost a similar period.
They are a highly esteemed couple, having many warm friends, while
the hospitality of their own home is greatly enjoyed by those who know
them. Mr. Hardy has led a busy and useful life, has won success
through earnest effort at farming and is now living at ease in a pleasant home in Dowagiac.
DEXTER CUSHING.
Dexter Cushing was numbered among the old settlers of Cass
county who aided in making it what it is today. His strenuous labor
and progressive spirit contributed to the result that has been accomplished in the way of general improvement and progress. He resided
on section 19, Silver Creek township. He was born in Oneida county,
New York, near the town of Deerfield, April 17, 1828. His father,
James H. Cushing, was a native of Massachusetts, in which state he
spent his boyhood and youth.  His father, Mathew Cushing, is supposed to have been a native of England and at all events it is known




688


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


that the family was established in America in early colonial days. The
mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Amy Dewey. She was
born in Massachusetts and was of Scotch-English lineage. In New
York she gave her hand in marriage to James H. Cushing and they
resided for some time in Oneida county or until 185I, when they came
to Michigan, making their way direct to Cass county. They then settled in Silver Creek township. where Mr. Cushing purchased a farm
upon which few improvements had been made. He began the further
development of this place and continued to carry on agricultural pursuits here with excellent success, transforming his property into a well
developed farm, upon which he lived until called to his final rest in his
seventy-fifth year. His wife was in her eighty-ninth year when she
passed away. Their family numbered ten children, five sons and five
daughters, all of whom reached manhood or womanhood with one exception. Three of the sons are yet living at the time of this writing,
namely: George, who makes his home in Dowagiac; David, who is living in Silver Creek township; and Dexter.
In taking up the personal history of Dexter Cushing we present
to our readers the life record of one who was widely and favorably
known in this community. He was the third son and sixth child in his
father's family and was reared in Oneida county, New York, to the age
of nine years, when his parents removed to Oswego county, that state,
there residing until I852, when they came to Cass county, Michigan,
and Mr. Cushing of this review took up his abode in Silver Creek township. He was then about twenty-four years of age and he remained
with his father, assisting him in the work of the home farm until he
married and established a home of his own.
It was on the 3Ist of January, I856, that Mr. Cushing was united
in marriage to Miss Jane Gilbert, a daughter of William B. and Cynthia
(Sammonds) Gilbert, who came to Cass county in 1838 and were therefore among the early settlers. They located in Silver Creek township,
establishing a home in the midst of the wilderness and sharing with
other frontier settlers in the various hardships and trials which go to
make up the life of the pioneer. Mrs. Cushing was born in Otsego
county, New York, at the family home in the town of Springfield on
the 23d of September, 1835, and was therefore a little maiden of three
summers when she was brought to Michigan by her parents. She was
reared under the parental roof with a family that numbered three sons
and three daughters and she was trained to the duties of the household,
so that she was well qualified to take charge of a home of her own at
the time of her marriage. Her education was obtained in the district
schools. After their marriage the young couple located on a farm on
section 20, Silver Creek township, their first home being a little frame
house eighteen by twenty-two feet. It soon won a wide reputation for
its generous, cordial and warm hearted hospitality and there were always
visitors there. They lived in this house for about twelve years and dur



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


ing that time Mt. Cushing cleared and developed one hindred and
twentv acres of land Whlich  as all coVeted with heavy timber when he
took possession of that place. In the forest, however, he developed the
fields and the sunlight soon shone down upon the plowed land and
ripened the harvests. Later M/r. Cushing removed from his original
place to the present home not far from the old homestead. He lived
in the county for about fifty-five years altogether and always gave
his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits. He was also
engaged in the stock business, buying, selling and shipping stock for
about thirty years and finding this a profitable source of income. At
the time of his death he owned two hundred acres of land situated on
sections 19 and 20, and the farm is a valuable and productive one, indicating in its well improved appearance the careful supervision, practical methods and unfaltering energy of the owner.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cushing were born two childreh: William G.,
who is a merchant at Cushing Corners in this county; and Jennie, the'
wife of Wallace Trowbridge, a resident farmer of Silver Creek township. Mr. Cushing always voted with the Democracy after the organization of the party and believed that its principles contained the best
elements of good government. He belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church of Silver Creek township, contributed generously to its
support, took an active part in its work and did all in his power to
advance the various church activities. He passed the seventy-eighth
milestone on life's journey and his was a useful and active life that won
for him the unqualified regard and confidence of his neighbors and
friends. He could look back to the time when this county was largely
unimproved. The uncut forests showed that the white man had scarcely
penetrated into the interior, for only here and there was to be
seen smoke rising from a little cabin to show that a home had been
established in the midst of the wilderness. Many conditions of life
were very crude as compared with those of the present day and much
of the farm work was done by hand. The people depended upon what
they raised for the comforts of life and much of the clothing was not
only made at home but was spun and woven by hand. There has been
a great transformation in the methods of farming and as the years passed
by Mr. Cushing kept abreast with the progress along agricultural lines.
On the occasion of his death the following lines appeared in one of the
local papers:
"Dexter Cushing, a pioneer of Cass county, died at his home in
Silver Creek last Saturday, September 8, and funeral services were held
Monday, conduicted by Peninsular Lodge F. & A. M. of Dowagiac, of
which he was one of the oldest members.
"Mr. Cushing was the son of James Cushing, and was seventyeight years of age. He was both a county and township pioneer, having spent almost his entire life as a tiller of the soil in Silver Creek.
"He is survived by a wife and two children. The latter are Will




690


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Cushing, storekeeper at Gushing Corners, and Mrs. Wallace Trowbridge,
of Indian Lake. One brother, George, of Dowagiac, also survives him.
Another brother, Dave, died last spring.
"Mr. and Mrs. Cushing early this year celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding."
PHILO D. BECKWITH.
At the time of his death in 1889 Philo D. Beckwith had given
Dowagiac its two most important industries-the drill works and the
stove works. He had given them to the city and the world in the sense
that he had invented them. But it was even a greater accomplishment
when he established the manufacture of the perfected machinery on a
permanent business basis. It is the privilege of few small cities to
possess institutions of national fame. To say that "Dowagiac is the
home of the Round Oak stove" would establish an immediate relationship between many thousands of homes and this little city in the valley
of Dowagiac creek. To the millions who dwell beyond the range of
Dowagiac's influence as a city, there comes an increasing association of
the name of city with the name of Round Oak stoves and furnaces. In
so far as Doiwagiac's development is the result of her largest industry
-and citizens never fail to ascribe first place to the stove works in the
factors of upbuilding-the late Mr. Beckwith was a founder of the
city. Thirty-five years of unremitting industry and business judgment
and application of singular inventive genius built a business that is as
inseparable from Dowagiac's prosperity as the railroad itself.
The history of the origin and growth of the Round Oak works
and Mr. Beckwith's early labors and struggles in establishing his manufacturing enterprises here is recounted in the general history of manufacturing on other pages. It is hoped that in this article the biographer
may weave together the details of a life which meant so much for
Dowagiac and the world and satisfy. the interest which is everywhere
felt in the career of a successful man.
When Mr. Beckwith came to Dowagiac in I854, only half a dozen
years after the founding of the village and when the manufacturing
along the banks of the creek and the few stores on Front street contained in themselves little promise of the future, he himself had hardly
made a fair start on his career, although he was nearly thirty years of
age and doubtless had stored up in mind and body the possibilities of
the future. His early life could hardly be described as years of opportunity. Although a descendant of New England ancestors whose names
were associated with events since the landing on Plymouth Rock, he
was not born in affluence, and New England hardihood and rugged
honesty and thrift were a full total of his inheritance. He was born
in 1825. in what is now the town of Eagle in Wyoming county, New
York. A few years later his father died, leaving to the widowed mother




X
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I
I




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


691


the care and bringing up of the son and a younger sister. It was hard
labor with the needle by which she endeavored to eke out her slender
means and provide for herself and children till they should be selfsupporting. Under such circumstances, and the opportunities of public school education not yet having been supplied in that part of New
York, the son Philo lacked the training which we now consider so
essential to the introduction of boys into serious life.
At the age of fourteen he began work in a woolen mill at Eagle,
owned by a maternal uncle. He learned a great deal about the business during the next two years, but received little pay. He then went
to live with another uncle, near the city of Rochester, and here had the
good fortune of attending a district school several months. Many successful men have made such a brief period of education worth as much
as an entire college course. Though his school days ended there, the
development of his mental culture and appreciation of the world and the
best in it continued all his years. As his keen business instinct led him
step by step to material success, so he was noted for his thorough valuation of men and affairs, and his culture was of the practical kind that
is entirely foreign to the superficial veneer laid on by academic training.
Mr. Beckwith was eighteen years old when he married Miss Catherine Scott, a girl who was also born and brought up at Eagle, New
York, and who was his companion and helper throughout the struggles of his early career and the success of later years. In I844 Mr.
Beckwith and wife became residents of Michigan. He became a journeyman in a woolen mill at Battle Creek and later became a workman
in a machine shop. Practical inl his ideas, thrifty and always looking to
future advancement, he managed, from wages of a dollar a day, to
save six hundred dollars as the basis for subsequent enterprises. When
he came to Dowagiac in 1854 he had this amount of capital and the
accumulated skill and experience of the previous years.  It is a well
known story, and told in detail on other pages, how Mr. Beckwith built
his first small foundry on Front street, and with one assistant began
making plows and doing general repair work, at first relying on horse
power to run his machinery; how he next developed the water power
on the creek and with the first manufacture of a primitive form of the
roller grain drill entered upon the first series of the larger manufacturing with which his name and efforts were thereafter associated; how
he invented and after many discouragements succeeded in making a
market for a new type of stove, which, in all its later improvements
for durability and general excellence has not been surpassed; and finally
how his factory was removed to its present site and has grown and
been enlarged to a mammoth business institution, which, under the title
of "P. D. Beckwith Estate," is a worthy monument to the life and
work of any man. But that the city might not lose the memory of
the man in the material and present business of which he was the founder,




692


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


his grateful family erected and dedicated to his memory, in January,
I893, the beautiful Beckwith Memorial Theatre, where the expression
of art and the uplifting influences of life may always be encouraged,
thus beautifully linking the aspirations for the artistic and noble with
the results of material and practical accomplishment. The theatre, as
one of the important institutions of Dowagiac, has been described on
other pages. It is not inapt in this connection to quote some of the
sentences with which Col. R. G. Ingersoll dedicated the building to its
worthy uses, in memory of one "who lived and labored here and left
to those who knew him best the memory of countless loving deeds —the
richest legacy that man can leave to man. We are met to dedicate
this monument to the memory of Philo D. Beckwith, one of the kings
of men. This monument, this perfect theatre, this beautiful home of
cheerfulness and joy, this home and child of all the arts, this theatre
where the architect, the sculptor and the painter united to build and
decorate the stage whereon the drama, with a thousand tongues, will
tell the frailties and the virtues of the human race and where music
with its thrilling voice will teach the source of happiness-this is a
fitting monument to a man whose memory we honor and one who had
outgrown the cruel creeds and heartless dogmas of his time, one who
had passed from superstition to science, from religion to reason, from
slavery to freedom, from the shadow of fear to the light of knowledge,
and to one whose heart and hands were in partnership, constituting the
firm of intelligence and industry, and whose heart divided the profits
with his fellowmen; to one who fought the battle of his life alone and
whose heart grew nobler and gentler with success; to one who tried to
make a heaven here, who believed in the blessed gospel of cheerfulness, of happy lives, of laughter and love."
In the strong light thrown by his business career and his personal
character it is hardly necessary to mention, what will be found stated
on other pages, that Mr. Beckwith was closely identified with many
matters of citizenship and community interest-as mayor of his city
in which he took deepest interest, as a school official, as head of the
library association and donor of the lot on which the public library
stands, and in all movements during his lifetime which affected the
progress of his city. He wrought not for the present years nor for his
lifetime, but his life work will remain the cornerstone of Dowagiac
when much that now seems enduring has passed entirely away.
JOHN CLENDENEN.
John Clendenen, who is engaged in farming in Silver Creek township, owns and operates one hundred and ninety-five acres of land, and
in connection with the tilling of the soil carries on stock raising. He
was born in the township where he yet resides, his natal day being December 22, I860. His father, Oscar Clendenen, was a native of Vir



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


693


ginia, born December 20, I8 29, and came to Michigan as one of the early
settlers of Cass county, arriving in 1848. He settled in Silver Creek
township, where he carried on general farming and there his death
occurred March 7, 1870, when he was about forty years of age. He
was' well known in the community, held a number of local offices and
took an active and helpful part in the work of general improvement and
development. In early manhood he wedded Miss Harriet Swisher, who
was born February 28, 1839, in Ohio, in which state her girlhood days
were passed. She came with her parents to Michigan and is still living
in this state. By her marriage she became the mother of three children:
John, of this review; Frank; and Florence, who was born October 7, I870,
and died November 3, 1900.
John Clendenen was reared upon the old homestead farm! and was
educated in the district schools. He has lived all of his life in Silver
Creek township and remained at home up to the time of his marriage,
which important event in his life was celebrated in I883, the lady of
his choice being Miss Emma Oyler, a daughter of Daniel and Catherine
(Robinson) Oyler. The father, who was born December 25, I827,
died September 22, 1888, and the mother, born October 14, I826, died
March 3, I886. Mrs. Clendenen was born in Pokagon township, Cass
county, and spent her girlhood days in her parents' home. Mr. Clendenen took his bride to the old farm homestead, where his entire life
has been passed. He has always given his attention to general agricultural pursuits and is now the owner of one hundred and ninety-five
acres of rich and productive land, on which he carries on general farming and also raises stock. Everything about his place is kept in good
condition. The fields are well tilled, the buildings are in good repair
and he uses the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the
fields. As a business man he is progressive and enterprising and his
well directed labors are bringing him gratifying success.
Mr. Clendenen has always been deeply interested in matters pertaining to the general welfare and his fellow townsmen recognizing
his loyalty to American institutions and his interest in local welfare
have called him: to various public offices. He served as clerk of his
township for two years, was treasurer for two years and highway commissioner two years. He was also, justice of the peace for many years
and his decisions were strictly fair and impartial, so that he "won golden opinions from all sorts of people."  In 1905 he was elected supervisor of his township, which position he is now filling and in this office
as in all of the others he is found as a faithful and capable official.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Clendenen have been born five children, of
whom four are now living, Neil, the third child, being deceased. He
was born November I, I890, and died September 22, I89,2. The others
who still survive are Bessie. Lulu, Earl and Thelma'. Iln his political
views Mr. Clendenen is; a Democrat, deeply interested in the success
and welfare of his party. Fraternally he is connected with the Master




694


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Workers and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the
Methodist Episcopal church in Silver Creek township. He takes an
active and helpful part in church work and is one of the church trustees.
His entire life has been passed in this county and that he has ever merited the support and regard of his fellowmen is indicated by the fact
that many of his stanchest friends are numbered among those who have
known him from his boyhood days down to the present time.
GEORGE D. JONES.
Among the representative and energetic business men of Dowagiac
George D. Jones is numbered, being engaged in the conduct of a grocery
store. He was born in Preble county, Ohio, August 2, I827. His
father, George Jones, was a native of Georgia and was a son of another
George Jones, who was of Welsh birth and in I829 became a resident
of Cass county, Michigan, locating on Young's Prairie in Penn township, the family being'the first settlers of that township. George Jones,
Sr., grandfather of our subject, had eleven children, all of whom were
married when they came to Cass county and took up their abode here.
The family to which George D. Jones belonged was the smallest numerically of the eleven families, there being but six children, two daughters
and four sons. In early manhood George Jones, father of George D.
Jones, had removed from his native state to Ohio, where he married
Miss Mary Bogue, who was born in North Carolina. They located in
Preble county, Ohio, where he engaged in milling and also in farming.
In the year I829 he removed to Cass county, Michigan, and entered
land in Penn township, on what is now known as Young's Prairie. He
was thus one of the first settlers in this part of the state. He began the
improvement and development of the farm there but died after a four
years' residence in this state, passing away in the thirty-second year of
his age. His children were Annie, Stephen, Nathan, Sarah, George D.
and Charles, but the last named died in youth.
George D. Jones is the only one of his father's family now living
and was but two years of age when brought by his parents to Michigan.
He was reared upon the old homestead in the midst of the green woods
and attended an old log school house of the early days. He assisted in
the arduous task of developing and improving a new farm and remained
with his mother until twenty-six years of age, when he was married, in
1853, to Miss Sarah Pegg. She died a few years later leaving two
children: Flora E., who is now the wife of William Boling, a conductor
on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad now living in Galesburg,
Illinois; and George Elbert, deceased. For his second wife Mr. Jones
chose Miss Ella O. Rice.
Remaining a resident of Penn township, he carried on general
farming until I864, when he located in Dowagiac and the following
year he engaged in the shipping of live stock, in which business he con



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


695


tinued successfully for a number of years. In I880, however, he established a grocery store and is the pioneer groceryman of this place. He
was also the first stock shipper at this point. He has for seventy-seven
years been a resident of the county and its history is to him a familiar
story, not because he has heard related the events of the early days but
because he has been an active participant in the work of improvement
and in the conditions which have formed its pioneer annals. His early
political support was given to the Whig party, and upon its dissolution
he joined the ranks of the new Republican party, of which he has since
been an earnest advocate, voting for each presidential candidate of the
party from I856 down to the present time.. He has filled the office of
township clerk for several terms, was supervisor of Penn township and
justice of the peace. He has likewise been a member of the village
board of Dowagiac and a member of the school board, and the cause
of education finds in him a warm and stalwart friend, while each movement that has for its basic element the welfare of the community receives
his endorsement. There is perhaps in Dowagiac and his section of the
county no man more widely known than George D. Jones, and no history of the community would be complete without the record of his life.
ABNER M. MOON.
Abner M. Moon, editor of the Dowagiac Hcrald, also filling the
office of justice of the peace, was born near Paw Paw, Michigan, in
I849. His father, Ambrose F. Moon, was a native of Canandaigua
county, New York, and came of Danish ancestry. According to tradition it was at a time when there was a war in progress between the
English and the Danes that three brothers of the name came to the
United States and settled in New York. This was about the time of
the war for independence in this country. In the '3os Ambrose F. Moon
left the Empire state and removed to Van Buren county, Michigan.
He owned a farm but was particularly. well known as a bee keeper
and traveled all over the country in the interest of a patent bee hive.
He was a Democrat in politics, was a man of modest unassuming manner, but of genuine worth, and died in Rome, Georgia, to which place
he had removed, and there started a Beekeeper's Magazine, in I872.
His death occurred in I884, when he was seventy years of age. His
wife, who bore the maiden name of Emily R. Mack, was born in Ohio
and is now living in Redlands, California, at the age of seventy-six
years. She is of Scotch descent and by her marriage she became the
mother of two children, but the daughter, Eva, is now deceased.
Abner M. Moon, the only son, was a student in the public schools
of Paw Paw, and was reared to farm, life, early becoming familiar
with the labors of the old homestead farm. When twenty-one years
of age he purchased the Lawton Tribune, which he published for a
year and then went to New York city, where he edited the National




696


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Bee Keepers' Journal. After a brief period he returned to Paw Paw
and a year later went to. Rome, Georgia, where he joined his father
and began the publication of a beekeeper's journal, called the Moo.n's
Bee World. There he remained for four years, after which he spent
six months in New York city, and returning to. Michigan, established
the Marcellus New"s, which he published for four years. In i88I he
came to Dowagiac and began the publication of the Dowagiac Times,
which he practically conducted until 1885, when he was appointed
postmaster trnder Cleveland and sold the paper.  He conducted the
office for four years and during that time, in 1887, was appointed.
justice of the peace, and ere the expiration of his term in that office
was appointed city clerk.  In I89o he was elected county clerk and
retained the office for one term, after which he returned to Dowagiac
and was re-elected justice of the peace, which position he has since
filled, with the exception of two years. He has also held the office
of city clerk two terms, and in all these different positions has been
a capable official, carefully, systematically and efficiently performed the
varied duties that have thus devolved upon him in connection with the
business of the office.  In April, 1903, he purchased the Dowagiac
Herald, a weekly paper of large circulation, of which he has since been
editor and proprietor.  It is a Democratic organ, of wide influence,
recognized as one of the leading journals of this part of the. state, and
Mr. Moon is classed with the leading representatives of journalism, with
excellent business discernment, combined with editorial skill, as is manifest in the interesting columns of the Herald.
In I878 Mr. Moon was united in marriage to Miss Dora E. Ellis,
who was born in Hillsdale county, Michigan, in i86o, a daughter of
Joseph and Emeline Ellis,, natives of Ohio. Mr. Moon had, been married previously to Miss Marian E. Guild, and his. second wife was
Rachel Thompson, by whom he had three children:    Kittie, now the
widow of C. A. Caldwell and a resident of Chicago; Emmet, who is
a fruit grower of Lawton, Michigan; and Hallie, deceased. The children of the present marriage are Ethel, Don and Ilma, the son being his
father's assistant in business. By reason of his activity in. Democratic
circles and his championship, through the columns of his paper and
as; a private citizen, of many interests for the public good, Mr. Moon
is regarded as one of the foremost and valuable residents of Dowagiac.
ISAAC WELLS, SR.
Isaac Wells, Sr., is one of the 61d settlers and representative citizens. of Dowagiac and for eighteen years has been connected with the
Rpound, Oak Stove Company as. inspector and molder of clay, a business
record which is certainly cre4itble, for his long retention, in, one positiQn indicates his capability and fidelity.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


697


Mr. Wells is a native of Green county, Ohio, born July 15, 1830.
His paternal grandfather, Felix Wells, was a native of Wales, in which
country he was married, and about I778 or I779 he crossed the Atlantic
to the new world. There were three brothers who made the journey,
one of whom located in Virginia, one in Kentucky and one in the east.
It was the branch of the family from which Isaac Wells is descended
that established its home in Kentucky and in that state Charles Wells,
father of our subject, was born February 23, 1790. The family had
been located there in early pioneer times when Kentucky was not far
removed from that period which, because of the always constantly waged
Indian warfare, won for it the title of "the dark and bloody ground."
On leaving his native state Charles Wells became an early settler of
Green county, Ohio, and from that place made his way direct to Cass
county, Michigan, arriving at Edwardsburg on the 28th of October,
1831. He was a blacksmith by trade and was the first representative
of that occupation in Cass county. He made all of the irons for the
first sawmill in the county and the settlers came for miles around to
secure his service in the line of his chosen' trade. In 1835 he removed
to Berrien county, Michigan, settling on what is called the Indian reserve. There he pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land, which
he began to cultivate and improve, devoting his attention to his farming interests until his death, which occurred in 1838. He was one of
the early settlers of Cass county and also of Berrien county and he
aided in reclaiming the region for the purposes of civilization.  His
political allegiance was given to the Democracy. He had been married
on the 24th of March, 1814, to Miss Susan Briggs, who was born on
the Potomac river in Virginia, January 7, I795. She survived her husband until April I6, I866. In their family were nine children: Livona,
born in I815; Eliza, born in I8I6; Mary, in I8I8; Joseph B., in 1820;
Francis, October 15, I823; Mary, in I825; Lewis, in I827; Isaac, in
1830.; and. Ezra, January 5, I8;34. Of this family only one is living,
Isaac.  Lewis, a resident of Iowa, died April 20, I906.
Isaac Wells, Sr., was the eighth in order of birth and was a little
more than a year old when brought to Cass county by his parents in I835.
He afterward was taken by them to Bertram township, Berrien county,
Michigan, where he remained until 1859, when he returned to' Cass county
and here engaged in farming and blacksmlithing. He located oni McKinney's Prairie in LaGrange township, where he engaged in general agricultural pursuits from I859 until I88o, placing his fields under a high
state of cultivation and harvesting therefrom good crops. In the latter
year he removed to Dowagiac and was engaged in, the dairy business
for two years. He then, farmed, for three years at Silver Creek and
Pokagon townships and for eighteen years has been connected, w.ith? the
Round. Oak Stove Works, as inspector and, molder of. clay. He is. one
of the oldest settlers of Cass county and this part of Michigan, having,




698


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


spent his entire life in this section of the state, with the exception of
his first year.
On the I6th of December, I857, Mr. Wells was united in marriage
to Miss Sarah J. Herkimer, a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Swobe)
Herkimer and a native of Montgomery county, New York, born October 22, I837. Her parents removed to Berrien county, Michigan, in
I85I. By her marriage she has become the mother of three children:
Emma Z., the wife of Glenn Mead, of Dowagiac; William R., who
married Mary Steiner and is living in Dowagiac; and Isaac H., who
married Nellie Melcher and is living in the same city.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Wells
has been a stanch advocate of the Democracy, its principles and its policy. He was township treasurer of LaGrange township for four years,
was also highway commissioner for six years and has held other local
offices. He has been officially connected with the schools and is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Few men have such an intimate or accurate knowledge of the history of
this section of the state as has Mr. Wells, who, as before stated, has
spent almost his entire life in this part of Michigan. When the family
located on the Indian reserve in Bertram township, Berrien county,
there were five white families and four hundred and eighty Indians
living in that neighborhood. When he was in his eighth year he acted
as interpreter for Topen Bey and went down to Tippecanoe on the
Kankakee river, being gone ten days on the expedition. He could speak
the Indian tongue as readily as the English language. When he returned home he received as a present a fawn skin filled with honey,
and also a pipe given him by Topen Bey, the war chief's son. This pipe.
is now in the museum at Cassopolis. Mr. Wells is one of the charter
members of the Pioneer Association of Cass county, was its president
for one term, vice-president for one term and a'member of the Report
Committee for the last ten years. His life history if written in detail
would present many interesting pictures of pioneer life. To the traveler
of today, viewing the fine farms, attractive homes and enterprising
towns and cities of southern Michigan, it is impossible to realize that
it is within the memory of any living man when the red men were
more numerous here than the representatives of the white race, but
such is the case with Mr. Wells. He can remember when all this
region was covered with a native growth of timber, when the streams
were unbridged and the land uncultivated. It required much arduous
toil to bring about the changes that have brought the county up to its
present high state of cultivation, development and improvement and
the pioneers bore many hardships, trials and privations while performing this task. Mr. Wells has always borne his full share in the work
of development and as an honored pioneer settler of southern Michigan
well deserves mention in this volume.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


699


OTIS HUFF.
Otis Huff, one of the youngest members of the bar of Cass county
engaged in active practice in Marcellus, was born in Volinia township
on the ist of August, I875. His father, John Huff, was a native of
Clark county, Ohio, being born in 1833 near the present city of Springfield. The following year he came with his parents, Amos and Margaret Huff, to Volinia township, Michigan, who settled on a tract of land
on the edge of Gard's prairie, which the father (grandfather of the subject of this sketch) had entered from the government the previous year,
and then went back to Ohio after his family. The ancestry of the
Huffs can be traced back to the early days of Pennsylvania. Originally
they were of German lineage. The grandfather was a farmer and
mechanic by occupation.
The father, John Huff, is a self-made man. In his younger days
he helped to clear the wilderness and hue the way for civilization as
well as taking every advantage in those early days of securing an education from the meagre school system. As a reward he became a teacher
in the district schools, an occupation which he pursued successfully for
many years afterward. Later he became the owner of a farm adjoining
the old homestead, which he still retains and by adding to the same he
is the possessor of a handsome property which yields to him a gratifying income.
Very few men follow the ups and downs of life and live for over
seventy years continually in sight of the place where their childhood
days were spent and yet such is the case with Mr. Huff. Becoming
prominent in political life, for over twenty years he was supervisor of
his township and was several times elected chairman of the board of
supervisors. At one time he was also nominated by his party for state
representative, and although running ahead of his ticket he was defeated
by a small majority. On May 12, 1873, he married Eliza Wright, who
was born in Volinia township and was the daughter of James and Sarah
Wright, pioneers of Cass county. To this union were born three children: Amy, Otis, and Harley, but the last named is now deceased.
Otis Huff, being born on the farm, early became familiar with the
duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He attended the district
schools and later the Valparaiso Normal School. At eighteen he became
a teacher and after teaching a year, in the fall of I895 he entered the
law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, from
which he graduated in the class of I898. While in college he became
quite prominent as an orator. On January 9, I899, he began the practice
of law in MIarcellus, where he has since met with good success, having
been connected with much important law business, wherein he has displayed his ability to successfully cope with the complex problems of
jurisprudence. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp at Marcel



700


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


lus, of which he is clerk and he is also a member of the Cass County
Bar Association. Politically he is a Republican.
He has never been an office seeker but has preferred to devote his
time to the practice of his profession. His law office is a model of neatness and one of the finest in the county and is hard to excel even in
the large cities. He is a great reader and literary student, fond of
books and is himself an able writer, as well as an athlete and fond of
outdoor sports and contests. Being an expert with a rifle, for a vacation of three or four weeks nothing pleases him better than to take a
trip during the beautiful autumn days of November into the north woods
in quest of deer and bear and other big game.
In one respect at least he is like President Roosevelt. He enjoys
strenuous life, travel and adventure and more than one has remarked
that if he goes any place something is sure to happen. On April last,
going on a business trip to California, he had only nicely arrived there
and was only a few miles out of San Francisco at the time of the great
earthquake and fire on that memorable morning of April I8, and being
in the city when the conflagration was at its height he lent his assistance in helping save life and property.
On June 30, 19o6, the anniversary of his graduation from the University of Michigan, he was married to Miss Irene Cropsey, the only
daughter of George and Elsie B. Cropsey of Volinia, who are among
the most substantial residents of that township. Miss Cropsey acquired
her early education in the schools of that township and is a graduate of
the Marcellus high school. Later she became one of the successful
teachers of the county. She is a charming and accomplished lady and
the subject of our sketch was fortunate in securing such an able and
loving companion to assist in brightening his pathway through life.
CHARLES STARRETT.
On the roster of officials in Dowagiac appears the name of Charles
Starrett, who is now serving as city treasurer. He was born in Ovid,
New York, February i, 1834, and represents an old family of the east.
In the paternal line he is of Scotch and Welsh descent. His grandfather, Charles Starrett, was a native of Pennsylvania, while his wife,
Mrs. Rachel Starrett, was a native of Connecticut. Their son, James
Starrett, father of our subject, was born in New York and was a farmer
by occupation. He spent his entire life in his native state, where he
died at the age of sixty-five years.  His wife, who bore the maiden
name of Amy Stout, was reared' by her grandmother, Mrs. Amy Blue,
who was a native of New Jersey. Her grandfather Blue wis a soldier'
of the Revolutionary vwar, serving in immediate command of General
Washington, while by him he was mustered out at the close of hostilities. John Caywood, a great-grandfather of our subject, was also a. soldier of the Revolutionary war, so that the military history of his ancestry




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


701


is one of which he has every reason to be proud. There were seven children, four daughters and three sons, born unto Mr. and Mrs. James
Starrett, of whom the youngest daughter died when thirteen years of
age and the eldest son when but two years of age. Those still living are:
Mrs. Jane Runyan, who is living in Clinton, Michigan; Charles, of this.
review; Mrs. J. S. Ford, of Chicago; Henry, who resides in Clinton,
Michigan; and Mrs. Elizabeth Vandemark, of Clinton, Michigan.
Charles Starrett was the third child and second son of the family
and was reared in his native county until about eighteen years of age,
the public schools affording him his educational privileges. He came
to Michigan in October, 1852, settling first at Clinton, where he secured
employment in a grist mill. He was also engaged at different times in
farm work and in the railroad business, while for a time he was connected
with railroading on the Jackson branch. He spent the following year
in the service of the Michigan Southern & Northern Indiana Railroad,
first as brakeman and later as conductor. For eleven years he continued
in railroading and during the last two and a half years of that time he
was train master and locomotive dispatcher at White Pigeon, Michigan.
He came to Dowagiac in February, 1865, and engaged in the hardware
business for a short time. He then built a planing mill and sash and
blind factory in company with Devendorf & Mason. After about five
years he sold his interest in this business and about 1872 he engaged
with the Oliver Chilled Plow Works as traveling salesman, representing
the company for about ten years on the road. He was for about four
years with the Gale Manufacturing Company of Albion, Michigan, and
one year with the South Bend Chilled Plow Company. On the expiration of that period he became a salesman for the Round Oak Stove Company of Dowagiac, with which he continued for about nine years, when,
on account of poor health, he retired from business in I904. He had
led a busy, useful and active life and his rest from labor is well merited.
Mr. Starrett has filled a number of public offices, the duties of
which he has discharged with promptness and fidelity. He was elected
city treasurer of Dowagiac, has been alderman for two years and a
member of the board of education for nine years. He has ever been
found reliable and trustworthy in public office, discharging his duties
with promptness as well as ability.
In I857 Mr. Starrett was married to Miss Elizabeth McCollester, a
daughter of Thomas McCollester. She was born in White Pigeon, Michigan, and was reared in that city. Two children grace this marriage,
Fannie and Lena. In his political views Mr. Starrett is a stalwart Republican, having given his support to the party throughout his entire life.
He belongs to the Masonic fraternity of Dowagiac, his membership being
in Peninsula lodge No. 214, F. & A. M., Keystone chapter No. 36,
R. A. M., Niles commandery No. 12, K. T., and Saladin temple of the
Mystic Shrine at Grand Rapids. He was master of his lodge for one
year andd for three years was high priest of the chapter. He is an




702


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


exemplary member of the craft and is in hearty sympathy with its tenets
and teachings. Well known in Dowagiac where he is now filling the
office of city treasurer, he is respected by all with whom he has come
in contact, for he has displayed in his life record many sterling characteristics.
AMOS KNAPP.
Retired farmers constitute a considerable portion of the population
of Dowagiac, men who in active business life have capably directed
their efforts along well defined lines of labor, managing their interests
with ability, carefully husbanding their resources and thus securing a
competence for later life. To this class belongs Mr. Knapp, who was
born in Columbia county, New York, August 24, 1831. In the paternal
line he comes of English-Holland Dutch descent. His father, William
B. Knapp, was a native of Dutchess county, New York, and after remaining in the east until 1843 sought a home in the middle west, taking
up his abode in Volinia township. Cass county, Michigan. He there
remained for about five years, giving his attention to the task of developing and improving the farm, at the end of which time he removed
to Silver Creek township, where his death occurred, when he was about
seventy-seven years of age. His political allegiance was given to the
Republican party for a number of years but prior to this time he was a
Jacksonian Democrat. At the outbreak of the Civil war, however, he
espoused the cause of the Republican party, which proved the real defense of the Union in the Civil war. He married Miss Mary Finch. a
native of Columbia county, New York, and she, too, died upon the old
home farm in Silver Creek township at the age of seventy-seven years.
In the family of this worthy couple were five children, three daughters
and two sons, all of whom reached adult age.
Amos Knapp, the second child and eldest son in his father's family, spent the first eleven years of his life in the county of his nativity
and then came with his parents to Cass county, Michigan. The first
five years of his residence here were spent in Volinia township and he
afterward removed to Silver Creek township, remaining at home and
assisting in the development of his father's farm, which was reclaimed
for the purposes of cultivation and improvement. He was married there
in I858 to Miss Abbie M. Farnam, a daughter of Joseph and Abigail
Farnam. She was born near Batavia, New York, and came with her
parents to Michigan about I8,4,, so that the Farnam family were also
early settlers of this state. They took up their abode in Van Buren
county.
At the time of his marriage Mr. Knapp settled in Silver Creek
township, where he devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits. He cleared up a farm in the midst of the wilderness, cutting out
the heavy timber. grubbing up the stumps. clearing away the brush and
thus preparing his land for the plow. He bought his land at four dol



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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


703


lars per acre. As the years passed his place was transformed into very
rich and productive fields and he annually harvested good crops. For
many years he carried on general agricultural pursuits, in which he
met with gratifying success, but eventually he sold his farm and removed to Dowagiac in I895. He also has property in the town. He
is one of the old settlers of Cass county, having resided within its borders for sixty-three years and he has been identified with the making of
the county along lines of substantial improvement and progress. He
was township clerk in Silver Creek township for many terms and no
public or private duty reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the
slightest degree. He has always taken an active part in public affairs,
doing everything in his power to make the county on a par with the
older counties of this great commonwealth. His worth is widely
acknowledged and all who know him esteem him for his many sterling
traits of character.
GEORGE W. HUNTER.
Cass county with its rich lands offers splendid opportunities to the
agriculturist and the stock-raiser and Mr. Hunter is numbered among
those who are successfully 'devoting their energies to general agricultural pursuits. He makes his home on section 34, Wayne township,
where he owns and cultivates a good tract of land. He was born in
Cassopolis, Michigan, on the 3oth of September, I843, and is a son of
M. V. Hunter. At that time the father purchased eighty acres of land
from one of his brothers and afterward added an additional tract of
eighty acres. He partially cleared the first eighty and G. W. Hunter
of this review has cleared seventy acres of the second eighty, having
led a life of intense and well directed energy. He was educated in what
is known as the White school in Wayne township and therein mastered
the common branches of English learning. During the periods of vacation he worked in the fields and after permanently putting aside his
text-books gave his undivided attention to the further cultivation and
development of this property.
On the 7th of November, I866, Mr. Hunter was united in
marriage to Miss Eveline Van Hise, who was born in Decatur
township, Van   Buren county,. Michigan, and is a daughter of
William  0. and Eliza (Bell) Van Hise.     The mother came to
Cass county about 1831 and here lived up to the time of her marriage.
They were among the pioneer settlers of the county and Mrs. Hunter
was ten years of age when she accompanied her parents on their removal
to Wayne township. Unto our subject and his wife have been born seven
children: Ina, now the wife of Fred B. Wells, a resident farmer of LaGrange township; Lizzie, the wife of Isaac Schurte; Ada, the wife of
Darwin Garrett, of Dowagiac. Michigan; Minah V.; Phebe, the wife
of Arthur Rudolph, of Dowagiac; Millard wedded Iva Swisher, a resident of Dowagiac; Clara, at home. All were born and reared upon the




704


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


farm where the parents still reside and Phebe engaged in teaching
school in Dowagiac and Cass county for about six years.
Mr. Hunter has been a life-long Democrat, and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to office. He
served for two terms as township treasurer and was justice of the peace
for one term and in both offices discharged his duties with promptness
and fidelity. In his farm work he has been equally faithful and in his
business life has never been known to take advantage of the necessities
of his fellowmen in any trade transaction. Mr. Hunter's father was a
man who was highly respected by all in his time. He was the first
sheriff of old Cass county and was appointed by General Cass before
Michigan was a state.
DANIEL SMITH.
There is much said at the present time about corruption in public
office and about the infidelity of those in whom public trust has been
reposed. This may be true to a great extent in the larger cities, but it is
certainly not true in smaller cities and towns where the residents of any
community have opportunity to investigate the records of a public official
and where his life history is as an open book to which all have access.
Daniel Smith is among the office holders of Dowagiac and his devotion
to public service has been of benefit to the community which has entrusted him with the care of its interests. He is well known and enjoys
in full measure the regard of his fellowmen.
A native of Pennsylvania. Mr. Smith was born in Lancaster county
on the 28th of March, 184o. His father, John Smith, was a native
of Germany and remained in that country during the period of his boyhood and youth, being reared to the occupation of farming. He heard
favorable reports, however, concerning America, its business opportunities and advantages along other lines, and when twenty-one years of
age he resolved to try his fortune in the new world and crossed the
Atlantic. He located in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where he resided for a number of years, coming thence to Michigan in I857, at
which time he took up his abode in Berrien county, where he resided for
six months. On the expiration of that period- he removed to Pokagon
township, Cass county, where he was engaged in farming. His remaining days were given to the work of tilling the soil and caring for the
crops, and he was active in his farm work until sixty-nine years of age,
when his life's labors were ended in death. In early manhood he had
wedded Frances Fulton, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania,
who died in Cass county in the sixty-fifth year of her age. Eleven children were added to the household as the years passed by, six sons and
five daughters, and of this number seven reached years of maturity.
Daniel Smith, who was the fourth child and second son, was seventeen years of age when he came to Cass county. He had previously
begun his education in the schools of Pennsylvania and after coming to




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


705


Michigan he worked upon the home farm with his father in its development and improvement until twenty-one years of age, when he
felt that his first duty was to his country, which at this time was engaged in the Civil war. His patriotic spirit was aroused and he could
1no longer content himself at the plow, so putting aside business cares
he offered his services to the government, enlisting on the 2ist of August, i86I, as a private of Company M, First Michigan Cavalry. He
remained with that command until February 8, I862, when he was
honorably discharged on account of disability, after which he returned
to his home. He remained in Michigan until September, I863, when
he once more went to Pennsylvania and there he enlisted in the Twentyfirst Pennsylvania Cavalry on the 8th of February, I864. He participated at the battle of Weldon Railroad and in the military movement
in front of Petersburg he was wounded in the left leg, which necessitated the amputation of that member below the knee. When he had
recovered his health he was honorably discharged December 26, I865,
and again came to Michigan, settling upon a farm in Pokagon township,
Cass county.
On the Ist of December, I867, Mr. Smith was united in marriage
to Miss Sarah A. McCoy, a daughter of Richard and Maria McCoy, who
-were early settlers of Cass county, and their daughter, Mrs. Smith, was
born in Pokagon township, where her girlhood clays were passed and her
education was obtained.
A\t the time of his marriage Mr. Smith located in Dowagiac and
was employed as a salesman in a store for about sixteen years-a fact
which indicates his entire capability and trustworthiness. Fe lhas been
supervisor of the third ward for ten years and this fact stands in incontrovertible evidence of his loyalty in office. At one time he was alderman of the city from the third ward and his personal popularity is indicated byh the fact that he was elected on the Democratic ticket in a ward
which usually gives a strong Republican majority. Mr. and Mrs Smith
have no children of their own, but have reared an adopted dautghter,
Ruth. \who is no\w the wife of Nathan J. White. Almost a half century
has come and gone since:\Mr. Smith came to Cass county and he is
therefore Ilnumbered amongo the old settlers. I-e is familiar with its
history in m1any of its phases, having been a witness of or participant
in the evelnts which have shaped its policy and promoted its development.
In all matters of citizenship hle has been the embodiment of loyalty and
in public office as well as in military service has rendered valuable aid
to tlhe countyr. He has a deep and sincere attachment for the stars an(i
stripes iand is indeed a patriotic American citizen.
WILLIAM JARVIS.
The farm which is the place of residence of William Jarvis was also
his birthplace. It is situated on Section 34, Wayne township, and there
Mr. Jarvis first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 5th of De



706


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


cember, I844. He is a son of Norman Jarvis, who was one of the early
settlers of this county, following the occupation of farming for many
years. He was born in North Carolina in I8I9, and was a son of Edward Jarvis, likewise a native of the old North state. The grandfather
was a farmer and about I823 settled in Cass county, Michigan, being
one of the first residents within its borders. The family home was established in LaGrange township, where the grandfather purchased some
land, becoming owner of about two hundred acres, most of which was
raw and unimproved. He cleared the tract, however, and reared his
family upon this place.
Norman Jarvis was only four years of age when brought by his
parents to Michigan and amid the wild scenes of frontier life he was
reared upon the old homestead, the family living in a log cabin, while his
education was acquired in a log schoolhouse. He shared with the other
members of the family in the hardships and privations incident to pioneer
life and also assisted in the arduous task of developing new land. When
about twenty-one years of age he bought land in LaGrange township,
coning into possession of about two hundred acres that was partially
improved. He had been married a short time previous to Miss Margaret
Simpson, a native of Ohio, born in the year 1823. She was reared in
her native state and with her parents came to Cass county, Michigan, at
an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis became the parents of ten children,
seven daughters and three sons, all of whom are living. In his political views the father was a Democrat and kept well informed on the
questions- and issues of the day. He prospered in his business undertakings and at the time of his death was the owner of two hundred and
seventy acres of rich and productive land, the greater part of which
had been improved by him. He passed away in I903 at the age of
eighty-three years, respected and esteemed by all who knew him.
Upon the old homestead in LaGrange township William   Jarvis
spent the days of his boyhood and youth, there remaining until his
marriage, which occurred on the 22d of February, I868. He then removed to the farm adjoining the old homestead-a tract of land of one
hundred and forty acres, a part of which he improved during the two
years which he spent there. In I872 he went to Dowagiac, where he
turned his attention to the butchering, business, remaining there for about
seven months. On the expiration of that period he bought a farm of
eighty acres east of Decatur, in Decatur township, and cleared ten acres
of that place, living thereon for seven months. In the fall of 1873 he
came to his present farm which then comprised eighty acres of land to
which he has since added a tract of forty acres, so that his place now
comprises one hundred and twenty acres, which is rich and productive.
Here he has made his home for thirty-two years and has gained a good
living by his careful management of his business and by his practical
and progressive methods in cultivating the fields and caring for the crops.
Mr. Jarvis was united in marriage to Miss Arbesta Park, a native




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


707


of Medina county, Ohio, born December o1, 1849, and a daughter of
John and Fannie Park, who removed to Dowagiac in I865, there spending their remaining days. Mr. Park was a stock buyer and a well known
business man, carrying on active work in the cultivation and development of the fields. Mrs. Jarvis was reared in Ohio, being about seventeen years of age when the parents came to Cass county. By her marriage she has become the mother of two sons and a daughter: John
P., who was born at Dowagiac on the 2ISt of May, 1872; William, who
was born upon the present home farm April 17, I882; and Bessie, who
was born June 22, I888. All were educated in the schools of Wayne
township. The wife and mother was called to her final rest February 17,
I903, and her death was deeply regretted not only by her immediate
family but also by many friends. Mr. Jarvis exercises his right of
franchise in support of the Democratic party. Through sixty-one years
he has lived in Cass county and has witnessed many changes here during
that period. From his early youth he has followed farming save for a
brief interval and for almost a third of a century has lived upon his
present place which shows in its excellent improved condition the careful supervision of a careful and painstaking owner.
SOLOMON CURTIS.
Solomon Curtis, who has reached the age of four score years, is
one of the pioneer settlers of Cass county. No writer has ever given
adequate description of the conditions which are met on the frontier.
When one faces the elements of nature in their rude and rough outlines they are removed from the comforts of an older civilization. This
Mr. Curtis has done and his labors have been a valued factor in reclaiming this district for cultivation and improvement.  He was born in
the town of Springfield, Otsego county, New York, January 26, I826.
His father, Stephen Curtis, was a native of the Empire state and died
when his son Solomon was but thirteen years of age. The mother,
Mrs. Edna (Thorn) Curtis, was also a native of New York and died
when the subject of this review was only two weeks old. The father was
three times married and had a family of twelve children. By the first
union there were nine children, by the second two and by the third marriage one child, the mother of our subject being the second wife. The
daughter of that marriage died in early childhood.
Following the death of his father Solomon Curtis came to Michigan, making his way to Cass county in I839 in company with one of
his half brothers.  He located in Pokagon township, living with his
brother until about eighteen years of age, when he continued his education in the schools of Niles and also attended the seminary at Albion,
Michigan. He worked by the month in the summer seasons and carefully saving his earnings he was at length enabled to purchase a tract
of land in Rockford township, Eaton county, Michigan. He afterward




708


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


traded that property for some land in Berrien township, Berrien county,
Michigan, which he eventually sold but bought another farm in the same
township on the Cass county line, where he lived for twelve years. In
his farm work he was determined and energetic, carrying forward to
successful completion whatever he undertook.  He was practical in
his methods, yet progressive in all that he did and as the years passed
by he converted his places into well developed and highly improved
farms.
Mr. Curtis was married in I851 to Miss Louisa W. Wilson, a
daughter of Samuel Wilson, of Oronoke township, Berrien county.
Mrs. Curtis was born in New York but was reared in Massachusetts and
her death occurred in this state, November 27, I900. There were three
children of that marriage, all of whom died in early life.
After living for twelve years upon his second farm in Berrien
county Mr. Curtis sold that property and bought a farm in Silver Creek
township, Cass county, whereon he lived for three years.  He then
again disposed of his farm and at that time bought land in Penn township, Cass county, where he lived for nineteen years. After disposing of
that property to a purchaser he removed to Dowagiac in I885 and for
twenty-one years has resided ih this city. He is one of the oldest settlers of Cass county and has been identified closely with its growth and
development. He has seen the county emerge from the period of its infancy to that of latter (lay progress and civilization. That he located
here at an early day is indicated by the fact that he paid only five dollars
per acre for ninety acres of land, which is today worth at least fifty
dollars per acre. He is well known throughout the county, having taken
an active interest in public affairs and in all that pertains to the welfare
and progress of his community. He voted for General John C. Fremont
and for Abraham Lincoln both times, also for Garfield, and was a stalwart Republican from the organization of the party until 1884. His first
presidential ballot, however, was cast for Zachary Taylor. In I884 Mr.
Curtis severed his allegiance with the Republican party, and joined the
ranks of the Prohibition party. He has since cast his ballot for its presidential candidates, while at local elections he votes independently. He
xi:as a candidate for justice of the peace on the Prohibition ticket. He
has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for sixty years
and has been deeply interested in church work in its various departments.
His life has ever been honorable and upright, characterized by fidelity to
all that tends to elevate mankind and to promote his moral nature. He
has been a champion of temperance and of Christianity and now in the
evening of his life he can look back over the past without regret and
forward to the future without fear. He is respected by all who know
him because of his fidelity to the right and by reason of his honorable
character and long residence in this county we take pleasure in presenting the record of his career to our readers.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


709


WILLIAM    E. BOGUE.
William E. Bogue, a prominent and representative farmer of Penn
township, resides on Section 29, which is the farm upon which he was
born on the I6th of March, I8,4I. His father, Stephen Bogue, was a
native of Perquimans county, North Carolina, born on the I7th of
October, I790, and there he remained until twenty-one years of age.
He was twice married, the mother of our subject being Mrs. Hannah
(East) Bogue, a native of Grayson county, Virginia, born on the I6th
of December, 1798. It was in i8I1 that Stephen Bogue left the south
and removed to Ohio, taking up his abode in Preble county, where he
was married.  The year I831 witnessed his arrival in Cass county.
Michigan was still under territorial rule at that time and the work of
improvement and progress was just being begun in various sections. In
1829 he had entered land from the government, having made a trip
across the country on horseback to this locality and when he brought his
family to Michigan settled upon the land and began the improvement of
the farm, which hitherto was entirely wild and uncultivated.  For
many years he successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits there
and died at the advanced age of seventy-eight years. His wife lived
to the very advanced age of ninety-three years and was identified with
the interests of Cass county from I831 until her demise. Mr. Bogue
built the first grist mill at Vandalia, laid out the town and gave to it
its name. He was a very prominent and influential man, active in the
work of public progress, and both he and his wife were numbered among
the honored pioneer residents of this portion of the state.
The ancestry of the family can be traced still farther back. It
is definitely known that the first representatives of the name in America
came from Scotland to the new world and that the family was found
in North Carolina during an early epoch in the colonization of that state.
The grandfather, Joseph Bogue, was born in North Carolina. There
were four children in the family of Stephen Bogue, who are still living,
of whom: William E. is the third in order of birth. The others are:
Elvira B., the wife of Silas H. Thomas, a resident of Vandalia, Michigan; Sue B., the wido!w of Amos Snith, who was a prominent citizen of
the county; and Stephen A., living in Vandalia.
William E. Bogue is the eldest son and was reared upon the home
farm, where he has spent his entire life with the exception of three years
passed in Chicago, when he was in the employ of the International Harvester Company. In his boyhood days he attended the public schools
and also worked in the fields through the summer months, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the
agriculturist. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose
Miss Elenora Sigerfoos, whom he wedded in St. Joseph county, Michigan,
in 1863. She died several years later, leaving three children: Myrta,
now the wife of B. H. Fowler, of Chicago; William Carlton, in the




710


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


employ of the International Harvester Company of Chicago; and Ralph
F., a druggist of the same city, who married Bernice M. McKinney.
The elder son, William C. Bogue, wedded Miss Bertha Arnold, of Porter
township, Cass county. After losing his first wife Mr. Bogue was married to Lena Gladding, the widow of Joseph McKinney and a native
of Ohio, where her girlhood days were passed. By her former marriage
she had two children: J. Wayne McKinney, who is with the International
Packing Company of Chicago; and Bernice M., the wife of Ralph F.
Bogue, son of our subject. Mr. Bogue has four grandchildren: Cecil
M., Max A. and Gerald D. Bogue, who are children of William C.
Bogue; and Kenneth Carlisle, the son of Ralph F. Bogue.
Throughout the greater part of his life William E. Bogue has carried on general agricultural pursuits and is the owner of a valuable and
productive farm of one hundred and sixty acres located about three
miles east of the courthouse in Cassopolis. He now rents the land, but
still gives supervision to the farm. For many years he was active in its
cultivation and management and he added to it many modern equipments and accessories, while his labors were energetic and resourceful,
so that he won thereby a good financial return for his work. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of
the Republican party, and for one year he was clerk of the township,
for two years township treasurer and for some years justice of the
peace. He also belongs to the Masonic fraternity and to the Friends'
church, in which he was reared. His life has ever been actuated by
unfaltering fidelity to the principles which govern strict and unswerving
integrity, and in public office his'course was characterized by promptness and capability in the discharge of his duties. Having lived all of
his life in this county, he is familiar with many of the events which
have shaped its history and formed its policy and he is classed today
with the leading and representative pioneer settlers.
JOHN P. FIERO.
John P. Fiero, having chosen agricultural pursuits as a life work,
is giving his time and energies to the task of tilling the soil, caring for
the crops and raising stock on section 26, Wayne township. His birth
occurred in Sandusky county, Ohio, on the Ist of November, I85o, and
he is the eldest in a family of three sons and three daughters whose
parents were Abram and Fannie (Thorp) Fiero. The paternal grandfather, Peter Fiero, was a native of the state of New York, was of Holland Dutch descent, and spent his last days in Branch county, Michigan.
The maternal grandfather, John Thorp, was also a native of the Empire
state, and it was in the same state that Abram Fiero and Fannie Thorp
were born. After residing for some time in Ohio they came to Cass
county, Michigan, in the spring of I853, locating in LaGrange township,
where the father engaged in farming. His entire life was devoted to




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


711


agricultural pursuits, and he gave to the work of the fields his undivided
attention until his life's labors were ended in death, when he was sixtysix years of age. At the time of the Civil war he was a stanch advocate of the Republican party, which stood as the defender of the Union
cause during that dark hour in our country's history, but later he became liberal in his political views. At one time he served as supervisor of his township and he was always active in public affairs, giving
hearty support and co-operation to any movement which tended to benefit his community. In his family were three sons and three daughters,
namely: John P.; Byron; William; Samantha, who died at the age of
five years; and Caroline and Lucy, both of whom are deceased.
John P. Fiero was in his third year when he was brought by his parents to Michigan, and upon the home farm in LaGrange township he was
reared. His early educational privileges afforded by the district schools
were supplemented by study in Dowagiac and in Kalamazoo Commercial College, which he attended for seven months. He afterward engaged in clerking for a time in Dowagiac in 1873, but later resumned
farming in LaGrange township, where he remained for about a year.
He then located on the farm where he now resides and he has resided
here continuously since. The improvement of the property is due to his
care and labor and to his progressive spirit. As his financial resources
have increased he has extended the boundaries of his property and his
landed possessions now aggregate one hundred and eighty acres in
Wayne township. His home farm comprises one hundred and eighty
acres, which is well improved. The fields have been brought under a
high state of cultivation and are surrounded by well kept fences. He
uses modern machinery in the care of his crops, and everything about his
place is neat and thrifty in appearance, showing the owner to be a practical man, who in his care of his farm is painstaking and energetic. He
is also one of the stockholders of the Dowagiac creamery.
In 1875 Mr. Fiero was united in marriage to Miss Samantha Root,
a daughter of Eber and Eliza (Wells) Root, who were early settlers
of Cass county. The mother was the first landlady of Cassopolis. In
pioneer times they took up their abode in this county and Mr. Root served
as one of the early sheriffs, and his name was associated with other events
relating to the county's history and its development. Mrs. Fiero was
born in Cassopolis on the 8th of October, 1847, and by her marriage has
become the mother of four children: Ray, who is living in Louisiana;
Cecil, deceased; Charles, who has also passed away; and Eliza, the wife
of Frank McMichael, of LaGrange township.
Mr. Fiero votes with the Democratic party and he was elected to the
office of supervisor of Wayne township in I89o. He was also chosen
town clerk and filled that position for several terms in Wayne township.
He was treasurer of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company for
four years and is well known in the county, where in his varied relations
lie has ever been found worthy the trust and confidence reposed in him.




712


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


His activity has ever been of a practical nature crowned with results.
He sees to the center of things and he sees from the center to the outermost circumference of possibility. He looks upon the world from no
false position; has no untried standards and is a man of strong convictions which he earnestly maintains.
BURGETTE L. DEWEY.
Burgette L. Dewey, the senior representative of mercantile interests in Dowagiac and the county in years of continuous connection with
commercial interests, was born in Oneida county, New York, October
T3, I845. His paternal grandfather, Harry Dewey, was a native of
Vermont, in which state he spent his boyhood and acquired his education. He was of French and Irish lineage and on leaving New England became a resident of New York. His father, Lambert B. Dewey,
was a native of Oneida county, born on the 7th of May, I8I6. He was
reared to the occupation of farming and followed that pursuit in New
York until I859, when he removed to Marcellus, Cass county, Michigan, where he engaged in general agricultural pursuits. Later he made
his home for a time in Van Buren county, this state, and subsequently
came to Dowagiac, where his last days were passed, his death occurring
July 15, I899, when he was in his eighty-fourth year. He was a member of the Christian church and lived an exemplary life in harmony
with his professions. Lambert B. Dewey was married in the Empire
state to Miss Delia A. Story, a native of Oneida county, New York,
who is now living in her eighty-third year. She is of Irish lineage.
Her grandfather, Captain Enoch Story, was a Revolutionary soldier
who won his title by service-in the colonial army during the war for
independence. It is supposed that he was a native of Ireland.
Burgette L. Dewey, an only child, came with his parents to Michigan in 1859 when a youth of fourteen years. He had begun his education in the district schools of New York and later he attended a high
school in Michigan, while in I865 he pursued his studies in Eastman's
Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York. Being graduated on the
completion of a business course, he returned to Michigan and in I865
came to Dowagiac, since which time he has been connected with the
commercial interests of this place. He began here as a clerk and in
1873 he embarked in business on his own account as a dealer in dry
goods and carpets. He has since continued in this line and is now the
oldest dry goods merchant in the town. He has a well appointed establishment, carrying a good line of merchandise, and he is also interested in other business enterprises outside of the city. He has been
very successful as the years have gone by. During his first year in
Dowagiac he worked for nothing, but gradually he advanced and his
capable service was recognized by a liberal wage. Saving his earnings,
he was at length enabled to start in business on his own account and








I
t~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




"y-  ^cI








HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


713


is today a prosperous merchant, enjoying in large measure the confidence and support of the public.
On the I3th of October, I867, Mr. Dewey was united in marriage
to Miss Sarah E. Green, of Battle Creek, Michigan, a daughter of
William H. Green. She was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, February 13, 1844, and has become the mother of three children: Harry
B., now deceased; Harriet, the wife of W. C. Porter, of Buchanan,
Michigan; and Fred L., who is a partner with his father in the conducting of the business.
Mr. Dewey has been a life-long Republican, having firm faith in
the principles and ultimate triumph of his party. He was the second
mayor of Dowagiac, and whether in office or out of it has been a cooperant factor in many measures for the general good. He is a prominent Mason who has attained the thirty-second degree in the Scottish
rite and he likewise belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks. He has been engaged in business in Dowagiac for forty years,
is proprietor of the largest store here and has a very wide acquaintance
throughout the city and surrounding country.  His good qualities are
many and his genial disposition and unfailing courtesy to his patrons
as well as his honorable dealing have been factors in his success.
HAMILTON SHELDON McMASTER, M. D.
Dr. Hamilton Sheldon McMaster, the oldest practicing physician of
Dowagiac, who has also taken an active and helpful part in the advancement of the city's welfare and improvement, was born in West Sparta,
Livingston county, New York, in 1842. His father, Robert McMaster,
also a native of West Sparta, was of Scotch-Irish lineage. The paternal
grandfather, Ebenezer McMaster, was born in Morristown, New Jersey,
and was the son of Edward McMaster, who was born in Dublin, Ireland, and came to the United States with his father, Richard McMaster,
a sea-faring man, before the Revolutionary war. Edward McMaster,
then a boy, spent his youth in this country and at the outbreak of hostilities with the mother country enlisted in the continental army, serving
throughout the war which won independence for the nation. He was
held as a prisoner on one of the British warships for a time. His father,
Richard McMaster, sailed in a privateer during the conflict and died at
sea.  The three generations before our subject were farmers.  The
grandfather, Ebenezer McMaster, lived to the advanced age of ninetyfive years, dying at West Sparta, New York. Robert McMaster, his
son, and'the father of Dr. McMaster, became a well-to-do agriculturist
and prominent citizen in his home locality. His political allegiance was
given to the old-line Whig party until its dissolution, when he advocated
the Republican cause and supported Lincoln. His business affairs were
carefully conducted and he became a well-to-do farmer. His death occurred January 13, i866, when he was fifty-five years of age. His wife,




714


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


who bore the maiden name of Lucy L. Hamilton, was born near Rutland, Vermont, and died in Missouri, November 22, 1882, at the age of
sixty-six years. She was of Scotch lineage, the Hamiltons coming to
this country soon after the arrival of the Mayflower in Plymouth harbor.
Representatives of the name settled in Vermont and the family furnished
soldiers to the Revolutionary war, Mrs. McMaster's grandfather having
been one of the heroes who fought for liberty. The parents of Mrs.
McMaster were Stoddard and Mary (Sheldon) Hamilton, who lived for
a time in Vermont, but afterward removed to New York. Mrs. Hamilton died at the advanced age of ninety years, while her mother passed
away in Rochester, New York, at the very venerable age of one hundred and two years. Mrs. McMaster was a Baptist in religious faith,
holding membership in the church at Dowagiac. By her marriage she
became the mother of eight children, namely: Hamilton S.; William
Henry, a farmer residing in Shelbyville, Missouri; Marion E., who
follows farming near Monroe, Missouri, and is an inventor of note;
Mary E., the wife of Myron L. Ward, a fruit grower of Alvin, Texas;
Emerson P., an agriculturist residing at Machias, New York; Albert C.
and Gilbert C., twins, who died when about five years of age; and Robert P., also deceased.
Dr. McMaster, the eldest of the family, was reared upon the old
homestead farm and attended the district schools during their yearly
sessions until ten years of age. Afterward he worked through the summer months in the fields and continued his education only through the
winter seasons. He remained in the district schools until eighteen years
of. age, after which he attended the Dansville and Lima seminaries, both
in New York, and in the latter institution was a pupil under Frances
E. Willard, the famous temperance reformer. He also attended Albion
(Michigan) College for two years, having come to this state in I867.
His preparation for the practice of medicine was begun in the office and
under the direction of Dr. H. L. Baker at Blissfield, Michigan, and he
attended medical lectures at Eclectic Medical College in Cincinnati, Ohio,
previous to entering Bennett Medical College of Chicago, from which
he was graduated in the spring of 1871.
Dr. McMaster located for practice at Battle Creek, Michigan, but
after a few months came to Dowagiac, where he entered into partnership with Dr. Cyrus J. Curtis in the office which he still occupies. This
partnership continued for two years, after which he spent eighteen
months at Grand Rapids, when he returned to Dowagiac, where he still
remains. He is the oldest physician of the city and although a general
practitioner, makes a specialty of chronic diseases, in which he has been
very successful. Well qualified by thorough preliminary training for
his chosen life work, he has continually promoted his efficiency through
reading, investigation and experiment and has thus kept in touch with
the march of the profession.
At the time of the Civil war Dr. McMaster responded to the coun



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


715


try's call for aid, enlisting on the 6th of August, I862, when but twenty
years of age. He enrolled his name at West Sparta, New York, in
company with his brother, William H. McMaster, and they were assigned
'to duty with Company B, One Hundred and Thirtieth New York Volunteer Infantry, with which both served until the cessation of hostilities.
After a year's service the regiment was changed to cavalry in I863 and
became known as the Nineteenth New York Cavalry and also as the
First New York Dragoons. This regiment was included in Fox's "three
hundred fighting regiments." It was engaged in sixty-six battles, not
including various skirmishes, and formed a part of General Wesley Merritt's brigade of Devon's division and General Phil Sheridan's corps.
He was mustered out at Clouds Mills, Virginia. His brother was
wounded in a skirmish in the Shenandoah valley. Of five farmer boys
who enlisted together Dr. McMaster and his brother were the only ones
to return to their homes. The doctor lay in a hospital at Washington
with typhoid fever for some time and while still there he was made
nurse and ward master. While thus engaged he conceived the idea of
reading medicine, a determination which he carried out upon returning
home.
In 1872 Dr. McMaster was married to Miss Mary Florence Stebbins, who was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in I848 and is a
daughter of Edward Sawyer and Harriet (Goddard) Stebbins, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Massachusetts. Her uncle,
Delenor Goddard, was editor of the Boston Advertiser for a number of
years and the Goddards were a very prominent family of Massachusetts,
while the Stebbins were descended from Revolutionary stock. Unto Dr.
and Mrs. McMaster have been born three children: Gertrude Louise,
now the wife of William E. Sweet, a plumber of Dowagiac;' Edward S.,
who is head bookkeeper for the Dowagiac Manufacturing Company; and
Robert P., who was a bookkeeper and died in April, I904, at the age of
twenty-seven years.
Dr. and Mrs. McMaster hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and are people of the highest respectability, who have long
occupied a prominent and enviable position in social circles in the city
where they reside. The doctor belongs to the Ancient Order of United
Workmen and to the Grand Army of the Republic, while in the line of
his profession he is connected with the State Eclectic Medical Association, of which he was chosen the first secretary, being honored with the
office for twenty vears. He has also been a member and vice-president
of the National Eclectic Medical Association. He was a Lincoln Republican and afterward became a Prohibitionist. He also voted twice for
William Jennings Bryan and is now a socialist. In community affairs he
has taken considerable interest and his labors have not been without beneficial effect. He has been a member of the school board of Dowagiac
and was the first health officer of the city. At one time he was the owner
of a farm north of the city, one-half of which lay within the corporate




716


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


limits and this has been subdivided and platted and is now known as Dr.
McMaster's first and second additions to the city of Dowagiac. In connection with his practice he and his sons cultivate ginseng and are developing a business of considerable importance in this line. Dr. McMaster
is very widely known in Cass county and has had a notable and honorable life history. A man of push and progress, difficulties have vanished before him as mist before the morning sun. He has no untried
standards and he is a man of strong convictions, quick to discern the
right and unfaltering in his maintenance thereof. He is a lover of society and of his friends and association with him means pleasure, expansion and elevation.
WILLIAM M. FROST.
William M. Frost, who has passed the Psalmist's span of three
score years and ten, being now in his seventy-fourth year, makes his
home in Dowagiac, but for many years was an active factor in agricultural circles. A native of New York, he was born in Otsego county on
the I3th of October, I832, and was the eldest in a family of five children,
two daughters and three sons, all of whom reached adult age. Their
parents were Elijah and Prudence Ann (Cory) Frost, both of whom
were natives of New York. The paternal grandfather was David Frost,
who became one of the early settlers of Otsego county, New York. He
married Jane Gilbert and reared a family of twelve children. His death
occurred upon the old homestead in the east.
Elijah Frost, father of our subject, was born in Otsegol county
and early became familiar with farm labor as he worked in the fields
for his father, following the plow and harvesting the crops. Believing that the west furnished good business opportunities he started for
Michigan in 1844 and made his way direct to Cass county, locating on
Pokagon prairie in Pokagon township. He purchased a farm on which
he lived for about twelve years, when he sold that property and crossed
the line into Berrien county, where he lived two years. He then returned to Cass county, settling in Silver Creek township, where he
died at the age of seventy-seven years.  Throughout his entire life
he followed agricultural pursuits in order to provide for his family
and the success which he enjoyed was due entirely to his enterprising
efforts and capable management. In early life he was an old-line Whig,
supporting the party until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks
of the new Republican party upon its organization. Coming to Cass
county in pioneer davs he found here what was practically a wilderness.
The few homes of the early settlers were widely scattered, the forests
largely stood in their primeval strength and the streams were unbridged. In fact the work of development had been scarcely begun
and he had ample opportunity to aid in the work of early improvement and progress. He married Prudence Ann Cory, also a native of
New York and a daughter of Sanmuel and Rachel Mallory) Cory, who




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


71T


located in the Empire state at an early day, coming to New York from
Connecticut.  Mrs. Frost was a granddlaughter of a Revolutionary
soldier. She survived her husband for a number of years and died in
the ninetieth year of her age in Silver Creek township, being one of
the oldest settlers of the county in age and also in years of residence
here. Of her family of five children only two are now living, the other
being Kenyon D. Frost, who resides in Cass county.
William' M. Frost spent the first twelve years of his life in the
state of his nativity and then came with his parents to Michigan, arriving here on the first of October, I844. He acquired his education
in common and select schools of Niles and when not busy with- his
textbooks remained at home, assisting in the work of the farm. The
family experienced many of the usual hardships and trials of pioneer
life and with the others of the family Mr. Frost worked in the fields,
converting the once wild and raw land into a productive tract.  At
the age of twenty years he began teaching school, holding his first
school in a little log cabin in Silver Creek township. He followed the
profession for about nine years, having the ability to impart clearly
and readily the knowledge to others that he had acquired, so that he
was recognized as one of the capable educators of this part of the state.
He was in the schoolroom   during the winter months, while in the
summer seasons lie followed the plow.
He first was married in I856 to Miss Mary Jane Dalton. a
daughter of John and Catherine (Cnoper) Dalton.     She was born
in the city of Rochester, New York, May 2. 1836, and came with her
parents to Michigan, locating at Three Rivers, whence they afterward
removed to Cass county, Mrs. Frost being about fourteen years of age
at that time. Upon his marriage M\r. Frost rented a farm which he
cultivated for about three years, this beino- located in Niles township,
Berrien coulnty. He lived ftugally and economically during that period
and as the result of his industry was enabled' in the spring of T86o
to purchase a farm in Silver Creek township, whereon he took up his
abode. The farm was all covered with timber at the time of the purchase. and in the midst of the forest he began developing the fields and
clearingo awav the trees, grtlbblini out the stumps and burninc utp the
brush. Tn the course of time the sunshine flooded the fields and ripened
the grain. In all of his farm work he kept abreast with the progress
incident to agricultural life. usino good improved machinery and following modern methods in all that he did.    Owing to his careful
direction of his business interests and his unfalteringe energy he acquired a gratifying competence and in I889 removed to Dowagiac.
where he has since remained.  For s-on.e years he continued to, give
personal supervision to his farm and the place is now carried on through
the work of a man whoml he employs 1b the year. He has one hun



718


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


dred and eighty acres of well improved land all under the plow save
about fifteen acres and good crops are annually harvested.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Frost have been born three children: Emily
C., the eldest, who died at age of ten years; Elizabeth, now the wife
of E. E. Aliger, of Dowagiac; and Carrie Lucile, at home. Mr. Frost
in early manhood proudly cast his fitst presidential ballot for John C.
Fremont, the first candidate of the Republican party. He voted also
for Abraham Lincoln and has supported each presidential nominee at
the head of the ticket from that time. He has held a number of local
offices, to which he has been called by his fellow citizens, who recognize
his worth and his fidelity to public duty. He has been superintendent
of Silver Creek township public school, which position he held for
twelve years and was supervisor of Silver Creek township for seven
years. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for
a half century and has taken an active and helpful interest in its work
and upbuilding, filling various official positions in connection! therewith. His house was always called the preacher's home, its hospitality
being extended to all ministers visiting the neighborhood.  Looking
back into the past it will be found that Mr. Frost has for sixty years
lived in this county and he is therefore largely authority on matters
relating to its history. Great changes have occurred and a wonderful
transformation has been wrought since those early days when the
forests were uncut, land uncultivated and! homes unbuilt. The work
of progress has been made by slow but steady stages and those who
have contributed to the upbuilding and development of the county deserve much credit, especially those who have shared in the trials and
hardships of frontier life as Mr. Frost has done.
CLYDE W. KETCHAM.
Clyde W. Ketcham, one of the younger members of the Cass county
bar who is making rapid advancement, resides at Dowagiac and is a
native son of the county, his birth having occurred in Volinia township
in 18176. He is a son of Dr. W. J. Ketcham, well known in the county,
and was a student in the public schools of Dowagiac, being graduated
from the high school with the class of I894. rWhen it came to the time
when he should decide upon a choice of work as a life occupation he determined upon the practice of law and entered the law department of the
Michigan State University at Ann Arbor in I899. Completing the regular three years' course, he was graduated in the class of I902 and entered
upon the active work of the profession in Dowagiac in partnership with
Charles E. Sweet. After a year he opened an independent office, purchasing the practice and the law library of F. J. Atwell, one of the pioneer attorneys of Cass county. He has been eminently successful and
bids fair to become a leading member of the bar, having already attained
success and prominence that many an older practitioner might well envy.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


719


Important litigated interests have been entrusted to his care and his careful handling of these has led to the winning of decisions favorable to his
clients.
On the 6th of September, I899, Mr. Ketcham was married to Miss
Clarice Bushnell, a native of Grand Rapids and a daughter of Asa Bushnell, a wood carver and worker in wood in that city. Mr. Ketcham belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and his wife to the Congregational church. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and the
Maccabees, while in the line of his profession he holds membership relations with the Cass County Bar Association. In his political views he
is a Republican, and from I897 until 899: served as justice of the peace.
His energies are now concentrated upon his professional duties and he
is well known as a sincere and earnest practitioner, having comprehensive knowledge of the principles of both civil and criminal law.
SIMEON CONKLIN.
Dowagiac has among its inhabitants many men who in successful business careers have won the competence that now enables them to
live retired. To this class belongs Simeon Conklin, who at one time
was actively and successfully engaged in general farming in Cass county
but is now living in a pleasant home in Dowagiac, surrounded by
many of the comforts which go to make life worth living, having put
aside further business cares. He was born in Otsego county, New
York, February 15, 184I. His father, Abram Conklin, also a native of
that county, was there reared and married and in an early day came
westward to Michigan, where he invested in property, purchasing land
in Lagrange township, where he lived for a short time. He afterward'
removed to Silver Creek township, where he died when seventy years
of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Malinda Gilbert, was
also born in Otsego county, New York, and lived to be about fifty
years of age. In the family were eight children, three daughters and
five sons, six of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. There
are now living four sons and a daughter, namely:  Gilbert, who is
residing in Silver Creek township; Simeon, of this review; Abram,
who makes his home in Dowagiac; Jane, also a resident of Silver Creek
township; and Charles, living in Dowagiac.
Simeon Conklin was the second of the eight children and was
but a small boy when brought by his parents to Michigan, so that he
was reared and educated in Silver Creek township, attending the Indian
Lake school in his boyhood days. When not busy with his textbooks
he remained at home, assisting in the work of the farm until he had
passed his twenty-first birthday. He was married in I869 to Miss
Charlotte Swisher, a daughter of John and Melissa Swisher. Mrs.
Conklin was born in Preble county, Ohio, and was but a small girl
when brought to this county by her parents. Upon coming to this




720


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


county they located in Pokagon township. During that time Mr. Conklin gave his attention and energies to the further cultivation of the
fields which he brought under a high state of cultivation, so' that he
annually harvested good crops. He used the latest improved machinery
and conducted his work along modern lines of agriculture until I895,
when he put aside business cares and took up his abode in Dowagiac.
He still owns, however, his farm, comprising two hundred acres of
good land, which he rents.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Conklin have been born four children but
Myrtle and Cora are now deceased, while the other daughters, Lillie
and Nora, are at home. Mr. Conklin has spent nearly his entire life
in Cass county and has always voted the Republican ticket since age
gave to him the right of franchise. He has a wide and favorable acquaintance and has been successful in a financial way.  His friends
are many and the number is constantly increasing as the circle of his
acquaintance widens.
HENRY G. ROSEWARNE.
Henry G. Rosewarne, acting as township clerk, his home being
in section 7, Milton township, was born upon this farm February 17,
1867.  The family is of English lineage, and the grandfather was
Dr. Joln V. Rosewarne, who became one of the pioneers of Cass
county, reaching Milton township in 1834, and was identified with
many events which shaped the early annals of this part of the state.
He was born in the parish of Gwinear, county of Cornwall, England,
in the year I789. He was a pupil of the celebrated Sir Astley Cooper,
and from him received the early teaching which made him so successful in after life as a physician and surgeon. In the county of Cornwall he enjoyed for many years an extensive and lucrative practice,
living in the township of Wadebridge until he removed to this country.
In the year 1829 he emigrated to America with his family and settled
upon the sho(re of Canandaigua Lake, New York, where he lived in
quiet retirement until I832. In that year, cholera having made its first
appearance in this county, he was requested by the citizens of Canandaigua to go to the city of New York while it was raging there to investigate the causes of that new plague and determine the proper treatment of it in all its phases. Among the eminent physicians of New
York he achieved a high reputation, not only for the skillftul treatment
of that disease, hut also for eminence in his profession generally. After coming to this country, Dr. Rosewarne did not practice his profession in the ordinariy acceptance of that term, but for more than thirty
years he cheerfully and gratuitously gave his services whenever requested with like assiduity to the rich and the poor, and there were
few families in the community that were not at some time benefited
by his professional skill. A lover of nature, he enjoyed the seclusion of




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


721


the lake shore where he so long dwelt, and although not seeking general society, he was eminently sociable and hospitable.  His coming
was always welcome, whether to assuage the pains of sickness or receive the hospitality of his friends. He had passed so much of his life
in that locality, devoting his talents and acquirements to the relief of
others, and had proved himself so kind and true and so generous in his
friendship that his loss was so keenly felt by the community as to secure among them an enduring and affectionate remembrance. He died
at Canandaigua, New York, August I9, I863, aged seventy-six years.
Charles F. Rosewarne, father of our subject, was a native of Cornwall, England, and was only nine years of age when he accompanied
his father, Dr. John V. Rosewarne, to America. He was reared in
New York, and with the family came to Michigan in I834. He remained for about ten years, after which he returned to, New York,
where he engaged in business as railroad contractor through the succeeding decade.  He built many railroads in the 6ast, and was thus
closely associated with the substantial improvement and development
of that section of the country, for it has been said that railroad building is the most important agency in the settlement of a community,
furnishing the means whereby the natural resources of the county that
have been transformed into marketable commodities can be placed in
trade circles. In I849 Mr. Rosewarne returned to Cass county and
settled upon the farm where his son. Henry G., now resides. His father owned a sawmill and Charles F. Rosewarne was also engaged in the
manufacture of lumber. He continued an active representative of industrial interests in this county for a number of years, and died at the
advanced age of eighty-one. His political allegiance was given to the
Democracy, and he held various local offices in the township, including
that of township treasurer.  He was well known in the community,
and was a recognized leader in public affairs, leaving the impress of
his individuality and activity upon many measures for the public good.
He was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Smith, a native of Connecticut and a daughter of Hezekiah Smith, who was descended from
Mayflower ancestry, the family having been established in Massachusetts during the period of early colonization in New England. Mrs.
Rosewarne still survives her husband and is now seventy-seven years
of age. In the family were eight children, five sons and three daughters, and with the exception of one son all are yet living.
Henry G. Rosewarne is the youngest of the family and the only
one who now resides in Cass county. He was reared upon the old family homestead and acquired his education in the common schools, devoting his time to the labors o-f the field when not occupied with his text
books. In I888 he went to Chicago, and for four years was engaged in
the hardware business in that city. In I892 he returned to the old homestead in Cass county, where he has since been engaged in general farm



722


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


ing. Everything about his place is in keeping with the ideas of modern
farming, there being fair buildings, the latest improved machinery,
well kept fences and highly cultivated fields. Mr. Rosewarne realizes
that diligence is the basis of all success, and by his unremitting effort
has won a creditable place among the substantial agriculturists of the
county.  The farm 'comprises one hundred and sixty-five acres, and
Mr. Rosewarne is engaged in general agricultural pursuits and dairying, having a good business in both departments.
On the 7th of September, I898, was celebrated the marriage of
Henry G. Rosewarne and Miss Eva I. Dinan, a daughter of John M.
and Ellen (Smith) Dinan, who became pioneer settlers of Cass county,
Michigan. They are still living, and yet remain residents of this county. Their daughter, Mrs. Rosewarne, was born in Jefferson township,
Cass county, was educated in the home school and in the Ferris Industrial School. Prior to her marriage she successfully engaged in teach-*
ing for three years. Mr. Rosewarne has taken an active part in politics and has held various offices, to which he has been called by his
fellow townsmen, who recognize his worth and ability. He was treasurer of Milton township in I896-7, has been justice of the peace, and in
I900 was appointed to fill the vacancy in the office of township clerk.
He was then elected in I901, and has been elected each succeeding year,
so that he is still the incumbent in this position.  His entire life has
been passed in Cass county, and his record is as an open book which
all may read. He has never attempted to take advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen, but has lived so as win their respect and confidence, and has made a creditable record in business and political circles.  Mr. and Mrs. Rosewarne have a copy of the parchment deed
which was executed June 25, I834, and bears the signature of President Jackson, this being one of the valued documents of the county.
MALCOM A. CAMPBELL.
Malcom A. Campbell is serving as alderman from the third ward
in Dowagiac and is closely associated with industrial interests here
through his conduct of a blacksmith and wagon shop. He is also engaged in the sale of buggies and wagons and has a business which is
proving profitable. Moreover he deserves the success which comes to
him because his life has been characterized by close application and unfaltering d(iligence.  "Through struggles to success" is the usual rule
of the business world and this axiom finds verification in the life of Mr.
Campbell, who has worked his way upward, winning a fair measure
of prosperity and at the same time making a record for business integrity that any man might be proud to possess.
A native of Canada, Mr. Campbell was born in Lampton county,
Ontario, on the I6th of September, i861. His father, Duncan Campbell, is supposed to have been a native of Scotland and settled in




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


723


Canada in early life. There he cleared a tract of land and followed
farming until his death, which occurred when he was about fifty-seven
years of age.  He had married Sarah McCalpine, also a native of
Scotland, who still resides upon the old homestead in Canada. By
her marriage she became the mother of eight children, five daughters
and three sons, all of whom! reached adult age.
Malcom  A. Campbell, who name introduces this record, was
the fourth child and second son in that family, and was reared upon
the old homestead farmi in his native county. At the usual age he entered the country schools and therein acquired a fair English education, and when not busy with his text books he aided in the work of
the fields, but, thinking that he would prefer a trade rather than to
follow the plow, he began learning blacksmithing when sixteen years
of age at a small town called Aughrim. He served an apprenticeship of
three years, and after completing his term of indenture started out to
work as a journeyman, following blacksmithing at different places in
Canada and the United States. His first work in the states was in I886
at Saginaw. Michigan. He was afterward employed in other points,
and subsequently he returned to Canada, where he remained for about
three years, on the expiration of which period he went to Nebraska,
locating at Plum Creek, where he resided for a short time. He then
again went to Canada, and the period of his residence at this time covered about six years.  Again crossing  the border into the United
States, he settled at Detroit, Michigan, and afterward removed to Plymouth, this state, whence in 1894 he came to Dowagiac, where he has
since made his home. He was employed at journeyman work by the
man that owned the shop which is now Mr. Campbell's property, being
thus engaged for two years. at the end of which time he embarked in
business on his own account on Pennsylvania avenue, wxhere he remained for one vear. He was alse, in business on Front street for four
years, at the end of which time he removed to his present location,
having purchased the property here about two years before. This is
the shop in which he first worked on coming to, Dowagiac, and here he
carries on blacksmithing and the manufacture of wagons, doling all
kinds of repair work as well, and at the same time he engages in the
sale of wagons and buggies. He likewise has the agency for the Alamo gas and gasoline engines. His business has reached considerable
extent at the present time, and his energy and watchfulness of all details pointing to success have contributed to a very gratifying prosperity.
Mr. Campbell was married in I886 to Miss Julia Brown, a daughter of Dugald and Mary (McCullum) Brown.      Mrs. Campbell was
also born in Canada. and by this marriage there are three children:
Gordon Lloyd, John Harvey and Grace.
Mr. Campbell has been interested in public affairs to the extent




724


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


of becoming a co-operant -factor in many plans formulated for public
progress and practical improvement. He is a stanch and earnest Republican, and is now serving as a member of the city council, representing the third ward, in which connection he exercises his official
prerogatives to promote measures of reform  and improvement.  He
belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Order of Foresters and the National Protective Legion. There have been no exciting chapters in his life record, but he possesses those sterling traits
which work for good citizenship, for activity and honor.in business
and for fidelity in private life.
WILLIS M. FARR.
Willis M. Farr, a well known representative of industrial interests in Cass county now living in Dowagiac, was born at New Haven
in Macomb county, Michigan, August I, I844. His father, Henry F.
Farr, was a native of New York and in his boyhood days came to
Michigan with his father, Samuel Farr, who. was a pioneer of this
state. The grandfather traveled westward with an ox team and located
first in Macomb county, where in the midst of the forest he built a log
cabin and improved a farm, giving his attention to the cultivation and
development of his land up to the time of his death. Henry F. Farr
was but a small lad when the family took up their abode upon the old
homestead property in Macomb county and the occupation to which
he was reared he made his life work, carrying on farming in that
county until he, too, was called to his final rest. He married Julia Ann
Clemens, a native of New York, in which state she remained until
about twenty years of age, when she came to Michigan with her parents, who settled in Macomb county. There her remaining days were
passed. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Farr had a family of four sons, of whom
two died in infancy. The brother of our subject, M. S. Farr, is a
stock raiser and ranchman of Venango, Nebraska. He there owns eleven
square miles under fence in Perkins county and is one of the leading
stockmen of his part of the country.
Willis M. Farr, the eldest of the four children, was reared in the
place of his nativity until eighteen years of age, when he went to New
York, where he spent the succeeding year in teaching school. He then
returned to Michigan and attended school in Mount Clemens, after
which he resumed teaching. In the spring of 1864 he went to, Chicago
and after tramping the streets of the city for two weeks in search of
employment he secured the position oif bundle boy in a wholesale and
retail store. He was thus engaged for about six months, at the end of
which time he responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting as a
member of Company C, Fifty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry as a
private. He served for thirteen months and participated in the campaign under General Thomas from December, 1864, until June, 1865.




I




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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


725


He was never excused from duty during the service on account of illness or from any other cause, but always faithfully remained at his post
and at the close of the war received an honorable discharge at San
Antonio, Texas.
When the country no longer needed his aid Mr. Farr returned to
Chicago and soon afterward went upon the road as a commercial traveler, spending two and a half years in that way in Illinois, Indiana and
Michigan. His next venture was as a wholesale merchant, dealing in
notions, and at one time he utilized three wagons in the trade.  He
continued in that business for about ten years, meeting with very gratifying success. After disposing of his stock of notions he purchased
a fourth interest in the business of the firm of Warner, Tuttle, Farr &
Company, the original manufacturers of the shoe grain drill at Dowagiac.
He remained with the house for about a year and then sold out his interest, after which he formed a partnership with Mr. Stark for the
manufacture of the common sense sand band. Later he bought out Mr.
Stark's interest and is now sole proprietor of the business, which is recognized as one of the productive industries of this part of the state.
Mr. Farr was married June 26, I873, to Miss Sarah Doolittle, a
daughter of Lorin and Phoebe (Worth) Doolittle. She was born at
Huron, Wayne county, New York, and was there reared.   Mr. Farr
is a member of H. C. Gilbert Post, No. 47, G. A. R., and he has taken
an active and helpful part in its work. In  880o he served as a member
of the city council of Dowagiac. He is well known in the county and
his co-operation has been given to many movements which have had
direct and important bearing upon the welfare and progress of the county.
He has been greatly interested in the promotion of the movement for
the erection of a soldier's monument and but for him this movement
would never have succeeded. In all matters of citizenship he manifests
the same loyal and patriotic spirit that characterized his service as a
soldier upon, the battlefields of the south.
ABRAM CONKLIN.
Abram Conklin, who after long and close connection with farming
interests in Cass county is now living retired in Dowagiac, is one of the
worthy citizens that the Empire state has furnished to southern Michigan. He was born in Otsego county, New York, August I8, I845,
and is the third son of Abram and Belinda (Gilbert) Conklin, of whom
mention is made on another page of this work in connection with the
sketch of Simeon Conklin. The subject of this review was but a small
boy when he came to Cass county with his parents, and on the old
homestead farm in Silver Creek township he was reared. He attended
the Indian Lake school, thus acquiring a fair education, as he mastered
the branches of learningthere thaught. He also spent one season as
a student in Dowagiac. Through the summer months he assisted in




726


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


the labors of the field and meadow and became familiar with the best
methods of tilling the soil and caring for stock. He continued to give
his father the benfit of his services until the time of his marriage,
which important event in his life occurred in I878, the lady of his
choice being Miss Nellie Flickinger, a daughter of Peter and Mary
(Smith) Flickinger. Mrs. Conklin was born in Medina county, Ohio,
and became a resident of this county when a young lady of about nineteen years, her parents locating on a farm in Silver Creek township.
At the time of her marriage Mr. Conklin took her as a bride to a farm
in the same township, and he was there afterward engaged in farming
until I9g0, when he put aside the work of the fields and took up his
abode in Dowagiac, but still owns a good farm property, comprising
one hundred and forty-eight acres of land, which is well improved,
being supplied with good buildings and modern equipments. It is all
under the plow with the exception of eight acres. He has improved
this place and made it what it is today-a valuable farm propertyMr. Conklin Personally clearing all of it with the exception of twenty
acres.
Unto our subject and his wife has been born a son, Lee A., who
is attending business college at Battle Creek, Michigan, and who for
two years was a student in the Conservatory of Music at Oberlin,
Ohio. He also spent two years in the Musical Conservatory olf Chicago, and has thus been provided with excellent privileges for the cultivation of his talent in the line of his art. Mr. Conklin has been a resident of Cass county for a half century, and his mind bears the impress
of many of the historic events which have occurred here. He has always voted the Republican ticket, and is known as a man fearless in defense of his honest convictions, politically or otherwise.  The family
is a representative pioneer one of the county, and Mr. Conklin wears
worthily the honored family name.
JOHN A. LINDSLEY.
The lumber interests of Michigan have always been an important
source of the state's revenue and have formed one of the leading elements in its business development and commercial progress. The vast
forests have furnished excellent opportunities for the lumberman, and
in every community in the state men of enterprise have been connected
with the trade in its various branches and its kindred industries. Mr.
Lindsley is a well known lumberman of Dowagiac, where he is also
operating a planing mill.  He was born in Allegany county, New
York, January 15, I858. His father, Leman Lindsley, was also a native of the Empire state and was a farmer by occupation. He came to
Michigan in I863. locating in Hartford, Van Buren county, where he
carried on general agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death,
which occurred when he was forty-five years of age. He was of Scotch



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Irish descent and displayed in his life many of the sterling characteristics of his ancestry. He wedded Miss Mary Engle, also a native of
New York, who died in Michigan when sixty-five years of age. In
the family were three children, of whom John A. is the eldest. The
second son, Edwin M., is a partner of our subject in the manufacture
and sale of lumber in Dowagiac, while Washington, the youngest son,
is a resident of Decatur, Indiana.
John A. Lindsley spent the first five years of his life in the state
of his nativity and then came to Michigan with his parents, the family
settling in Van Buren county, where he was reared and obtained his
education. He pursued his education in the schools of Hartford and
later pursued a business course in the Northern Indiana Normal School
at Valparaiso. Returning to Michigan, he entered upon his business
career in I880 as a lumber merchant at Hartford, where he continued
until I885, when he sold out there and removed to Dowagiac. Here
he established a lumber yard and has continued in business for more
than twenty years. He also owns and operates a planing mill, and his
trade has long since reached extensive proportions, making his business
one of the profitable enterprises of the city. This is due to individual energy and careful management, Mr. Lindsley possessing in large
measure the qualities of success, which are earnestness, diligence and
perseverance.
In 188o was celebrated the marriage of John A. Lindsley and
Miss Mary Spalding, a daughter of A. N. Spalding of Hartford. They
have a family of five children: Mrs. Lula Estell; John Victor, who is
manager of the mill work department for the extensive house of Sears,
Roebuck & Company of Chicago; Augustus R., who is clerk in The
Fair at Chicago; Leman O., who is attending a business college at
South Bend, Indiana; and William.
Mr. Lindsley exercises his right of franchise in support of the
men and measures of the Republican party and is deeply interested in
its success and growth, doing all in his power to promote its influence
and secure the adoption of its principles. He served as supervisor of
the first ward and has been alderman several times. He is recognized
as one of the leading men of his town and county. He has garnered
in the fullness of time the generous harvest which is the just recompense of indomitable energy, spotless integrity and unflagging enterprise.
PETER HANNAN.
Peter Hannan, now living retired in Dowagiac, dates his residence
in Cass county from I854. He was in formner years closely associated
with industrial and agricultural pursuits, and is still the owner of a
valuable farming property in Silver Creek township. He was born in
Geneseo, Livingston county, New York, on the I2th of May, 1829,
and was one of a family of four sons and two daughters, whose parents




728


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


were Peter and Mary Hannan, the former of Irish lineage and the latter of French descent. Peter Hannan, Sr., was a native of Ireland,
and came to America at the time of the rebellion in his own country
in company with three brothers. They located in Livingston county,
New York, and Peter Hannan, Sr., there followed the occupation of
farming for a number of years. While living in the east his wife died
during the early boyhood of their son Peter. The father afterward
disposed of his interests in the Empire state and removed to Wisconsin, where he spent his remaining days, reaching, however, the advanced age of seventy-nine years. All of the children grew to manhood or womanhood, but only two of the family are now living, William Hannan being a resident of Wisconsin.
Peter Hannan, whose name introduces this record, was the fourth
member of his father's family and the second son. He was reared in
the state of his nativity, spending the first eighteen years of his life
under the parental roof, when he left home and has since been dependent upon his own resources for a livelihood and for the success that
he has achieved. He had acquired a fair knowledge of the common
branches of English learning in the public schools, and through the
summer months had worked in the fields upon his father's farm. When
he started out for himself he was employed as a farm hand by the
month, and in this way made his start in life. As a companion and
helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss Mary McStravich, whom he
wedded in 1852. They located on a farm in Livingston county, New
York, where they resided for about two years, when, in 1854, tllev
came direct to Cass county, Michigan, settling in Dowagiac.  Here
Mr. Hannan turned his attention to the manufacture of baskets, which
he followed successfully for about seventeen years, developing a large
and important industry. On the expiration of that period he turned
his attention to farming in Silver Creek township, Cass county, and
continued in active agricultural work for a number of years. He still
owns this property, which is a well developed farm. Although his attention was given to the work of tilling the soil and caring for the
crops, he continued to reside in Dowagiac, and has lived in the same
house for over forty years. It is situated in what is known as Hamilton's addition to the city, and the deed which he holds was signed by
Patrick Hamilton and his wife.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hannan have
been born three sons, who are yet living: W. W., of Detroit, who is a
prominent real estate dealer of that city; Charles R., of Boston, Massachusetts, who is representative for Swift and Armour at a salary of
twenty-five thousand dollars per year; and Frank E., who is engaged
in the real estate business with his brother, W. W. Hannan. There
were two children, John and Mary, who passed away. Mr. and Mrs.
Hannan celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary in 1902.  The
occasion was a most delightful one and will long be remembered by




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


their many friends who participated therein.  To their children they
have given excellent educational advantages, and their sons are college
graduates, W. W. Hannan having completed a course of study in the
Michigan University at Ann Arbor, Charles in Yale College, at New
Haven, Connecticut, while Frank completed his education at Orchard
Lake, Michigan. The two older sons are millionaires and their present
enviable positions in business circles are attributable to their own efforts
and capability.
Mr. Hannan has been a resident of Dowagiac and Cass county
for tnore than a half century and has been closely identified with its
growth and development. He has supported both the Democratic and
Republican parties. In early manhood he was a Douglas Democrat,
but in 1864, when the country was involved in the Civil war, he believed in sustaining the policy of the president and cast his ballot for
Abraham Lincoln, since which time he has supported each nominee at
the head of the Republican ticket, while his sons have followed in his
footsteps in this respect. He is a member of Dowagiac lodge, No. 214,
A. F. & A. M., and is well known in the county as a man of fgenuine
personal worth, whose life has been guided by high and manly principles, characterized by consideration for the rights and privileges of
others. He has likewise upheld his honest convictions unswervingly,
and now at the age of seventy-seven years he receives the respect, veneration and regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
FRANK ATWOOD.Frank Atwood, a retired farmer who has held various offices and
in the faithful performance of his duty has manifested his devotion to
the general welfare, was born in Wayne township, Cass county, August 12, 1852, and now lives in Dowagiac.  His paternal grandfather
was Wells H. Atwood, a pioneer of this county, who came to Michigan
in the summer of 1836. Few were the settlements that had been made
in this portion of the state. The forests were largely uncut and the land
uncultivated, and it remained to such sturdy and brave pioneer residents
as Mr. Atwood to reclaim the region from the domain of the red man
for the uses of civilization.  He established a farm., upon which he
reared his family, including Lafayette Atwood, the father of our subject. He was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, and was brought
to Cass county by his parents in 1836, being reared upon the home
farm in Wayne township. He was only about twelve years of age at
the time of the arrival here, and his youth was passed upon his father's
farm, where he assisted in the arduous task of developing new land and
cultivating the fields as his age and strength permitted. In Wayne
township he was married to Miss Adaline Allen, a native of New York,
who came to Cass county with her parents in an early day, the family
home being established in Wayne township. Following their marriage,




730


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Mr. and Mrs. Lafayette Atwoold located upon a farm in Wayne township, where they lived for many years. He was a reliable, energetic
and enterprising agriculturist of the community and was well known
as a leading representative of farming interests. He continued to give
his supervision to his farm until 1902, when he removed to Dowagiac
and made his home with his son Frank until his death March I8, I906.
He was one of the honored and venerable pioneer settlers of the community and his residence in the county covered the allotted psalmist's
span of three score years and ten. His memory formed a connecting
link between the primitive past and the progressive present, for few
men had more intimate knowledge of the history of the county from
the days of its early development to the period of later day progress
and prosperity than had Lafayette Atwood. His wife died in I862,
and of their children two died in infancy.
Frank Atwood is now the only member of the family living. He
was reared and educated in Wayne township, and in Dowagiac also
attended school. When not busy with his text books he worked in the
fields upon the old homestead and assisted his father in the development and improvement of the farm for many years. In 1874 he was
married to Miss Belle Ingling, a daughter of Samuel and Jane Ingling
and a native of Penn township, Cass county, where her parents had
located in pioneer times. At their marriage the young couple took up
their abode on the old homestead farm and Mr. Atwood was actively
and successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits until I902,
when he removed to Dowagiac, where he is now living retired. His
business affairs were capably and successfully conducted for many
years, and thus annually he was able to add to; his capital, which is
now sufficient to supply him with all of the necessities and comforts
of life without recourse to further business.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Atwood have been born three children: Fred,
who is now living in Wayne township: Fay, who resides upon the old
homestead; and Cora, the wife of Glenn Chamberlain, of Dowagiac.
The old homestead property comprises two hundred and sixty acres
of valuable land, and is now being operated by Mr. Atwood's second
son. In affairs relating to the'progress and improvement of the community Mr. Atwood has always taken a deep interest and helpful part.
He was township clerk for six years, school inspector for two years,
and supervisor for nine years. In his political affiliation he is a Democrat. He has been treasurer of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance
Company of Dowagiac since 1902, and is now secretary, and has been
administrator of several estates. He is well known in the county as
one who is ever true to a trust reposed in him, and in all the fifty-three
)ears of his residence in Cass county he has maintained a high standard of conduct, both for public and private life. He is connected with




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


731


the Modern Woodmen camp at Dowagiac, and at all times and under
all circumstances has been found worthy of the regard and esteem of
his fellow men.
NORRIS RICHARDSON.
Norris Richardson, an honored veteran of the Civil war, resides in
Cassopolis. He has figured prominently in events relating to the welfare and substantial improvement of the county, was at one time county
treasurer, and is numbered among the old settlers. There are few native sons of the county who have resided longer within its borders, for
his birth occurred in Calvin township on the 25th of December, I835.
His father, Hiram Richardson, was born in Hardin county, Ohio, was
there reared and came to Michigan, a single man, in 1827. Much of
the land was still in possession of the government at that time, and he
entered a claim in Calvin township, upon which not a furrow had been
turned or an improvement made. In fact, there were few settlers in
the township and only here and there was seen a clearing, in the midst
of which would be found a log cabin, to indicate that the seeds of civilization had been sown which were in due time to bear rich fruit. He
was married in Calvin township to Miss Catharine Reed, whose birth
occurred in either Hardin or Logan county, Ohio. Her father was
John Reed, who came to Cass county about 18,26 or 1827 and took up
his abode in Penn township adjoining Diamond lake. He, too, secured
a claim, but he did not improve it, selling it soon afterward to Mr.
Macintosh. Mrs. Richardson was quite young when brought to this
county by her parents, and at the time of her marriage she located
with her husband in Calvin township upon the farm which he had entered from the government and on which they resided until about I853.
They then removed to Ailegan county, Michigan, where Mr. Richardson departed this life at the age of sixty-four years, while his wife
lived to be about fifty-four years of age, she dying on the homestead in
Calvin township. Following her death, Hiram Richardson was married to Mrs. Nancy-Eastman. By his first marriage there were nine
children, five of whom reached adult age, while of the second marriage
there were three children, of whom two gained years of maturity.
Norris Richardson is the third child of the first marriage. He was
reared in Calvin township and pursued his education in one of the oldtime log school houses such as were common in pioneer districts. The
furnishings of such an institution were very primitive and the methods
of instruction were almost equally crude.  His mother died when he
was only thirteen years of age and he then started out in life for himself. working by the month as a farm hand. In this way he gained a
livelihood until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when his patriotic
spirit was aroused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union,
and he joined a Michigan regiment, but was not accepted. The com



732


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


pany, however, disbanded and he went to Joliet, Illinois, where he enlisted as a member of Company F, Twentieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and with that company served as a private for two years, after
which he was honorably discharged on account of physical disability,
receiving his discharge from General Grant. When he had somewhat
recovered his health, however, he re-enlisted in I863 as a member of
Company L, Ninth Iowa Cavalry, with which he served until the 3rd
of February, I866, when he was once more honorably discharged. He
was commissioned as an officer, holding the rank of first lieutenant of
Company L, and was also adjutant of the regiment. His military service covered more than four years and was fraught with much danger,
while his course was characterized by unfaltering fidelity to duty. He
was at Frederickstown, Missouri, in I86I, and the same year the regiment went down the Mississippi river, landing at Cape Girardeau. He
afterward participated in the siege of Columbus, Kentucky, and under
General Grant returned up the Ohio river, participating in the battle
of Fort Henry in I862, also in the engagement at Fort Donaldson and
the battles of Shiloh and Corinth. His first siege was at the last named
place, and after the capitulation of that city he went with his regiment
to Jackson, Tennessee, where he made a raid. Soon afterward he was
honorably discharged, and during the second 'term of his enlistment
he participated in but few battles. operating with the movements of the
army in Arkansas. He was never in the hospital, but was on active
duty all of the time with which he was connected with the army. During both terms of enlistment he had charge of the records of the companies and at the close of the war he was sent on an official mission
to St. Louis to do special duty by order of the general commander of
the department. He received his second discharge at Little Rock and
returned home with a most creditable military record. No man could
ever say aught against his bravery or his loyalty, and he deserves the
gratitude which the nation will never cease to feel for all the brave
boys in blue who fought for the defense of the Union.
When the war was over Mr. Richardson returned to Cass county,
Michigan, and was married in I866 to Miss Susan Adamson, a daughter of John and Sarah (Erwin) Adamson, who removed from Columbiana county, Ohio, to Cass county in I853. Her father purchased a
farm from Hiram Richardson and the wife of our subject, who was
born in Columbiana county, Ohio, was reared upon the old family
homestead in this county. Following his marriage Norris Richardson removed to Warren county, Iowa, where lie remained for three
years and then returned to Cass county, locating on the old homestead.
He bought land in Porter township and afterward sold that property
and bought another farm.   He continued actively in farming until
1895, when he put aside the more arduous duties of the fields, having
been elected to the position of county treasurer.  He then located at




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


733


Cassopolis and filled the office for four years, having been re-elected in
I897. He was also called to various township positions, and at all
times discharged his duties with promptness and fidelity. At the same
time he has continued the ownership of his farms in Porter and Newberg townships.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Richardson have been born a son and daughter: Carmi Claud, who is now a resident farmer of Porter township;
and Ethel Frances, who died in October, I899.
Mr. Richardson has been a lifelong Republican, as was his father
before him. He is now the commander of Albert Anderson Post, No.
I57, G. A. R., having been honored with this position for about ten
years. He has taken a very active and helpful interest in the work of
the post and has done an able and valuable service in looking after the
interests of the soldiers in this county. He has likewise attained the
chapter degree in Masonry, and in his life exemplifies the beneficent
spirit of the craft. His activity has touched upon many lines of general
interest, and he has never been found remiss in any duty of citizenship. Moreover, his business career has been commendable, for at the
early age of thirteen years he started out in life on his own account,
and he may therefore be truly called a self-made man. Through the
exercise of his native talents and energies and the careful utilization
of his opportunities he has become the owner of valuable property interests which now enable him to live retired.  His life record is in
many respects worthy of emulation, for he has displayed splendid qualifications in military and political service and in the business interests
which have brought him in contact with his fellow citizens.
LAURENCE B. PATTISON.
Laurence B. Pattison, a farmer and representative citizen of Pokagon township living on section 25, was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan,
March 5, 1838, a son of Daniel H. and Alrina (Davis) Pattison, both
of whom were natives of the state of New York, the mother having
been born in Allegany county. The father was a shoemaker by trade,
and after learning and following that business for some time became a
shoe merchant. Unto him and his wife were born four daughters and
four sons, of w horn Laurence was the second son and second child.
The family record is as follows: Edwin, deceased; Laurence; Rosella,
who has also passed away; Harriet; Daniel; Mary; Eunice; and William, deceased. All reached adult age, although three have now passed
away. The death of the father occurred in I868.
Laurence B. Pattison was reared to manhood in Manchester,
Michigan, acquired a public school education and there became familiar with farm work in all its departments.  Thinking that he might
have better business opportunities in the west, he came to Cass county
on the Ioth of February, I860, and entered the employ of Henry




734


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Stretch, for whom he worked as a farm hand for about two years.
In the latter part of I86I he left that employ and went to Dowagiac,
Michigan, where he spent a part of the winter, and in the spring of
I862 he located on Little Prairie, being employed by Jasper Vancuren
until January, I864.
On the Igth of that month Mr. Pattison was married to Miss
Hannah Van Vlear, a native of Pokagon township, Cass county, born
September I6, I844. Her parents were George and Kate (Ferris)
Van Vlear, pioneer settlers of Cass county, who took up their abode
here in 1833, coming to Michigan from Ohio. They were married in
Ohio, and on leaving that state settled upon a farm which is now the
home of Mr. Pattison.  In their family were five children, three of
whom were born in the Buckeye state, while two were born in Cass
county. John and Phebe, twins, are deceased, and Lewis, the fourth
child, has also passed away. The others are Katherine and Hannah.
Mrs. Pattison was educated in Pokagon township, pursuing her studies
in an old log school house. At the time of his marriage Mr. Pattison
rented one hundred and ten acres of land, upon which he lived for
twenty-two years. He then, in I886, removed to the farm which he
recently owned, having purchased the place some years before from
Mrs. Pattison's father. It comprised one hundred and twenty acres
of land, which is rich and arable, and the well tilled fields annually returned to him excellent harvests, while his crops found a ready sale
on the market.  He recently sold this place, however, and bought a
farm in Wayne township consisting of one hundred and forty acres,
formerly known as the Coply farm.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Pattison have been born two sons and a daughter: Estelle. born December 4. I864; W\ilbur, who was born January
I6, i866, and died January Io, I883; and Adelbert, born December
27, 1871. All are natives of Cass county. In his political views Mr.
Pattison is a Democrat where national issues are involved, but at local
elections votes independently and has taken an active part in political
interests in his home locality. He belongs to Pokagon lodge, No. 36,
A. F. & A. M., and is also connected with the United Workmen of
Dowagiac. His residence in Cass county covers a period of forty-five
years. during which time he has worked persistently and energetically
and all the success that he has achieved is attributable entirely to his
own efforts, his present farm being the visible evidence of his life of
thrift and industry.
L. L. LAWRENCE.
L. L. Lawrence, well known as a representative of agricultural
circles in Volinia township, resides on section II. He was born in this
township May 13,.I853, and was the eldest of the three sons whose parents were Levi B. and Esther (Copley) Lawrence. The father arrived




:::: \iI SB


~L                        ~Il


L. L. LAWRENCE AND FAMILY.




i
Ie
I




HISTORY OF CASS COUN' Y


735


in Cass county about I832, when the work of improvement and progress had scarcely been begun here. He took up land from the government, and for a long period carried on general agricultural pursuits, his
life's labors being ended in death when he was about seventy-six years
of age.
When a youth of about six years L. L. Lawrence entered the public schools and attended as opportunity offered until he had mastered
the branches of learning taught therein. He also early acquainted himself with farm labor, taking his place in the fields almost as soon as old
enough to handle the plow. Hle continued to assist in the work of cultivating crops upon the old homestead up to the time of his marriage,
which occurred ill 1879. He wedded Miss Rosa Emmons, and they have
three children, Eula, Esther and a little infant son, John K.
The home farm comprises two hundred and thirty-five acres of
good land devoted to general agricultural pursuits, and in addition to
the tilling of the soil and the care of his crops Mr. Lawrence followed
carpentering for a number of years.  He possesses good mechanical
skill and ingenuity, and is thus enabled to keep everything about his
place in excellent condition, his buildings, fences and farm implements
all being in good repair. He is somewhat independent in his political
views, but perhaps favors more largely the principles of the Republican
party. He belongs to the Masonic lodge at Marcellus and is a supporter of all measures that have for their object the general welfare. In
manner he is genial and the circle of his friends embraces many who
have known him from his boyhood days down to the present time, which
is an indication that his life has ever been worthy of the regard of those
with whom he has been associated.
JOHN J. RITTER.
John J. Ritter, treasurer of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance
Company, of Dowagiac, was born in LaGrange, Cass county, on the
6th of July 1848. His father, David M. Ritter, was born in Indiana
in 1828, and was only five years of age when brought to Michigan by
his father, John S. Ritter, who made his way to Berrien county and
afterward settled in Cass county when David M. Ritter was only six
years of age. He was therefore reared here amid the wild scenes and
environments of pioneer life, and was educated in the old-time schools.
He spent his youth and also the years of his manhood upon the same
farm, thus living for many years in LaGrange township. His entire
life was devoted to agricultural pursuits, and he passed away in August.
1865, respected by all who knew him. His wife, who bore the maiden
name of Malinda A. Reneston, was a native of Indiana and came to
Cass county in early girlhood with her father, William Reneston, who
operated the first carding mill in the county. Mrs. David Ritter died
when sixty-two years of age. In the family were three sons: John J.,




736


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


of this review; William R., who, was a resident of Berrien county,
Michigan, and died June I8, I906; and Joseph A., who died at the
age of nine years.
John J. Ritter is now the only representative of the family in Cass
county. He was reared in LaGrange township upon the farm which
he now owns and.which was the property of his father at an early day.
His preliminary education was acquired in the district schools and he
also attended school in Doxwagiac. He was but sixteen years of age
at the time of his father's death, when he took charge of the home
farm and assumed the care of his mother. The management of the
property was a great responsibility for a youth of his years, but he ably
performed the task devolving upon him and displayed excellent ability
and keen discrimination in the management of his affairs. He was
first married in 1870 to Miss Cynthia A. Bucklin, a daughter of William P. and Mary A. Bucklin. She died May 5, I897, leaving one son,
Dr. Jesse W. Ritter, who is engaged in the practice of dentistry in
Charleston, Illinois. For his second wife Mr. Ritter chose Christiana
Norton, the widow of Abraham   Ackerman.   They were married in
I898.  By her first marriage Mrs. Ritter had two children: Estella,
the wife of Charles Schmitt, a hardware merchant of Dowagiac, carrying on business as a member of the firm of Schmitt Brothers; and
Abe, who died when twenty-one years of age.
Leaving the farm, Mr. Ritter located in Dowagiac about 1887 and
engaged in the grocery business, which he carried on for about nine
years. About I90oo however, he disposed of his store. He has held
various official positions, including that of road commissioner, in which
position he did very capable service in the improvement of the roads
in the county. He has been one of the trustees of the cemetery about
twelve years, and president of the association about three years. He
was elected treasurer of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company
in Dowagiac January 9, I906, and is now filling the position in a most
capable and able manner. He still owns a valuable farm comprising
two hundred and forty acres of well improved land in LaGrange township, which he rents. His political allegiance is given to the Democracy where national issues are involved, but at local elections he casts
an independent ballot.  He is a member of the Modern Woodmen
camp, and he contributes to the support of the Methodist Episcopal
church, although not a member of the organization.  He has been a
lifelong resident of Cass county, living here for fifty-seven years, and
has taken an active interest in its progress and development. He is indeed a representative of one of its oldest families, the name of Ritter
having long figured honorably in connection with agricultural interests,
business life and public affairs. Wherever known, Mr. Ritter commands
the esteem and confidence of many friends, and Dowagiac numbers
him among her representative citizens.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


737


E:LIAS PARDEE.
Elias Pardee, now living retired in Dowagiac after a life of business
activity and usefulness that has brought him well merited success, was
born in Knox county, Ohio, October 7, 1826. His father, Isaac Pardee,
was a native of New York, born in I78I. The paternal grandfather
of our subject was a native of France and in early life became a resident
of the Empire state, being accompanied by two brothers on his emigration to the new world. All of the Pardees in this country are representatives of families founded by these three brothers. It was about
the closing period of the Revolutionary war that Isaac Pardee was born
and in the place of his nativity he was reared and educated. In early
life he learned and followed the shoemaker's trade and in I816 he removed to Knox county, Ohio, locating about twelve miles west of Mount
Vernon in Bloomfield township. There he engaged in general farming
until his removal to Michigan in I85O, at. which time he located in Berrien county, where he died on the 3Ist of August, I850. His wife.
Lucy Dickerman, was a native of New Haven, Connecticut, and died
in Berrien county, Michigan, September 5, I850. In the family were
two sons and two daughters, who reached adult age. Of this number
Smith Pardee lived to be eighty-five years of age and passed away in
Clayton county, Iowa. Mary is the widow of Andrew Foster and is
now living in Brooking, Iowa, at the age of eighty-six years. Susan
died in Middlebury, Elkhart county, Indiana, at the age of seventynine years.
Elias Pardee, the youngest of the family, spent the days of his
boyhood and youth in his native place, remaining on the home farm
until eighteen years of age and acquiring his education in one of the
old-time log school houses of that day. In I844 he started out in life
on his own account, making his way to Berrien county, Michigan.
There he worked as a lumberman, chopping cord wood and grubbing
white oak grubs. He was employed by the day and his life was a strenuous one fraught with unremitting and arduous toil. In 1850 he came
to Dowagiac, where he entered the employ of the Michigan Central
Railroad Company as a laborer at the freight house. He was thus engaged until I858. when he was promoted to the position of freight and
express agent, in which capacity he served for four years. Saving his
money, he at length, through his diligence and frugality, had acquired
sufficient capital to enable him to invest in farm lands and he bought
a place in Pokagon township, Cass county, near Dowagiac. He then
rented the farm but retained the ownership thereof until I865, when
he disposed of all of his farming interests. In 1876 he purchased the
Sister Lakes summer resort, paying one hundred dollars per acre for the
property. He at once began its improvement and converted the place
into a resort for the entertainment of summer visitors, building cottages.
a hotel, a dance hall and skating rink. In fact, he made all of the im



738


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


provements at the resort, which he conducted successfully until January,
I886, when he disposed of this interest. Since that time he has lived
retired from the active management of business affairs save for the
supervision of his investments.
Mr. Pardee was married in 1853 to Miss Lydia Rice, a daughter
of Moses and Annis Rice, and a native of New York, in which state
her girlhood days were passed. Her death occurred April 4, I90I. In
his political views Mr. Pardee was a Republican until the Cleveland
administration. He has served as assessor of the city and was alderman
in I870. He has a wide acquaintance in the county, where he has now
resided for fifty-four years and has taken an active and helpful interest
in its growth and the promotion of its welfare. He occupies a fine residence, which was built in I86I and is one of the best homes in Dowagiac.
During the forty years of his connection with Cass county he has traveled in all of the western states, making fourteen trips to the Dakotas,
Montana and the northwest. He has traveled altogether more than one
hundred thousand miles on hunting trips, which was the occasion of his
many visits to the northwest. He has seen the Rocky mountains and
the bad lands of Dakota, has crossed the plains about six times and
hunted buffaloes on the western prairies until they were extinct. He
began making these western trips in I872 and continued to do so each
year until I883. His experiences have been of a varied and interesting
nature and have to some extent been fraught with the hardships, dangers
and privations incident to western frontier life. He has carefully managed his business affairs, however, as the years have gone by and his
labors are now crowned with success, which makes it possible for him
to enjoy well-earned ease amidst the fruits of his former toil.
EUGENE B. GILBERT.
Eugene B. Gilbert is numbered among the early settlers of Cass
county. The story of pioneer life has never been adequately written
and only those who have gone through such experiences can really know
of the conditions that exist upon the frontier, which has little or no
railroad communication with older points and must therefore be deprived
of many of the advantages and comforts that are found in districts
which have long been settled. Mr. Gilbert's memory forms a connecting
link between the progressive present and the primitive past when the
settlers were denied many of the comforts and conveniences which are
now enjoyed by the citizens of Cass county.  He lives on section 29,
Silver Creek township, where he owns a good farm. His birth, however, occurred in the town of Springfield in Otsego county, New York,
September 21, 1833, and he is a son of W. B. Gilbert, better known as
"Uncle Tommy" Gilbert. His paternal grandfather was a sea captain
and the owner of the ship on which he sailed. The vessel, however,
was confiscated and he was thrown into an English prison at the time




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


739


of the Revolutionary war. He lost all his wealth and died while being
held as a prisoner of war. His wife afterward returned to England,
where her last days were spent. Mr. Gilbert, however, was of French
birth but had become a citizen under the English government.
W. B. Gilbert was born in New York state and was reared by an
uncle, Jimmie BeGau, in Otsego county, New York. When a young
man he engaged in teaming to Michigan from Albany and Buffalo,
New York, prior to the era of the building of the canal. He also engaged in burning lime, furnishing all of the lime for George Clark on
Lake Otsego and for many buildings of that period. His children were
all born in Otsego county. He served in the war of 1812, enlisting as
a private, but became an officer, and later he was granted a pension and
given eighty-six acres of land in Michigan in recognition of the aid
which he rendered the government during the second military struggle
with England. On leaving the east he came to Michigan in 1838 and
in 1839 removed his family to Cass county, settling in Silver Creek
township when there was not twelve acres of land cleared in the entire
township. He bought five eighty-acre tracts, all wild and unimproved,
and at once began converting the raw land into productive fields. He
had to clear away the timber and upon his farm he built a log house.
Nearly all of the homes in the county were thus constructed in that
early day. The task of developing and improving a farm was a very
arduous and strenuous one, but he carried on his labors unfalteringly and
in the course of time his land became rich and productive. The trading
was done at Niles and at St. Joseph, Michigan, which were then the
nearest commercial centers. Mr. Gilbert continued a resident of this
county up to the time of his death, which occurred when he was in his
seventy-fourth year. He was justice of the peace for many years and
his decisions were characterized by the utmost fairness and impartiality
-a fact which is indicated by his long continuance in office. He was
one of the prominent and influential men of his day, and his efforts
for the community and its development were far-reaching, effective and
beneficial. He engaged in speculating in land to a considerable extent,
buying and selling property and making his money in that way. He
became very familiar with land values and was seldom at error in matters of business judgment. In politics he was a Whig in early manhood and upon the dissolution of the party he joined the ranks of the
new Republican party, of which he became a stanch advocate. He
was, moreover, a well-read man and had a library of fifteen hundred
volumes in New York. He was interested in everything pertaining to
his country and her welfare and his reading not only embraced social,
economic and political problems but also took in much of the literature
of the past and present. He married Miss Cynthia Sammons, a native
of New York, who was born on the banks of Sharon Springs, her father
clearing a place there. He was Casey Sammons, and was of German
birth, while her mother belonged to an old Prussian family. Mrs. Gil.




740


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


bert was in her seventy-third year at the time of her death. She was a
worthy pioneer woman who bravely shared with her husband in the
hardships and trials incident to frontier life and did her best to care
for her family and provide a comfortable home for them. She became
the mother of six children, three sons and three daughters, all of whom
reached years of maturity, but only two of the number are now living,
namely: Mrs. Jane Cushing, who is mentioned on another page of this
work; and Eugene B.
In taking up the personal history of Eugene B. Gilbert we present
to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known
in this county. He was the fifth child in his father's family and the
third son, and was in his sixth year at the time of the removal from
New York to Cass county. He began work when a very young lad, for
his services were needed upon the home farm and he was fourteen
years of age before a school was built in this township. To a limited
extent he pursued his studies in a log schoolhouse, but his educational
privileges were meager and it has been through his own efforts, his
reading, observation and experience that he has broadened his knowledge, becoming a well informed man. He assisted in clearing the land
which his father secured on coming to the county and has resided continuously upon the old homestead from the age of five years.
On the 20th of February, I864, Mr. Gilbert was united in marriage
to Miss Susan Tice, a daughter of Isaac and Sallie Ann (Lockwood)
Tice, both of whom were natives of the state of New York, her mother
having been born. in Newberg. They came to Michigan about I850,
settling in Niles, and afterward removed to Silver Creek township. Mrs.
Gilbert was born in Albany, New York, August 9, 1843, and came with
her parents to Cass county when about seven years of age. She was
here reared in a pioneer home in the midst of the forest and thus became
acquainted with the conditions of frontier life. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
Gilbert have been born a daughter and son: Mary L., who is now the
wife of Louis Rudolph, of Dowagiac; and William I., who resides upon
the home farm. He married Miss Lizzie Bissett, a daughter of Alexander and Isabelle (Barker) Bissett.. Unto Mr. and Mrs. William
Gilbert has been born a little daughter, Ione.
As stated, Eugene B. Gilbert has followed farming throughout his
entire life and is today the owner of about five hundred acres of valuable land, of which one hundred and sixty acres is located in Berrien
county and the remainder in Cass county. His house is on the east bank
of Indian Lake and is known as Gilbert Castle. It is one of the landmarks of the county, being the second house built on the banks of the
lake. Few men have more intimate knowledge of the history of the
county and events which have formed its annals. He can remember
when the Indians were very numerous in this part of the state and
remembers seeing the chief "Lo Pole" Pokagon. His father assisted in
removing the Indians to Kansas under government contract. Mr. Gil



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


741


bert has lived in this part of the state for sixty-seven years, has been
closely identified with its interests and has done much for its substantial
development and improvement. In politics he is a Republican, but he
would never accept office, although he could undoubtedly have filled
public positions very creditably had he consented to become a candidate.
He is a man of independent spirit, not bound by any creed, belief or
fraternal ties. He forms his own opinions and is honest in upholding
them and his life has been characterized by principles of integrity and
honor, while his business career has displayed unfaltering diligence and
perseverance.
MYRON STARK.
Myron Stark, living retired in Dowagiac, although for many years
he was a leading and enterprising merchant here, was born in New
York, May 3o, I836.   He represented an old family of the Empire
state, as it is definitely known that his great-grandparents lived in New
York, for it was there that his grandfather, John Stark, was born, reared
and made his home. Erastus Stark, his father, also a native of New
York, came to Cass county, Michigan, in 1838, locating at Summerville, and in I840 he purchased a farm in Silver Creek township, where
he cultivated and improved his land. HIe was one of the first settlers
of that township and aided in subduing the wilderness and extending
the frontier. As the years passed he developed a good property, his
fields being very productive, and he remained upon that place until his
death, which occurred when he was fifty-four years of age. He also
built a sawmill and engaged in the manufacture of lumber in connection
with farming interests. He filled the office of justice of the peace for
many years and his decisions were strictly fair and impartial. He held
membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, taking an active part
in its work, and he was also an exemplary Mason. He married Matilda
Cook, a native of New York, who died in 1839, when about twentyseven years of age. There were three sons by that marriage. Philander
died in I85o. John K., who was born in central New York in October,
I833, came to Michigan with his parents in I848 and assisted in clearing and developing the home farm, now known as the Robert Bielby
property. In the winter seasons he cut and hauled logs and in the
summer months engaged in the active work of tilling the fields and
caring for his crops. He married Eliza J. Cushing, a daughter of Otis
and Clarissa Cushing, in the year 1855, and in I857 removed to Missouri, but in I859 returned to Michigan.  In June, I86I, he enlisted
for service in the Civil war as a member of the Second Michigan Cavalry and a year later received an honorable discharge on account of
disability. In 1869 he joined the Michigan Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal church and has become one of the most prominent church
builders of that denomination.  His first charge was the Paw  Paw
church. and since that time he has served various churches, both on the




742


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


'country circuit and in large cities, becoming one of the strong divines
representing Methodism in this state. His wife died in 1884. Six children were born unto them, three sons and three daughters, all of whom
are now living with the exception of the youngest, who died in I902.
Rev. Stark was again married in I895. He is now chaplain in the
Soldiers' Home at Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Myron Stark, whose name introduces this record, was the youngest
of the three sons of his father's family and was only two years old
when brought to Cass county by his parents. He remained at home
until nineteen years of age, assisting in the sawmill and in the farm
work. He then went to London, Canada, in I855, remaining for a
year in that locality, after which he returned to Cass county and engaged in farming in Silver Creek township. In I862 he established a
wagon and blacksmithing shop at Cushing Corners, where he remained
until I877. In I876 he patented what is known as Stark's Common
Sense Sand Band, and removed to Dowagiac the following year, after
which he devoted five years to handling this patent, which he sold in
every state in the Union, and also in Canada, France and Germany.
He started without capital, but he built up a fine business and in I883
sold his interest and retired with a handsome competence. The business,
however, is still being carried on. In that year Mr. Stark purchased
the grocery store of Mart Green in Dowagiac and was identified with
commercial interests in the city until I888, when on account of ill health
he sold his store, since which time he has been retired from active business cares. His inventive mind is continually reaching out along new
lines of thought and progress, and in I9go he patented a tire machine,
which is being manufactured on a royalty basis at Lansing, Michigan.
The machine is for taking off and replacing tires on heavy wheels.
On Christmas day of I857 was celebrated the marriage of Myron
Stark and Miss Sarah Harris, a daughter of Alvin and Peggy (Shull)
Harris. She was born in New York and by her marriage has become
the mother of six children: Henry, now deceased; Matilda, the wife of
Chester Southwork, of Dowagiac; Ida, Almira and Amanda, all deceased; and Jessie, the wife of Wiley Messenger, of Dowagiac, who is a
traveling man.
Mr. Stark has been a life-long Republican and has taken an active
interest in the party, holding various official positions through many
years. At the present time he is county agent for the state board of
corrections and charities, is game warden for Cass county and the adjoining counties and is superintendent of the poor for the city of Dowagiac. He is also superintendent of the humane society of the county and
his official labors have been of a far reaching and beneficial nature.
He has been a Mason since I860 and for several years served as master
of the Dowagiac lodge. His residence in Cass county covers a period
of sixty-eight years and no man has been more closely or honorably
identified with its interests and development. He has made a creditable




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


743


name in business circles, has manifested his loyalty and patriotic spirit
in office and in private life has displayed those sterling traits of character which everywhere win regard and command confidence.
JAMES H. KINNANE.
James H. Kinnane, successfully practicing law in Dowagiac, was
born in Kalamazoo county, Michigan, in I859.  His father, Patrick
Kinnane, is a native of Ireland, and in I856 came to the United States,
locating upon the farm in Kalamazoo township, Kalamazoo county,
Michigan, on which he yet resides at the venerable age of eighty-three
years.  He has always devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits,
has prospered in his undertakings and now in the evening of life is enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well earned ease. His political
views accord with the principles of the Democracy, and his religious
faith is that of the Catholic church. He wedded Miss Mary Sullivan,
a native of Ireland, who is now seventy-two years of age. She crossed
the Atlantic in 1855, becoming a resident of Kalamazoo county, Michigan, where in I858 she gave her hand in marriage to Patrick Kinnane.
She, too, is a communicant of the Catholic church.
James H. Kinnane, the eldest in their family of nine children, was
reared upon the home farm and attended the district schools, subsequent to which time he entered the high school in the city of Kala-.
mazoo, from which he was graduated with the class of I88I. He afterward spent a year at the Baptist college in Kalamazoo and then entered.
the law department of the Michigan university at Ann Arbor in the
fall of 1883. He was graduated with the class of I885, after which he
opened an office in Kalamazoo, practicing there for ten years. In I896
he was appointed by President Cleveland as special agent for the allot.
ment of land in severalty to the Indians under a general act of congress.
He continued in the position for two years. In I898 he came to Dowagiac, where he has been in practice continuously since, with more
than ordinary success. In 1892 he was appointed by Governor Winans
as one of the three commissioners to revise the highway laws of the
state and did effective service on the committee.
In 1887 James Kinnane was married to Harriet E. Blaney, whose
birth occurred in Kalamazoo county in I864, her parents being John
H. and Mary (Robinson) Blaney, the former a native of the United
States and in business a well known real estate dealer of Kalamazoo.
He was also active in public life there and filled the offices of city marshal and city treasurer.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kinnane have been
born two sons and a daughter: Charles, Catherine and Robert. The
parents are members of the Catholic church, and Mr. Kinnane belongs
to the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of
Columbus. He has been a Republican since I896, previous to which
time he was a stalwart advocate of Democratic principles, and for




744


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


six years had acted as chairman of the Democratic county central committee of Kalamazoo county. He is a man fearless in defense of his
honest convictions, however, and when he became convinced in his own
mind that Republican principles were more conducive to good government he fearlessly renounced his allegiance to the Democracy. While
living in Kalamazoo he served as justice of the peace in 1886-7 and was
city attorney from 1889 until I89I. In Dowagiac he has served as
city attorney for the past three years and the various duties of a public
nature which have devolved upon him have been faithfully, promptly
and efficiently performed.  He is president of the Cass County Bar
Association and also a member of the Michigan Bar Association and
one of its board of directors, and his official connection with the former
is an indication of his standing with the profession in the county in
which he makes his home.   Popular in social circles, he has many
friends and in his grasp and greeting there is always welcome. He
is genial, companionable and entertaining and is recognized as a popular
citizen as well as a prominent lawyer of Dowagiac.
FRANK L. HARTSEIL.
Frank L. Hartsell, a contractor of Dowagiac, who for many years
has been connected with building operations, so that many of the fine
residences and leading structures of the city stand as monuments to
his ability, skill and labor, is a native son of Cass county, his birth
having occurred in Silver Creek township on the ioth of July, I858.
His father, John Hartsell, who was born in Ohio, came to Cass county
about 1835 and was one of its first settlers. The days of chivalry and
knighthood in Europe cannot furnish more interesting tales than our
own western history, and yet the establishment of homes upon the frontier
meant sacrifices, hardships and sometimes death; but there were some
men, however, brave enough to meet the conditions that must be faced
and undertake the task of reclaiming the wild west for the purposes
of civilization. Among this number was John Hartsell, who, coming to
Cass county, entered upon the work of clearing and developing a farm
in the midst of the wilderness. As the years passed he placed his land
under cultivation and his fields became rich and productive. In politics
he was a Democrat, but without aspiration for office. He married Miss
Mary Ann Bach, a native of Ohio, and they became the parents of
five children, all of whom reached adult age. The father passed away at
the age of seventy-seven years, but the mother is still living in her
seventy-fifth year.
Frank L. Hartsell was the fourth child and eldest son in the father's
family. He was reared in his native township to the pursuits of farm
life until seventeen years of age. When a young lad of six he entered
the public schools and therein mastered the common branches of learning. He also early took his place behind the plow and continued to aid




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


74.5


in the work of the fields until he had attained the age of seventeen,
when, thinking that he would find other pursuits more congenial, he left
home and took up his abode in Dowagiac to learn the carpenter's trade.
He has since followed the business, and when twenty-four years of age
he began contracting on his own account, so that he is today one of the
oldest contractors in years of connection with building operations in
Dowagiac. He has erected many buildings in Cass county and at Decatur, Niles and Buchanan, and other places in adjoining counties. In
fact, he is one of the best known contractors and builders in this part
of the state, and the important work that he has done is indicated in
many fine and sulbstantial structures. His work has always been char —
acterized by thoroughness and he has kept resolutely to the terms of
a contract, being thoroughly reliable in all his business undertakings.
Mr. Hartsell was married in 1893 to Miss Lettie Schook, and unto
this unionl have been born three children: Lelia M., Helen P. and
Harold H. In addition to his home Mr. Hartsell has other property in
Dowagiac, including three houses and lots. His own residence is a fine
dwelling on Main and Pokagon streets, and is the center of a gracious,
charming and cordial hospitality. In his political affiliation Mr. Hartsell is a stalwart Democrat, earnestly working for his party and its
interests, and he is now serving as a member of the board of aldermen.
His labors in behalf of public progress have been far reaching and
beneficial and he has intense sympathy with every movement calculated
for the general welfare and substantial development of the county.
Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of the Maccabees. His entire life has been passed
in Cass county, and he has therefore witnessed much of its growth and
development, his memory going back to a time when this district was
sparsely settled.  That many of his stanchest friends are numbered
among those who have known him from his boyhood down to the present
time is an indication that his life has been straightforward and upright.
J. 0. BECRAFT.
J. O. Becraft, postmaster of Dowagiac and secretary of the Round
Oak Stove Company, was born April 27, 1850, in the city in which he
yet makes his home. His father, Isaiah S. Becraft, was a native of
New York and came to Cass county, Michigan, in 1848, as one
of the first settlers of Dowagiac.  He was connected with mercantile interests here for many years and contributed in substantial
measure to the material progress and to the upbuilding and advancement of the city. He held many offices and was one of the
prominent and influential residents of Dowagiac. At the time of his
death, which occurred in I864, he was serving as deputy provost marshal and special agent for United States secret service. In politics he
was a stalwart Republican from the organization of the party and fra



746


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


ternally was a prominent Mason, who exemplified in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft.  His death occurred when he was fifty-two
years of age. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Caroline Wallace,
was a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of James and Betsy
(Belknap) Wallace. Mrs. Becraft lived to the advanced age of seventytwo years. In their family were seven children, six of whom reached
adult age.
J. 0. Becraft is the third child and second son of the family. He
was reared in Dowagiac and pursued his education in the schools of this
city. He started out upon his business career as a clerk in a grocery
store and spent about two and a half years as station agent at Cassopolis and a similar period'at Dowagiac. He afterward accepted a clerical
position in the postoffice here and later became assistant postmaster,
which position he capably filled for many years. He was first appointed
postmaster by Benjamin Harrison, was re-appointed by President McKinley and is now serving for the third term in that office by appointment of President Roosevelt. The consensus of public opinion is altogether favorable concerning the service which he has rendered in this
connection, for he has given a businesslike administration, has systemtized the affairs of the office and care and promptness are exercised in
the performance of all the duties connected with the care of the mails.
Aside from his official service Mr. Becraft has been identified with
business interests in Dowagiac. For about fifteen years he has been connected with the P. D. Beckwith Stove Company and is now acting as
secretary of the company, the business being carried on under the style
of the Round Oak Stove Company. He is also a stockholder in the
Farmers & Merchants Bank at Benton Harbor and the Lee Paper Company at Vicksburg, Michigan. His business investments have been well
placed and are the source of a gratifying and desirable income.
Mr. Becraft was married in I870 to Miss Harriet H. Britton, and
they have one son, Fred E., who is now assistant postmaster. Mr. Becraft belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp, to the Elks lodge, and is
a Mason, a Knight Templar and a Shriner. In his political views he
has always been a stalwart Republican, and in addition to the office of
postmaster he has served as city recorder for fifteen years, was secretary
of the school board for sixteen years and has filled other offices, to which
he has been called by a constituency who recognize that according to
the merit system he is entitled to the offices and well deserves the honor
and trust thus reposed in him. He is today the oldest native citizen of
Dowagiac and one of its most prominent residents.
GEORGE E. BISHOP.
The commercial interests of Dowagiac find a worthy representative in George E. Bishop, who is now engaged in dealing in hardware
with a well appointed store and a good trade. He was born in Genesee




I




<agoSt-Keg




-X








Ui-rSTYRY '~OF C'AS-S'-GOU-N'T'Y            7


74''t


County, New York, March 12, 1849,     His fatherT,' H'ora'ce L.- Bisho1p,,was also a native of, that county 'and a son -of Islaa  Bishop, whose* birth
occurred 'in Massachus~etts in I1758, a fat ich idCate tht te f amil
was established in Nexiv England in early.C'oloniAd dys.  saa  Bsop
'Was a "so'ldier of the Revolutionary war 'and wa's but seven teen years
of age when- he enlisted in the- American army, serving f or 'six yeq-trs ih
-defense of the cauise of liberty. PhI-e Bishop family is of English lin'eage.Horace L. Bishop was a f armer by, occupation and remaine~d a r es ideht of the P mirsttunl185, when he came westward to Michigan, settling in, Hillsdale county. He m:arried Emeline Allison, a native
of "New  York -and a dauighter of Joseph Allison',who was born in
Washington county, Pennsylvania, and was of Scotch-Irish dekcent. The
death of Mr. Thho ocurd in I893 when he0 was in his seety-third
yeahr, -but his wife is now living at'the age of seventy-sev'en years, hayiiig been" hor'n in '1828. Her father was a soldier of the war of i812,
enlisting from  WAfshingtoh` c'ounty, Pehnnsylva'nia'. Unto' Mr. and MrsK
Horace L. Bishop' w ere botrn six- children, two daughters' and four sons,
all- of whom reached'years of 'maturity and are living at'this writing..
Georg'e E.' Bishop, the eldest son and second child of the family, is
the 'only one now residing in Cass county. He was six years of "age
V~lien -he removed 'With his'parents, to Hilldale county,_Mlichigan, a n''
there hi's youth 'was' passed, -while hi-s educatioi' was acquired in the comrnmon schools of that coun'tv. He reniained' at home uintil' more than
th'enty years, of age, wheti he started out upoll aP independent business
c'afeer, secuiring a C'ei~kship in a cotintry Mtorie, "while l1ater he wa's employ'ed in the tow~n odf Allen in Hiflldale county.' He wais for t en yea-rg
a salesman hin the eniploy of C. H. Winchester- in Allen, the~ time, h OW-'
ever, ein'g ivide  by a eriodof two6 and a half yeairs spent in ColIdwvaterl, Michigan. Tie came to Dowvagiac: in January, -i88i, and bo~ugh't
ani -interest in a hardwvare business; becoming a m-ember of the firm o0 f
Bishop & Dicki~Tsdn. -This redation was maintained 'until JaLnuary, 1883,
when the' junior partner. sold out to W. M. Vroomnan an~d the firm 'of
Bis'hop & Vrodrrian was then formed, ha'ving a -continuous existence
until r 189. Iti that year Mr." B-ishop purcha'sed Mr. Vrooiiian's interes't
ai'd 6oiiducted the business alone until'Jnay  94  ve   eamte
I'saac Armstrong to a partnership and the B3ishop'Hardwx'a~re Cmipalny
was thus organized.   Since becoming connected with this enterprise
Mr. Bishop has labored e'arnestlyV and' effectively to enlarge the scope
of its unmdert~aki'ngs. and has- developed An, exce4lept ~business, which has
eQnstantly grown. in jextent and importance. He was also secretary of
the. Dowagia.c Mianij~factring Company -during the.-early period of itse, tflean~has done all in his power to furte comriland in-.
du strial ~actvt i   -thcity, and thus promote -its pro-sperity 'and growth,
f~r 'the, welfare ofever c munityidepends upo~n its business interests.,
Aside. f-rom. his commercial - pursiwits. Mnr Bishop hasv also 'aoe




748


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


for the welfare of his adopted city, giving active co-operation. to many
plans and measures that have had direct bearing upon general progress.
In politics he is an earnest and unfaltering Republican with firm belief
in the ultimate triumph of the principles of the Republican party. Upon
that ticket he was elected mayor in I888 and again in I897, succeeding
P. D. Beckwith as chief executive in the former year. On both occasions he gave a public-spirited and businesslike administration, exercising his official prerogatives to advance reform and improvement, using
practical methods in working toward ideals in citizenship. He has also
been a member of the school board for about six years and the cause
of education has found in him a stalwart friend, whose labor has been
effective in its behalf..
In 1877 Mr. Bishop was united in marriage to Miss Jennie D.
Dickinson, of Coldwater, Michigan, a daughter of Higby and Mary W.
(Swaine) Dickinson.  The Swaines were, one of the old Massachusetts families, her mother's father was a native of Nantucket Island,
and was a whaler on the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, having frequented
many of the South American ports, especially Santiago and Valparaiso,
which were devastated only recently by the terrible earthquake, similar
to the famous San Francisco disaster. Mrs. Bishop was born on a farm
in Branch county and obtained her education in the schools of this
city. Four children grace this marriage: Edith, who is now the wife
of John Crawford, of Pokagon township; Dickinson H., who is assisting his father in the store; Mary and George E., who are at home. The
family is one well known in the community and the members of the
household occupy an enviable position in social circles.  Mr. Bishop
is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and possesses a social, genial nature which renders him popular with a large
circle of friends. As the years have passed he has demonstrated that success comes as the legitimate result of perseverance, energy and diligence.
Without special advantages to aid him he has worked his way upward,
winning for himself a creditable place in business circles. He is today the oldest hardware merchant in Dowagiac and has long maintained a prominent position in commercial circles, not only by reason
of his success, but also owing to the straightforward and honorable business methods he has ever followed.
WILLARD     WELLS.
Willard Wells, who has been closely connected with building operations in Dowagiac as a contractor, but is now living retired, was born
in Montgomery county, New York, on the i6th of September, I829,
and is therefore in his seventy-seventh year. He was the second in
order of birth in a family of ten children born unto Ira and Maria
(Woodworth) Wells, who were also natives of Montgomery county.
The father followed the occupation of farming in later life but engaged




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


749


in business as a boot and shoe merchant in his early years. He removed from Montgomery county to Onondaga county, Newv York, and
became a resident of Orleans county in the same state in 1855. There
he was engaged in merchandising one year, but later he resumed farming which he carried on until about twenty years prior to his death,
when he retired from active business life and took up his abode in
Medina, New York. He was a leading, active and helpful member of
the Methodist Episcopal church and served as class leader for forty
years.  His Christian faith permeated his entire life, established his
conduct toward his fellowmen and made him a man whom to know
was to respect and honor.  While living in Montgomery county he
was married to Maria Woodworth, and he reached the advanced age
of eighty-five years, while his wife passed away at the ripe old age of
seventy-eight years. Of their ten children six reached years of maturity,
while four are now living, namely: Charles H., who is living in San
Diego, California; Willard, of this review; Mary, the wife of John
Wells, who is living in Orleans county, New York; and Frances, the
wife of Judson Hill, of Quincy, Branch county, Michigan.
Willard Wells was a youth of six years when his parents removed
from his native county to Onondaga county. New York, and there the
days of his youth were'passed, while his education was acquired in the
public schools. Thinking that he might enjoy better opportunities in
the middle west he came to Michigan in 8155, spending the winter in
Wayne township, Cass county. In the spring of I856 he took up his
abode in Dowagiac, and for a long period was identified with business
affairs here. He had been married in Onondaga county, New York, in
1852 to Miss Harriet Henderson, a native of that county. On locating
in Dowagiac Mr. Wells began working at the carpenter's trade, his first
work being on the construction of the home of Thomas Gilbert on the
east bank of Indian lake. He was employed as a carpenter until I86I,
when, with the money that he had saved from his earnings he bought
a farm in Wayne township, locating thereon and devoting his time and
energies to general agricultural pursuits through the succeeding four
years. In I865 he again took up his abode in Dowagiac, where he
began contracting and building on his own account, continuing in that
line of business until about I890. He was one of its first builders and
many of the substantial structures of the city stand as monuments to his
skill and enterprise. He enjoyed a liberal patronage for a long period
and then, with a comfortable competence, retired to private life.
In I904 Mr. Wells was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife,
who died in Dowagiac on the 3oth of October of that year. She was
the mother of four children, but only one is now living, Dora. the wife
of R. W. Van Antwert, who is living in Dowagiac.
Mr. Wells has made his home in Cass county for a half century,
and therefore the principal events of its history are known to him,
while upon memory's wall hang many pictures of pioneer experiences




750


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


and incidents. He has been a lifelong Republican, active in the interest
of the party, for he believes that its principles contain the best elements
of good government. He was elected for supervisor for six years of
the second ward of Dowagiac, was elected a trustee of the village and
was chosen to the position of alderman for three terms, after Dowagiac
became a city. His official duties were very promptly and faithfully
performed and he has stood strong in the advance of progress, reform
and improvement for the city and county.  He is a member of the
Masonic fraternity and in his life has exemplified the beneficent principles of the craft, which is based upon mutual kindliness and brotherly
helpfulness.  There have been no exciting chapters in his life record
and yet it contains many elements worthy of emulation, showing what
can be accomplished by determined purpose and faithful effort, for
whatever success he has achieved is attributable entirely to his own labors
and perseverance.
HUGH E. AGNEW.
Perhaps no one agency in all the world has done so much for
public progress as the press, and an enterprising, well edited journal is
a most important factor in promoting the welfare and prosperity of any
community. It adds to the intelligence of the people through its transmission of foreign and domestic news and through its discussion of the
leading issues and questions of the day, and, more than that, it makes
the town or city which it represents known outside of the immediate
locality, as it is sent each day or week into other districts, carrying with
it an account of the events transpiring in its home locality, the advancement and progress there being made, and the advantages which it offers
to its residents along moral. educational, social and commercial lines.
During much of his life Mr. Agnew has been connected with journalistic
work, helping to pay his way in school by that means, and his power as
a writer and editor is acknowledged among contemporaneous journalists.
One of Michigan's native sons, Hugh E. Agnew was born in Hillsdale January 3I, I875, the second in a family of four children, two sons
and two daughters, born to Allen and Rhoda (Mason) Agnew, namely:
Ruey, wife of Gilbert Keller, a general merchant of Topeka, Indiana;
Hugh E., whose name introduces this review; Claudia, wife of Professor
C. D. Albert, one of the faculty of Cornell University, of which institution he is also a graduate. and he is now a resident of Ithaca; and
Paul G., a resident of Washington, D. C., and a member of the Bureau
of Standards for the Government. Mr. Allen Agnew is a native of
Livingston county, New York, born in I844, and is now a resident of
Hillsdale, Michigan, living retired from the active duties of a business
life. In the early part of his industrial career he was an agriculturist,
but later became a merchant. During the Civil war he offered his
services to the government, becoming a member of Battery I, First Mich



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


751


igan Light Artillery, his first service being with the Army of the Potomac, while later he was with the Army of Tennessee. He is a Republican in his political affiliations, and his first presidential vote was cast
for Grant.  Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian
church. Mrs. Agnew, who was born in Fulton county, Ohio, in I849,
is also living.
Mr. Hugh E. Agnew was reared in Hillsdale county, Michigan,
except five years that his parents lived in Kunkle, Ohio, receiving his
education in its common schools, and is a graduate of the Hillsdale High
School of the class of I895, also of the Hillsdale Commercial College
of the class of I892, and in I898 graduated from the Ypsilanti Normal,
from which he holds a life certificate. After completing his education
he assumed the superintendency of the Portland City Schools, there remaining for three years, and in I9OI he entered the literary department
of Michigan University, graduating therefrom in the class of I902.
Immediately following that event Mr. Agnew went to Howell, Michigan, as superintendent of schools, there remaining for one year, and in
1903 came to Dowagiac and entered upon his journalistic career by
purchasing the Dowagiac Republican, a semi-weekly eight page quarto.
He is the owner of the finest press in the county, a two-revolution Cottrell, and he also has two job presses. His paper is the leading organ of
the Republican party in the county, with a circulation of about fifteen
hundred. Its editor is candid in the expression of his opinions, and
strives to give the true status of the news generally. He does a general
printing business and has arranged to add a book-binding department,
which will make it the most complete printery in Cass county.
On the 26th of August, I902, Mr. Agnew married Miss Marie
Le Gault, and one little son has been born to them, Clifton Allen. Mrs.
Agnew is a native of Cheboygan, Michigan, born June 2I, I878, and is
of French descent. She received her education in the Cheboygan High
School, also graduated at the Ypsilanti Normal in I898, and then entered the Michigan University at Ann Arbor. After completing her education she was engaged in teaching at Newberry, Michigan. Her parents are both deceased. In his political affiliations Mr. Agnew is a Republican, and he cast his first presidential vote for McKinley. Fraternally he is a member of the B. P. 0. E. No. 889, of Dowagiac.
M. O. HADDEN.
Few residents of Cass county have longer resided within its borders
than M. O. Hadden, of Dowagiac, who has lived in this part of the state
through six decades. He is of Scotch descent and manifests in his life
many of the sterling characteristics of his ancestry. He was born in
Cayuga county, New York, October 22, 1845.     His paternal grandfather, Charles Hadden, was a native of Scotland and after leaving the
land of hills and heather crossed the Atlantic to the new world. He




752


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


settled in New York, where he died of yellow fever. His son, Louis W.
Hadden, a native of Westchester county, New York, was born in I805,
and was reared in the place of his nativity. In his youth he learned the
blacksmith's trade and in early manhood he came westward to Michigan,
settling here before the country became involved in the financial panic,
owing to the issuance of bank notes by private banks, the currency becoming known as wildcat money. Mr. Hadden located in Pontiac, Michigan, but afterward returned to New York. Again in 1846, however,
he came to Michigan, settling in Volinia township, Cass county, establishing the first blacksmith shop in the township. He afterward removed
to Wayne township, settling on Section 25, where he also opened a
blacksmith shop, following the business for a long period. In later years
he also engaged in farming in the same locality and his life was one of
untiring industry and enterprise, his succee-s being the result of his perseverance and labor. His last (lays were spent in Dowagiac. where he
died in his eighty-fourth year.  He was a life-long Democrat, never
faltering in his allegiance to the party and he held membership in the
Baptist church, living an upright, honorable Christian life. He married Joanna Gould, who was born in Cayuga county, New York, where
her girlhood days were passed. Her mother was a distant relative of
President Monroe. Mr. and Mrs. Hadden were married in Cayuga
county, New York, and both spent their last days in Dowagiac, Mrs.
Hadden passing away when eighty years of age. In their family were
seven children, of whom two died in infancy, while five reached manhood or womanhood. These are: Charles, now deceased; Mary, the
wife of George McCormack, of Jackson, Michigan; Armantha, the wife
of Hiram Adams, of Volinia township; and Cyrena Jennetta, the wife
of Samuel Edwards, of Jackson, Michigan.
M. 0. Hadden is the sixth child in a family of seven children and
the only son now living. He was less than a year old when brought by
his parents to Cass county and was reared upon the homestead farm in
Wayne township. When a boy he attended the common schools and at
the age of about fourteen years began learning the blacksmith's trade
with his father, with whom he worked until about seventeen years of
age. He continued upon the home farm, assisting in the task of developing and cultivating the fields and during that time he also bought land
for himself, and eventually became the owner of the old homestead.
He added to his property from time to time until his landed possessions were quite extensive. He has since sold some of the property but
still has one hundred and seventy acres of good land in Wayne and
Volinia townships. He placed his land under a high state of cultivation
and gathered good crops each year, while his grain found a ready sale
upon the market. He kept everything about his place in good condition and in all of his farm work was progressive and enterprising. At
length, however, he retired from general agricultural pursuits, and in




HISTORY OF CASS. COUNTY


753


1903 removed to Dowagiac, where he is now residing in the enjoyment
of the fruits of his former toil.
Mr. Hadden was married first in I868 to Miss Adaline Ferguson,
who was born and reared in Indiana and was a daughter of Richard
Ferguson. She died in I902, leaving two children: Iva, now the
wife of Jacob Spade, of Kalamazoo; and Herbert M., a farmer living
in Wayne township. Mr. Hadden married his present wife in November, I903. She bore the maiden name of Sarah Swisher, was the
widow of Jerry Foltz and was born in Preble county, Ohio, April 13,
1845, her parents being John and Millecent (Elliott) Swisher, who
came to Michigan about 1851, settling in Silver Creek township. Her
father died when eighty-two years of age and her mother when seventy-two years of age. In the family were ten children, all of whom
reached years of maturity with one exception, Mrs. Hadden being
the fourth in order of birth. She was first married to George Strackangart and they had one daughter, Ida, who is now the wife of Dr.
Elmer Mater, of Dowagiac.    The mother afterward married Jerrv
Foltz.
Mr. Hadden has been a lifelong Republican, but has never sought
or desired office, although he is interested in the growth of his party
and its success. He is a prominent and valued member of the Masonic
fraternity, belonging to the blue lodge of Dowagiac. Sixty years have
been added to the cycle of the centuries since he came to Cass county
and in this time he has taken an active interest in public measures, cooperating in many movements for the general good. He has a wide
acquaintance with the people of the county, has been found to be a
reliable and enterprising business man and at all times has stood for
improvement along material, intellectual, social, political and moral lines.
In his business affairs he has prospered as the result of his keen discrimination, close application and unfaltering diligence. He is today
the owner of a large farm, to which he makes frequent trips in his automobile, thus giving personal supervision to the development of the property.
CHARLES ELLIOTT SWEET.
Charles Elliott Sweet, who has exerted a strong and beneficial influence in behalf of the Republican party in Cass county, Michigan, and
is a representative member of the bar at Dowagiac, was born in Van
Buren county, Michigan, on the IIth of March, I86o. The paternal
grandfather was Ezra Sweet, who removed from Vermont to New York
during the boyhood of his son, Joseph Elliott Sweet, who was born in
the former state. Ezra Sweet was commissioned a corporal in the New
York militia in 1823. He wedded Miss Mary Smith, a daughter of
David Smith, the great-grandfather of Charles Elliott Sweet, and a
native of Vermont, who served in the Revolutionary war as a private
in both the infantry and artillery ranks, and Charles Elliott Sweet now




754


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


has in his possession his pension papers which entitles him to eighty-one
dollars and ninety-three cents pension for each year of his natural life.
He had served with the Rhode Island regiment.
Joseph Elliott Sweet, the father of our subject, was born in Windom
county, Vermont, and after a residence of a number of years in the Empire state removed to Michigan in 1840. He engaged in teaching school
in Bellevue, Battle Creek and Paw Paw for a number of years, and
then entered upon the study of medicine in the state university at Ann
Arbor. He was licensed to practice about I85o and entered upon the
active work of the profession in Mattawan, Van Buren county, whence
he removed to Keeler about I859. He continued in the active practice
of medicine and surgery until 1874, when he retired from the profession
and removed to Hartford, Van Buren county, where his last days were
spent, his death there occurring in 1903, when he had reached the venerable age of eighty-three years. He enjoyed more than a local reputation for his skill in the practice of medicine and surgery and was considered an exceptionally well informed man in his profession, so that he
was frequently called in for consultation on important cases. He held
membership in the Congregational church, was one of its active workers
and served as a deacon. Fraternally he was connected with the Masons
and the Odd Fellows, while his political support was given to the Republican party. He held township and village offices and for many years
served on the school board and at all times in the discharge of his duties
he was prompt and faithful, looking to the general good rather than to
personal gain or aggrandizement. A stanch champion of the Union
cause, he was eager to enlist in the Union army but was rejected by
the medical examiner. He stood as the defender of all that he believed
to be right and just between man and his fellowmen and supported every
movement that he believed would contribute to the upbuilding of the
race or of his community. He wedded Mary Adalyn Adsett, who was
born in the state of New York and died in I86o, at the age of thirty
years. Her parents came to Michigan at an early day, locating near
Paw Paw. Mrs. Sweet was an only child and her mother died when she
was very young. Mrs. Sweet became a music teacher and was a lady
of more than ordinary ability, of superior culture and of fine character.
She, too, held membership in the Congregational church. By her marriage she became the mother of three children: Elliott, who died in
childhood; Mary A., the wife of Perley E. Wilson, a veteran of the
Civil war at Mobile, Alabama; and Charles Elliott, of this review. After
losing his first wife the father married Rachel E. Pletcher, a native oi
New York and unto them were born four children; Clara B., who is now
the widow of Mr. Wellett and is engaged in teaching school in Van
Buren county: Edward, who died in childhood; William E., a salesman
for the Marshal Furnace Company, and a resident of Dowagiac; and
Fred E., who is living in Dowagiac.
Charles Elliott Sweet attended school in his native town and in




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


755


I884 entered the law office of Spafford Tryon of Cassopolis, under whose
direction he pursued his reading for two years. In the meantime he
taught school and followed that profession for sixteen years altogether
in Van Buren and Cass counties. On the 4th of October, I886, at
Cassopolis, he was admitted to the bar and in the same year was elected
justice of the peace, filling the office until I889 and practicing his profession in the meantime. In the fall of I886 he was also elected circuit
court commissioner for Cass county and filled the position for two terms.
In the fall of I890 he entered the law department of the University of
Michigan at Ann Arbor and, completing a two years' course in one
year, was graduated in I891. He had been practicing at Doowagiac since
his admission to the bar and returned from the university to this city,
where he again took up the active duties of the profession. He declined a renomination for office of justice, as his practice had increased
to generous proportions and left him little leisure time for official service. He now has a distinctively representative clientage and has been
connected with much of the important litigation tried in the courts of
this district. Possessing an analytical mind, he is also strong in his
reasoning and logical in his deductions and he presents his cause with
a clearness and conciseness that never fails to impress his hearers and
seldom fails to win the verdict desired. He has been attorney for the
receivers of the Citizens National Bank and the First National Bank of
Niles, is attorney for Lee Brothers & Company's bank of Dowagiac, is
local attorney for the Dowagiac Manufacturing Company and is a
member of the Cass County Bar Association. In his library he has about
one thousand volumes which is probably the best and largest law library
in the county.
In 1887 Mr. Sweet was married to Miss Grace L. Rouse, a daughter
of Lyman V. and Mary E. Rouse, the former a physician, who has
long been a practitioner of Dowagiac. Mrs. Sweet was born in this city in
1867 and became the mother of three children: Elizabeth Adalyn; Donald E., deceased; and Lucian Fred. Mr. Sweet was married to Miss
Gertrude M. Toll for his second wife. She is a daughter of David H.
and Martha L. Toll, the former a retired miller living in Niles.
Prominent in Masonic circles, Mr. Sweet is a Knight Templar and
also a thirty-second degree Mason. He is a past master of Peninsular
Lodge, F. &    A. M., past high priest of Keystone Chapter, R.
A. M., a member of Niles council, R. &       S. M., past eminent
commander of Niles commanderv, K. T., and past second lieutenant
commander of Dewitt Clinton Consistory, S. P. R. S., and past illustrious
potentate of Saladin Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He likewise belongs
to the Grand Lodge in Michigan, in which he is deputy grand master.
He is the oldest past commander of the Knights of the Maccabees in
Dowagiac and is a past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias. He also
belongs to the lodges of the Odd Fellows, Elks. Owls, Royal Arcanum
and Foresters and is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star of




756


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Dowagiac. In his political views Mr. Sweet is a stalwart Republican. He
was elected justice of the peace in the spring of I886 and in the fall
of the same year was chosen circuit court commissioner and served for
two terms. In I892 he was elected prosecuting attorney and by re-election was continued in office for four years, while for five terms he has
been city attorney of Dowagiac. His long continuance in one position
indicates the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen as well
as his personal popularity. In I904 he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention at Chicago from the fourth congressional district of Michigan and was made the Michigan member of the committee to notify President Roosevelt of his nomination and went upon
that mission to Oyster Bay on the 27th of July, 1904. He has several
times been a member of the Republican County Central Committee, has
always taken an active part in party politics and is recognized as one
of the Republican leaders of this part of the state. He is a speaker of
ability and has addressed many audiences about the issues of the campaigns. Mr. Sweet is widely recognized as a man of influence and prominence not alone by reason of his activity in political circles but also owing
to the high position which he has attained as a member of the Cass
county bar and likewise by reason of his personal worth.
JAMES ATWOOD.
James Atwood, a retired farmer residing in Dowagiac, is the owner
of six hundred acres of rich and productive land and derives therefrom
an excellent income, which now enables him to rest from further toil
and enjoy the fruits of his former labor. During the greater part of
his life he carried on agricultural pursuits but in the days of the early
discoveries of gold in California he went to the Pacific coast. He has
now passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey, having been
born in Cattaraugus county, New York, January 28, I829. He was
the third child in a family of three sons and two daughters born unto
Wells H. and Sarah (Kelley) Atwood. The father was a native of
Vermont and in early life removed from New England to New York,
where he followed the occupation of farming. In 1836 he came to
Michigan, settling in Wayne township, Cass county, where he took up
land from the government, securing three tracts of eighty acres each.
Here he improved a farm and was closely identified with the early development and pioneer history of the county. His was the seventh
family to locate in Wayne township. For many years he successfully
carried on general agricultural pursuits but in his later years removed to
Dowagiac, where he died at the age of sixty-four years. He was a
pioneer merchant of the city, dealing in dry goods and also conducting
a general store. He had a wide and favorable acquaintance throughout
the county by reason of his close connection with the development and
improvement of this part of the state. His wife, who was commonly




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


known as Aunt Sallie, was a native of Massachusetts and died in I849.
One of their sons, Lafayette Atwood, was a resident of Dowagiac, and
is now deceased.
James Atwood of this review was only about eight years of age
when brought by his parents to Michigan. He was reared upon the
old home farm in Wayne township, Cass county, and began his education in a log cooper shop, where a session of school was held. He likewise pursued his studies in log school buildings, attending for only a
few months during the winter seasons, while throughout the remainder
of the year his time and attention was given to the active work of
developing and cultivating new land. He remained at home until he
was of age, assisting in the active work of the farm. He clerked for
a time in Dowagiac and at different times has been identified with agricultural and mercantile interests. In I852 he went to California by way
of New Orleans and the Isthmus of Panama, spending two years on
the Pacific coast in search of the precious metal. He returned home by
way of New York and brought back with him as the result of his mining
ventures sufficient money to enable him to purchase a farm. Thus he
gained his first real start in life.
Mr. Atwood was married in 1856 to Ann Eliza Allen, a daughter
of Gideon Allen. She was born in Yates county, New York, January
31, I8,37, and was brought to Cass county by her parents about 1842,
the family locating in Wayne township. Her mother bore the maiden
name of Sarah Ann Larrowe and in the family there were six children,
four daughters and two sons, Mrs. Atwood being the third in order of
birth. She has one brother, Henry Allen, who is living in Wayne township, and a sister, Clementine, who is the wife of H. R. Taylor.
At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Atwood located on a
farm in Wayne township, Cass county, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits for ten years, when in I866 he removed to Dowagiac
but still continued to conduct his farms for some time thereafter. He
also engaged in the stock business, buying and shipping for about fifteen
years, finding this a source of gratifying profit. He was also engaged in
the grocery business for about a year. He now owns three farms, all in
Wayne township, comprising over six hundred acres of land, which he
rents and which brings to him a good income. He also loans money
and with the exception of the supervision of his farms and his loans he
is living retired, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly
deserves. He has been practical in his methods, thoroughly reliable at
all times and his business integrity and enterprise have been the source
of his success.
Mr. Atwood has voted for the candidates of both Democratic and
Republican parties, casting his ballot for those whom he thinks best
qualified for office. He is one of the pioneers of Cass county, having
spent seventy years here. He and his wife have traveled life's journey
together for a half century, celebrating their golden wedding on the




758


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


26th of January, I906, and sharing with each other in the joys and sorrows, the adversity and prosperity which checker the careers of all. Mr.
Atwood has intimate knowledge of the history of this county as it has
emerged from pioneer conditions to take on all the evidences of an advanced civilization. He has an intimate knowledge of the history of the
county in its various phases, and at all times has stood as an advocate of
improvement and upbuilding, giving his co-operation to many progressive
public measures.
GENERAL A. M. FISH.
General A. M. Fish, who won the rank of brigadier-general by
active field service in the Civil war and who was connected with the
military interests of the country continuously from I854 until I87o, is
now living retired in Dowagiac. He made a splendid record while following the stars and stripes and he deserves the gratitude which the
country feels for the "boys in blue" who stood unfalteringly in defense
of the Union during the dark days of civil strife. He is one of Michigan's native sons, his birth having occurred in White Pigeon township, St. Joseph county, on the 5th of September, I835. His father
was E. T. Fish, a native of Hartford, Connecticut. Tracing the ancestry
of the family back through several generations it will be noted that they
have always been distinguished for valor and loyalty and that the family has been worthily represented in the various wars in which the country has participated. There were several soldiers in the Revolutionary
war and also in the war of I812, while others fought for American interests in the Mexican war and fifty members of the family served in the
war of the rebellion. The family comes of Prussian ancestry. The paternal grandfather of General Fish was a major with the colonial troops
in the war for independence, serving throughout the period of hostilities under the immediate command of General Washington, acting for
a part of the time as one of Washington's body guards.
E. T. Fish, father of General Fish, was a drum major of the First
Connecticut Volunteer Infantry in the war of I812. He removed to St.
Joseph county, Michigan, in 1834, locating on White Pigeon prairie in
White Pigeon township, where he lived for about eight years, when in
1842 he came to Cass county, settling in Mason township, where he devoted his remaining days to general agricultural pursuits, his death occurring when he had reached the age of sixty-eight years. His early political allegiance was given to the Democracy, which he supported until
about i850, when he became a know-nothing. When the Republican
party was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery he joined
its ranks and remained one of its stalwart advocates until his demise.
His wife bore the maiden name of Ruby Leumien and was a native of
Bristol, Rhode Island. She was descended from French ancestry, her
parents having been horn in France. Eight children, four sons and four
daughters, were born unto E. T. and Ruby Fish, namely: John L., who




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


759


was a soldier of the Union army in the Civil war; Horace, who also became a soldier; George, who died before the war; Laura, who reached
her eighty-second year, dying May 7, I905, was the widow of Collins
Fraser; Harriet, deceased; Maria, who died in Kansas in I905; and
Cynthia, the wife of Thlomas J. Mealoy, of Vandalia, Cass county,
Michigan, who was a soldier.
General A. M. Fish, who was the sixth child and third son in his
father's family, was brought to Cass county by his parents when but
seven years of age and through the succeeding decade remained upon the
home farm assisting in the labors of the fields when not busy with the
duties of the schoolroom or the pleasures of the playground. He received an appointment as a cadet at West Point and was graduated from
the Government Military Academy in the class of 1853. He first joined
the United States dragoons and was sent to Fort Kearney in Nebraska.
Soon afterward he was made brevet second lieutenant and was commissioned a full second lieutenant in 1854, thus serving until I857, when he
was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant and in I859, following the
resignation of various southern officers, he was promoted to the rank
of captain and placed in command of Company C of the Third United
States Dragoons. In I86o he was still further promoted to the rank of
major and at the outbreak of hostilities between the north and the south
he was made a colonel of the volunteers, while subsequently he was
promoted to the rank of brigadier-general and assigned to command of a
regiment of infantry, which he commanded at the battle of Shiloh. He
afterward was in command of several different regiments, being shifted
from one to another and during some of the time he was serving on
special detached duty on the staff of different generals. He was for a
time on the staff of General Sherman and he formed the acquaintance of
many of the distinguished and gallant leaders of the war. At times he
commanded infantry troops and again was in charge of cavalry troops.
He participated in many of the hotly contested engagements which led
to the final victory, including the battles of Shiloh, Iuka, Corinth and
Moscow, Tennessee, the siege of Vicksburg and the raid after General
Price through Missouri. He was also in the engagement at Nashville,
Tennessee, and the sieges of Mobile and Spanish Fort. He was wounded
five times, at Corinth, afterward at Texas, New Mexico, Mississippi and
later at Spanish Fort. He sustained a light bayonet wound at Nashville
and a sword wound at Spanish Fort. This one, however, did not cause
him to retire from active duty. He was in the United States service
as a soldier continuously from 1854 until I870, for when the Civil war
was ended he was sent with his command to the frontier and aided in
keeping peace on the western border.
At length General Fish resigned and returned to Wisconsin, where
he remained until 1905, when he came again to Cass county, Michigan,
where he has since made his home. He built a residence in Dowagiac,
which he is now occupying.. General Fish was married to Miss Alceba




760


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Prosser, a daughter of Dr. Abram and Melissa (Chapin) Prosser, who
came from Oneida county, New York, to Michigan about I8153. Mrs.
Fish died in I867, about ten years after their marriage. There were
four children born of that union, namely: Arthur, now deceased; Cynthia, the wife of George Adkinson, of Baraboo, Wisconsin; Howard,
who is living on the Florida coast; and William Elmo, who is in the
Fourteenth United States Cavalry as first major and is now on the island
of Luzon in the Philippines.
General Fish is a member of the Grand Army of the Reptblic and
has taken a very active interest in the organization. He is now living
retired in a comfortable home in Dowagiac. Sixteen years of his life
was devoted to his country and her service and he made a splendid military record, his course during the Civil war being characterized by unfaltering devotion to the Union cause and the faithful performance of
every duty which devolved upon him, his own zeal and courage often
inspiring the men who served under him to deeds of valor. When in
civil life he has largely spent his time in the middle west and his memory goes back to a pioneer epoch in the history of this county, for he was
brought to Cass county by his parents at an early day, when the work of
improvement and progress had scarcely begun in this portion of the state.
KENYON BLY.
Kenyon Bly, whose home is on section 14, Marcellus township, has
had a successful business career, in which unfaltering enterprise, close
application and diligence have been the dominant qualities leading to
very desirable success. Having passed the eighty-third milestone on life's
journey, he is now living retired upon a farm which is valuable and productive, and which is the visible evidence of his life of industry. He
was born about a mile and a half from Greene, in Chenango county,
New York, April 24, I823. The Blys are of English descent and the
family was established in America in early colonial days. Some of the
representatives of the family served as soldiers of the Revolutionary
war, while others defended American interests in the war of I8I2.
His parents were Job and Freelove (Watson) Bly, natives of Rhode
Island and Connecticut respectively. Following their marriage, which
was celebrated in New England. they removed to New York, spending
their remaining days upon a farm in Chenango county. The father
died at the age of seventy-eight years, while the mother reached the very
advanced age of ninety-seven years. They were both representatives of
old New England families and became residents of New York in pioneer
times. In their family were nine children, but only Kenyon Bly is now
living. His brother, Henry W. Bly, was born in Rhode Island and became a resident of Marcellus township in 1852. He first purchased
eighty acres of land and afterward became the owner of three hundred
acres, on which he paid fourteen per cent interest. It was all wood



HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


761


land, which he cleared and cultivated, placing many modern improvements upon the farm and developing it until it became a splendid property. hle resided upon that place up to the time of his death, and his
labors found a good- reward in the splendid crops which he harvested.
He was practical in all that he did, and accomplished whatever he undertook. Moreover he was prominent and influential in public affairs and
for twenty-nine consecutive years served as justice of the peace in his
township. He was also supervisor of his township and his political allegiance was givcn ( to ie Lemocracy. He was married twice, but had no
children. The other melnl:els of the family were: Joseph, who died
in New York; Stephen; Gardnler; Mrs. Electa Gibson; Kenyon, of this
review; Mrs. Olive Beardsley; Mrs. Rebecca Page; and Lewis.
Kenyon Bly, spending the days of his boyhood and youth in the
county of his nativity, resided there to the time of his marriage. In
early life he worked for ten dollars per month in sawmills, his labor continuing for about eighteen hours out of the twenty-four. He paid for
one farm by working by the month and he owned several good farms
while still a resident of the east. He has always been a man of great
energy and determination, accomplishing whatever he undertakes, and
his life record should serve to inspire and encourage others who started
out.as he did, without capital.
In I852 Mr. Bly chose a companion and helpmate for life's journey when he was married to Miss Louesa Copeland, who was born in
Chenango county, New York. Following their marriage they resided for
two years near Lockport, New York, after which they returned to Chenango county and purchased a farmn, lying partly in that and partly
across the border in Broome county, the residence, however, standing in Chenango county. Upon that farm Mr. Bly remained for twenty
years. The place comprised one hundred acres, for which he paid the
sum of one hundred and fifty dollars per acre. This farm is still in
his possession. In December, I876, however, Mr. Bly removed from
New York to Cass county, Michigan, in order to take care of a brother.
This brother died in January, I877, and the valuable farm of four hundred and ten acres which he owned was inherited by Kenyon Bly of this
review, who removed to the farm in March, I877. The land lies at,
what is known as Bly's Corners, which settlement is older than the village of Marcellus. In addition to this property Mr. Bly also owns the
Centennial block in Marcellus. At one time his estate was valued at
forty thousand dollars. He has since disposed of a large part of his
property to others, but retained the deeds to the same. The property
upon which he resides is operated as a grain and stock farm and as
high as twenty-six hundred bushels of wheat have been raised thereon
in a single season. Fine stock is also raised and the place is noted for
the excellence of its products and for the high grade of stock which is
here produced. Mr. Bly was a very busy man until about eight years




762


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


ago, when he suffered from paralysis, and since that time has not been
active in business. He has valuable property interests, however, which
supply him with the comforts and luxuries of life.
Mr. and Mrs. Bly lived to celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary, and two more years of married life were vouchsafed to them ere
they were separated by the death of Mrs. Bly, on the 3oth of June, I904,
when she was seventy-three years of age. They had traveled life's journey happily together, sharing with each other its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity.  They never had any children and this fact
perhaps drew them more closely together.
Mr. Blv cast his first presidential ballot for Henry Clay, and has
been a stalwart Democrat since I86I. He and his wife were members of
the Episcopal church at Greene, New York, for many years, and after
removing to the west Mrs. Bly united with the Methodist EpiscopaI
church at Marcellus. Mr. Bly assisted in building the church in New
York and has always been the champion of those interests and movements which tend to benefit the material, intellectual, social and moral
welfare of a community. His life has been active and honorable and the
traits of sterling manhood which he has ever manifested have gained
for him a prominent position in public regard, while those with whom he
has been held intimately entertain for him warm friendship. He is now
one of the venerable citizens of Marcellus township, having passed the
eighty-third milestone on life's journey, and his record may well serve
as a source of encouragement to the young and an inspiration to the
aged.
ROLAND LEWIS.
Roland Lewis, who is engaged in the drug business in Dowagiac,
where he has been a representative of mercantile interests since I890,
was born in Marion county. Ohio, July 6, I856. His father was Eben
Lewis, a native of Albany, New York. He dates his ancestry back to
Francis Lewis, who was born in Wales and came to America in colonial
days. He was prominent in public life, being closely connected with
many events shaping the history of the nation, and was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. There were five brothers who
came to America, settling in different states. One was a resident of
Connecticut, another of Virginia, one of South Carolina, a fourth of
New York and a fifth of Pennsylvania. Francis Lewis was the father
of Ebenezer Lewis, the great-grandfather of our subject. The grandfather, Ebenezer Lewis, was a pioneer farmer of Marion county, Ohio,
to which place he removed when his son, Eben Lewis, was but three
years of age. There the last named was reared to manhood amid nioneer
conditions and surroundings.  He married Miss Hattie McWilliams,
and throughout his entire life he followed the occupation of milling,
making that pursuit the one.which provided his family with a comfortable living. He died when about sixty-three years of age, and his wife




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


is now living at the age of eighty-three years, making her home in
Marion county, Ohio. In their family were five sons and two daughters, all of whom reached adult age, while three sons and one daughter
are living at this writing.
Roland Lewis is the fifth child and fourth son in his father's family. He was reared in the county of his nativity and pursued his education in the country schools and also in a high school at Columbus Grove,
Ohio.  He afterward spent two years as a student in the Northern
Indiana Normal College at Valparaiso, Indiana. This was in 1879 and
I88o, and in I88I he removed to Freeport, Illinois, where he was engaged in the drug business, making his home at that place until I885.
He then removed to Nevada, Iowa, where he established a drug store
on his own account, continuing at that point for four years, when he
sold out and removed to Michigan, arriving in Dowagiac in I890. He
then purchased an interest in the store which he has since conducted.
The firm of Lewis & Simmers was established, but in the following
September Mr. Lewis purchased his partner's interest and continued alone
in business under his own name until I898, when the firm of R. Lewis
& Company was formed, a, partner being admitted.  This is a well
equipped establishment, and its neat and tasteful arrangement, moderate prices and the efforts of the proprietor to please his patrons have
secured a large and growing business.
Mr. Lewis was married in I885 to Miss Ella Wood, a daughter of
Nathan Wood, of Deep River, Indiana, and they now have one child,
Claire, who is at home. Mr. Lewis is an earnest Democrat in his political views and has taken an active part in advancing the welfare and
promoting the growth of Democracy in this locality. Since I897 he
has served as a member of the board of public works and has proven a
most capable official. For twenty-eight years he has been a member of
the Masonic fraternity and is most loyal to its teachings, being in hearty
sympathy with the principles of the craft. He is also connected with the
Modern Woodmen. His residence in the county now covers a period of
sixteen years, and the fact that he has been continuously in mercantile
life has gained him a wide acquaintance, while his business methods and
personal traits of character have won for him an enviable place in the
warm regard of many friends as well as of those who have known him
only through business relations.
ROBERT H. WILEY.
Robert H. Wiley, the secretary of the Farmer's Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Dowagiac, is numbered among the native sons of
Cass county, his birth having occurred in Wayne township on the 7th
of December, i8jo. His father was William G. Wilev, a native of New
York and a son of John B. Wiley, who, was born in Ireland, but in early
life crossed the Atlantic to the United States and settled in New York




764


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


city. He became a resident of Cass county, Michigan,. about 1836,
being numbered among its settlers when this was a frontier region, giving little promise of rapid development of improvement. By trade he
was a cooper. Before coming to Michigan, however, he lived at different times in New Jersey and Ohio and it was in those states that William G. Wiley, father of our subject, was reared. He, too, arrived in
Cass county in 1836, at which time he took up his abode in Cassopolis,
where he worked at the cooper's trade, which he had learned under the
direction of his father. He also lived for a number of years in Wayne
township, and his last days were spent in LaGrange township, where he
died in his fiftieth year. He filled the office of supervisor in both townships and was a progressive and public-spirited citizen, who labored
earnestly for the promotion of general progress and improvement in the
community in which he had cast his lot. He married Miss Harriet Sifert,
a native of Ohio, who came to Cass county during her girlhood days.
She was a daughter of Lemuel Sifert, who was born in this country
but was of Dutch descent. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Wiley were
four children, two daughters and two sons, all of whom reached mature
years.
Robert H. Wiley is the eldest of his father's family and was reared
in Wayne township to the age of fourteen years. He acquired a common school education and remained under the parental roof until he
had reached his majority, assisting in the work of the fields. When
twenty-three years of age he left his home and in I864 crossed the
plains to California by way of Salt Lake City, remaining for about a
year on the Pacific coast. He made the return trip by way of the
Isthmus of Panama and New York city to Cass county and resumed
farming in LaGrange township. Following his marriage he located
with his bride on a farm in that township, and he still owns the property,
where for many years he carried on general agricultural pursuits, annually harvesting good crops as the result of the care and labor which he
bestowed upon the fields.  In' I897, however, he retired from active
agricultural pursuits and removed to Dowagiac. The same year he was
appointed secretary of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company and
has been four times re-elected to the office, which he now holds.
Mr. Wiley was married in 1867 to Miss Bina C. Hill, a daughter
of B. W. and Paulina Hill. Mrs. Wiley was born in Michigan and unto
this marriage there has been born a daughter, Harriet, who is at home
with her parents. Mr. Wiley has served in a number of official positions, acting for twelve years as supervisor of LaGrange township. He
was elected on the Democratic ticket, having throughout his entire life
been a stanch supporter of the party. His realty holdings embrace three
hundred and sixty acres of good land in LaGrange township and this
property returns to him a gratifying income. During sixty-five years
he has lived in the county and has watched its development as it has




-HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


emerged from the forest and become a highly improved and cultivated
district with thriving towns and cities and fine farms. He has done his
full share in reclaiming the wild land for cultivation and at all times has
been a supporter of public measures that have resulted beneficially in
upholding the legal and political status of this part of the state.
C. C. ALLISON.
Mr. C. C. Allison, whose position as dean of the newspaper fraternity of Cass county is fortified by fifty years of experience with the paper
of which he is now editor and publisher, was born at Blackberry, Illinois,
in September, I840.  He has lived in Cassopolis almost continuously
since he was eight years old. Shortly after, the National Democrat began its career, and in I855, a boy of fifteen, he formed the connection
which has lasted through life. A printer's apprentice, learning to stick
type, do the mechanical work and the many other details of a printing office, he was seven years in preparing himself for full responsibility of publisher and editor, during which time he worked about a yearin Dowagiac with the Cass County Tribune and then the Republican.
In I862 the stock company who controlled the National Democrat gave
him the charge of its issue, and by purchasing the plant two years later
he assumed a proprietorship which has continued to this day.
Mr. Allison served as postmaster of Cassopolis during Cleveland's
second term.  Interested in the cause of local schools, he has served
some fifteen years as member of the school board and for about ten years
past has been moderator. Aside from this service to the public and a
steady activity and membership with the local lodge of the Masonic
fraternity for many years, he has kept his attention and energies without
variation focused on his newspaper, and the success he has gained in life
he prefers to be identified with this vocation rather than with any minor
honors or services.
On St. Valentine's day of I89o Mr. Allison married Miss May
F. Tompkins. She was born in Lansing, a daughter of John Tompkins..
Their two children are Waldo and Kate.
DANIEL EBY.
Daniel Eby, residing on section 21, Porter township, was born in
this township April 21, I858. He is the sixth child and fifth son in a
family of eight sons and one daughter, whose parents were Gabriel and
Caroline (Wagner) Eby. He was reared upon the old family homestead in Porter township and began his education in the district school
near his father's farm. His early educational privileges, however, were
supplemented by a year and a half's study in Valparaiso Normal School
at Valparaiso, Indiana, and he also attended the Sturgis school in Michigan. When eighteen years of age he began teaching, being first em



766


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


ployed as teacher of district school No. I2, in Porter township. He has
also taught in Newberg, Mason and Calvin townships, and for thirty
years has devoted a part of his time and attention to educational work.
He has also been engaged in farming and has one hundred and sixtyone acres of good land, which he carefully cultivated and improved, making it a productive tract.
On the 19,th of March, I884, Mr. Eby was united in marriage to
Miss Ida Douglas, a daughter of Sylvester Douglas and a native of St.
Joseph county, Michigan. They have one son, Leo S., now at home.
Mr. Eby has been a lifelong Republican, active and earnest in the
interests of his party and doing all in his power to promote its success.
He was elected township clerk in I884 and has been re-elected to this
office each year until his incumbency covers a period of twenty-two
years-a service greater than that of any other clerk in the county. In
the spring of I906 he was elected supervisor of Porter township. He
has held different local school offices and has done much to promote
the cause of public instruction. He belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees and to the Grange. His entire life has been passed in Porter
township and the Ebys are among the old and esteemed families of the
county. His father cut the road to the farm, for at that time there was
no public highway in this part of the county. Daniel Eby has a very wide
and favorable acquaintance and his life work has been of a nature which
commands for him the respect and goodwill of all with whom he has been
brought in contact.
JERRY O'ROURKE.
Jerry O'Rourke. a prominent and influential farmer of Silver Creek
township, living on section 21, was born in this township December
6, I853. His father, Timothy O'Rourke, was a native of Ireland and in
early life crossed the Atlantic to America. He became a resident of
Cass county about 184I, settling in Silver Creek township. He married Margaret Haggerty, also a native of Ireland, who came to America
with her parents in her girlhood days. The Haggerty family was also
established in Cass county in pioneer times. Mr. O'Rourke died when
only forty-one years of age and was long survived by his wife, who
passed away in 1893 at the age of seventy years. In their family were
three children, who reached adult age.
Jerry O'Rourke, the second child and only son, grew to maturity,
was reared in his native township and acquired a common-school education. He is a stanch Democrat, who throughout the period of his manhood has taken a deep and active interest in public affairs and does all
in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of his party.
The first office which he ever held was that of supervisor, being elected
to the position in 1887 and serving for four consecutive years. He was
again chosen in I894, and at that time by re-election continued in office
for seven years, so that his incumbency as supervisor covers altogether




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


767


a period of eleven years. He has also served as a member of the Democratic county committee, and has taken an active interest in campaign
work. He was the first Democrat ever elected to office in his township, and the fact that he has so long been continued in positions of
political preferment indicates his personal popularity and the confidence
reposed in him.
For many years Mr. O'Rourke was interested in dealing in stock.
He rents his farm, however, a part of the time. He has one hundred
acres of land which is rich and productive, and he also buys and sells
land, speculating to a considerable extent, in which undertaking he has
made some money. He has always resided in this county and is well
known here because of his business activity, his official service and his
connection with various fraternal organizations. He belongs to the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of the Maccabees, and has a very wide and favorable acquaintance in the county.
MILTON P. WHITE, M. D.
The medical profession is one of the leading factors in all civilized
parts of the globe, also one of the most arduous, as well as useful. The
mild, cheerful and sunny physician in the sick chamber is oftentimes more
penetrative in healing than the remedies he may prescribe. Dr. White
of this review, who has been a physician and surgeon in Dowagiac for
almost twenty years, is so well known in the northern part of Cass county that he needs no special introduction to the citizens of the city of
Dowagiac.  He is a native of Cass county, born near the village of
Wakelee December I9, I852, and is the youngest of seven children, six
sons'and one daughter, born to John and Hannah (Baker) White. There
are three of the children living, the eldest being Henry, a resident of
California, who went to the Pacific slope in search of gold in the fifties,
and yet remains a miner; Jasper, a prosperous farmer in Penn township,
receiving his education in the common schools; Dr. White is the next
in order of birth.
John White, the father, was a native of North Carolina, and was
reared in his native state until reaching manhood, there learning the
blacksmith's trade. He first located in Cass county when the county
seat was officially but not actually situated on the banks of Diamond
lake,_ and there had a foundry and blacksmith shop. He later bought a
farm in Volinia township.  Politically he was a Jackson Democrat.
His death occurred when Dr. White was fourteen years of age. Mother
White was a native of the Keystone state of Pennsylvania, descending
from old German ancestry, and she was reared a Quaker. She was of
a sweet, lovable and affectionate nature, and her prayers and admonitions will ever remain as a beacon to her children. She died a true
Christian mother, whose whole life was a sweet reflection of the good
deeds done to others.




768


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Dr. White was reared in Cass county, receiving his primary education in the district schools, and then attended a select school at
Buchanan until he could pass his teacher's examination. He then taught
a winter term near Niles, the following year depositing the first one
hundred dollars he had made in the bank, and then entered the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso to better prepare himself for
a teacher. And here let us say Dr. White made his own way by working
at any employment that was honorable which would aid him in securing
an education. Besides teaching the country school he also taught one
year in Galien, Berrien county, and during all this time he was spending
his money in acquiring a higher education to fit him for the study of
medicine. He took the business and literary course at the Northern Indiana Normal and during the summer and fall of I876 he was in the office of Dr. Beer, of -Valparaiso, to read medicine. He next entered the
medical department of the Northwestern University at Chicago, in 1877,
where he continued until his graduation in I88o. He then returned to
his home in Wakelee, and after some persuasion on the part of his dear
old mother he began the practice of his profession at Wakelee. His
practice steadily grew, and he remained there six and a half years, on
the expiration of which period, in the fall of I886, he located in the
pretty city of Dowagiac, where his practice has steadily grown, and
today he is one of the leading physicians in the city. His home is located
at the corner of Telegraph and Center streets, and it is ever open to
his and his.wife's many friends.
Dr. White wedded Miss Rosella Carman September 14, 1882, and
to this union have been born three children, one son and two daughters, all living, namely: Baker T., a student in the now Northern Indiana University at Valparaiso; Ruth, in the senior year in the city high
school of Dowagiac; and Cora M., in the fifth grade of the city schools.
Dr. and Mrs. White are endeavoring to educate their children well.
Mrs. White's father died at the age of eighty-two years, and hef mother
is yet living on the old homestead near Schoolcraft, Michigan, aged
eighty-four years. Mrs. White was born in Kalamazoo county, Michigan, January 24, I856, was reared in her native county, and received
her higher education in the Northern Indiana Normal School. Politically Dr. White is a Republican, having cast his first presidential vote
for Hayes. He has strong temperance principles.  Officially he was
mayor of Dowagiac in I9OI and I902, and fraternally he is a member of the blue lodge of Masons and the council. He is. an honored
member of the Cass County Medical Association, being twice president
of the society, a member of the Michigan State Medical Society, the
American Medical Association, also Kalamazoo Academy of Medicine.
He is examining physician for the Penn Mutual, the Mutual Life of
New York, the Northwestern of Milwaukee, and is one of- the United
States pension examiners, which office he has held for nine years. Mrs.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


769


White is a member of the Nineteenth Century Literary Club, which is
composed of the leading ladies of Dowagiac. Besides' his city property
Dr. White has one hundred and sixty acres of good land in Pokagon
township and several houses for rent in Dowagiac. He is surely to be
commended for the success he has achieved from the fact that he began
his professional career without capital, but now in the prime of his manhood he has a competency which enables him to live in comfort. We are
pleased to present this brief review of D'r. and Mrs. M. P. White to be
preserved in the Twentieth Century History of Cass County.
L. BURGET DES VOIGNES.
The profession of the law, when clothed with its true dignity and
purity and strength, must rank first among the callings of men, for law
rules the universe. A prominent representative of the bar of southern Michigan is L. Burget Des Voignes, now judge of the thirty-sixth
judicial circuit of Michigan. Born at Mt. Eaton, Wayne county, Ohio,
October I4, I857, he is a son of Louis A. Des Voignes and a grandson of Peter Des Voignes. The last named was a native of Berne,
Switzerland, where he was engaged in the dry goods business, and was
well known in his native city as a man of excellent judgment and nobleness of character. With his wife and three sons, Augustus, Jules and
Louis, he came to America in 1844, the family home being established
at Mt. Eaton, Ohio, and there the father engaged in the shoe business.
He allied his interests with the Whig party, and when the Republican
party was formed he joined its ranks, remaining a stalwart supporter of
its principles. He was a member of the Lutheran church, and in that
faith he passed away in i86I.
Louis A. Des Voignes, the father of him whose name introduces
this review, was eleven years of age when the family home was established in America. In 1855 he was united in marriage to Savilla A., a
daughter of John Messner, of Mount Eaton, Ohio. The young couple
took up their abode in that city, which continued as their home until
about I863, when Mr. Des Voignes was burned out by the rebels. He
then entered the service and removed to Mendon, Michigan, where for
five years he was employed as clerk in a store, arid for seven years was
engaged in the drug business. The wife and mother died on the 20th
of July, 1887.
L. Burget Des Voignes received his early educational training in
the Mendon schools, graduating from the high school of that city in
I876, and then entered upon the study of law. In 1877 he was admitted
to the bar of St. Joseph county, but in the same vear entered the law
department of the Michigan University at Ann Arbor, in. which he was
graduated the following year, 1878. He then removed to Marcellus,
Michigan, and entered upon the practice of his profession. He has
largely mastered the science of jurisprudence, and his deep research and




770


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


thorough preparation of every case committed to his care enable him to
meet at once any contingency that, may arise. He is an active member
of the Republican party, and his ability has led to his selection for public honors. From I888 to I891 he held the office of circuit court commissioner, under appointment from Governor Luce, while from I891
until I893 he was prosecuting attorney of Cass county, declining a renomination at the end of his term. For five years he was a member of
the board of education in Marcellus, a member of the village council for
three years, and for thirteen years held the office of town attorney.
He stumped the county for the Republican state committee in I88o,
being an orator of much ability, and during the years I884, i888, I892
he was a delegate of the state committee and was also a member of the
County Republican Committee.
In I896 Governor Rich appointed him judge of probate to fill the
vacancy occasioned by the death of Judge Bennett and at that time he
removed to the village of Cassopolis with his family, where he now resides. He was nominated and elected for three successive terms for
that office, serving a period of over ten years, and during this time
was also a member of the Cassopolis board of education six years. In
1905 he was elected judge of the thirty-sixth judicial circuit, and is
now occupying the bench in that circuit.
In I880 Mr. Des Voignes was united in marriage to Allie M. Clapp,
a native of St. Joseph county, Michigan and a daughter of Dr. Clapp,
of Mendon, that county. One child has been born of that union, Jules
Verne, now a student in university, who has written a number of articles for Mu;nscy's, Argosy and other magazines, and is a promising
young man. In his fraternal relations Mr. Des Voignes is a member
of the Masonic order, being a Knight Templar, and of the Knights of
Pythias. He ranks high at the bar and in political circles, and Cass
county numbers him among her leading and influential citizens.
DONALD A. LINK, M. D.
Dr. Donald A. Link, whose death by drowning August 15, I906,
deprived the Cass county medical fraternity of one of its valued members, he having been engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in
Volinia and the surrounding country, was born in Canada on the 22nd
of October, I865. His father, Alexander Link, was also a native of that
country and by occupation was a lumberman. Crossing the border into
the United States, he located at Superior, Wisconsin, but his last days
were passed in Canada, where he died in 1904. He was of Pennsylvania Dutch descent. In early manhood he had married Ann Cameron,
also a native of Canada, while her parents were born in Scotland. She
still survives her husband and is about seventy-three years of age. In
their family were six sons and two daughters, all but one of whom are
yet living, namely: J. A., who resides in Superior, Wisconsin; Adam




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


771


J., who is living in Alberta, Canada, where he is government inspector
of claims in the government office; Catherine, the wife of Rev. Malcolm
McLellan, D. D., of Edinburgh, Scotland; Donald A., of this review;
William K., also living in Superior, Wisconsin, assistant manager of the
Superior Coal Company; Robert J., who is likewise living in Superior,
Wisconsin; Ronald F., a marine engineer of Canada; and Margaret E.,
of Gravenhurst, Canada. The last named is the only one unmarried.
Dr. Link acquired a common school education at Lindsey, Ontario,
and afterward pursued a three years' course in medicine in McGill University at Montreal, Canada, while later he was graduated from the Detroit College of Medicine with the class of 1895. The same year he
located for practice in Cassopolis, Michigan, where he remained for
about three years and then removed to Dawson City in the Yukon territory in Alaska. He continued there for about two and a half years
and in I9oo returned to Cass county, locating at Volinia. He had a
good practice here and was popular with all classes. He had gone to
Gravenhurst, Ontario, in August to visit his mother, and while on a
conoe trip up Moon river, in the district of Muskoka, met the sad
death which has been mentioned.
In December, I895, occurred the marriage of D'r. Link and Miss
M. Blanch McIntosh, the only daughter of Jacob and Emily McIntosh,
who are mentioned on another page of this work. Dr. and Mrs. Link
had a daughter, Margaret E.
Dr. Link maintained fraternal relations with the Knights of the
Maccabees, the Benevolent Order of Elks and the Masons and had
taken the Royal Arch degree in the last named organization. In the
line of his profession he was connected with the Cass County Medical
Society and the Michigan State Medical Society. He was conscientious
and zealous in his practice, finding in the. faithful performance of each
day's duty strength and inspiration for the labors of the succeeding day.
JAMES M. TRUITT.
The Truitt family is one of the oldest in Cass county, and the
name is indissolubly connected with its annals from an early epoch in its
history. Peter Truitt, the father of him whose name introduces this
review, was born in Slatterneck, Sussex county, Delaware, February
7, I8o., a son of Langford and Esther A. (Schockley) Truitt. On the
25th of February, I819, Peter Truitt married Mary Simpler, whose
father was a soldier in both the Revolutionary and war of 1812, and
their children were John M., Elizabeth C., Henry P., David T. and
Langford. By his marriage to Isabel McKnitt, Peter Truitt became the
father of Mary J. and Esther A. His third wife was Deborah McKnitt,
and their only child was James M., and his fourth wife was Sarah (McKnitt) Lane. In his political affiliations Mr. Truitt was first a Whig.
and later joined the ranks of the Republican party, and for a number of




772


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


years he held the office of justice of the peace. At the early age of
fourteen years he united with the Methodist Episcopal church, thereafter living a consistent Christian, ever exemplifying in his life the
noblest elements of manhood.
James M. Truitt, a representative farmer and stock-raiser of Cass
county, was born in Milton township, this county, April 28, I837. This
township has practically been his home throughout his entire life, and
everything tending to advance the best interests of this region has received his earnest support and attention. During his boyhood days he
attended school in a little log schoolhouse near his home, and for a
number of years thereafter he operated a threshing machine with his
brother Henry. In 1856 he assumed the management of the old homestead, there remaining until I86O, when he took up his abode on another
farm, and in I878 he moved to Edwardsburg and engaged in the agricultural implement business, there also becoming director of the Berrien County Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Returning again to his
home in Milton township, he has since devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. Having been reared in this vocation, he is eminently
successful, and has long been numbered among the progressive and successful farmers of the township.
On the 22nd of April, I86o, Mr. Truitt was united in marriage to
Margaret Hicks, who was born in Niles, Michigan, in 1839. Her parents were John and Lettie Hicks, natives of England, but their marriage was celebrated in Niles, and Margaret was their only child. During her infancy she was left an orphan and was reared by her uncle,
Perry Hicks. Mr. Truitt is an earnest supporter of Democratic principles and he received the appointment of deputy revenue collector of
the second division of the fourth district, including eight counties, and
this important position he occupied for four years. He held the office
of county drain commissioner of Cass county from I896 to I899, was
justice of the peace in Milton township for twelve years and deputy
sheriff two years. In his fraternal relations he is an Odd Fellow, and in
Masonry has reached the Knight Templar degree. He is a charter
member of the Grange, and has served as president of the Patrons of
Industry of Milton township, from which he was transferred to the Alliance order and again elected president. Mr. Truitt does not regard
lightly his duties of citizenship and his obligations to his fellow men.
He is honorable in his dealings, straightforward in all life's relations
and commands uniform respect throughout Cass county.
CHARLES G. BANKS.
In the death of Charles G. Banks Cass county lost one of her most
prominent and useful citizens. He was numbered among the early
settlers of Cassopolis, and was a citizen whom to know was to respect
and honor because of his worth and ability. He was born in Chenango




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


77,3


county, New York, on the I3th of January, I825, a son of Walter O.
and Polly (Dunbar) Banks. The father's birth occurred on the Hudson river at New Baltimore, New York, in I792, and his father, Adam
Banks, was a native of Germany. Both Adam and Walter 0!. Banks
were ship builders. The latter was married to Miss Polly Dunbar, who
was born in Saratoga, New York, in I794, and was a daughter of Nehemiah Dunbar. At the time of their marriage the young couple settled
near McDonough in Chenango county, New York, in 1813, and Mr.
Banks there built a log house, in which his family of ten children were
born, including Walter 0. Banks, who was the fifth son. The rafters of
the log house were round poles from the wood. There was not a sawmill
within a distance of forty miles. When removing from the old house
Walter O. Banks blocked out and made a cane from a rafter, which he
gave to his son, Charles G. This was in I86O, and the cane is still
in the possession of the family. Many interesting incidents of pioneer
times were related, and Mr. Banks often told a humorous story conceining Ben Wilson, who he said used to drive across the country from
the Otselic to the Chenango river, a distance of forty miles, making
the journey with a heavy wagon, following a road that was made by
blazing trees. The wolves and bears would sometimes follow him,
and Mr. Banks related that one time when alone, in his dilemma to
keep the wolves out of his wagon, he began singing a song, which was
all that was necessary to make the animals leave.
Charles G. Banks was reared in the place of his nativity and was
educated in the common and select schools, studying for a time under
Mrs. Warren at Macedonia, New York. On leaving that institution he
became a student in Oxford Academy, from which he was graduated
in the class of I84I. He worked in order to pay his tuition and roomed
with a young man, the two boarding themselves. Thus he pursued his
college education, and on the completion of the course he made his way
westward to Cassopolis, where he engaged in teaching school for several
years. It was his intention to build an academy, but on account of ill
health he had to abandon his work as an educator. He taught in the
district, select and high schools for eight years, and proved a capable
teacher, whose ability was widely recognized by all who came under his
instruction or knew of his methods. In I848 he began surveying, and
was elected county surveyor about that time. The first survey he made
was for his father-in-law, Pleasant Norton, in Jefferson township in the
vicinity of Mud lake. The plat had forty-three angles. He surveyed
the greater part of Cass county, and in this connection accomplished an
important work. He was elected many times as county surveyor, and
followed the profession for a half century. No man was more familiar
with the county than he, and it was said of him that he knew every
crook and corner in Cass county. In 1854 he began keeping books for
S. T. & L. R. Read, prominent merchants of Cassopolis, with whom




774


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


he remained for six years, during which time he frequently went with
them to buy goods. He afterward went into business with John Tietsort, under the firm name of Banks & Tietsort, which connection was
continued from I863 to 1873. At a former date he had been associated
in business with W. W. Peck for about three years, and after his retirement from commercial life in I873 he gave his attention largely to
surveying. He was without doubt the best informed man on section
corners and old survey lines in Cass county. He wrote a fine record and
possessed a memory that enabled him to recall and repeat with accuracy
early events, and with all he was an honest, upright man. In all of his
business transactions he was successful, and as the years passed accumulated a comfortable competence.
On the I4th of November, I850, Mr. Banks was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Norton, the second daughter of Pleasant Norton. She was born December 22, 1831, in Champaign county, Ohio,
and was brought to Michigan by her aunt, Mattie Norton, when she
was six months old, the journey being made on a pony to Jefferson
township, Cass county.  Mrs. Banks remained a lifelong resident of
this county, and passed away September 4, I893. She had become the
mother of three children: James K., who is now cashier of the First
National Bank of Sheldon, North Dakota; Emma J., the wife of M. L.
Howell, a prominent attorney of Cassopolis, whom she married October
11, 1870; and Cora L., who on the 4th of September, i886, became the
wife of Alfred T. Osmer.
Mr. Banks was in former years identified with the Democratic
party, but afterward usually voted for temperance men. He served as
township superintendent of schools, township clerk and always took
an active and helpful interest in public affairs. His death occurred at
the home of his daughter, Mrs. Cora L. Osmer, in Dowagiac, where he
had been living about a year, June II, I906, after an illness of long
standing.  The body was brought to Cassopolis and placed by the
side of his wife in Prospect Hill cemetery.  He had a very wide
acquaintance in the county, where he had resided almost continuously
since the fall of i844, covering a period of about sixty-two years. He
was therefore a witness of almost its entire development, and assisted
in the work of transition as pioneer conditions were replaced by the evidences of an advanced civilization and modern prosperity.
COY W. HENDRYX.
For a number of years Coy W. Hendryx has practiced at the bar
of Cass county, and during that time his rise has been gradual, but he
today occupies a leading position among the representatives of the legal
profession in Dowagiac. His reputation has been won through earnest,
honest labor. and his high standing is a merited tribute to his ability.
He was born in Cuba, Allegany county, New York, July 20, i86I.




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


and is a son of James and Eunice (Tryon) Hendryx. His grandfather,
Nathan H. Hendryx, was a native of New York, and in Madison county, that state, his son, James H., was born. In the family of James and
Eunice Hendryx were seven children. The father was a stanch advocate
of Democratic principles, and his death occurred in I873.
Coy W. Hendryx was reared to manhood in the county of his nativity, Allegany, and his early educational training was received in the
graded schools of Cuba. He next entered Cook Academy at Havana,
New York, and for a time thereafter conducted his studies in the college at Newton, near Philadelphia, graduating in that institution in
I878.  During the following two years he was engaged in teaching
school, and then became principal of the schools at Clarksville, New
York. In I879 Mr. Hendryx came to     Dowagiac, Michigan, and began the preparation for his chosen profession by entering a law office,
and three years later, in October, 1882, was admitted to the bar. In
December, I886, he was admitted to practice in the United States courts.
His practice has since gradually increased, as he has demonstrated his
ability to successfully handle the intricate problems of. jurisprudence,
and today he has a large clientage, which connects him with the leading
litigated interests of the circuit. A Democrat in his political affiliations,
he has held the office of circuit court commissioner, and in I886 was appointed United States commissioner for the western district of Michigan, an office he held twelve years.
In I885 Mr. Hendryx was united in marriage with Harriette, a
daughter of Charles G. Guilford, a prominent farmer of Cuba, Allegany
county, New York. She was born and reared in that city, completing
her education in Alfred University. Three children have been born of
this union, Ruth, Irene and Olive. Mr. Hendryx is a Mason and is also
identified with the Legion of Honor. He is a broad-minded, progressive man and public-spirited citizen, and in all life's relations is found
true to all the duties of professional and social life.
FRANK P. JARVIS.
Frank P. Jarvis, who follows the occupation of farming, was born
August 18, 1852, in LaGrange township, where he still makes his home.
His father, Norman Jarvis, was one of the early settlers of this county, where for many years he followed the occupation of farming. He
was born in North Carolina in I8I9 and was a son of Zaddock Jarvis,
likewise a native of the old North state. The grandfather was. a farmer
and about I834 settled in Cass county, Michigan, being one of the first
residents within its borders. The family home was established in LaGrange township, where the grandfather purchased some land, becoming owner of about two hundred acres, most of which was raw and unimproved. He cleared the tract, however, and reared his family upon
this place.




HISTORY OF CASS -COUNTY


Norman Jarvis was only four years of age when brought by his
parents to Michigan and amid the wild scenes of frontier life he was
reared upon the old homestead, the family living in a log cabin while his
education was acquired in a log schoolhouse. He shared with the
other members of the family in the hardships and privations incident
to pioneer life and also assisted in fhe arduous task of developing new
land. When about twenty-one years of age he bought land in LaGrange
township, coming into possession of about two hundred acres that was
partially improved. He had been married a short time previous to
Miss Margaret Simpson, a native of Ohio, born in the year 1823. She
was reared in her native state and with her parents came to Cass county
at an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis became the parents of ten children, seven daughters and three sons, all of whom are living, Frank P.
being the fifth child and second son. In his political views the father
was a Democrat and kept well informed on the questions and issues of
the day. He prospered in his business undertakings and at. the time of
his death was the owner of two hundred and seventy acres of rich and
productive land, the greater part of which had been improved by him.
He passed away in 1903 at the age of eighty-three years, respected and
esteemed by all who knew him.
Frank P. Jarvis was reared upon the old homestead farm and assisted his father in its cultivation and improvement until twenty-four
years of age, when he made arrangements for having a home of his own
by his marriage, on the I4th of February, 18176, to Miss Clara Cooper,
a daughter of Cicero and Hannah (Reams) Cooper. The father was a
native of Jefferson township, Cass county, born in February, I840, and
was there reared and educated. After putting aside his text-books he
learned and followed the carpenter's trade. He voted with the Dem-ocracy up to the time of his demise, which occurred in I869. Mrs.
Cooper was born in Jefferson township, Cass county, on the 29th of
October, I839, and was there reared, both she and her husband being
pioneer people of this part of the state. They became the parents of
two sons and three daughters, of whom one died in infancy. Mrs. Jarvis, who was the second daughter and third child of the family, was
reared upon the old home farm in Cass county.
At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis located on a
farm of one hundred and thirty acres in LaGrange township, the greater
part of which had been cutivated, and there they resided for fourteen
years. In I89I, however, Mr. Jarvis sold that property and removed
to Pokagon township, settling on section 25, where he purchased one
hundred and fifty-nine acres of improved land. To the further cultivation and development of this place he has since devoted his energies and
-now has an excellent farm. from which he annually harvests good crops.
'To him and his wife have been born two children, but Burton, who was
born January 3, I878, died in infancy. Norman, born September 28,




HISTORY OF —CASS COUNTY


771I


i88o, in LaGrange township, is still at home. Mr. Jarvis is a Democrat
where national issues are -involved, but at local elections regards only
the capability of the candidate and often casts his ballot without regard
for party ties. He has contributed in substantial measure to the agricultural development of the county and at the same time has promoted
his individual success until he is now classed among the men of affluence
in Pokagon township.
VIRGIL TURNER.
Virgil Turner, a representative of farming interests in Ontwa township, was born in Sullivan county, New York, December i8, 1837, a
son of Henry and Lydia A. (Johnson) Turner, who were also natives
of the Empire state, where they were reared and married. The father
learned the carpenter's trade in early life and became a contractor and
builder. Both he and his wife continued residents of New York until
called to their final rest. In their family were five sons and two daughters, of whom Virgil Turner is the third child and third son. Two of the
sons died while serving their country in the Union army, these being John
and Andrew. The others    are Virgil, Nelson, Nathaniel, Susan and
Alice, all of whom were born and reared in New York.
'  Virgil Turner remained under the parental roof and worked for
his father until eighteen years of age, when he started out in life on his
own account. Thinking that he would have better business opportunities in' the west, he came to Adamsville, Cass county, and began working
for M. G. & N. Sage of Ontwa township, with whom he continued for
about a quarter of a century. He learned the miller's trade in their
employ and became an expert workman. That he was ever faithful and
loyal to his employers is indicated by the fact that he was retained in
their service for so extended a period.
Mr. Turner has been twice married. In I856 he wedded Miss Ann
Caldwell, a daughter of William Caldwell, who was born in Ireland,
which was also the native country of Mrs. Turner. She there spent
her girlhood days and when a young lady came to the United States,
making her home with relatives in Cass county.  Her death occurred
in 1883, and she was survived by her three children: Alice, who is now
engaged in teaching school; and Milton E. and Etta E., twins, who were
born and reared in this county. For his second wife Mr. Turner chose
Mrs. Digama Adams, the widow of M. S. Adams, of an old pioneer
family of Cass county and a farmer by occupation.
In 1876 Mr. Turner located on land known as the Snow lot, comprising eighty acres, and there he made some good improvements. He
resided there until the time of his second marriage, when he removed
to his present farm, which belonged to his wife. The place comprises
one hundred and sixty-five acres of land, the greater part of which is
under a high state of cultivation; He is energetic and enterprising in




778


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


his farm work and his labors have been attended with a gratifying
measure of success. In his political views he is a Democrat, has served
as a member of the school board for eighteen years and has been a member of the board of review for ten years. He belongs to St. Peter's
Lodge No. io6, A. F. & A. M., at Edwardsburg, and has been identified therewith for thirty-five years, during which time he has been most
loyal to its teachings and tenets, exemplifying in his life the beneficent
spirit of the craft, which is based upon mutual helpfulness and brotherly
kindness.
HENRY KIMMERLE.
Henry Kimmerle, born in Butler county, Ohio, in 1830, was of
German parentage. His father and mother, Jacob and Catherine (Hass)
Kimmerle, came from the fatherland in early life and settled first in Philadelphia and afterward moved to Ohio, where the father died. Soon
after his death Henry, at the age of four years, with his mother and
other relatives came to Cass county, where, with the exception of six
years, his entire life was spent.
At the time of his coming to Cass county the country was new and
undeveloped, schools were of the primitive type and were few and far
between. These conditions, together with the fact that the family was
in meager circumstances, gave Henry very limited opportunities for an
early education, and what he did receive was almost entirely the result of his own efforts.
In every respect he was a self-made man, and being of an observing and inquiring turn of mind, he gained knowledge in the school of
experience, his education continuing throughout his whole life. He gave
careful thought and attention to any subject in which he became interested, searching for the truth. He was not easily influenced or biased
by the opinions of others.
His dominant characteristics were originality and concentration of
thought and purpose; faithfulness to his affairs in life and an indomitable will to succeed in whatever he undertook. The possession of these
qualities, coupled with the fact that he was early thrown upon his own
resources, won for him a degree of success in the financial world enjoyed by few of his contemporaries.
In I849, when less than eighteen years of age, and with but a few
dollars in his pocket, he joined a party of prospectors and started for
the gold fields of California, little realizing the trials and hardships he
would be called upon to endure. The party's provisions were drawn
by oxen, and in relating the experiences of those early days Mr. Kimmerle has often been heard to say, that he walked the entire distance
to California. This is no doubt true, as it was only by favoring the
oxen in every possible way that the party was able to get any of them
through alive. As it was many died from overwork, starvation and
thirst, necessitating the leaving of some of the wagons along the way




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


779


while the burdens of the others had to be reduced to smaller proportions. After six months of travel and hardships the party reached the
promised land, where six years were spent by Mr. Kimmerle amidst the
exciting scenes of the great Eldorado. He engaged in mining for a
short time only, and then spent several years in freighting goods by
mule pack trains up the mountains to the miners. Money was plentiful
but food scarce. He often sold flour at one dollar a pound and eggs at
fifty cents apiece.
In 1855 he returned to Cass county by the way of the Isthmus of
Panama and New    York, bringing with him enough gold to lay the
foundation of his future prosperity. The following year he married
Mary J. Hain, only daughter of David Hain of LaGrange township,
and lived in the Hain household four years, when he bought an adjoining farm and built a house. On this spot, four miles west of Cassopolis, he spent the remainder of his days-forty-five years. Most of
the land was covered with a heavy growth of timber, requiring much
time and labor to clear off and convert into a farm, which now, with
the buildings, is one of the best in the county.
Mr. Kimmerle was far-sighted and conservative in business and
active both in mind and body to the close of his life. While conservative and careful in business he was benevolent and kind, and free from
avarice.  He sympathized with those less fortunate financially than
himself, and his dealings were always just and honorable with never a
suspicion of dishonesty nor a desire to take advantage over those with
whom he dealt. Through his easy business methods with the needy and
deserving people of his community many were enabled to get a start,
and rightfully looked upon him as a friend. In politics Mr. Kimmerle
was a life-long Democrat, and while never seeking an office, he was always interested in both national and local politics.
He died in March, I905, and is survived by his widow and three
children-Charles Henry, Mrs. Josephine Hoy, Mrs. Mary King. Two
sons, Schuyler and WXilliam, died in early childhood, and one daughter,
Lois, died at the age of twenty-one years.
JOHN    H. WATSON.
John H. Watson, who after many years of active connection with
farming interests is now living retired in Dowagiac, was a native of
Ohio, his birth having occurred in Warren county on the Ist of May,
I833. He is a son of Robert Watson, a native of Virginia, who settled
in Ohio at an early period in the colonization of the latter state and
aided in its pioneer development. Later he again made his way to the
frontier. when he came to Michigan. taking up his abode in Niles about
1838. This section of the state was then largely wild and unimproved
and he aided in planting the seeds of civilization and of development
which in later years have borne rich fruits. He was a miller by occu



.780


HISTORY OF: CASS COUNTY


pation and worked in some of the first mills in Niles. Later he removed
to Silver Creek township, Cass county, where he invested his earnings
in land and engaged in farming until he came to Dowagiac in I865.
He had led a busy and useful life and on locating in this city he retired
from active business cares, spending his remaining days in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. He lived to the ripe old age of seventy-nine
years. From the organization of the. Republican party he was one of
its strong and stalwart advocates, and he held a number of township
offices, the duties of which were faithfully performed, for he believed
it the privilege as well as the duty of every American citizen to uphold
his political views and to do what work he could in behalf of his county,
state or nation. His life was ever upright and honorable. He held
membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and was a licensed minister of that denomination. His influence was ever on the side of right
and truth and his influence was a potent element for good in every
community where he was known. In early manhood he married Miss
Sarah Hannan, a native of Ohio, in which state her girlhood days were
passed. During her last. days, however, she was a resident of Wayne
township, Cass county, where she died at the very advanced age of
eighty-four years. In the family were nine children, one of whom
died in infancy, while five of the number are yet living, namely:
Wealthy Ann, the wife of John Robinson; Mary Ellen, the wife of
Lewis Emmons, of Pokagon township; Matilda, the wife of John Hartsell, who is residing in North Wayne, Cass county; Archibald; and
John.
John H. Watson was the fifth child and third son in the family and
was only five years of age when brought by his parents to Michigan.
The first few years were spent at Niles and he was about nine years
old when he came to Cass county with his parents. He remained upon
the old home farm until twenty-one years of age, assisting in the arduous
task of cultivating and developing new land and transforming it into
productive fields. In early manhood he chose a companion and helpmate for life's journey, being married in 1854 to Miss Ceretta Powers,
a daughter of N. H. Powers, who was born in Ohio and died in May,
1903. In 1855, the year following his marriage, Mr. Watson removed
to Carroll county, Iowa, and located a farm of one hundred and twenty
acres, upon which he lived for three years, but preferring Michigan to
Iowa, he return to Cass county and took up his abode in Pokagon town-ship, where he purchased land, and thereon devoted his time and energies to general farming until I899. In that year he retired from active
business life and removed to Dowagiac, where he has since made his
home, enjoying the fruits of his former toil.
To Mr. and Mrs. Watson were born four children: Emma, who
died at the age of two years; Charles H., who was born in Greene
county, Iowa, August 31, I858, and is now a resident of Woodford




HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


781


county, Arkansas, where he is engaged in the lumber business; Alma L.,
the wife of Leslie Byers, of Dowagiac; and Eugene L., who died at the
age of thirty-three years.
Mr. Watson has sold his farm, which was in Pokagon and La
Grange townships, and is now living a retired life in Dowagiac. He
has been a resident of Cass county throughout his entire life with the
exception of a very brief period. He has also given his political allegiance to the Democracy, but he has been without aspiration for office,
preferring to devote his time and energies to his business affairs until
later years, when he is now enjoying a well-earned rest.
The Publishers, in acknowledging their indebtedness to the Editor,
Mr. L. H. Glover, whose true historical instinct, keen memory for dates
and facts and unabating interest in every department of the undertaking
insure to the public the faithfulness of the endeavor and the value of
the volume as a history of the county, take this opportunity in the
closing pages of the volume to give a brief sketch of the life of the
Editor.
Having considered on previous pages the sources of emigration of
the early settlers, it is not surprising to find that Mr. Glover, like so
many of his fellow citizens, is a native of New York state. Born in
Orleans county, February 25, I839, he is none the less practically a
native son of Michigan, since his parents moved west to White Pigeon
prairie, in St. Joseph county, in the same year. His father, Orville B.
Glover, who was born at Upton, Mass., April I I, I8o4, died at Edwardsburg in 1852; and his mother, Julia Ann (Carr) Glover, who was
born at Albion, N. Y., June 28, I818, died at Buchanan, Mich., in I893.
The family came to Edwardsburg in I840, and when the boy,
Lowell, first came to a knowledge of circumstances and events beyond
the walls of his own home he looked about upon the people and the environments which characterized the Edwardsburg of sixty years ago.
Edwardsburg in those days was the metropolis of the county, and by
its situation on the Chicago road had a thriving, bustling air such as
stimulated more than one boy to rise above the commonplace in life.
Mr. Glover's early experiences were marked by a brief period in
the village school and by a period spent as a clerk in one of the early
mercantile enterprises of Edwardsburg. An accident by which he lost
his right hand when about sixteen years old limited his choice of pursuits, and it was about this time that his decision to become a lawyer
became a definite aim to be striven for without ceasing.
After a residence at Edwardsburg until April, I86I, he moved'
to Cassopolis that he might have the association and opportunities of
study offered in a lawyer's office.  His preceptor was the late Judge
Daniel Blackman, to the value of whose example and the strength of
whose character Mr. Glover never ceases to give credit. In October,




782


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


I862, he was admitted to the bar after an examination in open court,
and as elsewhere mentioned, is at this date the oldest lawyer in length
of active practice in the county. Mr. Glover has been a life-long Democrat and confesses to having often offered himself upon the altar of
sacrifice as that party's nominee to various offices. In April, I862, he
began official service through his election as a justice of the peace of
LaGrange township, and with the exception of one year has held that
office to the present time. Under Cleveland's first administration he
held the office of postmaster, serving from September, I885, to November, I889. The only break in his long residence and professional activity
in Cassopolis was occasioned by his service as deputy commissioner of
the state land office at Lansing in I891-92.
Mr. Glover is himself a true pioneer of the county and took for
his wife the daughter of one of the prominent pioneers of Cassopolis
and the county. October 3, I865, he married Miss Maryette, youngest
daughter of Joseph and Caroline Harper. The one daughter of their
marriage, Fanny Eugenia, is the wife of John F. Ryan, of Marquette,
Mich.
Since the death of C. W. Clisbee, in I889, Mr. Glover has been
historian of the Pioneer Society. Before, as well as since that time,
he has been enthusiastic in his interest in Cass county history.  His
painstaking care in the preservation of historical material and his recognized cyclopedic knowledge of Cass county, led to his selection as the
editor of this history, and it is a simple statement of fact that the worthy
fulfillment of the publishers' purposes is due to the conscientious thoroughness of the Editor.




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CASS COUNTY, TICIIIGAN


RECEIVED: Full leather cover, tunnel back style with
laced on boards. Sewing is by machine, involving
two recessed cords. Sewing is shaken. Slips are
broken.  Inside joints are broken. A repair has been
made (back inside joint) using "Gaylord" hinge,
TREATMENT: Remove old cover and repairs. Paste wash
spine.  Overcast new endpapers. Make new 1/4 leather
case style cover. Reinforce spine with backing
flannel. Add new headbands.
MATERIALS: PROMATICO heavy duty end sheet paper,
reinforcing paper; University Products 2-ply acid
free 100% rag conservation board; Davey red label
binders board; Barbours linen thread; Oasis morocco;
Pyroxylin-impregnated cotton text cloth; Machine
made cotton head bands; Ehlermann's LAL 215 PVA;
Gane Bros. HKOC PVA; 23K gold.
JAMES W. CRAVEN
December, 1983




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